The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft is closing in. Teams have completed their weeks and months of perpetration, all that’s left is to see how the board falls.
While we’re waiting, why wait? Before teams start filling out draft cards of their own, let’s take one last try at a 2023 first-round mock draft. For our final seven-round Patriots-specific mock draft, click here.
Note: Trades referenced were made for this mock specifically. Previously completed trades are not detailed.
1. Panthers: QB Bryce Young, Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 19: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against the Austin Peay Governors during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Last week, it was reported that Young canceled all of his remaining pre-draft visits after meeting with the Panthers. It’s unlikely he would do that unless he knew he didn’t need to meet with the other teams. Using that bit of info, we have the Panthers taking him first overall.
2. Texans: QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 08: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes plays against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on October 08, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Sure, there’s been some talk that the Texans don’t plan on taking a quarterback second overall. But that feels more like a misdirection than anything else. The franchise has been directionless for multiple seasons now, and needs to start building a new foundation. The best way to do that is pick a quarterback, and Stroud is clearly the second-best QB in this draft and best left on the board.
3. Cardinals: DE Will Anderson, Alabama
Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback AJ Swann (13) for a loss at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
In our first two mock drafts, we had the Cardinals moving down so a team could come up and select a quarterback. In this permutation though, they don’t want to risk missing out on Anderson, who has the potential to be a generational pass rush talent. New defensive-minded head coach Jonathan Gannon gets his chess piece in the front seven.
4. Colts: QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 15: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators looks to pass during the first half of a game against the LSU Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Richardson is the clear pick here for the Colts. They’ve been drifting through quarterback lingo since Andrew Luck retired, filling the position with one-year veteran after one-year veteran. Richardson has MVP upside – will the Colts see that, or overthink the pick?
5. Raiders (from Seahawks): QB Will Levis, Kentucky
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – NOVEMBER 19: Will Levis #7 of the Kentucky Wildcats against the Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Field on November 19, 2022 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Seahawks get:
-7th overall pick
-70th overall pick
-2024 3rd-round pickRaiders get:
-5th overall pick
Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels moved on from Derek Carr less than a year after signing him to a $121.5 million extension. That’s a hard move to sell without a new plan in place, and 31-year-old oft-injured Jimmy Garoppolo doesn’t seem like a long-term fix, especially given the contract the Raiders gave him. Given that, they move up to make sure they get the final quarterback from the top tier in this class.
6. Lions: CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Oct 8, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Christian Gonzalez (0) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Gonzalez established himself as the top cornerback in a very talented class at the Combine, and nothing has happened to change that evaluation since. He goes to the Lions, who had the league’s worst passing defense last year and just traded 2020 third-overall pick Jeff Okudah.
7. Seahawks (from Raiders): DE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
Sep 3, 2022; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (19) waits for play to resume in the first half against the Murray State Racers at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
See Pick 5 for trade details
While the Seahawks may look to add another weapon for Geno Smith, what really did them in last year was poor defensive line play in the second half of the season. Looking to rectify that they take Wilson, who projects as a factor against both the run and pass.
8. Falcons: DL Jalen Carter, Georgia
Nov 19, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) celebrates during the second quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Over the last two years, no team has less sacks than the Falcons (39). They’ve already boosted their edge rush group by signing Bud Dupree this offseason, but add a playmaker in the middle by taking Carter.
9. Bears: OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (77) blocks Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Jordan Williams (59) during the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY Network)
The Bears started to build some momentum with Justin Fields last year, but he was under pressure too often to really take that next step. If Chicago wants to maximize his skillset, he needs to be protected better. They use this pick to reunite him with a fellow Buckeye who will protect his blindside.
10. Eagles: CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Finn Hogan #17 of the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Sure the Eagles were able to bring back both Darius Slay and James Bradberry, but that doesn’t mean they should be done adding at cornerback. Both cornerbacks will be on the wrong side of 30, which has been a line of demarcation for cornerbacks in the past. For instance, last year only six cornerbacks 30 or older started 10 or more games in the NFL. Looking to add youth to the group, they take Porter here.
11. Titans: OT Broderick Jones, Georgia
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Broderick Jones (59) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
As a part of their salary cap-manipulating moves this offseason, the Titans cut long-time left tackle Taylor Lewan. Expect for them to be looking for a blue-chip replacement in the draft, especially given how key of a position it is. They’re able to grab Jones, whose athleticism will make him an excellent fit in their run and play action-heavy offensive system.
12. Texans: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Nov 13, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) makes the catch during the second quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
We’ve now made this pick in all three first-round mock drafts, but it just makes too much sense. The Texans are bringing in a rookie quarterback, and the best way to help a rookie quarterback is adding a quarterback-friendly wide receiver. Smith-Njigba is the most quarterback-friendly receiver in this draft, and maybe the most available the entire offseason.
13. Packers: TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 10: Michael Mayer #87 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action against the Marshall Thundering Herd during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 10, 2022 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Hoping to make life easy for Jordan Love in this first year as a starter, the Packers go out and get him a big target in Mayer. Mayer will also be a plus in the run game – and don’t expect the Packers to get away from their smashmouth run identity with Aaron Rodgers no longer under center.
14. Patriots: CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) celebrates a win against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Reading the tea leaves of the past three months, the Patriots seem to have their eyes on the cornerback class with the 14th pick. In this situation they end up with Witherspoon. While Witherspoon may not quite have the size the Patriots are looking for at 5-foot-11, 181 pounds, he checks every other box for them emphatically. He’s a high-IQ cornerback who isn’t afraid to play physically against the pass or run, and had outstanding numbers last season highlighted by 14 pass breakups.
15. Jets: OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
Oct 22, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Peter Skoronski (77) prepares to block against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Now that they officially have Aaron Rodgers in the building, the Jets need to get him protected. All of the tackles currently at the top of the Jets’ depth chart come into the season with major question marks. Hoping to settle things down they add Skoronski, whose technical ability is the best of any lineman in this draft.
16. Commanders: CB Deonte Banks, Maryland
Nov 5, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Deonte Banks (3) reacts following a play during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Commanders cornerback depth is very thin, especially for a team in what has become a pass-happy NFC East division. They go just down the road for their pick adding Banks, another late riser in the pre-draft process.
17. Steelers: OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Tennessee offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) during football game between Tennessee and Ball State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. (Jamar Coach/News Sentinel/USA Today Network)
The Steelers seem ready to move forward with Kenny Pickett at quarterback, so they use this pick to boost their ability to keep him upright. Wright has potential to start at both tackle spots, and has risen up draft boards late in the pre-draft process.
18. Lions: WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
Sep 2, 2022; Boulder, Colorado, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) stiff arms Colorado Buffaloes safety Isaiah Lewis (23) in the second quarter at Folsom Field. Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
This pick would make a lot of sense for Detroit, especially after they used their first first-round selected on a cornerback. While quarterback may be a more long-term need, this draft doesn’t line up for the Lions to get the kind of high-upside player they’d be justified in using a first-round pick on. Instead, they take Johnston to help create a better situation for whoever their long-term quarterback is – whether he’s a 2024 first-round pick, or Jared Goff on a contract extension if he puts together another solid year.
19. Buccaneers: OLB Nolan Smith, Georgia
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 25: Nolan Smith #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs calls to teammates against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
There are a number of ways the Bucs could go with this pick as they enter the post-Tom Brady era, but adding a pass rusher would make the most immediate impact. Last year, it was defensive tackle Vita Vea who led the Bucks with 6.5 sacks. Needing to create more disruption on the edge they take Smith, who is the kind of fast and athletic linebacker who has succeeded in their system in recent years.
20. Chiefs (from Seahawks): WR Zay Flowers, Boston College
Sep 3, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles receiver Zay Flowers (4) runs the ball during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Seahawks get:
-31st overall pick
-95th overall pick
-122nd overall pick
-2024 4th-round pickChiefs get:
-20th overall pick
A couple of things are true here. One – the Chiefs flew Flowers down to Texas to have a private workout with Patrick Mahomes last week. Two – the Chiefs love trading up in the draft and have done so in the first round twice in their last four picks including last year (a trade this trade is modeled off of). Put those together, and they may have telegraphed their plans for Thursday night.
21. Chargers: WR Jordan Addison, USC
Oct 15, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) catches a pass against the Utah Utes in the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
The run on wide receivers continues. In the short term, Addison adds another offensive weapon to a unit projected to lose one of its key playmakers in Austin Ekeler. He also gives the team a potential WR1 for Justin Herbert long-term, with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both only under contract through 2024 and at very high cap numbers.
22. Ravens: RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 25: Bijan Robinson #5 of the Texas Longhorns runs between Brooks Miller #41 of the Baylor Bears and Devin Lemear #20 in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
With it looking like Lamar Jackson will remain in Baltimore, the Ravens to go work putting playmakers around him. They recent added a receiver by signing Odell Beckham, so here they address their backfield by adding a true big-play threat in Robinson. His skillset is a perfect fit to play with Jackson. Plus, the only Ravens running back under contract beyond 2023 is Justice Hill, who will be a free agent after the 2024 season.
23. Vikings: QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
ATHENS, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 05: Hendon Hooker #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers looks to pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Vikings have plenty of skill on offense around the quarterback position. Once they sign Justin Jefferson long-term (they’d be reckless not to), that window of competitiveness should extend well beyond the 2023 season, which is the last year of Kirk Cousins’ contract. Rather than overpaying Cousins or another QB, the Vikings add a high-floor passer who should be a fit in their system. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport Hooker, who tore his ACL in November, is expected to be ready for the start of the season, so he could even push Cousins this year if the veteran gets off to a rough start.
24. Jaguars: CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 03: Kelee Ringo #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the game against the Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 3, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Cornerback was already a need for the Jaguars, and that was before they released Shaquill Griffin in a salary cap move. To bolster their secondary they take Ringo, who has a rare combination of size and athleticism and at one point was viewed as the consensus CB1 in this class. If he can play more consistently at the next level, this pick will be a steal.
25. Giants: C John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota
Dec 28, 2021; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers center John Michael Schmitz (60) against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants enter the draft without a center on their roster. After signing Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160 million extension, it would make sense that they’d try to get a quality player to snap him the ball. That’s Schmitz, who was a three-year starter at Minnesota and is viewed as the top center in this draft.
26. Cowboys: DL Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Calijah Kancey #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers reacts after sacking Kasim Hill #8 of the Rhode Island Rams during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
In the past, the Cowboys have favored elite Combine testers and generally put more emphasis on front seven positions than other teams do in the draft. That leads them to Kancey, who ran a 4.67 40 at 6-foot-1, 281 pounds at the Combine and had 7.5 sacks in 11 games last year for Pitt.
27. Bills: DE Myles Murphy, Clemson
Oct 8, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Myles Murphy (98) eyes a Boston College Eagles ball carrier during the second quarter at Alumni Stadium. Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Last year the Bills’ pass rush fell off significantly after Von Miller tore his ACL, which hurt them down the stretch and into the playoffs. Looking to strengthen that group they grab Murphy, who should come in ready to be a key rotational player at the NFL level.
28. Bengals: TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah
TEMPE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Dalton Kincaid #86 of the Utah Utes catches a 29-yard touchdown reception ahead of linebacker Connor Soelle #18 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the NCAAF game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
After losing Hayden Hurst in free agency, tight end is clearly the biggest need for the Bengals. Cincinnati takes advantage of a strong class at the position and adds another weapon for Joe Burrow by drafting Kincaid. This move also adds another big pass catcher to their arsenal, with their current big-body receiver Tee Higgins entering a contract year.
29. Saints: DE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones is tackled by defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness #91 of the Iowa Hawkeyes as Hall rushed for yards in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
The Saints have a number of holes to fill on their roster and are in a spot to truly go with the best player available. They use this chance to add a high-upside pass rusher in Van Ness, who will give defenses somebody to worry about playing opposite veteran Cameron Jordan.
30. Eagles: S Brian Branch, Alabama
Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch (14) pursues Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ray Davis (2) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
For the second time in the first round, the Eagles boost their secondary. This time they take Branch, who is the consensus top safety in this draft and would be considered a significant value pick at this point. After getting lit up by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the second half of last year’s Super Bowl, Philly makes sure air yards will be much tougher to come by against them in 2023.
31. Seahawks (from Chiefs): G O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida
Feb 4, 2023; Mobile, AL, USA; American offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence of Florida (56) looks to block National defensive lineman Karl Brooks of Bowling Green (13) during the second half of the Senior Bowl college football game at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
With their second first-round pick, the Seahawks continue the rebuild of their offensive line. After taking two tackles last year, they focus on the interior this time by selecting Torrence.
