2023 NFL Mock Draft: Mid-Season Edition

 With half of the regular season in the rearview mirror for the NFL, what better time than now to start thinking about the future and the upcoming NFL draft. It always seems to far away but soon it will be mock draft season and these prospects will be all you will be hearing about. This is a fun exercise to do right now to see how far off it is when it actually comes time in April. In last year's mid-season mock, I correctly picked Kenny Pickett to the Steelers. This is fun!

1. Houston Texans - Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama

While this QB class is certainly much more loaded than last year's, it is still anyone's guess as to which guy will be the first signal caller off the board. At this moment, Bryce Young from Bama looks like the favorite. The 2022 Heisman winner is in the midst of another awesome season, despite being undersized, he makes up for it with sheer athletic ability and arm talent. Young is a proven winner, he's authored many game-winning drives, and is mobile as can be. Houston clearly cannot stick with Davis Mills as their QB of the future. A Bryce Young/Dameon Pierce/Brandin Cooks big three could win some games in 2023.
Pick change (from my "WAY TOO EARLY" mock in August): Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE)

2. Carolina Panthers - CJ Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State

The other man getting a lot of buzz to be the potential no. 1 pick and first QB off the board, CJ Stroud. Stroud seemingly has it all. He's got the ideal size and arm for a star QB in the NFL today along with tremendous football IQ and mobility. All he has done at Ohio State is win. Some are concerned with him playing with too good of a supporting cast in Columbus but you cannot fault him for that. Stroud looks like a future franchise QB. Carolina is desperate for a franchise QB. With Stroud, they can start seriously building for the future.

3. Las Vegas Raiders - Will Anderson Jr., Edge Rusher, Alabama

While many have penciled in Will Anderson's name near the top of mocks for a long time, many have not had the Raiders as the team in place to get him. Las Vegas has been a major disappointment this season, hugely in part to their abysmal pass rush. Sure, they have Maxx Crosby, but aside from that, nothing. Insert Anderson. This might be the best pass rushing prospect I've seen, aside from maybe Myles Garrett. Anderson had over 15 sacks a year ago and is playing special football for the Crimson Tide again this year. Putting him opposite Crosby would transform this Raider D-line from a bottom tier unit, to a top tier one. This would justify a disappointing season if it resulted in the addition of Anderson.
Pick change: Bryce Young ^

4. Pittsburgh Steelers - Olu Fashanu, Offensive Tackle, Penn State

Another team it feels weird to see picking this high (subject to change, still). If the Steelers do in fact continue to lose and find themselves picking this highly in the draft, a guy like Olu Fashanu would be an amazing pick to see instant improvement. While there doesn't currently appear to be some sort of guaranteed superstar OL in this class like a Penei Sewell or Ikem Ekwonu of past years, Olu Fashanu is close to it. At just 19 years old, he has nothing but time to grow. He's been a big surprise at Penn State this year in terms of how well he is playing for the Nittany Lions. Pittsburgh has been miserable in pass protection and adding Olu as a cornerstone tackle for this offense would be huge.
Pick change: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)

5. Detroit Lions - Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

Kentucky QB Will Levis is definitely in play here, but the Lions cannot pass up on the best player available here (arguably the best player in the draft) that is Jalen Carter. Teams are going to be fiending to add Carter to their D-lines. We all know how rare it is in the NFL to have an elite pass rusher from that interior spot. There are truly only a handful of them in the NFL today and each are making over or around $20 million annually due to how coveted that skill is and is also how we saw Travon Walker go no. 1 in the 2022 draft. Carter is elite in run stuffing as well, and is just overall a freak athlete. Detroit needs a QB in the long run, but their offense is fine with Jared Goff running the show while their defense is what really needs improvement. Adding Carter to a line that already has Aidan Hutchinson sets this team up for major success in the future.
Pick change: Will Levis (QB)

6. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) - Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia

What a luxury the Eagles have. Not only are they the no. 1 team in the NFL right now (record-wise at least), they possess two first rounders in this draft including this Saints' one which looks like it has top 10 potential. This team which is already so stacked is primed to make a luxury pick inside of the top 10, and they take my number 1 corner in the class which is Kelee Ringo. Ringo is the best corner on the best team in college football. At 6'2 with a 4.3 forty time, Ringo has that rare size/speed combination to pair with his refined CB skillset. He even has elite hands for the position. The Eagles do not have many needs, but with Darius Slay 32 years old and James Bradberry older as well, and a free agent after this year, Ringo could be brought on slowly to be the CB1 of the future for these Eagles.
Pick change: Jalen Carter ^

7. Arizona Cardinals - Myles Murphy, Edge Rusher, Clemson

The Cardinals have a lot of needs. They are not in a great spot right now. This pick will help them out quite a bit. Myles Murphy is quite simply just a really high floor prospect. While he is never really put above a guy like Will Anderson, Murphy would probably be the top edge rushing prospect in most draft years. With Chandler Jones gone and JJ Watt clearly hitting an age wall, Arizona needs to reset their pass rush for the future, and no one is better to help them do so than Murphy.
Pick change: Peter Skoronski (OT)

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback, Penn State

Son of NFL great Joey Porter, junior is not too shabby of a player himself. At 6'2 and 200 pounds, Porter Jr brings elite size/skill to the position. While he isn't known for being a world-class speedster, he is known for his world-class physicality at the CB position. The Jaguars are pretty thin at CB, especially with usual CB1 Shaq Griffin in a bit of a season-long slump right now. This would be a major get for Doug Pederson's team.
Pick change: Bijan Robinson (RB)

9. Chicago Bears - Paris Johnson Jr., Offensive Tackle, Chicago Bears

There is no question that the Bears need help along the O-line. Justin Fields has made a major second-year leap and looks like the unquestioned QB of the future in the windy city, but now the team needs to protect him. Who better to do so than arguably the best LT prospect in the class in Paris Johnson. The Buckeye stands 6'6 and 310 pounds and is good in pretty much every aspect of blocking. This would be a cornerstone add for the Bears' future.
Pick change: Kayshon Boutte (WR)

10. Green Bay Packers - Quentin Johnson, Wide Receiver, TCU

I don't care if Green Bay has continuously passed on WRs in the past, this is different after the start to the season they have had. It is clear as day that WR is a MASSIVE need in Green Bay and I think this team would simply not be able to pass up on the arguable WR1 of the class. Quentin Johnson has played his way into a massive rise this season. At 6'4, Johnson is one of the fastest wide receivers in the class but also is an aggressive catch machine with a huge catch radius and amazing YAC ability. He is truly the ultimate package at WR and would be simply lethal with Aaron Rodgers as his QB.
Pick change: Paris Johnson Jr. ^

11. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) - Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky

I know I know, Geno Smith is still yet to write back, but Seattle would be foolish to pass on Will Levis here. Geno's play has been astounding, and he has probably earned himself a nice raise to stay in Seattle for the near future, but he is still 32 years old and not the FUTURE of this team. If Levis was here Seattle would be able to take him and have him learn behind Smith for a year or two before he started for them. Levis is not the most NFL ready prospect, but he does have a lot of raw potential to work with. He reminds me a lot of Josh Allen coming out of Wyoming, a huge QB with a huge arm but a lot of other kinks to iron out. This would be a very ideal landing spot for him and a very ideal plan for the future for Seattle, who could still ride with Smith until the wheels came off.
Pick change: Anthony Richardson (QB)

12. Detroit Lions (via LAR) - Antonio Johnson, Cornerback, Texas A&M

It's really anyone's guess right now as to who is CB3 in the class behind Ringo and Porter Jr, but Johnson figures to be my pick right now. At 6'3, Johnson is an incredible athlete at DB and can play inside or outside corner. The Lions are surely unhappy that Levis went one pick before them, but pivot to their other glaring need of CB which they hope Johnson can fill big time here.
Pick change: Jordan Addison (WR)

13. Houston Texans (via CLE) - Jordan Addison, Wide Receiver, USC

In what figures to be an absolutely STACKED WR class, Jordan Addison is the pick here for the Texans, but barely. Addison reminds me somewhat of Philly's Devonta Smith, he's undersized at 175 pounds but is simply electric and just gets open. Addison is arguably the best route runner in the class and has been good with both Pitt and USC. That will be a welcome resume for the Texans who seem to be the place where WR's careers go to die. Nick Caserio will hope that Bryce Young to Jordan Addison will be the next big young elite QB/WR duo in the NFL.
Pick change: Kelee Ringo ^

14. Indianapolis Colts - Peter Skoronski, Offensive Tackle, Northwestern

The Colts look primed for a heavy rebuild, and what better way to begin that than by adding a cornerstone OT. Peter Skoronski has been one of the best pass protectors in all of college this year, allowing less than 5 pressures all year. Some teams are worried about his shorter arm length but even if he moves inside to guard, he'd be an elite option there too. Indy's OL has regressed heavily this year and Skoronski would make for a major upgrade as the team looks to build their offense for the future.
Pick change: Noah Sewell (LB)

15. Atlanta Falcons - Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas

With Arthur Smith at the helm, the Falcons have gone with offensive skill position players with both their first round picks (Kyle Pitts and Drake London). With another elite talent on the board for them here, history suggests they will do the same. Smith predicates his offense around running the football, and there has not been a better RB prospect since Saquon than Bijan Robinson. At 220 pounds, Robinson would profile in as a larger back, but he is lightning fast and plays with great toughness. He is a 3-down back. In some ways he reminds me of a smaller Leonard Fournette coming out of college the way he can literally do everything asked of him on offense. Robinson would quickly receive a top 5 amount of carries in the NFL in Atlanta's run-heavy offense.
Pick change: Michael Mayer (TE)

16. Washington Commanders - Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon

Another 6'2 cornerback who can fly. You can see how stacked of a CB class this is. Gonzalez was great with Boulder but has begun to garner national attention as the CB1 of the top 10 ranked Oregon Ducks. This season he already has double digit pass breakups and just had a 2-INT game AGAINST his former team as well. The Commanders were already in desperate need of CB before trading William Jackson, and now they are simply famished. Gonzalez would be a welcome addition and the day 1 starter at corner.
Pick change: Antonio Johnson ^

17. New England Patriots - Bryan Breese, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

I planned on having Breese go a lot higher when I was preparing to do this mock, but this was just how the board shook out, and now the Patriots find themselves with a steal. Like I mentioned earlier with Jalen Carter, there is a major premium placed on pass rushing DTs in today's NFL. Breese too possesses that rare ability to go along with his great run stuffing ability. While WR and OL are bigger needs in NE, Belichick never goes with the convention route and would not be able to pass up on a player with the ability of Breese. If Belichick winds up with this kid, he is surely going to become a superstar.
Pick change: Dontay Demus Jr. (WR)

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame

Elite TE prospects seem to be getting rarer and rarer each year, but Michael Mayer looks like the TE1 in a draft class that is as stacked at this position than I've really ever seen. Mayer looks to be the next classic do-it-all TE prospect like we saw with TJ Hockenson coming out of Iowa a few years back. The 6'4 TE is an elite receiving threat but also brings plus blocking ability to an offense. The Bengals WR core is already stacked, but adding in an elite TE could push this offense over the top. How could you defend a group consisting of Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Joe Mixon, and now Michael Mayer, with Joe Burrow throwing the football?? The answer: you can't.
Pick change: Isaiah Foskey (EDGE)

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

I strongly considered Hendon Hooker here, but I couldn't justify the pick with the possibility that Brady is back for another year after this one. Instead, I see Brady coming back and convincing his front office to continue to add weapons to this offense, by getting him arguably the best WR in the draft in JSN. While Smith-Njigba has had a down year statistically, it is more due to Ohio State being STACKED at WR with other future first rounders than JSN not being a great player. Njigba is an elite route runner with improving hands each and every week. Slotting in as the third WR behind an offense that already has Mike Evans and Chris Godwin would be lethal for a potential 46 year old Tom Brady. Almost feels unfair for him to go to Tampa.
Pick change: Malachi Moore (CB)

20. Denver Broncos (via SF/MIA) - Broderick Jones, Offensive Tackle, Georgia

One of the main reasons why Georgia's offense is so damn good and Stetson Bennett continues to deal week after week? Broderick Jones. Georgia's LT has put together an elite pass blocking season for the top ranked Bulldogs and played his way right into the early/mid first round discussion. Denver has been abysmal this year on offense, partly due to a revolving door of O-linemen. Russell Wilson struggled in Seattle when his OL was at its worst and he's struggling with a poor OL in Denver. Adding Broderick Jones to be a day 1 anchor at RT would be a huge get for a Denver team desperate to contend in 2023.
Pick change: Bryan Breese ^

21. Los Angles Chargers - Jaylin Hyatt, Wide Receiver, Tennessee

While Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker is getting all of the hype for the team's breakout campaign, much of that appreciation has to be shoveled on towards Jaylin Hyatt. Hyatt leads college football with his 14 receiving TDs. He has found a way to just repeatedly get open behind opposing defenses and it has been a joy to watch. The Charger offense has been in shambles for much of the year due to Mike Williams and Keenan Allen being injury prone players. At worst, adding Hyatt gives Justin Herbert an elite WR3 but there's a good chance that Hyatt could have his moments as the WR1 with all the injuries to those players every season. That being said, Keenan Allen could be near retirement as well. I love this fit for Hyatt/Chargers.
Pick change: Jahmyr Gibbs (RB)

22. Tennessee Titans - Darnell Washington, Tight End, Georgia

Another Tight End! I love this fit as well. Tennessee is clearly lacking pass catchers with the loss of AJ Brown, and what better target to go out and add than a 6'7, 280 pound Tight End that looks like an O-lineman but really CAN catch passes. Washington is an elite run blocker at TE as well and could help the run heavy Titans out in that regard as well. Perfect, best-of-both-worlds fit here for an offense needing pass catchers and blockers for Derrick Henry.
Pick change: Myles Murphy ^

23. Seattle Seahawks - Noah Sewell, Linebacker, Oregon

Pete Carroll and the Seahawks love their PAC-12 players, and they stick with that by stealing Noah Sewell here at 23. Sewell is easily a top 10-15 talent in this class right now but slides to 23 in this due to LB never being a major position of desire for many teams in the first round. Seattle's biggest need right now might be finding a franchise LB to put next to stud Jordyn Brooks. Sewell is that perfect fit. At 250 pounds and standing at 6'3, Sewell is the perfect run defense mould for an LB. He is great at creating turnovers but does also have room for improvement in coverage. On a young defense, Sewell would be a perfect addition.
Pick change: Josh Downs (WR)

24. Baltimore Ravens - Kayshon Boutte, Wide Receiver, LSU

While Kayshon Boutte has not been a crazy producer at LSU, this pick is more off of potential and skillset than what he actually is right now. Boutte stands 6 foot and 205 pounds and has game breaking speed and athleticism. It is clear as day that the Ravens need another WR for Lamar Jackson, and this would be the perfect landing spot to unlock Boutte's untapped potential. The last few highly drafted LSU wideouts have worked out pretty well in the NFL...
Pick change: Arik Gilbert (TE)

25. New York Jets - Matthew Bergeron, Offensive Tackle, Syracuse

Picking OL isn't ever the most exciting pick and Bergeron is about the least 'flashy' OL prospect you will see, but, he is extremely sound in his blocking prowess and is a player you can rely on. The Jets have a lot of uncertainty at both tackle spots right now with an injury-prone Mekhi Becton and an aging George Fant/Duane Brown on the other side. Bergeron is not flashy, but he will slot in as a day 1 starter at either tackle spot and fill the void for 10 years.
Pick change: Jarret Patterson (C)

26. Dallas Cowboys - Josh Downs, Wide Receiver, North Carolina

A lot of people would probably slot in OL here for the Cowboys, but after taking Tyler Smith in the first round this past year, I think Jerry Jones will feel solid enough about the line to justify taking Josh Downs. Downs would be an electric add to an already star-studded Dallas offense. While WR1 CeeDee Lamb is more of a YAC, finesse player, Downs can be a dream compliment on the other side with his 4.3 speed and elite route running ability. Downs to Dallas right now would feel similar to when they stole Lamb a few years back and everyone was like oh boy, Dallas really just added HIM to their offense!
Pick change: Tyler Van Dyke (QB)

27. New York Giants - Clark Phillips III, Cornerback, Utah

The G-men could go a number of different ways here, including QB, but I went with their arguable biggest hole and a player who could fill it from day 1. Phillips would be probably a top 15 pick and maybe even the top ranked corner in the class if not for his 5'10 frame. That is considered quite small in today's NFL but we are seeing guys like DJ Reed and even Seattle's rookie Coby Bryant having success at CB under 6 feet tall. Phillips is going to give it his all on every snap and is comparably physical for the position to the Jets' Sauce Gardner. This is an instant impact, instant starter for the Giants defense to pair up with Adoree Jackson.
Pick change: Cam Smith (CB)

28. Kansas City Chiefs - Andre Carter II, Edge Rusher, Army

When was the last time you saw an Army guy in conversation to go in the first round? Andre Carter II is THAT good. Last season he made headlines with his 15.5 sack season which was amongst the best in the entire nation. Carter is simply an electric, unblock-able presence off the edge and really reminds me a bit of Micah fricken' Parsons. The only reason Carter isn't in top 10 conversation is because some worry about draft/playing eligibility with the whole Army service requirement but I'm sure it could be sorted out before draft night. The Chiefs have seen improvement from their pass rush, but could still use help there. They are already such a stacked team they couldn't pass up on getting a potential All-NFL player here! This guy is truly a name to watch out for.
Pick change: Ainias Smith (WR)

29. Minnesota Vikings - Trenton Simpson, Linebacker, Clemson

It feels like every year now we get one of these guys coming out of the draft. Trenton Simpson is the next guy in the Isaiah Simmons/Micah Parsons/Zaven Collins type of chess piece LB prospect. While I don't think he is currently as good as those guys were when they were coming out of college, he certainly has the ceiling to get there with practice and development. The Vikings defense has holes all over it and what better way to try and solve more than one of them with one pick as a guy like Simpson can do it all.
Pick change: Nolan Smith (OLB)

30. Buffalo Bills - Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back, Alabama

The Bills FINALLY address this glaring need. Buffalo has arguably the most complete roster in the NFL but really lacks a running game (aside from Josh Allen running it himself). Gibbs would be an exceptional value pick here, as he would slot in as the day 1 three-down back in Buffalo. Gibbs is an elite elusive prospect, but he also has top end receiving skills out of the backfield, which is huge for the Buffalo offense that throws more than anyone and loves to check it down to the RB. I can't think of a better landing spot for Gibbs, and the Bills can finally put Josh Allen out of harms way on every QB blast he runs.
Pick change: Hendon Hooker (QB)

31. Philadelphia Eagles - Isaiah Foskey, Edge Rusher, Notre Dame

Foskey definitely deserved to go higher in this, but sometimes that is how the draft works and the best players fall further than they should. In this make believe draft, the Eagles would be THRILLED to snag Foskey this late. A lot of edge rushers are drafted off of athleticism and potential, but Foskey not only is a freak athlete, but he already has elite production coming from a top end program, which is rare. Foskey had 11 sacks and a whopping 6 forced fumbles last season and already has another 8.5 sacks THIS season. He is nearing Notre Dame's school record for sacks (currently held by NFL great Justin Tuck). I haven't even mentioned that Foskey is a plus run-defender as well! The Eagles addressed DB with their early first rounder and now add to the edge which is a spot they are somewhat thin at opposite the beast that is Haason Reddick. Steal for the best team in football here!
Pick change: Marvin Mims (WR)

*32nd pick forfeited by Miami*

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This was a fun exercise to be able to compare to at the end of the season and during 'draft season', but there are a few more names I love that were definitely in conversation to be in this mock that I will just mention below:

Hendon Hooker (QB, Tennessee) | Brian Branch (DB, Alabama) | Tyree Wilson (OLB, Texas Tech) | Siaki Ika (DT, Baylor) | O'Cyrus Torrence (OG, Florida) | Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida) | Jarret Patterson (C, Notre Dame) | Drew Sanders (LB, Arkansas) |