2023 NFL Mock Draft: Hendon Hooker Enters the First Round

In any 2023 NFL Mock Draft, we’re beginning to see more volatility in picks. Prospects continue to rise and fall as the college football season progresses, and we’ll see a lot of other changes with plenty of the season remaining.

2023 NFL Mock Draft | Round 1

The order for this 2023 NFL Mock Draft is derived from trades inside the PFN Mock Draft Simulator and originates from the reverse Super Bowl odds that we used to set the original draft order.

1) Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

You’ll have a hard time convincing me that anyone besides C.J. Stroud is the top quarterback in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. He’s been dropping dimes all year, and his receivers continue stepping up for him as well. Stroud continues creating separation from the next best quarterback, and the Buckeyes are in good hands with him running the show.

Houston needs a quarterback. Even if Davis Mills continues playing well, it’s unlikely that he turns into the franchise quarterback. Stroud not only fills that role, but he elevates expectations for Houston’s future on offense. Give it another year, and the Texans could be fortunate enough to add one of you playmaking wide receivers too.

2) Chicago Bears: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

Sometimes you have to think outside the box for draft picks. Not to necessarily say that Jaelyn Duncan is for sure going to be a top 5 pick, but he’s gaining traction in draft circles.

Justin Fields continues to show flashes on the field, but consistency remains a problem. Protecting him and giving him better playmakers will be key, so the Bears start with one of those options. Duncan’s a great athlete and possesses great size, a combination that makes him intriguing.

3) Carolina Panthers: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

With Matt Rhule gone, there are going to be some changes in the Carolina Panthers organization. Many fans will want a change at quarterback, but it might be tough to draft a young quarterback and get find time for him to see the field. There are other needs as well, and the Panthers fill one in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Jalen Carter won’t make as much of an impact as a quarterback, but the man is a menace on the inside. With great power combined with incredible quickness for a man his size, Carter can alter plays singlehandedly, even when facing double teams.

4) Seattle Seahawks: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Geno Smith continues elevating his play for the Seahawks, but questions about his ceiling remain. He isn’t Bryce Young, though.

Young has the “it” factor, and that’s something you can’t teach. Even with his injury, teams remain eager to add his services to their team, and the Seahawks would love to see him throw passes to Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf.

5) Washington Commanders: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

Will Anderson Jr and Chase Young paired together creates a massive headache for every offensive coordinator in the league. Washington is lucky enough to see Anderson fall into their lap in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and if this happens at the NFL Draft in April 2023, the excitement will only build from there.

Commanders fans are used to a defensive player that changes game plans, and adding another presents quite a predicament for their opponents. Anderson keeps putting offensive tackles in a blender, and there haven’t been many teams in college that know how to slow him down.

6) Pittsburgh Steelers: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

Pittsburgh is already moving toward the future by giving Kenny Pickett the keys to the offense. They just need to protect him better.

When you look at the Steelers’ offense, the line appears to be the only thing holding them back. Johnson gives them an upgrade at tackle, and more time to throw the football only means good things for the Steelers.

7) Atlanta Falcons: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

At this rate, Myles Murphy won’t last long on the board in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the Falcons take him in this mock. Murphy’s a 6’5″, 275-pound freak on the edge, and finding a way to add him to the Falcons roster feels like a good fit.

A unique combination of length and power makes him an exciting prospect, and his presence creates matchup issues for the opposition.

8) Detroit Lions: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

If Hendon Hooker and the Tennessee Volunteers find a way to beat Alabama this weekend, get ready for the hype train to reach a new level. With C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young taking up the top two spots at the position, the battle for QB3 remains open.

Hooker’s confidence continues to rise as the season progresses, and it’s not completely crazy to think he can find his way into the first round.

9) New York Jets: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

Anyone that can find a way to stop Quinnen Williams and Bryan Bresee deserves a big-time raise. The Jets are starting to improve on the field, so they’re hoping not to draft in the top 10. For now, they remain here, and they find an absolute monster of a prospect in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

At 6’5″, 300 pounds, Bresee brings plenty of power with his frame. He’s also an underrated athlete, and he’s eager to make any play possible. A motor that never stops, it’s tough to thwart his efforts all game because he continues to work all game. His work ethic typically outlasts the guys he faces.

10) Arizona Cardinals: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Byron Murphy and Kelee Ringo feel like an entertaining pair of cornerbacks to have on your team. Ringo’s a speedster who continues to develop his skill set, and Arizona adds an alpha to their secondary.

He opens things up for the safeties behind him, and his smooth play prevents opponents from targeting one side of the field too frequently.

11) New York Giants: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

We were all waiting for the Quentin Johnston breakout game, and we finally got it. He misses the top 10 in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, but his stock is rising faster than most. At 6’4″, 215-pounds, his size jumps out on tape, but that’s not the only thing.

His ability to move so quickly prevents defenders from getting their hands on him after the catch. Kansas struggled mightily trying to take him down, thanks to his quick feet, and it adds another strength to his game.

If the Giants want to stick with Daniel Jones at quarterback, they might as well add an elite weapon to help him out.

12) New England Patriots: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Sometimes you just have to take an athlete and find a position where he’ll thrive. Simpson brings elite versatility to the Patriots’ defense, allowing the staff to move him around while they figure out his primary spot.

Simpson can cover in space, run downhill to stop the run, and run sideline to sideline well in case he needs to chase down a play headed opposite of him.

13) Las Vegas Raiders: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Again, this is a huge weekend for the Volunteers, and it could help them elevate the stock of their top prospects. Wright has first-round potential, and his matchup against Will Anderson Jr. should tell us if he’s ready for the spotlight.

He’s a long tackle who’s developed well over the last couple of years. Las Vegas needs to give Derek Carr more time to throw, and Wright’s exceptional at that task.

14) Seattle Seahawks: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Seattle needs a quarterback, but once they solve that problem they can move to other holes. Jared Verse could find his way into the first round with his play. He just needs to stay healthy.

At 6’4″, 250 pounds, he has the size to make a big impact in all aspects of a defense. Following in Jermain Johnson II’s footsteps is a big accomplishment, but Verse appears ready for that honor.

15) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

Questions about Battle’s ceiling remain, but he’s a well-rounded player. With Marcus Epps and C.J. Gardner-Johnson running the backend of the secondary, the Eagles must find a way to build toward the future.

The defense needs more youth even after their 2022 draft, and they accomplish that in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

16) Houston Texans (from CLE): Jordan Addison, WR, USC

With the quarterback position locked up, it’s time to add another weapon to the offense. Jordan Addison continues making defenders look bad, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s in the first-round conversation permanently.

C.J. Stroud throwing to Addison would make any fanbase throw a massive party, and this 2023 NFL Mock Draft gives them arguably the best first round of any team.

17) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

With Christian Kirk as the only reliable weapon for Trevor Lawrence, there’s room for growth. Jaxon Smith-Njigba currently nurses a hamstring injury, so a first-round selection might not be in the future for him.

However, Ohio State’s offense fits him well, and a healthy Smith-Njigba brings first-round talent to the Jaguars’ offense.

18) Tennessee Titans: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon

The Sewell family knows how to play football, and Noah will challenge his brother Penei for top dog in the family. There might not be another player that’s better at getting downhill than Sewell.

His agility draws concerns, but there’s no doubt about his speed, power, and playmaking ability. He has a nose for the football, and Titans head coach Mike Vrabel would be remised if he didn’t add that kind of player to his roster.

19) Indianapolis Colts: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

We all knew Joey Porter Jr. had talent coming into the season, but it was always up to him how high his stock went. A physical corner with NFL size, Porter’s showcasing his playmaking ability on a weekly basis.

It seems that when Penn State needs someone to make a play, Porter’s the guy that gets the job done.

20) Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

Ever since the Super Bowl, everyone’s been talking about Cincinnati’s need to protect Joe Burrow better. While that’s an eternal ongoing issue, the Bengals address that need in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Skoronski also allows them to move him inside if necessary and gives Burrow a reliable player that is tough to beat at any position.

21) Detroit Lions (from LAR): B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

With quarterback secured, the Lions can look elsewhere to add talent. Ojulari, brother of New York Giants’ Azeez Ojulari, creates mismatches with the tackles he faces thanks to his length.

Just like his brother, B.J. knows how to utilize his tools well, and it’s just a matter of how high he can go in the first round.

22) Minnesota Vikings: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida

Many will send a cornerback to Minnesota in a 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and for good reason. However, the interior defensive line needs some help too, and the Vikings might wait if Dexter remains on the board here. He commands double teams frequently, which opens things up for the guys behind him.

It’s up to Dexter if the first round is in the cards, but his ceiling yields enticing potential. There’s plenty of strength and power in his frame, and he’ll give Minnesota an impactful player that can help the talent around him too.

23) Dallas Cowboys: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Quarterback clearly isn’t a question for the Cowboys, even if Cooper Rush is that guy. It just comes down to the weapons they can use. Mayer continues reminding everyone why he’s one of the best tight ends in college football.

From blocking to pass catching, he’s proving to be great, and the Cowboys get yet another weapon in the passing game.

24) Los Angeles Chargers: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

If you’re telling Chargers fans they get to add yet another weapon to the passing attack, I think they’d be pretty exciting. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams making defensive backs tremble, Josh Downs can open things up even more.

He’d be a great addition for his ability to make plays on short to intermediate routes, and defense would have to choose between getting burned deep or roasted underneath.

25) Baltimore Ravens: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

I have a hard time adding anyone to the Ravens if they don’t play defense. It just feels like defensive players are the way to go for them in the first round. Fortunately, they do need some help on that side of the ball.

Adding Isaiah Foskey in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft brings good value. He’s a versatile weapon for the Notre Dame defense but has been making some serious noise at defensive end this year.

26) Miami Dolphins (from SF): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Look, anyone adding Bijan Robinson to their team is going to feel good. Now, adding him to this offense seems unfair.

A healthy Tua Tagovailoa already has Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill in the passing attack. Now you add a player that is a game-changer running the football and also someone that can contribute to the passing attack.

27) Green Bay Packers: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

Green Bay already has a solid front seven, but they also know that taking a Georgia Bulldog with tremendous potential has its perks.

After surprising many by taking Quay Walker in the first round in the 2022 draft, they take another explosive defensive player out of Athens in this 2023 NFL Mock draft in Smith.

28) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Tom Brady’s replacement must be found quickly, and Will Levis falling to Tampa Bay is a blessing in a way. We saw the importance of Levis to the Kentucky offense this past weekend (and what his absence does), and it’s easy to see why he’s a first-round prospect.

The tools are all there. He just needs to find consistency and showcase his talent as frequently as possible for the rest of the season.

29) Kansas City Chiefs: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

Patrick Mahomes remains one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and giving him time to throw remains the biggest priority for the Chiefs.

Bergeron and the still undefeated Syracuse Orange keep surprising the college football world, and eventually, his name and the first round will be synonymous.

30) Philadelphia Eagles: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Another quick riser as of late, Christian Gonzalez is putting on a show. The corner brings great length to the Ducks’ defense, and his best tests are still ahead of him.

Thanks to this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, he gets to learn from Darius Slay and James Bradberry, knowledge that can help him become one of the best corners in the league.

31) Buffalo Bills: Andrew Vorhees, OG, USC

Many faulted the offensive line last year for USC. Whether you agree with that argument or not, things are much better this year.

Andrew Voorhees remains the leader of a group that’s done a tremendous job of keeping Caleb Williams upright, and now he gets a chance to do the same for Josh Allen.