2023 NFL Mock Draft: New QB Goes No. 1

2023 NFL Draft season is finally upon us all. It is fully the talk of the town in the football world. This week kicks off the NFL Scouting Combine and the buzz for prospects will either grow louder or quiet down. I am on NFL mock draft duty to be the GM for all 32 teams and give franchises the best talent possible. Dive into my NFL mock draft 6.0 and enjoy yourself. Welcome to DRAFT SEASON!

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Parson 6.0

1. Indianapolis Colts (via CHI)*

Anthony Richardson QB, Florida

TRADE
IND receives: Pick No. 1
CHI receives: Pick No. 4, Pick No. 36, 2024 1st-round pick

This may come as a surprise to some since Anthony Richardson does not fit the “pro-ready” moniker, but he has the highest upside in the class. New head coach Shane Steichen saw up close and personal what a talent like Jalen Hurts can do when given time and weapons. Richardson is a bigger, faster, and stronger-armed version of Hurts. I trust Steichen to build this offense around Richardson’s skill set to watch his young pup become a star!

2. Houston Texans

Bryce Young QB, Alabama

Bryce Young is a quintessential point guard (aka Chris Paul), the best distributor of the ball to his weapons. Young brings the off-script and out-of-structure ability to pair with pocket presence to succeed in this league. Things can change but he is the safest pick based on his collegiate profile and skill set.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia

Arizona has new leadership and it is a good thing for the franchise. Staying put and not trading back keeps them in range for the best player in the draft, Jalen Carter. Carter is a disruptive force that impacts running and passing attacks. The blend of athleticism, power, and physical temperament is as enticing as they come. If Jonathan Gannon runs a four-man front as opposed to Vance Joseph’s 3-4 front, Carter will be the best pick to give a nice jolt to the Cardinals’ defense.

4. Chicago Bears (via IND)*

Will Anderson Jr. EDGE, Alabama

TRADE
CHI receives: Pick No. 4, Pick No. 36, 2024 1st-round pick
IND receives: Pick No. 1

Trading back and nabbing the second-best player in the draft along with additional picks is masterful. Will Anderson Jr. is a menace off the edges. He combines explosiveness, power, violent hands, and a hot motor to constantly make his presence felt by quarterbacks.

5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech

Pete Carroll and Co. nailed the draft last season. Let’s go for two in a row, beginning with Tyree Wilson, who looks like he was created on Madden. His explosive burst, incredible arm length, and power on contact offer excitement for his NFL projection on the defensive line.

6. Carolina Panthers (via DET)*

Will Levis QB, Kentucky

TRADE
CAR receives: Pick No. 6
DET receives: Pick No. 9, Pick No. 93, 2024 1st-round pick

The Panthers need a quarterback, and sitting patiently at the ninth spot is too risky for me. Will Levis provides them with a high-ceiling quarterback with all of the tools to be a truck and carry the weight of the franchise. Along with this phenomenal staff, Levis could develop into one of the better quarterbacks in the league.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

C.J. Stroud QB, Ohio State

There’s no Derek Carr, Tom Brady, or Aaron Rodgers in Las Vegas… yet! Therefore, the Raiders and Josh McDaniels need a franchise quarterback in this NFL mock draft. C.J. Stroud is the best pure passer in this draft class. Stroud’s ball placement and accuracy are the best traits in his bag. A McDaniels offense with Stroud, Adams, Waller, etc. sounds like a dream for Las Vegas if everyone returns this fall.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon

The Falcons stick with Desmond Ridder and build up this roster with high-end talent through the offseason. To call Christian Gonzalez your CB2 is a proud flex. Gonzalez would create one of the better and more frustrating CB duos with A.J. Terrell. Both guys are versatile cover corners with legitimate athleticism to cover a multitude of different types of wide receivers. Good luck throwing outside the numbers against Atlanta!

9. Detroit Lions (via CAR)*

Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State

TRADE
DET receives: Pick No. 9, Pick No. 93, 2024 1st-round pick
CAR receives: Pick No. 6

The Lions’ offense was not an issue in 2022, it was the defensive side of the ball. Jeff Okudah returned from an ACL injury and played good football. He did not have much assistance on the opposite side of the field. Joey Porter Jr. has the physical tools and traits that you cannot teach. Porter Jr. and Okudah would be a nice tandem to build around in that defensive secondary.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)

Devon Witherspoon CB, Illinois

The Eagles proved they can score with any team in the league, even a Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs unit. That said, losing James Bradberry will be a sizeable void to fill. Devon Witherspoon brings physicality, toughness, and versatility to this secondary. His tape is outstanding and he fits the tough/gritty city that is Philadelphia.

11. Tennessee Titans

Broderick Jones OT, Georgia

Taylor Lewan’s time as the Titans’ blind side protector has come to an end. Whoever is their quarterback this season will need a new bodyguard. Broderick Jones has a championship pedigree. Jones has the athleticism, strength, and nastiness to fit Mike Vrabel’s offense. Jones is a high-upside player with much more room to grow.

12. Houston Texans (via CLE)

Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson

Head coach DeMeco Ryans inherited a roster with holes galore. I expect him to build a team that can pressure the quarterback at will. Myles Murphy is an edge defender that can assist in this pursuit. Murphy plays with a hot motor and tools to win off the edge. Ryans can help take his game to another level.

13. New York Jets

Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State

The Jets were a cinderella story for a good portion of the season. Yes, the quarterback is a HUGE issue, but the offensive line needs retooling. Mekhi Becton must stay healthy, but that has yet to be seen. Paris Johnson Jr. is a position-fluid prospect. His athletic gifts translate well to the NFL. If Becton emerges with a full bill of health, Johnson Jr. can kick to the right side to get the best five OL on the field.

14. New England Patriots

Quentin Johnston WR, TCU

It does not matter if Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe is under center for the Patriots, this team does not have a high-end QB. That said, giving one of them high-end talent at the wide receiver position will help. Quentin Johnston has the height, weight, and speed to be a dangerous X-receiver. He would see plenty of solo coverage due to the run-heavy offense the Patriots pride themselves on.

15. Green Bay Packers

Brian Branch SAF, Alabama

Adrian Amos has a contract set to void this offseason. This puts a star next to the safety position as a need. Brian Branch sits at the top of the safety rankings. He is uber-versatile and fits the hybrid nickel/safety mold. He’s an instinctive player that can impact run or passing downs.

16. Washington Commanders

Dawand Jones OT, Ohio State

Eric Bieniemy is a former running back and I expect there to be a heavy emphasis on running the football and dominating the trenches—especially with an inexperienced starting QB in Sam Howell. Dawand Jones is a massive human being with nimble feet to move and mirror rushers. Building a stout offensive line is a great step in the right direction.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Peter Skoronski OT, Northwestern

Mike Tomlin spent a nice chunk of time with the OL/DL in Mobile. This emphasizes the need in the trenches for the Steelers. Peter Skoronski is a safe offensive line prospect that gets the job done at a high level. He does not have the ideal measurables or athleticism but he is sound. He will more than likely be kicked inside at guard, but this helps Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris going forward.

18. Detroit Lions

Lukas Van Ness EDGE, Iowa

The pursuit of creating a more talented defensive unit for DC Aaron Glenn continues. Aidan Hutchinson was a force off the edge as a rookie and I love pairing him with Lukas Van Ness. This gives the Lions two non-stop and relentless edge defenders to collapse the edges around opposing quarterbacks. Lukas Van Ness is raw with his hands, but Hutchinson is a master technician and could be a teacher for his fellow Big Ten rusher.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kelee Ringo CB, Georgia

There is no quarterback in sight worth taking for the Buccaneers in this NFL mock draft. So let’s build up the defense and make this roster as quarterback-ready as possible for the 2024 NFL Draft. Kelee Ringo could step into Jamel Dean’s role on the outside as a rookie with similar usage and body types—both are tall, long-limbed, and have explosive straight-line speed. Ringo can match up with bigger-framed wide receivers in man and operate in zone coverages well. Todd Bowles should love this new addition to his secondary.

20. Seattle Seahawks

Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State

Geno Smith probably gets a team-friendly deal after a career resurgence in 2022. Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf are a great duo but there is a need for a third option in the passing game. Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be a phenomenal addition to this offense. He is a route-running savant that can move around the offense.

21. Miami Dolphins

[Pick forfeited]

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Luke Musgrave TE, Oregon State

TE1 is not Michael Mayer? There is a strong chance of this ends up being the case. Luke Musgrave is the most athletic tight end in class. He has the physical and athletic profile teams look for. Adding Musgrave to the Chargers’ offense would give Justin Herbert another field-stretching weapon to terrorize weapons with.

23. Baltimore Ravens

Jordan Addison WR, USC

If the Ravens and Lamar Jackson find common ground to secure a multi-year deal, the next priority is giving him weapons. Jordan Addison is a good route-runner that finds open spaces in zone coverages. This addition would give the Ravens a nice trio with Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman. They need to build this wide receiver corps regardless of the quarterback.

24. Minnesota Vikings

Deonte Banks CB, Maryland

The Vikings’ defensive secondary was not impressive in 2022. This defense needs to take a step forward heading into 2023 to prevent so many one-score affairs. Deonte Banks has the height, weight, and speed to succeed on the perimeter in the NFL. He has the traits to potentially become the Vikings’ CB1 of the future.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars

Clark Phillips III CB, Utah

Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson are a match made in football heaven. This offense will be even better in 2023. Improving the pass coverage on the other side of the ball can make a sizable difference next season. Clark Phillips III is one of the most opportunistic CBs in this class. He competes at a high level and has the ball skills to make quarterbacks pay for testing him too often.

26. New York Giants

Cam Smith CB, South Carolina

Some believe the Giants overachieved based on the talent on their roster. This offseason is for building a more talented team to battle for the NFC East title. Cam Smith fills one of their biggest needs, cornerback. Smith is a tremendous competitor that is battle-tested playing in the SEC. His twitchy movements and sticky coverage abilities will be coveted when New York covers the receivers in this division.

27. Dallas Cowboys

Zay Flowers WR, Boston College

Dak Prescott cannot carry the Cowboys by himself. He needs more weapons on offense, especially at wide receiver. CeeDee Lamb is a stud but where is the other talent? Zay Flowers is a dynamic receiver that can break plays at any moment. He can create for himself before and after the catch. His YAC ability makes him a great option in the quick passing game. Lamb and Flowers is an upgrade over last year’s receiving corps.

28. Buffalo Bills

Bijan Robinson RB, Texas

The Bills have to get over the hump in the postseason and make it to the Super Bowl at some point, right? One way to speed up this process to be able to play in the elements. This is an outdoor team but plays like a dome team on offense—there is no real threat to run the football. Bijan Robinson is the best RB prospect since Saquon Barkley. Robinson on the field with Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs is something I would love to see.

29. Cincinnati Bengals

Anton Harrison OT, Oklahoma

Jonah Williams has been up and down in his career. The Bengals HAVE to find a way to shore up protection in front of Joe Burrow. Anton Harrison has the athletic movement skills and play strength to make an impact early in his career. Harrison would be an answer for the long-term LT situation, allowing Williams to walk after his contract expires.

30. New Orleans Saints (via DEN)

Bryan Bresee IDL, Clemson

The Saints continue to take swings on the defensive line with this pick. Bryan Bresee has been hampered by injuries and other situations during his stint at Clemson. Bresee is physically gifted to rush from multiple alignments. He defends the run well and can collapse the pocket as a single-gap penetration-style rusher.

31. Philadelphia Eagles

Josh Downs WR, North Carolina

The Eagles’ offense is one of the best in the league right now. The one area they can improve is the WR3 or slot position. Quez Watkins is a solid WR4/deep threat but not a reliable or consistent weapon. Josh Downs slides in the slot with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith flanking on each side. Downs is an outstanding route-runner with knowledge of leveraging and pacing. This would make Philadelphia’s offense as potent as any in the league.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame

This pick screams “only in an NFL mock draft.” But it fits, right? Let’s be honest, if Michael Mayer falls to the Chiefs, do we believe Andy Reid will pass on him? I do not. Picture Travis Kelce and Michael Mayer in 12-personnel packages. Mahomes is gearing up to terrorize defenses yet again.

NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

33. Pittsburgh Steelers (via CHI)

Emmanuel Forbes CB, Mississippi State

Cornerback has been a concern for the Steelers recently. Emmanuel Forbes can be a playmaker and competitive cornerback for Mike Tomlin’s defense.

34. Houston Texans

John Michael Schmitz IOL, Minnesota

Give Bryce Young a real-deal center prospect to quarterback the offensive line and keep him upright!

35. Arizona Cardinals

Julius Brents CB, Kansas State

Does a new regime mean better selections? It’s time to stop avoiding CB early in the draft. Julius Brents can be CB1 for Jonathan Gannon’s defense.

36. Chicago Bears (via IND)*

Rashee Rice WR, SMU

TRADE
CHI receives: Pick No. 4, Pick No. 36, 2024 1st-round pick
IND receives: Pick No. 1

Justin Fields needs as many weapons as possible. Rashee Rice gives him another trustworthy option to target.

37. Los Angeles Rams

Derick Hall EDGE, Auburn

The Rams need to improve the edges of their defense. Derick Hall is a high-end run defender with a developmental pass-rushing tool set.

38. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Cody Mauch IOL, North Dakota State

The Seahawks’ interior offensive line could use improvement. Cody Mauch can fill multiple voids on the front lines.

39. Las Vegas Raiders

O’Cyrus Torrence IOL, Florida

The Raiders were a physical running team all of 2022. Even without Josh Jacobs (possibly), O’Cyrus Torrence will add power and physicality to the offensive line to continue their success.

40. Carolina Panthers

Dalton Kincaid TE, Utah

Maximize Will Levis by adding as many weapons as possible. Dalton Kincaid fills a need at the TE position.

41. New Orleans Saints

Hendon Hooker QB, Tennessee

Hendon Hooker could be stashed in 2023 and take the starting job in 2024.

42. Tennessee Titans

Jalin Hyatt WR, Tennessee

Treylon Burks needs some help in the receiving room. Jalin Hyatt is a speed demon that would pair well with Burks.

43. Cleveland Browns

Keeanu Benton NT, Wisconsin

The Browns need some power on the interior defensive line. Keeanu Benton adds this with his plus run defense.

44. New York Jets

Christopher Smith SAF, Georgia

Robert Saleh loves instinctive defensive backs with versatility. Christopher Smith can play safety or in the nickel. He’s a turnover creator to add to this outstanding secondary.

45. Atlanta Falcons

Nolan Smith EDGE, Georgia

The Falcons need to improve their defensive front and edge presence. Nolan Smith is an outstanding run defender and explosive/toolsy pass rusher.

46. Green Bay Packers

Isaiah Foskey EDGE, Notre Dame

Isaiah Foskey has the arm length and play strength you want to help the run defense and pressure the quarterback.

47. New England Patriots

Matthew Bergeron OT, Syracuse

Trent Brown can play right tackle if necessary. Matthew Bergeron allows the Patriots to have a nice starting tackle duo.

48. Washington Commanders

Kyu Blu Kelly CB, Stanford

Ron Rivera’s secondary needs a potential CB1 for the foreseeable future. Kyu Blu Kelly is a talented and scheme-versatile CB with NFL in his genes.

49. Detroit Lions

Darnell Washington TE, Georgia

Darnell Washington blocks like a sixth offensive lineman that can run the seam and deep overs off play-action. Have fun, Detroit.

50. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kayshon Boutte WR, LSU

I trust Tomlin to bring stability to Kayshon Boutte. Adding him in this NFL mock draft gives the Steelers a well-rounded receiver corps.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jordan Battle SAF, Alabama

Jordan Battle is a good player that has versatility. He can align at free or strong safety for Todd Bowles.

52. Miami Dolphins

Tucker Kraft TE, South Dakota State

The Dolphins will be losing Mike Gesicki and Tucker Kraft can step into his position seamlessly. He’s an athletic pass-catcher in space for Tua Tagovailoa to enjoy targeting.

53. Seattle Seahawks

Siaki Ika NT, Baylor

Stopping the run is a priority for the Seahawks’ defense. Siaki Ika can line up as a 0, 1, and 3-tech versus the run and occupy gaps.

54. Chicago Bears (via BAL)

Colby Wooden DL, Auburn

The Bears need to generate pressure from the interior and stop the run. Colby Wooden is skilled to handle both duties.

55. Los Angeles Chargers

Mazi Smith IDL, Michigan

The Chargers still struggled to stop the run this season. Mazi Smith specializes in closing interior running lanes, forcing the ball carrier to alter his path and find a detour.

56. Detroit Lions (via MIN)

Jack Campbell LB, Iowa

Linebacker is a need for this Lions’ defensive unit. Jack Campbell embodies the tough and physical style of play set by head coach Dan Campbell.

57. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaelyn Duncan OT, Maryland

If Jawann Taylor is not retained, the right tackle spot immediately becomes a priority. Jaelyn Duncan has the athletic tools to switch to RT and develop into a starter.

58. New York Giants

Joe Tippmann OC, Wisconsin

Joe Tippman gives the Giants’ offensive line a big, physical, and tough interior OL. He plays center, but I believe he can also play guard.

59. Dallas Cowboys

DJ Turner CB, Michigan

Trevon Diggs needs a real running mate on the opposite side of the defense. DJ Turner is a smooth cover corner with great athleticism.

60. Buffalo Bills

Sydney Brown SAF, Illinois

Jordan Poyer is set to hit the open market, leaving a void in the Bills’ secondary. Sydney Brown can be developed into the versatile role Poyer held.

61. Cincinnati Bengals

Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson CB, TCU

Eli Apple is not a long-term option in Cincinnati. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson would give them three tough and versatile corners with Cam Taylor-Britt and Chidobe Awuzie.

62. Carolina Panthers (via SF)

Will McDonald IV EDGE, Iowa State

The Panthers will be running a 3-4 defense and must find someone to pair with Brian Burns on the edge. Will McDonald IV is a twitchy mover that fits this mold.

63. Philadelphia Eagles

Jahmyr Gibbs RB, Alabama

Letting Miles Sanders walk in free agency sounds like a team-friendly idea. Jahmyr Gibbs is a dangerous and explosive dual-threat running back. He could elevate Jalen Hurts’ game even more.

64. Kansas City Chiefs

Keion White EDGE, Georgia Tech

The Chiefs continue to build up their defensive line for the future in this NFL mock draft. Keion White is an uber-athlete with inside/out versatility on the defensive line.

 

What did you think of the sixth edition of Damian Parson’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.