2023 NFL Mock Draft Preview: Mel Kiper's First Round Picks, Predictions
It's that time of year again, when the top college football prospects move into the professional ranks, and the annual crop of players head to the 2023 NFL Draft.
To that end, mock drafter extraordinaire Mel Kiper, Jr. went to work creating his second look at how this year's draft could shake out in the first round.
More: 2023 NFL Draft Mock Updates and Player Rankings
It's a lot of the usual names at the top, with two premier SEC defensive prospects on the market, in addition to a pair of high-profile quarterbacks who are poised to be selected high in the first round this year.
Scroll through to see the latest updated mock draft from Mel Kiper.
2023 NFL Draft Mock: Mel Kiper Predicts Where College Football's Top Prospects Could Land
1. Texans: Bryce Young (via mock trade with Bears)
Position: Quarterback
School: Alabama
What Kiper says: "On the field, Young doesn't have many flaws. [He] has outstanding pocket presence and is an amazing processor, always a step ahead of where to go with the football. If everything checks out at the combine, I think he's going to be the top player off the board, no matter the team."
Scouting report: "A smart-accurate passer who doesn't force throws and rarely makes mistakes. Lacks prototype size but sees the field very well, demonstrated natural feel in the pocket and can push the ball downfield with a simple flick of the wrist." — NFL Draft Bible
2. Colts: C.J. Stroud (via mock trade with Bears)
Position: Quarterback
School: Ohio State
What Kiper says: "Stroud's accuracy and arm strength are underrated, and his touch to all levels of the field is the best in this class. I don't think the Colts are that far from contending in the AFC South. Stroud would give new coach Shane Steichen a jolt of energy to get this team back on track."
Scouting report: "Knows as the first one in, last one out, Stroud possesses all the intangibles that NFL Decision-makers seek from a franchise quarterback — head coach Ryan Day has praised his work ethic and professional approach to the game on a daily basis." — NFL Draft Bible
3. Cardinals: Will Anderson
USA Today Images
Position: Edge
School: Alabama
What Kiper says: "Anderson is a complete defender, the type of guy to build a defense around."
Scouting report: "One of the most twitchy and fastest pass rushers that we've seen come off the edge in quite some time. His ability to convert speed to power, along with his bend and athleticism, enables him to use an array of moves to get to the quarterback." — NFL Draft Bible
4. Bears: Jalen Carter (via mock trade with Colts)
Position: Defensive tackle
School: Georgia
What Kiper says: "Carter is a fantastic player, a game-wrecker from the interior with a 310-pound frame... He'd immediately upgrade a porous defense that ranked last in the league in sacks."
Scouting report: "Blessed with rare athleticism, a lightning quick first step and violent hands, the Bulldogs defensive tackle makes a living in the opponents' backfield." — NFL Draft Bible
5. Panthers: Will Levis (via mock trade with SEA/DEN)
Position: Quarterback
School: Kentucky
What Kiper says: "Levis isn't loved by every NFL scout, but his potential is really high. He has a cannon for an arm, even if he can be a little sloppy with the ball at times. He played in a pro-style offense for the Wildcats and didn't have much elite talent around him, especially along the offensive line."
Scouting report: "You will notice everything is ultra-quick. An up-tempo offense based on quick reads and fast decision-making. Levis gets rid of the ball in a hurry and it's the high-octane scheme that you see many NFL teams attempting to mimic." — NFL Draft Bible
Rounding out the Top 10
6. Lions: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: "An exceptional athlete that has all the movement skills and demeanor of a true shutdown corner."
7. Raiders: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: "There are some minor concerns about Witherspoon’s size, but his elite agility, instincts, and ability to consistently stay attached to wide receivers warrant a top 60 selection."
8. Falcons: Will McDonald, DE, Iowa State: "A linear pass rusher who offers initial explosion and suitable bend."
9. Seahawks: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: "An adroit athlete with a small sample size, if Richardson can follow up his 2021 appearances with polish and precision, he may see the biggest rise of any draft prospect come 2023."
10. Eagles: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern: "A potential first-round pick that has the versatility to play any position on the offensive line with his size and athletic ability."
2023 NFL Draft Order
- Bears
- Texans
- Cardinals
- Colts
- Seahawks
- Lions
- Raiders
- Falcons
- Panthers
- Eagles
- Titans
- Texans
- Jets
- Patriots
- Packers
- Commanders
- Steelers
- Lions
- Buccaneers
- Seahawks
- Chargers
- Ravens
- Vikings
- Jaguars
- Giants
- Cowboys
- Bills
- Bengals
- Saints
- Eagles
- Chiefs
More: 2023 NFL Draft order, schedule
You can see Mel Kiper's full mock draft here.
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