A majority of the National Football League and its fans are looking ahead to the offseason with the 2022 NFL season over. While free agency and trades will help shape the spring, it’s also time for weekly 2023 NFL mock drafts.
Who will be the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft? Alabam quarterback Bryce Young seems like the favorite if the Chicago Bears trade the No. 1 pick, but it will be a defensive player if they stand pat. Beyond Chicago, there are endless possibilities for what could happen on draft night.
Let’s dive into our latest 2023 NFL mock draft. We’ll include trades in our weekly NFL Draft simulations after the Super Bowl.
1. Chicago Bears: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
The Chicago Bears will immediately look to shop the No. 1 pick and there will certainly be a number of teams interested. For now, our 2023 NFL mock draft will operate without blockbuster deals. In this scenario, the Bears draft a 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive tackle who is a destructive force in the trenches. Not only will Carter shore up the middle of Chicago’s run defense, he will also help create much-needed interior penetration for a woeful pass rush. – MJ
Related: Chicago Bears mock draft 2023
2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Bryce Young isn’t a flawless quarterback prospect. Listing him at 6-foot is a favorable measurement and the track record of quarterbacks with his dimensions, who don’t have off-the-charts athleticism, is limited. However, he is also one of the sharpest players in the 2023 NFL Draft class whose football IQ, accuracy and playmaking can transcend the Houston Texans offense. Just as important, he will elevate the players around him. – MJ
Related: Houston Texans mock draft 2023
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr, EDGE, Alabama
Even with J.J. Watt on the roster, the Arizona Cardinals defense ranked 23rd in sacks (36). Edge rusher is a glaring hole on this side of the ball and the next defensive coach will need building blocks to build his scheme around. Will Anderson Jr. racked up 207 pressures in three seasons at Alabama (PFF) and he can be a perennial Pro Bowl selection at his peak. – MJ
Related: 2023 NFL Draft rumors
4. Indianapolis Colts: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Will Levis might offer a higher upside with better physical tools, but the Indianapolis Colts need stability at quarterback. C.J. Stroud is one of the best prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft and he is far more polished as a passer than Justin Fields when he entered the draft. With a strong running game behind him and an upgraded receiving corps, Stroud could be the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year if the Colts draft him. – MJ
Related: Indianapolis Colts mock draft 2023
5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
The Seattle Seahawks had problems stopping the run and creating edge pressure in 2022. Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Myles Murphy will help in both regards. One of the most athletic prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-5 edge rusher is the level of athlete the Seahawks’ front office will love and his production (76 pressures since 2021) highlights his dominance. – MJ
6. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
While some consideration is given to sending Will Levis to the Detroit Lions in our latest 2023 NFL mock draft, the priority should be moves that can win the NFC North next season. Tyree Wilson (50 pressures in 2022) is 6-foot-6 with a massive wingspan and his skills actually complement Aidan Hutchinson nicely. Put these two on opposite ends of the defensive line and Detroit will have one of the best pass-rushing tandems in the NFL by 2025. – MJ
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State
Josh McDaniels and the Las Vegas Raiders need to win immediately, it’s what pushes this team away from a rookie quarterback. Whether Las Vegas lands Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers or Jimmy Garoppolo, it must first address an offensive line that allowed the sixth-most pressures (200) last season. Paris Johnson Jr. is the best offensive lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft and he could start at either tackle spot, standing out in pass protection. – MJ
Related: Las Vegas Raiders in the mix for Tom Brady
8. Atlanta Falcons: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
Two years removed from a torn ACL, 6-foot-5 defensive lineman Brya Nresee finally starting showing the flashes of dominance that made him the No. 1 recruit in 2020. He’s a physical marvel that is just scratching the surface of his best form, which the Atlanta Falcons can tap into and finally start putting together a viable defense. – MJ
Related: Top NFL free agents 2023
9. Carolina Panthers: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Carolina Panthers are a strong candidate to either trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft or swing a deal for a star quarterback. In this instance, they stay put and land the passer with the highest upside. Will Levis’s arm strength and athleticism are like a discount version of Josh Allen. While coaching and a great supporting cast are needed to turn that potential into production, Carolina is a great landing spot for it to happen. – MJ
Related: 2023 NFL Draft picks by team
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
James Bradberry is on a one-year contract and Darius Slay just turned 32 years old. The Philadelphia Eagles must think about the future of their secondary, which is where Devon Witherspoon fits in. The 6-foot cornerback only ceded 22 catches on 63 targets thrown his way (PFF) and his tenacity at the position makes him a natural fit in Philadelphia. – MJ
11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon knows the importance of winning in the trenches from his time with the San Francisco 49ers. It’s an area where the Titans’ offense really struggled in the past two seasons. Whether Peter Skoronski plays guard or right tackle, he’s a plug-and-play starter for the next decade. – MJ
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12. Houston Texans (via CLE): Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
The Texans are a complete rebuild and that means taking players at the most valuable positions, even if they’re unpolished. Lukas Van Ness (6-foot-5) just started tapping into his ceiling as a pass rusher last season. With the help of NFL coaching, he can be the best player on the Texans’ defense by 2024. – MJ
Related: DeMeco Ryans gaining traction to become Houston Texans coach
13. New York Jets: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
While the New York Jets was a far bigger problem than its defense in 2022, there isn’t a quarterback available at this spot in our 2023 NFL mock draft who changes anything. Instead, a win-now mentality leads to Brian Branch. He is the safety Robert Saleh’s defense is missing, a final piece that could make this one of the best defenses in Jets’ history. – MJ
14. New England Patriots: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Spending a top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on a receiver would be very unlike Bill Belichick. However, Robert Kraft’s anger about the play-calling and the impact that the absence of bonafide offensive weapons took a great toll on the Patriots’ offense in 2022. Jordan Addison excelled at creating separation in college and the ability to make open windows will greatly benefit Mac Jones. Plus, Bill O’Brien’s offense needs a weapon like this. – MJ
Related: New England Patriots hire Bill O’Brien
15. Green Bay Packers: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Green Bay Packers have their 1-2 receiver duo with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, but more is needed. While Michael Mayer might not be an elite athlete like the All-Pro tight ends of today, the stylistic comparisons to Jason Witten hint at the impact he would have in Green Bay. Plus, tight ends are always a nice security blanket for young quarterbacks (Jordan Love). – MJ
16. Washington Commanders: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Any NFL team that drafts Anthony Richardson will know he can’t start a game in 2023. The Washington Commanders can find a bridge quarterback for next season, someone who provides stability for a year or two and takes advantage of the pieces around him. Richardson can develop during that time and if everything goes right, he’ll be remembered as the best quarterback from the 2023 NFL Draft. – MJ
Related: 2023 NFL Draft QB rankings
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Now that the Steelers have spent a first-round pick on a running back and quarterback each of the past two seasons, it’s time to get their young talent some help. Pittsburgh’s offensive line has been an issue dating back to Ben Roethlisberger’s final season in 2021, Broderick Jones can be a day-one starter at left tackle. – ABR
Related: Top 2022-23 NFL Rookie of the Year candidates
18. Detroit Lions: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Of all the cornerbacks in this draft class, Joey Porter Jr. just might be the best fit for a team led by Dan Campbell. Not only is he a physical cornerback who’s not afraid to wrap up defenders, but his arm length is off the charts. Adding the 6-foot-2 corner to the secondary would be a strong step toward shoring up Detroit’s pass defense. – ABR
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19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Entering an offseason of uncertainty, the Buccaneers have several needs to fill. One area they must improve in is their league-worst rushing attack. Bijan Robinson has the kind of talent to boost Tampa Bay’s offense rushing offense into a top-ten unit. He’s that good. – ABR
Related: Tom Brady lining up potential destinations for 2023 NFL season
20. Seattle Seahawks: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Releasing Bobby Wagner a season ago left a gaping hole in the middle of the Seattle defense. That’s where Trenton Simpson comes in, at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, with the kind of size Pete Carroll covets. Simpson has the type of sideline-to-sideline speed that allows him to cover a lot of ground and would be a great replacement for Wagner in Seattle. – ABR
Related: Geno Smith states intent to ‘finish career with Seattle Seahawks’ after Wild Card loss
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Justin Herbert is a phenomenal franchise quarterback, and the LA Chargers have done well to plant him in a situation with Keenan Allen (31) and Mike Williams (29 next season), but what about the future? Quentin Johnston is a freakish athlete who stands at 6-foot-4 and can run the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds and just might be one of, if not the best receiver in the draft class. – ABR
Related: QB Justin Herbert’s voice prominent in Chargers’ OC search
22. Baltimore Ravens: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
With both Marcus Peters and Kyle Fuller set for free agency, the Baltimore Ravens might use the draft to continue injecting youth into their secondary. Kelee Ringo may not fall into the 20s, but if the physical specimen is available, the Ravens should sprint to the podium. Ringo comes in at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, and reportedly has 4.3 speed. A future with Kyle Hamilton and Ringo patrolling the Ravens’ nest should have rivals seeking cover. – ABR
Related: Top NFL free agents of 2023: From 1-250, led by Lamar Jackson and Tom Brady
23. Minnesota Vikings: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Despite several attempts to sign and draft cornerbacks in the past few years, the Minnesota Vikings still haven’t found a long-term CB1. Patrick Peterson has been a fine stopgap, but even he’s set for free agency. At 6-2, Gonzalez has the size of a No. 1 corner, and he also showed improved ball skills, picking off four passes as a redshirt sophomore with the Ducks. – ABR
Related: 4 offseason moves Minnesota Vikings should make in 2023 after Wild Card loss
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Jaguars’ defense was much improved last season, but adding to the secondary will still be a priority this offseason. Cam Smith is the type of corner who can line up on the boundary or in the slot, but his ball skills and willingness to tackle are big reasons why. He’s not the biggest or the fastest, but Smith has a nose for the football. – ABR
Related: 3 moves the Jacksonville Jaguars must make to contend in 2023
25. New York Giants: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
One of the most glaring needs holding Daniel Jones and the New York Giants back has been a lack of a playmaking threat at receiver. Prior to his hamstring injury, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was aiming to show his value as a potential top-15 pick. But JSN’s impact is already proven by his 1,600-yard sophomore season. Wherever he lands, his YAC ability will wreak havoc on NFL defenses, just as it did in college. – ABR
Related: 3 offseason moves New York Giants must make to become contenders
26. Dallas Cowboys: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Dallas Cowboys will be thrilled to land Nolan Smith, who was projected as a top-ten pick prior to his torn pectoral muscle on Oct. 29. The polish Smith has already displayed as a pass rusher will still land him in the first round, and why not with the Cowboys who can form a dynamic duo with Micah Parsons for the next decade. – ABR
Related: 3 moves the Dallas Cowboys must make to contend in 2023
27. Buffalo Bills: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
According to Pro Football Focus, only the Jaguars had a worse run-blocking offensive line than the Bills this season. O’Cyrus Torrence was PFF’s top-ranked offensive guard this past season and finished with an elite 89.9 grade as a run blocker. But it’s not just his ability to pave the way, he also didn’t allow a single sack in college. Torrence would be a great building block in the trenches.– ABR
Related: 4 offseason moves Buffalo Bills need to make to win a Super Bowl in 2023
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
The age-old narrative that the Bengals need to do more to protect Joe Burrow continues. If NFL fans remember Marcedes Lewis in his heyday, they’ll be reminded of his game with Darnell Washington. He’s not going to develop into Travis Kelce as a receiver, but Washington is a respectable pass-catcher who also doubles essentially as a sixth offensive lineman. He’s a unique weapon, and there may be no better fit than in Cincinnati. – ABR
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29. Denver Broncos (via SF): Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
If fixing Russell Wilson is the theme for the Denver Broncos this offseason, patching up the offensive line is a must. Wilson was sacked a career-high 55 times in 2022, good (bad) enough to lead the NFL. Anton Harrison allowed just one sack all season in the Big 12 and can immediately become the team’s starting right tackle. – ABR
Related: 5 best San Francisco 49ers teams of all-time
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
George Karlaftis, last year’s first-round pick, looks like a keeper. Now the Chiefs need to continue planning for the future. Isaiah Foskey is one of the best pass rushers in the draft class and was highly productive in college, racking up 25 sacks. He’d be a great fit opposite Karlaftis. – ABR
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31. Philadelphia Eagles: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
The Philadelphia Eagles may already have a top secondary, but James Bradberry is set for free agency, and 24% of C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s snaps come from the slot. If the Eagles have a chance to add the 6-foot-3 Antonio Johnson, who’s versatile enough to play safety, corner, and just about anything else you could dream of. – ABR
The Miami Dolphins were stripped of their 2023 first-round pick (21st overall) for tampering violations