ThreeTechPod’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

Peter Skoronski Northwestern Wildcats
Photo Credit: Northwestern Athletics

Post-NFL Combine grades and the start of free agency offer more clarity to team needs and priorities ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Still, the questions surrounding this draft continue to fascinate me. Despite the constant chess match of rumors and reports across the league, I think a few trends are relatively expected. Quarterbacks and edge rushers remain the focus at the top of the draft, while wide receivers and tight ends go in the middle selections. After a frenzy of phone calls and trades at the top of the draft, will the draft order calm down the further we move down the board? Let’s walk through my 2023 NFL Mock Draft 2.0.

1. Carolina Panthers (via CHI): C.J. Stroud QB — Ohio State

I had this nice little write-up about how the Colts prioritized accuracy at QB and that’s why Stroud was going to Indy…and then the Panthers jumped them! C.J. Stroud had a great combine and appears to be the favorite to go first overall, especially considering Frank Reich loves a stable QB platform to work with. Stroud will look great in Carolina blue.

2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young QB — Alabama

There continues to be a growing rumor that the Texans could continue team building and live in the basement for one more year while waiting on a QB. That, my friends, would be looking a gift horse in the mouth. While Young isn’t the ideal size that most GMs covet in a franchise QB, critics are too quick to forget Young’s game-breaking ability to extend plays and simply win. Last I checked, wins are still a priority in the NFL.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr. EDGE — Alabama

The Cardinals need an edge rusher in the worst way, and arguably the top player in the whole draft is sitting there at three. It’s an easy decision for the Cards, and Anderson can pack his bags for the desert.

4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson QB — Florida

The Colts have to be disappointed that the Panthers jumped them for first overall. There is still a chance that the Panthers are shopping that pick, per rumors floating around CBS Sports and others. In this mock, the Colts stay put and take the best athlete in the draft. Richardson is far from a polished passer, but if he can develop, the Colts might have struck gold.

5. Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter DL — Georgia

Interior defensive line is the biggest need that Seattle has by far. Jalen Carter’s legal status is still up in the air after he had a warrant issued for his arrest while he was in the medical tent at the combine. Still, if this gets resolved, Carter is a top five talent who will stop the run and can pressure the QB. I can’t see him falling past Seattle as the status quo currently exists.

6. Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez CB — Oregon

Gonzalez went to Detroit in my first mock, and he will again here in version 2.0. Gonzalez is a great athlete who immediately improves the Lions’ secondary. He’s likely to benefit greatly from the improved pass rush we saw last year from Dan Cambell’s pride.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson EDGE — Texas Tech

With the signing of Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal, I’m going to assume that the Raiders will pass on the QB fiesta going on at the top of the draft. Instead, they take my favorite edge rusher in Tyree Wilson. Wilson’s ability to bully offensive linemen and create turnovers could be the beginning of something special for the Silver and Black.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Myles Murphy EDGE — Clemson

The Falcons need defensive line help badly. Myles Murphy has a high floor and a good overall skillset that will improve with reps at the next level. The Falcons will hope that Murphy continues to develop his arsenal of moves in order to rebuild what was once a great defense under former head coach Dan Quinn.

9. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Peter Skoronski OL — Northwestern

The Bears are already winners of the draft in my book. They picked up more draft capital this year, a 2024 first-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick, and standout WR D.J. Moore. On top of all of those additions, they get to potentially add the best offensive lineman in the draft in Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski. I have Skoronski graded as a guard, where I believe he can be an All-Pro. The Bears could be scary in 2023 if they spend their $40+ million in cap room and draft offensive weapons in the second round

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Bijan Robinson RB — Texas

Some may be stunned to see Bijan go this high, but whispers were floating around the combine that Robinson will not be there past the top 15 picks. Philadelphia was shockingly able to re-sign Darius Slay and James Bradberry, meaning that CB is no longer the biggest need. The Eagles will take a top five talent here and address defensive tackle with their next pick.

11. Tennessee Titans: Broderick Jones OL — Georgia

The Titans need offensive line help if they’re going to keep either Ryan Tannehill or Malik Willis upright. Derrick Henry can make his own holes, but pass protection was a certified need for Tennessee in 2022. Broderick can instantly elevate the position, whether he is a nasty tackle or he slides inside to play guard.

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

The Texans could likely trade down and still have a chance for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but it’s hard to find a slam dunk trading partner so Houston will stand in and make the pick. The Texans took arguably the best playmaker at QB, now let’s take a technician and skilled route runner who will create natural separation for Bryce.

13. Green Bay Packers (Trade with NYJ: GB gets 13, 74, & future 2nd; NYJ gets Aaron Rodgers): Lukas Van Ness EDGE — Iowa

While the Aaron Rodgers trade hasn’t been made official as of writing, it appears to be all but done after Rodgers announced his intentions to play for the New York Jets last week. Multiple reports said that the trade would not require multiple first-round picks.

Lukas Van Ness likely hasn’t even shown us what his ceiling could be, which is exciting if you’re a Green Bay fan. There seems to be some natural synergy between Packers and Van Ness given the reality that Rashaun Gary will be coming off an ACL tear and Green Bay suffered in pass rush following that injury. The 6-foot-5 edge from Iowa would instantly be a fan favorite.

14. New England Patriots: Paris Johnson Jr. OL — Ohio State

The Patriots benefit with the Packers and Jets trade because the best true tackle on the board slides to them. Adding a franchise tackle to protect Mac Jones has to be a priority, and Paris Johnson Jr. perfectly fits that mold. He’s fierce, has great strength, and is able to keep the pocket clean or seal the edge for your running back.

15. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Addison WR — USC

Maybe with Aaron Rodgers gone, the Packers will finally draft a weapon in the first round for their QB. Addison is quick and will create separation for Jordan Love from day one. The Packers need to embrace the new era in Green Bay football and invest in offensive playmakers. 

16. Washington Commanders: Will Levis QB — Kentucky

I didn’t think it was possible to get a QB to the Commanders, but here we are. Levis has the frame and arm strength to be an All-Pro, but can he do it? Questionable decision-making and injuries kept him from putting it all together in college. Levis could have an incredible ceiling, but I don’t know where his floor is. Still, Washington is willing to swing for the fences at 16.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Devon Witherspoon CB — Illinois

Physical, nasty, and a great coverage corner, Devon Witherspoon checks all the boxes of a CB1. I’ve gone back and forth between him and Gonzalez in my rankings. The Steelers’ secondary got reinforcements in the form of Patrick Peterson on day one of free agency. Still, Witherspoon fits the Steelers mold and immediately upgrades their defense.

18. Detroit Lions: Dalton Kincaid TE — Utah

After trading T.J. Hockenson, it would make sense for the Lions to get a versatile player like Kincaid. Dalton can play in the slot with his route-running abilities and soft hands, but he’s also got the frame to continue to fill out and develop as a traditional tight end.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brian Branch SAF — Alabama

The Bucs add the best player on the board and a versatile defender who can play any role in the secondary. Tampa may need to re-engineer its offense later in the draft, but Branch immediately adds value to a defensive unit that was last seen getting blown off the field by the Dallas Cowboys.

20. Seattle Seahawks: O’Cyrus Torrence OL — Florida

The Seahawks drafted two tackles in Charles Cross (first round, Mississippi State) and Abraham Lucas (third round, Washington State) last year. Still, the interior of their line was a mess. O’Cyrus Torrence is my second-best guard in the class and instantly adds a layer of stability for Geno Smith and the Hawks’ rushing attack.

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Michael Mayer TE — Notre Dame

What could take the Chargers’ offense from really good to nightmare mode? The best overall tight end in the draft. Mayer has elite hands and will give Justin Herbert yet another weapon to play with in their search for postseason success.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Quentin Johnston WR — TCU

The Ravens need receiver help in the worst of ways. Whether Lamar Jackson stays in Baltimore or not, the production from the position group has been lacking for years. Johnston could have the highest ceiling of all the receivers in this draft if he continues to develop his route tree and separation from defensive backs.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Bryan Bresee DL — Clemson

Filling a key area of need for the Vikings, Bresee could be a home run if he stays healthy. Bresee has the ability to split the pocket in two with good power. If he had been able to stay on the field more at Clemson, he likely would have been in the running for a top 12 pick.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Darnell Washington TE — Georgia

Darnell Washington is this year’s unicorn. At 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds, Washington is a lineman that runs routes and breaks tackles. His sheer athleticism (4.64 40-yard dash) is a weapon by itself. Now combine that with his strength and size and the Jags will have a do-it-all playmaker.

25. New York Giants: Zay Flowers WR — Boston College

The Giants need more speed out wide for Daniel Jones. Zay Flowers is lightning in a bottle, an excellent route runner, and hard to get on the ground after the catch.

26. Dallas Cowboys: Joey Porter Jr. CB — Penn State

Joey Porter Jr. could be special with his speed, aggression, and ball skills. The Cowboys need another corner to elevate that secondary, and Porter could be just the man. Dallas fans should be thrilled if he makes it to 26.

27. Buffalo Bills: Antonio Johnson SAF — Texas A&M

The Bills will want to focus on improving their secondary this offseason, and Antonio Johnson is a great fit. Johnson is a true Swiss Army knife in the secondary, showing the ability to play safety, nickel, or rush the passer in blitz packages at Texas A&M.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Darnell Wright OL — Tennessee

Upgrading the offensive line continues to be a need for the Bengals. Joe Burrow may be the second-best QB in the league, but he still hits the turf far too often (41 times in 2022 — sixth-most in the league). Wright is a strong tackle who seemed to finally put his talent together into consistent game reps for the Volunteers.

29. New Orleans Saints (via DEN): Deonte Banks CB — Maryland

After a special combine that showcased his raw athleticism, Deonte Banks finds his way into the first round in my second mock draft. The Saints could trade down for interior offensive line help, or stand in and take a very solid cornerback. Both are top needs for the cash-strapped Saints.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Calijah Kancey DL — Pittsburgh

Kancey only measured 6-foot-1 and 281 pounds at the draft combine, but the power and explosiveness he showed on tape are pushing him up draft boards. Kancey isn’t going to play like your traditional nose tackle, and that’s okay. The Eagles get a great athlete who brings the ability to rush the passer from the inside.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Nolan Smith EDGE — Georgia

The Chiefs once again enter the offseason with edge rusher as their top need. Some boards have Nolan Smith as a top 20 prospect. While I don’t have him that high, I do believe that the Chiefs would love his quickness off the edge as they chase another Super Bowl title.

About the author

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I've spent the majority of the last decade cutting my teeth in college sports, covering athletics for three separate universities and spent 2021 as an Assistant Athletic Director. I graduated from Texas A&M in 2019 and got my Masters from Dallas Baptist University two years later. My favorite CFB memory will always be Texas A&M's dramatic 7OT win over LSU in 2018, my final game as a student. My passion is telling stories and helping fans get to know their favorite athletes on a personal level, whether that be through articles or a broadcast.