2023 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

It’s now officially draft season, as an eventful combine is now behind us. Here’s a look at what I’d do if I ran each NFL franchise.

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears) – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Anthony Richardson proved that he’s the most physically gifted quarterback prospect in the history of the NFL. He’s a boom-or-bust gamble, but I don’t think the Panthers made such a massive move to be conservative.

2. Houston Texans – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The Texans take the safe route with Young. He’s the most complete QB prospect in this class, despite his physical shortcomings.

3. Las Vegas Raiders (from Arizona Cardinals) – C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

I have Stroud to the Raiders again, except this time they move up to get him. His smooth mechanics and deadly accurate arm should propel him to be a top-five selection.

4. Indianapolis Colts – Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Levis fell after the Combine, but he still showed admirable athleticism and a strong arm. There are issues with his game, but Shane Steichen worked with a similar project in Jalen Hurts.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos) – Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

Anderson is a beast of a pass-rusher with the traits to be successful. The Seahawks could use him in a variety of creative ways.

6. Detroit Lions (from Carolina Panthers) – Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Lions add a bookend opposite Aidan Hutchinson here. Wilson possesses all the physical tools to be a solid edge rusher in Detroit.

7. Arizona Cardinals (from Las Vegas Raiders) – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

There’s a lot to like about Gonzalez, as he has the size, speed, and strength to be a great corner. If he refines his game, he’ll be an elite player.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

At just 180 lbs, Witherspoon is about as hard-hitting as a corner can get. In 2022, he allowed just a 34.9% completion rate, while not letting up a single touchdown in coverage.

9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers) – Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

The Bears continue to help Justin Fields here with Skoronski. He’s league-ready, and the size concerns surrounding him will fade quickly.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints) – Paris Johnson Jr., OL, Ohio State

There are plenty of rumors circulating about Jason Kelce retiring, so the Eagles are certainly exploring other offensive line options. If Landon Dickerson slides into Kelce’s slot, Johnson could then take over at guard, which was the position he played in 2021.

11. Tennessee Titans – Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

After cutting Taylor Lewan, the Titans need a thumper at left tackle. That’s precisely what Jones will be in the league.

12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns) – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Smith-Njigba proved a lot of doubters wrong at the combine, as he posted top numbers in the three-cone and shuttle drills. He was the top dog on a team that featured Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, so despite his injuries, it’s becoming clear that this guy is legit.

13. New York Jets – Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Carter’s slide stops here. I believe his legal troubles will cause a drop similar to Laremy Tunsil’s, and the Jets could use his services.

14. New England Patriots – Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Wright has experience at both tackle positions, 42 starts, and a solid physical profile. These traits will make him valuable to a team like the Pats.

15. Green Bay Packers – Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa

Van Ness has experience everywhere on the defensive line. This versatility would come in handy for Green Bay, as Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry are both on expired deals.

16. Washington Commanders – Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

Branch had an unimpressive combine, but his production is impossible to ignore. He could play multiple positions for the Commanders’ secondary.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Porter has unique size (6’2″ 1/2, 34″ arms) for a corner. To keep up with the Bengals, the Steelers need to invest more in their secondary.

18. Detroit Lions – Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

This is a deep and talented class of tight ends, and Kincaid is the headline. He’s a gifted receiver who runs routes well.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida

The Buccaneer’s offensive front is aging, and Torrence could slide right into the Bucs’ interior OL. He’s a high-floor guy, as he didn’t give up a sack during his college career.

20. Seattle Seahawks – Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

The Seahawks continue to add to their defense here with Murphy. He has the size and versatility to succeed, but he will be a project.

21. Los Angeles Chargers – Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma