Early 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting Every 1st-Round Pick
Early 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting Every 1st-Round Pick
We figured it would be fun to project out the 2023 NFL Draft with the Sundays without football getting lower and lower. The order that I use is how I think the order will play out if the season went exactly according to the books.
1. Houston Texans - QB CJ Stroud, Ohio State
Stroud is second in Heisman odds but is my top quarterback in the draft. His combination of skill, size, and having the best Total QBR (91.6) in the entire FBS last season, make him the can't miss pick at No. 1 for a team that desperately needs something to be excited about.
2. Atlanta Falcons - QB Bryce Young, Alabama
His frame is the only concern for NFL scouts, but that has proven to matter a ton to NFL scouts when an option with the "NFL Size" presents itself. The 2021 Heisman winner isn't going to scoff at going number two, but you can argue that the arm talent is just as good as that of Stroud.
3. Seattle Seahawks - DE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
Will Anderson is the clear top player in this draft, and while it is likely for a couple of quarterbacks to go to teams that desperately need a franchise signal-caller, Seattle (or whoever ends up at three) will get a generational talent who will be the best player from the 2022 or 2023 Draft and will make an impact for decades.
4. Chicago Bears - OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
Paris Johnson to the Bears also makes sense, but when you are picking a lineman this early, you need someone who is not only built for the NFL but ready to make a serious impact from Day 1. That is Skoronski. He is big and physical but also possesses the technical ability to be a franchise tackle that the Bears so desperately need.
5. New York Jets - DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson
Bresee has the potential to be the piece that takes the top-five, to playoff talks. He would be equal to Will Anderson if it were not for a torn ACL. Look for him to have an elite year where top-five will be a shoo-in.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars - DT Jalen Carter, Georgia
I know a lot of people expect the Jaguars to get another receiver, but I think the best available is too tempting to pass up here with Carter. He is already a champion and has shown that he has the talent to be among the best at his position very quickly.
7. New York Giants - CB Eli Ricks, Alabama
I think they will miss James Bradberry a lot this season, and even with a couple of receivers on the board, they get their guy who can be the staple at the position that they need badly.
8. Detroit Lions - DE Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
This defense needs a leader, and Foskey checks all of the boxes to be their hybrid LB/DE to make their defense take the next step. The offense should be better this season, but in that division, if you can defend, you can do great things.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers - WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Finally a receiver! Smith-Njigba can fit right in the slot for the Steelers. While they have had great luck in the later rounds, I think this is the start of them doing things differently, and it will work out great for them.
10. Carolina Panthers - TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Yes, Notre Dame stands to be VERY good on paper this season, and this will give the Panthers their best tight end since Greg Olson, and there is no reason why he cannot dominate like that in the NFL.