2023 NFL Mock Draft: Path To The Super Bowl

The 2022-23 NFL season is officially over, which means that we are fully into 2023 NFL Draft season. The Kansas City Chiefs showed just how important the draft is, having multiple rookies make key plays for them throughout the playoffs on their way to the Super Bowl. Check out my latest NFL mock draft to see what playmakers I gave each team that I feel best gives them an opportunity to take the next step to become Super Bowl champions someday.

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Sanchez 6.0

1. Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI)*

Bryce Young QB, Alabama

TRADE

The Raiders kick this NFL mock draft off in true Raiders fashion, trading from the seventh pick to the first pick to select their guy, Bryce Young. It has been proven that Josh McDaniels needs a very specific quarterback to run his system and I think Young is that guy. There are simply too many relationships from Nick Saban and Bill Belichick to Bill O’Brien having coached with McDaniels in the past. I think McDaniels will have enough intel to make the selection and feel comfortable about handing the keys over to Young in Las Vegas.

2. Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud QB, Ohio State

With the hiring of DeMeco Ryans to a long-term deal, it appears that the Texans are finally serious about starting a true rebuild. And that rebuild starts with them drafting a franchise QB. C.J. Stroud has plus-level arm talent and is mobile enough to draw up some designed QB-movement plays. Stroud is the first huge puzzle piece in the Texans’ rebuild in the Ryans era.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia

The Cardinals just hired Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Gannon is coming from an organization that placed importance on the trenches and in particular the interior defensive line. I think Gannon goes with what he is familiar with and decides to draft a player who some believe to be the best defensive prospect in this year’s draft: Georgia IDL Jalen Carter. Carter will bring a physical presence to a defensive unit that has been mediocre for years.

4. Indianapolis Colts

Will Levis QB, Kentucky

The Colts made a move to hire Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen. Steichen was a part of the development of Jalen Hurts, which saw him go from second-round pick to one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. With that being the case, I think Steichen is fully comfortable with drafting a quarterback with physical tools that appears to be elite and that quarterback is Will Levis. Levis is a mobile quarterback with a strong arm, something that’s all too familiar for Shane Steichen

5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Will Anderson Jr. EDGE, Alabama

Many NFL fans were surprised that a team led by Geno Smith and a bunch of rookies was very competitive this season. I believe that the Seahawks continue to add youth and add potentially the best player in this year’s draft, Will Anderson Jr. Pete Carroll appreciates defense and Anderson’s character and play style will fit right in with the kind of culture Pete Carroll is trying to foster.

6. Detroit Lions

Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon

The Lions finished the year as one of the hottest teams in the NFL and have clearly placed themselves in the running for the NFC North crown next year. But they need to fix a defense that was one of the worst units in the NFL. They start to fix that by addressing the back end and drafting Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez may be the best athlete of all the corners in this class and has the ability to play lockdown man-to-man coverage. Gonzalez paired with Jeff Okudah should give the Lions a nice young pair moving forward.

7. Chicago Bears (via LV)*

Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State

TRADE

There have been a lot of rumors swirling that the Bears should trade Justin Fields and draft Bryce Young with the No. 1 pick. But I believe the Bears have faith in Fields’ skill set as a player and opt to instead get better around him. Chicago trades back in this NFL mock draft and decides to help Fields with OL Paris Johnson Jr. Johnson has experience playing multiple positions and should be an immediate plug-and-play starter to help give Fields more protection.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Broderick Jones OT, Georgia

Over the past two years, the Falcons have addressed some key offensive positions, but have yet to address this offensive line. With this pick, I believe the Falcons turn their attention to the offensive line and draft Georgia OT Broderick Jones. Jones may have the best combination of size, power, and movement skills in this draft. And more importantly, he likes to run block—which I’m sure Arthur Smith will appreciate.

9. Carolina Panthers

Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson

Many people believe that the Panthers will go quarterback here, but they are in a position where they have to give up a lot of picks to move up. I think they decide not to do it and add a veteran and wait until the 2024 class. Myles Murphy will complement Brian Burns perfectly and give the Panthers a dynamic one-two punch at the edge position.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)

Bijan Robinson RB, Texas

The Eagles came up just short in the Super bowl and played well offensively. The one part of their game that did not perform as well as they would like is their run game. So with this pick, the Eagles chose to improve that by adding one of the best running backs to enter the draft in years. Robinson is a game-changer and the Eagles embrace the fact that they are simply going to have to be able to outscore any opponent to win the Super Bowl.

11. Tennessee Titans

Peter Skoronski OT, Northwestern

The Titans appear to be in transition as they try to figure out the team’s identity moving forward. I think this leads them to get back to basics and address positions that aren’t going to win the headlines but pay high dividends throughout the season. Peter Skoronski has the versatility to play guard and tackle and should be a plug-and-play starter for a unit that needs to be upgraded.

12. Houston Texans (via CLE)

Quentin Johnston WR, TCU

This is the Texans going all in on developing an offensive identity. They added Stroud with their first pick in this NFL mock draft, and with this pick, they select WR Quentin Johnston. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds with elite-level speed, Johnston has the ability to become a dominant receiver in the NFL. Adding him to the offensive weapons that the Texans already have on the roster makes the future really exciting.

13. New York Jets

Dawand Jones OT, Ohio State

I believe that the Jets are able to acquire Aaron Rodgers via trade. If they do, they know that they have a small window to have an opportunity to win a championship. They need to maximize this by surrounding Rodgers with as much as possible. The Jets appear to be in a good spot at the receiver position, but this offensive line needs to be drastically improved. Dawand Jones is a player that can fill a void at RT.

14. New England Patriots

Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech

The Patriots should choose to surround Mac Jones with more weapons, but I think they stay true to their roots and address this defensive front. Tyree Wilson has a skill set perfect for Bill Belichick’s multiple-front defense. The Patriots have some talent up front, but the way this team is currently constructed, I think their defense is going to have to be one of the best in the NFL for the Patriots to have the opportunity to make a deep playoff run.

15. Green Bay Packers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State

The Packers and Aaron Rodgers need to go separate ways, which means that it is the Jordan Love show. With that being the case, the front office understands that they need to surround Love with as many weapons as possible. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the perfect pairing with the young, explosive vertical threats that the Packers drafted last year.

16. Washington Commanders

Devon Witherspoon CB, Illinois

The Commanders have spent significant draft capital on the front seven over the past couple years and have neglected the back end. It shows. The Commanders’ secondary is clearly the weak point of this defense and needs to be upgraded. Drafting Devon Witherspoon is a step in the right direction and helps improve this secondary.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State

This Steelers’ front seven played up to the Steelers’ standard, but this back end needs a lot of improvement. With this pick, the Steelers make the decision to draft CB Joey Porter Jr. to address this secondary. Porter Jr. is the son of a Steelers legend, so there shouldn’t be much explanation needed on the Steelers’ standard of defense.

18. Detroit Lions

Bryan Bresee IDL, Clemson

It is clear that Dan Campbell has a very specific culture that he is trying to cultivate and Bryan Breese fits that perfectly. Breese is a tough, hard-nosed player that is also extremely talented. The opportunity to draft Breese is a steal for the Lions and also the perfect fit for Campbell and this staff.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Lukas Van Ness EDGE, Iowa

In the post-Tom Brady era, the Buccaneers are looking for a QB—but I believe they address that issue via free agency. In this NFL mock draft, they decide to address a defense that took a significant step back in 2022.

20. Seattle Seahawks

Anthony Richardson QB, Florida

This is a classic Pete Carroll pick, taking the QB with high upside that he feels that he can mold into exactly what he needs. Anthony Richardson may have the best tools of any quarterback in the draft and this skill set would be too intriguing for Carroll to pass up to start transitioning into the future at the quarterback position.

21. Miami Dolphins

[Pick forfeited]

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Luke Musgrave TE, Oregon State

Luke Musgrave’s stock is consistently rising throughout the draft process. Musgrave combined with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams will give Justin Herbert a trio of big targets to deliver the ball to.

23. Baltimore Ravens

Zay Flowers WR, Boston College

The Ravens hired Todd Monken as their new OC, which seems like a move to help Lamar Jackson. The next move that they need to make is to add some help at the wide receiver position. If Rashod Bateman can stay healthy, the Ravens have a talented young duo with him and Flowers to give Jackson an upgrade at the WR position.

24. Minnesota Vikings

John Michael Schmitz IOL, Minnesota

John Michael Schmitz was one of the biggest risers after the Senior Bowl and the Vikings desperately need a versatile interior offensive lineman to upgrade that position. The Vikings need to add an element of toughness to their offense to be able to impose their will running the football. Schmitz should help them do both things.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars

Cam Smith CB, South Carolina

The Jaguars were one of the surprise teams of the 2022 season. With the opportunity to continue to build, I believe that they need to simply continue to add talented players regardless of their position. Cam Smith is a versatile cover that can play man or zone and is very competitive—just the type of player that the Jaguars need to solidify this upward trend as an organization.

26. New York Giants

Kyu Blu Kelly CB, Stanford

The Giants outplayed expectations last year but have to be honest with themselves about the status of this roster. They have to address the many issues on this roster, one of those being the secondary. With this pick, the Giants draft CB Kyu Blu Kelly.

27. Dallas Cowboys

Kelee Ringo CB, Georgia

The Cowboys’ defense took a step forward this year, but there was still one glaring issue: the corner position opposite of Trevon Diggs. This position was consistently thrown at by opposing offenses. Drafting Keele Ringo with this pick allows for the Cowboys to have two CBs that have height, length, and great ball skills that should help make this one of the best defenses in the NFL.

28. Buffalo Bills

Brian Branch SAF, Alabama

The Bills have some potential key departures on the defensive side of the ball this year and one of them is more than likely to be safety. The safety position for the Bills’ defense is such an important position so it’s important that replace talent with talent. That’s why I believe they draft SAF Brian Branch.

29. Cincinnati Bengals

Jahmyr Gibbs RB, Alabama

It’s safe to say that the Bengals have a team that will be AFC contenders for the next decade. But there is clearly another level that they have to reach to consistently knock off the Chiefs. I believe the Bengals make the decision to add more offensive firepower and draft Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs. Drafting Gibbs does not mean moving on from Joe Mixon because Gibbs has such a versatile skill set that he can play on the field with Mixon and be used as a receiver out of the backfield.

30. New Orleans Saints (via DEN)

Derick Hall EDGE, Auburn

The Saints have been trying to find the next edge rusher to pass the torch to as Cameron Jordan is getting older. They take one more swing at it and select Derick Hall. Hall has a lot of potential as an edge rusher and a veteran like Jordan could help Hall refine his tools to reach his max potential as a player.

31. Philadelphia Eagles

Calijah Kancey IDL, Pitt

The Eagles have made it clear to the NFL that they value the defensive line position. This philosophy has proven to work as they had one of the best defensive lines in the NFL and made it to the Super Bowl. Last year they drafted one of the biggest defensive linemen in the draft Jordan Davis and this year, I think they draft Calijah Kancey. Kancey is an undersized defensive lineman, but he makes up for it in explosiveness and will have a true impact along the defensive front. Kancey has non-traditional size but I believe he will have a big impact for the Eagles.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Anton Harrison OT, Oklahoma

One of the biggest offseason decisions that the Super Bowl champs are going to have to make is in regard to Orlando Brown Jr. I believe they make the decision to part ways and save money on the cap. This means that they need to address the issue via the draft. In this NFL mock draft, they take Anton Harrison, a player who is a plus athlete and has the upside to step right in and fill that vacancy.

NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

33. Pittsburgh Steelers (via CHI)

Matthew Bergeron OT, Syracuse

The Steelers’ offensive line has been an issue for a few years now and if they want Kenny Pickett to continue to develop, they need to finally upgrade this offensive line.

34. Houston Texans

O’Cyrus Torrence IOL, Florida

The Texans drafted their QB of the future in the first round of this NFL mock draft. Now, they decide to upgrade the projection on the right side of this offensive line and draft one of the best interior offensive linemen in the class.

35. Arizona Cardinals

Deonte Banks CB, Maryland

The Cardinals continue to add defensive talent to become a more balanced team. Deonte Banks has the skills to become an immediate starter in a secondary that has struggled for many years.

36. Indianapolis Colts

Jordan Addison WR, USC

The Colts have a receiver corps that consists of big-bodied receivers, but they need versatility. With this pick, they land Jordan Addison, a quick receiver who can play in the slot and dominate.

37. Los Angeles Rams

Cody Mauch IOL, North Dakota State

The Rams’ offensive line is a big reason why Matthew Stafford missed most of last year. If they want to have a chance at making the playoffs next year, it starts with protecting Stafford.

38. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Joe Tippmann OC, Wisconsin

The Seahawks are rebuilding the right way. Here, they add another young offensive lineman who can help establish the run for the Seahawks.

39. Chicago Bears (via LV)*

Keion White EDGE, Georgia Tech

TRADE

The Bears decide to add to their defense with this pick. Keion White can play on the edge and on the interior. He is a plus-level young player who has tremendous upside.

40. Carolina Panthers

Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame

The Panthers add one of the most productive college players in this draft. Michael Mayer has a great feel for the game and will be a security blanket for whoever is at quarterback for the Panthers next year.

41. New Orleans Saints

Xavier Hutchinson WR, Iowa State

The Saints struck gold last year with Chris Olave but it appears they need another weapon on the outside. So with this pick, they select Xavier Hutchinson, a big-bodied receiver that’s a great complement to Olave.

42. Tennessee Titans

Jalin Hyatt WR, Tennessee

The Titans’ receiving corps took a hit with the loss of A.J. Brown and it showed this past year. It appears that they’re going to need more help than Treylon Burks, so they go with speed here and draft Jalin Hyatt.

43. Cleveland Browns

Keeanu Benton NT, Wisconsin

The Browns have one of the more well-rounded rosters, but the interior defensive line seems to be their biggest hole. They attempt to address that issue by drafting Keeanu Benton.

44. New York Jets

Julius Brents CB, Kansas State

The Jets can’t help themselves when they see Julius Brents on the board, another long corner who plays with intensity. Brents is a perfect fit for this scheme and he and Sauce Gardner would be a dynamic one-two punch.

45. Atlanta Falcons

Emmanuel Forbes CB, Mississippi State

The Falcons’ defense needs help on all levels. With this pick, they go after Emmanuel Forbes who has proven to be a ballhawk and should pair nicely with A.J. Terrell.

46. Green Bay Packers

Nolan Smith EDGE, Georgia

The Packers’ pass rush suffered once Rashan Gary was injured last year. They add a young edge rusher in Nolan Smith who can complement Gary.

47. New England Patriots

Drew Sanders LB, Arkansas

Drew Sanders is a versatile inside linebacker who can also line up on the line of scrimmage and rush the passer. This seems like a perfect fit player for the Bill Belichick defense.

48. Washington Commanders

Tucker Kraft TE, South Dakota State

The Commanders made the move to hire Eric Bieniemy as OC, and Bieniemy understands the importance of having an athletic TE that can win matchups in the middle of the field.

49. Detroit Lions

Henry To’o To’o LB, Alabama

Henry To’o To’o is one of the most instinctive players in this draft and the Lions need help at the LB position. To’o To’o is an instant plug-and-play type of player.

50. Pittsburgh Steelers

Cedric Tillman WR, Tennessee

The Steelers appear to be on the verge of having a good young corps to move into their next era of football, but this offense still needs offensive weapons. I believe that Cedric Tillman is a great piece to add in with George Pickens and Diontae Johnson.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Hendon Hooker QB, Tennessee

The Buccaneers take a chance on finding their quarterback of the future. Hendon Hooker has tools that can be developed, and if the Buccaneers can figure things out with Hooker, they can continue to be a relevant team in the NFC in the future.

52. Miami Dolphins

Darnell Washington TE, Georgia

The Dolphins may have the fastest receiving corps in the NFL and now they add one of the biggest receiving weapons at the tight end position. Darnell Washington should be able to dominate underneath as Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill stretch defenses vertically.

53. Seattle Seahawks

Siaki Ika NT, Baylor

The Seahawks’ run defense has struggled over the past few years and they need to fix it. Siaki Ika is a first and second-down run-stuffer who has the ability to dominate.

54. Chicago Bears (via BAL)

Josh Downs WR, North Carolina

The Bears continue to add pieces to this offense and select Josh Downs, a player who can be dynamic working the slot and can develop to being a reliable target for Justin Fields.

55. Los Angeles Chargers

Daiyan Henley LB, Washington State

The Chargers have been trying to figure out the linebacker position for years now. They take another swing by drafting Daiyan Henley, a sideline-to-sideline player that can make game-changing plays.

56. Detroit Lions (via MIN)

Dalton Kincaid TE, Utah

The Lions have a good young receiving corps but they traded away T.J. Hockenson last year. With this pick, I believe they add another tight end to give Jared Goff another target to utilize this upcoming season.

57. Jacksonville Jaguars

Mazi Smith IDL, Michigan

The Jaguars’ young defense started to play better down the stretch of last year, but this run defense still needs help. Adding Mazi Smith would give the Jaguars another young player that they can develop into a core piece of a productive defensive line.

58. New York Giants

Rashee Rice WR, SMU

The Giants’ receiving corps needs help in a big way. Rashee Rice is the playmaker that can immediately improve one of the worst receiving units in the NFL.

59. Dallas Cowboys

Kayshon Boutte WR, LSU

The Cowboys need a running mate opposite of CeeDee Lamb. They go after one of the best athletes in this class in Kayshon Boutte. He can stretch defenses vertically while Lamb works the underneath routes.

60. Buffalo Bills

Byron Young IDL, Alabama

Byron Young fits the profile of a traditional Alabama defensive lineman in that he is a textbook player against the run—something that the Bills will need, especially in the playoffs.

61. Cincinnati Bengals

Jordan Battle SAF, Alabama

The Bengals appear to be losing a couple pieces for the secondary, so drafting young talent is a must. Jordan Battle is a versatile back-end defender that can come in and help immediately.

62. Carolina Panthers (via SF)

Clark Phillips III CB, Utah

This Panthers roster needs help at the cornerback position. Clark Phillips III has outside and slot versatility and just simply makes plays.

63. Philadelphia Eagles

Christopher Smith SAF, Georgia

Outside of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, a pending free agent, this safety room has lots of room for improvement. Christopher Smith can play safety and can walk down to play the slot. I believe he gives the Eagles more versatility on the back end to do some creative things matchup-wise.

64. Kansas City Chiefs

DJ Turner CB, Michigan

The Chiefs won the Super Bowl with three rookies taking significant snaps on the back end, so they aren’t afraid of drafting and playing rookies. They can draft DJ Turner with this pick and throw him right in to compete and be an important piece to their back-to-back Super Bowl run.

 

What did you think of the sixth 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.