Mike Lockhart, one of the talented producers for the highly rated Toucher & Rich radio program, has released his highly anticipated mock draft for the upcoming 2023 NFL draft that will stir up discussions and debates in the lead-up to the big event tonight.

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  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)

• 1. Bryce Young Alabama (QB) - Carolina

  After trading up for the first pick, The Panthers get their future at Quarterback. Young threw for over 3,000 yards in his two years starting. His size (5’10” 204 lbs) is the only worry. If he stays healthy he should have a very good career.

• 2. Tyree Wilson Texas Tech (DE) - Houston

  14 tackles for a loss and 7 sacks this season. Demeco Ryans is defensive-minded. coming from the 49ers, where they’ve succeeded with lesser quarterbacks and drafted high at the position. The 49ers could trade the pick to a team looking for a QB. The defensive end was always important in San Francisco.

• 3. Will Anderson Jr Alabama (DE/OLB) - Arizona

  This pick could be dealt to a team looking to move up for a QB. If Anderson is the selection. Arizona gets an excellent pass rusher. Anderson jr is extremely fast when changing directions and many times makes the play no matter where it goes.

• 4. CJ Stroud Ohio State (QB) - Indianapolis

  CJ Stroud has put up huge numbers against quality opponents. Surrounded by an all-star team and being well-protected could show Stroud may not translate well as a pro. He doesn’t move as well in the pocket and his decision-making could be an issue. 

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  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

• 5. Jalen Carter Georgia (DT) - Seattle

  The best player in the draft found himself in trouble after a racing accident resulted in two deaths. Teams now know of his legal future and Carter won’t make it out of the top 5. Don’t be shocked if he goes second to Houston. Carter is a force and creates havoc.

• 6. Christian Gonzalez Oregon (CB) - Detroit

  Detroit was bad against the pass last season. After trading Jeff Okudah it’s clear the Lions will grab some secondary help in this draft. Gonzalez is a big and fast corner.

• 7. Anthony Richardson (QB) - Las Vegas

  Richardson was a one-year starter. His physical ability is why he’s being drafted so high. He has great pocket mobility and a strong arm. He’ll fit well here because he can sit behind Jimmy Garoppolo and learn from veteran Brian Hoyer.

• 8. Bijan Robinson Texas (RB) - Atlanta

  Atlanta has stockpiled young talent in the last few drafts. Here they get the perfect complement to a young starting QB. Robinson is a tough physical runner. Atlanta could look for defensive help.

• 9. Peter Skoronski Northwestern (OT/G) - Chicago

  Left or right tackle, Guard, anywhere they want to line him up he will help out. Arm length isn’t ideal for a left tackle. But Skoronski is good enough that it may not matter.

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  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

• 10. Devon Witherspoon Illinois (CB) - Philadelphia

  A luxury pick for a team that was in the super bowl. Here they land a young corner. He’s long and not afraid to stuff ball carriers. The defensive end is an option here too.

• 11. Paris Johnson Ohio State (OT) Tennessee

  Tennessee needs to fill a lot of positions. Left tackle is a need and a perfect fit. The Titans signed Andre Dillard who’s been mostly a backup.

• 12. Jaxson Smith-Njigba Ohio State (WR) Houston

  Smith-Njiga is a great route runner and very athletic. mainly playing the slot, he’s not a burner but he’ll move the chains.

• 13. Michael Mayer Notre Dame (TE) Green Bay

  Tight End is a weak spot. Green Bay needs a tight end. Nicknamed “Baby Gronk” Mayer can block and catch and should be a solid pro.

• 14. Broderick Jones Georgia (OT) New England

  Jones has good size (6’5” 311 lbs) & is athletic. Doesn’t have the length of Paris Johnson. But he’s still got good length. If he refines his technique, he could be a ten-year starter in the league. One of the more athletic tackles in the draft. Jones should be able to handle the left side and edge rushers.

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  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)

• 15. Darnell Wright Tennessee (OT) New York Jets

  Darnell Wright played right tackle this season for the Volunteers. Former 5-star recruit. Wright recently had a tremendous week at the Senior Bowl. He’s 6’5 333 lbs but his length is best suited for the right side. He did not give up a sack this year. Wright looks like he could be an immediate impact starter at right tackle.

• 16. Will Levis Kentucky (QB) Washington

  Levis could go in the top ten. He had to transfer from Penn State because he couldn’t win the job. He threw 5 fewer touchdowns this year and double-digit interceptions two years in a row. His size and arm strength make him an interesting prospect.

• 17. Joey Porter Jr Penn State (CB) Pittsburgh

  A tall long corner comes home. Fills a need for Pittsburgh and will be a fan favorite.

• 18. Myles Murphy Clemson (DE) Detroit

  Murphy played all over the field for Clemson making plays everywhere. The defense was an issue for the Lions last season and they use their second pick in the first round to help.

• 19. O'Cyrus Torrance Florida (OG) Tampa Bay

  Tampa Bay could look at some defensive upgrades here. But the line has holes and Torrance can help.

• 20. Lucas Van Ness Iowa (DE) Seattle

  Van Ness could go anywhere from 10-20. He was never a starter at Iowa but got more snaps than those who did. He led the Hawkeyes in tackles for a loss and sacks.

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  Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness (DL47) participates in drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

• 21. Brian Bresee Clemson (DT) Los Angeles Chargers

  Bresee adds size and athleticism and could be moved all over.

• 22. Deonte Banks Maryland (CB) Baltimore

  Showed he can play against top players this season. He can learn from Patrick Peterson before replacing him.

• 23. Emmanuel Forbes Mississippi State (CB) Minnesota

  Long and lean, Forbes has a nose for the pick-six with six in his career and fourteen overall interceptions. If he was 25 lbs heavier he’d be long gone.

• 24. Anton Harrison Oklahoma (OT) Jacksonville

  A quality 4-year starter at Oklahoma, He should transition into a solid starter for a team that needs help.

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  Sep 10, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Anton Harrison (71) in action during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

• 25. Quentin Johnson Texas Christian University (WR) New York Giants

  Giants reach for help here. He can score but drops are a major issue. Fills a big need for New York.

• 26. Jamyr Gibbs Alabama (RB) Dallas Cowboys

  Zeke Elliott has been released. Gibbs along with Tony Pollard would revamp the position.

• 27. Drew Sanders Arkansas (LB) Buffalo

  Sanders transferred from Alabama and recorded 103 tackles last season. 13.5 for a loss and 9.5 sacks. He could slide into the weak side after losing Tremaine Edmunds.

• 28. Brian Branch Alabama (DB) Cincinnati

  Brian Branch can be used in several different ways as a pass defender. Cincinnati gets a skilled and smart football player. Quicker than fast with a smaller build. After losing two safeties via free agency, the Bengals fill up the depth with the best safety in the draft. He can also play in the slot.

• 29. Dalton Kincaid Utah (TE) New Orleans

  New Orleans gives Carr a good pass-catching tight end.

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  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)

• 30. Nolan Smith Georgia (DE/LB) Philadelphia

  An athletic edge rusher is a bit undersized and may need to be moved around to get the best results. He’s running back fast.

• 31. Zay Flowers Boston College (WR) Kansas City

  Zay Flowers is a big play receiver who uses his defenders to change direction and get wide open. Flowers will play mostly slots. I think he could be moved around in a creative offense.

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