2023 NFL mock draft: Bryce Younger goes first, however sturdy DL class stands out

Rob Rang

NFL Draft Analyst

The perfect comfort for an additional unbelievable season of school soccer nearing its finish is that NFL Draft season will quickly be right here. What higher approach to usher in that superb time of 12 months than a way-too-early mock draft, particularly provided that early declarations for the Class of 2023 are being filed every single day now, strengthening a category anticipated to supply bumper crops at quarterback, defensive again and alongside the line of defense.

Neither the complete record of gamers eligible nor the draft order, clearly, has been decided. One factor that's recognized and comparatively distinctive to the primary spherical of this 12 months's draft is that it'll solely include 31 choices. That's as a result of previous to the beginning of this season, the NFL revoked the Miami Dolphins' personal 2023 choose as punishment for tampering with Sean Payton and Tom Brady whereas every was beneath contract with one other staff.

Luckily for the Dolphins, Miami had one other first-round choose after buying and selling down with San Francisco two years in the past as a part of the deal that netted the 49ers quarterback Trey Lance. Miami since moved that choose to Denver for pass-rusher Bradley Chubb, one in all 5 picks within the 2023 first spherical who've already been swapped.

The Houston Texans (picks No. 1 and 13), Seattle Seahawks (No. 3, 20), Detroit Lions (No. 4, 15) and Philadelphia Eagles (No. 5, 31) every at present possess two choices within the first spherical.

The Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Dolphins and 49ers are every scheduled to make their first decisions outdoors of the draft's opening body. We projected the highest decisions they do at present maintain.

The draft order relies on present standings.

1. Houston Texans (1-10-1): Bryce Younger, QB, Alabama

The background of common supervisor Nick Caserio and head coach Lovie Smith recommend the Texans could shock with this choose and go for a defender, particularly with loads questioning how effectively the undersized Younger will be capable to transition to the NFL. As defined on this 2023 Quarterback Breakdown, nonetheless, ought to the Texans take the extra conventional method and draft a quarterback, Younger is my favourite one on this class.

2. Chicago Bears (3-10): Will Anderson, Jr., Edge, Alabama

The Bears practically signed Larry Ogunjobi to a three-year, $40.5 million greenback deal this previous offseason, displaying their need (or is it desperation?) so as to add a penetrating 3-technique defensive deal with to their entrance. That deal fell via, and so may the Bears' ideas on playing on the upside of one in all this 12 months's high DTs ought to Anderson be out there. Chicago at present ranks dead-last within the NFL with simply 16 sacks on the season. Anderson has over twice that many, himself, over his three-year Alabama profession. Ought to the draft begin off as projected — with two gamers chosen from the Crimson Tide — it might mark the fourth time in NFL historical past (2000, 1984, 1967) that faculty teammates had been the primary two picks of the identical draft.

3. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN, 3-9): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Fairly than gamble on a long-term answer at quarterback with one of many premium picks acquired from Denver within the Russell Wilson commerce, the Seahawks handle a leaky run protection and assist their cross rush by including the highly effective Carter, an ascending expertise some consider is one of the best participant on this class.

4. Detroit Lions (from LAR, 3-9): Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech

Sure, the Lions might choose a quarterback right here. However with the staff enjoying higher not too long ago with veteran Jared Goff and an efficient operating sport, including much more firepower to a very good younger defensive traces simply feels just like the route head coach Dan Campbell and common supervisor Brad Holmes need to take. The 6-foot-6, 275-pound Wilson would not but get the nationwide acclaim of a few of his friends on this line of defense class however his size, energy and upside are thrilling and will remind longtime Lions followers of one other shock top-five choose years in the past: Ziggy Ansah.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO, 4-9): Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson

Basic supervisor Howie Roseman and the at present 11-1 Eagles are within the enviable place of supplementing the league's deepest and most gifted roster with a top-five choose. Already sporting an NFL body and sport, Murphy is as gifted as any prospect on this class and the form of expertise who might flip Philadelphia from a Tremendous Bowl contender into a possible dynasty.

6. Carolina Panthers (4-8): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Sam Darnold has the remainder of this season to persuade the Panthers that he's the long-term reply at quarterback, however he has proven little proof thus far. Levis is clearly a raffle however simply as simple are his instruments and relative readiness, given his expertise in a pro-style offense.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Trevor Lawrence has quietly taken huge strides in his second season, leaping from an unpleasant 12-17 touchdown-to-interception ratio as a rookie to 17 touchdowns and simply six picks to this point this season. The Jaguars might flip a strong receiving corps into one of many league's greatest with the addition of Johnston, a uncommon athlete at 6-foot-4, who would superbly complement slot receiver Christian Kirk and former Atlanta Falcons standout Calvin Ridley.

8. Arizona Cardinals (4-8): Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

Given the funding made in Kyler Murray, the Cardinals should defend him in any respect prices. Skoronski has starred at left deal with at Northwestern however some have considerations about his below-average arm size and really feel he tasks higher as a guard within the NFL. The Cardinals have points at each positions and might even see Skoronski as related plug-and-play candidate as his Wildcat predecessor, Rashawn Slater, who earned a Professional Bowl invitation as a rookie in 2021 for the Los Angeles Chargers.

9. Indianapolis Colts (4-8-1): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Whether or not it's Saturday, present GM Chris Ballard or another person making the decision for the Colts on this choose, it appears clear that Indianapolis wants to deal with its future at quarterback. Stroud has Professional Bowl potential.

10. Atlanta Falcons (5-8): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

The Falcons could very effectively really feel they're in an analogous scenario because the aforementioned Colts at quarterback, however with the highest skills off the board, addressing a necessity at cornerback would additionally make sense, particularly with a neighborhood star in Ringo doubtlessly out there. Ringo, only a redshirt sophomore, hasn't posted gaudy stats like a few of his friends, however his dimension/velocity mixture means that his greatest soccer nonetheless lies forward of him.

11. Inexperienced Bay Packers (5-8): Joey Porter, Jr., CB, Penn State

Quarterback — not cornerback — would be the greater present concern in Inexperienced Bay, however common supervisor Brian Gutekunst will not bypass a Professional Bowl expertise simply to fulfill critics.

12. Las Vegas Raiders (5-7): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Even with the AFC West not rising because the four-pronged aerial assault most anticipated previous to the season, the Raiders have surrendered an NFL-worst 70.3% completion share and a disappointing 20 landing passes (towards simply 4 interceptions) to opposing quarterbacks via Week 13. Lengthy and agile, Gonzalez is seen as the highest cornerback within the nation by some scouts.

13. Houston Texans (from CLE, 5-7): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

A top-10 expertise who could drop amid sturdiness considerations, the Texans might see Bresee as the right 3-technique to fulfill their defensive-minded head coach, particularly if the membership addresses its best concern with its first choose.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-7): Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State

Now not defending the burly Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers will possible be adjusting their method up entrance. The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Johnson has emerged this season as one of many elite blockers within the nation, demonstrating each gentle toes and the physicality Pittsburgh has at all times prioritized.

15. Detroit Lions (5-7): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

T.J. Hockenson was dealt to Minnesota simply earlier than the commerce deadline, and the Lions might use a much bigger, stronger alternative, particularly because the staff adopts a run-heavy assault.

16. Los Angeles Chargers (6-6): Jordan Addison, WR, Southern Cal

Nagging accidents to Mike Williams and Keenan Allen have robbed Justin Herbert and the Chargers of what felt like a possible Tremendous Bowl run. Including a dynamic expertise like Addison is perhaps the right insurance coverage to keep away from a repeat in 2023.

17. New England Patriots (6-6): Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa

Given the Patriots' season-long struggles on offense, it appears a near-certainty that the membership will concentrate on that facet of the ball within the draft. Given how usually Invoice Belichick has caught to predictable choices, nonetheless, including a bodily tone-setter on protection just like the ascending Van Ness might be the extra possible consequence.

18. Washington Commanders (7-5-1): Brian Department, S, Alabama

Just like the aforementioned Belichick, Washington head coach Ron Rivera is as old-school because it will get. Traditionalists like him could have a tough time letting Department — arguably the surest tackler on this draft class at any place — slip any additional.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6): Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

The Bucs have one of many higher younger cornerback duos within the NFL in Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis, however with every being pending free brokers and looking for large paydays, common supervisor Jason Licht could have little alternative however to draft a alternative — or two. Phillips lacks superb dimension however possesses terrific agility and ball expertise to star instantly.

20. Seattle Seahawks (7-5): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Geno Smith has emerged as one of many greatest shock tales of the NFL and a official Professional Bowl candidate, however at 32 years previous and a pending free agent, Seattle could need to contemplate youthful choices, particularly provided that the membership has two first-round picks. Only a one-year starter, Richardson is sushi uncooked, however he has traits price betting on.

21. Tennessee Titans (7-5): Trenton Simpson, OLB, Clemson

With the Titans firing common supervisor Jon Robinson this week, head coach Mike Vrabel could also be in even better a place of authority for the 2023 draft than in earlier years. As such, do not be stunned if the previous linebacker returns to his roots and provides a component of velocity with Simpson, who is anticipated to wow in exercises.

22. New York Jets (7-5): Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

In his three NFL seasons since getting drafted eleventh general again in 2020, Mekhi Becton has performed in simply 15 profession video games. Fellow Jets tackles George Fant and Max Mitchell have additionally struggled with sturdiness and consistency. At 6-foot-8 and practically 360 kilos, Jones might be a really "jumbo" Jet. I am right here all night time, of us.

23. New York Giants (7-4-1): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The Giants have been a nice shock this season, however that is regardless of restricted contributions from their extensive receivers. A savvy route-runner with dependable palms, Smith-Njigba ought to rapidly emerge as a QB favourite.

Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba 2021 highlights

Try the a few of Jaxon Smith-Njigba's greatest performs from the 2021 season

24. Denver Broncos (from SF by way of MIA, 8-4): Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia

Unlikely to seek out an possibility by way of this draft to actually push Russell Wilson, the Broncos could pivot to discover a cross rusher who may help stress him in apply and doubtlessly substitute Chubb. Following surgical procedure to restore a torn pectoral, the undersized Smith is a little bit of a wildcard, however anticipate the media to drop him greater than NFL groups.

25. Baltimore Ravens (8-4): Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

Effectively-known for his or her draft-day prowess, the Ravens might look previous the one injury-hampered season Verse performed at Florida State and as an alternative acknowledge the elite get-off and elusiveness which made him some of the dynamic edge rushers in all of school soccer all through his profession on the FBS and FCS degree.

26. Cincinnati Bengals (8-4): Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

Although quarterbacks and defensive linemen could have earned many of the hype thus far, the 2023 NFL draft seems to have one other bumper crop of cornerbacks, with Smith incomes loads of first spherical buzz regardless of intercepting only one cross this season.

27. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (9-3): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Defending Patrick Mahomes is a high precedence in Kansas Metropolis, and with star blindside blocker Orlando Brown, Jr. coming into free company, the Chiefs can be smart so as to add youth and expertise up entrance.

28. Dallas Cowboys (9-3): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

The Cowboys could at present boast one of many NFL's most dynamic 1-2 punches at operating again, however with Ezekiel Elliott getting old and Tony Pollard set to hit free company, it is easy to think about Jerry Jones leaping on a chance to spice up his membership's backfield ought to a celebrity like Robinson someway nonetheless be on the board. Robinson reportedly visited the Cowboys' apply facility earlier this week.

Texas RB Bijan Robinson breaks free for a 32-yard landing run

Texas operating again Bijan Robinson cuts inside and breaks free for a 32-yard landing, his fourth towards Kansas.

29. Minnesota Vikings (10-2): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

With head coach Kevin O'Connell ushering in a brand new offensive-minded method in Minnesota, the Vikings should fortify their secondary. Witherspoon, one in all three finalists for the Thorpe Award, defended an eye-popping 17 passes in 2022, snagging three interceptions.

30. Buffalo Payments (9-3): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

Star quarterback Josh Allen leads all present Payments runners in speeding touchdowns (5), yards per rush try (6.5) and longest run (36), which means that even with Buffalo investing a second-round choose a 12 months in the past in James Cook dinner, the staff might search for an improve once more, particularly with present starter Devin Singletary a pending free agent.

31. Philadelphia Eagles (11-1): JL Skinner, S, Boise State

The Eagles would be the most gifted staff within the NFL, however they at present lack bodily intimidators within the again seven. At 6-foot-4 and 220 kilos, Skinner seems extra like a linebacker than a security and might want to show his athleticism to justify a first-round choose. However with the additional choose as a consequence of their commerce with New Orleans, Roseman can justify a specialist with Professional Bowl potential to cap the primary spherical.

Second Spherical

Los Angeles Rams: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

Accidents have ravaged the defending Tremendous Bowl champions at just about each place however particularly alongside the offensive line. Duncan has the quickness and agility to challenge as a future NFL starter.

New Orleans Saints: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State

With future Corridor of Fame candidate Cameron Jordan not getting any youthful and Marcus Davenport heading into free company with the Saints in salary-cap bother, the Saints could prioritize an edge rusher within the draft. Like Jordan, Anudike-Uzomah is extra polished popping out of school than most however might fall outdoors of the primary spherical as a result of he lacks elite measurables.

Cleveland Browns: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor

The Browns have allowed 1,528 yards and 16 touchdowns to opposing runners over their first 12 video games of the season, rating among the many leakiest run defenses in all of the NFL. Ika is not a lot of a pass-rusher, however at 6-foot-4 and practically 360 kilos, he actually can plug holes within the center.

Miami Dolphins: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Each Mike Gesicki and Durham Smythe — the Dolphins' high tight ends — are set to hit free company and with Miami already dedicating thousands and thousands to their pass-catchers, cheaper options by way of the draft would make sense. Like Gesicki, Kincaid is extra of an overgrown receiver than bulldozing blocker, however he might star on this scheme.

Third Spherical

San Francisco 49ers — Jaxson Kirkland, OL, Washington

Projecting a deep third-round choose at this level within the draft course of is actually throwing a dart, however the 49ers have chosen at the very least one participant from the PAC-12 in all however three of the previous 22 drafts since 2000. Effectively-built and skilled at each deal with and guard, Kirkland can be a high quality addition if nonetheless out there.

High tales from FOX Sports activities:

Rob Rang is an NFL Draft analyst for FOX Sports activities. He has been protecting the NFL Draft for greater than 20 years, with work at FOX, Sports activities Illustrated, CBSSports.com, USA In the present day, Yahoo, NFL.com and NFLDraftScout.com, amongst others. He additionally works as a scout with the BC Lions of the Canadian Soccer League. Comply with him on Twitter @RobRang.

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