The days be going by as the seconds tick away. The time is near. The 2023 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Surely we will all excel in our mock drafts and ace the test. It can’t be hard, right? We’ve eaten up all the information for months. We’ve studied each prospect like a seventh-grade history exam. So now we are all smart and ready to roll… eh… I’m an honest man and I can let you know straight up that my final mock will not be perfect. Crazy. I can’t believe I’m admitting that. Maybe I’m just setting the bar low so I can exceed expectations with a solid mock… I like that.

Let’s get into this and figure it all out. I feel it’s important to note that my pick descriptions won’t be too long and that’s because this is my fifth mock of the cycle and I have talked about all these prospects in great depth already. For expanded views on prospects, feel free to check out my previous mocks, articles, and YouTube videos. Oh tweets too. I do be tweetin.

For the final time in the 2023 cycle…

Here. We. Go.

1. Carolina Panthers (via Bears): Bryce Young QB — Alabama

Everyone thinks they are so unique for comparing Bryce Young to Stephen Curry, but when millions of people say something… is it really unique? That’s why I compare Bryce Young to Mew. Mew is a unique legendary Psychic-type Pokémon that boasts an extremely high intelligence and is quite tiny. Connect the dots with Young’s game and you’ll see the vision.

2. Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr. EDGE — Alabama

If Houston has no interest in QB here… I think it’s a mistake to not move down and acquire much-needed draft capital for a team with a bleak outlook. However, Will Anderson Jr. is a game wrecker and is the obvious pick here at two if you’re not going QB and not trading down. If the Texans don’t take Will here, then my brain will be spinning like a tornado.

3. Las Vegas Raiders (via Cardinals): C.J. Stroud QB — Ohio State

The Raiders will receive: No. 3, No. 213

The Cardinals will receive: No. 7, No. 70, Las Vegas’ 2025 1st-Round Pick

There is absolutely no reason for Arizona to keep this pick with Will Anderson Jr. off the board, no interest in taking a QB, and possessing a completely mediocre roster with plenty of holes. The Raiders move up to get C.J. Stroud, the QB that they’ve quietly been ecstatic about the entire cycle. 

4. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis QB — Kentucky

I don’t see Will Levis freefalling on draft night like so many others seem to believe. And hey, the oddsmakers agree with me as Levis is now +175 to go No. 2 and +130 to go No. 4, per DraftKings. I’ve now mocked Levis to Indianapolis in four of my five mocks this cycle which dates back to the end of September.

5. Seattle Seahawks (via Broncos): Jalen Carter DT — Georgia

Jalen Carter is a lock for the top 10, and that’s backed up by the fact he’ll be attending the draft in Kansas City. His agent Drew Rosenhaus made it clear that they wouldn’t show up if there was any potential of him falling out of the top 10. The Seahawks have been connected to Carter for a bit, and they’d love to apply this behemoth to their trenches.

6. Tennessee Titans (via Lions): Anthony Richardson QB — Florida

The Titans will receive: No. 6, No. 55

The Lions will receive: No. 11, Tennessee’s 2024 3rd-Round Pick, Tennessee’s 2025 1st-Round Pick

Detroit loves to stockpile picks, and teams were calling to move up with Anthony Richardson still on the board. New Titans GM Ran Carthon can look to make a seismic splash in his first draft with Tennessee. It’s no secret that he and Tennessee are doing their homework and looking to trade up. Moving up to grab the stupendous athlete with a big-time arm is a fascinating thought. Richardson is raw, but there’s plenty of potential and makes for a very exciting pick.

7. Arizona Cardinals (via Raiders): Tyree Wilson EDGE — Texas Tech

After moving down from three, the Cards still get the dude they want in Tyree Wilson. Arizona picks up No. 70 and a 2025 first too… good stuff! There are rumblings that Wilson could slide due to medicals, but I do know that Arizona has green flagged those concerns. 

8. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson RB — Texas

This is just a brutal pick to project. Atlanta is looking to move down, but if the Falcons stick here the pick will come down to Bijan Robinson, Nolan Smith, or possibly Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I disagree with the selection, but I feel like the Falcons would go for the stud running back.

9. Chicago Bears (via Panthers): Paris Johnson Jr. OT — Ohio State

Paris Johnson Jr. just makes the most sense to me here. Da Bears are looking for a cornerstone left tackle, and Paris might just be that guy. Swing Braxton Jones to right tackle and we can finally smile at the fact that Chicago has two stud offensive tackles! I am pretty confident in this pick.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via Saints): Peter Skoronski OL — Northwestern

Per DraftKings, offensive lineman for Philly’s first pick is -140, and Peter Skoronski is the favorite at +250 to be selected at No. 10. Oh, and my gut says Skoronski so… that’s the play here and the Eagles’ stellar offensive line just gets better whether Peter plays tackle or guard. He’s a mauler in the run game and gave up nothing in college as a pass protector.

11. Detroit Lions (via Titans): Devon Witherspoon CB — Illinois

That’s how you do it. GM Brad Holmes moves down five spots and picks up a valuable 2025 first from Tennessee and still gets the physically imposing Devon Witherspoon at No. 11.

12. Houston Texans (via Browns): Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR — Ohio State

I’m actually worried that this won’t happen because it seems as if everybody in the world has caught onto the JSN at 12 train… sigh. Houston should jump at the chance to draft Jaxon Smith-Njigba here. It’s a great move to add the best wideout in the class to a depleted roster and a franchise that just needs to add quality, young talent on cheap deals.

13. Green Bay Packers (via Jets): Christian Gonzalez CB — Oregon

After acquiring No. 13 in the Aaron Rodgers deal… don’t be shocked if the Packers look to move up the board again. While I won’t be predicting a trade, I will mock the falling Christian Gonzalez to Green Bay. The radiant corner offers plenty of upside.

14. New England Patriots: Nolan Smith EDGE — Georgia

The New England Patriots find themselves picking up here often. The franchise has a unique opportunity to add a prolific talent. I have the Pats taking the biggest winner from the NFL combine in Nolan Smith.

15. New York Jets (via Packers): Darnell Wright OT — Tennessee

It’s with great confidence that I say the New York Jets will address the offensive line early on in this draft. It remains to be seen whether it will be on Day 1 or 2, but I’ll take a stab at it happening here at No. 15. Darnell Wright might not be the immediate thought, but he should be. The sturdy right tackle has quietly moved up draft boards in the last month or so, and his wallet is growing giddy with excitement at the thought of this pick.

16. Washington Commanders: Deonte Banks CB — Maryland

A surprising selection here as Deonte Banks is the third cornerback off the board. Ron Rivera noted that the Commanders are looking for good ball skills, stellar vision, and notable scores in the short shuttle, 3-cone drill, and 10-yard split. Banks recorded just two interceptions and 11 PBU in his 30-game Maryland career. In my opinion, his testing numbers and a superb 10.00 RAS make him a lock for the top 20. While he doesn’t have scores for the 3-cone or short shuttle, he impressed many with a 1.45 10-yard split. I believe that the 6-foot 22-year-old DMV product fits the mold for the Commanders.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr. CB — Penn State

Joey Porter Jr. ending up in Pittsburgh has always felt like the landing spot. That helps when your dad is a Super Bowl-winning Steeler. Joey Porter Jr. is a highly-coveted player himself and will make a lot of money in the NFL thanks to his nearly 81-inch wingspan and 6-foot-2, 193-pound frame. The stuff that helps make him a physical menace in the secondary that no receiver wants to see.

18. Detroit Lions: Lukas Van Ness EDGE — Iowa

Detroit double dips on defense as it adds Lukas Van Ness to the unit. The 22-year-old rookie stands at 6-foot-5 and 272 pounds and is full of power. He’ll need to become a more consistent pro as opposed to the timely big plays we saw at Iowa.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Broderick Jones OT — Georgia

A slight slide for Broderick Jones ends as he goes 19th to Tampa Bay. The 22-year-old rookie is raw and has high potential thanks to his great blend of power, agility, and athleticism.

20. Seattle Seahawks: Myles Murphy EDGE — Clemson

Seattle also double dips on defense as it adds Myles Murphy to the unit. The 21-year-old has the potential to be one of the top players in this class.

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Jahmyr Gibbs RB — Alabama

There’s just a feeling growing in my gut that I can’t shake… With the Dolphins’ major interest in Jahmyr Gibbs leaking, the Bengals lurking at No. 28, and the fact Gibbs is -200 to go in the first round, per DraftKings… there’s something cooking. There has to be a sleeper team out there who is a major player for the electric RB from Dalton, Ga., and is willing to take him in Round 1. The Chargers will be moving on from Austin Ekeler and can replace him with the supercharged Gibbs. Another weapon in the passing game for Justin Herbert as well. I feel like a detective who just cracked a case. Now we all get to root for this kid to have all the success in the world. He’s been on quite the journey.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Julius Brents CB — Kansas State

Julius Brents continues to quietly rise up the ranks. He’s been a long-time first-round talent in my eyes, and I’m glad others are beginning to see that vision. The Ravens could be on board as they have met with Brents multiple times. The only other prospects that Baltimore has met with multiple times are: Quentin Johnston, Jonathan Mingo, David Durden, and Anthony Richardson, according to Pedro H. Rhormes. My bet here is Brents, but if it’s Quentin I won’t be surprised. I expect it to be one of those two though.

23. Kansas City Chiefs (via Vikings): Zay Flowers WR — Boston College

The Chiefs will receive: No. 23, Minnesota’s 2024 6th-Round Pick

The Vikings will receive: No. 31, No. 63, Kansas City’s 2024 3rd-Round Pick

Kansas City flies up the board to draft just the second wide receiver of the night. Zay Flowers fits the mold of a Chiefs wideout and gives Patrick Mahomes a spark in the vertical passing game and so much more. The dynamic piece has met with the Chiefs in addition to working out for the franchise in addition to catching passes from Mahomes.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Keion White EDGE — Georgia Tech

Personally I wouldn’t take him in the first round, but Keion White will be in Kansas City for the draft. Due to this, it’s only logical to mock him in the first and I’ll throw a dart at the Jaguars taking the 24-year-old who offers strong upside due to his innate athleticism in the body of a 6-foot-5, 285-pounder. White is raw and looks to be a developmental piece, hence why I wouldn’t take him in the first at his age. However, Jags GM Trent Baalke says the age of a player doesn’t impact his evaluation. Jacksonville has also met with Keion and has a need for an EDGE.

25. New York Giants: Jordan Addison WR — USC

The Giants did not have a top-30 visit with a certain WR from TCU. However, they did have a top-30 visit with USC’s Jordan Addison. The 21-year-old hasn’t had a memorable pre-draft process but is still poised for success at the next level. The combine was a letdown as he dealt with injuries but make no mistake about it… this kid flies across the field with elegant footwork and is quicker than Pikachu after using double team. 

26. Dallas Cowboys: Emmanuel Forbes CB — Mississippi State

A tough pick to predict. I’ll roll with the 6-foot-1 corner out of Mississippi State. The big knock on him is he’s just 166 pounds. The ballhawk snagged 14 interceptions and recorded 20 PBU in 35 games at Mississippi State. Emmanuel Forbes’ six pick sixes are an FBS record.

27. Buffalo Bills: Jalin Hyatt WR — Tennessee

Speed. Speed. Speed. It always wins on draft night. Buffalo has met with Jalin Hyatt a few times and could be looking to connect the vertical threat with Josh Allen’s lethal arm.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer TE — Notre Dame

My first TE of the night comes at No. 28. It’s only fitting that a Bengals fan gets to play for his favorite team and catch balls from Joe Burrow. Michael Mayer is a safe pick, and that’s why he’ll go Round 1.

29. New Orleans Saints (via 49ers): Calijah Kancey DT — Pitt

Calijah Kancey is undersized and slides down the board because of it. The Saints have multiple IDL to choose from here and go with the most explosive option.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Brian Branch DB — Alabama

Philadelphia rolls the dice with the highly intellectual Brian Branch. He’s had a top-30 visit with Philly and would provide much-needed versatility to the Eagles secondary.

31. Minnesota Vikings (via Chiefs): Hendon Hooker QB — Tennessee

I wasn’t sure where else to get Hendon Hooker in the first round, and the Minnesota trade down opens up that spot. I feel like he will be a first-rounder, so it’s important I mock it that way. The Vikings have been doing plenty of work on Hooker. There should be zero shock if the 25-year-old pigskin thrower is headed to Minnesota.