2023 NFL Mock Draft: C.J. Stroud Revives Colts Offense and Draft Stock

With only one recreation remaining within the school soccer season, it’s time to remedy that unhappiness with one other 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Let’s take a look at the place our favourite school soccer gamers will take their abilities subsequent yr.

2023 NFL Mock Draft

The NFL draft order for this 2023 mock is taken from the present NFL standings as of January 3. Verify the PFN Mock Draft Simulator after each NFL recreation to see probably the most up-to-date draft order, and every subsequent mock draft will point out the quickly altering atmosphere that’s the 2023 NFL Draft.

1) Houston Texans: Bryce Younger, QB, Alabama

In one of many extra stunning strikes of the faculty soccer offseason, Bryce Younger determined to remind followers why he’s QB1. A 321-yard, 5-touchdown efficiency in a throttling of Kansas State capped off an awesome profession for the Crimson Tide quarterback.

Was it foresight that compelled him again? We’ll by no means know, however a powerful C.J. Stroud efficiency within the School Soccer Playoff might have swayed some folks into eradicating Younger from the highest. Fortuitously, he additionally dominated, and the Texans take him with the primary decide of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

2) Chicago Bears: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

For as soon as, the Bears are in a win-win scenario. Selecting between Jalen Carter and Will Anderson Jr. is a tricky alternative, however you possibly can’t go flawed with both. Chicago selects a wrecking ball on the inside who additionally brings elite finesse that the majority inside linemen haven’t seen.

So, whereas he can’t defend Justin Fields or catch his passes, Carter makes an impression on the opposite aspect of the ball that gained’t go unnoticed.

3) Seattle Seahawks: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

Except Seattle needs a quarterback right here, they will’t lose both. If the Seahawks go on Will Anderson Jr., Seattle doesn’t care. In any case, they’re already enjoying with home cash due to the Denver Broncos’ desperation.

Anderson is a game-changer on the sting. Bryce Younger’s teammate can be the highest of his place, and the Seahawks fortunately see him fall into their laps on this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

4) Arizona Cardinals: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

A part of me needs that J.J. Watt would have waited to retire so he might educate Myles Murphy the tips of the commerce. Now, there’s nonetheless an opportunity for that to occur, but it surely gained’t be as teammates.

Murphy and Watt boast comparable frames, and each are absolute monsters on the sector after they’re enjoying at their peaks. Murphy’s an awesome addition for the Cardinals on this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and he’ll be powerful to dam even when Watt isn’t there to tutor him.

5) Indianapolis Colts: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Whereas Ohio State gained’t play for a nationwide championship, there was loads of good to come back out of their loss to Georgia within the Peach Bowl. C.J. Stroud reminded everybody that he’s nonetheless “him” on the soccer subject. Questions on his mobility evaporated, and his arm expertise was on full show on the large stage. Indianapolis must discover a long-term answer at QB.

6) Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Seems Jamaal Williams’ preseason speech hit house for the Lions — they’re enjoying some nice soccer as of late. The protection continues flying across the subject, however that doesn’t imply they don’t want some help on protection.

Jeff Okudah’s enjoying nice soccer this yr, however he’d respect some assistance on the opposite aspect of the sector. Possibly Aidan Hutchinson is seeking to play two positions? Except they need a quarterback, cornerback is the decide, and Christian Gonzalez would spark some pleasure within the fan base.

7) Atlanta Falcons: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Oklahoma obtained a non secular awakening within the Cheez-It Bowl (and never one). A Verse right here and a Verse there haunted the Sooners’ offensive line all recreation, and he steadily reminded them why he’s the person for the Seminoles.

MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Huge Board

He’s been a late first-round decide for a lot of the season, but it surely’s simple to see why he might transfer into the highest 10. An important body with a dominant recreation, Jared Verse is simply what the Falcons want on protection.

8) Las Vegas Raiders: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Derek Carr is actually out the door already, which means it’s time to search for a brand new route at quarterback. Las Vegas is a metropolis stuffed with leisure, however Anthony Richardson might make the Raiders the most important attraction.

A uncooked participant with great upside, Vegas must look towards the long run with a brand new signal-caller. Davante Adams gained’t stick round lengthy if there’s no hope on offense.

9) Carolina Panthers: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

There’s a rising group that believes Will Levis is the very best quarterback within the draft. I’m not a type of folks. Carolina wants an answer at quarterback after biking by means of a number of gamers and touchdown again on Sam Darnold (yikes), and Levis offers them extra potential.

The uncooked instruments are there, however the consistency lacks. If Levis can put every part collectively, he’ll be quarterback within the NFL. I’d reasonably probably the most attention-grabbing factor about him be his capability to throw a soccer and never what he places in his espresso.

10) Philadelphia Eagles: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

A reminder that the Eagles have this luxurious decide regardless of being the very best crew within the league. They’ve some wants at sure positions, and including an explosive go rusher is considered one of them. Tyree Wilson brings a giant body with nice energy and quickness so as to add to a entrance seven that may be a nightmare.

11) Tennessee Titans: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Sure, the Titans drafted Treylon Burks in final yr’s draft, however that’s not a purpose to go on Quentin Johnston. Whereas we don’t know what the brand new basic supervisor will need, the Titans snag the TCU star vast receiver on this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. An enormous-time playmaker, Johnston averaged 27.2 yards per catch this previous weekend within the Fiesta Bowl.

12) Houston Texans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

If Houston needs to handle their want at vast receiver, they’ll should commerce again to get good worth. In the event that they need to preserve this decide, including assistance on the offensive line must be their route.

Peter Skoronski offers them versatility on the road. Whereas he almost definitely slides inside to protect, he’ll get an opportunity to show his value at deal with. Both approach, he’s a winner who will compete at any place.

13) New York Jets: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

At 6’6″, 315 kilos, dimension isn’t a priority for Paris Johnson Jr., and the Jets want somebody like him on their line. Whereas they haven’t given up on Mekhi Becton but, he hasn’t contributed a lot attributable to damage.

If the Jets don’t need to transfer as much as get a quarterback, they will a minimum of defend their present choices higher. Johnson has room to enhance, however there’s basis to construct upon whereas he learns how one can develop.

14) Washington Commanders: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Groups aren’t afraid of Kelee Ringo as a lot as we anticipated going into the yr. An aggressive nook, penalties have harm Ringo at occasions this yr. We noticed Ohio State benefit from that within the Peach Bowl this weekend. Nonetheless, at 6’2″, 200 kilos, Ringo remains to be value a first-round decide, and the penalties are extra a part of a studying course of than something.

15) Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Pittsburgh is giving Kenny Pickett time to be the man. Giving him time to indicate what he can do must be a precedence. Whereas Broderick Jones isn’t probably the most polished prospect, the flexibility to maul his competitors attracts groups his approach. He’s an aggressive participant within the trenches, and that can win Steelers followers over rapidly.

16) Inexperienced Bay Packers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

The ankle damage could be a priority for groups, however it might be extra stunning to see Jordan Addison drop out of the primary spherical. Christian Watson seems to have a vibrant future for the Packers, however including Addison would possibly preserve Aaron Rodgers completely satisfied till retirement.

17) Detroit Lions: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

Bryan Bresee flirted with returning to Clemson earlier than formally declaring, and he will probably be a enjoyable participant to look at within the trenches. At 6’5″, 300 kilos, he’s been an issue when wholesome for the Tigers. Think about being an offensive lineman that sees Aidan Hutchinson on the sting with Bryan Bresee lining up subsequent to him. I’d have nightmares about that too.

18) Seattle Seahawks: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

An extended, rangy cornerback, Porter offers the Seahawks one other cornerback that matches that description. Pairing Joey Porter Jr. with Tariq Woolen offers Seattle a vibrant future. He’s a bodily participant who’s additionally affected person all through the route. The identify will excite followers, however his recreation will take that pleasure to a different stage.

19) Jacksonville Jaguars: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

I don’t know what’s gotten into the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it surely’s definitely been enjoyable to look at. Trevor Lawrence is hitting his stride, and the offense is exceeding expectations. So as to add a expertise like Josh Downs makes this group much more thrilling.

MORE: Prime 10 WRs within the 2023 NFL Draft

Christian Kirk and Zay Jones already give Lawrence two nice choices, however including Downs opens the sector up a lot extra. He’s fast off the road and may run some nasty routes, which supplies defensive backs so many points. That ability set makes life even simpler for the Jaguars’ franchise quarterback.

20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

Tampa Bay finds themselves within the playoffs, however there are nonetheless some positions to handle. If Cam Smith stays on the board, will probably be powerful to go on him. He can transfer inside to the slot, too — that flexibility will make any defensive coordinator intrigued.

21) New England Patriots: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

Devon Witherspoon looks like the proper decide for the Patriots. An underrated participant on a crew that isn’t within the highlight steadily? Verify and examine. Now, it’s not Cole Unusual by way of shock, however not many anticipate Witherspoon to be a first-round decide.

The Illini nook’s agility permits him to thrive by means of breaks, and his aggressive nature permits him to dislodge the ball from his receiver.

22) New York Giants: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

New York wants a linebacker, and so they’ll have their decide between Trenton Simpson and Noah Sewell. Simpson’s an athletic playmaker nonetheless growing on the place, however his upside makes him extraordinarily interesting.

23) Baltimore Ravens: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

The extra I take a look at this decide, the extra I prefer it. Clark Phillips III could be probably the most aggressive participant on this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and his drive to compete makes him an awesome match for the Ravens.

Regardless of considerations about his dimension, Phillips is a lockdown nook. He won’t have the traits of different corners on this class, but it surely’s not simple to beat him. He’s a twitchy participant who works laborious to be in the suitable place on the proper time.

24) Los Angeles Chargers: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

Rashee Rice rapidly rose to WR1 on SMU and obtained extra expertise than he anticipated with the struggles round him. Fortuitously, that have allowed him to change into a first-round decide.

Justin Herbert is a celebrity, and he simply wants receivers that may keep wholesome. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are nice choices, however there’s been loads of stress after they’ve gone down with damage. Drafting Rice offers them some insurance coverage when issues don’t go in accordance with plan.

25) Cincinnati Bengals: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Joe Burrow skilled much less strain this season. Nevertheless, that may nonetheless enhance. Darnell Wright thrived in Tennessee’s offense this yr, ending the yr dealing with a dynamic defensive position within the Clemson Tigers.

He’s obtained the potential to be an elite left deal with, and his energy and energy in his body might get him within the beginning lineup sooner reasonably than later.

26) Minnesota Vikings: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston School

Kirk Cousins isn’t going wherever, so give him higher linemen to guard him or extra weapons downfield. Minnesota elects to go together with the latter. Zay Flowers isn’t in lots of first rounds, however the Vikings choose him with the twenty sixth decide on this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Watchlist

Flowers brings nice velocity to draw consideration away from Justin Jefferson. The Vikings’ star receiver has thrived regardless of a scarcity of a dependable second choice. Flowers might stretch the sector sufficient to make groups fear about greater than No. 18.

27) Dallas Cowboys: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Tony Pollard is about to change into a free agent. The divide on Ezekiel Elliott stays, and he could possibly be on his approach out as effectively. So why not preserve a generational expertise within the state? Bijan Robinson fills the position of Pollard whereas additionally elevating the bar on the place for the long run.

28) Denver Broncos: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon

Denver’s in a tricky place proper now. Drafting one participant gained’t change every part, however they’ve to start out someplace. Noah Sewell, at worst, brings the suitable angle on the sector to set the tone on protection.

At 6’3″, 250 kilos, he’s a power to be reckoned with when operating downhill. He might need some considerations in protection, however he will probably be an asset defending the run.

29) Buffalo Payments: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

If Bijan Robinson isn’t on the board, the Payments’ backup plan includes somebody who can be RB1 if Robinson wasn’t on this class. Jahmyr Gibbs thrives in all features of the sport. His acceleration makes him elite briefly areas, and his velocity within the open subject makes him a nightmare to cease.

30) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor

As a lot as I need to add one other ridiculous weapon to the Chiefs’ offense, the entrance workplace can’t neglect the protection. Siaki Ika is a disruptor on the defensive position. He’s underrated as a go rusher, however he thrives at defending the run by taking on blockers with ease.

31) Philadelphia Eagles: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida

Think about 6’6″, 330-pound Jordan Davis lined up subsequent to six’6″, 315-pound Gervon Dexter. I’d take time to let that mixture turn into an absolute power. Dexter has nice potential, however he should notice it. He’s developed effectively in 2022, and his ceiling breeds pleasure.