The end of the 2022 college football season is almost upon us. While it may be a sad time, it does mean we get to focus almost solely on the 2023 NFL Draft. Ah yes, the event where we get to see where all of these talented student-athletes get to thrive and flourish in hopes of winning the Lombardi. I’m glad I waited until the end of the season to do this first mock so I had time to get a firm grasp on every prospect and team situation, hopefully creating a perfect marriage. Also, quick shoutout to anyone on Twitter who I used videos of to showcase these great players. Houston Texans, you are on the clock!
1. Houston Texans: Bryce Young QB — Alabama
For the sake of Bryce Young, I hope this doesn’t happen. Houston is a dumpster fire right now. Whether you talk about the scandals over the past year, ineptitude of the front office to create a culture, or refusal to acquire talent, it’s really bad. Step one of any rebuild is always to identify your head coach, and I don’t think Lovie Smith is that. Lovie has always been a great guy, but in this day and age in the NFL, I want an offensive-minded guy who can take the reins and mold a team. Step two of the rebuild is to find your quarterback, and Bryce is a dang good one. If you want to see my extremely in-depth piece on why I believe Bryce Young is QB1 in this class, you can view it here.
2. Seattle Seahawks (via CHI): C.J. Stroud QB — Ohio State
TRADE DETAILS: SEA receives 2 and 155; CHI receives 3, 53, 84, and 185
While Geno Smith didn’t write back, I don’t know if the Seahawks should pay him what he will most likely find in the free market. For the small price of a second, third, and late-round pick, you can get (in my opinion) the best quarterback prospect the Buckeyes have produced. While this is not a shot at Justin Fields (even though if you know me, you know I don’t think he is a good quarterback), C.J. Stroud just has the entire package. A talented arm that is capable of making off-platform throws, and his ability of mobility that was not showcased until this last game against Georgia. Save your $55 million in cap to go toward other needs, like defense.
3. Chicago Bears (via DEN through SEA): Jalen Carter IDL — Georgia
The Bears hold all the power in this draft. They decide who gets the second quarterback (assuming Houston takes one). If I was Chicago, I would have two requirements to meet. Number one: you must have a pick inside the top five (if that means teams need to trade up twice, so be it). Number two: you can’t be the Detroit Lions. As much as I would love to see Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud in Detroit with those weapons, Chicago shouldn’t be the team that just gives its divisional rival a great player to acquire more capital (I’m looking at you Minnesota giving Detroit Jameson Williams and Green Bay Christian Watson). Jalen Carter pops up in the dictionary under “wrecker.” This dude is a once-in-a-decade type interior prospect. He has the motor to play three downs, the ability to quickly shed blocks in the run game, and the skills to be versatile in passing situations. He is able to both bullrush and use his hands in a more “finesse” moveset. Chicago is lacking in a lot of areas, so taking the best player in the draft (in my humble opinion) would be a great start.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr. EDGE — Alabama
Going into the year, many thought Will Anderson Jr. had a great shot of being the top selection. While I don’t see that happening anymore, he is still an elite pass-rushing prospect. People will see the lower statistics than a year ago and panic that he was a one-hit wonder, which is incredibly stupid. His combination of power and speed that he possesses is otherworldly. Getting him in Arizona would be a massive boost to a defense that needs to perform better if the Cardinals ever want to make the playoffs with this current core (which I already think is unlikely).
5. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis QB — Kentucky
Cue the Joker gif saying “Here. We. Go.” Many think Will Levis is a very good prospect. In fact, some believe he is QB1. I disagree HEAVILY with that sentiment. While I do understand why people are infatuated with his elite frame and desirable arm talent and mobility, those are all physical traits. While these traits are extremely important when grading a prospect, people tend to forget how mental the quarterback position is. Now, I know that me saying Will Levis lacks the mental traits to play the quarterback position at the next level makes me sound like I’m calling him dumb, which is so far from the truth. What I mean is that there are some instances where you can tell he hasn’t had great coaching to prepare him to run an NFL offense. He often has bad timing going through his progressions, causing him to miss reads, force balls where they shouldn’t go, and pay for such consequences. Levis isn’t a quarterback you can start on day one. He’s a guy you give to a quarterback guru and let him learn the position and how to play it at an elite level. It’s like pottery; Levis is a great piece of clay that has all the right textures and colors and features that could make a beautiful piece of art. Unfortunately, his piece of clay is still a brick, while guys like Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud are already pre-molded a bit. I worry that the team that takes him won’t have the coaching on hand already to make this development happen, because when Will Levis makes good plays, they are capital GOOD.
6. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Cam Smith CB — South Carolina
The Lions are getting the sixth pick because they let their franchise quarterback go win a ring — definition of a win-win. While the Lions could be in contention for one of the top quarterbacks in the class, I don’t think they’re going to force anything. I would be shocked if they attempted to make a massive trade up in favor of one of the rookie prospects. Jared Goff actually played well this year, given the circumstances of the past and what people expected of him after the Rams dealt him. What does need force is that defense. A year departed from their selection of Aidan Hutchinson second overall, the Lions address the secondary in the top 10 for the second time in four years. Cam Smith is a long and ferocious corner who makes it known he fears no man. He is a dominant force in the run game, which is an underrated trait in corners nowadays.
7. Atlanta Falcons: Myles Murphy EDGE — Clemson
The Falcons have needed to address the pass-rush situation for a while now. You can’t pass up on a Myles Murphy when he is available to you. While I’m sure Falcons fans don’t want to see Marcus Mariota take another snap, and some may have doubts about Desmond Ridder, the quarterback class after Levis is very shallow in my opinion. A team may take a chance on Anthony Richardson from Florida, but I just don’t see any upside right now with how much of a loose cannon he is with his arm. Murphy gives you a day one stud on the defensive line that this franchise has lacked for quite some time now.
8. Las Vegas Raiders: Peter Skoronski OT — Northwestern
STOP TRYING TO SAY THAT SOME TACKLES SHOULD PLAY GUARD. I DON’T WANT TO FREAKING HEAR IT. If you think a tackle should be a guard, it should be because they either get killed on speed rushes on the outside or they are prone to holding because of the first reason. Shorter arms on a tackle may not be a strength, but it shouldn’t be a complete turn-off. People tried to make this same argument about Rashawn Slater when he was coming out of Northwestern a few years ago. Not making the comparison, but I hate this narrative. Peter Skoronski is a human forklift with the ability to move guys like they are made of gelatin. What the Raiders do at quarterback is TBD, but protecting that guy so he has time to throw to Davante Adams should be a priority.
9. Carolina Panthers: Tyree Wilson EDGE — Texas Tech
I’ll say it again — don’t force the quarterbacks here. The Panthers are in a spot where they just need an uber-talented player literally wherever they can get one. With Brian Burns possibly on his way out, I would expect Carolina to try to replace him immediately because of how impactful he is to that team. Tyree Wilson has been a massive riser this season (shoutout Eric Edholm) with his sudden quickness being a sight to see.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Christian Gonzalez CB — Oregon
Ah yes, one of the best teams in the NFL getting a top 10 pick because the franchise they were trading with doesn’t know how to do business right (I mean, just look at the atrocity that they call their cap handling). One of the most underlooked free agent moves of the past season was when Philadelphia got James Bradberry on essentially a one-year loan. Bradberry has been one of the best corners in the NFL this year alongside fellow stud Darius “Big Play” Slay. With Bradberry expected to cash in on free agency, the corner position becomes one of intrigue with this pick. In a class filled with studs at corner, I gave the Eagles Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez will be able to step in on the side opposite Slay and keep this Eagles defense on track for 2023.
11. Tennessee Titans: Paris Johnson Jr. OT — Ohio State
As much of a fan as I am of “Bussin’ With The Boys,” Taylor Lewan hasn’t been a massive strength to this Titans team. Injuries seem to pile up for him, and he has a $14.7 million cap hit for 2023 with no dead cap. Paris Johnson Jr. could step into that role and prevent this Titans offense from getting worse than it already is.
12. Houston Texans (via themselves through CLE): Jordan Addison WR — USC
#FreeBrandinCooks. Let Brandin Cooks go and enjoy the rest of his career wherever he wants. With this move in mind, the Texans need to get a stud receiver for their brand new quarterback. Many people will take Quentin Johnston here, but I’m not the biggest fan of his right now. I would still take Jordan Addison as the first receiver in this draft. The way Addison is able to separate from DBs at the line of scrimmage, make adjustments with his body to make catches, and make guys miss in the open field makes me confident he has a bright future in the NFL.
13. Detroit Lions (via NYJ): Bryan Bresee IDL — Clemson
TRADE DETAILS: DET receives: 13; NYJ receives 17, 78, 179
The second trade of the mock. Detroit moves up four spots to not only fill a need on the defense but get a guy that fits the culture and will probably have a massive fan in Dan Campbell. The Jets are able to secure a third-round pick to continue their rebuild that was so close to making the playoffs this year. Bryan Bresee is a hard-nosed football player who has the power to be a disruptor in both facets of the game. He is an ultra-competitor who will bring some more ferocity to a Lions team that has no cap on ferocity.
14. Jacksonville Jaguars (via WSH): Quentin Johnston WR — TCU
TRADE DETAILS: JAX receives: 14; WSH receives: 20, 85, 121
Back-to-back trades, wowza! The Jaguars move up a few spots to secure a potential wide receiver of the future for Trevor Lawrence. Washington may be moving down some spots, but it acquires a much-needed group of mid-round picks. Imagine a core of Calvin Ridley, Quentin Johnston, Christian Kirk, and Zay Jones. Johnston has the combo of size and speed that receivers coaches drool over. My only worry is that I don’t think he is a natural separator like other guys. Some guys separate with speed, some do it with route running, and some do it at the point of the catch with their body control. With Johnston, I don’t see any of those being a particularly strong suit. I may grow on him the more I watch him, but I do not agree with the sentiment of some that he could be a top 10 pick.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kelee Ringo DB — Georgia
I need to shout out Liam Blutman here. He was the first person I saw say Kelee Ringo is a safety, and after watching him more in that light, I completely agree. Ringo has the frame and athleticism you need from a DB, but the problem is his coverage skills. He gets beat a lot, especially when he isn’t holding inside leverage. If Ringo is face-to-face and a receiver cuts inside, you can’t bank on his athleticism to always get that step back. I don’t know how NFL teams will view this conundrum, but the Steelers will probably take who they feel is the best player on the board, which could very well be Ringo.
16. Green Bay Packers: Jared Verse EDGE — Florida State
This may be the best-case scenario for Cheeseheads. With Rashan Gary out this season, the Packers struggled to find a dominant pass rusher with some consistency. Preston Smith has his games, Kingsley Enagbare has flashed, but not much else has come since the departure of Za’Darius Smith. Jared Verse could very well find his way into the top 10 with a Travon Walker-esque rise. With the tools he possesses (which you can read more about from our own Liam Blutman’s piece on the stud here), and the swagger he brings, an NFL team would be lucky to bring Verse in to dominate from day one.
17. New York Jets (via DET): Trenton Simpson LB — Clemson
As big of a disappointment as Zach Wilson has been to this point, this isn’t the time to panic draft someone. You had a good year, Jets. You were close to making the playoffs without a competent true QB1. While the defense was actually the strong suit, I want to add a linebacker. As good as C.J. Mosley actually has been, he is getting a bit older and could soon become a cap casualty. Simpson is a guy who can move around the defense and have a big impact wherever he lines up.
18. Miami Dolphins: Forfeited
Maybe next time you should focus on your own quarterback rather than your arch rival’s… If you’re going to cheat, at least don’t get caught.
19. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Mayer TE — Notre Dame
Talk about an absolute explosion to an offense. I can’t trust Noah Fant to go back to his old ways, so I’m giving Seattle a dynamic tight end to go alongside its fancy new quarterback. Mayer has been a dominating force at Notre Dame, so why not add another receiving threat to an offense with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and add a good run blocker to create more room for Kenneth Walker III?
20. Washington Commanders (via JAX): Joey Porter Jr. CB — Penn State
Left hand up, who are we, not a playoff team! This is another situation where I am a tad frightened the team is going to panic draft a quarterback because they were so close to making the playoffs, if not for bad quarterback performances from Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke. One of the big surprises of this team was the breakout of Benjamin St-Juste at corner. Let’s get him a partner in crime with Joey Porter Jr., a DB with that NFL blood that has proven to be so successful over the last few drafts (Asante Samuel Jr., Antoine Winfield Jr., etc.).
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Clark Phillips III CB — Utah
One player it seems that everyone on Twitter believes is completely underrated is Clark Phillips III. Clark is so technically sound in coverage that it makes him nearly impossible to create a lot of separation on. Tampa has faced a lot of trouble with its corners as of recently, and Clark could give the Bucs some much-needed stability.
22. New England Patriots: Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR — Ohio State
If I could draft a savvy offensive coordinator with creative play-calling and the capability to develop a quarterback, I would. The Patriots’ offensive play-calling is that of the 1937 Fordham Rams with the “Seven Blocks of Granite.” Let’s spice this thing up for Mac Jones (who is a good quarterback when given the ability to throw the football, as quarterbacks should). Remember when the Pats splashed in free agency with signing Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne? Yeah, that hasn’t turned out to be worth the money. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a bit of a polar figure over the last year. Coming into this cycle, many believed he could be a top 10 pick. But after an injury-riddled season, his stock has fallen into this 20s range. With good testing during the pre-draft events like the pro day in Columbus and the combine, I firmly believe many people will fall back into their ways of loving the way JSN plays football.
23. New York Giants: A.T. Perry WR — Wake Forest
Giants fans, I want you to know everything is okay. Hopefully your front office has half of a brain to cut Kenny Golladay so you can relieve a few million dollars off the cap. Since that signing didn’t work out, the Giants really don’t have a true WR1 in that locker room, but we can change that. A.T. Perry is a guy I think will have a massive pre-draft process. He is a behemoth in size, yet runs like a gazelle. He has sure hands and is able to create separation at all three levels. I think we are looking at a budding star from Winston-Salem!
24. Baltimore Ravens: Devon Witherspoon CB — Illinois
*Cris Collinsworth slide-in* Now here’s a guy who not enough people talked about this season. His name is Devon Witherspoon, an ultra-talented corner from Illinois. Not only is he a shutdown corner who posted some of the best coverage numbers in the country, but he is also a beast when it comes to getting into the run game. When he sees the ball go to the back, it’s almost as if his physicality turns to that of a linebacker to make sure he does all he can to make the stop. Oh, and if you plan on throwing a smoke screen to his side (whether the receiver has a blocker or not), I hope you have ice on the sideline because that receiver is about to get SMOKED LIKE A CIGAR! Love this move for Baltimore with Marcus Peters becoming a UDFA this offseason.
25. Los Angeles Chargers: Siaki Ika IDL — Baylor
I AM BEGGING FOR THE CHARGERS TO TAKE A DEFENSIVE TACKLE. THAT RUN DEFENSE IS TRASH. Siaki Ika is a big body that has super quick hands and feet. He fills out his 6-foot-4, 358-pound frame perfectly. He has the versatility (in my opinion) to either play a 0-technique on the nose or even as far wide as a 3-tech. He brings more than just a big body to stop the run; he is a legitimate threat when it comes to pressuring the quarterback. Even if he doesn’t immediately get off his block, he’ll push back the pocket and put pressure on the quarterback.
26. Cincinnati Bengals: Antonio Johnson SAF — Texas A&M
I just want to nip this whole safety situation in the bud for Cincy. Last year’s episode of “To Franchise Tag, Or Not To Franchise Tag: The Jessie Bates Chronicles” was so tedious and annoying, so I’m ending it here. Jessie, go get your money in free agency. You deserve it. While the Bengals could pay him with their expected $47.9 million in cap space, you also have to factor in who else is getting money. First off, Joe Burrow will probably want his extension (and deservedly so). You have to look at what Tee Higgins is going to demand, and maybe you like Joe Mixon enough for him to stay a few more years. And what about that offensive line? While strides were made last year with the acquisition of La’el Collins, more can be done to protect the true golden boy of the franchise, right? Don’t make this harder than it has to be. Antonio Johnson is one of my favorite DBs in this class, and he should be able to fit in with this culture (certainly a more winning culture than Texas A&M has had over the last two seasons).
27. Kansas City Chiefs (via MIN): Rashee Rice WR — SMU
TRADE DETAILS: KC receives: 27; MIN receives: 31, 114, and 202
Kansas City moves up for a stud receiver, while the Vikings drop a bit to pick up an early fourth-rounder. Rashee Rice was disrespected by the Biletnikoff Award voters by not having him as a finalist. The things this guy did when he was dealing with a foot injury for most of the season is astonishing. He is able to separate very well, has great speed, and can make some unreal catches when contested. The main worry people will have with him is drops. Sometimes, receivers have a bit of a dropping problem when they get into the league, but you can work through it if you focus on it enough (look at Christian Watson this year as an example). With uncertain futures among the Chiefs current receivers (I don’t know if Juju Smith-Schuster is there long-term, which is my main worry), get yourself a guy who will be able to contribute on day one and learn from the vets like Juju and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
28. Dallas Cowboys: Isaiah Foskey EDGE — Notre Dame
To quarterbacks across the league, I apologize for putting this in the universe. Having Isaiah Foskey on one side and Micah Parsons (when he does rush the quarterback) on the other side may be illegal in a few states. Foskey is a dynamic rusher who many people will undervalue because of how insane this edge class is. Some people will be more attracted to guys like Andre Carter (who is very freaking good), or maybe Nolan Smith if he didn’t get injured. But look at Foskey doing his thing right here!
29. Denver Broncos (via SF): Broderick Jones OT — Georgia
Let’s just be straight up: Russell Wilson was downright goshdarn awful this year. Whatever head coach takes this job needs to make his first priority getting the old Russ back. Whatever he was cooking this year, Gordon Ramsay tossed it in the trash and called him words I cannot say according to my editor. Any help this offense can get is a positive. Broderick Jones is a great athlete with a bit of room to grow as a true tackle. He has a few miscues that could cause some early frustration, but so does almost every rookie literally ever. Let Broderick learn wherever you feel fit so he can develop into a phenomenal tackle to protect Russ, or whoever decides to play quarterback well for the Broncos.
30. Buffalo Bills: Noah Sewell LB — Oregon
Just imagine a linebacker room with Noah Sewell and Matt Milano. Defensive coordinators across the country are watching in envy, and offensive coaches are watching in fear of how good this tandem may be. Eventual All-Pro Milano has been a sight to watch this year, but the Bills could most definitely use another linebacker, as I feel the Tremaine Edmunds experience may be coming to a close. Sewell has great closing speed in the run, making him a threat to stop any potent rushing attack.
31. Minnesota Vikings (via KC): Brian Branch DB — Alabama
I really don’t like this spot for Minnesota. If the Vikings win a playoff game or two, it will overall boost the team and fan morale, giving them hope for 2023. The problem is that they won’t be able to get one of the very good corners without moving up. While I know Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would not hesitate to move for a guy he likes, I don’t fully know whether they would do so. I mean, they had a prime opportunity to take a very good corner in Trent McDuffie if they only moved back a few spots last year, yet they opted to go all the way back to 32 to take a safety they barely played before his unfortunate injury. Brian Branch is seen as one of the best safeties in this class, but I could also see him playing a bit of corner while Harrison Smith plays his last year or two. This is a pivotal draft for the Vikings’ future. If they neglect the secondary, it will have massive ramifications when it comes time to pay Justin Jefferson his record-breaking contract.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Bijan Robinson RB — Texas
Mister “Don’t take running backs in the first round” is taking a running back in the first round. While I never care for the value, I really care for the prospect. Bijan Robinson is a freaking stellar running back. He has quick feet, patience for holes, but is decisive when hitting them, and he is so good in the open field. He possesses the ability to either make guys miss with his moves or his straight-line speed. I would like to see a bit more from him in pass pro, but if the Eagles get a great defensive player with their first pick, I have no trouble with them selecting Bijan as a luxury here to make that offense even more dynamic.
About the author
Minnesotan who will never stop cheering for his Gophers, no matter how much they disappoint him. I've been writing about football for almost two years, which has inspired me to study Sports Management at the University of Minnesota. You’ll usually see me talking about my Gophers or talking about my favorite NFL draft prospects. My favorite CFB moment was when Minnesota beat Penn St in 2019.
