2023 NFL Mock Draft: NFL Free Agency Shakeup

The NFL is the gift that keeps on giving. Even though we are more than a month removed from the end of the NFL season, the fun just keeps continuing as NFL free agency is well underway. While many fans are happy with the moves their teams made during the first week of free agency, the work to improve the roster is not done. Free agency is great but the draft is still the best avenue to build a strong and healthy roster.

With teams adding players as free agents or making trades, we have a much better idea of what a team could be looking to do in next month’s NFL draft. Below is my latest NFL mock draft and my view of how I think things will shake out next month. Let me know your thoughts on your team’s pick by connecting with me on Twitter.

2023 NFL Mock Draft

1. Carolina Panthers (via CHI)

C.J. Stroud QB, Ohio State

The Panthers made the big move of trading for the No. 1 pick in an attempt to finally secure a franchise quarterback for the first time under David Tepper. While rumor has it they have not decided on a specific player, signs are pointing to the team making C.J. Stroud the pick. Stroud is an accurate passer who will be a great distributor of the football and finally bring a level of stability to this team.

2. Houston Texans

Bryce Young QB, Alabama

Houston is the beneficiary of the Panthers choosing to pick Stroud and pass on the real QB1 in this class, Bryce Young. Young is a playmaking QB with the intangibles to be the face of a franchise and lead this organization to better days.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Will Anderson Jr. EDGE, Alabama

Will Anderson Jr. seemingly has lost his shine amongst those in draft media, but he is still a legit blue-chip prospect and a future double-digit sack player at the next level. The Cardinals need help at EDGE and adding Anderson to be the new face of their defense is a perfect move.

4. Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Richardson QB, Florida

Look, Anthony Richardson won’t be for everyone—hell, he isn’t for me, to be honest—but I can see a team falling in love with him. He offers a rare blend of size, athleticism, and arm strength, which could be tempting for Shane Steichen to try and mold.

5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech

Seattle is building something special on this defense and with the signing of Dre’mont Jones, they have the ability to field a really talented defensive line. Tyree Wilson is one of the best players in this class and would give them a strong power rusher.

6. Detroit Lions

Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon

Christian Gonzalez is one of the cleanest players in this class and profiles as a lockdown corner. His game is reminiscent of Patrick Surtain II and I expect an early impact when he steps on the field. He would give Detroit a legit coverman to match up against the Justin Jeffersons and D.J. Moores of the world.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia

The “slide” of Jalen Carter in this NFL mock draft ends here with the Raiders. With the signing of Jimmy Garoppolo, the Raiders have the flexibility to pass on a QB if the one they like isn’t there. Carter would be an instant star in Las Vegas.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson

Myles Murphy is the forgotten man in this edge class and I am not sure why. He is an explosive athlete with really good power and length. Atlanta needs to bolster their defense and this would certainly help.

9. Chicago Bears (via CAR)

Broderick Jones OT, Georgia

Ryan Poles has *almost* made up for the abysmal Chase Claypool trade, and him being able to land Broderick Jones here at No. 9 in this NFL mock draft is a big reason why. While many have Paris Johnson Jr. as OT1, I actually think Jonas is the best prospect and has the most upside.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)

Devon Witherspoon CB, Illinois

Corner is always a position you can add depth to and the Eagles would be wise to continue to add to that room. I love Devon Witherspoon’s game and he is an ultra competitor who isn’t afraid to make his presence felt in the run game.

11. Tennessee Titans

Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State

The Titans added Andre Dillard to their offensive line but help is still needed. Paris Johnson Jr. is an athletic tackle who excels as a pass protector and playing in space.

12. Houston Texans (via CLE)

Jordan Addison WR, USC

I love the Robert Woods signing by the Texans but I still believe they need some receiver help. Jordan Addison is still my WR1 and he would be a playmaker for Young.

13. New York Jets

Peter Skoronski OT, Northwestern

New York needs some stability upfront at tackle and Peter Skoronski might be the most pro-ready offensive lineman in this class. He is a technician with outstanding balance, hands, and lower-body strength.

14. New England Patriots

Darnell Wright OT, Tennessee

This may seem like a reach but the Patriots are desperate for an offensive tackle and Darnell Wright is a riser who may go higher than people think. He is a large man who has excellent play strength.

15. Green Bay Packers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State

Jordan Love is now the Packers’ QB1 and he will need more receiver help as Green Bay just lost Allen Lazard. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a smooth athlete with outstanding separation quickness and ball skills. He is one of the safest players in this class.

16. Washington Commanders

Deonte Banks CB, Maryland

Deonte Banks is a fast riser who had an outstanding NFL Combine but also has excellent film. He fills a big need for the Commanders and helps solidify this secondary.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State

Even with the addition of Patrick Peterson, the Steelers are still in the market for a corner. Joey Porter Jr. makes a ton of sense as a legacy player and someone who is blessed with rare length and excellent ball skills.

18. Detroit Lions

Will Levis QB, Kentucky

Will Levis slides a bit here in this NFL mock draft and I wouldn’t count out a trade-up for him by a QB-needy team, but Detroit stops the slide. I love Jared Goff, but why not add a cheap, young QB who has a ton of talent to develop?

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bijan Robinson RB, Texas

Bijan Robinson is literally my No. 2 overall player in the class and I honestly don’t expect him to last this long. That said, Tampa Bay is getting an outstanding running back to replace Leonard Fournette. Robinson will give this team an identity during their post-Tom Brady transition.

20. Seattle Seahawks

Bryan Bresee IDL, Clemson

As I mentioned, Seattle has a chance to stack their defensive line and they do so here. A front that consists of Uchenna Nwosu, Dre’Mont Jones, Tyree Wilson, and Bryan Bresee will be a tough out for opposing offensive lines.

21. Miami Dolphins

[Pick forfeited]

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Dalton Kincaid TE, Utah

Los Angeles has done a good job surrounding quarterback Justin Herbert with high-end talent at wide receiver and running back, but the team has yet to fill the hole at tight end that Hunter Henry left when he departed in free agency. Adding a talent like Dalton Kincaid who moves and plays the ball like a receiver will make this Chargers offense even scarier.

23. Baltimore Ravens

Lukas Van Ness EDGE, Iowa

The Ravens could go in many different directions here, but in the end, adding another versatile edge defender makes a ton of sense—especially as the team moved on from Calais Campbell. Lukas Van Ness is an explosive athlete with excellent power at the point of attack. His best football is ahead of him.

24. Minnesota Vikings

Zay Flowers WR, Boston College

Adam Thielen’s run with the Vikings has ended and the team must look to add another receiver to go opposite Justin Jefferson. The speedy playmaker out of Boston College could be a great fit as a deep-threat option and he is also excellent with the ball in his hands after the catch.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars

Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame

This team/player pairing has been one I have been making since the summer and it still makes a lot of sense. We know Doug Pederson loves to be in 12-personnel and being able to deploy Evan Engram and Michael Mayer on the field at the same time will give defenses a lot of problems.

26. New York Giants

Quentin Johnston WR, TCU

The Giants have done an excellent job this offseason giving Daniel Jones a true No. 1 option in the pass game with the acquisition of star tight end Darren Waller. Waller will give this offense the jolt it desperately needed but the team still could use more ammunition in the passing game. Quentin Johnston is a height/weight/speed player who excels as a deep-ball specialist. He would fit in very well as the field stretcher to open up the middle of the field for Waller and Co.

27. Dallas Cowboys

Nolan Smith EDGE, Georgia

I love what Dallas has done this offseason and the addition of Brandin Cooks might be one of my favorite moves made by a team so far. By adding Cooks through trade, the team can now look to beef up the defense here with their first-round pick. Nolan Smith would give them additional pass-rush help opposite Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.

28. Buffalo Bills

John Michael Schmitz IOL, Minnesota

Buffalo might not have an immediate need in the interior of their offensive line but it would be wise to add youthful talent to develop and build for the future. John Michael Schmitz is a very talented center that offers outstanding IQ, power, and balance.

29. Cincinnati Bengals

Brian Branch SAF, Alabama

The Bengals lost both of their starting safeties in free agency with Jessie Bates III heading to the Falcons and Von Bell going to the Panthers. While the team has last year’s first-round pick Dax Hill waiting in the wings at one safety spot, they would be wise to add another versatile defender to go along with Hill. Brian Branch is a hell of a player who falls a bit due to his poor combine testing, but his tape speaks for itself.

30. New Orleans Saints (via DEN)

O’Cyrus Torrence IOL, Florida

New Orleans should be much more consistent with Derek Carr now at quarterback, but they need to ensure they will be able to protect him and keep him upright. O’Cyrus Torrence has excellent size, strength, and athletic ability and projects as a high-impact starter inside at guard.

31. Philadelphia Eagles

Calijah Kancey DL, Pitt

Howie Roseman loves to add to the trenches, so naturally at least one of his two first-round picks would have to be a trench player. I like the fit of Calijah Kancey and the Eagles as he can help fill the void that Javon Hargrave left as he signed a massive deal with the 49ers. Kancey and Jordan Davis could form a very talented duo inside.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Derick Hall EDGE, Auburn

With the loss of Frank Clark, the Chiefs now have a need for additional pass rush and they fill that need in this NFL mock draft with Derrick Hall. Hall is a long and explosive edge rusher who has very strong hands and base. He plays with his hair on fire and would fit in very well in this young but talented Chiefs defense.

NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

33. Pittsburgh Steelers (via CHI)

Drew Sanders LB, Arkansas

The Steelers lost Devin Bush, Robert Spillane, and Myles Jack. While they signed two veterans in Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts, they would be wise to add a young linebacker to the mix.

34. Houston Texans

Jahmyr Gibbs RB, Alabama

This might be a luxury pick, but Jahmyr Gibbs is too talented to pass up here. He would form a great 1-2 punch with Dameon Pierce.

35. Arizona Cardinals

Steve Avila IOL, TCU

Arizona has to get better up front and adding Steve Avila, who offers tremendous power, makes sense.

36. Indianapolis Colts

Josh Downs WR, North Carolina

Josh Downs is an outstanding player who falls to the second round in this NFL mock draft but gives the Colts another legit pass-catching option.

37. Los Angeles Rams

Trenton Simpson LB, Clemson

With the loss of Bobby Wagner, the Rams see a reason to add this versatile and athletic weapon to the second level of their defense.

38. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Joe Tippmann OC, Wisconsin

Seattle is in the process of rehauling their offensive line and Joe Tippmann would be an outstanding addition to the interior of this unit.

39. Las Vegas Raiders

Kelee Ringo CB, Georgia

The Raiders double down on Georgia Bulldogs and take the ultra-athletic Keele Ringo to help solidify their secondary.

40. Carolina Panthers

Marvin Mims Jr. WR, Oklahoma

Marvin Mims Jr. may not be D.J. Moore, but he would provide Stroud with a reliable pass-catching option opposite Adam Thielen and Terrace Marshall Jr.

41. New Orleans Saints

Keion White EDGE, Georgia Tech

The Saints need to start developing talent at EDGE opposite Cam Jordan so they take the gamble on the raw but physically gifted Keion White.

42. Tennessee Titans

Jalin Hyatt WR, Tennessee

Treylon Burks looks like a future stud in Tennessee, but the team would be wise to continue to add to their receiver room.

43. Cleveland Browns

Siaki Ika IDL, Baylor

The Browns need to bolster their run defense and adding this massive defensive tackle would be a good start.

44. New York Jets

Antonio Johnson SAF, Texas A&M

New York has built a very talented defense but the one area they could still add to is safety.

45. Atlanta Falcons

Xavier Hutchinson WR, Iowa State

Outside of Drake London and Kyle Pitts, the Falcons have very few pass-catchers, so adding one early would help.

46. Green Bay Packers

Luke Musgrave TE, Oregon State

With the additions of Smith-Njigba and now Luke Musgrave, the Packers’ offense just got a whole lot more talented.

47. New England Patriots

Julius Brents CB, Kansas State

The Patriots need to add more depth at corner and they take the long and explosive Julius Brents. His best football could be ahead of him.

48. Washington Commanders

Anton Harrison OT, Oklahoma

The Commanders to get better up front and the athletic Anton Harrison could develop into their franchise left tackle.

49. Detroit Lions

Jack Campbell LB, Iowa

Jack Campbell is a tough, hard-nosed linebacker who is more athletic than he’s given credit for.

50. Pittsburgh Steelers

Dawand Jones OT, Ohio State

Pittsburgh’s offensive line has needed to improve for years and Dawand Jones is a big steal here.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Hendon Hooker QB, Tennessee

Tampa Bay takes their swing on a rookie quarterback here with Hendon Hooker, who could push for early playing time.

52. Miami Dolphins

Darnell Washington TE, Georgia

Darnell Washington is arguably one of the biggest steals in this class and gives Miami a dynamic weapon at tight end.

53. Seattle Seahawks

Clark Phillips III CB, Utah

Pete Carroll loves aggressive defensive backs and Clark Phillips III might be the most aggressive in this class.

54. Chicago Bears (via BAL)

Adetomiwa Adebawore EDGE, Northwestern

Matt Eberflus has placed a value on the defensive line and adding the high upside of Adetomiwa Adebawore could pay big dividends.

55. Los Angeles Chargers

Will McDonald IV EDGE, Iowa State

Los Angeles needs to add some defensive line help and Will McDonald IV is an explosive presence off the edge.

56. Detroit Lions (via MIN)

Zach Charbonnet RB, UCLA

Zach Charbonnet is one of my favorite players in this class and would give the Lions another hard-nosed running back to replace Jamaal Williams.

57. Jacksonville Jaguars

Mazi Smith IDL, Michigan

Run defense was an area of concern for the Jaguars and Mazi Smith is a dynamic player in the run game who also offers some interior pass-rush ability.

58. New York Giants

Isaiah Foskey EDGE, Notre Dame

The Giants have always been at their best when they have a bevy of pass rushers. Adding Isaiah Foskey to a group that consists of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari would be a smart move.

59. Dallas Cowboys

DJ Turner CB, Michigan

Even with the Stephon Gilmore addition, the Cowboys could still use more help at corner. DJ Turner is an explosive athlete who would add playmaking ability to the secondary.

60. Buffalo Bills

Tyler Scott WR, Cincinnati

Buffalo needs another playmaker for Josh Allen and the speedy Tyler Scott would be a great fit.

61. Cincinnati Bengals

Tyjae Spears RB, Tulane

Joe Mixon continues to attract drama, and while his spot with the team isn’t in jeopardy yet, adding Tyjae Spears would give the Bengals more depth at the position.

62. Chicago Bears (via CAR)

Cam Smith CB, South Carolina

Chicago takes the best player available in Cam Smith, who should see the field early.

63. Philadelphia Eagles

Zach Harrison EDGE, Ohio State

Zach Harrison won’t be for everyone, but I could see Howie Roseman taking a chance on this high-upside player.

64. Kansas City Chiefs

Jaelyn Duncan OT, Maryland

The Chiefs need to continue to add to their offensive line and Jaelyn Duncan is a solid player here in the second round.

 

What did you think of the sixth edition of Brentley Weissman’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft? Let us know what you think about this or any edition of our NFL Mock Draft series on Twitter and Instagram and stay tuned next week for the next edition of TDN’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft series.