NFL Insider’s 2023 Mock Draft: Only Two QBs Drafted Inside Top 10
Analysis 4/26/23
The 2023 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and everyone is putting the finishing touches on their final mock drafts. Inside all 32 team buildings, personnel members are finalizing plans for draft night while phones are ringing as teams try to feel out where other clubs stand in the trade market.
This is my only mock draft — and it is not what I think teams should do, but rather, what people around the league believe will happen. I always tell myself before draft night to “expect the unexpected.” It’s likely there will be a lot of that this year.
Nonetheless, let’s take a swing at this. Trades are not included in this exercise.
NFL Insider’s 2023 Mock Draft
1. Carolina Panthers
*From BEARS
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Most around the league believe the Carolina Panthers traded up to No. 1 with Young as the leader in the clubhouse, despite some mock drafts and even the betting markets trying to tell you otherwise. The primary concern with Young is his size, but the Panthers are comfortable with it and have done all the work possible to get to this decision.
>> READ: Young’s Full Scouting Report
2. Houston Texans
Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
This is where the intrigue starts. The buzz of the Houston Texans not going quarterback has grown significantly during the past few weeks, and it’s impossible to ignore at this point. New coach DeMeco Ryans signed a six-year contract, and the last thing he wants to do is force a quarterback decision with the No. 2 overall pick.
Anderson is a true blue-chip prospect and would be a significant building block for a franchise that needs some juice. Houston has another first-round pick at No. 12 and owns two first-round picks again next year. Tyree Wilson is also an option here as long as Houston is good with his medicals.
>> READ: Anderson’s Full Scouting Report
3. Arizona Cardinals
Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
The Arizona Cardinals would love to slide down from this pick, but the hard part will be getting the proper value. If they stick, there’s been growing talk about going offense to help Kyler Murray once he’s fully recovered from his ACL injury. At 6-foot-6 and 313 pounds, Johnson has all the physical boxes you want and has the athleticism to play inside or at tackle.
>> READ: Johnson’s Full Scouting Report
4. Indianapolis Colts
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Indianapolis Colts finally quit the veteran quarterback route this offseason after using that avenue every year since Andrew Luck’s stunning retirement in 2019. Levis is probably the most polarizing quarterback prospect in this year’s class, but he has been connected to the Colts for weeks and even months around league circles. I also wouldn’t discount Jim Irsay’s voice in all of this.
>> READ: Levis’ Full Scouting Report
5. Seattle Seahawks
Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia
Talent-wise, Carter is arguably the top player in this year’s draft. The concerns are off-the-field, which include charges in connection to a fatal accident of a Georgia teammate and staffer. All NFL teams have done exhaustive work to determine what they’ll be getting and if the pros outweigh the cons.
The Seattle Seahawks – under John Schneider and Pete Carroll – have been willing to select players with character concerns and believe their culture goes a long way in helping the outcome. Adding Carter and Dre’Mont Jones in the same offseason would revamp a lackluster interior defensive line from a year ago.
>> READ: Carter’s Full Scouting Report
6. Detroit Lions
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Detroit Lions prioritized the secondary this offseason, adding Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (one year, $8M), Cameron Sutton (three years, $33M) and Emmanuel Moseley (one year, $6M). However, there’s still work to do, and none of those guys are guaranteed to be long-term answers when looking at the contracts.
Witherspoon (5-foot-11, 181 pounds) doesn’t have ideal size. Still, he plays bigger than he looks, is versatile, has great feet, and is a willing tackler. His competitiveness fits right in with what Detroit is looking for with coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. He would also reunite with college teammate Kerby Joseph if Detroit made him the pick.
>> READ: Witherspoon’s Full Scouting Report
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
Whether Skoronski plays tackle or guard, he would immediately help upgrade the Las Vegas Raiders‘ offensive line. Las Vegas signed Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason, and his contract includes fully guaranteed money into the second year. Garoppolo’s injury history is well documented, and getting him as much protection as possible makes sense.
“He’s a smart, tough, versatile, and safe prospect,” one AFC executive said.
>> READ: Skoronski’s Full Scouting Report
8. Atlanta Falcons
Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
Wilson couldn’t work out for teams during the pre-draft process due to a fractured foot suffered in November. He’s 6-foot-6, 274 pounds and has 35-inch arms with an 86-inch wingspan. He has an intriguing mix of length, speed and power. The Atlanta Falcons hired former Saints defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen this offseason, and his scheme does favor bigger edge players as he had in New Orleans.
The Falcons were aggressive this offseason, adding defensive players, including Jessie Bates, David Onyemata, Calais Campbell, Jeff Okudah, Kaden Ellis and Bud Dupree. They keep the defensive additions going with this pick at No. 8. I also wouldn’t rule out Bijan Robinson here.
>> READ: Wilson’s Full Scouting Report
9. Chicago Bears
*From PANTHERS
Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Former second-round pick Teven Jenkins had a successful year last season after getting moved inside from right tackle to guard, and the Chicago Bears likely want to keep him there. Wright is a plug-and-play right tackle, having started there in 2019, 2020 and 2022 (he was at left tackle in 2021). He made significant improvements in pass protection last year and is nasty in the run game.
>> READ: Wright’s Full Scouting Report
10. Philadelphia Eagles
*From SAINTS
Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
The Philadelphia Eagles like Jalen Carter and would consider moving up to get him. But we’re not making trades in this mock, so I’m giving them Carter’s Georgia teammate. Smith is an elite athlete and is one of the most explosive pass rushers in this year’s draft. New Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai has gotten creative with his defensive front alignments, and Smith’s athleticism could make him a good chess piece.
>> READ: Smith’s Full Scouting Report
11. Tennessee Titans
C.J Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Ryan Tannehill has one year remaining on his contract, and none of the money is guaranteed. Whether he’s the quarterback this season or not, new general manager Ran Carthon has been working to find a long-term answer. Stroud could go higher than this, but some questions have been raised over the last month (some fair, some unfair), which has made figuring out his landing spot difficult.
The last memory of him on the field was the performance of a lifetime against Georgia in the College Football Playoff with 348 yards passing and four touchdowns.
>> READ: Stroud’s Full Scouting Report
12. Houston Texans
*From BROWNS
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Richardson is one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks we’ve seen in a while, but there’s so much more that is up in the air with his game. I’m still not sold on Houston taking a quarterback, but I could see them banking on the extremely high upside of Richardson and all the dazzling plays he made.
>> READ: Richardson’s Full Scouting Report
13. Green Bay Packers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
I know, I know. The Green Bay Packers haven’t taken a receiver in the first round since 2002. But this receiver class isn’t top-heavy, and some people are adamant Smith-Njigba has what it takes to be something special in the NFL. We all witnessed what he did two years ago when he was Ohio State’s leading receiver as a sophomore, with 95 receptions for 1,595 yards and nine touchdowns.
His Rose Bowl performance is unforgettable. If Green Bay has a big gap between Smith-Njigba and the rest of the crop, could they pull the trigger? New QB1 Jordan Love would approve.
>> READ: Smith-Njigba’s Full Scouting Report
14. New England Patriots
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Gonzalez should not be falling this far, as some rated him as the top corner in this draft. He has great size, length, speed and ball skills and would fit in nicely across Jonathan Jones if he made it to the New England Patriots at No. 14.
>> READ: Gonzalez’s Full Scouting Report
15. New York Jets
Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The New York Jets finally acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Monday, and the top priority is to protect him at all costs. They are in a similar situation to what Tampa Bay had when they signed Tom Brady in 2020. It will be a one or two-year window to try to win it all.
The Buccaneers, just like the Jets now, had the No. 15 pick and moved up to No. 14 to secure Tristan Wirfs, who turned out to be an All-Pro. Jones became a full-time starter at left tackle this past season, and while there’s still more room to grow, he’s as physically gifted a tackle in this year’s class.
>> READ: Jones’ Full Scouting Report
16. Washington Commanders
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Washington hired Eric Bieniemy this offseason, and we all know how vital the tight end position is to his offense. This year’s tight end class is super deep, and Kincaid best fits as the one who would open up Bieniemy’s playbook as a mismatch in the passing game.
>> READ: Kincaid’s Full Scouting Report
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Pittsburgh Steelers added Patrick Peterson in free agency, but he’s likely just going to be there for one year. Porter Jr. is a physical, press corner, and the story would be pretty cool if he got to play for the team his dad played and coached for.
>> READ: Porter Jr.’s Full Scouting Report
18. Detroit Lions
Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh
It’s unfair to compare anyone to Aaron Donald, but take a look at the similarities with Kancey coming into the league: Both went to the same college, play the same style, are similar in size and have shorter-than-ideal arms. Lions general manager Brad Holmes was with the Rams when they selected Donald in 2014. Kancey led all defensive tackles in tackles for loss (14.5) in 2022 and became Pitt’s first unanimous All-American since — wait for it — Aaron Donald.
>> READ: Kancey’s Full Scouting Report
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use some edge help with the uncertainty behind Shaq Barrett’s return from an Achilles injury and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka’s inconsistent play through two years. Van Ness could also play inside.
>> READ: Van Ness’ Full Scouting Report
20. Seattle Seahawks
Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Flowers is a smaller target (5-foot-9, 182 pounds), but he’s an exceptional separator and runs smooth routes. Adding him with Tyler Lockett (who will be 31 years old this season) and DK Metcalf would give offensive coordinator Shane Waldron endless options.
>> READ: Flowers’ Full Scouting Report
21. Los Angeles Chargers
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Addison is a smooth route runner with excellent ball skills and would be a great complement to the Los Angeles Chargers’ receiver duo of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Chargers receivers coach Chris Beatty was Addison’s receiver coach at Pitt for two years.
>> READ: Addison’s Full Scouting Report
22. Baltimore Ravens
Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Baltimore Ravens tried to sign Darius Slay after news broke Philadelphia was releasing him, but the Eagles pivoted and held onto him on a new deal. Banks is a Baltimore native and tested well at the combine with a 4.35 40-yard dash, a 42-inch vertical and an 11-foot-4 broad jump.
He has drawn comparisons to current Ravens Pro Bowler Marlon Humphrey. Baltimore is going into this year’s draft with only five picks, the least it has had since 1999, so a trade-down would also make sense.
>> READ: Banks’ Full Scouting Report
23. Minnesota Vikings
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Minnesota Vikings released longtime receiver Adam Thielen this offseason, and their current No. 2 receiver KJ Osborn is entering the final year of his contract. Johnston has a high ceiling with his size, speed and ability to win on jump balls downfield. Pairing him with Justin Jefferson and TJ Hockenson could be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
>> READ: Johnston’s Full Scouting Report
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
Branch has slot/deep versatility; that is precisely what the Jacksonville Jaguars are missing on the backend of their defense. He’s also the exact type of player general manager Trent Baalke would covet. Branch had 90 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks and seven pass breakups this past season for Nick Saban’s defense.
>> READ: Branch’s Full Scouting Report
25. New York Giants
Joe Tippmann, IOL, Wisconsin
The New York Giants were one of the great stories from last season, but this roster still has a lot of work to do, and this regime is well aware of that. The Giants believe they are in a good position with their two tackle spots, but the interior of the offensive line could use some help, and Tippmann is the top center in this class.
>> READ: Tippmann’s Full Scouting Report
26. Dallas Cowboys
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Let me preface this by saying I could see Robinson going as high as No. 8 to the Falcons. He’s an incredible prospect and, hands-down, a top-five player in this draft. If he falls this far, I don’t know how Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn’t make him the pick.
>> READ: Robinson’s Full Scouting Report
27. Buffalo Bills
Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Wide Receiver isn’t the biggest need for an elite Buffalo Bills offense, but Hyatt could be a great fit for Buffalo and Josh Allen in the vertical game, which had some struggles late in the year. Hyatt had 67 catches for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging 18.9 yards per catch as Hendon Hooker’s deep threat.
>> READ: Hyatt’s Full Scouting Report
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Mayer is the most complete tight end in this year’s class as an in-line blocker and receiving option. The 21-year-old caught 180 passes for 2,099 yards and 18 touchdowns in his three seasons at Notre Dame and surpassed former Bengal Tyler Eifert as Notre Dame’s all-time leading receiver at the tight end position.
The Cincinnati Bengals have gone back-to-back years of losing their top tight end in free agency to multi-year deals (C.J. Uzomah to the Jets and Hayden Hurst to the Panthers), and adding Mayer would be adding another weapon to an already stacked offense.
>> READ: Mayer’s Full Scouting Report
29. New Orleans Saints
Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
The New Orleans Saints moved on from former first-rounder Marcus Davenport in free agency, and Cameron Jordan is getting up there in age. The 6-foot-5, 276-pound Murphy had 17.5 sacks across three years at Clemson and earned first-team All-ACC honors this past season.
>> READ: Murphy’s Full Scouting Report
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Matthew Bergeron, OL, Syracuse
The Eagles are once again focusing on the trenches after losing both Isaac Seumalo and Andre Dillard in free agency. A multi-sport athlete, Bergeron made 39 starts at Syracuse, playing both left and right tackle. He projects to have guard versatility.
>> READ: Bergeron’s Full Scouting Report
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
There’s been growing talk Harrison could sneak into the first round on Thursday night. Kansas City lost Andrew Wylie in free agency and needs an answer at right tackle, with Jawaan Taylor likely flipping to the left tackle spot. Harrison spent some time at right tackle this past year and can be that guy.
>> READ: Harrison’s Full Scouting Report
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