WAY-TOO-EARLY 2023 NFL Mock Draft

 The off-season is starting to phase its way out as training camps across each of the 32 NFL teams are underway and the preparation for the new season is underway. With that being said, the 2023 NFL draft isn't for almost an entire year now, but I decided it would be a great time now to drop my very first mock draft for the 2023 draft! That being said, this is very much for fun and to compare how much changes between now and when the draft actually does happen in the Spring of 2023. Don't think too much of the draft order or anything this is more of a way to get to know some of the top players for this upcoming college season that could find their names called on day 1 of the draft in a year. Especially after that long and winding top 100, I wanted to take a quick break from talking about the same players again. 
*the order is based on my win projections for each team at the current moment, but again, take it with a grain of salt, this article isn't meant to predict how the draft order really is going to go*

1. Chicago Bears - Will Anderson Jr., Edge Rusher, Alabama

While this past draft lacked a true gimmie superstar prospect at the very top like we usually see, this class has no shortage of potential hall of fame level talent at the top. While QBs usually find their way into going #1, if it were the Bears at the top given this chance, they would not pass on Will Anderson. Anderson is a freak, he might be the best pass rushing prospect I've ever seen. Genuinely. If I had a Heisman vote for this past year, I would have given it to him, and he was just a Sophomore. Anderson racked up a crazy 17.5 sacks and 29 TFLs this past season as he was simply unblockable, even against SEC o-linemen. Not only is Anderson an insanely productive pass rusher but he is also an elite run defender. This guy is a bonafide superstar and is easily the best player in the class, not a bad centerpiece to a rebuild beginning to take place in the Windy City. 

2. New York Giants - CJ Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State

Another guy very much in the conversation for the presumptive top pick with a year to go is CJ Stroud of Ohio State. The 6'3 QB has just about everything teams are looking for in a Quarterback these days along with producing at the highest rate while playing in one of the best conferences in CFB. Stroud tossed 44 TDs to just 6 picks last year for the Buckeyes while showing off his strong arm and poise in the pocket along with top tier mobility. I don't see the Giants being very good with Daniel Jones still under center in 2022 which leads them to getting their pick of the litter in terms of QBs in the 2022 draft. Stroud could finally be their guy and pair up beautifully with offensive minded HC Brian Daboll. 

3. Atlanta Falcons - Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama

While Bryce Young took the Heisman honors over both of the players I'm mocking ahead of him, I still think NFL teams are going to have their doubts about him playing at the next level. This article is to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the potential top prospects in 2023 and Young is a polarizing talent. While he won the Heisman this year behind his 50 TD passes to just 7 picks, there is true concern over his size to work at the next level, given he's just 5'11. However, we've seen the shortest QBs in the league lately be some of the best, including Russell Wilson and also Kyler Murray. Young has shown us he can sling it in college, but he is quick like Murray and has a fast and beautiful release that will have evaluators excited. The Falcons have clearly committed to playing this out as a long rebuild, not settling for a QB prospect they weren't in love with and opting for pass catchers instead in two straight drafts. With Pitts and London in the fold with those picks, they finally opt for a guy who could be their franchise QB of the future.

4. Houston Texans - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

The top four - two Tide members and two Buckeyes - classic. In recent years, top receiver prospects have surged into relevancy. As the league shifts to a pass first mentality, clubs are no longer scared of going with potential stud receivers as high as the top 5. That will continue after the immediate success of Ja'Marr Chase in 2021. Smith-Njigba is one of the better pass catching prospects I've seen in awhile. He simply just gets open and was surely the best receiver in an Ohio State corps that featured Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave (two top 15 picks in this year's draft). That's definitely saying something. Njigba went for 1600 yards and 9 TDs this season including a 300 yard, multi TD game. If Davis Mills can continue to prove he may be the franchise QB in Houston, the Texans will not think twice about getting him his WR1 of the future.

5. Carolina Panthers - Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky

I cannot wait to see how the season determines which QBs are considered first round guys given that this class projects to be so deep at the most important position in the sport right now. Levis is one of those guys who will be made or broken by this upcoming season, with so much potential and physical traits, he could be in play for the #1 pick or he could fall to the late round projections based on how he does during this 2022 season. Standing at 6'3 and about 225 pounds, Levis has an elite frame for the next level. Josh Allen is a comparison we already hear a lot for him and for good reason, he has a huge arm plus that frame which is enough to make any offensive minded NFL coach drool that they could have the chance to mold him into the next Allen. The Panthers are clearly desperate at the QB position and I doubt Baker Mayfield will be their starter past this season, giving the team a ticket to draft Levis. 

6. Seattle Seahawks - Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

The way the Georgia Bulldogs captured a National Championship in 2021: their defense, the best player on that defense: Jalen Carter. Even with D-lineman Travon Walker going #1 overall in the 2022 draft, Carter is considered by far and away the best player on that defense. At 305 pounds, Carter is a freak athlete, similarly to Walker and fellow DL Jordan Davis. With that burst of athleticism comes great strength as well, making Carter impossible to block in the middle of a DL. Simply put, Carter has all of the tools to become a future Aaron Donald esqe tackle and many are calling him the top prospect in this loaded class. The Seahawks do need a QB but with the top ones going off the board right in front of them, will settle for one later down the board with their second 1st round pick via Denver or in the trade or FA market. 

7. New York Jets - Peter Skoronski, Offensive Tackle, Northwestern

Could Skoronski be the next great OT out of Northwestern? We saw Rashawn Slater go on to first year greatness with the Chargers a year ago, and now Skoronski could be up next. The 6'4 tackle is simply a well rounded OL prospect that the Jets could use big time with some uncertainty behind Mekhi Becton's health and an expiring deal on George Fant. While some think Skoronski could become a guard at the next level due to his size, I think he should stay at OT where he has been great and looks like a future tackle cornerstone of an NFL franchise.

8. Arizona Cardinals - Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas

Potentially my favorite prospect already in the upcoming class, Bijan Robinson. We had a little streak going for a couple of years with some potentially generational RB talents going high in drafts, think Ezekiel Elliott, Saquon Barkley, Leonard Fournette, and even Todd Gurley. Since those guys, we haven't seen RBs going any earlier than the mid 20s in drafts. This year, we've got a guy. Bijan Robinson. has everything teams want in a stud feature back. At 6' and 220 pounds, Robinson has game breaking speed along with pass catching prowess, ability to break tackles, and create space for himself in lanes. The Cardinals are an explosive offense and look to win games by simply outscoring you, with Hopkins and Hollywood on the outside and Kyler Murray already a nightmare under center, adding Robinson would simply feel unfair. 

9. Tennessee Titans - Kayshon Boutte, Wide Receiver, LSU

Could we have the next future superstar LSU wideout on our hands here? I think so with Kayshon Boutte. While he was injured for some time in 2021 and finished with just 500 yards, he led college in receiving TDs before going down. Boutte is getting hype for his crazy speed along with great athleticism that could see him making any catch needed at the next level. In the open field, it's hard to figure out his next move also. The Titans just need to do whatever it takes to replace AJ Brown, and while Treylon Burks could pan out nicely, we don't know yet, so for now we have them grabbing another great target to add to Burks and Robert Woods. If Boutte develops this season, he could go even higher than 9. 

10. Pittsburgh Steelers - Paris Johnson Jr., Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Another pick, another Buckeye. The Steelers shocked everyone this year when they actually went QB over a much needed offensive line selection in the middle of the first round. With Kenny Pickett clearly being the guy they hope can be their future franchise option at the signal caller spot, they have to now do whatever it takes to make sure he will be protected, and grabbing a guy like Paris Johnson would be an amazing step in that direction. The 6'6, 320 pound Johnson is actually quite the athlete for his size which is what one looks for in a potential future franchise tackle. Johnson is already an elite run blocker and has the makings of a potential future elite pass blocker as well. The Steelers would be quite happy to come away with him in this way too early mock.

11. Miami Dolphins (via SF) - Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida

I mentioned Bijan Robinson as one of my very favorite prospects to watch in 2022, another guy in that same tier for me has to be Anthony Richardson of the Florida Gators. Richardson saw very limited playing time as the backup in 2021 but now looks like he will be the starter for one of the best teams in the SEC this season and get to show off what he can do. Even with little playing time to show for, Richardson looks like he could be one of the biggest potential risers if he has a great year like many are projecting for him. A comparison I like for him is a slightly smaller Josh Allen. While he isn't quite as tall (but still 6'4), he's as built and has nearly as huge of an arm. Similarly to a younger Allen, he struggles with accuracy at times. Richardson is also a dynamic rusher who clocked in a 4.5 forty time during the off-season. With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in the fold for the Dolphins, they are going to be looking to get their hands on a big armed QB as soon as the season is over with Tua Tagovailoa, who I can't see turning it around this year. Miami, with those weapons and that offensive minded HC, could be the perfect landing spot eventually for the raw but talented prospect that is Anthony Richardson.

12. Dallas Cowboys - Jordan Addison, Wide Receiver, USC

We know the Cowboys can't pass up on blue chip receiving talent like this, we've seen it time and time again. This instance is no different, as Jordan Addison is simply electric. Addison was probably the best WR in the nation in 2021. He caught 100 passes for nearly 1600 yards and a CFB high 17 TDs, all while playing for small school Pitt. The Junior transferred to USC following his historic season and will now be catching passes from stud QB Caleb Williams in a Lincoln Riley offense. The best part about Addison's game is his ability to create extra yardage after the catch. The only true knock on Addison right now is his smaller frame, 6', 175 pounds, but Devonta Smith was in a similar boat and has seemed to silence all of the doubters, so Addison may be able to do the same. The Cowboys offense would just get all the more stacked by adding Addison to Lamb and co.

13. Minnesota Vikings - Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia

Another pick, another Georgia defender. CBs are annually some of the hottest commodities on draft nights in the NFL. This year we saw multiple go much higher than expected. Going into the 2022 season, Kelee Ringo figures to be the presumptive top dawg at the position. 'Sticky' is the word that seems to be used by everyone to describe his coverage. Teams are going to love how he excels in press coverage and that he has faced so much NFL level competition already by playing at Georgia. At 6'2, Ringo also boasts elite size for the position and is versatile enough to play anywhere in the secondary that would be needed of him. The Vikings were unhappy to not wind up with a top tier CB in this year's draft but now may be able to get the best CB in the draft a year later in Ringo...

14. Miami Dolphins - Noah Sewell, Linebacker, Oregon

The first LB comes off the board here in my way too early mock. Brother of Lions recent first rounder Penei Sewell, Noah too has game. The huge LB is an elite run defender already and can also contribute in the pass rush game by coming up from time to time and forcing quality pressures and potential sacks. Sewell is so strong and is also a more than willing tackler who is damn good at it. The Dolphins' defense is great, but could use help at LB. Sewell is unlike any player they have right now and could be a difference maker from the second he touches the field. This is an old school player right here.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars - Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame

This is a rare year with a stud TE prospect. The last time we saw this was Kyle Pitts a few years ago and before him it was a long time since we saw one at all. Mayer has all the tools to become an elite TE in the NFL. The 6'4 TE is an amazing pass catcher who also is an underrated route runner in his own right. He's earned the nickname from some as "Baby Gronk" which can only be a good thing considering the career Rob Gronkowski had. There are rumblings that Mayer would be a top 5 lock if his forty times were just a slight bit higher, speed seems to be the only real concern with this kid. He's even a decent blocker at this point in his young playing career. The Jaguars have begun to add tons of receiving talent around Trevor Lawrence to help him develop, getting a TE like this to develop with Lawrence would be the best case scenario in Duval. 

16. New England Patriots - Antonio Johnson, Cornerback, Texas A&M

The Patriots seem to always be in the market for a DB, no matter how good they are. Right now though, they genuinely could use some help there with JC Jackson gone, and Antonio Johnson feels like a player primed to explode and potentially rise into the top 10 by the time the 2023 draft really does roll around. Johnson is a mountain of a CB, standing at 6'3, which makes him wildly attractive to NFL teams instantly. However, there's more than just that. Johnson produced big time while playing in the SEC, recording 5 pass deflections and a pick to go along with a whopping 80 tackles from the CB spot. His speed is somewhat of a question mark at this moment, but I think this guy could be quite the prospect at the next level.

17. Baltimore Ravens - Dontay Demus Jr., Wide Receiver, Maryland

It is definitely too early to say for sure, but for the first time in what feels like years, this WR class doesn't feel insanely deep. That being say, Dontay Demus Jr is a really good prospect with All-Pro potential and isn't really a part of that initial comment I just made. Demus offers a dream size/speed combination as he will probably run a 4.3 forty despite being 6'3. Injuries have kept him from realizing his full potential and actually producing to a full extent, but if healthy at the next level, he could become something special. Lamar Jackson needs a new WR1 and Demus could eventually slot into that role if he were to end up in Baltimore a year from now.

18. Houston Texans (via CLE) - Isaiah Foskey, Edge Rusher, Notre Dame

The Texans are going to have two first round picks for awhile now, following the Deshaun Watson trade, and in today's mock, they are really making the most of them. After getting a star playmaker for the offensive side of the ball in JSN, they turn around and get a guy who I absolutely love right now in Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame. If he can produce for a second straight year like how he did in 2021, he could be a top 10 lock. Edge rush production at the college level is hard to come by, but Foskey did so, racking up double digit sacks (11 sacks) and also a crazy elite SIX forced fumbles. He has scheme versatility and could be an instant starter and difference maker for a terrible defense like Houston's.

19. Washington Commanders - Malachi Moore, Defensive Back, Alabama

Bama continues to produce DBs like it's no one's business. Malachi Moore is quite the intriguing prospect right now. He is a very versatile player who can easily play both the safety and cornerback position at a high level. Moore recorded 3 picks as just a freshman playing for Bama in the feared SEC. Washington needs depth in their secondary and could use a dynamic lurker like Moore back there patrolling around and creating turnovers. This would be an ideal selection for Ron Rivera's defense.

20. Detroit Lions - Bryan Bresee, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

This feels like a Dan Campbell pick right here. Bresee is a monster on the inside. The 300 pounder had a very productive season the last time he played a full year (he tore his ACL in 2021), proving that when healthy, he's a potential top 10 worthy pick player. The Lions continue to try and add blue chip talent wherever possible, and being able to snag Bresee here would be a huge bonus for them. Overall this is just a high quality defensive tackle in a league where they are hard to come by.

21. Philadelphia Eagles - Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back, Alabama

This could be jumping the gun a little bit, putting two RBs inside of the first 21 picks of a draft, but I like it. Bijan Robinson is a top 15 lock it almost feels like and then it leaves it up to the rest of the teams to decide if they want to make an RB a first round pick. The Eagles see Gibbs and his resume, coupled with the fact that they will own two 2023 1st rounders, and pull the trigger. Bama RBs have gone on to have great NFL careers of late, why can't Gibbs be the next man up in that regard? He's quick, strong, elusive, and great in the open field. He's also an underrated pass catcher but really just needs to work on his ability to block out of the backfield. He's a very well rounded RB who would fit in well in the Eagles' run first style offense that for some reason lacks a true stud RB1 to pair with dual-threat QB Jalen Hurts. The Georgia Tech transfer needs one year in the Bama spotlight to prove he deserves this hype.

22. Las Vegas Raiders - Myles Murphy, Edge Rusher, Clemson

Another Clemson DL off the board. The Raiders say "you can never have too much pass rush" and run this card to the podium. With both Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones in the fold already, the rich get richer with Murphy coming to Vegas. Murphy has only been a consistent and productive rusher off the edge for one of the best football schools in the nation over the last two years and figures to take even another step forward in 2022. The Raiders could play him as a rotational guy off the edge or even utilize his pass rushing at the DT spot when Jones and Crosby are on the field. However you look at it, this would be a great pick for the Raiders.

23. Kansas City Chiefs - Josh Downs, Wide Receiver, North Carolina

The Chiefs continue to try and spend what it takes to replace Tyreek Hill. I'd love this dart-board-throw attempt for them here. Josh Downs is an electric player. He reminds me a bit of Deebo Samuel just in the way he was used as a wide-back at UNC this past year. At 5'10, he may be small, but he packs that punch with his speed, athleticism, and versatility. With Downs, you are either getting Tyreek Hill (superstar) or another Mecole Hardman (bust). Rondale Moore of the Cardinals is another guy who Downs reminds me of. With Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, they would make this guy special. 

24. Indianapolis Colts - Arik Gilbert, Tight End, Georgia

This might be THE player to watch in 2022. Gilbert was the highest rated high school athlete in history. Of any sport. Ever. Seriously. He had an 1.000 on 247 sports, more highly rated than LeBron James. However, since being recruited to LSU in 2019/2020, we have not seen much of Gilbert. He's been often injured and now has transferred to Georgia where he will hope to get on the field and prove he should be a top 10 pick in next year's draft. When we last saw him on the field back in 2020, the potential he showed was ridiculous. At 6'5 and 250 pounds, Gilbert boasts potential 4.4 speed which is otherworldly. He is also a great open field tackle breaker and a shockingly sound route runner. Coupled with all of this is the fact that he may be the best blocking TE prospect I've ever seen. He simply throws guys around, which is extremely rare for a TE. If Gilbert can go crazy in 2022, he genuinely has a chance to go #1 overall. I'm dead serious. For the moment, Gilbert is just a guy with wild upside who has to prove himself, but the Colts would take him for that right now if they could. 

25. Cincinnati Bengals - Jarret Patterson, Center, Notre Dame

Obviously we have awhile to go, but at the current moment, this class does not look to be too deep at the OL spot. That being said, Jarret Patterson appears to be an outlier from that statement as well. The Fighting Irish's center has been a model of consistency throughout his three year career at Notre Dame. He brings veteran level consistency and technique to a very important position in anchoring an entire line. Patterson has yet to allow a sack in his collegiate career which is truly something. This is a day 1 starter and difference maker and the Bengals would be a perfect team fit for him considering they continue to try and make sure history does not repeat itself in terms of offensive line play.

26. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) - Tyler Van Dyke, Quarterback, Miami

In this mock, Seattle passed on QB in the early first after the top 3 guys were gone for freak DT Jalen Carter, with their second 1st, they do finally get their signal caller of the future in Tyler Van Dyke from Miami. While Van Dyke might not be the most exciting QB to watch (due to his limited rushing ability), he's a damn good passer, and thrives in the pocket. The Seahawks have clearly begun to place an emphasis on offensive line depth as they used their first rounder on Charles Cross this year. With an elite set of receiving options (Metcalf, Lockett, Fant) and backfield (Walker, Penny) around him, Van Dyke could thrive from day 1 in Seattle. 

27. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) - Cam Smith, Cornerback, South Carolina

Just two years after Jaycee Horn became the first CB off the board in the 2021 NFL draft, it appears the Gamecocks have another stud player at the position. Cam Smith is a name I really like this year and can't wait to see how he progresses for another season before putting his name into this draft. A smart corner who plays the game with great aggression and passion, Smith is a great man cover corner. He's a super well rounded corner overall and mostly needs to work on his skill in tackling. He's not even a buffet tackler, but he just needs to work on his technique. The Eagles always seem to need help at CB and with Darius Slay not getting any younger, Smith would make a lot of sense. If Smith continues playing like he did in 2021, he may just be a top 10 pick in April. 

28. Green Bay Packers - Ainias Smith, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M

This might be the most electric player in college football. If you want speed, you are going to want Ainias Smith. The WR/RB is a shifty playmaker who can outrun anyone and pretty much lineup all over the offense like a Deebo Samuel. While he is somewhat raw, we've seen him torch some teams, and feels almost like a Kadarius Toney-like prospect right now. Green Bay is led by offensive genius Matt LaFleur who loves to utilize tweeners like Smith in his offense. With Aaron Rodgers at QB, Smith would be used to his full potential and could become a dynamic weapon in the Green Bay offense. Watch out for this guy, if he develops, he could be a Tyreek Hill level game-changer.

29. Buffalo Bills - Nolan Smith, Outside Linebacker, Georgia

MORE. GEORGIA. DEFENSE. The Bills become the next victim to drafting a Georgia defender. Nolan Smith is an interesting prospect heading into this season. He's a big linebacker who comes up to rush the passer from time to time and shows decent promise when he does. When he is playing the more tradition LB position, he's an elite run defender who comes up and makes great tackles. The Bills could use depth at the LB spot with Tremaine Edmunds injured from time to time and also quite inconsistent.

30. Detroit Lions (via LAR) - Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee

BOOM! In an August mock draft we can have potential curveballs like this one. There are usually 5-6 projected first round QBs at this time of year and rarely very many actually stay the course and make it into the first round. Hooker feels like that shot in the dark guess right now for me, and I'm riding with it. The Lions might be content to continue riding out Jared Goff until the end of his contract before fully committing to a new guy if they don't finish with a top pick again this year, but with a second 1st rounder in this mock, they go for a developmental guy like Hooker. Hooker is quite underrated right now. Last season he hit over 3000 yards passing, 600 rushing yards, 70% completion percentage, and an elite 31:3 TD to INT ratio. Hooker faced some of the best teams in all of college last year (including Georgia and Bama) and held his own, all while being a great dual threat option. If he can have another elite year like this, he could be a first round pick. This is a guy who really intrigues me. 

31. Los Angeles Chargers - Marvin Mims, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma

The Chargers have one of the most stacked rosters in football right now, making it hard to mock for them. One spot I could see them upgrading at is WR3, and that's where Marvin Mims comes in. Mims was tremendous a year ago at OU but then had a bad year in 2021 which is hurting his projections and current draft stock heading into next year. He will need a bounce back year for the Sooners in 2022 to prove he still is a top tier pass catcher who could be a first rounder. The main concern I have for Mims is his speed, which looked lackluster many times during this past season, but could be an amazing third option in the Charger passing attack at the right price.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - BJ Ojulari, Edge Rusher, LSU

The younger brother of Giants' promising young edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, BJ figures to have a higher ceiling, but also a much lower floor. We all know Ojulari has the talent and bend to potentially develop into a star off the edge, but we are yet to see him put it altogether and really dominate. That's why he has this 2022 season, to prove he is progressing and could continue to get better into his NFL years. The Bucs need edge rushing help and taking a flier on a guy with such a high ceiling like Ojulari could be worth it for them.

Prospect Honorable Mention: Andre Carter, OLB, Army (watch out for this guy, forgot to include him in the mock but definitely would have)