2023 NFL Mock Draft: A Cornerback and Wide Receiver Heavy Group Heads to Kansas City

This probably goes without saying, but I love the NFL Draft.

Every year, countless NFL fans and analysts try to judge each little move to try and figure out what will happen the evening of April 26, and more often than not, the football world tends to surprise us. Who could have seen the Carolina Panthers jump all the way up to pick number one? It is almost guaranteed that more twists and turns will be seen over the next several days and weeks.

My mock draft is getting released a little bit later than last year for several reasons. The first is the unknown status of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. The 2019 NFL MVP is in the midst of a contract dispute, and it is unknown whether he will suit up for the franchise, even after the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. Second, the third overall pick has generated quite a bit of trade buzz over the past few weeks. Whether or not the Arizona Cardinals will actually be picking third is still up in the air.

With that said, here's my annual mock draft for 2023. As always, there will be no trades in my mock. I want to keep this as cut and dry as possible, and trading would only complicate matters. Let the joys of drafting begin!

 

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): QB C.J. Stroud (Ohio State)

When the Carolina Panthers made the massive trade for the #1 overall pick in the draft, it should have come down to two names on Draft Night, and I think they always had one guy in mind. C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young will each plead their case to Frank Reich and company as to why they should be the top overall pick, but Carolina knew they wanted the gunslinger from the Buckeyes. While Young is more of an attraction, Stroud is the more complete prospect. In two seasons at Ohio State, Stroud had a mind-boggling 85 touchdowns, 8,123 passing yards, and two top-four Heisman Trophy finishes. His 2022 season was not as strong as the year prior, but he did add a rushing element with 120 yards on the ground. Stroud goes to the Panthers, where he will throw to new additions such as Adam Thielen and Hayden Hurst in a wide-open NFC South.

2. Houston Texans: QB Bryce Young (Alabama)

Houston was in prime position to choose which of the top two signal callers they wanted in the draft, but thanks to Davis Mills and Jordan Akins magic with a dash of Lovie Smith, this was not the case. They end up going with Young, whom I truly think they would have chosen at 1 if the opportunity presented itself. Young won the Heisman in 2021 with a 4,872 yard, 47 touchdown season, but his numbers, much like Stroud's, saw a slight dip in 2022. The Texans need a franchise quarterback following the Deshaun Watson saga. As for potential receivers for Young, Houston could address those needs later in the draft.

3. Arizona Cardinals: DE Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama)

The Arizona Cardinals are probably going to be a bad football team in 2023. With Kyler Murray out for at least the start of next season and no suitable replacement, the birds in the desert will probably see this as a rebuilding year. This would be a prime spot for a QB-needy team to trade up, but in this mock, the Cards stick to their original plan and take the top overall prospect. Anderson has wowed over his two years with the Crimson Tide, racking up 17.5 sacks in 2021 and 10 this past year. While he didn’t have as many tackles in 2022, his pro day was an incredible sight, and he should be the piece that the Cardinals need to shore up their rocky defense.

4. Indianapolis Colts: QB Anthony Richardson (Florida)

The Colts have essentially two routes to choose from in Kansas City: either draft a quarterback at No. 4 or fill in another hole on the roster in hopes for Caleb Williams in 2024. In this situation, Richardson is available, and I think Chris Ballard has to take him. Even though he did not have a fantastic passing season (only 17 touchdowns and 2,549 yards), he did rush for 654 yards and find the end zone nine times. With the Colts still in the running (haha) for Lamar Jackson, it could be very soon that a mobile quarterback finds his way to Lucas Oil Stadium.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): EDGE Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech)

Well, the Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson at the perfect time, didn't they? The Seahawks were one of the NFL's feel-good stories of 2022, making the playoffs after many didn't give them a fighting chance. The Seahawks could be thinking quarterback here, but instead they look towards improving their defense. Jalen Carter could be a fit, but I don't think Pete Carroll wants to deal with his off-field issues. They take the safer option in Wilson, who had a fantastic combine and has been flying up the draft boards. Wilson had seven sacks in 2022, and he'll line up opposite fellow first-round pick L.J. Collier.

6. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams): CB Christian Gonzalez (Oregon)

The Lions are the second of back-to-back teams that benefited from a West Coast team acquiring a star quarterback, and they certainly need to make the most of it. It's not because they were a bad team in 2022, but Detroit needs a young difference maker to cement themselves as an NFC contender. Even though the Lions signed Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley, they're both on one-year deals, and Jeff Okudah was traded to the Falcons. Gonzalez had 51 tackles and four picks last year for the Ducks and was a three-year starter. The top corner of this year's class becomes a long-term solution in Motor City.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: OT Peter Skoronski (Northwestern)

Is this the Will Levis landing spot? If it is, the three-year deal for Jimmy Garoppolo does not make much sense. Regardless, the Raiders are caught between a rebuild and playoff contenders in the AFC. Their offensive line woes go back to the 2021 season, and it needs a refresh. They take Skowronski, who instantly becomes the top lineman in Las Vegas. Plus, with Garoppolo coming off an injury, the Silver and Black cannot afford to lose him for an extended period of time.

8. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Myles Murphy (Clemson)

The Dirty Birds are in the mix for an NFC South crown, even with sophomore Desmond Ridder under center. With that said, the defense is where the Falcons are going to shine in 2023. They added plenty of new names to that side of the ball, such as Jessie Bates III, Calais Campbell, and the aforementioned trade for Jeff Okudah. Campbell is not the beast he once was, and Grady Jarrett isn't getting any younger, so they take Myles Murphy. He has 13.5 sacks over the past two seasons and adds some rejuvenation to a Falcons D-line that has needed a young spark.

9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina): DT Jalen Carter (Georgia)

Jalen Carter, without a doubt, is a top-5 prospect in this year's NFL Draft. He's a back-to-back National Champion, and his 300-pound frame scares almost everyone that lines up against him. The Chicago Bears had the worst record in football last year and should want the best prospect available that's left on the board. Carter is certainly that, and Chicago needs some assistance up front. The fearsome defensive lineman racked up a startling 16 solo tackles last season. After trading the top pick to the Panthers, they still reap the rewards and get their top defensive player all the way at No. 9. Ryan Poles, kudos to you, sir. Kudos to you.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): EDGE Nolan Smith (Georgia)

Ah, I was torn between Smith and Lukas Van Ness for the defending NFC Champions, but I settled on Carter's teammate from the Bulldogs. It was a dream season in Philadelphia, reaching the Super Bowl, but they lost many pieces on the defensive side of the ball. Although he had an injury-plagued 2022, Smith has seen his draft stock rise over the past number of weeks, plus the Eagles know a thing or two about drafting defensive players from Georgia. Although they could go corner here, the defensive line is beginning to show signs of age, and Smith could line up right next to Josh Sweat and wreak havoc in the NFC East. If there's any team that can get the most out of their defense, it's the Birds.

11. Tennessee Titans: OT Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State)

I was so tempted to put a receiver here, but I don't think new GM Ran Carthon wants to spend consecutive first-round picks on a wide receiver, especially in the NFL's most run-heavy offense. Speaking of said offense, this team lives and dies with Derrick Henry in the backfield, and the Titans need to give him as much space as possible. Ditto for the protection of Ryan Tannehill, who missed five games last season. Paris Johnson Jr. is the best offensive tackle on the board, protecting Stroud the past two seasons. That should help fix at least some of Tennessee's woes from last season, as the team has a chance to win the AFC South. They still have to get another wide receiver, though, and soon.

12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland): WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State)

Back-to-back picks from the Buckeyes here. The first receiver off the board finds his way to the Houston Texans at 12, and if I'm Nick Caserio, I'm not too thrilled that C.J. Stroud went first overall. It seems like Smith-Njigba is the top receiver in the eyes of NFL scouts, and it's easy to see why. Taking away a 2022 season cut short by injury, JSN was a force to be reckoned with, scoring nine touchdowns and notching 1,606 yards at The Ohio State University in 2021. He instantly becomes Bryce Young's number-one target, and with John Metchie potentially on his way back, the Texans offense may be a dark horse to watch out for in 2023.

13. New York Jets: OT Broderick Jones (Georgia)

Are the Jets actually going to trade for Aaron Rodgers? At this rate, who knows? If they do, I expect the Jets to keep their first-round selection, and nonetheless, they need some protection up front. If they get Rodgers, this pick easily becomes the most important selection in Joe Douglas' tenure at the helm of Gang Green. Jones was the top offensive lineman for the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs, and with the uncertainty of Mekhi Becton, he lines up to potentially guard one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

14. New England Patriots: WR Quentin Johnson (TCU)

I know, the Patriots tend to go off the board with their draft selections, but this feels like a slam dunk, no? New England needs a speedy wideout, and Johnson is probably the fastest in this year's class. Last season with TCU, he brought in 60 passes for 1,609 yards and six touchdowns, including a 163-yard performance in the CFP Semifinal against Michigan. The Patriots signed JuJu Smith-Schuster to a three-year deal in the offseason, but that will most likely not be enough to compete in a tight AFC East. Johnson could be the other weapon that Mac Jones needs to break out.

15. Green Bay Packers: TE Michael Mayer (Notre Dame)

For the second pick in a row, it feels like I'm going against conventional wisdom, as the Packers don't usually draft pass catchers in the first round. Green Bay is going into a new era with Jordan Love at quarterback, and he needs a safety valve, especially with Robert Tonyan now in Chicago. Mayer is the top tight end in this class, with two consecutive 800-yard seasons. He could be in the running for the No. 1 pass-catcher at Lambeau in 2023, along with Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson.

16. Washington Commanders: CB Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State)

The commanders could be looking at this pick for two reasons. First, they desperately need a cornerback. Washington cannot go into the season with a CB room of Cameron Dantzler, Kendall Fuller, and Troy Apke. Porter had 27 tackles last season for the Nittany Lions, including a solo 4-tackle effort against the Buckeyes. In 2021, he had 40 solo tackles, and the Commanders would love a player who could tackle in the secondary. The other reason they want Porter? Pittsburgh is next. I guarantee that the Steelers would love Porter because he's the son of a franchise legend, attends school at nearby Penn State, and plays at a position that Pittsburgh, much like Washington, covets. 

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Darnell Wright (Tennessee)

So where does that leave the Steelers then? They could go on either side of the line here, but Kenny Pickett would really like some protection. He was sacked 27 times last season, and Najee Harris suffered some regression in 2022. Wright ran a 5.01 40-yard dash at the combine, and he's been seen as a riser lately on the draft boards. He'll line up on the right side to try and stop Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson, and others in the Steel City.

18. Detroit Lions: DT Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh)

There are a few different routes Detroit could go with their own first-round pick, but I think defensive tackle needs a bit of a boost. The Lions defensive line got a massive boost last year with Aidan Hutchinson, and while he will wreak havoc on opposing offenses, they need some size. Kancey is a 281-pound tackle who ran the fastest time for an interior lineman in combine history. The offense ended the season clicking, and Detroit, with this draft and their strong free agency, may have a sneaky solid defense next season.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Lukas Van Ness (Iowa)

Gosh, Tampa Bay has to be loving this draft board at 19, as plenty of positions of need are still available. They could go offensive tackle to fill the loss of Donovan Smith. They could try to replace Sean Murphy-Bunting with the likes of Deonte Banks or Devon Witherspoon. The Bucs may even shock the NFL world and take a quarterback, but I think they want to give Kyle Trask a look. Lukas Van Ness is the top overall prospect on the board, and Tampa desperately wants to get younger on the defensive line. Van Ness had 13.5 sacks and 69 tackles over two years at Iowa, and many have him as a top-10 pick. He'll have a great rookie season too, as the NFC South does not have strong opposing offensive linemen.

20. Seattle Seahawks: QB Will Levis (Kentucky)

For the second draft in a row, the winners are the Seattle Seahawks. While they filled the pressing need with Tyree Wilson at 5, quarterback was definitely in the realm of possibility, and the only realistic option that high was Will Levis. 15 picks later, Levis remains on the board, and at this point in the draft, Seattle may see this as too good an opportunity to pass up. He's fallen on the draft boards in recent weeks, with rumors of attitude concerns at his Pro Day. However, the skill is there. Levis threw for over 2,400 yards with Kentucky and completely turned that football program around. Plus, out of all the coaches to learn under, Pete Carroll has to be pretty high up on that list.

21. Miami Dolphins:

Everybody point and laugh at the Dolphins for trying to tamper with Tom Brady and Sean Payton several years ago!

21. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Jordan Addison (USC)

Keenan Allen has a limited number of games left with the Chargers, and there is reason to believe that he will be gone after the 2023 season. With Justin Herbert in his prime, Los Angeles cannot afford to let those years slip away, so they decide to go with the wideout from nearby USC. Addison had an unreal 2021, with 17 touchdowns and 1,593 yards, but saw a regression in 2022, even with Caleb Williams. He won't be needed right away with Allen and Mike Williams still at full strength, but keep an eye out for 2024.

22. Baltimore Ravens: CB Devon Witherspoon (Illinois)

There's a point of contention that Witherspoon may actually be above Gonzalez on draft boards, and there is a chance that he will be long gone before 22. Much like last year, though, Baltimore has let a top secondary player slip to them, and besides, they need a natural replacement for Chuck Clark. Witherspoon deflected 14 passes at Illinois, which is 8th in the FBS, while notching three picks. It's always been the best player available for the Ravens on draft night, and this is no different. If Lamar Jackson leaves, then Baltimore has a much bigger hole to fill. 

23. Minnesota Vikings: CB Deonte Banks (Maryland)

There are two big needs for Minnesota in this draft: wide receiver and cornerback. On top of that, they don't have a second-round pick, so the Vikings need to make this one count. Sadly, they were one pick away from Witherspoon, but they cannot let a second corner pass them by. Banks had a solid 20, and he had four games with at least three solo tackles. He had a 4.38 40-yard dash and a 98 athleticism score, first among all corners. Baltimore could be a fit for Banks, as he is from Charm City, but with Witherspoon still on the board, he ends up with another purple team as Minnesota looks to repeat as NFC North champions.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: OG O'Cyrus Torrence (Florida)

Trevor Lawrence was sacked 27 times last season, and he would like a little bit of help from his offensive line to make sure that number goes down. Complicating matters is the loss of Jawaan Taylor, who bolted for Kansas City. This is where the 347-pound Torrence comes in, who blocked for the mobile Anthony Richardson in Florida. It will also allow Trevor Lawrence to use his legs a little more, which was what led him to success in college. Doug Pederson also loved his offensive linemen in Philadelphia, so bringing in one of the big names, literally and figuratively, for the Jaguars is an option.

25. New York Giants: WR Zay Flowers (Boston College)

The New York Giants made the playoffs and even won a playoff game last season, despite the lack of receivers on the team. They did trade for Darren Waller, which should help, but they did not pay Daniel Jones $160 million to solely run and make passes to a tight end. They take Flowers, who posted 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He becomes the top receiver for Big Blue as they look to win the NFC East for the first time in over a decade.

26. Dallas Cowboys: RB Bijan Robinson (Texas) 

The Ezekiel Elliott era for the Cowboys is over, and only Tony Pollard remains in Dallas' backfield. Whether or not they believe Pollard is bringing the franchise back remains to be seen, but if there's one thing Jerry Jones loves to do, it's take the big, flashy name. Bijan Robinson fits that mold, and it only helps that he went to Texas. He ran for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns in his junior season, and instantly, the backfield duo that the Cowboys loved last season returns. He's one of the best backs the draft has seen in a long time, potentially since Zeke, and Dallas needs all the help they can get to usurp Philadelphia as division champs.

27. Buffalo Bills: S Brian Branch (Alabama)

I think the Bills would be all over Bijan Robinson if the Cowboys went in a different direction, but instead they try to fill a gap at safety next to the recently-extended Jordan Poyer. Micah Hyde is coming off a neck injury, is in the final year of his contract, and is 32 years old. Brian Branch, the top safety in the 2023 Draft, remains on the board at 27. Branch had an eye-opening 90 tackles at Alabama, and he becomes the newest piece on a dominant Bills defense that has visions of their first Lombardi. 

28. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Dalton Kincaid (Utah)

The Bengals came up just short of reaching their second consecutive Super Bowl, and they lost Hayden Hurst to a fellow cat team in the offseason. Despite the addition of Irv Smith Jr., he may only be a stopgap and could find himself a TE2, much like he was in Minnesota. The fifth-year Kincaid is probably the best option for Zac Taylor, who had two separate 800-yard seasons at Utah. He was a third-team All-American, and he becomes a solid midfield threat to Joe Burrow's arsenal.

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco): DT Bryan Bresee (Clemson)

The Saints lost Marcus Davenport in free agency, and they need an edge rusher pretty desperately. Bresee was limited to just eight games in his sophomore year at Clemson, but he did have a solid 15 tackles, including a sack of Joe Milton in the ACC Championship Game. As long as Bresee stays healthy, he should fit right into New Orleans' defense-focused group. The fact that he's 21 years old doesn't hurt either, as the Saints had one of the NFL's oldest rosters last season. In a wide-open NFC South, the Saints with Derek Carr under center are seen as potential favorites. Can they deliver on that expectation?

30. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Anton Harrison (Oklahoma)

The Eagles have a choice between two names here, Mississippi State's Emmanuel Forbes and Oklahoma's Anton Harrison, and I think they pick the latter. Harrison's a big guy, and at a staggering 314 pounds, he gives the strong running game, led by Hurts, plenty of room to use their legs. He fits right into Andre Dillard's old spot on the left side, and since the Eagles did not add to their offensive line in free agency, there's a strong possibility he's starting week one. 

31. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee)

The Chiefs are at the top of the NFL world once again; congratulations to them! They're a year into trying to find a Tyreek Hill replacement, and with no suitable options available in free agency, they turn to the draft in their backyard. Hyatt reeled in 1,267 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns with the Volunteers last season, and after the departures of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman, a top wideout for Patrick Mahomes would help get Kansas City back to the big game for the fourth time in the past five seasons.

 

Another NFL mock draft is complete, and this time around, it seems like a lot of positions are up for debate. A wide receiver-heavy draft could fill a gap for many teams, and defense could be a focus for some looking to take that next step. How well did I do this year? Did I make your favorite team proud? Who do you think your team takes? Here's to this year's draft providing us the drama and life-changing moments that we love year after year. Happy drafting!