2023 NFL Mock Draft: QBs, Edge Rushers Dominate Top 10, and Bryce Young Goes No. 1

It’s mock draft season, which also means it’s guessing season.

The 2023 NFL draft might be one of the most intriguing drafts in recent memory because two, or maybe three, quarterbacks are in the running of being the No. 1 pick come April 27 in Kansas City. Beyond the quarterbacks, there are plenty of unknowns at various positions, and that might force teams to prioritize scheme fits over physical traits.

With free agency behind us, and with the help of scouting reports from the draft experts, here’s my best guess at how the first-round of the draft will play out.

Stroud and Young will likely be the top two picks in the NFL draft. The question: Who goes No. 1?

Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY Network (Stroud); Gary Cosby Jr.-/USA TODAY Sports (Young)

(Note: There are only 31 selections, because the Dolphins were stripped of their first-round pick for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton.)

NFL Draft Props: Odds for First Three Picks

1

Carolina Panthers (via CHI): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Young is the most polished quarterback in the draft, and the Panthers want a quarterback who can contribute immediately. Young’s height and narrow frame are concerning, but Carolina will likely overlook those with an impatient owner and after three years of poor quarterback play from veterans. Young can play now, he’s a standout playmaker away from the pocket and he would have a stout offensive line to protect him in Carolina. 

2

Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Stroud has the size, arm strength and accuracy, making him the safer pick over Young. But Stroud showcased in the playoff game against Georgia that perhaps he’s more than just a safe pick and maybe an underrated creator away from the pocket. In Houston, Stroud would have Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and dynamic running back Dameon Pierce. The Texans are a true No. 1 receiver away from having a strong supporting cast for a young quarterback. 

3

Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr., edge, Alabama

There’s a strong chance Arizona will trade out of this spot, and it might be via a swap with Indianapolis, which wouldn’t disrupt this mock draft by much. But let’s be real, we will be lucky if we get more than five picks right. Two things, however, are certain: The Cardinals won’t draft a quarterback in the first round, and they desperately need defensive line help. Anderson has the speed and power to rack up sacks in the NFL.

4

Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Richardson’s name moved up draft boards across the league after a sensational performance at the NFL scouting combine that earned him comparisons to Cam Newton, Josh Allen and Daunte Culpepper. The Florida product has a tantalizing skill set, but he’s raw with only one year of starting experience in college. Colts coach Shane Steichen might be perfect for Richardson after the results the former Chargers and Eagles coach received from working with Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts. 

5

Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Tyree Wilson, edge, Texas Tech

The Seahawks have shown interest in the top QB prospects, but with three already gone, they would probably go best player available in this scenario and ride with Geno Smith for the foreseeable future. Wilson is one of the best prospects, but he would also fill a need with Seattle needing another edge rusher next to Uchenna Nwosu.

6

Detroit Lions (via LAR): Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa

Like the Seahawks, the Lions are probably searching for a quarterback, but they’re not desperate with Jared Goff having played well this past season. Detroit needs playmakers on the defensive line, and Van Ness’s athleticism and versatility would help the team on the edge and inside. 

7

Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Raiders need a long-term quarterback, but their poor defense has been an issue for many years. This draft class is loaded with cornerbacks, and Gonzalez might be the best one because of his size (6'2", 200 pounds), athleticism and ball-hawking skills. You can’t have a poor secondary while playing against Patrick Mahomes and Herbert twice a year. 

8

Atlanta Falcons: Myles Murphy, edge, Clemson

The Falcons need a second cornerback to go with A.J. Terrell, but they can help him more by applying consistent pressure on the quarterback after generating only 21 sacks last season. Murphy’s vast skill set gives him high upside as an edge rusher, and he’s a quality run defender. 

9

Chicago Bears (via CAR): Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

The Bears’ pass rush was worse than the Falcons’ with a league-low 20 sacks in 2022, but they also allowed 58 sacks. GM Ryan Poles helped quarterback Justin Fields by trading for wide receiver DJ Moore, and now he can improve that trade by using Carolina’s pick to draft a stout offensive tackle. Skoronski’s ready to play now. 

10

Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Nolan Smith, edge, Georgia

Smith is smaller than most edge rushers, but he’s explosive off the line of scrimmage and would give the Eagles another standout edge rusher behind Haason Reddick. NFL Media draft expert Daniel Jeremiah compared Smith to Reddick. 

11

Tennessee Titans: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

The Titans have a top-heavy defense with a ferocious front and would benefit from having a feisty cornerback such as Whiterspoon, a polished playmaker with solid instincts on the field. 

12

Houston Texans (via CLE): Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia

Carter had an underwhelming workout at Georgia's pro day, and he could fall outside the top 10 picks.

Carter was once viewed as the potential top pick before his March 1 arrest for reckless driving and racing (he pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charges), and had an underwhelming workout at Georgia’s March 15 pro day. Carter could fall outside of the top 10—such as in this scenario—but teams often put talent ahead of off--field circumstances. 

13

New York Jets: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

The Jets need to improve their offensive line before Aaron Rodgers lands in New York, and who knows at this point when the Packers and Jets will execute a trade. But the Jets are likely planning ahead with a shaky tackle situation, and Johnson could provide depth and stability. Mekhi Becton has been inconsistent on the field, and Duane Brown is heading into his age-38 season.

14

New England Patriots: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Quarterback Mac Jones struggled last season, but he can have a bounce-back season with the do-it-all Robinson in his backfield. The Patriots don’t follow trends and would definitely draft a running back in the first round, but Robinson is no ordinary running back. 

15

Green Bay Packers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Jordan Love era has started, despite Rodgers still on the roster. The Packers need to improve their offensive line after Rodgers was sacked 32 times last season. The powerful Jones can play on either side and might even be a quality guard, giving his future employer plenty of flexibility.

16

Washington Commanders: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

If Levis falls outside the top 15, the Commanders might not think twice with a current QB depth chart of Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett. Washington says Howell is QB1, but there is nothing wrong with competition. Levis has his flaws, but he’s worth the gamble at this spot with size, athleticism and arm strength. 

17

Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

With Cameron Sutton joining the Lions, Porter can team with veteran Patrick Peterson to fill the void. Porter is a physical corner who excels in press coverage, making him an ideal fit for Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. It’s also not surprising that Porter plays with an edge with his father, Porter Sr., being a Steelers great. 

18

Detroit Lions: Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh

The Lions could address the defensive line again and, in this scenario, would have Van Ness and Kancey to go with last year’s top pick, Aidan Hutchinson. Kancey is undersized, but his athleticism could make him a standout pass rusher. He might have trouble in traffic if teammates and coaches don’t help him break free.

19

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Kincaid is a polished route runner and might be the best pass catcher among a deep crop of tight ends this year. Baker Mayfield probably isn’t the long-term answer in Tampa, but he tends to play better with productive tight ends as security blankets. 

20

Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Smith-Njigba’s knack for getting open with crisp routes would complement downfield threats DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. It might be a down year for wideouts, but there’s nothing wrong with getting a safe prospect with reliable hands and smooth footwork.

21

Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

Addison lacks size, but he has speed and can hit another gear for yards after the catch. The Chargers need to get faster on the field to complete their impressive receiving core of Mike Williams, Keenan Allen and Josh Palmer. Addison might struggle on the outside, but he’s capable of playing in the slot. 

22

Baltimore Ravens: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

This one is a gamble because many draft experts are concerned about Johnston’s hands, but the upside is enticing with size, speed and athleticism. If HE can limit the drops, he might develop into a star No. 1 wide receiver. 

23

Minnesota Vikings: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Hooker is recovering from a torn ACL. But landing with the Vikings would allow him to continue his rehab while preparing to start in 2024 if Kirk Cousins isn't back with Minnesota.

Saul Young/News Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK

The Vikings haven’t committed to Kirk Cousins past this season and might be eyeing a change at quarterback. Hooker can take the year to recover from his torn ACL and learn coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense to possibly become the new starter in 2024.

24

Jacksonville Jaguars: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Wright might be the best tackle prospect in the draft if he’s playing right tackle in the NFL. It didn’t go well for him at left tackle during 13 starts in college. The Jaguars have an opening at right tackle with Jawaan Taylor’s signing with the Chiefs. 

25

New York Giants: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

Banks is athletic and has ideal size, but he needs to polish his fundamentals. With time, he could emerge as a top defensive playmaker for the Giants.

26

Dallas Cowboys: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

The Cowboys would get to replace Dalton Schultz with the most complete tight end in the draft. Mayer might not be as athletic as Kincaid, but he’s a better blocker and a quality route runner. 

27

Buffalo Bills: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

The Bills are in need of a third wideout behind Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, and a speedy downfield threat for Josh Allen. Flowers’s skill set would give Buffalo’s offense another element to punish defenses. 

28

Cincinnati Bengals: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

Washington is viewed as an in-line tight end, but he has untapped potential as a pass catcher. He could help buy Joe Burrow more time to attack downfield and also be a quality red-zone target. 

29

New Orleans Saints (via SF): Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson

Bresee, a versatile defensive lineman, can be a plug-and-play starter for the Saints, who lost multiple defensive linemen in free agency. Bresee might have been higher on draft boards if he wasn’t slowed by injuries in college. 

30

Philadelphia Eagles: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

Branch’s NFL comparison might be C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who left the Eagles for the Lions during free agency. Like Gardner-Johnson, Branch can play as a safety and slot cornerback. Branch has the ball skills to become a full-time safety, but he has the versatility to play at multiple positions.

31

Kansas City Chiefs: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

The reigning champions have depth issues at multiple positions with the departures of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, edge rusher Frank Clark and right tackle Andrew Wylie. But the Chiefs need more weapons for Mahomes, and could opt for Hyatt, a speedy playmaker with reliable hands.