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We are officially 44 days from the start of the 2023 NFL Draft! The NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone. Now that NFL free agency is already taking shape, that should help make things a little clearer for the rest of us when it comes to making mock drafts.
Who will end up on which teams? The time for mock drafts has begun, so here is RotoBaller’s second mock draft of the 2023 season.
The top 2 teams in the NFL Draft: the Panthers and the Texans have obvious needs at quarterback, so many feel that the draft really begins at No. 3 with the Arizona Cardinals. Will they take the top position player on the board or potentially trade back with someone else who really needs a quarterback? It wouldn't be unprecedented as back in 2021 we saw quarterbacks off the board with the first three picks in the draft.
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Chicago Trades The First Pick For A Haul
After the quarterbacks finished throwing at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, it appeared that the Panthers coaches and front office were in awe with somebody. Anthony Richardson performed in drills as the most athletic quarterback of all time and C.J. Stroud from Ohio State was dropping dimes all over the place.
Bears General Manager Ryan Poles elected to stay with Justin Fields for another year and the Bears made a deal with the Panthers on Friday just as the weekend was getting started. The Panthers moved all the way up to No. 1 but paid handsomely for it sending No. 9 overall, wide receiver DJ Moore, No. 62 overall, as well as their 2024 first and 2025 second-round picks.
The city of Chicago ought to build former head coach Lovie Smith a statue after it was all made possible from a 2-point conversion by the Texans in Week 18 to knock them out of contention for the No.1 pick and the Bears finished with the worst overall record. Chicago hasn't seen such a haul since Ferris Bueller pulled off faking being sick to miss school while headlining a parade and stealing a Ferrari.
Contrary to popular belief, a trade can be good for both teams. The same people who say that Carolina gave up too much are the same people who criticized them for being in quarterback purgatory for the last several years as they shuffled through the likes of Kyle Allen, Will Grier, Teddy Bridgewater, PJ Walker, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield. I'm always a fan of going up to get your guy. Let's just hope for the sake of Panthers fans that they choose the right one.
Now let's dive into this mock draft now, shall we?
The Top 10 NFL Draft Picks
1. Carolina Panthers
C.J. Stroud - QB, Ohio State
After an impressive performance at the Citrus Bowl where he threw darts all over the field, Stroud followed that up with an impressive performance at the NFL Combine. Since Carolina recently came up for the No. 1 pick, it's safe to assume they are only doing so to draft a quarterback.
Anthony Richardson will draw some buzz for this spot, but I don't believe he is the kind of quarterback that Frank Reich would feel comfortable with. His upside is there, but Stroud and Young just feel like much more polished passers at this stage of the game. Owner David Tepper made it very clear that the team needed to start focusing on offense as the league tends to favor offense in all facets of the game. Here is your new quarterback of the future, Panthers fans. Enjoy it!
2. Houston Texans
Bryce Young - QB, Alabama
After tanking for the better part of the two seasons it did not seem realistic for the Texans to punt on quarterback again. While there are some concerns about his size and durability after Young measured in at 5 foot 10 1/2 and 204 lbs. at the NFL Combine, he is too good of a quarterback for the Texans to pass on him here.
While he needs some more pieces around him the Texans' offense is beginning to take shape with Young and Dameon Pierce. He will also be reunited with his college teammate: John Metchie III, who is hopefully recovering and healthy this season. Young's tape over the last two years was nearly flawless, the only knock on him is his size/durability.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Will Anderson - OLB/Edge, Alabama
Anderson was an absolute monster in his last two seasons posting 147 pressures, 98 hurries, and 29 sacks along with 3 passes batted over his last 28 games. He had an impressive performance at the Combine with a 1.61 10-yard split after measuring in at 6 foot 3 1/2 and 253 lbs. He also has 33 7/8 inch arms and reminds some scouts of Von Miller with his explosiveness off the edge on top of his athletic bend.
Arizona may still trade out of this pick if somebody wants to come up for one of the other quarterbacks, but new GM Monti Ossenfort has to be thrilled with getting the first non-quarterback off the board here.
4. Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson - QB, Florida
An absolute athletic specimen in his own right, Richardson lit up the Combine. He's still a raw prospect and needs to develop more as a passer, but his arm strength and upside are there. New Colts head coach Shane Steichen coached Justin Herbert during his rookie year with the Chargers and helped develop Jalen Hurts during his last two in Philadephia. There isn't a better head coach fit for Richardson than Steichen. The question is whether he will be ready to play right away.
5. Seattle Seahawks
Jalen Carter - DT, Georgia
After an arrest warrant was issued for Carter before the NFL Combine he could fall on draft day. The issue does not appear to be a major one regarding legal issues against Carter, but it's worth our attention. He is an absolute game wrecker in the middle of the line and had several plays against Ohio State in the Peach Bowl he completely bum-rushed the middle of the line and made the guards look silly.
Carter is an every-down DT in the modern NFL and may be the best overall player in the draft. After what happened with Malik McDowell it may make the Seahawks slightly hesitant, but Carter is simply just too good to pass up here.
6. Detroit Lions
Christian Gonzalez - CB, Oregon
It's hard not to see the Lions going defense with all 4 of their picks in the first 2 rounds of the draft as they were absolutely dreadful on that side of the ball last year. Gonzalez is a big, physical corner with excellent ball-hawking skills who isn't afraid to make a tackle. I am told the Lions really like this guy.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Will Levis - QB, Kentucky
While they signed Jimmy Garoppolo this week, it was more a move that gives them familiarity and flexibility going forward. The Raiders can likely start Jimmy G. to begin the season and see how Levis develops. The Raiders have more of a win-now team and their offense should be good. It wouldn't exactly be the worst spot for Levis to step into should his name get called.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Tyree Wilson - DE/Edge, Texas Tech
A physical specimen off the edge, Wilson missed the Senior Bowl and wasn't able to participate in all of the drills at the NFL Combine. He had 87 pressures over the last two seasons to go along with 14 sacks and 58 hurries. Atlanta hasn't been able to land a pass rusher like this in quite a while, so their front office has to be pretty happy with this one.
The Falcons have finished amongst the bottom ten in sacks in the past five seasons. If not for the Bears, they would have finished dead last for the second straight. The only thing I can't seem to figure out with Atlanta is why they seem content to stay in QB purgatory. Telling me you won't at least try for Lamar Jackson?
9. Chicago Bears
Peter Skoronski - T, Northwestern
The Bears continue to revamp their offense after getting DJ Moore and signing several offensive linemen in free agency. A hometown kid from Park Ridge, IL. Some scouts believe that Skoronski may be better suited for playing guard in the NFL. Given the high number of draft picks the Bears will have over the next two years, protecting Justin Fields should be their biggest priority.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Devon Witherspoon - CB, Illinois
The Eagles' secondary is getting older even though they did just bring back James Bradbury on a three-year deal. Witherspoon is a physical corner who isn't afraid of contact and should fit right in with the Philadelphia defense. Howie Roseman is likely going cornerback, although I wouldn't rule out him moving back a few spots to pick up some extra picks in his typical Howie-like fashion.
Picks No. 11-21: A Fifth Quarterback Taken?
11. Tennessee Titans
Paris Johnson Jr. - OT, Ohio State
New GM Ran Carthon seems to think a rebuild is in order as the Titans have shed some veterans from their roster and desperately need to fix a once-powerful offensive line. It seems inevitable that the Titans have a new signal caller under center in 2024. Having Johnson in the fold helps to lay the groundwork for that.
12. Houston Texans
Lukas Van Ness - DE, Iowa
A player with a high motor who did well at the NFL Combine, Van Ness has been rising up boards of late. The Texans could use another pass catcher here to help Bryce Young, but Caserio is an old-school GM who wants to continue building up the trenches.
13. New York Jets
Broderick Jones - T, Georgia
Mekhi Becton has largely been a bust in his time in New York. He has struggled to keep his weight down and has been injured, only playing in 1 game for the past two seasons. Duane Brown isn't getting any younger and if Aaron Rodgers is indeed brought in the Jets know they will need to help keep him upright. This is a solid tackle class.
14. New England Patriots
Michael Mayer - TE, Notre Dame
Now that Jonnu Smith has been traded to Atlanta, the Patriots take the talented Michael Mayer here. He isn't a burner by any stretch but Mayer is a natural pass catcher on top of being a great run blocker. He is the kind of tight end worth drafting this early since his versatility allows him to stay on the field for just about all situations.
He measured in at 6 foot 4 1/2 and 249 lbs. at the NFL Combine while running a 4.7 forty-yard dash on top of a 1.66 10-yard split. Mayer has soft hands for being such a large tight end and with his football IQ just feels like a Belichick guy. Let's also not forget the last great Patriots tight end who wore No. 87.
15. Green Bay Packers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba - WR, Ohio St.
The Packers brass has made it very clear they are moving on from Aaron Rodgers and will now build around Jordan Love. There is a bit of irony in this pick since they never drafted a wide receiver in Round 1 during Aaron Rodgers's entire Packers tenure.
Christian Watson is an absolute burner on the outside and his game balanced with Smith-Njigba's gives the Packers' offense a nice inside-out combo. Romeo Dobbs also makes a solid No. 3 WR as well. JSN fills a need and should be a solid security blanket for the Packers' new man under center.
16. Washington Commanders
Darnell Wright - T, Tennessee
Teams really like Wright for his versatility. He played right tackle in 2020, left tackle in 2021, and switched back to the right side in 2022. Washington has some solid pieces on offense and Wright helps them on the OL. The looming question for the Commanders is who will their quarterback be in 2023. Might they make a run at Lamar Jackson?
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Joey Porter Jr. - CB, Penn State
Now this one makes too much sense, doesn't it? Porter is the son of former Steelers linebacker: Joey Porter. He is a bigger cornerback at 6 foot 2 and will bring some much-needed physicality to their secondary. In a division with Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, and Joe Burrow this pick is a match made in heaven for Steelers Nation.
18. Detroit Lions
Calijah Kancey - DT, Pittsburgh
GM Brad Holmes was in the Rams' front office when they drafted an undersized DT from Pitt named Aaron Donald. I'd say that one worked out rather well. The only concern I've gotten from scouts is Kancey's arm size which measured 30 5/8 inches. Will he be able to get off of blocks from offensive linemen in the interior? Otherwise, his tape is great.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Miles Murphy - DE/Edge, Clemson
After not participating at the NFL Combine, Murphy will also miss Clemson's Pro Day due to a hamstring injury according to ESPN's Jordan Reid. This could hurt his draft stock, but the Bucs are more than happy to take the promising edge rusher here after he falls on draft day. Tampa could really use another quarterback, but with all of the top ones off the board, they could address it in Round 2 with a player like Hendon Hooker.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Nolan Smith - OLB/Edge, Georgia
Smith had a fantastic NFL Combine where he ran a 4.39 forty-yard dash with a 1.52 10-yard split as well as a 41.5-inch vertical. He is a bit undersized at 6-2, 238 lbs, but his talent and potential are undeniable. Is he better with his hand in the ground as a pure edge rusher or can he play some zone and add versatility to the Seattle defense? After pairing him with a former teammate: Jalen Carter, John Schneider, and Pete Carroll are high-fiving in the Seahawks draft room.
21. Miami Dolphins
Forfeited - TAMPERING
The Dolphins didn't end up with Tom Brady or Sean Payton and instead got a lawsuit from Brian Flores. They also lost their 2024 third-round pick. This would have been the perfect spot for Bijan Robinson.
Picks No. 22-32: Where Will Bijan Fall?
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Bijan Robinson - RB, Texas
After not being able to work out a contract extension, Austin Ekeler has recently asked for a trade. The Chargers have plenty of good pieces on offense, but outside of Justin Herbert, they need to start getting younger. Bijan is a dynamic three-down RB who will make Running Backs Great Again.
23. Baltimore Ravens
Jordan Addison - WR, USC
Regardless if Lamar Jackson stays with the Ravens in 2023, offensive wizard Todd Monken was brought in to be the new OC and Baltimore will transition to more of an air raid type of offense. They really don't have much depth behind Rashod Bateman and need to start acquiring the personnel to fit their new offensive scheme.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Deonte Banks - CB, Maryland
This is a deep cornerback class. After adding the talented Byron Murphy Jr. in free agency, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah continues to rehaul the Vikings' secondary. Banks measured in at 6-0 and 197 lbs. while running a 4.35 forty-yard dash on top of a 42-inch vertical at the NFL Combine. Teams really like him.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
O'Cyrus Torrence - G, Florida
The Jaguars lost the talented Jawaan Taylor in free agency. While Torrence is more of a guard than a tackle, Trent Baalke and Doug Pederson know they need to continue to protect the franchise cornerstone: Trevor Lawrence at all costs.
26. New York Giants
Quentin Johnston - WR, TCU
There are a lot of mixed reviews on Johnson and Big 12 wide receivers in general. Some say he's too much of a body catcher and plays much smaller than a WR who is 6-3 and 208 lbs. Johnston didn't run at the NFL Combine, but he did post a 40.5-inch vertical on top of an 11'2" broad jump. Even after trading for Darren Waller, the Giants' offense needs a true X-receiver to go along with Isaiah Hodgins, Sterling Shepard, and Wan'Dale Robinson. Johnston hits that mold as Brian Daboll continues to add more playmakers to this side of the ball.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Bryan Bresee - DT, Clemson
There are some other defensive tackles in consideration here, but Bresee was heavily recruited out of high school and has plenty of talent. He dealt with some personal issues on top of injuries which caused his production to dip in college, but the Cowboys are happy to land him here to add another piece to Dan Quinn's defense.
28. Buffalo Bills
Zay Flowers, WR - Boston College
It's no secret the Bills need to add another weapon for Josh Allen after Gabe Davis didn't live up to the hype last year. Flowers only measured in at 5-9, but he plays much bigger than his size would suggest. He's a human highlight reel.
29. Cincinnati Bengals
Julius Brents, CB - Kansas St.
Brents is another player rising up the draft boards, the Bengals could use an additional body in the secondary. Brents is another big CB who measured in at 6-3 and 198 lbs. His forty time was a little slower, but he's a good player and one that talented defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo would know how to use.
30. New Orleans Saints
Keion White, DE/Edge - Georgia Tech
The Saints could go any number of ways here, but in order to win the NFC South they need their aging defensive unit to remain formidable. After losing Marcus Davenport in free agency the Saints need to address their defensive line and you can never have enough pass rushers.
31. Philadelphia Eagles
Drew Sanders - LB, Arkansas
After losing some starters the Eagles need to continue to infuse some more youth and playmakers into their defense. Sanders is a talented and versatile three-down type of linebacker who can play in space.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Brian Branch - S, Alabama
Juan Thornhill is a free agent and the Chiefs stop Branch's slide here in what many scouts feel is an underwhelming safety class. Branch has plenty of experience and should be an instant starter for Kansas City.
Some of these selections will change over the next 6 weeks as teams make more free agent moves. Should New England acquire another tight end or the New York Giants another wide receiver that could change up the landing spots quite a bit. Stay liquid everyone and thanks for reading!
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