2023 NFL Mock Draft 2.0- Final Mock

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The 2023 NFL Draft is days away and its time to look at my final mock draft. This year’s draft feels like it could be very different compared what we’ve seen in previous years, especially due to the lack of uncertainty at the top. The consensus amongst most is that the Carolina Panthers will select QB Bryce Young with the #1 overall pick, but after that it is truly a mystery. Do the Houston Texans really comfortable with passing on a QB at #2 overall? Will Jalen Carter fall outside the top 5? Will a team trade into the top 3? I personally have a feeling that we see at least one trade in the top 10 but dont be surprised if we see more than that depending on how far the QBs fall. These are just a few questions that will be answered in less than 72 hours and it will surely be a draft worth remembering.

For my final mock draft I did not include mock trades because I want to see how things would fall with the current order but things will likely change leading up until the first pick is made. This mock draft is also based off what I think will happen and not what I would do as a GM. Enough talking, here is my final mock draft:

  • Carolina traded away multiple picks and WR DJ Moore in order to get this pick and Bryce Young will likely be the pick. The former Heisman Trophy winner may lack ideal size but makes up for it with elite vision and anticipation and should able to operate HC Frank Reich’s system from day 1 as their starter.

  • There is a growing sense that the Texans could pass on a QB and HC DeMeco Ryans could land his next Nick Bosa type defender in Will Anderson Jr. The dominant edge defender has been nothing short of outstanding in college and would step onto the Texans field as their star defensive player.

  • Arizona may look to trade out of this pick but if they dont, Texas Tech defender Tyree Wilson is a pretty good option. The 6-6 pass rusher is a physical freak with unreal length and would be a fun project for HC Jonathan Gannon.

  • Colts HC Shane Steichen will look to land his new QB and Kentucky’s Will Levis could be the pick. The athletic QB has a big arm but could use some development and if Steichen feels he can get the best out of the Levis, the pairing may be a good fit for the future.

  • Georgia prospect Jalen Carter has been in the media for months and while he may have questions to answer, he will not fall out of the top 5. The Seahawks could use more depth in the interior of their DL and the selection of Carter would give them a presence that could end up being a potential Pro-Bowl level defender.

  • Detroit added some quality CBs in free agency but after trading former top 3 pick Jeff Okudah, they snag another top CB prospect in Christian Gonzalez. The 6-2 CB is a playmaker in the secondary and has the makeup of a future lockdown defender. If the Lions want to get themselves a legit CB, Gonzalez may be their guy.

  • The Las Vegas Raiders have lacked a true playmaker in their secondary and Illinois prospect Devon WItherspoon would be a welcome addition. The physical CB is a reliable tackler and was a true lockdown defender which would be a huge asset for the Raiders defense.

  • Atlanta HC Arthur Smith has experience with star power at RB during his time in Tennessee with Derrick Henry and would be enticed to get himself another star in Bijan Robinson. Robinson is a complete RB not while the position isnt as valued in the draft as it was in years past, he is one of the few that deserves first round consideration. There are few blue chip offensive prospects in this class and Robinson is one of them.

  • Chicago got themselves a legit WR in DJ Moore after trading the #1 pick and with the #9 pick get a top notch OT prospect in Paris Johnson Jr. The Ohio State lineman has all the physical tools that teams love and not only would be able to start day 1 for Chicago but he also has a relationship with QB Justin Fields. This is a pairing that just makes sense.

  • Philadelphia is known for building their trenches in the draft and continue that trend with another Georgia Bulldog in Nolan Smith. The uber athletic edge rusher has battled some injuries in college but put on a show at the combine and is arguably the most athletic edge rusher in the class. If Philly wants to add to their defense, Smith would certainly be a great pick.

  • The Titans will eventually move on from veteran QB Ryan Tannehill which is why they might target Anthony Richardson. The 6-4, 240 lb. QB is certainly raw but has as much potential as anyone and could follow a similar play style as Cam Newton and Justin Fields. Not only would Richardson be fun in the Titans offense but the idea of Richardson with Derrick Henry is pure electricity.

  • The Texans land their defender with their top pick and follow up by landing their QB of the future in CJ Stroud. Stroud has been falling down draft boards in recent weeks but is still a talented QB prospect with good accuracy and athletic mobility. It remains to be seen if Stroud indeed falls out of the top 10 but if he does, if may be wise for Houston to invest in the Ohio State product.

  • The Jordan Love era has officially begun so why not get him the top WR in the draft in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The talented playmaker battled injuries this past college football season but has since risen many draft boards due to his impressive movement skills and route running ability. The Packers have a double young WRs with upside and adding Smith-Njigba would only make the group that much better for the future.

  • New England could be in the market for another QB but another position they could upgrade is OT. Enter Broderick Jones. The Georgia lineman had a great season for the national champions and has only been rising since the end of the season. Jones is an athletic lineman who could compete for a starting role in New England early with veteran Trent Brown.

  • The Jets finally landed future HOF QB Aaron Rodgers and no better way to welcome him to the team than by getting him a nasty blocker in Darnell Wright. The hulking lineman had a breakout season and displayed his physical pass blocking skills against top edge rushers including Will Anderson Jr. If the Jets want a day 1 starting RT, look no further than Darnell Wright.

  • Washington is in need of OL help and Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski would be a great addition. The experienced lineman who arguably the most consistent of the group but some question his length and believe he should kick inside to G. Regardless of where he plays, Skoronski should be able to step into the Commanders lineup as their best lineup from the minute he is selected.

  • The Steelers could upgrade their secondary with this pick but decide to upgrade their DL with Lukas Van Ness. The Iowa defender may not be flashy but is powerful and can play basically any position on the DL. TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith will see most of the early down snaps but Van Ness can be effective on passing downs and can kick inside next to Cameron Heyward, giving the Steelers four legit pass rushers.

  • Detroit upgraded their secondary at #6 with Christian Gonzalez and double down with another talented defender in Calijah Kancey. The explosive DL prospect may lack the ideal size but plays with an unmatched first step and could be able to get in the backfield quite quickly. The Lions are building a good, young team and these two prospects will go a long way towards building a legit defense.

  • Tampa Bay has a star at RT with Tristen Wirfs but need to upgrade the other side which is where Anton Harrison comes into play. The Oklahoma lineman is an effective pass protector who has experience at both T spots and should be able to step in and replace veteran Donovan Smith to protect QB Baker Mayfield.

  • Seattle got a potential top tier interior disruptor with Jalen Carter and upgrade their pass rushing with Myles Murphy at #20. The Clemson defender has the perfect size and length of what teams want in an edge rusher and would be able to play early and often in 2023 next to Carter and free agent signing Dre’Mont Jones.

  • The Chargers are in need of a starting caliber S opposite Derwin James and there is n better fit than Brian Branch. The intelligent defender plays with great instincts and can play as a roaming S or even in the slot on certain downs. If Branch plays up to his potential, the Chargers could have one of the league’s best S duos.

  • Baltimore has a star CB with Marlon Humphrey and add another quality starter in Joey Porter Jr. The son of former Steeler Joey Porter, Jr. was a quality starter at Penn State and plays with great length and body control in coverage. Regardless of what happens with QB Lamar Jackson, adding a defender like Joey Porter Jr. will only help the Ravens defense going forward.

  • After parting ways with WR Adam Thielan, the Vikings replace him with a dominant YAC machine in Quentin Johnston. The physical pass catcher isnt the fastest or the best route runner, but is a top notch playmaker after the catch and should be able to open up holes for Justin Jefferson which could be a lethal combination.

  • Jacksonville are a team who could simply go best player available and at this spot that may be CB Deonte Banks. The Maryland product is an underrated defender who was a pass breakup monster at college and should be capable enough to start in 2023 across from Tyson Campbell.

  • The Giants have a top notch run game led by RB Saquon Barkley but what they could use is a quality route running WR like Jordan Addison. Whether at PIttsbugh or USC, Addison did nothing but make plays whenever he played. He may not have great size or speed but Addison is effective at getting open and should be a go-to option for QB Daniel Jones for the foreseeable future.

  • Dallas chose to move on from veteran TE Dalton Shultz which opens up room for Dalton Kincaid. The talented Utah prospect is arguably the most talented pass catcher at his size in the draft and could go higher than #26 come draft night. Kincaid would give QB Dak Prescott a reliable target who can work the middle of the field and be a security blanket in the redzone.

  • Buffalo is another team that could go best player available and why not get QB Josh Allen a weapon like Zay Flowers. The shifty prospect is elite with the ball in his hands and would be a scary addition to an already loaded WR room.

  • Cincinnati could look to continue to upgrade their OL but the second best option is getting a TE who is also a quality blocker. Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer fits that bill. The do it all TE has a well rounded game and could be a week 1 starter for the talented offense.

  • New Orleans lands one of my favorite defenders in Keion White. The quick rising prospect plays with a relentless motor and would be able to play either outside as an edge rusher or kick inside as a long interior lineman. Plus, White landing in New Orleans would allow him to learn some tricks from a future HOF defender in Cameron Jordan.

  • Philly signed RB Rashaad Penny to take over for Miles Sanders but that wont stop them from adding the best pass catching back in Jahmyr Gibbs. The Alabama playmaker is athletic and elusive in the back field and has a similar play style to Saints star Alvin Kamara. Some think Gibbs could be drafted higher but if he some how falls to the Eagles, it makes perfect to pair him with their offense led by a dominant run blocking OL.

  • Rounding out the list is the champion Kansas City Chiefs who land a quality pass rusher in Felix Anudike-Uzomah. The Kansas State defender has been one of the more consistent pass rushers in college and has the tools to be an early down contributor for the Chiefs defense.

Joe Tusio