2023 FINAL Mock Draft (5.0)

 Here. We. Are. In less than 24 hours, we will finally know how the first round of the 2023 NFL draft goes down. All the talk. All the speculation. It all comes down to this. As the NFL world eagerly awaits the results, everyone is dropping final mock drafts. I am doing my best today to try and predict the first round, and then I'm also going to do the second round too. I'd be happy to get like 3-5 picks in total round 1 right. It is THAT hard. Especially accounting for trades and whatnot. I will try and make a few mock trades here and there, but it won't be any crazy amount. Lets get into this one, here are my FINAL predictions of what I expect to see tonight!

1. Carolina Panthers (via CHI) select: Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama

While CJ Stroud certainly had some serious hype to go no. 1 here for awhile, that just isn't going to happen. It is clear the Panthers have their heart set on Young from all we have heard, and it makes sense. Young would be considered the best QB prospect in years if not for his below average height/weight. He brings everything to the table you look for in a franchise signal caller and is exactly the kind of player you are aiming to get when you pay this much to move up to no. 1. The Panthers will finally have their franchise QB, and begin to look to the future!

2. Houston Texans select: C.J. Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State

We don't truly know what the Texans are going to do tomorrow night, which is what makes this draft such an intriguing one. Usually we know who the first couple of picks may be in a given draft. The Texans have left everything up to speculation and we really don't know. While the recent rumors have told us that it will be an edge rusher, I simply have to think with my mind. There is no way the Texans pass on a QB here. A new regime is not going to roll with Davis Mills if they have the option to get a blue chip QB prospect. Sure, things have come out about Stroud's 'cognitive abilities' or whatever. Who cares, he answered it best "I'm a football player, not a test taker". Stroud has elite accuracy and touch, very good size, anticipation, and is a leader. He can move too. The Texans may toy with the idea of an edge rusher (or maybe even Will Levis) but I think Stroud will be the Texans' new franchise QB when it is all said and done tomorrow around 8:15 pm. 

3. Arizona Cardinals select: Will Anderson Jr., Edge Rusher, Alabama

This is probably the most intriguing spot in the first round. Since the Cardinals already have their franchise QB, and a lot of other needs, a trade down to gather a higher quantity of picks feels very much in the CARDS. However, with Stroud off the board, I don't see a team desperate enough for one of the other QBs to move up here. It could happen, I could see Tennessee, Atlanta, Vegas, or even Indianapolis coming up here, but I'm not predicting it. Had Stroud fallen to 3, I may have projected the Titans to actually make this trade, but I don't. I think the Cardinals will ultimately weigh their options, and settle on taking my top overall player in the class. Sure, you have many needs, but this is a bona fide star pass rusher and a guy who feels like a perennial double digit sack player. New HC Jonathan Gannon is a defensive guy, and I just feel like this will be the pick. Tyree Wilson is reportedly heavily in play here, and OT Paris Johnson as a major dark horse.

4. Indianapolis Colts select: Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky

Let me make this clear, this is not a 'what I would do' mock draft, but me trying to predict what will actually happen. As crazy as I think the Colts are for this, all signs point to them going after Will Levis should he fall to pick 4. Levis has a cannon for an arm and a massive frame to work with, but he did not impress me at Kentucky. He rarely actually played well and feels like all projection to me. I could be wrong, but I do not think he will pan out in the NFL. I would take Anthony Richardson here if I was Indy. Either way, the Colts are in dire need of a QB and if the reports are true, they would be thrilled to snag Levis here to be their signal caller of the future.

5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) select: Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

Man, no one knows what the Seahawks are going to do. They are technically very much in play for a QB, and have shown serious interest in Anthony Richardson, but that could also be a smoke screen. They desperately need help on the DL, and with arguably the most talented DT prospect of the 2000s on the board, I cannot see Pete Carroll passing on him. Jalen Carter has had his off the field issues, but the Seahawks boast one of the league's best cultures and development staffs. If anyone can make it work with Carter, its Carroll and the Seahawks. With another first round pick, the Seahawks can afford to take a major swing, because if it pays off, you might have just gotten your Aaron Donald for the next decade. 

6. Detroit Lions (via LAR) select: Devon Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois

The Lions definitely are not thrilled to see Jalen Carter go one pick ahead of them, but it could be a blessing in disguise as it allows them to go with help at their biggest position of need: cornerback. As good as the Lions were down the stretch last season, their CB play was atrocious. Then they went ahead and traded promising youngster Jeff Okudah to Atlanta. While Oregon CB Christian Gonzales could be the pick here as he is more athletically gifted, I feel like Witherspoon fits Detroit. He plays sticky, aggressive man coverage and is not afraid to talk trash. This is a Dan Campbell grinder type of player, and I think he will be a lockdown CB in Motown for years to come. My comp for him: Packer All-Pro Jaire Alexander...

MOCK TRADE: The Las Vegas Raiders send pick #7 to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for pick #11, pick #41, and a 2024 second rounder

7. Tennessee Titans (via MOCK TRADE w/LV) select: Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida

Boom! My first mock trade is a big one! The Raiders have a lot of needs and with a lot of good prospects still available, they are willing to move down for a hefty price with the thought that at least one of those guys will still be there at 11 for them (while getting TWO second rounders)! The Titans have been heavily rumored to be in the QB market in this draft, and with Atlanta ahead of them along with the fear of another team moving up, the Titans pay up and move up four slots to get their signal caller of the future. Anthony Richardson is one of the most exciting prospects in this class and quite possibly the most athletic QB we've ever seen. He still is raw and has a lot of growth to do, but Tennessee is just entering this rebuild. They've got time to bring him along. High risk, potential high reward here for the Titans (but imagine those Derrick Henry/Richardson read options and RPOs...)

8. Atlanta Falcons select: Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas

I really have the Falcons doing it! Of all teams, I could see them being the ones to pull the trigger on Robinson this early. They seem to have a knack for skill position players early on. They drafted a TIGHT END fourth overall two years ago. They drafted a WR 8th last season. Now with a HC whose claim to fame was riding Derrick Henry as hard as he could in Tennessee, what makes you think they won't get the best RB prospect since Saquon here. Atlanta did solid work in FA improving the defense, they won't let a prospect this good fall past them. Bijan is just insane. He has elite speed, tackle breaking ability and vision, and oh yeah, he's one of the best receiving back prospects we've ever seen as well. Truly the complete package. With an offense that features Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and now Bijan, this team will be ready to insert a franchise QB in 2024 and the sky will be the limit.

9. Chicago Bears (via CAR) select: Paris Johnson Jr., Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Just another good move this off-season for the Bears. After getting a king's ransom (and then some) for the no. 1 pick, the Bears are still able to pick in the top 10 and fill arguably their biggest need here. Paris Johnson Jr. feels like the best OT in this class, and he is still learning the position. The athletic Johnson allowed basically no one to touch CJ Stroud this year, and he will get to work with another OSU QB in Chicago in Justin Fields. The Bears have committed this off-season to surround Justin with talent, and they give him arguably his biggest help yet here with an elite edge protector who could be in Chicago for a decade-plus. 

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) select: Tyree Wilson, Edge Rusher, Texas Tech

This just feels UNFAIR. The Eagles could go in a number of different directions here at 10, but with a guy who some project to go no. 2 overall sitting there and staring them in the face, they rush the card to the podium. Tyree Wilson is one of the freakiest athletic specimens in this class. He is 6'7 and over 260 pounds, runs fast, can play inside or outside on the DL, and is already an elite run defender. You can never have too many edge rushers, especially if you are Howie Roseman. Adding Tyree to a DL that already boasts Fletcher Cox, Haason Reddick, Jordan Davis, and more is not fair at all. If there is any landing spot that guarantees success for Wilson, it is Philly. This prospect is very similar to last year's no. 1 overall pick Travon Walker.

11. Las Vegas Raiders (via MOCK TRADE w/TEN) select: Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon

This is who I would have had the Raiders take had they stayed put at 7. While OT is also in play here, I think the Raiders go best player available at a position of need and steal Gonzalez at 11. This guy is quite possibly the best CB in a LOADED class. The 6'2, lengthy CB is one of the best athletes in the draft as well. He blazed a 4.3 forty and proved he was a ball-hawk all of last season. He reminds me a bit of Xavien Howard of the Dolphins. In an AFC West with so much firepower, the Raiders need to figure out their secondary. Starting with Gonzalez here is an amazing step in the right direction!

12. Houston Texans (via CLE) select: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio St.

If JSN is here at 12 for the Texans, I cannot see any way they pass on him. While his stock has ebbed and flowed over the course of this pre-draft process, it is peaking at the right time. Some people think Smith-Njigba could even find his way inside the top 10. There is pretty good reason too, this guy does everything you want a WR to do. He has the size, good enough speed, insanely smooth route running ability, and awesome hands. He can also dominate in the slot or outside. After taking CJ Stroud at 2, the Texans instantly circle back and land him his WR1, conveniently the one who he threw to for 1600 yards in 2021 at Ohio State!

13. Green Bay Packers (via NYJ) select: Dalton Kincaid, Tight End, Utah

This is another example of a pick I wouldn't make, but I do predict it to happen. With Aaron Rodgers officially out of the picture, it is time to build up the roster as good as possible for Jordan Love. That starts with the receiving core. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs make an interesting young WR core, but they need more. With Allen Lazard and TE Robert Tonyan leaving in FA, they just need guys who can catch the football well. That is exactly what you are getting here in Dalton Kincaid. Kincaid is built like a big slot receiver. There was pretty much no one in the nation with better receiving abilities than Kincaid. The Packers stay on brand by passing on a WR here, but Kincaid is basically just a glorified one anyway.

MOCK TRADE: The New England Patriots send pick #14 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for pick #18, #81 (rd. 3), and a 2024 fourth round pick

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (via MOCK TRADE w/NE) select: Peter Skoronski, Offensive Line, Northwestern

No one is shocked to see the Patriots trade down. EVERYONE will be shocked when the Steelers move up and then DONT take Joey Porter Jr., son of Steeler great Joey Porter. I could definitely see them taking Porter Jr. as CB is a big need for this team, but with multiple OL needy teams directly ahead of them and a glaring need themselves, the Steelers do what it takes to move up and ensure they land a falling star in Peter Skoronski. While I think it is close between Paris Johnson and Skoronski, I actually think Skoronski is the better prospect. Skoronski is super clean and polished, and looks very NFL ready. The only concern are his shorter arms limiting him to OG at the next level. The Steelers need help all over the line and with his multi-position versatility, they could use him wherever needed. Good pick here for the Steelers to continue and build around Kenny Pickett.

15. New York Jets (via GB) select: Broderick Jones, Offensive Tackle, Georgia

The Jets waste no time here, as Broderick Jones is the easy pick. With Mekhi Becton oft injured and Duane Brown on his last legs, OT is a clear big need for the Jets. With Aaron Rodgers now in the fold, this team needs to win right now, and they ensure their best chances of doing that by selecting the mauling tackle from the defending national champs in Jones. This can be a day 1 quality starter that instantly makes the Jets better. This guy can be a pillar along the OL for the next decade in Gotham city.

16. Washington Commanders select: Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback, Penn State

I could see the Commanders looking to move down here, but with no real suitors here, they stick and pick, and take arguably the best player on the board. Joey Porter Jr. is an animal. He is such a flashy CB who talks trash and backs it up. He plays sticky coverage and while he gets flagged sometimes, that is a coachable thing. Once he gets that cleaned up, he is going to be a shutdown CB1 in the NFL. The Commanders have dire needs in the secondary, and Porter Jr. goes a long way towards fixing the problem.

17. New England Patriots (via MOCK TRADE w/PIT) select: Brian Branch, Defensive Back, Alabama

This has to be one of the most Patriot picks ever. After trading down (classic Patriots), the Pats pass on a true CB or even an OT and instead get a tweener in Brian Branch. That is to take nothing away from the great player Branch is, I'm just calling it how I see it. At about 6 feet and just under 200 pounds, Branch is not a true outside CB, and not really a true safety either. He can play both spots, but he is in the middle. Branch however is one of the smartest players in the class and the BEST tackler in the entire class. He comes from respected coach Nick Saban, and all of this factors into him being a dream Bill Belichick pick at 17.

18. Detroit Lions select: Lukas Van Ness, Edge Rusher, Iowa

It was about time for Van Ness to come off the board. This is a guy many see as an easy top 10 pick. Steal for Detroit. This is one of the strongest edge rushers you will ever see. He simply has a power aspect that college O-linemen could not HANDLE. He also is developing other moves too. The Lions have one star edge rusher in Aidan Hutchinson, but they need to pair him with another stud. That is exactly what we have here in Van Ness, who is another pure Dan Campbell, weight room guy. This is a dream landing spot for LVN.

MOCK TRADE: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers send pick #19 to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for pick #23, pick #88 (rd. 3) , and a 2024 sixth rounder

19. Minnesota Vikings (via MOCK TRADE w/TB) select: Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland

With no great fit for the Bucs at 19, they look to move down, and the Vikings are eager to move up. Paying a solid price, Minnesota moves up four slots to ensure they snag one of the last top-flight CB prospects in the class. The Minnesota secondary was atrocious at times in 2022, and they have already made several moves to improve it during FA, like bringing in Byron Murphy. Still, Murphy is not enough. Deonte Banks is one of the freaks of the class. At elite length, Banks ran a 4.3 forty and boasted tremendous coverage and ball skills in 2022. A Murphy/Banks CB tandem is one of the better young duos in the position in the NFL. This unit could really turn it around in 2023!

20. Seattle Seahawks select: Nolan Smith, Edge Rusher, Georgia

Two first round picks for Seattle, two Georgia D-linemen! This would be a steal for Seattle. Smith was the combine MVP after running 4.39 at 240 pounds off the edge. The former no. 1 overall player in his high school class showed flashes of elite rushing at Georgia, but was also oft-injured. With health and development in the NFL, he could be a special talent. Seattle just bolstered its DL for the future, and the sky is the limit for Smith and Carter teaming up once again, and joining guys like Dre'Mont Jones, Darrell Taylor, and Boye Mafe in Seattle.

21. Los Angeles Chargers select: Jordan Addison, Wide Receiver, USC

This just feels like a good fit to me, and one that will happen. The Chargers need more playmakers at WR. Keenan Allen is getting old and Mike Williams is always hurt. Josh Palmer is not a consistent enough WR3. Enter Jordan Addison, the former Biletnikoff award winner and player with a CFB receiving TD title to his name. Jordan Addison has succeeded at both USC and Pitt, due to his elite route running ability and speed. Addison would be an unfair WR3 in this high powered Bolts offense.

22. Baltimore Ravens select: Emmanuel Forbes, Cornerback, Mississippi State

It was hard to decide on a player here for the Ravens. There is a lot of decent value, but nothing jumped out at me. I ultimately went with a slight reach in the next best CB available which is none other than the ball-hawking, incompletion forcing Emmanuel Forbes. Forbes broke out in 2022 and proved he has what it takes to be a CB1. The Ravens love the pairing of Marlon Humphrey and Forbes for the future!

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via MOCK TRADE w/MIN) select: Jack Campbell, Linebacker, Iowa

I think the Buccaneers would have taken Jack Campbell at 19 with no trade down available, but knowing it was a bit of a reach, they were able to move down and still secure him at 23. This is a weak LB class, but Campbell has a real shot to go in the first round. He is a huge 'backer who can play the run and is decent in pass coverage, not to mention a tackle machine. With Devin White unhappy in Tampa and not much already outside of him, getting a stud like Campbell is a must. 

24. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame

The slide finally ends for Michael Mayer. One of the most complete TE prospects in years, Mayer is a rock of consistency and true safety blanket for any offense. Doug Pederson and co. have been surrounding Trevor Lawrence with as much talent as possible, and now with Mayer in the fold, there isn't much more to really be added. Mayer can serve as a 6th lineman on some plays and then gash you down the middle on other plays. He reminds me a little of Gronk.

25. New York Giants select: Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, TCU

I feel like this is a major steal for the G-men. WR has long been a big need for them, and while they did get some help by bringing in TE Darren Waller, they still need more. I love Zay Flowers as a prospect, but the Giants already have a guy in Wan'Dale Robinson similar to him. Instead, Big Blue goes with a completely different kind of wideout in Johnston. Johnston is an X receiver, he is huge but also shockingly fast. While his hands need work and he needs to play with more strength, all the physical traits of a freakish WR1 are there. He just needs molding and time.

26. Dallas Cowboys select: Darnell Washington, Tight End, Georgia

This might be a shocker to some, but I could see Dallas being the team to pull the trigger on one of the biggest unicorn prospects in the class. Washington brings everything to the table that the Cowboys need. Receiving help, particularly at TE? Check! Blocking for a stout run game? Check! Insane hands? Check! And so much more. This is a crazy athletic specimen that Jerry Jones will not be willing to leave the draft without.

27. Buffalo Bills select: Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back, Alabama

With so much steam on Gibbs' name right now in NFL circles, the Bills will be jumping for joy when he is available for them to snag at 27. Gibbs is one of the most underrated prospects in the class. Any other year and he is the surefire RB1 in the class, but this year is different with Bijan. Gibbs has drawn many comparisons to Saint star Alvin Kamara. The Bills have needed an elite player at RB for so long, and Gibbs would be that perfect complement to Josh Allen. 

28. Cincinnati Bengals select: Darnell Wright, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee

Somehow Darnell Wright has fallen this far, and the Bengals just go best player available here. Even though OT is somewhat more figured out now in Cinncy with Orland Brown Jr. in the fold, drafting Wright would allow them to move off of the ever-so-disappointing Jonah Williams. Wright was one of the most rock solid pass protectors in all of college last year, all while playing in the SEC against the best of the best. With Brown on one side and Wright on the other, no one will touch Joe Burrow.

29. New Orleans Saints (via DEN) select: Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver, Boston College

Talk about thrilled. The Saints cannot believe their eyes when Zay Flowers is sitting there for the taking at 29. Flowers is the WR1 in the class to some people and for good reason. While on the smaller side, he is a little rocket in the open field. Flowers is one of the best RAC prospects I've seen and reminds me of a slightly smaller but slightly faster Deebo Samuel. Derek Carr is going to have WEAPONS!

30. Philadelphia Eagles select: Calijah Kancey, Defensive Tackle, Pitt

Philly double dips on DL here, and they cannot be more happy about it. They sniped Tyree Wilson at 10 earlier on, and now they get an easy top 20 talent at 30. Kancey is one of the most juiced up DTs I've ever seen. Despite being short for the position, he makes up for it with his pass rush ability. Kancey was the best DT at rushing the QB in the nation last season. The Eagles will feast rotating him in and out amongst the star studded front 7 they already have. This feels unfair.

31. Kansas City Chiefs select: Bryan Bresee, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

The Chiefs do what they do best, and take best player available. Bryan Bresee has been rising up draft boards of late due to his elite potential at a position with not many elite players. While he has a lot of growth to do, his is athletic as hell and has shown flashes of great pass rush ability and run defense. On a stacked DL in KC, Bresee should be able to unlock his full potential!