With the 2023 NFL Draft kicking off in just under two weeks' time, we've created a full first-round mock-up of the decisions every team currently holding a top pick faces as they decide which College prospects they'd like to add to their rosters.
Keep in mind that although there are usually 32 first round picks, the Miami Dolphins had their pick for this year stripped due to violating league rules with Mike McDaniel's side with the least
1. Carolina Panthers (via Chicago Bears)
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Panthers have been desperate for a star QB for some time now, after failed experiments with Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield (both former first round picks, although from other teams) and traded up to the first overall pick with Chicago in order to ensure they could secure their top choice at the position. Stroud is an excellent player, and probably the most NFL-ready QB in this draft.
2. Houston Texans
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Another team in dire need of a big player at the quarterback position is Houston, who take Crimson Tide man Bryce Young with the second overall pick. Young and Stroud are fairly clear as the two most sought after QBs of this class, and so these first two picks could go either way between these teams.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama
Probably the top overall prospect of any position in this class, Anderson is a big-body pass rusher that would help any team he goes to, in this case Arizona, who begin to build their foundation on defence after hiring Jonathan Gannon, ex-Eagles defensive coordinator who helped Philadelphia reach the Super Bowl last season.
4. Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Continuing the trend of QBs is the Colts, selecting former Florida Gator Anthony Richardson. Although Richardson is more of a raw prospect than a lot of other players in this draft, he has the potential to explode due to his pure athleticism and talent, perhaps needing to sit behind a veteran at the position for a year or two before taking over as the starter.
5. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos)
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Seattle have just paid former backup Geno Smith a good amount of money, however it was apparent at times last season he may not be good enough to lead the Seahawks for many years to come. Picking Levis here and allowing him to sit behind Smith for a year will only do both QBs good, and will also open opportunities for Seattle to eventually trade Smith for a decent package at some point once Levis is ready to step up.
6. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)
Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Carter's on-field talent cannot be ignored as the defensive tackle readies for a potentially world-class career but he has fallen down the draft order here.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
Wilson could be a great pick here to partner star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby, and help improve what was a pretty squishy Raiders defence in 2022.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Falcons were ranked 31st in third-down passing situations last year, and so Gonzalez would go a long way in helping put a stop to that while partnering up with veteran corner A.J. Terrell.
9. Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers)
Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Bears had QB Justin Fields running for his life for most of last season, so an upgrade on the offensive-line in Peter Skoronski is a welcome addition and a good boost at the right tackle position.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints)
Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
The Eagles love stacking up on the line of scrimmage, and so Van Ness will slot in nicely along with long-time Eagles Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox.
11. Tennessee Titans
Jaxon-Smith Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Titans have been missing a star receiver since trading away A.J. Brown, and JSN will hope to fill that role as a big playmaker on the Tennessee offense.
12. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns)
Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
The Texans add a dynamic player to their defence in Murphy after taking the QB of the future with the second overall pick.
13. New York Jets
Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
Smith is one of the most explosive edge rushers in this draft, and the Jets will have a need there sooner or later as they will look to cut their salary cap number down in preparation of a trade for QB Aaron Rodgers, one of the highest paid players in the league.
14. New England Patriots
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
The Patriots have a need at corner and Forbes is a great pick to fill it. He’s never missed a game due to injury and so will be a reliable option for New England in their secondary.
15. Green Bay Packers
Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Although the Packers need a receiver, they haven’t taken one in the first round since 2002, and I don’t expect that to change now. Johnson would start immediately at right tackle as they enter the Jordan Love era in Green Bay.
16. Washington Commanders
Deionte Banks, CB, Maryland
Banks is a great athlete that will size up well against NFL receivers, and would be a core piece in the Commanders defence.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Porter has the potential to be an incredible player in the league, and playing for the Steelers seems like a perfect fit for him as he joins an already pretty formidable defence in Pittsburgh.
18. Detroit Lions
Bryan Bressee, DL, Clemson
Bressee’s tape over the past couple of years is fairly spotty, as he was ill for a lot of last year and suffered an ACL injury the season before. The Lions take him here due to the fact that the former Clemson man is a special player when he is actually on the field, and could ignite the mediocre Detroit defence.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida
Probably the most dominant offensive lineman in this draft, the expectation is that he will continue that domination in the NFL too, making him a valuable pickup here for Tampa Bay.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Kancey is strong and quick-footed, while filling a needy position for Seattle after previously adding QB Will Levis at number five overall.
21. Los Angeles Chargers
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
A powerful route runner who knows how to get open, Addison could be a great player for the Chargers and new offensive-coordinator Kellen Moore.
22. Baltimore Ravens
Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
After adding Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency a couple of weeks ago, the Ravens take another receiver to form some strong weaponry for Lamar Jackson, and also to potentially try and convince Jackson to stay in Baltimore.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
With Dalvin Cook potentially on the way out, the Vikings have a need at running back, and Robinson is likely the best option in the draft at that position.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Branch could flourish as a hybrid defender in Jacksonville’s defence, with the IQ and awareness to play at safety and nickel corner if needed.
25. New York Giants
John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
The Giants must protect recently-extended QB Daniel Jones better if they want to make the most of him, and Schmitz is a great choice in doing so.
26. Dallas Cowboys
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Kincaid has great agility and body control for a tight end, which could be too much to pass up on for the Cowboys as they look to add threats in the passing game, helping out QB Dak Prescott.
27. Buffalo Bills
Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Bills let linebacker Tremaine Edmunds leave in free agency, and so Simpson comes in to fill that void nicely, boasting great coverage traits at his position.
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Darnell Wright, OL, Tennessee
Current Bengals offensive lineman Jonah Williams asked for a trade after the team signed Orlando Brown, and so Cincy could bring in Wright to hold down a spot at right tackle in his absence.
29. New Orleans Saints (via Denver/Miami/San Francisco)
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
A good blocker and pass catcher, Mayer would be a great addition to the passing game for newly signed QB Derek Carr. His strength and size also give Mayer value as a run blocker.
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Adetomiwa Adebawore, Edge, Northwestern
Adebawore is an outstanding athlete with incredible reflexes and dynamic pass-rushing skills, and would add to an already stacked Philly defence.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State
McDonald has a high ceiling and is great at creating turnovers with ten career forced fumbles during his college career. He would also be filling a position of need for Superbowl Champions Kansas City, as they look to replace the departing Frank Clark.
