With the NFL Draft only five days away, I will give my opinion of the first-round mock for the 2023 NFL Draft. I will give my reasoning for each pick for all 32 picks of the first round.
- Carolina Panthers – Quarterback Bryce Young, Alabama
Carolina Panthers traded the house to get to the number one overall pick for a reason, to get a quarterback. Bryce Young will be the guy and can see why. NFL-ready instincts, great throwing mechanics, elite pocket poise, and undeniable leadership skills. One flaw of Young would be his height and frame, but new Panthers head coach Frank Reich doesn’t seem to have a problem with it.
2. Las Vegas Raiders – Quarterback CJ Stroud, Ohio State (Trade)
Las Vegas Raiders trade up to the second pick from the Houston Texans to get CJ Stroud. Yes, the Raiders signed this off-season Jimmy Garoppolo, but I believe they are planning for the future. Just like the Seahawks did when Russell Wilson was drafted. CJ Stroud helps the Raider’s offense with his high accuracy, statistic wise Stroud was the most accurate passer. Pairing Davante Adams with CJ Stroud seems to be a perfect recipe for success.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Edge Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
Will Anderson Jr. seems to be a generational talent on the defensive side of the ball. Pretty simple pick for the Cardinals at the third overall pick. Instantly brings a dominant presence to the edge. With JJ Watt retiring this offseason and losing Haason Reddick and Chandler Jones in the 2022 offseason, Anderson helps bandage the defense piece by piece.
4. Indianapolis Colts – Quarterback Anthony Richardson, Florida
Taking Anthony Richardson doesn’t seem like the route the Indianapolis Colts would go, despite Richardson being under 30. With Shane Steichen, the Colts could speed up the progression of Anthony Richardson. Yes, we have all seen Anthony Richardson’s game tape and there was worse than good, but with Richardson’s athleticism, there is room for improvement. The help of Jonathan Taylor and Steichen will give a boost to Richardson’s rocky quarterback play.
5. Seatle Seahawks – Cornerback Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
Seattle Seahawks defense has been lackluster, to say the least, these days. Picking Joey Porter Jr. at 5 will help bring back what could be the start of Legion of Boom 2.0. Pairing with Tariq Woolen would give vibes of what was one of the best defenses in history. Porter with his shutdown skills, and undeniable speed, gives him a head start against NFL receivers. This should be a no-brainer pick at the fifth spot of the draft.
6. Detroit Lions – Cornerback Christian Gonzales, Oregon
As the previous pick, the Detroit Lions also grab a cornerback with their first pick of the draft. Yes, their offense was easily top ten last year, but their defense was horrendous. The Lions did try to beef up the defense by adding Aiden Hutchinson but failed a lot when it came to pass coverage. Gonzales instantly gives an upgrade to the cornerback position for the Lions. Having great game tape and excellent combine scores, the Detroit Lions can not go wrong with picking Gonzales at the sixth pick of the draft.
7. Houston Texans – Edge Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech (Trade)
After trading the draft’s second pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, I believe the Texans will go after defense with this pick. Newly named head coach Demeco Ryans will love this selection to help boost the previously ranked 29th defense. Wilson’s stock keeps rising after a great senior year at Texas Tech and a stellar combine. Houston Texan’s pass rush was nothing to be proud of last year, adding Wilson surely will improve the quarterback pressures. Doing so, this trade gives Houston a weapon on the defense and possibly another first-round pick to add to the other two they already have.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Cornerback Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Atlanta Falcons can go with any position in this year’s draft to improve their team. After going offense in the first round the last couple of years, I believe the Falcons will give AJ Terrell some help on the other side. Certain experts have Witherspoon as the best cornerback in the draft and seventh overall. Picking Devon at eighth would be one of the easiest things they have done as of late.
9. Chicago Bears – Offensive Tackle Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
The Chicago Bears are one of the teams that spent the most money this off-season. While being big spenders in free agency, the Bears were also smart by trading the first overall pick to the Panthers. At the ninth pick of the draft, it’s hard not to pick Paris Johnson Jr to help your improving quarterback. Chicago’s pass blocking did not help Justin Fields’ improvement, adding Johnson will help that need on the offensive side of the ball, while also improving the run blocking as well. To improve the quarterback play, improving the blocking is the smart way to go.
10. Philadelphia Eagles – Running back Bijan Robinson, Texas
Yes, there are rumors, supposedly the Tennessee Titans will send Derrick “King” Henry to the Eagles for a late-round pick.
Despite the rumors, I still think the Eagles add more offensive firepower to their offense and go Bijan Robinson at tenth overall. Robinson has been compared to some great ex-NFL running backs, adding him with newly extended quarterback Jalen Hurts, would be a cheat code. The way Robinson explodes through the gaps is beyond elite, and mixing his breakaway speed is unfair to the competition.
11. Tennessee Titans – Offensive Line Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
Speaking with all the Titans commentators on the AFC South Fan Battle Podcast, they all believe there is no way the Titans go with Peter Skoronski at eleventh.
In this case, I have to disagree with them. Recently the Titans parted ways with offensive linemen Taylor Lehan and Ben Jones. Picking Peter would be smart for one reason, Skoronski can play in position on the offensive side of the line. Adding Andre Dillard would seem to put this idea to rest, but Tennessee needs helps at almost every offensive line position.
12. Houston Texans – Quarterback Will Levis, Kentucky
After being denied Bryce Young, the Houston Texans move their eyes to Kentucky quarterback Will Levis. As a Texans fan, I’m not particularly happy about this. Then again, I spent the whole last year watching Davis Mills and anything is an upgrade compared to that. Will Levis’s floor is very low, but experts expect his ceiling to be one of the highest in this year’s draft. Levis’s stock was dampened by a lack of weapons and poor offensive line play. Will has the physicality and drive to extend plays when being chased down by opposing offenders. If I had to compare Levis to a former NFL quarterback, it has to be ex-Steeler Ben Roethlisberger.
13. New York Jets – Offensive Tackle Broderick Jones, Georgia
New York Jets are trying to upgrade their offense by adding former MVP Aaron Rodgers, but I believe the deal will not happen till after the draft. If that’s the case, then why not help to improve the protection of Rodgers? Broderick Jones would be the best player to do that task. 6’5, 311 pounds, Jones is an absolute dog on the offensive line. Not only would he protect the quarterback, but he would also instantly improve the run blocking as well. Ranked the best run-blocking tackle in college, Jones will help improve the progression of Breece Hall. A win, win in my book for the Jets at thirteen.
14. New England Patriots – Wide Receiver Quentin Johnston, TCU
New England’s best receiver last year, Jakobi Meyers signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. That move left a gaping hole in the Patriot’s offense, therefore picking Johnston at fourteen is a very simple pick. Despite the Mac Jones trade rumors, I still believe the Patriots give him one more year to prove himself with some help. Quintin Johnston would easily be that support for Jones. Who knows what the pick will be from Bill Belichick, I mean he did select Cole Strange in the first-round last year.
15. Green Bay Packers – Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Before the 2022 college football season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN) was ranked easily the top 5 prospect in the nation. Injuries derailed his stock and left a lot of unknowns for NFL GMs. Despite all of this, I still believe the Packers select JSN at fifteen to help the offense. Earlier I noted Rodgers would be traded to the New York Jets. JSN will give newly crowned starting quarterback Jordan Love a security blanket when it comes to receiver-wise.
16. Kansas City Chiefs – Zay Flowers, Boston College (Trade)
Kansas City Chiefs are still missing their number one option when it comes to the wide receiver position. I believe they make a trade with the Washington Commanders to jump everyone to ensure they get their guy. Zay Flowers is probably the best receiver in this draft to get separation from the defense. Even if the Chiefs do add a true number one receiver, Flowers still improves the Mahomes powered offense and relieves pressure off of Travis Kelce. In my opinion, Zay Flowers is probably the best receiver prospect in this draft, but I’m not the only one.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Defensive Line Jalen Carter, Georgia
Recent discoveries of Jalen Carter’s arrest and poor showmanship at the combine and Georgia’s pro day dramatically dropped Carter’s draft stock. As history shows, Pittsburgh is not bothered by character traits. Jalen Carter at seventeen, is a complete steal of this draft. The once projected number one overall Jalen Carter will provide TJ Watt some help on the pass rush and completely shut down the opposing run game.
18. Detroit Lions – Edge Myles Murphy, Clemson
As stated earlier, I believe the Detroit Lions will want to improve the defensive side of the ball in the first round. Adding Myles Murphy with Aiden Hutchinson would be no match for any NFL offensive line, By Improving the pass rush, will also improve the backfield by not giving the opposing quarterback time to follow his reads. Adding Murphy helps the improvement of Aiden Hutchinson and Christian Gonzales, killing two birds with one stone.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Defensive Line Nolan Smith, Georgia
Georgia, last year had one of the best college football defenses we have ever seen before, we can see why with talent like Nolan Smith. Tampa Bay will have to depend on more than their offense since the retirement of Tom Brady. What a way to start by selecting Nolan Smith as the nineteenth pick. Nolan can play either inside of the line or out on the edge, making him a dangerous dual threat. Not knowing if the play of Baker Mayfield will be sustainable for the offense, Smith will be the building piece the Buccaneers need on the defense.
20. Seattle Seahawks – Defensive Line Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
Seattle Seahawks seemed to be in a rebuild and nowhere near the playoffs at the beginning of the 2022 season. Trading Russell Wilson was a smart move by adding capital to build a good team. Earlier I stated the Seahawks would be smart by building another Legion of Boom defense. After picking corner Joey Porter Jr. in the fifth, adding Calijah Kancey would speed up the process. Kancey would solidify the run stop and help apply pressure on the quarterback by relieving some double teams off the edge.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – Wide Receiver Jordan Addison, USC
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver talent is great but is plagued with injuries and could be playing with father time with some receivers. Bringing Jordan Addison to the Chargers could be a project because of the talent of the core, or an instant starter for the reasons given above. Addison can eventually be an elite receiver by learning behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, helping to improve his game.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Cornerback Deonte Banks, Maryland
A lot is in the air when it comes to the Baltimore Ravens, one thing that isn’t up in the air is their pass coverage. The Ravens are another team that gets plagued by injuries, including the backfield of Raven’s defense. Deonte Banks helps the backfield after losing Marcus Peters to free agency and the mighty injury bug. Pairing Banks with Marlon Humphrey could lead to a recipe for success. If the Ravens want to keep a picture of great defenses, selecting Banks should be the choice at twenty-two.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Edge Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
Minnesota Vikings had a great offense in the 2022 season but on the other side of the ball, was good but not great. Adding the brute force strength of Lukas Van Ness could bring back a pass rush like Jared Allen did back in the day. Van Ness has a wicked bull rush move that can end a run before it starts and help him get to the quarterback with ease. Getting some firepower on the defensive side of the ball might help relieve some pressure off the offense. We all know Kirk Cousins needs it.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Safety Brian Branch, Alabama
Jacksonville Jaguars seems to be set on the offensive side of the ball, especially with their franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Defense-wise, it’s improving but still needs a lift or two. Drafting Brian Branch at twenty-four will be one step in that direction. Brian Branch can help Andre Cisco and Rayshawn Jenkins in the safety department or could provide some help in the defensive backfield department.
25. New York Giants – Defensive Line Bryan Breese, Clemson
Finally reaching the playoffs after a lengthy hiatus, New York can improve their odds of returning by bolstering their defense. One way to do so is, Select Bryan Breese with the twenty-fifth pick of this year’s draft. Breese is another defensive lineman that could line on the outside with the edge, or line up as the nose tackle. Reese’s football IQ is off the charts and can learn the scheme of any defense pretty quickly. The Giants could be looking at a three-headed monster with Bryan Reese, Leonard Williams, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
26. Dallas Cowboys – Tight End Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Dallas Cowboys lost a red zone threat security blanket in a tight end, Dalton Schultz, in free agency this year. To add to the Cowboy’s problems, quarterback Dak Prescott had a problem turning over the ball with tons of interceptions. Tight end Michael Mayer, in my opinion, could be the solution to some of their problems. The big frame tight end would be the great target when it comes to short field and red zone situations. Could be another Jason Written type of tight end if he progresses the correct way.
27. Buffalo Bills – Offensive Tackle Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Buffalo Bills were on pace last year to reach the Super Bowl earlier on, but injuries to quarterback Josh Allen spoiled the plan. One factor in Allen’s injuries was the lack of protection from the offensive line. Darnell Wright could be the one piece to fix the protection and keep Allen upright. The University of Tennessee’s offensive scheme is very similar to the Buffalo runs, therefore is not much learning on Wright’s behalf. A great pug in and play player for them at twenty-seventh.
28. Tennessee Titans – Quarterback Hendon Hooker, Tennessee (Trade)
Tennessee Titans lost seven straight games to end the 2022 season. Some fans blame quarterback play, regardless of the depth at the position did not help the situation. Ryan Tannehill is thirty-five years of age and threw three interceptions in the Titan’s last playoff appearance. Nicely put, Tannehill is not a spring chicken and not the future. Before Injuries, Hendon Hooker was locked in for being named the Heisman winner. If not for injuries, there would be 6 quarterbacks in the top 15 instead of 5. Hooker has a great arm and could be a press reliever off of Derrick Henry.
29. New Orleans Saints – Offensive Tackle Anton Harrison, Oklahoma
This off-season, the New Orleans Saints signed veteran quarterback Derek Carr. One thing the Las Vegas Raiders couldn’t do very well was protecting Carr’s blindside. Anton Harrison’s stock surprisingly rose in the past couple of weeks, which seems to be the perfect pick for the Saints at twenty-ninth. Massive frame tackle with great power and excellent footwork, Harrison brings brute force to New Orleans’ offensive line.
30. Philadelphia Eagles – Offensive Line O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida
Philadelphia Eagles seem to be on the right hand of a God. The Super Bowl runner-ups have two first-round draft picks, and if they select Bijan Robinson at 10 as predicted, this pick will cement their dominance. By selecting O’Cyrus Torrence at 30 would be another no-brainer pick for the Eagles. The way Robinson hits the gaps, Torrence would part the red seas for Bijan. They would have to change their name to the Philadelphia Weapons of Mass Destruction.
31. Washington Commanders – Tight End Darnell Washington, Georgia
I predict the Commanders to make a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs to add capital in hopes of getting a quarterback next year since one was out of grasp this year. If the Commanders are banking on the quarterback class next year, selecting Darnell Washington will give the future starter a weapon. Darnell’s massive frame helps him to be an excellent target and bulldozer when it comes to a running game,
32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Edge Will McDonald, Iowa State
Earlier in the draft, I have the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting Jalen Carter at 17. Drafting Will McDonald at 31 will once again improve the defense at every position. Having TJ Watt on the other side of Will McDonald and Jalen Carter in the nose tackle position will create havoc for any offensive line. Creating pressure on the quarterback will help the cornerbacks by not giving the receivers enough time to get in their routes. This pick could create one stone cold defense.
To keep updated on the draft, make sure to check out all the podcasts on the network, as we all discuss the draft. Also, tune in to the network as a couple of our shows will be live in Kansas City at the draft.
