2023 NFL mock draft: Seahawks, Colts land QBs, 2-round NFL Draft projection

We’ve finally reached the month of April, which means the 2023 NFL Draft isn’t far behind, starting on the 27th. Draft boards are taking their final form as we inch closer and closer, and some prospects have seen their draft stock begin to slip while others are soaring. Our latest 2023 NFL mock draft reflects these changes.

This time, we’re taking our evaluation a bit further by adding the second round to our mock draft for a total of 63 projected picks. You’ll see four QBs in the top ten, seven offensive linemen in the first round, and even a first-round running back, thanks to Bijan Robinson. But where does everyone end up? Find out in our updated mock draft below.

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2023 NFL mock draft: Quarterback run begins NFL Draft

1. Carolina Panthers (via CHI): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Carolina Panthers have created the ideal environment for a rookie quarterback. Not only will the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft be supported by an emerging offensive line, he’ll also have one of the best coaching staffs in the NFL to learn from, a top defense and sufficient weapons around him. C.J. Stroud might not offer the highest ceiling, but he can win Offensive Rookie of the Year in Carolina and be a top-12 quarterback who helps Carolina win multiple NFC South titles. — Matt J

2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The Houston Texans have no reason to trade up for the first pick, with Stroud or Bryce Young providing a quality franchise-caliber quarterback. This might be Houston’s dream scenario. As Nick Saban said, Young is one of the smartest players in all of football and the combination of leadership, quick processing ability and accuracy represents everything this franchise needs. Young is an ideal fit for Bobby Slowik’s offense and the Texans already have a strong offensive line in place to help protect Young. — Matt J

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3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr, EDGE, Alabama

While the Arizona Cardinals will consider trade options at this spot, the field of suitors has narrowed considerably. By staying put, Arizona gets a blue-chip talent for head coach Jonathan Gannon’s defense. Will Anderson Jr. might already be maxed out physically, but he projects as a double-digit sack player at the next level and Arizona desperately needs pass rushers. — Matt J

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4. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Will Levis might not be the quarterback we’d select with the fourth pick, but the growing buzz connecting the Kentucky quarterback to Indianapolis is undeniable. He might be better off sitting behind Gardner Minshew for a year, especially considering the state of the Colts’ offense. However, the high selection and urgency from ownership could make Levis a Week 1 starter. — Matt J

5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

There is a temptation to give Jalen Carter to the Seattle Seahawks, but the organization’s interest in the 2023 quarterback class is apparent. This is an ideal landing spot for Anthony Richardson, finding a team where he can sit for a year and work on his mechanics and accuracy. When he’s ready to be the starter, presumably in 2024, he’ll walk into one of the best offenses in the NFL and could be the piece that turns Seattle into a Super Bowl contender. — Matt J

6. Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Detroit Lions have already added to their secondary this offseason, but the contracts handed out don’t indicate the position would be ignored in the 2023 NFL Draft. Christian Gonzalez offers elite physical traits and might even be ready to handle shadowing No. 1 receivers in his rookie season. Add him to the overhauled Lions’ secondary and this will be a top-15 defense. — Matt J

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7. Las Vegas Raiders: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

The Las Vegas Raiders lose out on the top quarterbacks in our latest 2023 NFL mock draft, pushing them to improve their defense. Devon Witherspoon projects as a No. 1 cornerback, with instincts in coverage that no one in this class can match. He immediately becomes the best player in the Raiders’ secondary and should help improve one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. — Matt J

8. Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Atlanta Falcons have totaled just 190 pressures and 39 sacks over the last two seasons, by far the lowest totals in the NFL. While Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson might not have the best technique, the length and athleticism put him in rare company. Wilson can immediately make a difference coming off the edge for a Falcons’ defense that desperately needs him. — Matt J

9. Chicago Bears: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

After trading down, the Chicago Bears put themselves in a position to take the best offensive tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft. Paris Johnson Jr. might not be as polished of a left tackle as peter Skoronski, but he fits the concept the Bears plan to run in 2023. Plus, he offers positional versatility in case Chicago wants to keep Braxton Jones at left tackle. — Matt J

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10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

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Jalen Carter is going to fall in the 2023 NFL Draft, it’s just a matter of how far. The Philadelphia Eagles seem like his floor because general manager Howie Roseman recognizes the importance of having elite talent in the trenches. Paired with former teammates Nakobe Dean and Jordan Davis, the Georgia Bulldogs trio would help Philadelphia maintain an elite defense for years. — Matt J

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11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

The Tennessee Titans are in a complete rebuild and with no quarterback worthy of drafting in this spot, they start rebuilding the trenches. Peter Skoronski is arguably the best player available at this point in the 2023 NFL Draft and no matter what position he plays, this is part of the new construction of the next playoff contender in Tennessee. — Matt J

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12. Houston Texans (via CLE): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

After snagging Young with the second pick, Houston lands the best wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft. Jaxon Smith-Njigba might only be a slot receiver, but he will be a young quarterback’s best friend. The connection between Young and Smith-Njigba could become Houston’s version of Drew Brees and Michael Thomas. — Matt J

13. New York Jets: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

With the New York Jets hanging on to the 13th pick and still expected to land Aaron Rodgers, they can now address a major need. Broderick Jones can spend the 2023 season at right tackle, providing Rodgers with the offensive line he needs to succeed. With time, Jones could become the next Andrew Thomas.– Matt J

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14. New England Patriots: Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State

Wide receiver, offensive tackle and edge rusher all came under consideration here for the New England Patriots. However, cornerback stands out as a more pressing need and Bill Belichick’s preference for defense wins out. Joey Porter Jr. gives New England the size it needs at cornerback and he can be an immediate starter on the outside. – Matt J

15. Green Bay Packers: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

Rashan Gary is working his way back from a torn ACL and Preston Smith could be spending his final season with the Green Bay Packers. It makes edge rusher a pressing need for both the 2023 season and beyond. Lukas Van Ness offers the versatility Green Bay will love and he should blossom into a high-end pass rusher. — Matt J‘

16. Washington Commanders: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

The Washington Commanders have more than enough talent in their front seven to dominate defensively, but the secondary needs a lot of work. Deonte Banks is one of the most athletic players in the 2023 NFL Draft and those physical tools allow him to shadow No. 1 receivers. Add him to the Commanders’ secondary and this will be a top-10 defense in 2023. — Matt J

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17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken a keen interest in offensive tackle prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Anton Harrison might not be the most refined prospect, but he offers the tools that can help him be shaped into a standout pass blocker. Pittsburgh is doing a nice job building a foundation around Kenny Pickett and Harrison adds to that. — Matt J

18. Detroit Lions: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

The Detroit Lions already have a lot of what they need offensively to win the NFC North in 2023, leaving just the defense to overhaul. Calijah Kancey slides outside the top-15 picks because his size as a defensive tackle limits him to passing downs. With that said, Kancey’s explosiveness off the snap can make him a dangerous interior pass rusher early in his career. — Matt J

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19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

The offensive line was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ biggest problem last season. Darnell Wright, who played left tackle and right tackle at Tennessee, is one of the most powerful blockers in the draft class and his stock is ascending. Whether Tampa Bay starts him at right tackle or left guard, he’ll help this major weakness eventually become a strength. — Matt J

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20. Seattle Seahawks: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

After using their top pick on a quarterback to develop, now the Seattle Seahawks make the win-now move and address an immediate need. Bryan Bresee, the No. 1 overall recruit in 2020, never quite met expectations at Clemson. However, he still offers an enticing mix of athleticism, power and versatility. Add Bresee to a defensive line with Dre’Mont Jones and Seattle’s front four looks a lot better in 2023. — Matt J

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Austin Ekeler doesn’t seem like a player destined to spend much longer with the ‘Bolts. For now, it appears the Chargers will retain their Pro Bowl running back, but for how many more seasons? Of course they’d like to keep their talented runner/receiver in the backfield, but if a talent like Bijan Robinson comes along, it would be the perfect excuse to move on while saving on salary in the short term. – Andrew Buller-Russ

22. Baltimore Ravens: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

It doesn’t matter who the QB in Baltimore is. They will need a better receiving corps. Quentin Johnston certainly profiles as a top target, with his 6-foot-3 frame and the quickness needed to create separation. Pair him with Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews, and suddenly there wouldn’t be many more concerns in Baltimore’s receiver room. – ABR

23. Minnesota Vikings: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

Deciding to move on from Adam Thielen makes sense from a cost perspective but not when it comes to improving the Vikings’ offense. Justin Jefferson is phenomenal, and T.J. Hockenson is a great pressure-relief valve, but they need another weapon who can win one-on-one to do any damage should they reach the playoffs. Zay Flowers can beat you deep or underneath, taking dump-offs from Kirk Cousins and running for glory. The Vikings lack a speedster with such traits, but Flowers can replace Thielen’s production from Day One. – ABR

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24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Looking to help buy their pass-rushers more time to make an impact, the Jaguars would be wise to target a player like Brian Branch for their secondary. He started all four seasons at safety with the Crimson Tide while also largely doing his work covering the slot. A high IQ player with a high floor, Branch could quickly become a playmaker at the next level. – ABR

25. New York Giants: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

The Giants swung for their big and fast target with Darren Waller to stretch the seams and win in the red zone, but aside from the Pro Bowl tight end, this roster is full of slot receivers. Jordan Addison has the potential to quickly emerge as Daniel Jones‘ top target at the wideout position thanks to being one of the smoothest route runners in the draft class. Not only that, he can create separation and win his individual battles, which could lead to several big performances in the Big Apple. – ABR

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26. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Sure, the Cowboys have suggested they plan to become more reliant on their ground game this season, but getting Dak Prescott another pass-catcher would be wise too. Amari Cooper’s production has yet to be replaced, and Brandin Cooks will do his part, but with Dalton Schultz moving on, too, the Cowboys need a tight end as well. Michael Mayer is the complete package as a receiver first and blocker second. He’s not a freakish athlete, but he’s reliable, which is what Prescott needs more of. – ABR

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27. Buffalo Bills: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida

If the Bills aren’t able to add another weapon to their receiving corps, how about making an addition that has the potential to buy Josh Allen more time when dropping back while also opening up more holes in the run game for James Cook and Damien Harris? We like O’Cyrus Torrence, who is a true ‘people-mover’ in space, yet he also managed to avoid allowing a sack in college, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s not a sexy pick, but it could pay large dividends for this offense. – ABR

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

The Bengals recently added Irv Smith Jr. at the tight end position, and there’s true potential for a breakout season for the former second-round pick. Yet, Darnell Washington is an entirely different animal than the athletic, possession player that Smith is. Washington also doubles as an extra blocker who just happens to be an incredible red zone target at 6-foot-7. He’s the perfect chess piece to keep defenses guessing. – ABR

29. New Orleans Saints (via SF): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

We’ve seen the Saints begin to overhaul their receiving corps with Chris Olave, but how much longer will Michael Thomas be in the Big Easy? Either way, the Saints could use another threat who has the potential to be even more productive than Juwan Johnson. Kincaid may be the best receiving tight end in the draft class and could quickly become one of Derek Carr‘s most reliable options. – ABR

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30. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

At some point the Eagles need to plan for life after Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett so Josh Sweat has a pass-rush partner. Nolan Smith is a bit of a smaller-framed athletic freak who was also highly productive for one of the best defenses in the nation each of the past few seasons. Already excellent as a run defender, Smith’s speed should make him a sack specialist in the NFL. – ABR

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

There are several needs the Chiefs could address here, but you can never go wrong by investing in more protection for Patrick Mahomes. Dawand Jones won’t be a candidate to overtake Jawaan Taylor at left tackle, but he could very well quickly become one of the better right tackles in football.

2023 NFL mock draft: Round 2 projection

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (via CHI): Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
33. Houston Texans: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
34. Arizona Cardinals: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
35. Indianapolis Colts: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
36. Los Angeles Rams: Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
37. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
38. Las Vegas Raiders: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
39. Carolina Panthers: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
40. New Orleans Saints: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
41. Tennessee Titans: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
42. Green Bay Packers* (via NYJ): Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
- Projected Trade: Aaron Rodgers traded to the Jets for the 42nd pick, conditional ’24 2nd
43. New York Jets: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
44. Atlanta Falcons: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
45. Green Bay Packers: Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern
46. New England Patriots: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
47. Washington Commanders: Steve Avila, G, TCU
48. Detroit Lions: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
49. Pittsburgh Steelers: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
51. Miami Dolphins: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
52. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
53. Chicago Bears (via BAL): Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army
54. Los Angeles Chargers: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
55. Detroit Lions (via MIN): Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, USC
56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Joe Tippman, C, Wisconsin
57. New York Giants: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (FL)
58. Dallas Cowboys: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
59. Buffalo Bills: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
60. Cincinnati Bengals: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
61. Chicago Bears (via SF): Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
62. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame