2023 NFL Mock Draft: Who’s QB1 Right Now?

For some NFL fans, it’s playoff time. For others, it’s DRAFT SEASON, and more specifically, NFL MOCK DRAFT SEASON.

This draft is filled with talented players that, in the right spot, can immediately help a team. I went through and made the player selections that I feel best help each team immediately. Check out my latest NFL mock draft and let me know how you feel about the picks.

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Sanchez 5.0

1. Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI)*

Bryce Young QB, Alabama

via TRADE

The split between Derek Carr and the Raiders is now official, and the Raiders must go and find their guy. The Raiders are a team that I would consider to be ready for a rookie QB, having the weapons on the outside and the run game to support him. I believe the Raiders, in true Raider fashion, make a splash move by moving to the No. 1 pick and selecting Bryce Young. Josh McDaniels is familiar with Alabama QBs from his time spent with Mac Jones, and Alabama OC Bill O’Brien has coached with McDaniels before so there will be trust in Young’s capabilities as a player.

2. Carolina Panthers (via HOU)*

Will Levis QB, Kentucky

via TRADE

This has long been rumored to happen, and I believe the Panthers get it done. The Panthers don’t feel comfortable sitting at the No. 9 spot and seeing if their guy falls to them so they make a trade with the Texans and secure the No.2 pick to draft Will Levis.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Broderick Jones OT, Georgia

Kliff Kingsbury and Steve Keim are gone. I figure the Cardinals will have a new draft philosophy and instead of simply drafting a skilled position player, they decide to get better in the trenches. Kyler Murray is coming off of an ACL injury and is going to need some protection. Broderick Jones has protypical build and size and would be an immediate upgrade for the Cardinals along the offensive line.

4. Indianapolis Colts

Peter Skoronski OT, Northwestern

As a franchise, the Colts only know about drafting generational talents at QB—i.e. Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck. And while they could select a passer here in this NFL mock draft, I believe they decide to wait another year and decide to rebuild this roster. Peter Skoronski has the ability to play tackle or guard and step right in to be a key piece of an offensive line that needs to be rebuilt.

5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia

Before the season, everyone assumed the Seahawks would have had to use their highest pick to select a QB. But Geno Smith has been able to elevate his level of play and stabilize the QB situation. This gives the Seahawks the luxury of being able to select the best player available. Here, it just so happens to be a need. Jalen Carter is a physically-dominant IDL that has the opportunity to step right in and immediately upgrade a position that needs improvement.

6. Detroit Lions (via LAR)

Will Anderson Jr. EDGE, Alabama

The Lions as an entire organization has made huge strides in the right direction, and they were essentially one game away from making the playoffs. This change happened with the Lions overturning this roster with players who are talented, high character, and have a genuine passion for the game of football. Will Anderson Jr. embodies all of those characteristics. This is a no-brainer pick, as they didn’t think Anderson Jr. would be available at this spot.

7. Chicago Bears (via LV)*

Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State

via TRADE

While there was much speculation over the Bears trading Justin Fields and drafting Bryce Young, they made the decision to trade down in this NFL mock draft and accumulate more picks. In this spot, they opt to improve the offensive line and select Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr. Johnson Jr. has played both LT and RT at Ohio State, so he is a plug-and-play player. Fields has showcased that he is an electric runner of the football, but if he is going to improve as a passer, he is going to need some protection in the pocket.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Bijan Robinson RB, Texas

Arthur Smith and the Falcons started the year off hot and were one of the surprise teams of the NFL. But they slowly reverted back to what many people thought the Falcons were, and that is a roster that is lacking elite talent. Smith likes to run the football, and while Tyler Allgeier has a hell of a season, every year there are only a few blue-chip prospects and Bijan Robinson is one of them. GM Terry Fontenot has shown that he wants blue-chippers from the time he selected Kyle Pitts when they had other positional needs. Robinson as the bell-cow back for a run-heavy offense is a perfect combination.

9. Houston Texans (via CAR)*

C.J. Stroud QB, Ohio State

via TRADE

The Texans have already traded down to pick up more draft capital to continue to overhaul this roster. But with this pick, they are still able to take a swing at drafting a franchise quarterback as C.J. stroud is still on the board. Stroud put on an all-time performance against Georgia, showcasing the ability to be a flat-out playmaker at the QB position. The Texans need a QB that can overcome some difficult playing conditions and make plays. Stroud has that skill set.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)

Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson

The Eagles have one of the best rosters in the NFL and yet are still picking in the top 10 with the opportunity to improve that roster. Offensively, I think the Eagles are set for the future, but defensively they could use some improvements. The Eagles selecting Myles Murphy allows them to add youth and fill a personal need that could turn into a real strong point of this team in the years to come.

11. Tennessee Titans

Andrew Vorhees IOL, USC

This seemed to happen quick. The Titans went from one of the most physically-dominant teams in the NFL to a team that struggled to have an identity offensively down the stretch—which led to some embarrassing losses. With Mike Vrabel giving more input on personnel decisions, I think the Titans make a decision to get back to the formula that helped them and that is dominating in the trenches. Selecting Andrew Vorhees with this pick is not the splash pick, but it will pay huge dividends next year when he is opening running lanes for Derrick Henry.

12. Houston Texans (via CLE)

Bryan Bresee IDL, Clemson

With their first pick in this NFL mock draft, the Texans took their offensive leader for the future. And with this pick, I believe they go after their defensive leader of the future, Bryan Breese. Breese is an athletic interior defensive lineman that has physically-dominant traits. The Texans roster needs young, talented players who are high-character guys and Breese is exactly that.

13. New York Jets (via LV)

Brian Branch SAF, Alabama

J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS! Why are able to go defense here? Because we project for this NFL mock draft that they secured their guy, Derek Carr, in the offseason. Brian Branch is a versatile defensive back who, when paired with Sauce Gardner, gives the Jets a young, talented secondary that should improve on a good showing last year.

14. New England Patriots

Derick Hall EDGE, Auburn

As long as Bill Belichick is the head coach of the Patriots, New England is going to be able to play sound defense. As of now, the Patriots have one of the league’s best edge rushers in Matthew Judon, but he needs a running mate. Derick Hall fits the Patriots’ mold, as he is physical against the run and is a versatile player. This gives the Patriots a dynamic one-two punch and allows Josh Uche to be a designated pass rusher.

15. Green Bay Packers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State

After their plan of never selecting a receiver in the first round has blown up in their face, I believe the Packers finally select one and it’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba missed most of the year with an injury but his talent is undeniable. I believe that Smith-Njigba is a great complement to Christian Watson, as Smith-Njigba works great in the slot and Watson can be the vertical-stretch player.

16. Washington Commanders

Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon

The Commanders have one of the most talented defensive lines in the NFL, as they have spent a lot of capital on that position group over the years. But the lack of attention to the defensive backs has shown itself over the years. To become a more balanced defense, the Commanders draft cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Gonzalez is arguably the most physically-gifted corner in the class and should be able to match up with the receivers in the NFC East from an athletic perspective.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State

After looking like the Steelers were going to be selecting in the top five earlier in the year, they were able to turn things around and Steelers Nation is optimistic about the future. Their youth resides on the offense side of the football with Kenny Pickett, Najee Harris, and George Pickens, but I think they need to get younger defensively. Drafting Joey Porter Jr. addresses a position of need, but also adds a player that already understands what it means to be a Steeler.

18. Detroit Lions

Devon Witherspoon CB, Illinois

The Lions double-down on defense. With their earlier pick in this NFL mock draft, they drafted EDGE Will Anderson Jr. Now, they go after another premium position and draft cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Witherspoon is fast, physical, can play man, and is another player that fits the culture of the Lions.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Lukas Van Ness EDGE, Iowa

This Buccaneers roster has become old fast. And with the rumors of Tom Brady looking for a new team, I believe Tampa Bay needs to get back to the basics and start to rebuild its roster through the trenches. Lukas Van Ness is a late riser, but he is rising quickly. The Buccaneers draft him to help bolster a defensive line that has struggled against the run and needs to be more consistent rushing the passer too.

20. Seattle Seahawks

Anthony Richardson QB, Florida

If there is any head coach in the NFL that can identify physical tools in a quarterback and develop them to be their best it is Pete Carroll—he did it with Russell Wilson and Geno Smith. The Seahawks have a temporary answer at the QB position but they need a long-term answer. Drafting Anthony Richardson with this pick gives the Seahawks an opportunity to find that long-term cornerstone.

21. Miami Dolphins

[Pick forfeited]

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame

The Chargers add another playmaker. They have their guys who work the outside, but they need a player that can dominate the middle of the field. Michael Mayer won’t have crazy testing numbers, but he will prove to be a player that simply knows how to get open and be a complementary piece to Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.

23. Baltimore Ravens

Isaiah Foskey EDGE, Notre Dame

The Ravens were a wild-card team because of the Lamar Jackson situation, but I ultimately believe that they end up working things out. So with that being the case, the Ravens stick to their narrative as a franchise of drafting the best players available and select Isaiah Foskey. Foskey is a versatile second-level defender that can provide some pass-rush ability and affect the quarterback.

24. Minnesota Vikings

Jordan Addison WR, USC

We all know that Justin Jefferson is one of the best receivers in the NFL, but in order for this Vikings offense to operate at their best, they need someone else who is a threat to take over a game. Jordan Addison is exactly that type of player. Addison has positional versatility with the ability to line up in the slot and on the outside and would be a nightmare to gameplan for with Jefferson. Addison falling to the Vikings in this NFL mock draft is the perfect match.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars

Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech

The Jaguars made the playoffs in year one of Doug Pederson being the head coach, but the goal for Pederson and Trevor Lawrence is the Super Bowl. To win a Super Bowl, Jacksonville is going to have to continue to build this roster to rival the rosters in the AFC such as the Chiefs and the Bills. With this pick, they continue to add defensive pieces. Tyree Wilson is a physical interior defensive lineman that should play well with Travon Walker and Josh Allen in this defensive front.

26. New York Giants

Quentin Johnston WR, TCU

Brian Daboll has done of the best coaching jobs we’ve seen in a long time, bringing a depleted roster to the playoffs in just his first year. Daboll has gotten the best out of Daniel Jones, but the truth is this Giants offense lacks any playmakers at the receiver position. To truly see what Jones’ ceiling can be, I believe the Giants add a playmaker in Quentin Johnston. Johnston is an explosive vertical playmaker that should give Jones a big target to throw to and make things easier for him in the passing game.

27. Dallas Cowboys

Kelee Ringo CB, Georgia

The Cowboys’ defense has cooled off a lot since the middle of the season and it appears that teams have figured out to just throw the ball opposite of Trevon Diggs. The Cowboys address this problem by drafting one of the most physically impressive players in this draft, Kelee Ringo. Ringo has some of the same issues as Diggs coming out of college, but the system that Dan Quinn runs has shown to be able to mask those flaws and highlight the best of what Diggs does and should do the same for Ringo.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Cam Smith CB, South Carolina

The Bengals’ weak point appears to be their cornerback room. The Bengals address this need and select CB Cam Smith. Smith is a tough, gritty player who should step right in and become a key contributor to this defense.

29. Denver Broncos (via SF)

John Michael Schmitz IOL, Minnesota

No matter who the head coach is, the Broncos need to get better along the offensive line. John Michael Schmitz is a powerful interior offensive lineman that should provide an immediate upgrade to a position group that struggled for most of 2022.

30. Buffalo Bills

Christopher Smith SAF, Georgia

The Bills’ safety room is going to look much different if they can’t figure out some contract situations. So to fill one of those potential holes, the Bills draft do-it-all Georgia defensive back Christopher Smith. Smith played safety for the Bulldogs but also has experience playing corner, which could give the Bills a dynamic piece on the back end of their defense. Kaiir Elam and Smith are two foundational building blocks for this defense moving forward.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Jahmyr Gibbs RB, Alabama

The Chiefs do what the Chiefs do: find a way to get their hands on a unique offensive weapon and utilize him to the best of his abilities. Jahmyr Gibbs is a running back that has electric speed. But what makes Gibbs special is that he has shown to be a great receiver also. Gibbs should be considered an offensive weapon, as he could line up in the backfield, the slot, or run routes as a true receiver and be effective in all phases. This gives the Chiefs yet another weapon that defenses are going to have to gameplan for.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Jordan Battle SAF, Alabama

If there is one weak point of this loaded roster it’s safety. The Eagles selecting Jordan Battle with this pick gives them a long, physical safety that is versatile in alignment and knows how to make plays. Battle falling to this pick will prove to be a true value pick for years to come.

NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

33. Pittsburgh Steelers (via CHI)

Anton Harrison OT, Oklahoma

The Steelers’ offensive line issues have been well-documented over the last year. For Kenny Pickett to take the next step in his progression, he is going to need protection.

34. Houston Texans

Matthew Bergeron OT, Syracuse

The Texans drafted their new franchise QB in the first round of this NFL mock draft, C.J. Stroud. With this pick, they decide to bolster the offensive line.

35. Arizona Cardinals

Colby Wooden IDL, Auburn

The Cardinals’ new philosophy will be about solidifying the trenches. In the first round, they went offensive line. With this pick, they draft a defensive lineman.

36. Indianapolis Colts

Josh Downs WR, North Carolina

The Colts have young talented wide receivers, but they are similar in play style. Josh Downs is an explosive receiver that would make a great addition to this Colts receiver room that hasn’t been there since the prime days of T.Y. Hilton.

37. Los Angeles Rams

Deonte Banks CB, Maryland

The Rams have a lot of team needs and minimal draft picks, so they decide to go after a premium position and draft a corner to pair with Jalen Ramsey.

38. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Kayshon Boutte WR, LSU

The Seahawks surprised everybody this year with their ability to make the playoffs, but I believe they can use another addition to the receiver room in Kayshon Boutte to give them a trio of playmaking receivers.

39. Chicago Bears (via LV)

Rashee Rice WR, SMU

via TRADE

The Bears double down on the offensive side of the ball and decided to draft Justin Fields a playmaker at receiver in Rashee Rice.

40. Houston Texans (via CAR)

Joe Tippmann OC, Wisconsin

via TRADE

The Texans make a statement that they will be able to protect their quarterback and run the football and select their second offensive lineman of the second round.

41. New Orleans Saints

Nolan Smith EDGE, Georgia

The Saints have taken a couple of swings at addressing the edge position in the past and have received mixed results from their draft selections. With this pick, I think they take another swing at it and draft Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith.

42. Tennessee Titans

BJ Ojulari EDGE, LSU

BJ Ojulari is an athletic edge rusher whose specialty is getting after the quarterback, something that is much needed for the Titans in a high-powered AFC.

43. Cleveland Browns

Keeanu Benton IDL, Wisconsin

The Browns have one issue along the defensive line and that’s in the interior. Keeanu Benton is a massive player that can help stop the run.

44. New York Jets

Cody Mauch OL, North Dakota State

Regardless of who is playing quarterback for the Jets next year, New York will need to solidify this offensive line. Drafting a young interior offensive lineman should go long way in helping to improve this position group for the future.

45. Atlanta Falcons

O’Cyrus Torrence IOL, Florida

The Falcons’ identity moving forward appears to be centered around being physical and running the football. O’Cyrus Torrence is the perfect addition as he is a physical, road-grading type of player along the offensive line.

46. Green Bay Packers

Drew Sanders LB/EDGE, Arkansas

The Packers finally addressed the wide receiver position in the first round of this NFL mock draft, so they can get back to their draft philosophy and take another versatile front-seven player who has a tremendous upside as an edge rusher.

47. New England Patriots

Jalin Hyatt WR, Tennessee

The Patriots have shown that they are looking for speed on the outside to pair with Mac Jones, so they take another swing at it with this pick by adding another vertical-stretch style player.

48. Washington Commanders

Trenton Simpson LB, Clemson

The Commanders simply need athletic defenders on the back end of their defense. Trenton Simpson is listed as a linebacker but he can also play a hybrid safety role, helping this defense become more versatile.

49. Detroit Lions

Mazi Smith IDL, Michigan

The Lions add another piece to this defensive line and go with an interior defensive lineman. Mazi Smith is a player with the size and athleticism to become a highly-productive player.

50. Pittsburgh Steelers

Henry To’o To’o LB, Alabama

The Steelers continue to add to their defense and select Alabama LB Henry To’o To’o.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jaelyn Duncan OT, Maryland

The Buccaneers’ offensive issues have been well-documented this year, so they decide to address one of those issues and select an offensive tackle that appears to have the ability to move inside to guard as well.

52. Miami Dolphins

DJ Turner CB, Michigan

It appears that Xavien Howard is past his prime and the Dolphins have to have corners who can keep up with the high-powered offenses in the AFC. DJ Turner is a quick-footed, explosive defensive back that should immediately fill a positional need.

53. Seattle Seahawks

Keion White EDGE, Georgia Tech

The Seahawks address their defensive line and select one of the more versatile defensive linemen in this year’s class, Keion White.

54. Chicago Bears (via BAL)

Dawand Jones OT, Ohio State

The Bears are making it a point of emphasis to immediately upgrade the offensive side of the ball and take another offensive lineman. Dawand Jones is the second Ohio State offensive lineman to go to the Bears in this NFL mock draft.

55. Los Angeles Chargers

Zay Flowers WR, Boston College

The Chargers have a talented WR corps but they always appear to suffer an untimely injury. Let’s add some youth and draft Zay Flowers.

56. Detroit Lions (via MIN)

Tucker Kraft TE, South Dakota State

The Lions’ offense has made huge strides this season and their receivers produced at a high level, But with this pick, they add a young, talented tight end in hopes that he can add another element to this offense.

57. Jacksonville Jaguars

Antonio Johnson SAF, Texas A&M

Offensively, the Jaguars have a well-rounded unit, but there are still elements of this defense that need to be fixed, The Jaguars draft versatile safety Antonio Johnson to help bolster the back end of this secondary.

58. New York Giants

Emmanuel Forbes CB, Mississippi State

The Giants’ front seven is showing to be dominant. But their secondary needs improvement. Emmanuel Forbes is a versatile corner that can be disruptive and should immediately contribute to this cornerback room.

59. Dallas Cowboys

Marvin Mims WR, Oklahoma

The Cowboys’ offense has been mainly about two players: CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard. They need another playmaker. Marvin Mims is a vertical field-stretcher that should add another element to this Cowboys offense, allowing Dak Prescott to take calculated deep shots.

60. Cincinnati Bengals

Zach Harrison EDGE, Ohio State

The Bengals have one of the more balanced rosters in the NFL, so they have the opportunity to take a swing at a player with a high upside at a premium valued position in Zach Harrison. Harrison should add to Cincinnati’s depth, making the Bengals’ pass rush even more dangerous.

61. Carolina Panthers (via SF)

Gervon Dexter Sr. IDL, Florida

Derrick Brown has elevated his play this year, but he definitely needs a running mate on the interior of this defensive line. Gervon Dexter Sr. is another massive player but is more athletic, has more upside as a pass rusher, and should be a great complement to Brown.

62. Buffalo Bills

Tuli Tuipulotu EDGE, USC

The Bills don’t have very many positions of need, and after addressing the safety position in the first round of this NFL mock draft, they decide to go with EDGE. Von Miller injured himself early in the season and they are going to need depth at the EDGE position to keep a consistent pass rush established in the future.

63. Kansas City Chiefs

Kyu Blu Kelly CB, Stanford

The Chiefs have shown that they want to get younger and more talented on the defensive side of the ball. So they draft another talented corner that can play both man or zone and immediately contribute.

64. Philadelphia Eagles

Dylan Horton EDGE, TCU

The Eagles decide to once again go defense. Their defensive line is strong up the middle but could use some youth on the edges. Dylan Horton is a player with a great upside.

 

What did you think of the fifth edition of Keith Sanchez’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.