The NFL Draft Combine is quickly approaching and every NFL team will get a first-hand look at the best of the best prospects for the 2023 NFL draft class. There will be workouts, numerous player interviews, and as always, there will be at least one player who is asked an absurd personal question by a team. A lot will change from now until draft time on April 23, 2023, but for now, let’s jump into Couture’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft 1.0.
1. Indianapolis Colts: Alabama QB Bryce Young
The Bears stick with Justin Fields and find a trade partner with Indy. The Colts send #4, #79, and their 2024 1st & 4th round picks, to the Bears in exchange for the first overall selection. After years of rotating through washed veteran QB’s, the Colts finally land their guy. Bryce Young is the best QB in this class and he sets the Colts up for years to come.
2. Houston Texans: Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud
The Texans experienced the worst win in franchise history during week 18 of the 2022-2023 season. The win dropped them down a spot in the draft order and they miss out on Bryce Young. That being said, C.J. Stroud is certainly a nice consolation prize. The “don’t draft an Ohio State QB” narrative will be put to rest here, even though there shouldn’t be one in the first place.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Alabama DE Will Anderson Jr.
With Kyler Murray under contract for the foreseeable future, the draft board falls perfectly for Arizona. They snag the best defensive player on the board in Will Anderson Jr. First-time Head Coach Jonathan Gannon comes to Arizona after coordinating a top 10 Eagles defense in 2022. With future Hall of Fame defensive end JJ Watt retiring, the Cardinals use this pick to address a major need along the defensive line.
4. Chicago Bears: Georgia DL Jalen Carter
After trading back from the first overall pick, the Bears snag the best available player. Chicago has numerous needs throughout the roster and hitting on this pick is crucial. Jalen Carter is ferocious coming up the middle and can create pressure on the QB as good or better than anyone in this class.
5. Carolina Panthers: Kentucky QB Will Levis
Carolina takes their shot here on Will Levis. They send the Seahawks #9, #61, and a 2024 3rd-round pick to move up to #5 overall. Levis is a fascinating prospect with incredible tools. He’s not as polished as a player coming into the NFL as Stroud or Young, but if he can put it together, Levis has superstar potential.
6. Detroit Lions: Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
This pick comes curtesy of the Matthew Stafford trade a couple years back. Detroit has slowly but surely built their roster from the ground up and is close to being a consistent contender. For this pick, they take their top corner in the class. Christian Gonzalez is an oversized speedy corner that will help bring the Lions secondary to the next level
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr.
It’s going to be interesting to see how the Raiders address their QB position this offseason. They sent Derek Carr packing and have a variety of options for how to replace him. For this selection, I don’t see them jumping at any of the remaining QB’s, but rather taking someone to protect whoever does end up under center. Paris Johnson is a versatile and lengthy offensive lineman who has experience at both tackle and guard.
8. Baltimore Ravens: Florida QB Anthony Richardson
BLOCKBUSTER: After nearly two years of negotiations, the Ravens finally decide to move on from Lamar Jackson. They franchise tag Lamar and send him to Atlanta for the 8th & 75th picks in the 2023 draft, along with the Falcons’ 2024 1st & 3rd round picks. Baltimore turns their attention to one of the most exciting prospects in this draft. Anthony Richardson’s physical skill set is the best of the QB draft class. That being said, he has had serious struggles with accuracy and play recognition. If the Ravens feel like he has the tools to improve, Richardson has the upside to be one of the best QB’s in the league. A major risk/reward pick here by Baltimore.
9. Seattle Seahawks: Texas Tech DE Tyree Wilson
After moving back from the 5th overall pick, the Seahawks select a true monster of an athlete. Standing at 6’6, and 275 pounds, Tyree Wilson is certainly ready to take his game to the NFL ranks. Seattle lands a slam dunk of a pick and adds a potential superstar to their defensive line.
10 Philadelphia Eagles: Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon
The defending NFC Champions enter the draft with two first-round selections. This one is courtesy of the New Orleans Saints. The Eagles have one of the most well-rounded rosters in the NFL and continue to add here. Some people believe Devon Witherspoon is the best cornerback in the class.
11. Tennessee Titans: USC WR Jordan Addison
After years of contention without success, the Titans need to retool and regain their identity. After trading away AJ Brown last offseason and using the return to select WR Treylon Burks, the Titans continue to add to the WR room. Jordan Addison is a shifty, and fast WR that can make corners look silly in coverage.
12. Houston Texans: TCU WR Quentin Johnston
Houston adds a weapon to pair with C.J. Stroud. The 6’4 and 215 pounds Quentin Johnston certainly won’t be undersized heading into the NFL. Johnston might be the best receiver in the class with the ball in his hands. With breakaway speed and an elite catch radius, he brings star potential to the Texans’ offense.
13. New York Jets: Northwestern OT Peter Skoronski
After producing the AFC’s offensive and defensive rookie of the year in 2022, the Jets continue to address needs. Peter Skoronski is one of the safest picks in the first round. The only question for the Jets will be if they feel comfortable with Skoronski at tackle. With an extremely limited wingspan, some teams view him as guard material.
14. Detroit Lions: Clemson Bryan Bresee
Detroit is aggressive and trades up to the 14th pick, sending New England #18, #81, and their 2024 5th-round pick. With this pick, they add a star in the making to pair next to their 2022 1st-round pick, Aidan Hutchinson. Bryan Bresee comes to Detroit with the size, speed, and power to wreak havoc inside. Detroit continues to build through the draft and a return to the playoffs is certainly in the near future.
15. Green Bay Packers: ED Myles Murphy
Back-to-back Clemson defenders go off the board here. After letting multiple big-name defensive players leave in recent years, the Packers use this pick to help fill the void along the defensive line. Myles Murphy is the full package as an edge rusher and can get to the QB in a variety of ways. Packers fans should walk away happy if they end up with the Clemson standout.
16. Washington Commanders: Alabama S/CB Brian Branch
Washington goes with the best available player here. Brian Branch doesn’t have a set position as he can play a variety of different roles. He is a highly intelligent, well-rounded defender that can instantly contribute to the Commanders’ defense. Wherever he ends up playing, he will find success.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Georgia OT Broderick Jones
After selecting the only first-round QB in the 2022 draft, Pittsburgh uses their 2023 first-rounder to help protect him. Broderick Jones is an overwhelming presence on the offensive line. He moves well in space and is often seen bull-dozing defenders in the run game. Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris will be thankful if Jones ends up in Pittsburgh
18. New England Patriots: Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr.
New England could go in a variety of directions with this pick. In the end, they grab the 6’2 shifty corner out of Penn State to add to their secondary room. Joey Porter Jr has CB1 traits and should be a day-one contributor to the Patriots defense.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Florida OG O’Cyrus Torrence
The uncertainty for Tampa heading into the offseason is overwhelming. They are likely heading for a rebuild and with doing so, there is no need to take chances here. O’Cyrus Torrence is the best interior offensive lineman in the draft with experience at both guard spots. He would be a day-one starter for the Buccaneers.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
With an aging Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks add a shifty receiver to the mix. Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s 2022 season was riddled with injuries but he showed his abilities in 2021 with 1,606 yards and 9 touchdowns. He comes with some risk, but Seattle takes a shot at getting JSN back to his 2021 production.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Boston College WR Zay Flowers
Rumor is that the Chargers could move on from their long-time WR Keenan Allen. If they do so, finding his replacement will be crucial for the continued development of Justin Herbert. Zay Flowers is a shifty, elite route runner who is almost impossible to cover.
22. Baltimore Ravens: South Carolina CB Cam Smith
The Ravens continue to turn over their roster here. After moving on from Lamar Jackson, they do the same with Marcus Peters. Replacing him with Cam Smith, the South Carolina corner is a great athlete with a high football IQ. Baltimore will need to keep their CB room stocked for the foreseeable future if they want to match up with the AFC North WR’s.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Pittsburgh DL Calijah Kancey
Calijah Kancey is undersized for the average interior defensive lineman but his production speaks for itself. Kancey racked up the accolades in 2022 and finished with 19 sacks over the last three seasons. As an experienced one-gap defensive tackle, Kancey can get after the quarterback in a variety of ways.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer
The Jaguars surprised most this past season as they finished strong and snuck into the playoffs. After signing Christian Kirk before the 2022 season and trading for the suspended Calvin Ridley, the Jaguars continue to focus on adding weapons for Trevor Lawrence. Michael Mayer leads what is a loaded tight end draft class. Mayer is a polished and well-rounded receiver in addition to being the best blocking TE in the class. The tight end position is often undervalued, but this pick would be a slam dunk selection for the Jaguars.
25. New York Giants: Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt
Brian Daboll came to the rescue of the Giants this past season. Bringing hope that Daniel Jones can be the franchise guy. The focus offensively for the Giants this offseason needs to be to find better weapons for Jones. The first thing that Giants fans should know about Jalin Hyatt is easy… SPEED. On top of that, Hyatt has the length, quickness, and strength to beat press man coverage. Hyatt isn’t as solidified of a prospect as the wide receivers selected before him, but his physical attributes alone should make Giants fans excited.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Oklahoma OT Anton Harrison
Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith has been as unreliable as can be over the past three years, and reports are that Dallas may move on. Anton Harrison would bring consistent high-quality play to Dallas’ offensive line. He wouldn’t be one of the more exciting selections for Dallas fans, but he’d fill a need and is one of the safer picks in the first round.
27. Buffalo Bills: Arkansas LB Drew Sanders
Buffalo has been a major contender over the past few years but has continued to fall short of their goals. Now with multiple big-name free agents, Buffalo likely won’t be able to keep them all. One of the more likely names to walk is LB Tremaine Edmunds. Replacing him won’t be easy, but Drew Sanders would be a nice start. The Arkansas linebacker is arguably the best true linebacker in the draft.
28 Cincinnati Bengals: Texas A&M S Antonio Johnson
Recent reports are that Bengals star safety Jessie Bates is likely to leave Cincinnati this offseason. Leading many to assume that the Bengals will be in the market to replace him. Antonio Johnson can play all around the defense but he excels most playing downfield. Johnson is a smart player and he’d fit right into the Bengals secondary.
29. New Orleans Saints: Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker
The Saints surprise everyone here with the selection of Hendon Hooker. After failing to find Drew Brees’ replacement the past two seasons, the Saints take a chance on their guy. Hooker is recovering from an ACL injury and it’s unknown when he’ll exactly be ready. In addition, Hooker is old for the average rookie, as he turned 25 years old this past January. Nevertheless, if the Saints believe he can be the guy, there shouldn’t be a question of when to go get him.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Texas RB Bijan Robinson
Many teams try to avoid running backs in the first round, but Bijan Robinson is a talent that simply can’t be ignored. Miles Sanders is a free agent this offseason and instead of overspending on a position that has a quick turnaround, the Eagles grab the best RB in the class. Robinson’s addition to the Eagles’ offense would cause even more nightmares for opposing defenses.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Iowa DE Lukas Van Ness
The defending Super Bowl Champions finish up the first round by addressing a need along the defensive line. Lukas Van Ness is a polished pass rusher that can work inside and outside along the line. In 2022, Van Ness finished the season with 8 sacks, and 43 total pressures in 12 games for the Hawkeyes.
Round 2:
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Maryland CB Deonte Banks
33. Houston Texans: Army DE Andre Carter II
34. Arizona Cardinals: Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes
35. Indianapolis Colts: Ohio State OT Dawand Jones
36. Los Angeles Rams: Georgia DE Nolan Smith
37. Seattle Seahawks: Utah TE Dalton Kincaid
38. Las Vegas Raiders: Minnesota C John Michael Schmitz
39. Carolina Panthers: UNC WR Josh Downs
40. Detroit Lions (Trade w/ Saints): Stanford QB Tanner McKee
41. Tennessee Titans: Georgia Tech DE Keion White
42. Cleveland Browns: Michigan DL Mazi Smith
43. New York Jets: Clemson LB Trenton Simpson
44. Atlanta Falcons: TCU G Steve Avila
45. Green Bay Packers: Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave
46. New England Patriots: Tennessee OT Darnell Wright
47. Washington Commanders: Iowa State DE Will McDonald IV
48. New Orleans Saints (Trade w/ Lions): Houston WR Nathaniel Dell
49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Georgia CB Kelee Ringo
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kansas State DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
51. Chicago Bears (Trade w/ Seahawks): North Dakota State T/G Cody Mauch
52: Miami Dolphins: Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs
53: Los Angeles Chargers: Syracuse OT Matthew Bergeron
54: Seattle Seahawks (Trade w/ Bears): Ohio State C Luke Wypler
55: Detroit Lions: Washington State LB Daiyan Henley
56: Jacksonville Jaguars: Wisconsin C Joe Tippmann
57: New York Giants: Miami CB Tyrique Stevenson
58: Dallas Cowboys: LSU DE BJ Ojulari
59: Buffalo Bills: Northwestern DE Adetomiwa Adebawore
60: Cincinnati Bengals: USC DE Tuli Tuipulotu
61: Seattle Seahawks: Alabama S Jordan Battle
62: Philadelphia Eagles: Iowa LB Jack Campbell
63: Kansas City Chiefs: LSU WR Kayshon Boutte
For more sports content visit USA Informing, and follow me on Twitter @MattCouture5
