NFL Mock Draft 2023: Updated first round prediction after free agency frenzy (2023)

Welcome to Mock Draft Monday!

In less than three weeksCarolina-PantherYou are officially on the clock, time to deal with the upcoming year 2023NFL draft. Now that the free hand is mostly in the rearview mirror, how have things changed?

In this exercise, we take a look at how we think the first round will play out in less than three weeks. Additionally, we've added some tips for teams that aren't currently expected to make a first-round pick.

We'll have a few more mock drafts for you until things really heat up, but for now here's a look at how we think things will play out.

Here are the tips, and the analysis is below:

1. Carolina Panthers: C.J. Stroud, Feldmarschall,Ohio State

With their trade for the No. 1 overall pick, the Carolina Panthers gave themselves the opportunity to draft their favorite quarterback of the class. There's a case for each of the four options, cases we covered recently in our first part of Football Court, but in the end they fit Stroud, perhaps the safest of the options.

2.Houston Texaner: Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama

Ten years ago, the idea of ​​Bryce Young getting kicked off the board in the first round, let alone leading the draft, would have seemed ridiculous. But Young's ability to create from the pocket, deal with multiple pressure points inside the pocket, and find the ideal trajectory under pressure fits the trend of the game. While recent mock drafts have touted the idea that Houston is going in a different direction with this pick, Young makes a lot of sense at this point should Stroud go first.

3.Indianapolis Colts(by trading withArizona Cardinals): Anthony Richardson, Feldmarschall, Florida

Terms and Conditions:

Colts Get: 2023 First Round Pick (#3 Overall)
Cardinals received: 2023 first-round pick (4th overall), 2023 third-round pick (79th overall), 2023 fourth-round pick (106th overall), and 2024 third-round pick

Now let's cook.

We recently outlined how we think the 2023 NFL Draft begins with Arizona in third place. Assuming quarterbacks going one-for-two like this, the Cards might be able to trade third choice in a deal with a team that needs quarterbacks.

For the Colts, who need to figure out the long-term plan at quarterback, moving up just one spot to ensure they can pick the next best option at the position could be a smart move. Anthony Richardson may have his weaknesses, but the potential is attractive, and new coach Shane Steichen has a long history of developing quarterbacks from his work with Jalen Hurts.

4. Arizona Cardinals (via Indianapolis Colts trade: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

Terms and Conditions:

Colts Get: 2023 First Round Pick (#3 Overall)
Cardinals received: 2023 first-round pick (4th overall), 2023 third-round pick (79th overall), 2023 fourth-round pick (106th overall), and 2024 third-round pick

There are a few scenarios where the Cardinals act again, as teams like thatRobbers of Las Vegasand theTennessee Titansmight be in the mix for a quarterback. Instead, they hold their own and take the best defensive player on many boards. Will Anderson Jr. has been prolific at Alabama for the past few seasons, and I still maintain that he should have received more Heisman consideration two seasons ago and will immediately bolster Arizona's quarterback race.

5.Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

On the field, Jalen Carter is possibly the most complete prospect in this class. He's a game changer up front, constantly exploiting double-team blocks and constantly resetting the line of scrimmage. watch his game againstTCU, and every time he was on the field, it felt like the Horned Frogs were starting in their own backfield.

Now there are questions about Drafting Carter being so high, from the offfield concerns that have surfaced in recent weeks to his Pro Day's disappointment and questions about the positional value of a center-back tackle in the top 5. But something tells me that Pete Carroll and John Schneider would love this scenario.

Could Seattle draft a quarterback here? Maybe, but with the top three options in the off-board position, they'll likely turn to the defensive side of the ball.

6.Detroit-Löwen: Tyree Wilson, BORDE,Texas Tech

Early in the draft season, the sixth overall pick cornerback was a popular pick for the Detroit Lions. However, the team responded well to this need through free agency, adding Emmanuel Mosley, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Cam Sutton in recent weeks.

For a less obvious secondary need, Lions may look elsewhere. Pairing Tyree Wilson with Aidan Hutchinson gives Detroit two QB chasers along their defensive line, and Wilson's ability to play both inside and on the edge adds some flexibility to their defense on top of that.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky

In my view, the prospect who was perhaps most impacted when Carolina moved to the helm of the board was Will Levis. Levis needs some work, particularly on lower-body mechanics, footwork and decision-making, but if he had ended up in Carolina with a ninth overall pick, the wealth of coaching experience the Panthers have centered around the quarterback could have made Carolina the ideal spot . for him.

If, as we expect, the Panthers put someone else at the top of the board, what's the next best spot for them?

With the addition of Jimmy Garoppolo, the Raiders and Josh McDaniels have given each other a chance to develop a QB and that could see them drafting Levis and giving him time. Of course, it remains to be seen if the Raiders, and McDaniels in particular, can develop a QB. But an NFL team will look at Levis' 2021 season and be confident that with the talent they have in the space, they can get him where he needs to be.

8.Atlantic hawks: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

While quarterbacks always move the needle, twice as much during the draft season, each cornerback draft position could be the most exciting. His talent isn't just at the top, it's very deep.from ESPNMel Kiper Jr. recently said that as many as35 bis 40In his opinion, cornerbacks could play in the NFL.

And the fight for CB1 could be just as interesting as the fight for QB1. There are a few different options but the consensus seems to be that Christian González is that player. His athleticism, ability to change direction, and awareness make him an extremely solid candidate.

9.Chicago Bears: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

General manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears, who won the first overall pick in the draft, are beginning to shape their 2023 roster around quarterback Justin Fields.

That means you need to make sure your top five linemen face the third-year quarterback.

Broderick Jones is an athletic tackler with perhaps room to develop and take his game to even greater heights. He's definitely an offensive lineman who doesn't negotiate finishing his blocks, and while he may not be as experienced as other linemen in the class, he has a lot of potential.

10Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, BORDE, Georgia

Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The rise of Tyree Wilson and Lukas van Ness, among other EDGE prospects, seemed to propel Nolan Smith down the draftboards all fall and winter.

But since his appearance at the Combine in Indianapolis, Smith seems to be picking up steam as we move toward the draft. To the point where he not only scores top 30 hits with teams, but teams well into the first round, such asNew England Patriots.

And the Philadelphia Eagles.

Smith might be a bit of a tween, but one of the comparisons you see for him is Haason Reddick. It could make sense for Howie Roseman to have two of these players on the fringes next season.

11. Tennessee Titans: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Bundesstaat Ohio

Assuming the Tennessee Titans don't get a QB move in this draft, adding up front seems like the next best option. While they added Andre Dillard in free agency, Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr. draft gives them another option both on the perimeter and on the inside.

Johnson started 2021 as a right guard for the Buckeyes before exiting a year ago as a left tackle for Ohio State. His athleticism fits well with the run-for-zone concepts the Titans often use in the run game, but it's his ability to play in multiple locations that makes him a very interesting option for Tennessee.

12. Houston Texaner: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

The wide receiver is a hot pick for the Houston Texans at this point, but when we look at both the draft and his off-season moves, we have to consider a different position. The team added Noah Brown and Robert Woods to free hands and will hopefully bring back runner-up John Metchie III, their second-round pick from a season ago, after missing his rookie season after being diagnosed with leukemia.

Looking at the wide receiver in this year's league, picks 33rd overall and 65th overall could be ideal for that position.

That leads them to tackle the pass rush with Lukas Van Ness of Iowa. Van Ness wins with strength and power from the rim, and while he would benefit from rounding out his toolset as a pass rusher, he could be a good fit for new head coach DeMeco Ryans.

13New Yorker Jets: Peter Skoronski, OT, Noroeste

During my trip to Indianapolis Combine, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Brandon Thorn, an excellent reviewer of the Trench game and someone whose opinion I respect.

In his opinion, Peter Skoronski is the best offensive lineman in the draft.

Now the question is where does he play at the next level. Does he stay in the duel? Are you stepping in to protect yourself? Thorn sees him as Joe Thuney, which means he likely built his NFL career on the inside. Due to his experience on the edge, he was also able to establish himself in a duel.

Point? He gives the Jets options. They need to find their best combination up front, and their flexible position gives New York a few options to put together the best unit.

Which is crucial if this group is to protect a veteran quarterback who was previously at Green Bay.

Tim Boyle. What do you think we mean someone else?

14: New England Patriots: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

As with Houston, the wide receiver is a hot pick for the New England Patriots here. What is the offensive line like? But given what we know about Bill Belichick and how he plans to play in secondary school, a cornerback like Devon Witherspoon seems to make a lot of sense.

Witherspoon is a tough, energetic, man-covering cornerback that you can likely isolate while you build the rest of the defense at your leisure. This is perhaps the ideal fit for Belichick.

15:Green Bay Packer: Dalton Kincaid, TE

Tight end is a hot position for the Green Bay Packers, withour ladyby Michael Mayer the selection by consensus accNFLMockDraft database.

But we keep coming back to the idea of ​​Dalton Kincaid and his fitting into Matt LaFleur's offense. He can be the move-type tight end, seeing 100 targets in this type of system while mostly operating from the slot or from a front lineup. Not only can he create after the catch, but what he can do as a receiver -- and routerunner -- in midfield would open up opportunities for Packers wide receivers, including Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.

16. Washington Kommandeure: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Washington Commanders could go in different directions at this location. Extending the offensive line is an option. Security Brian Branch is another. But instead they add Joey Porter Jr. as cornerback, one spot ahead of the team his father played for so many years.

Porter showed growth last season and solidified in the first round. He's a patient corner when lined up with the press and is more than comfortable when asked to be physical at the line of scrimmage. It can also be used against bigger receivers and tight ends, giving the majors in secondary some flexibility and the ability to play some matchups themselves.

17Pittsburgh Steelers: Cam Smith, CB, Carolina del Sur

Cam Smith (not the golfer) is a clever corner that excels outside of cover. He has good instincts and mostly fits into a zoning scheme like Pittsburgh's. Despite just signing Patrick Peterson, the Steelers need to rejuvenate externally, especially after the loss of Cam Sutton.

In Smith, the Steelers get a smart corner that has the eyes and ball skills to be good in an out-of-coverage scheme.

18. Detroit Lions: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

Dan Campbell is a man of the people. He knows football is won by scrimmage and with the Lions' defensive line already getting a boost from the addition of Tyree Wilson, they add Bryan Bresee. Bresee has had a tough 2022 due to an injury and the death of his younger sister, but he's capable of pulling it all together, he's a true game destroyer. Bresee has size and explosiveness, and while he still develops a more consistent pass-pass plan and pad level, he can be an inside rush type, resulting in more edge sacks.

19Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Myles Murphy, Borde, Clemson

Murphy was a little underrated in this year's EDGE class, but the Clemson product is still a very good player. Reliable and tough against the run, Murphy has room to develop as a pass rusher. He's a versatile scheme and could benefit from being drafted by Tampa Bay. With Shaq Barrett recovering from an Achilles injury and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka still unable to figure it all out, Murphy can step in and give Barrett more time to recover while he's a better player than Tryon-Shoyinka in the short term .

20. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Smith-Njigba, the top slot receiver in this draft class, is a highly intelligent route runner who knows how to set up opponents. He's definitely faster than fast, but he can create separation in midfield. Combine that with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett's field expansion ability and you have something to cook with.

21Miami-Delfine: lost

The Miami Dolphins lost their 2023 first-round pick amid an organization investigation into tampering.

22Chargers from Los Angeles: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Foto von Quinn Harris/Getty Images

Kellen Moore joins the Chargers from Dallas, where they did the most damage with 11 and 12 members. In Mayer they get a player who will help them become even better in shortfield and midfield, while also getting a capable blocker. Although Mayer isn't the best athlete in this position, he has a great sense of coverage and space and is a reliable blocker. The Chargers failed to finish games last year, and in Mayer they give quarterback Justin Herbert another late-game target.

23Baltimore Ravens: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

A way to lure Lamar Jackson back to Baltimore? Show the quarterback you're serious about adding guns to the passing game. Signing Odell Beckham Jr. is a start, but adding another WR in the first round could show Jackson how serious they are about giving him some goals in the passing game. Johnston won't fly as high as people think, but this looks like the perfect place for him to land. The Ravens didn't have a receiver on the list to make the top 50 catches, and Johnston can add an explosiveness the Ravens don't have for a man his size. Johnston is easy to move around and has plenty of work to do in the YAC department, which will help free other targets in the Ravens' passing game. We don't know who the Ravens will be in QB, but in Johnston they're getting a high-quality starter with potential.

24Minnesota Wikinger: Deonte Banken, CB, Maryland

To say the closet in the corner in Minnesota is empty might be an understatement. Cam Dantzler and Patrick Peterson are off the team, and while the Vikings have signed Byron Murphy, he's more of an inside corner. Aggressive, lively corners are a must in Brian Flores defense, and that's exactly what Deonte Banks brings to the table. Banks is fast and explosive, and in press situations he displays a physicality and pressure that deflects recipients' paths. He becomes too aggressive and loses technique, but you can train that.

25Jacksonville-Jaguare: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio Budget

After losing Jawaan Taylor to the Chiefs, the Jaguars need to address their offensive line. Walker Little is an option at right but has played exclusively left tackle in his career. Also, Pederson was helping to build the offensive line at Philly, and a player like Dawand Jones might be too good to pass up. Jones is a huge man who can overwhelm you with power and strength, but he's also surprisingly light on his feet. Pederson and CEO Trent Baalke love measurable elements, and Jones suits them all.

26New York Giants: Zay Flowers, W. R., Boston University

Foto von Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images

Let's be clear: The Giants have LOTS of slot receivers. There could be a deadlock following the signing of Darius Slayton and the addition of Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder. However, Flowers is explosive off the catch and can add more verticality to the Giants offense. New York added Darren Waller in the offseason and now they have a man who can take the top off and let Waller operate more in midfield and midfield.

27Dallas Cowboys: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Okay, Cowboys fans, listen to me. The Cowboys have addressed most of their defensive needs freehand. They traded for Stephon Gilmore and gave them a legitimate CB2 or CB1b and the pass rush will continue to improve. At that point, they can pick the best available player, and Bijan Robinson is one of the best available players in the NFL draft. His vision and balance are top-notch, and his receptive abilities make him a modern-day runner. We can always debate the importance of drafting an RB in the first round, but Robinson is a particular talent, and teaming up with Tony Pollard at Dallas gives the Cowboys a younger, more versatile RB duo.

28Büffelschnäbel: O’Cyrus Torrence, LIO, Florida

The Bills need an impersonation. They lost again in the playoffs and lacked the ability to consistently lead the ball when things got difficult in the air. The inside offensive line was a big problem and Torrence sets the tone and can fix the Bills' offensive line problems right away. He's powerful and can move people around a phone booth, but he's also extremely intelligent and pulls off line plays and stunts very well. He has a strong lower body and finishes all blocks and can be successful on an inside zone/gap based offense.

29Bengal of Cincinnati: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

The Bengals' offensive line has been an ongoing concern since quarterback Joe Burrow was drafted (See: 2021 NFL Draft Memes), and during the offseason, Cincinnati signed Orlando Brown Jr. to solidify the offensive line on the left side of the offensive line. Now they're adding a young talent playing on the right flank with the potential to fall back to the left if Brown's experiment doesn't work.

Harrison won't be 21 by the start of the NFL season, but he's already a plus athlete with good skill and strong hands. He can stick to defenders and drive to the end of turns. He still has some work to do in terms of technique and flexibility, but at his young age there is plenty of room to grow.

30Saints of New Orleans(via Denver): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

At about 6'6 and 270 pounds, Washington looks less like a tight end and more like a lobster, and he moves like a lobster, too. Washington is an offensive sixth lineman in the running game, and he also combines short-to-mid versatility as a pass catcher who offends desires. In New Orleans, he will fill in as TE1, bringing staffing and training diversity to the Saints.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Eagles double down on defense by taking on Pitt's disruptive inside pass rusher. There are very valid concerns about size and structure, but pushing him alongside Jordan Davis can create a dynamic interior duo for the Eagles' future defense.

Kancey has phenomenal speed and a quick swing in the first step and a repertoire of quick moves to complement her speed. He's more of a gap player right now, but with the versatility of Philly's defensive front, he should work well.

32.Kansas City chiefs: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

After letting go of starting tackles Andrew Wylie and Orlando Brown Jr., the Chiefs signed tackle Jawaan Taylor and paid him $80 million to become the starting left tackle of the future. Now the Chiefs add their proper tackle in Tennessee's Darnell Wright, a rock-solid starter with potential.professional shellUpside Down Wright is a physical mid-game puncher who has shown strong hands and power in pass protection. His feet can be a bit inconsistent at times and he seems overzealous at times, but with orienteering coach Andy Heck and Chiefs heads around him, he can step in and start.

37.los angeles ram: Emmanuel Forbes, CB,Mississippi State

After trading CB Jalen Ramsey, tying a cornerback to the Rams is easy, but the team appears to be in a rebuilding process, so any talented player will suffice. It will be interesting to see if his "F the picks"Super Bowlwin becomes "we need some picks" and is traded from here. If not, the 6'1-inch Forbes gives them a quality cornerback who can plan man or zone in a prime position.

52. Miami Dolphins: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

With Kancey our pick for the Dolphins in our last mock draft, Miami remains in the same position as Smith. The Wolverine defenseman shows talent on tape and in practice, but his performance has been lacking throughout his career with just a half-sack and six tackle losses in 30 games.

68.Denver Broncos: Tuli Tuiplusu, DE, USC

With Dre'Mont Jones (free agency) and Bradley Chubb (trade) on the roster, Denver needs to bolster the defensive line. Tuipulotu is a versatile player that can play indoors and outdoors. Last year, the Trojan pass-rusher racked up 13.5 sacks in 14 games. Last season alone, he had 22 tackles for loss.

74.Cleveland-Braun: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

The Browns have addressed many needs this offseason, but they could continue to add help for the defensive line or receiver positions with their first pick. Benton can provide power inside the line with enough drive to put pressure on the pocket and give Myles Garrett even more opportunities to make plays off the rim.

99san francisco 49ers: Xavier Hutchinson, WR,State of Iowa

While the Niners are currently waiting longer, it wouldn't be surprising if the team backed up with some of their midround picks (three in the third, three in the fifth). Otherwise, Hutchinson is a perimeter threat who can help out immediately and support Brandon Aiyuk's possible exit to the free hand next year. The Cyclone star already has experience with a variety of WR displays that San Francisco handles so well.