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Mike Fanelli's second 2023 NFL Mock Draft of the year. He predicts the round 1 draft picks, and which players will be selected in the first round.
The 2023 NFL Draft is less than three weeks away, and the rumor mill is on fire. There are all kinds of rumors surrounding the No. 3 overall pick.
Usually, there are 32 first-round picks in the NFL Draft. However, this year’s draft will only have 31 first-round selections. The Miami Dolphins had to forfeit their first-round pick after an investigation revealed they violated league policies.
Many mock drafts don’t have trades in them. However, the NFL Draft has multiple first-round trades every year. Therefore, this mock draft will include five hypothetical trades.
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The Top 10: Four Quarterbacks in the Top Five
1) Carolina Panthers (via Chicago) – Bryce Young (QB – Alabama)
When the Panthers traded for the No. 1 overall pick, C.J. Stroud was the favorite to be the selection. However, the betting market has changed. Young is now the heavy favorite to be the first overall pick. That shouldn’t be surprising, as many believe the Alabama star is the top quarterback prospect.
2) Houston Texans – C.J. Stroud (QB – Ohio State)
A few weeks ago, Houston thought Young would fall into their lap. However, now it’s Stroud. Regardless of which one the Panthers don’t select, the Texans will be happy finally getting their next franchise quarterback.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Indianapolis Colts receive pick 3. Arizona Cardinals receive picks 4, 79, 106, 2024 third-round pick.
3) Indianapolis Colts (via Cardinals) – Will Levis (QB – Kentucky)
The No. 3 overall pick has been a hot topic the past few weeks. While the Cardinals reportedly have six potential trade partners, the Colts make the most sense. Indianapolis can offer Arizona multiple mid-round draft picks and still draft Will Anderson. Meanwhile, many around the league believe the Colts want Levis. Indianapolis can guarantee itself the former Kentucky star by moving up one spot.
4) Arizona Cardinals (via Colts) – Will Anderson (EDGE – Alabama)
Arizona holds all the cards right now. Any team wanting a quarterback must jump the Colts to get their target. Instead of moving back multiple spots, the Cardinals slide back one draft slot and still grab Anderson.
5) Seattle Seahawks (via Denver) – Anthony Richardson (QB – Florida)
Despite re-signing Geno Smith this offseason, that won’t take them out of the quarterback market. Richardson had limited production at Florida but has as much upside as any quarterback in the draft class. While passing on some star defensive players is challenging, Seattle lands their next franchise quarterback.
6) Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles) – Devon Witherspoon (CB – Illinois)
Earlier this week, the Lions traded former first-round pick Jeff Okudah to the Atlanta Falcons. While they signed multiple defensive backs in free agency, the team still lacks a No. 1 caliber cornerback. That’s a massive problem playing in a division with Justin Jefferson and other elite wide receivers.
7) Las Vegas Raiders – Darnell Wright (OT – Tennessee)
Welcome to the first surprise pick of the mock draft. The Raiders would select a quarterback if one were still available with this pick. Instead, they turn their attention to the offensive line. Wright has had an excellent pre-draft process, and some believe he could be the first offensive tackle drafted.
8) Atlanta Falcons – Tyree Wilson (EDGE – Texas Tech)
Atlanta has made several moves to improve their defense this offseason. However, they still haven’t fixed their pass-rushing problem. Last year the Falcons had 21 sacks, while Wilson had seven in 10 games.
9) Chicago Bears (via Carolina) – Jalen Carter (DL – Georgia)
Had the Bears never traded out of the No. 1 overall slot, Carter was the favorite to be their pick. Chicago has made several moves on defense this offseason, including signing a few defensive linemen. However, Carter would take the unit to another level as a rookie.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Houston Texans receive pick 10. Philadelphia Eagles receive picks 12, 104, 161.
10) Houston Texans (via Eagles, New Orleans) – Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – Ohio State)
Stroud has been a Texan for an hour, and he’s already impacting the team. The Texans traded away Brandin Cooks this offseason. While Smith-Njigba struggled with injuries in 2022, the former Buckeye duo connected for nine touchdowns in 2021. More importantly, the Titans have done their homework on the wide receiver. Therefore, the Texans must trade up a few spots to secure the former Buckeye.
Picks 11-20: Offensive Playmakers Come Off the Board
11) Tennessee Titans – Peter Skoronski (OL – Northwestern)
With no quarterback worth the pick and Smith-Njigba off the board, the Titans continue to rebuild their offensive line. Andrew Dillard will start at left tackle, but Skoronski could play right tackle or move inside to guard. The former Northwestern star will be a Day 1 starter regardless of where he lines up.
12) Philadelphia Eagles (via Texans, Cleveland) – Bijan Robinson (RB – Texas)
Despite losing several starters this offseason, the Eagles still have arguably the best roster in the NFL. However, their top need is a running back. Miles Sanders had a career year last season but signed with the Panthers in free agency. Maybe spending a first-round pick on a running back goes against Howie Roseman’s mindset. Yet, Robinson is exactly what Philadelphia needs to complete its offense.
13) New York Jets – Paris Johnson Jr. (OT – Ohio State)
Who knows when Aaron Rodgers will get traded? The latest belief is that the Jets will send the Green Bay Packers a second-round pick this year and a conditional 2024 pick for the future Hall of Famer. Regardless of who is under center, the Jets need help at offensive tackle. Mekhi Becton has struggled to stay healthy since his rookie year. Johnson would step in as the new franchise left tackle in New York.
14) New England Patriots – Zay Flowers (WR – Boston College)
The Patriots lost Jakobi Meyers in free agency but replaced him with JuJu Smith-Schuster. While Tyquan Thornton should improve in his sophomore season, the team still needs help at wide receiver. Flowers has a chance to be the first wide receiver drafted after leading the ACC in receiving touchdowns last year with 12.
15) Green Bay Packers – Nolan Smith (EDGE – Georgia)
Last year the Packers had only two players with more than four sacks. One of those players was Rashan Gary. He had six sacks in nine games before suffering a season-ending injury. Smith had an impressive pre-draft process. Furthermore, Green Bay isn’t shy about drafting former Bulldogs after spending both of their first-round picks last year on Georgia defenders.
16) Washington Commanders – Christian Gonzalez (CB – Oregon)
Washington could select an offensive tackle or a tight end here, but passing on Gonzalez is impossible. The former Oregon star could be the first cornerback drafted and a top-10 pick. The Commanders need help at cornerback, and that’s not even considering that Kendall Fuller is entering the final year of his contract.
17) Pittsburgh Steelers – Joey Porter Jr. (CB – Penn State)
The Penn State cornerback is the son of former Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter. While the team would love to draft the son of one of their best defensive players over the past 20 years, that’s not why Porter should be a Steeler. Pittsburgh lost Cameron Sutton in free agency. While they signed Patrick Peterson, he’s not a long-term option. Furthermore, the AFC North is full of elite wide receivers. The Steelers have to find someone that can match up with Ja’Marr Chase.
18) Detroit Lions – Calijah Kancey (DL – Pittsburgh)
Don’t be surprised to see the Lions draft Kancey if they don’t snag Carter with the sixth overall pick. Detroit has made several moves this offseason to improve their defense, especially in the secondary. However, the front seven needs some help. Kancey’s draft stock has been on the rise since his impressive performance at the NFL Combine.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
New York Giants receive pick 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers receive picks 25, 89, 128.
19) New York Giants (via Buccaneers) – Jordan Addison (WR – USC)
It’s been an odd offseason for the Giants. They made the surprise trade for Darren Waller but haven’t addressed their wide receiver position. Instead of adding a No. 1 caliber guy, New York signed multiple below-average slot receivers in free agency. However, Addison has the potential to fill the void in New York. With several wide receiver-needy teams picking ahead of the Giants, they trade up and secure the former USC star.
20) Seattle Seahawks – Adetomiwa Adebawore (EDGE – Northwestern)
Seattle passed on a defensive lineman earlier in the draft to grab their next franchise quarterback. However, that means they will target one with the 20th overall pick. Adebawore blew up at the NFL Combine, running a 4.49 40-yard dash at 282 pounds. His rare athletic profile is exactly what the Seahawks look for in an edge rusher.
Picks 21-31: A Surprise Landing Spot for a Quarterback
21) Los Angeles Chargers – Lukas Van Ness (EDGE – Iowa)
While many expect the Chargers to add a wide receiver or defensive back with their first-round pick, an edge rusher is an underrated need in Los Angeles. Khalil Mack will likely be a cap casualty next offseason. Meanwhile, Joey Bosa has played a complete season only twice in his career. Van Ness has plenty of upside and can replace Mack a year from now.
22) Baltimore Ravens – Deonte Banks (CB – Maryland)
Earlier this week, the Ravens signed Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year deal. While his arrival doesn’t rule out the team using their first-round pick on a wide receiver, it no longer makes it Baltimore’s top need. Meanwhile, the team still hasn’t re-signed Marcus Peters and missed out on Darius Slay. Banks has worked himself into the first-round conversation and would be an excellent fit in Baltimore.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Kansas City Chiefs receive pick 23. Minnesota Vikings receive picks 31, 95, 122.
23) Kansas City Chiefs (via Vikings) – Broderick Jones (OT – Georgia)
The Chiefs lost both starting offensive tackles in free agency this offseason after Orlando Brown Jr. signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and Andrew Wylie joined the Commanders. While the team signed Jawaan Taylor, they still need another replacement starter. Whether on the left or right side of the offensive line, Jones will be a Day 1 starter in Kansas City.
24) Jacksonville Jaguars – Myles Murphy (EDGE – Clemson)
Despite spending their first-round pick last year on Travon Walker, the Jaguars still need help at edge rusher. Arden Key and Dawuane Smoot combined for 9.5 sacks last year. However, Smoot remains unsigned, while Key signed with the Titans this offseason. Furthermore, Josh Allen is heading into the final year of his rookie deal. Meanwhile, Murphy had 14.5 sacks over the past two years.
25) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Giants) – O’Cyrus Torrence (iOL – Florida)
Tampa Bay is undergoing a rebuilding process after Tom Brady retired earlier this offseason. While the team needs a long-term quarterback, the Buccaneers turn to the offensive line instead. Last year the unit struggled to stay healthy and was inconsistent on the field. Meanwhile, Torrence is the top interior offensive lineman in the draft class. With 2022 second-round pick Luke Goedeke possibly kicking out to offensive tackle, Torrence can replace him at left guard.
26) Dallas Cowboys – Michael Mayer (TE – Notre Dame)
The Cowboys lost Dalton Schultz in free agency this offseason. While the veteran tight end had a disappointing 2022 season, Dallas will miss him next year. Some believe 2022 fourth-round pick Jake Ferguson can be the starter. However, why not give Dak Prescott arguably the top tight end prospect in the draft class?
27) Buffalo Bills – Jack Campbell (LB – Iowa)
While most mock drafts have the Bills taking a wide receiver in the first round, the team has a significant hole on defense. Tremaine Edmunds signed with the Bears in free agency, leaving a massive hole in the middle of Buffalo’s defense. Campbell has been a tackling machine over the past two years, totaling 265 tackles at Iowa.
28) Cincinnati Bengals – Brian Branch (DB – Alabama)
Cincinnati lost both starting safeties this offseason as Jessie Bates III signed with the Falcons while Von Bell joined the Panthers. While they prepared for this last year by using their first-round pick on Dax Hill, the secondary still needs help. Branch is similar to Hill, as both can play multiple spots in the secondary. That will only give defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo more options when game planning next season.
29) New Orleans Saints (via Denver, Miami, San Francisco) – Quentin Johnson (WR – TCU)
The Saints spent a first-round pick last year on Chris Olave, and he had a productive rookie season. However, the rest of the wide receiver core comes with questions. Michael Thomas will return in 2023, but for how many games? Unfortunately, New Orleans can’t count on the veteran receiver for anything until Thomas proves he can stay healthy.
30) Philadelphia Eagles – Will McDonald IV (EDGE – Iowa State)
Do the Eagles need to spend a first-round pick on an edge rusher? Probably not, but they love their defensive linemen. Brandon Graham returned this offseason, signing a one-year deal. However, he is 35 years old. McDonald needs to put on some weight, but he is an athletic freak. Philadelphia is the perfect team to help him reach his ceiling.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Tennessee Titans receive picks 31, 122. Minnesota Vikings receive picks 41, 72.
31) Tennessee Titans (via Vikings, Chiefs) – Hendon Hooker (QB – Tennessee)
Minnesota has only five picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, so expect them to explore options to trade down and accumulate more picks. Meanwhile, the Titans didn’t trade up for one of the top four rookie quarterbacks. Therefore, it won't be surprising if they jump back into the late first round and secure Hooker. The former Volunteer would stay home and sit behind Ryan Tannehill for a year before taking over as the starter in 2024.
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