With the regular season being officially over and the order among non-playoff teams now set, let’s take a look at a full first-round Mock Draft. In order to put it together, I utilized Mock Draft Database Simulator and I haven’t included trades.
1. Chicago Bears
Will Anderson Jr.
Edge rusher, Alabama
This could very well end up being a sweet spot for quarterback-needy teams in the top 10 trying to secure their target. The Bears desperately need blue-chip talents on their roster and Will Anderson Jr. is the best overall player in the 2023 draft class. The dominant pass rusher would be an immediate boost to a well-below-average Bears defensive line.
2. Houston Texans
Bryce Young
Quarterback, Alabama
The Texans are looking for a new head coach and franchise quarterback. The new regime will not lose the opportunity of putting their hands on a signal-caller with Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Will Levis available. Despite being a historic outlier based on his frame, Young has displayed over and over again that he can carry an offense without having major limitations in his profile.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Jalen Carter
Defensive Tackle, Georgia
The Cardinals are going through a major rebuild as they are looking for a new head coach and general manager while Kyler Murray is recovering from a torn ACL and DeAndre Hopkins will most likely be traded soon. Carter is a blue-chip talent who could be an impact player right away in the NFL in order to bolster Arizona’s defensive line. The upside he brings to the table both as a pass rusher and run defender is immense.
4. Indianapolis Colts
C.J. Stroud
Quarterback, Ohio State
After signing and trading for multiple veteran signal-callers while putting together disappointing seasons, it’s time for the Colts to make an investment in the position through the draft. C.J. Stroud improved his stock in a major way against Georgia by displaying that he can make things happen out of structure. The Ohio State product has the tools to become a well-above-average NFL quarterback and that would be pure gold for the Colts.
I have never seen CJ Stroud hitting these kind of plays out of structure.
By displaying this, his upside as a prospect definitely improves. Solid display of mobility and arm talent.pic.twitter.com/eLpHXkkHgl
— Luca Sartirana (@SartiranaLuca) January 1, 2023
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5. Seattle Seahawks
Myles Murphy
Edge, Clemson
Seattle clearly needs to add an edge rusher with top-tier upside and Myles Murphy is exactly that. I don’t think Murphy gets the recognition he deserves as a prospect: he’s an uber-athletic and disruptive pass rusher who’s also extremely refined as a run defender. He could emerge as a franchise cornerstone pretty early for the Seahawks.
6. Detroit Lions
Bryan Bresee
Defensive Tackle, Clemson
Detroit’s current regime has always valued the trenches a great deal and has invested a lot of draft capital on both sides of the ball on the interior. So although they have more pressing needs, passing on a talent like Bryan Bresse is tough. The former five-star prospect would be the cherry on top of an already solid defensive line. Bresee has dealt with a few injuries in college but has tremendous upside. Hard to find a player of his size (6-5, 300 lbs.) with his level of explosiveness. His upside as a prospect is through the roof.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Paris Johnson Jr.
Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
Considering how the Raiders’ roster is built, I expect them to go after a quarterback via trade rather than seeking one in the draft. Instead, they could use some help along the offensive line in order to protect their future signal-caller. Paris Johnson Jr. is a physically imposing player with a refined game in both phases and great athleticism. He has it all in order to become a franchise tackle.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Tyree Wilson
Edge, Texas Tech
With this pick, the Falcons could look for some help both along the defensive line or in the secondary. Tyree Wilson, despite being relatively raw technically as a pass rusher possesses a truly rare combination of explosiveness, motor, and power. Although he’ll need some refinement, he’s one of the prospects with the highest ceilings in the whole draft class. His versatility and ability to make an impact aligned on the inside is also valuable.
Tyree Wilson is an extremely fun prospect, I think the Texas game when they’re in their 3-man front and he’s lined up as a 5 or 4i is what really caught my eye. I think him standing up and being a dropper in coverage isn’t where you want to be but
— Damski ?? (@Damski32) January 6, 2023
9. Carolina Panthers
Will Levis
Quarterback, Kentucky
The Panthers brought in Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield without getting away with a long-term solution at the position. With a new regime set to come in as the Panthers are looking for a new head coach, a move for a quarterback is likely. Levis, despite being an older prospect, is a project with solid tools but major flaws as a passer. Carolina in this case will bet on its ability to maximize his skillset and make him a franchise quarterback.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Branch
Safety, Alabama
Philadelphia has a rock-solid roster with very few needs. Despite the safety position not being one of the most valuable overall, Brian Branch is still a talent worthy of this pick. Labeling Branch as safety doesn’t even give you the full picture, he’s a mature, refined, naturally talented, and athletic do-it-all defensive back able to make an impact in every phase of the game.
11. Tennessee Titans
Quentin Johnston
Wide Receiver, TCU
Treylon Burks was a first-round pick for the Titans just a year ago, but the Titans are still in need of playmakers with Robert Woods set to leave. Adding the TCU standout Quentin Johnston to the mix makes sense. The staff clearly still believes that Ryan Tannehill can make a few more playoff trips. Putting together Burks and Johnston would quickly give them one of the most athletic, explosive, and physically imposing duos in the NFL at the position.
Finding a 6'4", 215 lbs wide receiver who is as twitchy and explosive as Quentin Johnston it's pretty rare, that's why he's a top-tier wide receiver prospect.
He should be a top-15 pick.pic.twitter.com/JiLlDPDqwP
— Luca Sartirana (@SartiranaLuca) October 15, 2022
12. Houston Texans
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Wide Receiver, Ohio State
With a franchise quarterback now secured, the Texans will need to help him by adding a go-to receiver. As Brandin Cooks is also set to leave, Ohio State product Jaxon Smith-Njigba would quickly become Young’s most trusted target given his reliability in the short and intermediate areas of the field. Smith-Njigba with his technical refinement and top-tier hands has the traits to become a highly-productive NFL pass catcher.
13. New York Jets
Peter Skoronski
Offensive Tackle, Northwestern
With even an average quarterback, the Jets could have made a serious playoff push in 2022. Considering how well-built the Jets roster is, I would expect them to go after a quarterback via trade rather than drafting one. Adding a rock-solid offensive tackle prospect like Peter Skoronski is a massive need for New York and his impact would boost even more the offense. Skoronski displays pristine technical refinement.
14. New England Patriots
Jordan Addison
Wide Receiver, USC
In today’s NFL, there isn’t a better way for helping a quarterback than giving him a solid target to throw to. Jordan Addison brings to the table a skillset extremely similar to Devonta Smith’s, who won the Heisman Trophy with Mac Jones throwing him the ball. The Patriots have a solid defense, but they desperately need to add playmakers on offense, and Addison sure is one of them.
15. Green Bay Packers
Broderick Jones
Offensive Tackle, Georgia
The situation at the quarterback position is still uncertain for the Packers, as we still don’t know who will be under center next year between Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love. Anyway, adding a potential franchise offensive tackle is a priority going into the offseason and Broderick Jones clearly has the tools to become one. Although he needs some technical refinement, his athleticism and power are impressive.
16. Washington Commanders
Joey Porter Jr.
Cornerback, Penn State
Washington needs some help in the secondary and Joey Porter Jr. has everything needed in order to become a top NFL cornerback. Porter is physical, athletic, and well-refined as he could easily have a major impact right off the gate.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Trenton Simpson
Linebacker, Clemson
With three offensive tackles already off the board, which is Pittsburgh’s biggest need, I opted for the best player available approach with this pick, as the Steelers also possess the 32nd pick after the Chase Claypool trade. Tomlin has been able through the years to bring out the best in defensive players and Trenton Simpson is an absolute monster. A super athletic linebacker who’s dangerous as a pass rusher, solid as a run defender, and reliable in coverage.
18. Detroit Lions
Kelee Ringo
Cornerback, Georgia
Detroit needs someone to put opposite Jeff Okudah, who displayed some solid flashes after finally being able to stay healthy. Ringo is still inconsistent from an eyes and technique standpoint but he has impressive athleticism and explosiveness while also having proper strength. Ringo will need some work but he has the potential to become a high-level cornerback.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Christian Gonzalez
Cornerback, Oregon
With a big question mark around Tom Brady, who operates year by year and could both retire or change teams, I still have the Buccaneers not focusing on a quarterback. Christian Gonzalez is a high-profile prospect with athleticism, technique, and ability to disrupt plays at the catch point. He has everything needed in order to become a solid starting cornerback.
Oregon CB 0 Christian Gonzalez plays with confidence and trusts his length and athleticism. He's a stud. pic.twitter.com/87zSji6sxY
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 13, 2023
20. Seattle Seahawks
Devon Witherspoon
Cornerback, Illinois
Three cornerbacks in a row. It’s pretty hard to see it happen but this cornerback class is loaded at the top. After adding a big-time pass rusher in Myles Murphy, the Seahawks now bring in Devon Witherspoon, a cornerback who proved this year that he can be a primary NFL corner. Witherspoon has great technique and solid athleticism and would be an immediate boost for Seattle’s secondary.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Mayer
Tight End, Notre Dame
The Jaguars put some weapons around Trevor Lawrence during the past offseason and things pan out. Evan Engram had a tremendous season and even if the Jaguars will be able to bring him back in free agency, Michael Mayer would still make sense. Mayer is a solid and reliable target who could be Trevor Lawrence’s new security blanket.
22. New York Giants
Kayshon Boutte
Wide Receiver, LSU
Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka have been able to bring out the best in Daniel Jones even though he had a below-average wide receiver corps. Kayshon Boutte went through a challenging season coming back from a huge injury but he found his explosiveness back again late in the season. He could form a great and dynamic duo with Wan’Dale Robinson.
23. Baltimore Ravens
Bijan Robinson
Running Back, Texas
When healthy, J.K. Dobbins is a solid ball carrier, but he has been unable to stay on the field consistently throughout his career. Enter Bijan Robinson. The Texas product is the best running back prospect to come out of college since Jonathan Taylor and has it all in order to take the league by storm. The Ravens also need to keep Lamar Jackson. Jackson and Robinson would be by far the most dynamic duo in the NFL on the ground.
This one is still mind blowing stuff. The way Bijan Robinson moves around at 220 pounds is insane.
One of the easiest evaluation I made in the last couple of years.pic.twitter.com/n87S3OgRue
— Luca Sartirana (@SartiranaLuca) December 27, 2022
24. Los Angeles Chargers
Josh Downs
Wide Receiver, North Carolina
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are high-caliber receivers, but both are injury prone. Justin Herbert and the Chargers can’t afford again facing five or more games with DeAndre Carter as the team’s top receiver. Josh Downs is a speed demon who makes an impact at all three levels of the field and he’s a lethal field stretcher. Just a perfect fit with Herbert’s profile.
25. Dallas Cowboys
Siaki Ika
Defensive Tackle, Baylor
In order to go back and make up for the mistake of trading Amari Cooper without adding a proper replacement, Dallas could make a sort of all-in move and try to snag DeAndre Hopkins. Alternatively, they could use an absolute force in the middle of the defensive line like Siaki Aka, a nose tackle able to control the trenches and the run game with his motor, anchor, and tremendous power.
26. Cincinnati Bengals
B.J. Ojulari
Edge, LSU
B.J. Ojulari took a major step forward in his development process in the 2022 season. He now possesses the tools to become a truly disruptive pass rusher given his combination of an explosive first step, proper hand usage, and big-time power. Ojulari could quickly become a cornerstone player for the Bengals.
27. Minnesota Vikings
Clark Phillips III
Cornerback, Utah
Minnesota needs an addition in the secondary, looking for someone able to perform at a high level opposite to Patrick Peterson. Clark Phillips III may not have the size of a true primary boundary corner, but he’s got the eyes, technique, and instincts to have success on the outside. His skillset would also be perfect for covering the slot.
28. Denver Broncos
Drew Sanders
Edge/Linebacker, Arkansas
A hybrid who should be utilized in a Micah Parsons-type role in the NFL, Drew Sanders is a tremendously athletic pass rusher who displays impressive speed, motor, and technical refinement. He’s a powerful player and ruthless pass rusher who can really be an impact player at the next level while helping Denver in two positions.
29. Buffalo Bills
Darnell Washington
Tight End, Georgia
The Bills have a pretty complete roster overall and they could afford to spend a pick on a “luxury” player. Especially when it’s a luxury who has as rare a skillset as Washington has. At 6’7″ and 270 pounds, Washington is a great athlete who’s the most dominant pass catcher in the whole draft class at the catch point. Buffalo has recently extended Dawson Knox, but Washington brings to the table a completely different skillset and would be an elite fit in the system, while also giving them an outstanding blocker at the position.
Georgia tight end Darnell Washington is the best prospect in the draft class at the catch point.
Total bully ball at 6-7, 280 lbs. He will impact a NFL passing offense in quite a significant way. pic.twitter.com/xu6W8RHWNM
— Luca Sartirana (@SartiranaLuca) December 14, 2022
30. Kansas City Chiefs
Nolan Smith
Edge, Georgia
Smith ended up missing a large portion of the season because of an injury, but he’s still a solid prospect with great potential. Despite being a bit undersized, Smith fits the direction in which the edge rusher position is going. He’s a big-time athlete with above-average hand usage. The former five-star has a high-level combination of speed and explosiveness off the edge with a lightning-quick first step. The Chiefs selected George Karlaftis in last year’s draft and the two could easily be the duo of the future for Kansas City.
31. Philadelphia Eagles
Jahmyr Gibbs
Running Back, Alabama
With Miles Sanders set to become a free agent and likely to ask for a significant second contract, it would be smart for the Eagles to spend that amount elsewhere and bring in a rookie. Jahmyr Gibbs is a versatile back who could impact the running game with his speed as well as the passing game with his capable hands and contact balance. He would be a solid all-around playmaker right off the gate for the Eagles.
