It’s finally here! The draftniks have been waiting and now, it is time. The 2023 NFL Draft will get underway tonight in Kansas City, as the future stars of the league wait to hear their name called over this three-day event.
The Aaron Rodgers trade has finally happened, meaning we have a shake-up in the draft order. And there are still many questions yet to be answered. Will the Houston Texans actually pass on a quarterback at #2? Is Will Levis really going to slip out of the Top 10?
So before it’s over, let’s do this one more time. My fourth update of my mock draft and this time, we’re going two rounds deep. A full two-round mock draft for the people. Reminder, this is NOT a predictive mock! Obviously, I take all factors into consideration when picking, including what is being reported by NFL insiders. But at the end of the day, I’ve made these selections based on what I would do as GM of all 32 NFL teams.
Some interesting notes on my final mock draft before we begin:
- Alabama leads all schools with six picks in the two-round mock draft, follow by Georgia (5) and Ohio State (4).
- Cornerback was the most selected position group with 11 selections, 9 edge rushers went off the board, 8 wide receivers and 8 interior defensive lineman.
- I had 0 players from outside the Power 5 selected in the 1st round. The first non-P5 player drafted was Tucker Kraft from South Dakota State.
2023 NFL Mock Draft 4.0
Round 1
1) Carolina Panthers (via Chicago)
Bryce Young, QB (Alabama)
This has been my pick since the Panthers made the trade for the #1 selection in this year’s draft. Bryce Young is the best quarterback in this class and the one most worth taking 1st overall. He’s got a special feel for the game, ability to maneuver the pocket and make all the throws. He’s an athletic Drew Brees who will, hopefully, be the franchise quarterback in Carolina for the next decade. Here’s to hoping!
2) Houston Texans
CJ Stroud, QB (Ohio State)
The smoke has been rising around Houston NOT selecting a quarterback at no. 2. If Bryce Young is off the board, they may not be interested in QB2 at this spot in the draft. Regardless, the Texans need to come away with a signal-caller in this 1st round. CJ Stroud has the tools to succeed at the next level, he just leaves you wanting a little more. But Stroud is an excellent prospect and a great pick for Houston here. Don’t overthink it, take a quarterback.
3) Arizona Cardinals
Will Anderson, EDGE (Alabama)
Arizona is in prime position to trade back with a team wanting to snag one of these quarterbacks. They need too much help on this roster to not try and acquire more draft picks. But the the no. 1 target is still the same: Will Anderson. Any one of these prospects along the defensive line will be worth the selection. But Anderson is the most “sure thing” of the group and would give the Cardinals a foundational defensive piece to build upon.
4) Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson, QB (Florida)
Indianapolis is a team to keep an eye on with the #2 and #3 picks in this draft. They could certainly look to secure their guy with a move up in the draft order. With Young & Stroud off the board, the Colts select the quarterback with the highest upside. Richardson is a polarizing prospect, but if you’re going to take a gamble in this draft HE is the guy worth taking. The ceiling is, potentially, one of the best quarterbacks in the league. POTENTIALLY!!
5) Seattle Seahawks (via Denver)
Tyree Wilson, EDGE (Texas Tech)
This pick hasn’t changed in any of my previous mock drafts, Tyree Wilson is my favorite fit for Seattle. After addressing interior defensive line in free agency, the Seahawks look toward the edge with Wilson. He’s not as polished as Will Anderson, but he’s got the tools NFL teams drool over on the defensive line. There aren’t many ways Seattle can mess up this Top 5 pick.
6) Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles)
Jalen Carter, DL (Georgia)
Detroit is one of the more interesting picks in this draft. Could they try and grab their quarterback of the future? Maybe trade back? With Jalen Carter falling into their lap, Dan Campbell couldn’t be happier. Pairing him alongside Aidan Hutchinson is a monster duo for the Lions.
7) Las Vegas Raiders
Will Levis, QB (Kentucky)
I believe, for the first time in the history of the NFL Draft, we will have four quarterbacks taken in the Top 10 picks. This pick at #7 seems like a great spot for Will Levis, whether it is the Raiders taking him or another team who trades up. Las Vegas can sit him behind Jimmy G and allow him to develop more before throwing him out there to the wolves. Keep an eye on Tennessee and Washington as teams who could try and trade up to this spot.
8) Atlanta Falcons
Joey Porter Jr, CB (Penn State)
CB1 for me in this draft class, Joey Porter Jr has the size, mindset and pedigree to succeed in the NFL. Atlanta could look to bolster their offensive line, but I like taking the top corner to help an anemic defense. Porter Jr, who plays with intensity and aggression, would be a culture setter for the Falcons.
9) Chicago Bears (via Carolina)
Peter Skoronski, OL (Northwestern)
The Bears hit a home run when they traded the #1 pick in the draft to Carolina, receiving a bevy of draft picks and wide receiver DJ Moore. And on top of that, they address their biggest need with the hometown hero Peter Skoronski. The Northwestern product doesn’t go far and slots in to protect Justin Fields in Chicago. Whether he ends up as a guard or tackle at the next level, Skoronski will be an anchor on this line for a long time.
10) Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans)
Nolan Smith, EDGE (Georgia)
What a great spot to be in! After making the Super Bowl the Eagles have a shot at a top tier prospect with a Top 10 pick, courtesy of New Orleans. I’d expect them to address offensive or defensive line, in this mock draft they take the dynamic Nolan Smith. Philly is aging on the defensive line and after adding Jordan Davis last year, they bring in his Georgia teammate. Plenty of good options for Philadelphia at this pick.
11) Tennessee Titans
Paris Johnson Jr, OL (Ohio State)
Tennessee needs to take advantage of this high pick and hit on an important position. With a few different positions of need, the Titans address offensive line with Paris Johnson Jr. Johnson checks all the physical boxes you look for on the o-line. He should be Tennessee’s left tackle for years to come.
12) Houston Texans (via Cleveland)
Jordan Addison, WR (USC)
I’m sticking with this pick, although I think I’m in the minority of people who view Jordan Addison as WR1. I do have the top four wide receivers ranked very closely. Team fit is going to be important for where those guys get selected. I think Addison’s route-running is elite, but he doesn’t have the elite size and speed you’d want from your WR1. But in this class, he’s the most sure thing that will work at the next level. Houston needs to add another weapon for their new quarterback and for me, it would be Addison.
13) Green Bay Packers (via New York)
Michael Mayer, TE (Notre Dame)
He’s gone! Aaron Rodgers is officially in New York and as a result, the Packers have swapped 1st round picks with the Jets. The need, and the player, remains the same. You have to help Jordan Love if you want him to succeed. I like Michael Mayer best for Green Bay because not only will he be a security blanket for their inexperienced quarterback, but he will boost the run game with his blocking ability. Mayer is the best all-around tight end in the draft, don’t overthink it!
14) New England Patriots
Darnell Wright, OT (Tennessee)
This is the biggest riser in my final mock draft, as it seems to me that we will see a run on offensive tackles in the mid-1st round. The Patriots desperately need help up front and add a right tackle in Darnell Wright. Yes, a right tackle, as that’s where Wright broke out this past season. That perceived limitation may hurt Wright in the draft, but he’s exactly what New England is looking for.
15) New York Jets (via Green Bay)
Broderick Jones, OL (Georgia)
After seemingly solving their perpetual quarterback question, the Jets can focus on solidfying the team around Aaron Rodgers for a playoff push. The offensive line has been shaky and inconsistent, so New York adds a punisher up front. Broderick Jones plays with power and could end up as a very good guard, if needed. Don’t let the Aaron Rodgers era fail in New York. It is Super Bowl victory or bust.
16) Washington Commanders
Christian Gonzalez, CB (Oregon)
Washington should be zeroed in on cornerback in this draft and Christian Gonzalez is a steal at this point. All three of the top cornerbacks are Top 15 talents in my opinion. The Commanders should be elated to have Gonzalez AND Witherspoon on the board. Gonzalez has the size you want outside and can fit with any team. Absolute slam dunk for Washington at no. 16.
17) Pittsburgh Steelers
Devon Witherspoon, CB (Illinois)
The Steelers should be looking at three positions in the first few rounds: cornerback, offensive line and wide receiver. With all the top tackles off the board, Pittsburgh is happy to see Devon Witherspoon available. Witherspoon doesn’t have the size of Gonzalez, or the aggressiveness of Porter Jr, but his incredible 2022 season is enough to raise eyebrows. Can’t go wrong with any of these top cornerbacks, in my opinion.
18) Detroit Lions
Deonte Banks, CB (Maryland)
The run on cornerbacks continues. Detroit would love to see one of the top three guys fall to them at #18, especially after addressing defensive line in the Top 10. Deonte Banks is a tier below the others, but he’s still a great talent and value for the Lions here. Yes, they added multiple cornerbacks in free agency. But none of those guys are long-term solutions. Banks is a big cornerback who allowed completions on just 43% of passes against him in 2022. Detroit addresses a position of need here.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Myles Murphy, EDGE (Clemson)
Tom Brady is “gone” and Tampa Bay needs to move forward by leaning on it’s strength. They’ve been so solid in the trenches on both sides of the ball and they double down here with Myles Murphy. Murphy has been a bit of a faller in the draft process, as other edge rushers have emerged. But he’s long and powerful and fits the mold for the Buccaneers. If a quarterback were to fall out of the Top 10, you’d have to think Tampa Bay could be a team looking to make a move up the board.
20) Seattle Seahawks
Dalton Kincaid, TE (Utah)
After investing to improve the defense in free agency, and selecting Tyree Wilson in the Top 5, Seattle can look to help Geno Smith and the offense. Under Pete Carroll, the Seahawks have never had a consistent target at the tight end position. That changes with Dalton Kincaid, the sure-handed target from Utah. Pairing him alongside DK Metcalf & Tyler Lockett gives that offense all the weapons it needs to compete in the NFC. Kincaid will fill the “slot” role that the Seattle offense desperately needs.
21) Los Angeles Chargers
Zay Flowers, WR (Boston College)
Zay Flowers is exactly what the Chargers offense needs. Even with all the weapons in LA, they just lack juice. And Zay Flowers is all juice. Slot him into that group for Justin Herbert to work with and suddenly Los Angeles can keep pace offensively with the likes of Kansas City, Cincinnati & Buffalo. Flower has as high an upside as any of the wide receivers in this draft.
22) Baltimore Ravens
Bijan Robinson, RB (Texas)
It’s draft day and we STILL do not know what Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore will look like. We will learn a lot tonight about what direction the team is heading. But for this mock draft, let’s add strength to strength with the best offensive weapon in the draft. Bijan Robinson would not only solve the running back carousel that’s existed in Baltimore, but also elevate the passing game as an option out of the backfield.
23) Minnesota Vikings
Brian Branch, S (Alabama)
Minnesota is in an interesting spot in the draft. They could look to add another weapon to Justin Jefferson and TJ Hockenson. But this team needs so much help on defense., and Brian Branch is too good a prospect to pass on. Branch is one of my favorite players in this draft, who is worthy of a Top 10 pick in my opinion. He is this year’s Jalen Pitre and will play all over the secondary for the Vikings.
24) Jacksonville Jaguars
Bryan Bresee, DL (Clemson)
Bryan Bresee is another name that has dropped in recent months among draft rankings. He may not have the high-upside that would make him a Top 10 draft pick, but he’ll fit perfectly into Jacksonville’s defensive front. Building the trenches in back-to-back drafts with big investments in the first round; that’s a recipe for success if you ask me.
25) New York Giants
Quentin Johnston, WR (TCU)
The Giants committed to Daniel Jones this offseason with a big contract and have already began improving his his situation by trading for Darren Waller. But there’s still a lot of work left to be done. Quentin Johnston is a dynamic weapon with great size and speed. Johnston is an X-receiver with elite explosiveness; just what New York’s offense needs.
26) Dallas Cowboys
Will McDonald IV, EDGE (Iowa State)
Dallas will have some great options at this spot in the draft. They could continue to invest in offensive line, after taking Tyler Smith in the 1st round last year. In this mock, why not build on your strength with another freaky, athletic pass rusher. Will McDonald IV could go much earlier than #26, so the Cowboys pounce on a guy they can pair with Micah Parsons.
27) Buffalo Bills
Jaxon Smith-Ngiba, WR (Ohio State)
Much like Dallas, Buffalo will have plenty of options when they’re on the clock. But with Gabriel Davis not breaking out like many expected last season, let’s guarantee that Josh Allen has the weapons he needs. Jaxon Smith-Ngiba is, arguably, the safest pick among the wide receivers. I don’t say that to mean his ceiling is anything but sky high. He is not a slot-only in my opinion. Many thought Justin Jefferson was a slot-only coming out of LSU. I’d bet on JSN.
28) Cincinnati Bengals
Clark Phillips III, CB (Utah)
Bengals fans seem to be clamoring for tight end or interior defensive line, but I think there’s still work to be done in the secondary. Dax Hill will play a bigger role with Jessie Bates’ departure, but they need help outside. With that need in mind, Clark Phillips III is worth the bet in the 1st round. He plays with intensity to make up for his size and always knows where the ball is. He racked up nine interceptions and 21 passes deflected in his career at Utah.
29) New Orleans Saints (from Denver via San Francisco)
Josh Downs, WR (North Carolina)
Chris Olave was a great investment in the 1st round last year for New Orleans. After adding Derek Carr in free agency, they add another wide receiver to the mix. Downs is small, but I’m not worried about size with how good of a route runner he is. Plus he’s got the speed to work after the catch. He will add exactly what the Saints offense is missing.
30) Philadelphia Eagles
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB (Alabama)
Philadelphia took advantage of their Top 10 pick by adding a defensive star in Nolan Smith. Now they go to the offense for an incredible weapon for the newly extended Jalen Hurts. Jahmyr Gibbs is new to my first round mock draft, but with how important the run game is to the Eagles it’s a no brainer. Gibbs is an Alvin Kamara-type player who can do everything the offense will ask of him.
31) Kansas City Chiefs
Lukas Van Ness, EDGE (Iowa)
I honestly have a hard time finding a fit I like for the Super Bowl champions. It really feels like they’ll inevitably trade out of the 1st round. But we have to make a selection, so we’ll go with Lukas Van Ness who is all upside coming out of college. He has 0 career starts at Iowa, but he’s got the tools that NFL teams want on the edge. I think he sneaks into the first round, and why not Kansas City to take the chance.
Round 2
32) Pittsburgh Steelers (via Chicago)
Dawand Jones, OT (Ohio State)
33) Houston Texans
Calijah Kancey, DT (Pitt)
34) Arizona Cardinals
Emmanuel Forbes, CB (Mississippi State)
35) Indianapolis Colts
Jaylin Hyatt, WR (Tennessee)
36) Los Angeles Rams
BJ Ojulari, EDGE (LSU)
37) Seattle Seahawks (via Denver)
Kelee Ringo, CB (Georgia)
38) Las Vegas Raiders
Cam Smith, CB (South Carolina)
39) Carolina Panthers
Drew Sanders, LB (Arkansas)
40) New Orleans Saints
Mazi Smith, DT (Michigan)
41) Tennessee Titans
Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE (Northwestern)
42) Green Bay Packers (from New York via Cleveland)
Tyrique Stevenson, CB (Miami)
43) New York Jets
Darnell Washington, TE (Georgia)
44) Atlanta Falcons
Steve Avila, OG (TCU)
45) Green Bay Packers
Anton Harrison, OT (Oklahoma)
46) New England Patriots
Cedric Tillman, WR (Tennessee)
47) Washington Commanders
Hendon Hooker, QB (Tennessee)
48) Detroit Lions
Jack Campbell, LB (Iowa)
49) Pittsburgh Steelers
Keion White, EDGE (Georgia Tech)
50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
O’Cyrus Torrence, OG (Florida)
51) Miami Dolphins
Luke Musgrave, TE (Oregon State)
52) Seattle Seahawks
Joe Tippmann, C (Wisconsin)
53) Chicago Bears (via Baltimore)
Tuli Tuipulotu, DL (USC)
54) Los Angeles Chargers
Siaki Ika, DT (Baylor)
55) Detroit Lions (via Minnesota)
Sam LaPorta, TE (Iowa)
56) Jacksonville Jaguars
Julius Brents, CB (Kansas State)
57) New York Giants
Eli Ricks, CB (Alabama)
58) Dallas Cowboys
Tucker Kraft, TE (South Dakota State)
59) Buffalo Bills
Jordan Battle, S (Alabama)
60) Cincinnati Bengals
Keanu Benton, DT (Wisconsin)
61) Chicago Bears (from Carolina via San Francisco)
Zach Charbonnet, RB (UCLA)
62) Philadelphia Eagles
Blake Freeland, OT (BYU)
63) Kansas City Chiefs
Marvin Mims, WR (Oklahoma)
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