The NFL Scouting Combine is complete. The NFL Draft is on the horizon. And the 2023 class is loaded with franchise-altering talent, including quarterbacks, that could shake up fantasy leagues and the NFL hierarchy. My first NFL mock draft explores potential trades and key landing spots before the free agency frenzy begins.
1. Carolina Panthers (from CHI) - Anthony Richardson (QB - Florida)
The Panthers have openly stated that the best way to get the quarterback right includes drafting and developing one. Reports from the NFL Scouting Combine suggest that Anthony Richardson has a legitimate shot to be the first quarterback selected in April after acing the interview process and showing his unique athleticism on the field. Richardson must continue working on his mechanics, but he possesses the most upside of any quarterback in the class. The Panthers need to take a swing, and Richardson could be the home run of the class.
Trade: Chicago sends the No. 1 overall pick to Carolina for picks No. 9 overall, No. 40 overall, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2025 first-round pick.
2. Houston Texans - Bryce Young (QB - Alabama)
Bryce Young has franchise-altering potential with his accuracy, anticipation, and football intelligence despite his smaller frame, and he should still be considered one of the top quarterbacks available. The Texans get a new face for their franchise as they move entirely out of the Deshaun Watson era.
3. Arizona Cardinals - Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE - Alabama)
Will Anderson Jr. is an undersized edge rusher. Still, the mix of production, elite bend off the edge, and strength as a run defender make him an excellent fit for the new-look Cardinals defense that intends to implement multiple concepts. Anderson can operate as a 3-4 outside linebacker with a two-point stance and a 4-3 defensive end with a three-point stance; he does both very well. He's likely the #1 player on multiple teams' boards and would be an immediate contributor in Arizona.
4. Indianapolis Colts - Will Levis (QB - Kentucky)
The order in which the four quarterbacks will come off the board is still a significant question mark, even following the NFL Combine. Still, Will Levis has the traits that NFL teams covet this early in the draft. His big arm and plus-athleticism were on full display at the combine, and reports of his leadership skills are well-known. Levis fits the prototypical Chris Ballard selection at the position, and the Shane Steichen offense would enhance the big arm he possesses. He's also the perfect personality for taking on the "franchise savior" responsibilities that the next Colts quarterback must.
5. Seattle Seahawks - Tyree Wilson (EDGE - Texas Tech)
Tyree Wilson becoming the first edge rusher selected in the draft wouldn't be surprising, but his fit with the Cardinals isn't as evident with the new personnel plans. Wilson's best pass-rushing reps came as a standing rusher, and the Seahawks' 3-4 base personnel would highlight those strengths. Wilson would be an upgrade from Darrell Taylor and give the Seahawks an incredibly formidable and youthful defense.
6. Detroit Lions - Christian Gonzalez (CB - Oregon)
While many players boosted their stock at the NFL Combine, Christian Gonzalez's elite athleticism shone through remarkably among his defensive back peers. His unofficial 9.99 relative athletic score ties him for third all-time, but it wasn't surprising. Gonzalez's fluid athleticism and ability to stay in phase with every type of wideout are apparent in his film, and he will undoubtedly be among the top two cornerbacks selected. The Lions' secondary desperately needs reinforcements, and pairing Gonzalez with former top-three overall pick Jeffrey Okudah would initiate that process.
7. Las Vegas Raiders - Devon Witherspoon (CB - Illinois)
Rock Ya-Sin helped the Raiders' secondary in 2022, but his impending free agency and a lack of consistency around him highlight the team's cornerback needs. Devon Witherspoon is a brilliant corner, playing with route anticipation and physicality through entire stems. An injury prevented answers about his long speed at the NFL Combine, but Witherspoon's ball production and dominance in the Big Ten should still warrant a top-ten selection in April.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Nolan Smith (EDGE - Georgia)
Nolan Smith did more for his stock than any player at the NFL Combine, posting elite explosion and speed metrics and making people forget about his stout 6-foot-2, 238-pound frame. Smith's elite bend and motor made him a top-20 lock before the combine, but that performance should put him on the radar of the edge-needy teams inside the Top 10. Grady Jarrett led the Falcons in sacks in 2022 with seven, and GM Terry Fontenot will be looking to improve the overall sack production this offseason. Nolan Smith's traits should help achieve that.
9. Chicago Bears (from CAR) - Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR - Ohio State)
With the Jalen Carter situation, trading outside the Top 5 is less detrimental to the Bears' plans. While the Bears must remodel their defensive line, the free agent class and their copious cap space can accomplish that. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a remarkable NFL Combine, posting elite agility numbers and dominating the on-field drills. The Bears must surround Justin Fields with pieces to evaluate his future properly, and getting one of his former teammates is one path to success.
10. Philadelphia Eagles - Paris Johnson Jr. (OT - Ohio State)
Howie Roseman likely won't draft a running back in the first round. Lane Johnson will turn 33 one week after the 2023 NFL Draft. The Eagles are consistently building for the future. Those facts and Paris Johnson Jr.'s experience on the right side make this a comfortable fit for the Eagles in the Top 10. Johnson fits the size-athleticism profile that the Eagles traditionally covet, and this landing spot would be perfect for refining some of the inconsistencies in his game.
11. Tennessee Titans - Broderick Jones (OT - Georgia)
The Titans cut Taylor Lewan last month, and Dennis Daley didn't perform well enough to warrant a starting spot heading into 2023. Broderick Jones has the highest upside of the tackles in this class, with elite movement skills and tenacity in space. His inexperience occasionally appears, allowing defenders to get into his chest and push him backward, but coaching and development should fix those issues. Selecting Jones would allow the Titans to continue playing Nicholas Petit-Frere at right tackle, making up one of the more promising young tackle duos for the next few years.
12. Seattle Seahawks (from HOU) - C.J. Stroud (QB - Ohio State)
The Seahawks passed on a quarterback inside the Top 5 but couldn't pass up the opportunity to move back up and select their future signal-caller. Stroud's elite accuracy and anticipation are among the best in the class, but his inconsistencies as an off-platform performer could push him down boards. Still, his accuracy remains the best in the class, and the Seahawks have built an offensive model that requires elite ball placement. With Geno Smith back for 2023, Stroud may spend some time as a backup in this scenario. But once he hits the field, he'd be the rookie quarterback with the best situation around him.
Trade: Houston sends pick No. 12 to Seattle for No. 20, No. 53, and a 2024 second-rounder.
13. New York Jets - Brian Branch (S - Alabama)
While the Jets don't have much cap space as things currently stand, they do have the flexibility to create enough (via cuts or restructures) to sign a big-name free-agent tackle. In this scenario, they choose that route, plus faith that Mekhi Becton will return from injury motivated and better than ever, and take Brian Branch to bolster the already elite secondary. Branch is one of the best players in the draft, with the versatility to play as a single-high safety, rotate down to eliminate slot receivers, and physicality to play as a box safety. He'd be a defensive chess piece to complement the young corner duo and Quinnen Williams in the middle.
14. New England Patriots - Peter Skoronski (OT - Northwestern)
Isaiah Wynn's impending free agency and lack of availability, combined with Trent Brown's decline as a run blocker, make offensive tackle a huge need for New England. Skoronski's arm length and size may scare teams off, but he has consistent film and ranks among the best offensive tackles in the class. While New England flirted with the quarterbacks at the combine, protecting Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe should remain a priority heading into 2023.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars (from GB) - Joey Porter Jr Jr. (CB - Penn State)
Tyson Campbell emerged as a great corner in 2022. Still, with the news that the Jaguars will move on from Shaquill Griffin, the room around Campbell isn't dripping with talent. Joey Porter Jr Jr. put on a show at the NFL Combine, posting a 99th-percentile arm length and wingspan and running a 4.46-second forty-yard dash. Porter Jr. perfectly complements Campbell and fits the Jaguars' scheme well. Unfortunately, acquiring him will likely require a significant trade-up like this one.
Trade: Green Bay sends pick No. 15 overall and a 2024 fourth-round pick to Jacksonville for pick No. 24 overall and a 2024 second-rounder.
16. Washington Commanders - Darnell Washington (TE - Georgia)
Logan Thomas was on the field more consistently in 2022, but the production was significantly down from his breakout 2020 season. The Commanders have needs in the secondary, but a young core of Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Darnell Washington as the primary pass-catchers is exactly how to set up a future franchise quarterback to succeed. Sam Howell may be that guy. Caleb Williams may be that guy. But either way, constructing a roster that allows for the easy insertion of a young quarterback should be a main priority of the Commanders, even if it comes at the expense of passing on more significant needs.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Deonte Banks (CB - Maryland)
Deonte Banks had a fantastic weekend that should vault him into a strictly first-round discussion. He's a heavy press-man coverage cornerback, something the Steelers will covet this offseason. His ability to stay sticky in coverage yet patient along receiver stems is impressive, and his change of direction and burst out of breaks is apparent on film. He's an elite athlete with first-round film, and with the top three corners off the board, he finds a good home in Pittsburgh.
18. Detroit Lions - Bijan Robinson (RB - Texas)
Finding a landing spot for Bijan Robinson is difficult. With reports that the Lions may not see a future with D'Andre Swift for various reasons, and Jamaal Williams' lack of a contract as things currently stand, they need a lead back. Robinson is as versatile as any back in the last five years, and he's impactful in ways that make him worth a first-round investment. The Dan Campbell-led Lions implement a physical, tough brand of football, and Bijan Robinson would fit in and contribute to that cause.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Lukas Van Ness (EDGE - Iowa)
Lukas Van Ness is a freaky athlete, and the Bucs have a depth problem at their EDGE position. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is still developing and looks promising, but Shaq Barrett's injury in 2022 highlighted the lack of depth in the pass-rush department. Van Ness has the power to win from inside alignments, but the bend and burst to win if split wide and taking on tackles. Van Ness is a developmental player who must improve his pass-rush plans, and Tampa Bay's lack of immediate Super Bowl readiness would give him time to do that.
20. Houston Texans (from SEA) - Jalen Carter (DT - Georgia)
While the on-field workouts stole the show, the NFL Combine began with reports that the Athens-Clarke County Police Department charged Jalen Carter with reckless driving and racing in connection with a crash that tragically killed a teammate and Georgia staff member. Carter is undoubtedly one of the top-five most talented players in this draft, but the details included lying to police about his involvement. The Houston Texans must be in the market for talented football players, and here, they end the drastic slide for the player once viewed as the #1 player in the class.
21. Miami Dolphins - Forfeited
22. Los Angeles Chargers - Jalin Hyatt (WR - Tennessee)
The Chargers need speed. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are great receivers, but neither can challenge a defense with their legs. Josh Palmer stepped up in the absence of each of those guys, but he's also a possession guy. Jalin Hyatt had a disappointing forty-yard dash relative to expectations but still offers a ton of speed and ball-tracking ability. If only one quarterback can get Hyatt the ball 70 yards downfield, it's Justin Herbert.
23. Baltimore Ravens - Quentin Johnston (WR - TCU)
The Ravens will head into 2023 with a completely different offensive philosophy. Todd Monken takes over for Greg Roman as offensive coordinator. While Monken has operated run-heavy offenses in the past, it's more likely his arrival is to modernize the Ravens' scheme. The Ravens have a wide receiver problem, with Rashod Bateman as the only player that should be contributing meaningful snaps on the offensive side of the ball in three years. Quentin Johnston's skill set differs from how the NFL is trending, but he showed off his explosiveness and jumping ability at the combine. Johnston would immediately be an upgrade, and the healthy Bateman and Johnston duo would be an exciting young core to build around.
24. Minnesota Vikings - Zay Flowers (WR - Boston College)
Adam Thielen's time in Minnesota may end this offseason, and the Vikings are thin at wide receiver outside Justin Jefferson. Zay Flowers didn't have an outstanding NFL Combine, but his 4.42 speed should play at the NFL level. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is analytically-driven, and Flowers' relative athletic score may be a hang-up. But Flowers' ability to create after the catch fits nicely with Kirk Cousins' skill set and the offense Kevin O'Connell operates.
25. Green Bay Packers (from JAX) - Dalton Kincaid (TE - Utah)
Robert Tonyan Jr is a free agent this offseason, and depending on the Aaron Rodgers situation, spending money at the tight end position may make little sense (trading Rodgers pre-June 1st results in an $8.7M cap hit for Green Bay). Dalton Kincaid is an elite pass-catching option but a more well-rounded player than expected. He has an immense upside to be a field-stretcher or chain-mover, and the Packers' pass-catching corps of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dalton Kincaid would make Jordan Love's life easier.
26. New York Giants - Drew Sanders (LB - Arkansas)
Giants fans desperately want a receiver at this spot, but their cap space should allow for a free-agent signing to plan for their top target going before this pick. The Giants need consistent linebacker play, and Drew Sanders is the athletic, often-reckless player that could complete their defense. Sanders' range is outstanding, and his ability to flip his hips in coverage and remain versatile should see him ranked as the top option at the position for plenty of teams. The Giants have one of the most promising young defenses in the NFL, and adding Sanders would make that strength even more substantial.
27. Dallas Cowboys - Jordan Addison (WR - USC)
The Cowboys have vocalized their mishap in trading Amari Cooper and failing to replace him properly, and Jerry Jones loves drafting skill players. Addison didn't test as well as he probably hoped, but his film is among the best receivers in the class. The Cowboys have Michael Gallup locked up until at least 2024 when there is a reasonable option to get out, and they'll hope he returns to form another year removed from injury. But Addison's skill set complements him and CeeDee Lamb well, and the Cowboys must be willing to go all-in on a Super Bowl run while this version of the core is still together. Selecting Addison falls in line with that plan.
28. Buffalo Bills - Dawand Jones (OT - Ohio State)
Protecting Josh Allen was difficult with Spencer Brown at right tackle in 2022, resulting in a career-high 41 sacks for the star quarterback. Dawand Jones' size-athleticism combination will intrigue many NFL teams, but inconsistencies in his play make him a fringe first-rounder instead of a locked-in top-20 pick. Jones would help protect Allen's frontside, giving the team solace in both tackle spots.
29. Cincinnati Bengals - Michael Mayer (TE - Notre Dame)
Michael Mayer showed up well at the NFL Combine, and he's the most well-rounded tight end prospect in the class. Still, the Notre Dame product is more reliable than game-changing, and falling to TE3 off the board wouldn't be difficult to fathom. His soft hands and chain-moving ability would give the Bengals a possession player for when they move off of Tyler Boyd (which could happen this year if they determine they need to save around $9M). Mayer would join one of the most dynamic young offenses in football, offering a diverse skill set and likely beginning his ascension to one of the top tight ends in the NFL.
30. New Orleans Saints - Bryan Bresee (DT - Clemson)
Bryan Bresee is an elite athlete with high-upside as a pass-rushing 3-technique. Many will explain the perception of a draft-day fall by mentioning Bresee's inconsistent film and a lack of impact as a run defender. Still, Bresee's best football is ahead of him, and the Saints relied on David Onyemata and a combination of Shy Tuttle and Kentavius Street on their defensive interior in 2022. That led to middling run defense and nearly league-worst pass rush productivity. Bresee's ability to generate quarterback pressures from the interior should give him more value in the eyes of New Orleans' decision-makers.
31. Philadelphia Eagles - Myles Murphy (EDGE - Clemson)
The Eagles have two first-round picks, and while many anticipate them making a "luxury" pick with one of them, that's not Howie Roseman's style. An injury prevented Myles Murphy from participating in the NFL Combine, and his classmates gained ground on him. He has an opportunity to show his freaky athleticism at the Clemson Pro Day, but the lack of consistent bend around the edge may push him down the board, similar to George Karlaftis in 2022.
32. Kansas City Chiefs - Keion White (EDGE - Georgia Tech)
The Chiefs prefer size, athleticism, and versatility along their line, and Keion White offers all three. White is best as a traditional 4-3 defensive end, and Frank Clark looks like an easy cut-candidate for the Super Bowl champions. His explosiveness and ability to get into the backfield are apparent on film, and he's been a late riser in this draft cycle. White would combine with George Karlaftis as a talented pair of first-round edge rushers to continue building toward a dynasty.
