NFL Mock Draft 2023: NFL Free Agency Shakeup
- by anlene
The NFL is the gift that keeps on giving. Even though we are more than a month removed from the end of the NFL season, the fun just keeps on continuing as NFL free agency is well underway. While many fans are happy with the moves their teams made during the first week of free agency, the work to improve the roster is not done. Free agency is great but the draft is still the best way to build a strong and healthy roster.
With teams adding players as free agents or making trades, we have a much better idea of what a team could be looking to do in next month’s NFL draft. Below is my latest NFL mock draft and my view of how I think things will shake out next month. Let me know your thoughts on your team’s pick by connecting with me on Twitter.
2023 NFL Mock Draft
1. Carolina Panthers (via CHI)
CJ Stroud QB, Ohio State
The Panthers made the big move of trading for the No. 1 pick in an attempt to finally secure a franchise quarterback for the first time under David Tepper. While rumors have it they haven’t decided on a specific player, signs are pointing to the team making CJ Stroud the pick. Stroud is an accurate passer who will be a great distributor of the football and finally bring a level of stability to this team.
2. Houston Texans
Bryce Young QB, Alabama
Houston is the beneficiary of the Panthers choosing to pick Stroud and pass on the real QB1 in this class, Bryce Young. Young is a playmaking QB with the intangibles to be the face of a franchise and lead this organization to better days.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Will Anderson Jr. EDGE, Alabama
Will Anderson Jr. seems to have lost his shine among those in draft media, but he is still a legitimate blue-chip prospect and a future double-digit sack player at the next level. The Cardinals need help at EDGE and adding Anderson to be the new face of their defense is a perfect move.
4. Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson QB, Florida
Look, Anthony Richardson won’t be for everyone—hell, he isn’t for me, to be honest—but I can see a team falling in love with him. He offers a rare blend of size, athleticism, and arm strength, which could be tempting for Shane Steichen to try and mold.
5.Seahawk Seahawks (via DEN)
Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech
Seattle is building something special on this defense and with the signing of Dre’mont Jones, they have the ability to field a really talented defensive line. Tyree Wilson is one of the best players in this class and would give them a strong power rusher.
6. Detroit Lions
Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon
Christian Gonzalez is one of the cleanest players in this class and profiles as a lockdown corner. His game is reminiscent of Patrick Surtain II and I expect an early impact when he steps on the field. He would give Detroit a legit coverman to match up against the Justin Jeffersons and DJ Moores of the world.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia
The “slide” of Jalen Carter in this NFL mock draft ends here with the Raiders. With the signing of Jimmy Garoppolo, the Raiders have the flexibility to pass on a QB if the one they like isn’t there. Carter would be an instant star in Las Vegas.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson
Myles Murphy is the forgotten man in this edge class and I am not sure why. He is an explosive athlete with really good power and length. Atlanta needs to bolster their defense and this would certainly help.
9. Chicago Bears (via CAR)
Broderick Jones OT, Georgia
Ryan Poles has *almost* made up for the abysmal Chase Claypool trade, and him being able to land Broderick Jones here at No. 9 in this NFL mock draft is a big reason why. While many have Paris Johnson Jr. as OT1, I actually think Jonas is the best prospect and has the most upside.
10.Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)
Devon Witherspoon CB, Illinois
Corner is always a position you can add depth to and the Eagles would be wise to continue adding to that room. I love Devon Witherspoon’s game and he is an ultra competitor who isn’t afraid to make his presence felt in the run game.
11.Tennessee Titans
Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State
The Titans added Andre Dillard to their offensive line but help is still needed. Paris Johnson Jr. is an athletic tackle who excels as a pass protector and playing in space.
12. Houston Texans (via CLE)
Jordan Addison WR, USC
I love the Robert Woods signing by the Texans but I still believe they need some receiver help. Jordan Addison is still my WR1 and he would be a playmaker for Young.
13. New York Jets
Peter Skoronski OT, Northwestern
New York needs some stability upfront at tackle and Peter Skoronski might be the most pro-ready offensive lineman in this class. He is a technician with outstanding balance, hands, and lower body strength.
14. New England Patriots
Darnell Wright OT, Tennessee
This may seem like a reach but the Patriots are desperate for an offensive tackle and Darnell Wright is a riser who may go higher than people think. He is a large man who has excellent playing strength.
15. Green Bay Packers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State
Jordan Love is now the Packers’ QB1 and he will need more receiver help as Green Bay just lost Allen Lazard. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a smooth athlete with outstanding separation quickness and ball skills. He is one of the safest players in this class.
16.Washington Commanders
Deonte Banks CB, Maryland
Deonte Banks is a fast riser who has an outstanding NFL Combine but also has excellent film. He fills a big need for the Commanders and helps solidify this secondary.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State
Even with the addition of Patrick Peterson, the Steelers are still in the market for a corner. Joey Porter Jr. makes a ton of sense as a legacy player and someone who is blessed with rare length and excellent ball skills.
18. Detroit Lions
Will Levis QB, Kentucky
Will Levis slides a bit here in this NFL mock draft and I wouldn’t count out a trade-up for him by a QB-needy team, but stops Detroit the slide. I love Jared Goff, but why not add a cheap, young QB who has tons of talent to develop?
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bijan Robinson RB, Texas
Bijan Robinson is literally my No. 2 overall player in the class and I honestly don’t expect him to last this long. That said, Tampa Bay is getting an outstanding running back to replace Leonard Fournette. Robinson will give this team an identity during their post-Tom Brady transition.
20.Seahawk Seahawks
Bryan Bresee IDL, Clemson
As I mentioned, Seattle has a chance to stack their defensive line and they do so here. A front consisting of Uchenna Nwosu, Dre’Mont Jones, Tyree Wilson, and Bryan Bresee will be a tough out for opposing offensive lines.
21. Miami Dolphins
[Pick forfeited]
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Dalton Kincaid TE, Utah
Los Angeles has done a good job surrounding quarterback Justin Herbert with high-end talent at wide receiver and running back, but the team has yet to fill the hole at the tight end that Hunter Henry left when he left in free agency. Adding a talent like Dalton Kincaid who moves and plays the ball like a receiver will make these Chargers offense even scarier.
23. Baltimore Ravens
Luke Van Ness EDGE, Iowa
The Ravens could go in many different directions here, but in the end, adding another versatile edge defender makes a ton of sense—especially as the team moved on from Calais Campbell. Lukas Van Ness is an explosive athlete with excellent power at the point of attack. His best football is ahead of him.
24.Minnesota Vikings
Zay Flowers WR, Boston College
Adam Thielen’s run with the Vikings has ended and the team must look to add another receiver to go opposite Justin Jefferson. The speedy playmaker out of Boston College could be a great fit as a deep-threat option and he is also excellent with the ball in his hands after the catch.
25.Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame
This team/player pairing has been one I have been making since the summer and it still makes a lot of sense. We know Doug Pederson loves to be in 12-personnel and being able to deploy Evan Engram and Michael Mayer on the field at the same time will give defenses a lot of problems.
26. New York Giants
Quentin Johnston WR, TCU
The Giants have done an excellent job this offseason giving Daniel Jones a true No. 1 option in the pass game with the acquisition of star tight end Darren Waller. Waller would give this offense the jolt it desperately needed but the team could still use more ammunition in the passing game. Quentin Johnston is a height/weight/speed player who excels as a deep-ball specialist. He would fit in very well as the field stretcher to open up the middle of the field for Waller and Co.
27.Dallas Cowboys
Nolan Smith EDGE, Georgia
I love what Dallas has done this offseason and the addition of Brandin Cooks might be one of my favorite moves made by a team so far. By adding Cooks through trade, the team can now look to beef up the defense here with their first-round pick. Nolan Smith would give them additional pass-rush help opposite Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
28. Buffalo Bills
John Michael Schmitz IOL, Minnesota
Buffalo might not have an immediate need in the interior of their offensive line but it would be wise to add youthful talent to develop and build for the future. John Michael Schmitz is a very talented center that offers outstanding IQ, power and balance.
29. Cincinnati Bengals
Brian Branch SAF, Alabama
The Bengals lost both of their starting safety in free agency with Jessie Bates III heading to the Falcons and Von Bell going to the Panthers. While the team has last year’s first-round pick Dax Hill waiting in the wings at one safety spot, they would be wise to add another versatile defender to go along with Hill. Brian Branch is a hell of a player who falls a bit due to his poor combine testing, but his tape speaks for itself.
30. New Orleans Saints (via DEN)
O’Cyrus Torrence IOL, Florida
New Orleans should be much more consistent with Derek Carr now at quarterback, but they need to ensure they will be able to protect him and keep him upright. O’Cyrus Torrence has excellent size, strength, and athletic ability and projects as a high-impact starter inside at guard.
31.Philadelphia Eagles
Calijah Kancey DL, Pitt
Howie Roseman loves to add to the trenches, so naturally at least one of his two first-round picks would have to be a trench player. I like the fit of Calijah Kancey and the Eagles as he can help fill the void that Javon Hargrave left as he signed a massive deal with the 49ers. Kancey and Jordan Davis could form a very talented duo inside.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Derick Hall EDGE, Auburn
With the loss of Frank Clark, the Chiefs now have a need for an additional pass rush and they fill that need in this NFL mock draft with Derrick Hall. Hall is a long and explosive edge rusher who has very strong hands and base. He played with his hair on fire and would fit very well in this young but talented Chiefs defense.
What did you think of the sixth edition of Brentley Weissman’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft? Let us know what you think about this or any edition of our NFL Mock Draft series on Twitter and Instagram and stay tuned next week for the next edition of TDN’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft series.
The NFL is the gift that keeps on giving. Even though we are more than a month removed from the end of the NFL season, the fun just keeps on continuing as NFL free agency is well underway. While many fans are happy with the moves their teams made during the first week of free agency, the work to improve the roster is not done. Free agency is great but the draft is still the best way to build a strong and healthy roster. With teams adding players as free agents or making trades, we have…