This is March. A month full of chaos. The college basketball season is moments away from taking the entire planet over and we’ll enjoy that so dang much. But we’ve still got football to discuss and the window is small. The 2023 NFL Combine just concluded on Sunday. There’s no better time to drop version four of my 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
A quick note for you all whether you’re new to the Liam mock experience or you’re a familiar face: this is a blend of what I see happening and what I believe should happen in addition to predicting risers. I’ll be sharing rankings as well. Just because someone is higher ranked doesn’t mean they’ll be going before someone ranked lower at the same position. I’m going to keep the text pretty slim as I’ve gone pretty long on the previous two mocks. And as always, no predicting trades until my final mock on draft day.
Here. We. Go.
1. Chicago Bears: Will Anderson Jr. EDGE – Alabama
Rank: EDGE1 (Previously EDGE1)
Mock V3: Will Anderson Jr.
While I do believe Chicago is going to move down… in a world where the Bears stick at the top, how could the pick not be Will Anderson Jr.? An elite edge rusher who has the potential to be a game wrecker in the NFL.
2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young QB – Alabama
Rank: QB2 (Previously QB1)
Mock V3: Bryce Young
As we’re all aware, the major concern for Bryce Young was going to be what he measured in at. 5-foot-10, 204 pounds are the official numbers per the NFL Combine. In my honest opinion, it’s a bit irresponsible to neglect the extreme amount of talent that Young oozes. This is the definite pick for Houston and it’s time to set him up for success.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Tyree Wilson EDGE – Texas Tech
Rank: EDGE3 (Previously EDGE3)
Mock V3: Jalen Carter
Our first switch up comes with Arizona prioritizing a freak of nature in Tyree Wilson. The Red Raiders edge rusher didn’t do much at the combine aside from getting measured and putting up 23 reps on the bench press. Wilson comes in at 6-foot-6 and 271 pounds and massive 35 ⅝” arms. This pick allows the Cardinals to address a need in the form of a potentially scary edge rusher that wins with speed and force.
4. Indianapolis Colts: C.J. Stroud QB – Ohio State
Rank: QB1 (Previously QB2)
Mock V3: Will Levis
For the first time in this cycle, Will Levis is not a Colt in my mock draft. Am I reading too deeply into what Colts GM Chris Ballard said? Ballard stated the following on which QB he wants, “One that wins. You want a guy who has a fast mind, and accurate. We get caught up on arm strength, but guys that are accurate, and who makes plays when the game’s on the line.” So let’s move off Levis and go toward C.J. Stroud, who enjoyed a terrific combine experience and reclaimed the throne in my QB rankings. To no surprise, Stroud was able to wow those watching with his pristine accuracy and beautiful deep throws.
5. Seattle Seahawks (via Broncos): Anthony Richardson QB – Florida
Rank: QB3 (Previously QB3)
Mock V3: Myles Murphy
A bold pick? Perhaps. A pick that might just become a bit more popular over the next few weeks? Perhaps. Geno Smith enjoyed a great season in Seattle but will be 33 in October and could be hitting the open market. The Seahawks can have some fun in this first round with their two selections, and Anthony Richardson on the board at five has to be enticing. Richardson dominated the combine in unheard of fashion as he scored a perfect 10.00 RAS score, per MathBomb, in addition to a perfect 99 athleticism score, per NFL Next Gen Stats. The wins kept coming for Richardson as he measured in at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds and ruled the day with a 4.43 40, 40.5-inch vert, and a 10-foot-9 broad jump. All of those numbers led QBs in 2023, and he set combine records for his vertical and broad jumps. Richardson showed off his prolific athleticism in addition to a rocket arm with an effortless throwing motion and a smile that never faded. While he needs work and proper development, there is no denying that this kid is extremely gifted and a surefire top 10 pick.
6. Detroit Lions (via Rams): Jalen Carter DT – Georgia
Rank: DT1 (Previously DT1)
Mock V3: Devon Witherspoon
Jalen Carter’s week in Indianapolis did not go as anybody expected. On March 1, we learned there was a warrant out for his arrest due to events that transpired during the tragic and fatal crash back on Jan. 15. It’s an ongoing case and we’ll continue to learn more about the situation in the coming months. He’s quickly gone from a potential number one overall pick to a question mark, and I myself had no idea where to send him in this mock. I landed on Detroit due to the fact that the Lions have two first rounders and opt to take the “best player” on the board here despite the trouble he finds himself in and the questionable value of taking a DT this high. He measured in at 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds and brings pass-rushing upside from the interior thanks to superb strength and unique quickness.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Levis QB – Kentucky
Rank: QB4 (Previously TBD)
Mock V3: C.J. Stroud
Will Levis had a really good week in Indy but lived in the shadows of Richardson and Stroud. It’s impossible not to see the intrigue in Levis; at 6-foot-4 and 229 pounds, he is physically gifted and equipped with a lethal arm. The issues lie in-game where processing, lazy footwork, and a lack of improvisation really hurt him. The thought is that the Raiders will swing for the fences with a QB in this draft, and it’s optimal for them to move up and secure the face of their franchise.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Myles Murphy EDGE – Clemson
Rank: EDGE2 (Previously EDGE2)
Mock V3: Tyree Wilson
I’m confident that the Falcons will be drafting an edge rusher here at eight. The Falcons snag one of my favorite prospects in Myles Murphy. Atlanta held a formal interview with Murphy in Indianapolis and this franchise should be stoked if the 21-year-old disruptor is on the board.
9. Carolina Panthers: Paris Johnson Jr. OT – Ohio State
Rank: OT1 (Previously OT1)
Mock V3: Anthony Richardson
Carolina did not get invited to the QB party and opts for my top tackle in Paris Johnson Jr. The 22-year-old rookie is a definite day one starter and has background at right tackle and right guard in addition to left tackle. Johnson stated that playing guard helped with his quickness, hand placement, and footwork a bunch. His arms are massive at 36 ⅛ inches! He’s a bright mind and has a long NFL career ahead of him.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via Saints): Christian Gonzalez CB – Oregon
Rank: CB3 (Previously CB6)
Mock V3: Cam Smith
The Eagles benefit in a big way with four QBs being selected in the top seven. A wild amount of talent is still on the board and that includes every single corner… how fortunate. Christian Gonzalez boosted his stock with a mammoth combine that resulted in a 9.95 Relative Athletic Score, per MathBomb. The soon-to-be 21-year-old measured in at 6-foot-1 and ran a 4.38 40 in addition to producing a 41.5-inch vertical and a 11-foot-1 broad jump. The testing numbers have helped make an enticing prospect a very intriguing one. We know his game speaks volumes with rare instincts too.
11. Tennessee Titans: Devon Witherspoon CB – Illinois
Rank: CB2 (Previously CB2)
Mock V3: Peter Skoronski
Going off the board here and projecting the Titans to jump at the opportunity to draft a potential CB1. This class is loaded with remarkable corners, and I’m expecting teams who don’t have the “Need: CB” label to take a few in the first round. Devon Witherspoon is incredibly physical and can be defined as a tone setter. He’ll help out in run support and lay lethal blows all over the field in addition to radiating innate instincts and proving to be sticky in coverage.
12. Houston Texans (via Browns): Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR – Ohio State
Rank: WR1 (Previously WR1B)
Mock V3: Jordan Addison
Adding a top-tier wideout to pair with Bryce Young is the smart thing to do. Jaxon Smith-Njigba made the correct decision to bypass running the 40 in Indy and dominated the combine with a 9.41 RAS, per MathBomb. Former JSN fans found themselves becoming die-hard fans again after he tallied a 3.93-second short shuttle, which was the quickest by a WR since Brandin Cooks recorded a 3.81 in 2014. I’ve been warning people to stop disrespecting JSN, and the true WR1 just re-introduced himself to the world.
13. New York Jets: Joey Porter Jr. CB – Penn State
Rank: CB5 (Previously CB4)
Mock V3: Brian Branch
Hey look. A run on CBs and another team without a true CB need taking one at 13. I believe this CB class has eight Round 1 talents! Joey Porter Jr. solidified his stock with a 9.62 RAS, per MathBomb, as he checked in at 6-foot-2 and 193 pounds, boasting a wingspan of 80 ⅞ inches which slots him in the 99th percentile. Why CB? Does the duo of Sauce Gardner and Joey Porter Jr. not excite you?!
14. New England Patriots: Quentin Johnston WR – TCU
Rank: WR5 (Previously WR8)
Mock V3: Paris Johnson Jr.
Quentin Johnston popped off in Indy, even though he didn’t run the world famous 40-yard dash. He brought home a NFL Next Gen Stats athleticism score of 96 in due part to a 40.5-inch vertical and a 11-foot-2 broad jump. Quentin measured in at 6-foot-3 with 33 ⅝-inch arms. It might sound mad but it really benefits Johnston that he’s 6-foot-3 as opposed to 6-foot-4. New England is in dire need of a WR1. If the Patriots rate Johnston highly, then he’s the ideal selection here at 14. My biggest causes for concern are a lack of physicality plus a lot of body catching. But that size and speed paired with wicked twitch and agile movement is the main draw. The question remains… Will Quentin Johnston boom or bust?
15. Green Bay Packers: Nolan Smith EDGE – Georgia
Rank: EDGE5 (Previously TBD)
Mock V3: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Packers have a Georgia-to-Green Bay pipeline cooking and are major believers in Relative Athletic Score. Nolan Smith just so happens to be a Dawg and exploded at the combine with a 9.2 RAS, per MathBomb. My previous concerns with Smith are due to poor size, coming in at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds. I can overlook that due to absurd testing numbers that are highlighted by a ludicrous 4.39 40-yard dash and an impressive 1.52 10-yard split, which is a significant score for an edge rusher.
16. Washington Commanders: Cam Smith CB – South Carolina
Rank: CB1 (Previously CB1)
Mock V3: Christian Gonzalez
The Commanders are in dire need of a corner and should dip into this absurdly talented pool of cornerbacks. Cam Smith is my top CB in the class, and he tested pretty well as evidenced by a 9.61 RAS, per MathBomb. A confident and physical corner comes in at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds and ran a 4.43 40 and exploded for an 11-foot-2 broad jump. Smith is 22 years old and exudes confidence and stellar ball-hawking skills. Those traits are complemented by slick footwork.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Peter Skoronski OL – Northwestern
Rank: OL1 (Previously OT2)
Mock V3: Joey Porter Jr.
Peter Skoronski gets a new tag from me and that’s “OL.” Whether he plays tackle or guard at the next level, he will find plenty of ways to succeed. While his arms are logged at 31 ¼ inches, it’s vital to note that Skoronski’s reach is one of his biggest strengths. Pittsburgh should be happy to add a talent like this at No. 17, and he will definitely help its struggling offensive line from day one.
18. Detroit Lions: Eli Ricks CB – Alabama
Rank: CB4 (Previously CB3)
Mock V3: Trenton Simpson
It’s mission critical that Detroit adds a gifted corner from this class to its roster. With how the board fell, taking Jalen Carter at No. 6 and waiting to take a CB at No. 18 made all the sense in the world. I’m a massive fan of Eli Ricks and believe people are sleeping on him. He’ll be a riser in the near future. And if he never does? Welp. He’ll just be an easy first-rounder when everyone redrafts this class down the road. Ricks didn’t work out in Indy, but I can tell you that Reel Analytics gave him a 99.2 In-Game Athleticism Score! He also showed off in interviews with his confidence.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Broderick Jones OT – Georgia
Rank: OT3 (Previously OT5)
Mock V3: O’Cyrus Torrence
Broderick Jones sees a bump in his ranking and a new home in Tampa Bay. As a rebuild is likely in the works, the Bucs will be looking to fire on players with high potential, and I view Jones as the perfect candidate. He’s a raw 21-year-old tackle that brings a great blend of power and agility. He’s an incredible athlete, and we saw that on display at the combine where he notched an 85 athleticism score, per NFL’s Next Gen Stats. That score was fueled by a 1.74 10-yard split and a 4.97 40, which was the fastest 40 of any offensive lineman. Jones clocked in at 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds with 34 ¾-inch arms.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Lukas Van Ness EDGE – Iowa
Rank: TBD (Previously TBD)
Mock V3: John Michael Schmitz
In a loaded EDGE class, I’ve yet to find a spot for the Iowa edge rusher. Lukas Van Ness didn’t start a game at Iowa, yet he finds himself as a potential first rounder and a Twitter fan favorite. Lukas will be a 22-year-old rookie and measured at 6-foot-5 and 272 pounds with 34-inch arms and 11-inch hands. The man dubbed “Hercules” tested very well with a 4.58 40, a 2.68 20-yard split, and a 7.02 3-cone. After drafting Richardson at five, Seattle takes the high upside project in Van Ness at No. 20. Things I worry about are hand placement and a lack of fluid footwork.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Dawand Jones OT – Ohio State
Rank: OT2 (Previously OT3)
Mock V3: Dawand Jones
I compare Dawand Jones to the Tower of Terror. Yes. The ride at Disneyland. Jones stands at 6-foot-8 and weighs 374 pounds. He looms large and intimidates everyone who stands across from him. I think his week in Indy was pretty good. Anybody who cares about his 40 time is tripping. He has 11 ⅝-inch hands, boasts 36 ⅜-inch arms, and is equipped with a monstrous wingspan of 87 ⅞ inches. The Chargers can address the receiver position later on and add a frightening tackle to their squad. I view Jones as a right tackle.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Bijan Robinson RB – Texas
Rank: RB1 (Previously RB1)
Mock V3: Isaiah Foskey
What if it’s the Ravens who jump at the opportunity to land Bijan Robinson? Baltimore has struggled with injuries and consistency at the RB position in years past. While I’d personally take a corner here, I’m predicting Bijan to Baltimore. Robinson, a dream RB prospect, was given a 9.8 RAS by MathBomb and a 99 Production Score from NFL’s Next Gen Stats. His 1.52 10-yard split was pretty filthy too, eh?
23. Minnesota Vikings: Deonte Banks CB – Maryland
Rank: CB8 (Previously TBD)
Mock V3: Kelee Ringo
Please don’t trip over the CB8 ranking for Deonte Banks. Didn’t I tell you earlier that I view EIGHT CBs as first-round talents? Banks is a stud and he’s pretty much a lock for the first after a ludicrous combine. MathBomb had him at a 9.99 RAS thanks to a wicked 4.35 40 and a 1.49 10-yard split. His 11-foot-4 broad jump was second among corners. NFL Next Gen Stats loved Banks too; his 98 Athleticism Score led the cornerbacks. Trevor Sikkema reported that Banks’ 42-inch vertical ranks in the 97th percentile, and that broad jump is in the 98th percentile. If the Vikings don’t take a CB with this pick I might walk from Las Vegas to Minnesota and charge into the Vikes front office to question the thought process of passing on an extremely talented corner.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jordan Addison WR – USC
Rank: WR2 (Previously WR1A)
Mock V3: Antonio Johnson
The combine can be a real villain for some guys, and it definitely hurt Jordan Addison a lot more than it helped him. A 4.49 40-yard dash was a lot slower than many of us expected. I’m going to trust what I’ve seen from him on tape for years as he flies across the field with elegant footwork. We learned that Addison was dealing with a minor back strain during the combine, and it’s definitely possible that this hindered his full abilities. We’ll see how Addison fares at his Pro Day. The 5.66 RAS, per MathBomb, is extremely lackluster, but I’ll be viewing him as an outlier and I’m still optimistic this kid will have a good NFL career. Jacksonville is the landing spot I’ve longed hoped for. Please let Jordan Addison grow with Trevor Lawrence.
25. New York Giants: Darius Rush CB – South Carolina
Rank: CB6 (Previously TBD)
Mock V3: Quentin Johnston
While writing this a thought struck my mind like a thunderbolt hitting you in Mario Kart. The Giants are going to pay Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley is going to walk, and New York will hope for Bijan Robinson with this pick or by trading up. That’s just what the brain is thinking. However, let’s put that aside for now. I’m banking on accurately predicting a rise in the stock of Darius Rush. I claimed he’d be getting talked about as a late first rounder very soon, and I’ll be doing my best to fuel the fire. His week at the combine was stellar, resulting in a 9.75 RAS, per MathBomb. Rush stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs 198 pounds with 33 ⅜-inch arms and crushed the speed tests with a 4.36 40, 1.51 10-yard split, and a 2.55 20-yard split. The former receiver has all of his best football in front of him.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Zay Flowers WR – Boston College
Rank: WR3 (Previously WR3)
Mock V3: Eli Ricks
Dallas is doing its homework on the Boston College wideout, and with how the board has fallen, Jerry Jones hones in on Zay Flowers. One of the bigger wins for Flowers in Indy was measuring in bigger than Josh Downs did — 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds with a 4.42 40 and a 1.53 10-yard split. The proficient route-runner will win with double moves, flashy speed, and hit big plays on a common occurrence.
27. Buffalo Bills: Cody Mauch OL – North Dakota State
Rank: OL2 (Previously OT4)
Mock V3: Broderick Jones
Everyone and their mother wants Buffalo to draft a RB here. Sorry y’all, James Cook moves the needle and it’s mission critical to elevate the offensive line. Cody Mauch is probably the most beloved player in the entire class, and he’s a perfect fit for the Buffalo culture. Oh, and his ability to play all five spots on the line is why he’ll be a first-round pick. A plug and play starter with top tier run-blocking skills. Get this guy in Buffalo.
Interested in learning about Cody? Check out my Q&A with him!
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer TE – Notre Dame
Rank: TE3 (Previously TE1)
Mock V3: Michael Mayer
I’m very content with my takes on the TE class and how many go in the first round. It’s hard for me to envision three or four going in the first round in due part to how deep this position group is. I thought very hard about fading tight end here and going with an IDL but at the end of the day, Joe Burrow benefits from a safe option at TE. Michael Mayer didn’t blow the combine up by any means but that wasn’t to be expected. The 6-foot-4, 249-pounder is a gamer that just produces. A lifelong Bengals fan is headed to Cincy.
29. New Orleans Saints: Bryan Bresee DT – Clemson
Rank: DT2 (Previously DT2)
Mock V3: Bijan Robinson
Straight up, I had some trouble with this pick. New Orleans is in such an odd spot and I have no idea what path the Saints will go down. The other candidates for this pick were: Jalin Hyatt, Calijah Kancey, and Jahmyr Gibbs. In the end, it was Bryan Bresee bringing all his fire to the trenches. Per MathBomb, his RAS landed at 9.04; a 4.86 40 and a 1.71 10-yard split helped him leave Indy with an elite speed grade. Here’s to hoping that the 21-year-old can check out well medically and find himself in the first round. When Bresee is at his best, you’ll see a dawg who gives maximum effort and adds quality pass-rushing skills to the table.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Calijah Kancey DT – Pittsburgh
Rank: DT3 (Previously DT3)
Mock V3: Bryan Bresee
Calijah Kancey thrived in Indianapolis as he earned a 94 Athleticism Score, per NFL’s Next Gen Stats. The speedy 4.67 40 was the quickest by a DT at the combine since 2003! The 1.64 10-yard split was equally impressive. Kancey might be undersized at 6-foot-1 and 281 pounds, but he can win rep after rep thanks to explosiveness and violently quick movement. Kancey has a place in this league. Don’t overthink it.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Darnell Washington TE – Georgia
Rank: TBD (Previously TBD)
Mock V3: Zay Flowers
I’m still working through my TE rankings and am unsure of where Darnell Washington lands at this time. As I was brainstorming who the pick here could be, I had the thought of Andy Reid scheming up red-zone plays and envisioned Washington being utilized in incredibly fun and unique ways. Just take a moment to think of what Reid and the Chiefs will do with this 6-foot-7 behemoth. Waiting… that’s why I made this pick. His excellent work as a run blocker will help the Chiefs run game in big ways as well. Kansas City loves being bold during the draft. This opportunity awaits.
Let me share a few players I can see rising up the boards in the near future…
Jalen Cropper WR – Fresno State
Zack Kuntz TE – Old Dominion
Jon Gaines II IOL – UCLA
Dante Stills IDL – West Virginia
Isaiah Foskey EDGE – Notre Dame
Ivan Pace Jr. LB/EDGE – Cincinnati
Julius Brents CB – Kansas State
JL Skinner S – Boise State
Let me share a few sleepers that you need to invest in…
Chris Smith RB – Louisiana
Brandon Kipper IOL – Oregon State
Colby Sorsdal IOL – William & Mary
Marshon Ford TE – Louisville
BJ Thompson EDGE – Stephen F. Austin
Lance Boykin CB – Coastal Carolina
Steven Gilmore CB – Marshall
Justin Ford CB – Montana
And if you’re still reading this, thank you so much! Tweet me your favorite picks, beef, what you think will happen!
About the author
I am a diehard UCLA fan that has enjoyed (?) mediocrity year after year. My favorite CFB moment was witnessing UCLA comeback from 34 down against Texas A&M. Being at the Rose Bowl for that historic moment is something I’ll never forget. I have written about CFB since I was 14 and my favorite thing to do is give under-the-radar athletes the recognition they deserve. You might know me from @NoContextCFB !
