2023 NFL MOCK DRAFT

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QB CJ STROUD | 6'3 215 LBS | OHIO STATE | REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE

Stroud is the prototype quarterback in this class. He has the size, arm strength, passing touch, experience, and attitude that depicts one of a winner. He'll be the top prize in the 2023 Draft.

Go figure; Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, they tried to negotiate with D.Watson before the Browns offered a crazy contract to him, and even Matt Carrol. When those didn't work out, just trade the whole farm for the #1 pick. That's exactly what the Panthers did.

QB BRYCE YOUNG | 6'0 200 LBS | ALABAMA

Young is a silky-smooth operator with great touch on his passes and great field awareness. He doesn't have the ideal size, so I do wonder if he will be able to stay healthy in the NFL. If he was the same size as Stroud, he'd be the #1 pick because he's a better leader and a slightly more natural feel for the game. I'm just afraid that we could have a Tua situation where he gets knocked around the field like a rag doll.

The Texans are desperate for a franchise quarterback. They've been on a downward spiral ever since they traded Wide Receiver D.Hopkins to the Cardinals. They could be headed in the right direction now. They have a good coach and 2 first round picks to keep their momentum going strong. As long as they can make the correct selections.

LB WILL ANDERSON JR | 6'4 245 LBS | ALABAMA

Best pass rusher and difference-maker on the edge. Is a man amongst boys in college. Teams are waiting for an opportunity to unleash this pitbull on the edge.

The best case scenario for the Cardinals would be if someone gave them a great trade offer here in an effort to jump the Colts for a quarterback. They could even trade to the middle of the round so that it would make more sense to take Bijon Robinson. They could use a good running game, and it could lead to efficient playaction in the future for Kyler Murray. But the best bet here is to take the best defensive player that doesn't have any character concerns.

QUARTERBACK ANTHONY RICHARDSON | 6'4 230 LBS | FLORIDA

Physically, he's the most gifted quarterback because of his speed, agility, and physicality. However, he was extremely inaccurate in college, so how will that translate in the pros? Maybe with better coaching, he can get there. 

The Colts are still looking for a QB. They seem to be content at #4 even though they run the risk of someone trading up to #3 to take a quarterback in front of them. Which tells me that they like both Richardson and Levis.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMAN | JALEN CARTER | 6'3 310 LBS | GEORGIA | JUNIOR

Disrupts everything on offense, an absolute problem. Freak athlete with bad intentions. The best bully available in this year's draft. His off-the-field problems shouldn't cause him to drop too far in the draft, someone will take the risk.  

CORNERBACK CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ  | 6'2 200 LBS | OREGON

Physical specimen, impressive athlete. Reminds me of Rod Woodson.

QUARTERBACK - WILL LEVIS | 6'3 230 LBS | KENTUCKY

Levis is a good athlete with good touch on his passes and a strong arm. He's a bit intriguing, I'm still studying his game. Teams seem to be raving about his talent, and there are a plenty of QB-needy teams looking to upgrade at the position.

I think Levis might be a reach here, but he could surprise me. He'll be 24 years old when the season starts, so he's the oldest quarterback projected to go in the first round. You would think that he should be ahead of the other quarterbacks already, but he isn't. Nonetheless, they are moving on from Derek Carr.

DE TYREE WILSON | 6'6 275 LBS | TEXAS TECH

STATS THIS SEASON: 59 TACKLES | 14 TACKLES FOR A LOSS | 7 SACKS | 1 FORCED FUMBLE | 1 FUMBLE RECOVERED

Wilson has the size, strength, speed, and motor that you need from a player on the edge. He is self-made and has worked his way up the draft boards more than just about anyone else so far this year.

The Falcons could use an edge rusher to put fear in opposing teams.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE PARIS JOHNSON | 6'6 315 LBS | OHIO STATE

Johnson has a strong punch to go along with quick feet for a guy his size. CJ Stroud, a Heisman candidate has been comfortable in the pocket under his watch. It seems pretty obvious that the Bears will take the top tackle available.

CORVERBACK DEVON WITHERSPOON | 6'0 180 LBS | ILLINOIS

The Eagles have some weaknesses in the secondary, they'll probably address that here.

 WIDE RECEIVER JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA | 6'0 200 LBS | OHIO STATE | JUNIOR

2021 STATS - 95 CATCHES | 1,606 RECEIVING YARDS | 9 TD'S

I realize that Smith-Njigba has been hurt most of the season, but I still think that when healthy he is the most skilled offensive player in this entire draft. His talent and production are both enormous. He reminds me of JaMarr Chase.

WIDE RECEIVER QUENTIN JOHNSTON | 6'4 200 LBS | TCU

Johnston is a big target with sticky hands. and fights for yardage after the catch. He wins most of his 1-on-1 lobs in the air.

The Texans not only get their franchise quarterback, but they also get a big weapon for him in the top 15 as well. 

OFFENSIVE TACKLE DARNELL WRIGHT | 6'6 335 LBS | TENNESSEE

The Jags look to upgrade their line protection. Protect Trevor Lawrence at all costs. Adding a solid tackle will help with both the running game and passing game. Wright can play either right tackle or even guard until it's his time to move to left tackle.

 WIDE RECEIVER JOSH DOWNS | 5'9 170 LBS | UNC

Downs had a lot of catches in college, he's a high volume guy. Reminds me a little of Brandon Cooks. He's not as fast as cooks, but he might be a better receiver. He runs excellent routes and will quickly become a quarterback favorite wherever he lands.

 A playmaker for the Giants without the troubles or character concerns like they had with WR Kadarius Toney.  

TIGHT END MICHAEL MAYER | 6'4 250 LBS | NOTRE DAME

After paying Dalton Schultz over $10M last season on a franchise tag, the Cowboys actually get an upgrade here for a cheaper price. Doesn't get more convenient than that. He can also provide extra blocking for Dak Prescott. They haven't had a reliable tight end since Jason Witten left.

CORNERBACK DEONTE BANKS | 6'0 200 LBS | MARYLAND

Physically gifted athlete. Has good size and strength to go along with great speed and agility. The Bills really need a workhorse like Bijan Robinson, but he's long gone already. They could try to trade up for him or they could just sit still and take the best player available mixed with need. They'll have to look for a bruiser in free agency or the later rounds. Charbonnet from UCLA would be a great fit in the 2nd round.

SAFETY BRIAN BRNACH | | 6'0 190 LBS | ALABAMA

Branch has a great feel for the game, he's always in the right place at the right time. He's a hardnose football player and should have a long career as an NFL starter. 

He'll cover up some holes that the Bengals have in the secondary and fill a huge void left by Jessie Bates III.

DE LUKAS VAN NESS | 6'5 275 LBS | IOWA

Great athlete, all of the numbers checked out at the combine. Solid football player with good size and can be solid against the run.

After losing Davenport in free agency, the Saints look to find a replacement. 

After getting cornerback D.Witherspoon with the 10th pick, they solidify the secondary by taking the most physically gifted Safety in this draft.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE CALIJAH KANCEY | 6'1 281 LBS | PITTSBURGH

Kancey really stood out at the combine, posting great numbers in the 40. If he has a motor to match that, he could contribute early for the World Champs.

 CORNERBACK CAM SMITH | 6'0 190 LBS | SOUTH CAROLINA 

In a loaded cornerback draft class, Cam impressed me the most with his game-film. Outstanding athlete that plays with an edge and flies around to the ball. Great hands, can turn into a wide receiver on defense to make excellent catches for interceptions. My favorite corner in this draft. The Steelers get a 1st round gem in the 2nd round.

LINEBACKER TRENTON SIMPSON | 6'3 235 LBS | 

CORNERBACK KELEE RINGO | 6'2 205 LBS | UGA

WIDE RECEIVER JALIN HYATT | 6'0 175 LBS | TENNESSEE 

TIGHT END DALTON KINCAID | 6'4 245 LBS | UTAH

OFFENSIVE GUARD O'CYRUS TORRENCE | 6'6 330 LBS | FLORIDA

TIGHT END DARNELL WASHINGTON | 6'7 265 LBS | UGA

TIGHT END LUKE MUSGRAVE | 6'6 250 LBS | OREGON STATE

DEFENSIVE TACKLE | 6'3 325 LBS | MICHIGAN

OFFENSIVE TACKLE DAWAND JONES | 6'8 370 LBS | OHIO STATE

LINEBACKER DREW SANDERS | 6'4 235 LBS | ARKANSAS

CENTER JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ | 6'4 320 LBS | MINNESOTA

INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMAN STEVE AVILA | 6'4 315 LBS | TCU

LINEBACKER HENRY TO'OTO'O | 6'2 225 LBS | ALABAMA

CORNERBACK CLARK PHILLIPS III | 5'10 185 LBS | UTAH

RUNNING BACK ZACH CHARBONNET | 6'1 220 LBS | UCLA

CORNERBACK TYRIQUE STEVENSON | 6'0 200 LBS | MIAMI

CORNERBACK GARRETT WILLIAMS | 6'0 190 LBS | SYRACUSE 

EDGE FELIX ANUDIKE-UZOMAH | 6'3 255 LBS | KANSAS STATE

CORNERBACK CORY TRICE | 6'3 210 LBS | PURDUE