NFL mock draft 2023: Updated first round projection after Super Bowl

The season is now over, the confetti has hit the sector, and the champions are celebrating their Tremendous Bowl victory. Nonetheless, soccer doesn’t cease right here. With the season within the rear view, the NFL world turns to the NFL Draft as the subsequent main occasion. It’s powerful to get view of what’s going to occur within the draft as a result of teaching staffs must be crammed out and free company must occur first, however we’re going to offer it our greatest shot.

A few housekeeping notes, right here. There are two trades within the top-10, and for specifics, right here they’re:

Chicago Bears obtain: 4th total decide, thirty fifth total decide, 2024 1st spherical decide

Indianapolis Colts obtain: 1st total decide

Colts GM Chris Ballard has been very open about going and getting a QB within the draft this yr, no matter their draft place. With the clock probably ticking on Ballard’s tenure in Indy, he may very well be trying to make an aggressive transfer. Extra importantly than having the primary total decide, Chicago wants as many photographs on the dartboard as doable, to actually jumpstart their rebuild. The commerce advantages each groups.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers obtain: eighth total decide

Atlanta Falcons obtain: nineteenth total decide, fiftieth total decide, 182nd total decide

The Tom Brady period is over in Tampa, and moderately than fully tearing down the franchise, the Bucs can choose to go draft their subsequent QB of the longer term within the occasion one of many prime guys falls. The Falcons actually are on the level the place they will draft finest participant accessible or commerce again, and that’s precisely what they do.

Now that we obtained that out the best way, right here’s the post-Tremendous Bowl mock draft:

Why 4 QBs may go in top-10 of 2023 NFL Draft

So on this mock draft, I attempted predicting what I suppose goes to occur, moderately than what I would do if I had been accountable for these organizations. Bryce Younger could be my first decide if I had been the GM, however it’s uncommon to see a man who’s each below 6’0 and 200 kilos succeed as a sign caller within the NFL. Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray are each effectively constructed and over 200 kilos, and Younger’s dimension may scare away scouts.

On the opposite finish of the spectrum, you’ve got Will Levis. Levis is a man who I believe might be good within the NFL, however the post-snap choice making and processing is slightly questionable. With that being stated, Levis can be 6’3 and 230 kilos. He’s the bodily prototype for an NFL QB, and when issues are going completely, you’ll be able to see the arm expertise and accuracy. The Colts have a new offensive mind as head coach, and Chris Ballard and Jim Irsay may fall in love with Levis and make him the highest decide.

After Levis, Bryce Younger goes off the board to Houston. With Demeco Ryans coming in, there’s potential for one more playcaller from the Shanahan tree to be concerned on this offense (nevertheless, Kliff Kingsbury may very well be given the job). Younger’s spatial consciousness and talent to appropriate errors outdoors the pocket make him the right QB for this offense, and so does his accuracy in any respect three ranges.

Stroud goes to Tampa Bay at No. 8, the place he can function from the pocket behind what must be an offensive line that’s improved from final yr, and a number of weapons to throw to. When he’s within the pocket, Stroud is a buzzsaw, throwing with contact and accuracy, with good arm energy (although not elite). Towards Georgia, he confirmed the power to create below stress and outdoors of construction, however his skill to do it constantly is the massive query.

Anthony Richardson may probably find yourself being the most effective QB from this draft class. Already a world class athlete, with an easy launch, Richardson has all of the bodily instruments to be one of many elite QBs within the NFL. He is also additional alongside as a processor and below stress than individuals select to consider. Regardless of his numbers, he confirmed good course of within the pocket and with defenders in his face. Richardson’s greatest flaw is decrease physique mechanics, which skews his accuracy. He will get too slim and tries to throw with all arm, which hurts him in the long term. Sending him to Carolina with Frank Reich as a trainer/playcaller offers him the right nucleus to construct upon his instruments as a QB.

Analyzing the WR class

Not like the earlier three years, I don’t suppose there’s a surefire top-flight vast receiver on this class, and the NFL may very well be taking discover. The vast receiver run may occur later within the draft than we predict, however it may begin with a participant and crew which have made numerous contact with one another because the school soccer season ended. Boston School WR Zay Flowers was on the Shrine Bowl final week, the place he extensively talked with the New England Patriots. The Pats have by no means abided by conventional draft logic, and Flowers may very well be their prime receiver on the board. For what it’s price, he could be slot in New England. He’s extra fast than quick, however he makes use of that burst to create separation, and has very positive fingers.

No one is aware of what’s going to occur with Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (his escapade into the darkness will give us much more data), however TCU WR Quentin Johnston matches their height-weight-speed profile. I’ve much more questions on Johnston’s skill to be a real vast receiver 1, however including him with Christian Watson as Allen Lazard enters free company offers the Packers a younger 1-2 punch on the place, no matter who’s taking part in QB.

Maybe essentially the most attention-grabbing participant and crew match is SMU WR Rashee Rice to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. Rice is a lot better within the Yards After Catch division and making catches over the center, utilizing his longer arms and compact body to make powerful, contested catches. With Juju Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson, and Mecole Hardman getting into free company, the Chiefs may very well be available in the market for a receiver as soon as once more. Rice makes a lot sense with what the Chiefs offense needs to be.

Calijah Kancey?

A reputation that’s been gaining numerous steam not too long ago is Pitt DT Calijah Kancey. The redshirt junior has been featured in virtually each mock draft not too long ago, as excessive as No. 10 to the Eagles. I’m not precisely there with Kancey but, however his disruption and burst as a defensive deal with is tough to disregard.

As a 6’0, 280 pound defensive deal with, he has to win with velocity and lateral quickness, and does that quite a bit. The long run viability of getting a 280 pound defensive deal with that’s not named Aaron Donald is a big query, however it’s clear that the NFL may worth him as a prime expertise. The Eagles are going to be changing numerous their line of defense doubtlessly, together with DTs Javon Hargrave, Fletcher Cox, Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph, so choosing Kancey at 31 could be higher worth than choosing him at 10.