2023 NFL Draft: Bo Marchionte NFL Mock Draft 1.0

The latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Free agency has officially begun and leaves us with a much clearer yet unpredictable conclusion on how the 2023 NFL Draft is going to shake out. We’ve already witnessed the blockbuster trade as the Carolina Panthers leaped from ninth overall to No. 1 after their trade with the Chicago Bears.

Last year the first five selections were defensive players, the second-most taken since six in 1991. That is not going to happen this year, where we could see as many as three to four quarterbacks taken in the top five. The Panthers already splurged into the shopping draft market to succeed both the quarterback desperate Houston Texans (second overall) and Indianapolis Colts (fourth overall) for the top selection.

Last year the first round was inundated with day one trades. A record setting nine trades emerged on day one of the 2022 NFL Draft. One can only imagine much more wheeling and dealing will transpire, especially on the evening of the first round on April 27th in Kansas City.

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago)

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

It is well known Young is not the tallest nor heaviest quarterback prospect in the history of the draft. Still, he is heads and shoulders above the current crop of prospects in terms of quickly understanding the process and then executing a play to perfection. Weighing in at 204 pounds was the best performance he could have provided NFL teams. Teams reluctant to take a quarterback under 200-pounds now can compare him to another No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray who is the same height (5’10) as Young and outweighed him by three pounds (207) during his combine debut in 2018.

2. Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

There is a tremendous amount of belief that Stroud can exonerate himself from the long list of recent quarterback flops from Ohio State, and yes, I feel Justin Fields resides in the group. Fields, Dwayne Haskins, Cardale Jones, and Terrelle Pryor leave the Stroud with the task Justin Herbert achieved from Oregon. From Marcus Mariota to Joey Harrington, the Ducks were a lot of college highlights with NFL success. Stroud, however, appears to be more mechanically inclined to put the ball in tight spaces.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech

The off-the-field issues surrounding Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter leave him out of the top five now. The Cardinals lost JJ Watt to retirement and Zach Allen to the Denver Broncos via free agency. With his 271-pound frame at 6-foot-6, Wilson provides a much-needed addition to the defensive line. Alabama’s Will Anderson is 253 pounds and fits their mold perfectly for an outside linebacker, but not for a piece along the first line of defense.

4. Indianapolis Colts

Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Something to ponder, during Frank Reich’s tenure as head coach, a long list of veterans were signed up to play quarterback. A couple of months into his new job as head coach for the Carolina Panthers, Reich and company moved up to the No. 1 pick in the draft to draft a quarterback, most likely. This begs the question - Is Colts GM Chris Ballard against rookie quarterbacks? If that’s the case, his hands are tied because the veteran market is dried up, and at this point, his best options are Levis or Florida’s athletic freak of nature Anthony Richardson. The Colts signed Gardner Minshew as well to compete for the starting job in 2023.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)

Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama

Uchenna Nwosu, the Seahawks' second round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, had a breakout season in 2022 with a career-high and team leading 9.5 sacks. If he continues that trajectory, it might be hard to keep him signed after his contract expires in 2024. Anderson provides another bookend rusher to their 3-4 defensive scheme and insurance if Nwosu continues to grow his game out of the pocketbooks of the Seahawks. Seattle has added Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed in free agency, but that doesn’t change the pick.

6. Detroit Lions (from L.A. Rams)

Christian Gonzalez, DB, Oregon

It might be a stretch, but Jeff Okudah is not the answer, and it leaves the cupboard bare in the secondary for Detroit. Gonzalez, in my estimation, put himself atop all defensive backs with his NFL Combine performance. The tape is the reason he was invited to Indianapolis and his 4.3 forty confirmed his athleticism. The Lions are going to be tempted to add pieces up front with so much talent on the draft board in terms of edge rushers, but not having anyone to cover down covers both ends.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

The Raiders luck out getting one of the premier offensive line prospects without moving up in the draft order. At the time of this writing, Las Vegas did not sign one single offensive lineman at the start of free agency. Dylan Parham, the teams third round selection, is a solid piece to build around as the Raiders aim to improve the interior offensively.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

This would make the football fan of the state of Georgia rejoice. A college Bulldog turning into an NFL Falcon. Carter, talent wise, would be a gift to Atlanta. Carter’s unknown future clouds his true value (top-three), but that only helps the Falcons add a critical piece to their defensive line that is lacking a punch. A talent like Carter would expand the success of Grady Jarrett, who could face fewer double-teams and lead to more big plays behind the line of scrimmage. The NFL Combine was a bust for Carter and his Pro Day provided another gut punch to his draft stock.

9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina)

Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

San Francisco 49ers Nick Bosa led the entire NFL with 18.5 sacks last season. The Bears' entire team accounted for just 20. Obviously, the most glaring need is pass rushers or people who can help others get to the quarterback. The 6-foot-5 and 268-pound have the type of frame to allow Chicago to use him in various ways to fast-track his way to the quarterback.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans)

Devon Witherspoon, DB, Illinois

Free agency is crushing the defending NFC champions. The Eagles went all in last season and now are facing the carnage of seeing a bounty of special talents exit via free agency. Witherspoon appeared to originally fill a giant void with Darius Slay granted permission to seek out a trade at the opening of free agency. The Eagles and Slay had an about-face and now Slay remains an Eagle and will be paired with another gifted defensive back in Witherspoon.

11. Tennessee Titans

Bijan Robinson, RB, Titans

This pick is based on the potential trade of Derrick Henry. Rumors begin in early March about the possibility of Henry being traded out of Tennessee. Mike Vrabel’s old-school philosophy of football is predicated on running the football. Robinson is considered one of the most gifted runners the draft has seen in several years. Hassan Haskins, the Titans' fourth round selection out of Michigan, would be the first to claim the spot if Henry is traded. That leads to Robinson being selected to keep Tennessee as one of the most potent running teams in professional football.

12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland)

Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa

Jordan Addison is going to look super tempting with the 12th overall pick, but this team goes with defense for their second pick of the DeMeco Ryans era. Van Ness has a fantastic NFL Combine and, in all honesty, it is going to be a stretch if he slips this far down the board. He is a special talent.

13. Green Bay Packers (from Jets)

Jordan Addison, WR, USC

It remains the great unknown as to what the final pieces to the puzzle are to complete the Aaron Rodgers trade to the New York Jets. Assuming it begins with the 13th overall selection. In truth, I feel the Packers organization (upper management) will snicker when they hand in the card on draft day that lists Addison as the first pick overall after years of neglecting Aaron Rodgers' pleas for a round one receiver. The team is still in need of playmakers offensively, especially without their former four-time league MVP.

14. New England Patriots

Paris Johnson, OL, Ohio State

The Patriots could also eye a top tight end here, but the quality and depth of the position make it a manageable task on day two of the NFL Draft. Johnson is a massive obstacle to get around, with some athletic ability to back him up. Rhamondre Stevenson’s workload should only increase this season and Johnson will be a perfect road grader for him to excel as we await the verdict on Mac Jones in year three.

15. Green Bay Packers

Broderick Jones, OL, Georgia

Jones spent his entire Bulldogs’ career practicing against some of the best defensive talents in the nation since 2020. The All-SEC First-Team selection should transition well at the next level considering the level of competition at Georgia in practice and in the SEC alone. While this is not a dire need for the Packers, Jones is talented enough to add with the 15th pick.

16. Washington Commanders

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Washington signed journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett after the start of free agency. The Commanders appear to be allowing last year’s fifth round pick Sam Howell a real shot at running the offense under the direction of assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. He started the final game for Washington and that gives them a very limited sample size of his potential. Richardson is a work in progress and upon my next mock draft, I might have Richardson in the top ten or out of the first round. My mock last year had only one quarterback being taken in round one and that was Kenny Pickett. I’m nervous Richardson may slide like Malik Willis after teams dissect his accuracy. The athletic part is off the charts.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Joey Porter Jr., DB, Penn State

In back-to-back drafts, the Steelers stay in-state via their college picks. Kenny Pickett from Pitt last year and this Nittany Lions defensive back remain in Pennsylvania. Porter Jr. was another top-caliber player who excelled at the NFL Combine and the Steelers need to find a true No. 1 cornerback. The last time Pittsburgh drafted a defensive back in round one was in 2016 with Artie Burns. They do not want to repeat that mistake again.

18. Detroit Lions

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The Lions had no issues scoring points last season and that was without coveted rookie Jameson Williams playing in only six games while recovering from his leg injury. Smith-Njigba, Williams, and Amon-Ra St. Brown create a mighty offensive unit. Sprinkle in their open space juggernaut D’Andre Swift and newly signed former Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery and the Lions are going to be downright scary.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Darnell Wright, OL, Tennessee

Tom Brady knew to leave, as this aging Super Bowl team from a few years ago began the process of rebuilding, but they got the most coveted prize-winning a Lombardi Trophy. Wright or just about anyone who plays offensive line with above-average ability will be welcomed to Tampa Bay. Fortunately for the Buccaneers, Wright is near the top of the list amongst this rookie class at his position. He’ll be a fixture on day one as Tampa Bay begins life without Brady.

20. Seattle Seahawks

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Seattle might look at Kincaid as one of the better players simply on the board due to his overall grade or, simply put – The best available. Kincaid provides the Seahawks' offense with a vertical threat that can still provide a punch in their running game. Pete Carroll is always mindful of being able to run the football successfully. Kincaid is not a power-blocking tight end, but he’ll hold his own, allowing Geno Smith and company to move the football downfield.

21. Los Angeles Chargers

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State

With Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, the Chargers appear set with some of the league’s best pass-rush artists. Bosa missed 12 games last year and despite his ability to be one of the best in the game, Los Angeles knows expecting 17 games out of their four-time Pro Bowler is a stretch. Mack is 32 years old. So, adding a youthful addition like Anudike-Uzomah might not be a real surprise.

22. Baltimore Ravens

Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State

Remember, the Ravens selected Michigan’s David Ojabo in the second round last. The Wolverines' edge rusher was recovering from an Achilles injury allowing him to only play in two games. The addition of McDonald IV is another fortification of Baltimore pass rushers. The team tallied 38 sacks last year, which ranked tied for 17th in the league. A healthy Ojabo and McDonald would provide Baltimore with a fascinating tandem.

23. Minnesota Vikings

Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

The 6-foot-5 and 285-pound defensive lineman had an impressive 30 reps of 225 at the NFL Combine, ranking him tied for second amongst the group in Indianapolis. Minnesota's defense ranked 31st in the league, allowing 388.7 yards per game. The amazing statistic for the Vikings is they scored 424 points and allowed 427 points (27th in the NFL) but finished an impressive 13-4 and won the NFC North. The division foe Detroit Lions scored 453 points and allowed the exact number of points (427) as Minnesota but finished 9-8.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars

Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia

Jaguars rookie Trevon Walker never materialized playing the outside linebacker position and Jacksonville hopes year two brings a big change. The loss of Arden Key is significant and replacing him will fall on the shoulders of Smith. The NFL Combine darling and well deserved after running a stunning 4.39 forty at 238 pounds. A bit undersized at 6’2, Smith brings an entirely different dynamic to pair alongside Walker.

25. New York Giants

Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

The Giants have done everything to keep the Cinderella season intact by signing Daniel Jones long-term and placing the franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley. Flowers would provide Jones with his first real vertical weapon. Flowers is a mixture of Antonio Brown and Stefon Diggs. Flowers will also be the first East West Shrine Bowl player selected, something I predicted during the week of the Shrine Bowl. Hooray for something finally right, lol.

26. Dallas Cowboys

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

The Dallas Cowboys have selected two tight ends in the first round in their history. The first was Billy Joe Dupree in 1973 and the last was David LaFluer in 1997. The offensive is in a huge transition period. Zeke Elliott was released. Dalton Schultz wasn’t re-signed, and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was relieved of his duties. Mayer is smaller than Cowboys legend Jason Witten, but similarities do exist. Julius Jones, Felix Jones and Zeke Elliott, all taken in the first round, do not rule out Jahmyr Gibbs out of Alabama. Tony Pollard must get a long-term deal done because the team will not tag him twice.

27. Buffalo Bills

Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

I wanted to put Jahmyr Gibbs in this spot, but Buffalo is stuck in the realm of identical running backs with Devin Singletary, James Cook and Nyheim Himes. The selection of Johnston gives another top-notch vertical weapon for Josh Allen. Even though I think a pick like Gibbs would lessen the wear and tear on the Pro Bowl quarterback. That said, both Stefon Diggs and Johnston would pose as an intimating match-up for defensive coordinators. Diggs is the burner, while Johnston is a big physical target at 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

The big need heading into the draft was tackle until the team signed Orlando Brown. The moves will shift Jonah Williams to right tackle and Brown occupying the other bookend. The secondary now becomes the point of emphasis in Cincinnati’s war room. Safeties Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell both left in free agency and starting defensive back Chidobe Awuzie tore his ACL on Halloween night in 2022. Banks posted superb numbers at the NFL Combine, running a 4.35 forty, 42-inch vertical and 11’4’ broad jump.

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver)

Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

Ex-Saints Shy Tuttle and Marcus Davenport exited New Orleans via free agency. The team did sign Nathan Shepard from the New York Jets and ex-Kansas City Chief Khalen Saunders. Kancey is being labeled as Aaron Donald 2.0 due to his similar size and numbers from the NFL Combine. Not to mention both played their collegiate football at Pitt.

30. Philadelphia Eagles

Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

Hard not to get noticed when you are 6-foot-5 ½ at 298-pounds and run a 4.86 forty at the NFL Combine. Philadelphia re-signed Fletcher Cox but lost Javon Hargrove to the 49ers with a four-year $84,000,000 dollar contract on the eve of free agency. Other Eagles defensive linemen Robert Quinn, Ndamukong Suh, and Linval Joseph, remained unsigned. The trio are all in the twilights of their careers and, if resigned, offer a little impact.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State

The departure of Orlando Brown leaves a massive void at left tackle. Mauch will be tasked with one of the most important jobs his rookie year and throughout his NFL career by protecting two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The team's other tackle Andrew Wylie also, is no longer with the Chiefs after signing a new deal with the Commanders. Kansas City did sign ex-Jaguars tackle Jawaan Taylor to a four-year $80,000,00 contract. A lot of work for Kansas City from now until the opening kickoff in 2023 to get their offensive line up to snuff.

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