Joyful holidays, everybody! As you unwrap your last few presents, let Draft Community add yet one more to your queue with a model new 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
This NFL mock draft will likely be somewhat totally different than the others for just a few causes. First, this mock options trades—decide and participant trades. Second, this NFL mock draft will likely be a collaborative effort among the many Draft Community’s writing group. Jaime Eisner will sort out the primary spherical and the mixture of Jaime, Ryan Fowler, Jack McKessy, and Justin Melo will draft spherical two.
Let’s see how the 2023 NFL Draft might play out because the yr ends with groups shifting across the board a bit. An asterisk notes trades particularly made for this NFL mock draft.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Writing Group 2.0
1. Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud QB, Ohio State
Are the Texans prepared for a rookie QB? Perhaps not. However I’m undecided they will move one up right here. The QB1 debate will rage nicely into spring, however when push involves shove, I imagine Nick Caserio will lean towards the extra “historically profitable” quarterback construct.
C.J. Stroud stands at 6-foot-3 with good (however not elite) arm power and accuracy. He’s unafraid as a passer and has the traits Houston can construct round. The Texans might want to add offensive assist round him later on this NFL mock draft, however Stroud has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone.
2. Cincinnati Bengals (by way of CHI)*
Will Anderson Jr. EDGE, Alabama
TRADE:
CIN receives: 2023 1st-round decide (No. 2 general)
CHI receives: Tee Higgins, 2023 1st-round decide (No. 28 general), 2023 2nd-round decide (No. 59 general), 2024 Third-round decide
With probably monstrous new contracts on the horizon for Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, one thing has to offer. On this case, it means Tee Higgins can’t get the deal he deserves in Cincinnati and asks for a commerce. The large receiver and draft-pick-needy Bears are prepared to maneuver again, decide up picks, and add a celebrity pass-catcher for Justin Fields. The Bengals surrender their second-round decide and a 2024 third-rounder that might get changed with a Jessie Bates III comp decide.
As for who the Bengals take right here, why not choose arguably the very best general participant within the class to assist the protection excel? Whereas this doesn’t fill a significant want but, there’s no such factor as having too many move rushers. The hypothetical of Anderson Jr., Sam Hubbard, and Trey Hendrickson all wreaking havoc collectively solely aids Cincinnati’s Tremendous Bowl aspirations. The Bengals get a uncommon alternative so as to add an elite draft expertise regardless of being a Tremendous Bowl contender.
3. Seattle Seahawks (by way of DEN)
Bryce Younger QB, Alabama
Whereas Geno Smith was an awesome story to start the season, his play has dropped off significantly in current weeks. Seattle ought to nonetheless be looking for a franchise QB and I can see Pete Carroll falling in love with Bryce Younger. Carroll doubtless gained’t be postpone by Younger’s dimension issues and can worth the management, intelligence, accuracy, and decision-making he displayed at Alabama. Younger enters an awesome scenario with an ascending offensive line and high quality large receivers.
4. Carolina Panthers (by way of ARI)*
Will Levis QB, Kentucky
TRADE:
CAR receives: 2023 1st-round decide (No. 4 general)
ARI receives: 2023 1st-round decide (No. 8 general), 2023 2nd-round decide (No. 43 general), 2023 4th-round decide (No. 111 general)
Given Carolina’s want for a franchise passer and the free studies that Panthers proprietor David Tepper fancies Will Levis, the group will get in entrance of the Colts to take the previous Kentucky Wildcat. Levis is an thrilling puzzle that has but to be put collectively. The arm expertise is tantalizing and his mobility will make the Panthers’ offense extra dynamic. If the sunshine comes on with the best teaching, it will not be an enormous shock if he’s the very best quarterback within the 2023 draft. Within the meantime, there’s loads of work to be achieved.
5. Indianapolis Colts
Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon
Spurned within the pursuit of one of many 2023 draft’s prime three quarterbacks, the Colts flip to a different main want and take the category’ CB1, Christian Gonzalez. He can begin on the surface reverse Stephon Gilmore from day one. Gonzalez has high-end athleticism and instincts and may also help lead the Colts’ CB room into the longer term—solely Dallis Flowers is signed for 2024 or past.
6. Atlanta Falcons
Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia
It is a nice worth decide for the Falcons, as they get one of many two greatest gamers within the draft regardless of choosing exterior of the highest 5. Jalen Carter is a pure disruptor. Energy, physique management, flexibility… Carter has all of it. Stick him alongside Grady Jarrett and prosper.
7. Detroit Lions (by way of LAR)
Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech
The Lions had been in a position to snag Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 decide final yr and get him a operating mate right here in Tyree Wilson. Wilson is a physically-dominant freak who can develop into a whole defensive lineman in time. He’ll instantly increase the Lions’ run protection.
8. Arizona Cardinals (by way of CAR)*
Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State
TRADE:
ARI receives: 2023 1st-round decide (No. 8 general), 2023 2nd-round decide (No. 43 general), 2023 4th-round decide (No. 111 general)
CAR receives: 2023 1st-round decide (No. 4 general)
The Cardinals will doubtless have a brand new basic supervisor and possibly head coach subsequent season. The brand new regime has to get a premier exterior nook, so taking a swing right here after buying and selling again to get extra picks is a necessity.
Joey Porter Jr. is a stud. His size is an especially invaluable asset and he’d be a day-one starter for the Cardinals. The trail again to playoff rivalry will likely be arduous, however let’s begin by including expertise at key positions as we await Kyler Murray’s return.
9. Las Vegas Raiders
Bijan Robinson RB, Texas
Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden could also be gone however the Raiders are nonetheless the Raiders. Attractive sells and nobody can be blown away if Las Vegas makes a shock decide with their first choice.
It seems Josh Jacobs goes to depart for greener pastures, so let’s herald the very best operating again prospect since Saquon Barkley to switch him. Bijan Robinson is a uncommon mixture of dimension, imaginative and prescient, and playmaking potential that may be a game-changer for an offense. If Josh McDaniels needs to lean on the bottom sport in 2023, Robinson will assist him try this. Oh, and he’ll promote some jerseys as nicely to assist that money circulation.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (by way of NO)
Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson
Philadelphia’s group of move rushers could look considerably totally different in an offseason or two on account of monetary causes. So why not make some robust selections somewhat simpler by including Myles Murphy to the combo? Murphy’s energy could cause issues for offensive linemen and he ought to discover a function early on.
11. Houston Texans (by way of CLE)
Quentin Johnston WR, TCU
With a brand new franchise quarterback already accounted for earlier on this NFL mock draft, Houston’s subsequent objective is to spice up the pass-catching corps. Whereas including to the offensive line is tempting, the Texans merely can’t move up on snagging the WR1.
Quentin Johnston has the dimensions and quickness to turn into Stroud’s prime choice in due time. Pairing him with Nico Collins, a returning John Metchie III, and possibly even Brandin Cooks is the beginning of a strong WR corps.
12. Seattle Seahawks
Isaiah Foskey EDGE, Notre Dame
Seattle must bolster its move rush and might achieve this with this choice. Like Younger, who the Seahawks took earlier on this NFL mock draft, Isaiah Foskey has the management qualities and ability set wanted to make a fast influence with a selected plan. Let him dominate on particular groups whereas placing him in positions to succeed on protection as he grows right into a extra constant function and also you’ll doubtless be rewarded within the not-too-distant future.
13. Tennessee Titans
Peter Skoronski OL, Northwestern
Tennessee’s offensive line wants an improve and the Titans benefit from Peter Skoronski’s slight fall out of the highest 10 on account of arm-length issues. Skoronski can play a number of positions alongside the road however has the best upside at guard, the place he could be an improve over everybody else the Titans at the moment have below contract for 2023 at that place. However they might select to play him at sort out and see if he can grasp there on the NFL stage earlier than kicking him inside.
14. New England Patriots
Trenton Simpson LB, Clemson
You simply really feel like Invoice Belichick can discover a complete laundry listing of issues to do with Trenton Simpson. Simpson is listed as a linebacker however he can cowl, rush the passer, and lineup nearly anyplace on the sphere. He has the flexibility, motor, and ending potential to turn out to be a key cog in New England’s protection for years to return.
15. New York Jets
Dawand Jones OT, Ohio State
Who is aware of what the Jets are going to do at quarterback in 2023 and past? However let’s lean into what’s labored for them in 2022: protection and operating the ball. Dawand Jones is a large man who can begin at RT from day one and supply a lift to the Jets’ already robust dashing assault whereas aiding in move safety as nicely.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
Broderick Jones OT, Georgia
The Steelers can’t go away this NFL mock draft with out bettering their offensive line. And simply their luck, they get to choose arguably the very best LT within the class. Broderick Jones isn’t a completed product but, however he’s acquired the dimensions you search for in a beginning LT and has held his personal in reps towards prime school soccer pass-rushers.
17. Inexperienced Bay Packers
Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State
What does the longer term maintain for David Bakhtiari in Inexperienced Bay? The Packers have a $9.5 million bonus due on the third day of the brand new league yr, and one has to marvel if the damage points Bakhtiari has sustained will give the Packers pause about paying that out. In the event that they do, the group can save $17.5 million towards the 2023 wage cap by designating him as a post-June-1 reduce or commerce.
Paris Johnson Jr. is a good match for the Packers. His angle/management will likely be welcomed, he may also help increase Inexperienced Bay’s run sport within the (possibly) post-Aaron Rodgers period, and he can play a number of positions on the road.
18. Detroit Lions
Cam Smith CB, South Carolina
Would you like a man-coverage nook with toughness, fast ft, and ball abilities? Then Cam Smith is your man. Detroit can use an improve within the CB room, and for a group that performs a excessive quantity of man protection, Smith ought to match like a glove reverse Jeff Okudah.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kelee Ringo CB, Georgia
The Buccaneers have Carlton Davis… and never a lot else below contract at CB for 2023. Tampa Bay should bolster that room if it hopes to compete within the NFC South subsequent yr—with or with out Tom Brady. Kelee Ringo is sticky in protection with the lengthy pace to run with receivers downfield. He’s additionally not afraid to sort out.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame
You’re studying this within the midst of Evan Engram’s breakout run for the Jaguars. I guess he costs himself out of Jacksonville this offseason and Doug Pederson can get an thrilling new chess piece on the place in 2023’s unanimous TE1, Michael Mayer.
A very powerful factor Jacksonville can do is proceed to construct round Trevor Lawrence. Including Mayer (and Calvin Ridley) subsequent yr will make sure the offense stays buzzing whereas the younger items on protection proceed to develop. Mayer is a do-everything tight finish who can flip right into a Professional Bowler below Pederson.
21. Washington Commanders
Devon Witherspoon CB, Illinois
The run on cornerbacks continues. Washington’s place group merely isn’t adequate for a playoff-caliber group. Devon Witherspoon is a momentum-flipper together with his potential to get his arms on the ball. Outdoors of his ball abilities, versatility could also be his greatest trait. I imagine Witherspoon can play exterior or because the nickel and have success in each man and zone coverages.
22. Miami Dolphins
[Pick forfeited]
23. New York Giants
Anthony Richardson QB, Florida
Whereas I don’t assume the Giants will likely be compelled to commerce up for a QB, if Anthony Richardson falls into their lap, they might not have the ability to move on him. Richardson shouldn’t begin straight away, but when New York can re-sign Daniel Jones on a short-term deal, the rookie can are available in and get acclimated earlier than being thrown into the fireplace. Brian Daboll labored magic with Josh Allen in Buffalo, possibly a few of that may rub off on Richardson in a pair years’ time.
24. Los Angeles Chargers
Jordan Addison WR, USC
Large receiver could also be an even bigger want for the Chargers than many understand. The damage historical past of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams is regarding, and getting a high-level third choice for Justin Herbert can preserve Los Angeles’ offense buzzing alongside the Kansas Citys and Buffalos of the world. Jordan Addison is a speedy receiver that may create separation and gives a complement to the extra bodily ability set of Williams.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State
The Ravens do it once more. They sit again, look ahead to a top quality participant to fall, and pounce. Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s 2022 season didn’t go as deliberate, to place it kindly. However it’s onerous to get the highlights from 2021 out of your head. The Ravens want to enhance their WR corps and Smith-Njigba is a robust route-runner and separator who can win rapidly from the slot for Lamar Jackson.
26. Denver Broncos (by way of SF)
Jared Verse EDGE, Florida State
Let’s add to an already robust defensive unit right here on this NFL mock draft. That is the decide Denver acquired within the Bradley Chubb commerce they usually use it to take one other move rusher, FSU’s Jared Verse.
Verse is fast, athletic, and includes a robust first step. He’ll want a while to succeed in his potential as a result of he isn’t that far faraway from taking part in at Albany, however his upside is thrilling.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Bryan Bresee IDL, Clemson
That is fairly presumably the steal of this NFL mock draft. Bryan Bresee has the physicality and flexibility to be a mainstay on the Cowboys’ line of defense. If Dan Quinn stays in Dallas (or his defensive fashion sticks round), Bresee can thrive.
28. Chicago Bears
Nolan Smith EDGE, Georgia
TRADE:
CHI receives: Tee Higgins, 2023 1st-round decide (No. 28 general), 2023 2nd-round decide (No. 59 general), 2024 Third-round decide
CIN receives: 2023 1st-round decide (No. 2 general)
The Bears moved method down right here however did so realizing that the second group of EDGEs aren’t too far aside. In the event that they resolve to move on the Will Anderson Jr.’s, Tyree Wilsons, and Myles Murphys of the world, the following tier of EDGEs options some intriguing choices.
Nolan Smith is a bodily participant who could be productive towards each the run and move. Smith can play a big function in yr one however is somebody Matt Eberflus can probably develop right into a game-wrecker given his uncooked expertise.
29. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Anton Harrison OT, Oklahoma
Whether or not the Chiefs resolve to franchise-tag Orlando Brown Jr. or not, they have to determine their long-term plan at LT. Anton Harrison won’t be an ideal prospect on day one, however his mixture of size, motion abilities, and steadiness are the inspiration for a participant who may very well be developed right into a mainstay on the left facet of Kansas Metropolis’s offensive line.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Clark Phillips III CB, Utah
Patrick Peterson’s contract voids after this season and Minnesota’s protection wants extra our bodies within the CB room regardless. Clark Phillips III is a fast cowl man with spectacular change-of-direction abilities. His dimension will likely be a priority for some and one has to hope his flashes of physicality turn out to be extra prevalent, however he fills a significant place of want for the Vikings.
31. Buffalo Payments
Rashee Rice WR, SMU
Stefon Diggs wants a real, constant complement. Gabe Davis flashes, however he’s invisible far too typically. Isaiah McKenzie is a pleasant weapon as a 3rd or fourth receiver. Khalil Shakir… nicely, he appears to be a methods away from contributing.
Enter Rashee Rice, a rising WR prospect from SMU. Rice will get higher and higher the extra he performs and is usually a go-to choice for Josh Allen out large or within the slot. Rice has pace, a physically-impressive body, and might run polished routes. If he performed within the SEC, we’d be speaking about him as a mid-first-rounder.
32. Los Angeles Rams (by way of PHI)*
Brian Department SAF, Alabama
TRADE:
LAR receives: 2023 1st-round decide (No. 32 general)
PHI receives: 2023 2nd-round decide (No. 38 general), 2023 Fifth-round decide (No. 169 general), 2024 4th-round decide
F them (day-three) picks. The Rams see a chance so as to add a year-one starter at robust security and transfer up just a few spots to make it occur. Brian Department has nice instincts, has a scorching motor, and has the flexibility to play as a SS or NB. Los Angeles wants low cost starters and is aware of Department most likely wouldn’t make it to their decide in spherical two.
What did you consider the second version of the TDN writing group’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft? Tell us what you consider this or any version of our NFL Mock Draft sequence on Twitter and Instagram and keep tuned subsequent week for the following version of TDN’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft sequence.
