Cobi's 2023 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

With the conclusion of the lively Kansas City Chiefs routing of the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 over a month ago, hardcore NFL fans see that game as no more than a distant glimmer in the past. For those fans that live and breathe football like I do, it has been NFL Draft time since the final whistle that crowned our champion. The NFL Draft, set to kick off on April 27th, is the chance for franchises to build up their roster by selecting from the most elite talent that the collegiate stage has to offer. In previous seasons, I would have already had a substantial report on most of the prospects who will go in the first couple of rounds in the draft, but I decided to cut back on my commitment to player scouting this year. Due to that, my analysis for each of my picks will be relatively short for the time being, although I am sure no one wants to read a lengthy declaration of each player in a mock draft anyway. As always, the NFL Draft is impossible to entirely predict, and I won't be able to please every fan of each team with my selections, so keep in mind that this process is to have some fun speculating and to familiarize ourselves with the top end talent. Be sure to let me know in the replies to this post or on Twitter @cobioconnell your thoughts on your team's selection, whether good or bad. Let's dive in to the first iteration of my 2023 NFL Mock Draft!

1. Carolina Panthers (via Chicago Bears) - C.J. Stroud (Ohio State), QB

Acquiring the first overall pick in a substantial trade to the Chicago Bears that included sending star receiver D.J. Moore, the Panthers front office certainly faces the pressure of making the right choice and landing their franchise quarterback. Other teams around the league believe that this selection will ultimately be Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, and I can't fault the pick as he is the safest quarterback in this class due to his accuracy and natural arm. Behind a solid offensive line with a relatively simple vertical passing scheme, Stroud should do damage in Carolina.

2. Houston Texans - Bryce Young (Alabama), QB

The Houston Texans land Bryce Young with the second overall pick - the player they would have likely selected first overall anyways. There are legitimate concerns over Young's size and durability, but there is no questioning the play-making ability and dual threat nature that the Alabama product possesses. If he is able to overcome his lack of size, there is nothing stopping Young from being a star.

3. Arizona Cardinals - Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama), EDGE

The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in the optimal situation to land best player available in this draft, as it is exceedingly likely that two quarterbacks will go off the board with the first two selections. Jalen Carter would have been in consideration here a month ago prior to his legal situation and questionable Pro Day, but now Will Anderson Jr. is the obvious choice. Anderson Jr. is an exceptional athlete with 34.5 sacks in three years at Alabama who should have no problem translating into the NFL.

4. Indianapolis Colts - Anthony Richardson (Florida), QB

Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan. The Colts have tried filling their quarterback void with veterans in each of the last three seasons, and to little success. They finally possess the draft capital to land a top-talent quarterback, so there shouldn't be a debate over what this pick should address. Florida's Anthony Richardson is one of the least experienced quarterbacks to ever have the level of hype that he currently maintains, but he is without exaggeration the most athletic prospect at his position of all time, and has an incredible arm to pair with it. Let Shane Steichen mold Anthony Richardson into his next Jalen Hurts.

5. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos) - Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech), EDGE

With the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Texas Tech defensive lineman Tyree Wilson. The Seahawks failed to register a double-digit sack producer a season ago, so securing a prominent pass-rusher should be well within their scope at this spot. Tyree Wilson is an outstanding athlete who possesses the ideal length to beat tackles at the professional level.

6. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams) - Christian Gonzalez (Oregon), CB

Although the Lions landed cornerbacks in free agency by the likes of Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley, I still have them selecting Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon. As things stand right now, this is where the draft really starts for me, and I could see numerous players, or even a potential trade back, in this spot. Nonetheless, Christian Gonzalez is a sensational athlete with fluid hips and outstanding coverage in film.

7. Las Vegas Raiders - Will Levis (Kentucky), QB

The Vegas Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three year deal this offseason, but many general managers around the league still believe that the team will target a quarterback in the early rounds of the draft. Whether that happens to be in the first round is up in the air, but I have them selecting Kentucky's Will Levis in this mock. Watching Will Levis film is a true rollercoaster of emotions, but it's not difficult to imagine a strong development under the right coordinator with his gunslinger arm and good athleticism.

8. Atlanta Falcons - Lukas Van Ness (Iowa), EDGE

A player that never started a collegiate game going in the top ten? That isn't exactly a phrase that I envisioned myself ever saying, but it could very well be true this year with Lukas Van Ness from Iowa. It isn't quite apparent why Van Ness never started, but the Falcons are desperately missing a prominent pass-rusher, and he posted a 9.75 raw athletic score (@MathBomb), and was able to produce as a rotational defender.

9. Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers) - Jalen Carter (Georgia), IDL

The "fall" of Jalen Carter stops here with the Chicago Bears. Carter was widely considered one of the best overall players in this draft right next to Will Anderson Jr. until he ran into trouble with the law, as well as showing up 13 pounds heavier to his Pro Day and underperforming in his drills. Although I could see Jalen Carter going just about anywhere in the first round, the Bears target his upside in this mock.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints) - Devon Witherspoon (Illinois), CB

Following a Super Bowl appearance and boasting one of the most loaded rosters in the entirety of the league, the Philadelphia Eagles have the luxury of going best player available with their selections. Lucky enough for them, the BPA also aligns with one of their bigger needs. Although James Bradberry and Darius Slay resigned with the team, they won't be around forever, and Devon Witherspoon is an exceptional cornerback prospect.

11. Tennessee Titans - Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State), WR

The Tennessee Titans are seemingly falling apart with the rumor that they are potentially looking to ship away superstar running back Derrick Henry. That creates a difficult situation to mock for, but I have them selecting Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in this mock. The Titans have an empty receiver room aside from Treylon Burks, and the sure-handed smooth route-runner in Smith-Njigba would provide an immediate benefit.

12. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns) - Myles Murphy (Clemson), EDGE

With their second first-round selection, the Houston Texans address their defensive line needs by bringing in Clemson edge rusher Myles Murphy. Myles Murphy was never able to produce more than 7 sacks in a season during his college career, but his raw athleticism could mold him into a premier player under the right coaching staff.

13. New York Jets - Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State), OT

Aaron Rodgers will be a New York Jet next season, but we cannot assume that this pick will be involved in the trade, so the Jets hold on to it, at least for now. There is no secret what the biggest roster need for the team is, and if they still have this pick, offensive line needs to be addressed. Fortunately for them in this mock draft, they have the ability to land whatever tackle is on top of their board, and I suspect there is a strong chance that it could be Paris Johnson Jr.

14. New England Patriots - Peter Skoronski (Northwestern), OT

Seeing the first tackle off the board just one pick ago, the New England Patriots continue the trend with the selection of Northwestern's Peter Skoronski. Skoronski does have short arms for a high-end tackle prospect, but he performed remarkably well at the combine and is already polished with his technique. Peter Skoronski screams of a Bill Belichick prospect.

15. Green Bay Packers - Nolan Smith (Georgia), EDGE

If you want a freak athlete coming off the edge for your defense, then Nolan Smith is your guy. In this mock draft, Nolan Smith is that guy for the Green Bay Packers. Smith is a bit undersized for an edge rusher, but he ran a ridiculous 4.39 40 and tested very strongly at the combine in the agility and explosiveness drills. A perennial double-digit sack career is realistic for this Georgia alumni.

16. Washington Commanders - Deonte Banks (Maryland), CB

Speaking of freak athletes, you can't end the conversation without talking about Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks. Parallel to Nolan Smith who went off the board with the previous selection, Deonte Banks had the greatest combine performance of any defensive prospect this year. He posted a perfect 10.00 raw athletic score at the combine - something that any team would like to develop. The Commanders "bank" on him leading their secondary for the years to come.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State), CB

A legacy pick, a positional need, and a potential best player available? This is the dream circumstance for any team, and it happens to fall right into the Steelers lap with Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. available, son of legendary Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter. Joey Porter Jr. may be the best cornerback on the roster immediately upon arrival.

18. Detroit Lions - Bryan Bresee (Clemson), IDL

After addressing a major positional need in cornerback with the sixth overall selection, the Lions go back to the defensive side of the ball with the drafting of Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee. Bresee, a nail tough versatile player with a tragic story, would fit right in with the gritty Dan Campbell mentality of the franchise.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Anton Harrison (Oklahoma), OT

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a transitional period where they still bear a roster that is capable of winning some games, but are lacking a quarterback with the retirement of Tom Brady. With the only quarterbacks worthy of being selected in the first long gone, they opt to pair the athletic tackle Anton Harrison with Tristan Wirfs, securing their perimeter protectors for their future quarterback, whomever it may be.

20. Seattle Seahawks - Broderick Jones (Georgia), OT

With their second first-round selection, the Seattle Seahawks elect to target their offensive line needs with Broderick Jones out of Georgia. Although Broderick Jones is a tackle and the Seahawks are more in need of interior offensive lineman, I envision the immensely strong and athletic prospect having no issue playing a versatile plug-in role.

21. Los Angeles Chargers - Bijan Robinson (Texas), RB

The Los Angeles Chargers have given Austin Ekeler permission to seek a trade which leads one to believe that the fan-favorite back won't be in LA much longer. Bijan Robinson is the best running back prospect since Saquon Barkley, and although the draft resources spent on running backs has diminished since that time, there is no questioning that he is worthy of being a first-round selection. Justin Herbert hasn't been given a sufficient run attack yet in his career, so perhaps this addition will allow him some playoff success.

22. Baltimore Ravens - Jordan Addison (USC), WR

Who knows exactly what is going on in the minds of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens franchise, but whether it's Lamar or someone else under center for the team, they are going to need some receivers to throw to. With all of the receivers aside from Smith-Njigba available still, the Ravens have the ability to land one of the top receivers on their board in this situation. I believe that Jordan Addison, a technician of a route-runner with sure hands, would be the perfect piece for the Baltimore offense.

23. Minnesota Vikings - Quentin Johnston (TCU), WR

With the release and eventual signing of Adam Thielen to the Carolina Panthers, the Minnesota Vikings are going to need to target receiver at some point in this draft to compliment Justin Jefferson. With the big, athletic freak in Quentin Johnston still available at the 23rd selection, I have the Vikings pulling the trigger. Although Johnston is less polished than the other receivers at the top of this class, he possesses perhaps the highest upside due to his profile and skill set.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars - Brian Branch (Alabama), S

The rise of the Jacksonville Jaguars is only going to continue to expand as their young talent further develops, but there are still some positions of need yet to be addressed. In my opinion, the biggest gaps on their depth chart appear in the secondary, and Brian Branch, the accomplished safety out of Alabama, would immediately bolster that unit. Branch's combine wasn't as satisfying as most desired, but there is no inquiring about his positional instincts and ability to find the ball.

25. New York Giants - Julius Brents (Kansas State), CB

Julius Brents might not be a familiar name to the general public, but according to some sources, the Kansas State defender is the number one cornerback prospect on some teams' board. Receiver and interior offensive line are also in consideration at this spot, but with the top receivers gone and with no real value at this spot for the trenches, the New York Giants decide to give Adoree Jackson a new partner in crime. Julius Brents is long, remarkably athletic (9.99 raw athletic score), and has good film top go with it. Don't be surprised to hear his name called on day one.

26. Dallas Cowboys - Michael Mayer (Notre Dame), TE

Dalton Schultz has signed with the Houston Texans at the time of writing this article, which means that there is now a vacancy at the tight end position for the Dallas Cowboys. Conveniently for Jerry Jones and the Dallas franchise, this tight end class is loaded with prospects that could all be selected in the back-end of the first. With all still on the table, they opt to select Notre Dame's Michael Mayer, who is polished as both a blocker and a pass-catcher.

27. Buffalo Bills - Darnell Wright (Tennessee), OT

The Buffalo Bills have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL and therefore have few areas of concern, but offensive line is unequivocally the Achilles heel of their team. I don't anticipate a situation where all of the top tackles and guards are gone by this choice, so they should be able to land a top talent in any circumstance. Darnell Wright is a fast-riser in the draft process after having a stellar combine, and lands as a protector for Josh Allen in this mock.

28. Cincinnati Bengals - Dalton Kincaid (Utah), TE

Tackle has been my prediction for this spot all offseason, but after landing Orlando Brown and letting Hayden Hurst walk, I decided to go in an opposite direction for the Bengals. Dalton Kincaid is a sound tight end prospect with an immense athletic profile and production to match, and is the Bengals pick here. Adding him to the mix of JaMarr Chase and Tee Higgins should strike fear in any defense.

29. New Orleans Saints (via San Francisco 49ers) - Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh), IDL

An undersized interior defensive lineman from Pittsburgh with an exceptional combine performance? Surely we have never seen that work out in the NFL before... It is unfair to compare any prospect to one of the greatest defenders the league has ever seen in Aaron Donald, so I won't. The Saints are lacking youthful talent across their defensive line, and bringing in the athletic sensation in Calijah Kancey can perhaps change that.

30. Philadelphia Eagles - O'Cyrus Torrence (Florida), OG

Not many teams have the luxury of making the Super Bowl and having two first-round selections just a year later, but here we are with the Philadelphia Eagles. After landing Devon Witherspoon with their first pick, the Eagles beef up their interior with the selection of Florida's O'Cyrus Torrence. Torrence is a hog molly lineman that can fill in at either guard spot for the dirty birds.

31. Kansas City Chiefs - Zay Flowers (Boston College), WR

As long as the Kansas City Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce front-running the offense, they will be able to put the ball in the end zone, but there is no question that they could utilize a featured receiver with JuJu Smitch-Schuster and Mecole Hardman no longer on the roster. Zay Flowers out of Boston College is no Tyreek Hill, but the speedster would be lethal in a similar role that the former Chief once retained.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Dawand Jones (Ohio State), OT

Okay. So this technically isn't a first-rounder as the Miami Dolphins had their selection forfeited, but it felt wrong to have a mock draft without 32 picks. After landing Joey Porter Jr. earlier in the draft, the Steelers elect to reinforce their trenches with the selection of Dawand Jones. Dawand Jones is an outright mammoth of a human that won't have any problems standing up to whoever is lined up across from him.