Just a week out from the college football regular season and we’re back at it with another 2023 NFL Mock Draft. In our final installment before the regular season commences, it’s time to level set with what each NFL team needs and get ahead of some of the players you should know about going into the college football season and ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.
2023 2-round NFL Mock Draft | Round 1
The 2023 NFL Draft order was set using the current Vegas Super Bowl odds in reverse order in conjunction with our Pro Football Network season projections.
1) Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Houston Texans slated to pick No. 1 overall means the Davis Mills experiment didn’t go as planned through a 17-game season. Insert the best prototypical quarterback in this draft class or even in the 2022 class as well: C.J. Stroud.
The Ohio State signal-caller set 17 Ohio State records and lifted OSU to the top offense in the country last season. He finds the field very well and drops accurate passes to every level. Best of all, he gives hope to a Texans fanbase that needs it.
2) Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Atlanta’s biggest position of need is on the defensive line, and though they could go in a variety of ways, the Falcons select Georgia’s Jalen Carter. A big defensive tackle prospect with the best pre-snap instincts we’ve seen in some time, Carter transforms the Falcons’ defense from Day 1. Carter will hop gaps pre-snap and disrupt both the run and pass game equally as well.
3) Chicago Bears: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The top receiver from arguably the best WR room we’ve ever seen in college football, Jaxon Smith-Njigba becomes the highest drafted Buckeye from a group that once upon a time included Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jameson Williams.
Smith-Njigba may not be the fastest wide receiver you’ve ever seen, but he has the best routes, deceptive separation ability, and the best combination of body control and catch-point skills in the country this season. Justin Fields gets his new top target at the top of the first round.
4) Detroit Lions: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Detroit Lions need an answer at a few positions but none more important than quarterback. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner heads to Detroit as Bryce Young will look to continue the trend of recent Alabama QB success in the NFL. Young played well beyond his years in 2021, dealing in the face of pressure like a seasoned vet. He has the arm strength to find any level and the accuracy to deliver pinpoint passes to any receiver.
5) Seattle Seahawks: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
The best player on the board is arguably Will Anderson Jr. Seattle nabs him here with the fifth overall pick despite having bigger holes elsewhere. Last season, Anderson led the nation in tackles for loss and sacks. He’s a game-changer for any defensive front. His 33.5 tackles for loss were 12 more than any other defender as he single-handedly changes offensive game plans.
6) New York Jets: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
At 6’2″ and well over 200 pounds, Kelee Ringo still possesses top-end track speed and is a 4.3 40-yard dash sprinter. The best part about Ringo’s game is that he maintains that speed in a uniform on Saturdays and will carry that over to Sundays. Given his speed, coverage skills, and ball-tracking ability, Ringo is a top cover corner.
7) Jacksonville Jaguars: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Despite missing a chunk of time with an injury in 2021, Kayshon Boutte certainly impressed. The Jacksonville Jaguars need youth at the WR position despite spending heavily in free agency in 2022. Boutte offers upside, youth, and a dynamic skill set both at the catch point and after the fact.
8) Carolina Panthers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner transferred from Pittsburgh to USC, and now, Jordan Addison will haul in passes from a Lincoln Riley-coached offense in 2022. Addison is a dynamic receiver both along his routes and after the fact. With his ability to climb the proverbial ladder, no ball is thrown Addison’s way that isn’t catchable. Addison will aid whichever direction the Carolina Panthers decide to go with at quarterback.
9) New York Giants: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
The New York Giants are a few healthy players away from competing in their division and QB is one of those spots. However, the quarterback role on the defense is also a need, and Noah Sewell is as dynamic and dominant as they come. Sewell was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 and led the conference in tackles in 2021. He’s a three-down linebacker who will change the Giants’ defense instantly.
10) Pittsburgh Steelers: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Kicking out to left tackle in 2022, Paris Johnson Jr. has the skill set to become the draft class’ top tackle prospect with ease. He’s a mauler in the run game and has a great set of pass-protection skills. The Pittsburgh Steelers will be in the market for a lot of help along the offensive line. With the premium paid to left tackles, getting a potential franchise one in the draft is too much to pass up.
11) Washington Commanders: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Washington Commanders have a few needs and linebacker is one of them. With Sewell off the board, Trenton Simpson is the obvious choice as he brings with him excellent coverage skills and a top-notch all-around game. Simpson excels in coverage, making plays on the ball like a box safety while presenting an issue for opposing coordinators with his high-level instincts and ability to run the alley.
12) New England Patriots: JL Skinner, S, Boise State
Bill Belichick is no stranger to making splash picks when he covets a player. There’s no doubt he’d covet JL Skinner from Boise State as the 6’4″, 225-pound safety brings the lumber in all facets. Skinner plays with a calculated aggression, dominating in all facets for the Broncos. New England needs to get younger in the secondary, and Skinner could become their next star at safety.
13) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Philadelphia Eagles are seemingly always in the market for a cornerback, and Cam Smith makes an obvious selection here. Smith is a sticky cover CB who’s allowed fewer than 50% of the passes thrown his way to be caught. He’s made multiple plays on the ball despite the South Carolina scheme typically making it difficult to do so for a defensive back.
14) Arizona Cardinals: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Youth on the edge is the name of the game for the Arizona Cardinals’ top selection, and Myles Murphy gives them a pro-ready defensive end who excels when rushing the passer. Yet, Murphy is more than that as he influences the point of attack in the run game and disrupts multiple offensive linemen with his size alone.
15) Las Vegas Raiders: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
With a potential run on top-tier EDGE defenders happening, the Las Vegas Raiders grab their guy in BJ Ojulari. The talented LSU edge rusher has a great set of pass-rush moves and a high motor to continue his pursuit. He’s a gifted athlete and a dominant run defender off the edge as well. Las Vegas can pair him with Maxx Crosby to feed off each other and form quite a pass-rushing duo.
16) Tennessee Titans: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
In the mold of a Travis Kelce, Michael Mayer is essentially a wide receiver in a tight end’s body. Mayer chips in with his blocking skills, but he’s as dominant a pass catcher at tight end as we’ve seen in some time. He has ridiculous catch-point skills and tremendous after-the-catch ability. Mayer is an enigma. You’d want to line him up in the slot but also use him on chip blocks before releasing in the flats, giving Tennessee options.
17) Houston Texans (from CLE): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Texans pair their new quarterback with a shiny new weapon in Quentin Johnston. The big-play receiver torched defenses when he was healthy despite subpar QB play at TCU last year. Johnston’s a big man with a huge catch radius, not that Stroud needs it. This duo quickly becomes a fan favorite and one of the top duos in the league.
18) Minnesota Vikings: Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M
Play him wherever you want to play him, Antonio Johnson just makes plays. Johnson will jump routes, find the ball at the catch point, or separate ball from man with ease. He’s a dominant coverage defender who’s improved his run defense over the years. Minnesota needs youth and an injection of skill all along the secondary, and Johnson gives them the versatility to do so.
19) Indianapolis Colts: Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
Once upon a time, Brandon Joseph led the country in interceptions. With nine to his credit through two seasons at Northwestern, Joseph has transferred to Notre Dame for 2022. Joseph can cover anything that moves but excels when in zone defense. He’s allowed to fly around the field and find the football using his athleticism and burst as well as his keen instincts.
20) Philadelphia Eagles: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
The Eagles return to the defensive well, this time finding a valuable replacement for Fletcher Cox on the interior. The first thing that jumps out about Bryan Bresee‘s game is the sheer power with which he plays. He’ll throw linemen away with the flick of the wrist, but he also possesses enough quickness to beat interior linemen to the punch.
21) Cincinnati Bengals: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
There’s a need to get younger at safety for the Cincinnati Bengals, and they do so by grabbing Jordan Battle here. The Alabama safety has some of the best eyes in college football. He’ll bait quarterbacks — not the other way around — tricking them into thinking he’s covering elsewhere. Battle entices quarterbacks to throw in his radius and uses his speed and ball skills to make plays on the ball.
22) Baltimore Ravens: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Talking about speed, Clark Phillips III is a burner on the outside for Utah. He also has terrific ball-tracking skills and enough tenacity in his game to take on any WR1. Phillips was dominant at Utah last season, breaking up 13 passes. He’s a forced incompletion waiting to happen for an opposing quarterback.
23) Dallas Cowboys: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Sure, a first-round running back for the Dallas Cowboys. After reports surfaced that 2022 is likely Ezekiel Elliott’s last season in Dallas, the Cowboys nab his bell cow of a replacement in Bijan Robinson.
A state of Texas favorite, Robinson is as dynamic as they come. He chips in through his receiving prowess, but Robinson’s contact balance and vision are the best we’ve seen in college football in some time.
24) Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
When Emmanuel Forbes makes a play on the ball, he knows what to do with it. Fortunately for Seahawks fans, Forbes knows how to make plays on the ball at will. He has three interception returns for touchdowns for his career. Seattle needs to revamp their secondary, and the lengthy, game-changing Mississippi State CB goes a long way at doing so.
25) Miami Dolphins: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
Miami needs versatility on the offensive line and more than just one player to help overhaul their group up front. Peter Skoronski has less-than-ideal size to play left tackle at the professional level, and his strength may not match up with those freak athletes on the edge.
However, kicking Skoronski inside may unlock his best play, as he can anchor very well and has great balance through contact. Penciling him in as an automatic starter for the Dolphins at one of the interior positions is a forgone conclusion.
26) Los Angeles Chargers: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Elite hands and elite production, that’s what Isaiah Foskey does. Foskey is a big pass rusher with high-end potential. He brings versatility and can rush from several alignments to pair with Joey Bosa. That should excite Chargers fans.
27) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Josh Downs wins over the middle of the field and eats up the yards after the catch. Bryce Young will love his new top target as Downs is remarkably consistent. He runs crisp routes and has sure hands at the catch point. There’s not much Downs doesn’t do well regarding route running, and he’s a magician after the catch.
28) Kansas City Chiefs: Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Alabama
Going sideline to sideline on a field near you Chiefs fans is linebacker Henry To’oTo’o. The Alabama linebacker patrols the middle of the field with elite prowess. He comes downhill incredibly well, stymying underneath passing attacks and flat routes with vigor. What makes To’oTo’o so enticing is his high-level play in coverage, but he’s no slouch in run defense.
29) Green Bay Packers: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
The Green Bay Packers need help at a few spots, but they’re projected to make the NFC Championship here. As such, you’d expect certain pieces to retain their star status, and the new receiving corps to have taken shape.
As such, they look to Felix Anudike-Uzomah to increase their pass-rushing game. Anudike-Uzomah has length and power, speed and strength, and he knows how to use all of that in one compact pass-rushing motion that is hard to stop.
30) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The future may be coming sooner than expected for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and if Tom Brady does indeed return, they can’t go through any more drama surrounding the QB position after the 2022 season.
Enter Will Levis who will give them drama of his own with his food habits (look it up), but that is certainly a feat able to be weathered. Levis progressed in 2021 very well and has all the tools of an elite starting quarterback if he can remain consistent. With the growth he showed in 2021, we’re banking on Levis doing just that in 2022.
31) Buffalo Bills: Jalen Catalon, S, Arkansas
Both Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are getting up there in terms of football age. Their contracts are also a concern so the need for a new safety to take the mantle is ever-approaching.
Jalen Catalon plays reckless at times, but his aggressive style of play allows him to make plenty of big plays. With some seasoning and a bit of work in the Bills’ weight room, Catalon has the makings of an elite NFL starter.
2023 2-round NFL Mock Draft | Round 2
32) Houston Texans: Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
Houston continues to get weapons for Stroud, this time grabbing Cameron Latu to feature in the short, underneath passing game. Latu is a strong, physical player with a ton of upside due to his blocking and receiving ability.
33) Atlanta Falcons: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The projection for Nolan Smith is high, but we’re tempering our expectations. However, if Smith does indeed improve in 2022, he likely won’t be available here. Still, his pedigree is enticing, and he’s every bit of a top-tier athlete that Atlanta can work on finding a perfect role for as he comes over with teammate Carter.
34) Chicago Bears: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The Bears grab another offensive weapon, improving their line with the pick of Darnell Wright. A big, physical attacker at the point of contact, Wright also dominates with his balance through contact in the passing game.
35) Detroit Lions: O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
The first interior linemen selected on the offensive side of the ball, Detroit goes for youth and projection with O’Cyrus Torrence. Given their potential stars at tackle, the Lions grab a new interior protector for their new quarterback as Torrence is terrific in both facets of play.
36) Seattle Seahawks: Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
Spencer Rattler‘s 2020 tape is leaps and bounds above most quarterbacks that were selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. As such, if he can return to form and impress enough this fall, he can shake the stink off that 2021 season with Oklahoma. Now at South Carolina, there is a bevy of talent in Rattler’s right arm. and the Seahawks are prime for picking a second-round QB.
37) New York Jets: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
Gervon Dexter takes his 6’6″, 312-pound frame to the Big Apple, as the big man on the interior for the Gators heads to the Jets. New York has an incredible EDGE rotation, and now they grant their pass rushers with favorable matchups by bringing Dexter into the interior. Dexter will command double-teams on his size alone, not to mention, he’s an incredibly-gifted pass rusher.
38) Jacksonville Jaguars: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
If Calijah Kancey was two inches taller, we’d be talking about him as a potential top-10 pick. He has all the skill in the world, but size constraints will likely limit him until he can prove those doubters wrong. Kancey understands leverage, has elite speed for a big man, and is as talented against the run as he is rushing the passer.
39) Carolina Panthers: Emil Ekiyor Jr., G, Alabama
Another interior prospect off the board as Carolina grabs Alabama guard Emil Ekiyor Jr. The Crimson Tide guard has played a bevy of positions for Alabama throughout his career, and his versatility allows Carolina to plug him in where they need him most following the season and free agency.
40) New York Giants: Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami (FL)
There’s a lot to like about Tyler Van Dyke‘s game, but there are some things to clean up. With a new play-caller in 2022, Van Dyke should be able to showcase his elite talent on a weekly basis. The Giants are certainly ready to move on from Daniel Jones at this point, and Van Dyke being available here is too good to pass up.
41) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaylon Carlies, S, Missouri
Another safety selection that may shock some, but Jaylon Carlies is every bit of an enticing, potentially elite prospect. Carlies has a ton of skill in each facet with some of the best ball skills at safety in this class. He’s also a fundamentally-sound tackler in space and understands angles in pursuit better than most.
42) Washington Commanders: Jaheim Bell, TE, South Carolina
A “Swiss Army Knife” for the South Carolina Gamecocks, Jaheim Bell should wow folks when they see him in action this fall. Bell is a big man with an incredible set of speed and catch-point skills. He’s elusive in the open field and has even been likened to Deebo Samuel coming from this South Carolina team.
43) New England Patriots: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
Man coverage is the name of the game for Eli Ricks, and if he can pick up the Alabama playbook in Year 1, there’s no telling how high he’s drafted. As we temper expectations here, Ricks heads to the Patriots through Belichick’s connection with the Crimson Tide. He can certainly unlock the best out of his players.
44) New Orleans Saints: Malachi Moore, CB, Alabama
The second Crimson Tide cornerback off the board is Malachi Moore to the Saints. Moore has solid instincts and great athleticism that he uses to his advantage along routes and at the catch point. The Saints need to get younger at corner, and they do so here before missing out in Round 2.
45) Arizona Cardinals: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Finding protection for their newly-minted quarterback is imperative for the Cardinals. After hitting the defensive edge in Round 1, Arizona grabs offensive tackle Broderick Jones with their second-round selection. Jones is a mover, at his best when he can square defenders up and back them down.
46) Miami Dolphins: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
The Dolphins may have missed out on their top target at RB in the first round, but they grab Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs in the second. Gibbs is a dynamic athlete with the ball in his hands and contributes in the return game as well as on the receiving end of passes.
47) Las Vegas Raiders: Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
Las Vegas needs a big-play playmaker on the outside to keep focus away from Davante Adams and Marvin Mims is that player. Mims averaged over 20 yards per catch last season at Oklahoma and is a catch-point maestro. He’s a prototypical WR2 at the next level because of his ability to win downfield.
48) Tennessee Titans: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Expect to hear Tyree Wilson‘s name a lot in 2022. At 6’6″ and 275 pounds, the Travon Walker effect will have everyone searching for the next big-ticket player with incredible upside.
Wilson may just be that player, but until his consistency improves and his pass-rushing moves increase in efficacy, the Titans could bank on grabbing their EDGE of the future here.
49) Cleveland Browns: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
The first center off the board is John Michael Schmitz as the Minnesota center is arguably the best interior player available in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Schmitz is a valuable leader who excels in each facet but takes command of an offensive line.
50) Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
With all the intangibles in the world at his disposal, the time is now for Anthony Richardson to unlock those and showcase he’s a consistent downfield passer. If he does, you can bet the Vikings would be looking to move on from the Kirk Cousins middling experiment for greener pastures. Even if Richardson isn’t quite the complete QB at this stage of his career, his upside is far greater than that of Cousins.
51) Indianapolis Colts: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
Indianapolis needs some help along the offensive line next to the great Quenton Nelson. They grab Syracuse big man Matthew Bergeron here to put on the outside and keep clean pockets open and rushing lanes coming.
52) Philadelphia Eagles: Kenny Logan Jr., S, Kansas
Get to know the name Kenny Logan Jr. ahead of the 2022 college football season. He led Kansas in tackles last season, and they weren’t just tackles on the backend. These were tackles around the line of scrimmage or behind it. These were plays on the ball that stymied the passing attack. Logan is a valuable coverage defender and leader on the backend.
53) Cincinnati Bengals: Connor Galvin, OT, Baylor
Cincinnati needs assistance on the offensive line despite their best efforts this past free agency period. Connor Galvin is a big man with a certain grit to his game. He’d fit in perfectly with the Bengals way of doing things in the Queen City.
54) Baltimore Ravens: Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
Another wide receiver to the Ravens, sure, but Cedric Tillman is different. He’s a big play threat who hauled in five touchdowns over Tennessee’s final two games and has four-straight 100-yard games entering the 2022 season.
55) Dallas Cowboys: Layden Robinson, G, Texas A&M
It’s imperative for Dallas to open up some bigger rushing lanes and keep Dak Prescott clean. They do so by grabbing a perfect pairing to All-Pro Zack Martin. Layden Robinson is a dominant run blocker and stalwart pass protector. Just what Jerry Jones ordered.
56) Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
A tackling machine and downright unstoppable force, Jack Campbell heads to Seattle to anchor a new era of linebackers in the Pacific Northwest. Campbell runs the alley beautifully, exceeds expectations in coverage, and stuffs rushing lanes all the same.
57) San Francisco 49ers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The son of a former Pittsburgh Steelers great, Joey Porter Jr. has certainly made his own name while at Penn State. The lengthy 6’2″ cornerback plays a sticky brand of coverage and has plenty of ball skills. The San Francisco 49ers need each of those skills in their secondary, and this pick is a no-brainer.
58) Los Angeles Chargers: Demani Richardson, S, Texas A&M
The Chargers are tied to Derwin James for the foreseeable future in a smart decision to lock up their star player. As such, increasing the depth and potential starter next to him is on the radar at this stage of the draft.
Demani Richardson is a terrific coverage defender with a free-ranging ability to him. He plays the ball well and could find a home in the slot right away.
59) Los Angeles Rams: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (FL)
Tyrique Stevenson had a great season in 2021 in his first away from Georgia. The Miami cornerback has a rare skill set that allows him to cover any kind of pass catcher both in the open field and all along their routes. The best part about Stevenson’s game is that he’s equipped to play any secondary position. The Rams move quickly to make this pick.
60) Kansas City Chiefs: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
One of the most ferocious interior defensive linemen in college football, Siaki Ika is more than just a pass rusher or run stopper. He influences the passing game with his length and bats balls away at the line of scrimmage like it’s his job. The Chiefs move on Ika to pair him next to Chris Jones on the inside.
61) Green Bay Packers: Antwane Wells Jr., WR, South Carolina
Another name from potentially left field as Antwane Wells Jr. transfers to South Carolina from James Madison in 2022. He stands 6’1″ and tips the scales over 200 pounds yet possesses elite speed and shiftiness. Wells’ hands are as smooth as his routes, and his transfer to South Carolina will have all eyes on him in 2022.
62) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
A massive man with positional versatility, Ruke Orhorhoro heads to Tampa Bay’s rich history of prolific defensive linemen. Orhorhoro is on the verge of stardom with his all-around playmaking skills. As he continues to learn the game, Orhorhoro could be a steal at this stage of the draft.
63) Buffalo Bills: Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
The Bills grab their center of the future in Sedrick Van Pran at the tail end of Round 2. Buffalo certainly needs to think of a plan after Mitch Morse as the former second-rounder himself enters his eighth season in the NFL. With Morse on a two-year extension, Van Pran’s ability to plug and play at guard will grant him immediate impact with the future of the position locked up.