2023 NFL Mock Draft: A New Era At Quarterback

It’s that time, ladies and gentlemen. My latest NFL mock draft is out and this is the best one yet, if I do say so myself. With teams officially being eliminated from playoff contention, it is now the unofficial start of NFL mock draft season as fan bases look forward to the 2023 NFL Draft in hopes of landing a franchise-changing player.

This is a fascinating class. I don’t think this class is close to the level of the 2021 class or even last year’s but there is value to be had. Some of the players you see here are new names and some are names you’ve seen since my first version back in September. There’s still plenty of time for players to raise their stock, but here is how I see the first round happening as I sit here this week. Let me know your thoughts on your team’s pick by reaching me on Twitter: @Brentley12.

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Brentley Weissman 4.0

1. Houston Texans

Bryce Young QB, Alabama

The Texans need to find a quarterback of the future and the best option is none other than Alabama’s Bryce Young. While Young is undersized, he possesses rare accuracy, instincts, and playmaking ability that should all translate very well to the next level. Furthermore, Young is a proven winner and his intangibles are top-notch, which I think aligns really well with what Houston is currently building.

2. Chicago Bears

Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia

While I would love to give the Bears an offensive playmaker to help Justin Fields, I don’t value any of the top options this high—especially when Jalen Carter is on the board. Carter is a unique talent with the strength and athleticism to dominate the interior of the defensive line.

3. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Will Anderson Jr. EDGE, Alabama

Seattle just lucked into this pick courtesy of the Broncos sucking. John Schneider is coming off a LeBron-level performance with his 2022 draft class after securing multiple cornerstone players at key positions. There is still work to be done on the defensive line, however, and Will Anderson Jr. is the clear choice. Anderson Jr. compares favorably to Khalil Mack when he was coming out and I expect Anderson Jr. to have a similar type of impact early in his career.

4. Detroit Lions (via LAR)

Will Levis QB, Kentucky

The Lions have been very competitive this year and their offense has been clicking on all cylinders primarily due to their strong run game. Jared Goff has played well this year but I do think this offense could be better with a more explosive quarterback. Will Levis has a cannon for an arm, is athletic, and is just scratching the surface to the player he could eventually become. I like the idea of adding Levis to the Lions as they do have a strong nucleus of young talent on offense.

5. Arizona Cardinals

Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State

The loss of Kyler Murray stings and will likely have a multi-year effect on the Cardinals. That said, they can still use this pick to get better when Murray is back in the lineup. Drafting Paris Johnson Jr. makes sense as right tackle Kelvin Beachum is a free agent and Johnson Jr. has experience playing both right and left tackle.

6. Indianapolis Colts

C.J. Stroud QB, Ohio State

Indianapolis simply has to take a swing at quarterback. They can’t torture their fan base with another veteran free-agent flier. C.J. Stroud has a lot to like as a prospect as he is accurate, throws with touch and anticipation, and has good poise in the pocket. While I do think there are other passers with more upside, I do love Stroud’s floor.

7. Atlanta Falcons

Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson

The Falcons’ sack leader is an interior lineman who has just 5.5 sacks (before week 15). That ain’t going to cut it. They need a playmaker off the edge and that’s exactly what they are getting in Myles Murphy. He is an explosive pass rusher who wins with speed and burst off the edge. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Murphy develop into one of the best two or three players from this class.

8. Carolina Panthers

Anthony Richardson QB, Florida

Similar to the Colts, the Panthers have to take a swing for a quarterback in the draft. Anthony Richardson is a bit rough around the edges, but his skill set and upside are off the charts. Richardson is a big-arm quarterback whose accuracy and ball placement have improved with each game he played. While there may be some growing pains in year one and even year two, Richardson could develop into the franchise QB that David Tepper so desperately needs.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)

Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech

Tyree Wilson was born to be an Eagle—and is one in this NFL mock draft. Wilson is a powerful pass rusher who shows very good short-area quickness and burst. He is still getting better with his technique and hands and he will be able to be coached by one of the best defensive line coaches in the NFL, Tracy Rocker.

10. Las Vegas Raiders

Peter Skoronski OT, Northwestern

Las Vegas has been a massive disappointment this year after making the playoffs last year. The team failed to improve their dreadful offensive line last offseason and has felt that mistake all season. Peter Skoronski is a bit of a tweener as he lacks the length to project to tackle and may have to kick inside to guard. All I know is wherever Skoronski plays for the Raiders, he’d immediately be their second-best lineman.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars

Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon

Jacksonville has invested some high draft capital in their defense in recent years and the returns have been mixed. Travon Walker and Devin Lloyd have played well but their secondary needs massive improvement. Christian Gonzalez is my top corner in this upcoming class as he possesses true lock-down potential. A long, athletic corner with outstanding cover instincts, Gonzalez has the ability to take away opposing teams’ No. 1 receivers.

12. Houston Texans (via CLE)

Quentin Johnston WR, TCU

The Texans added their QB earlier this draft and now they give him a new toy. Quentin Johnston is a height-weight-speed receiver who flashes impressive hands and body control down the field. He gives the Texans a big-play threat they desperately need.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers

Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State

Pittsburgh’s secondary has needed a true CB1 for the past decade it feels like, and they finally get one here in this NFL mock draft. What better player than the son of Steelers great Joey Porter Sr to add to this secondary? Joey Porter Jr. has the length and playmaking ability to greatly improve this defense.

14. Green Bay Packers

Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame

Green Bay may have struck gold with their selection of Christian Watson in last year’s draft but the team still needs to add playmakers for Jordan L… Aaron Rodgers? Regardless of who is the QB next year, adding a talent like Michael Mayer makes a ton of sense. He is a very good receiving tight end, but he can also help their run game with his blocking.

15. Seattle Seahawks

Bryan Bresee IDL, Clemson

Just like Seattle did last year when they doubled down on drafting two offensive tackles, the team doubles down on two defensive linemen in the first. Bryan Bresee is a very talented defensive lineman who has the power and quickness to wreak havoc inside.

16. New England Patriots

Jordan Addison WR, USC

The Patriots’ offense just needs more juice and explosive plays and that’s exactly what Jordan Addison will provide. Addison is my personal WR1 and wins with outstanding separation quickness, ball skills, and vertical speed. Addison would instantly become New England’s top option in the passing game.

17. New York Jets

Broderick Jones OT, Georgia

New York is so close to being a legit contender and it’s really impressive how quickly head coach Robert Saleh has turned this thing around. The team suffered some major offensive line injuries and can’t afford to run it back next year with question marks up front. Broderick Jones is one of the most talented pass blockers in the class and will fit in very nicely up front for Gang Green.

18. Detroit Lions

Kelee Ringo CB, Georgia

Jeff Okudah has played very well this season and so has the other corner opposite him in Jerry Jacobs. Adding Kelee Ringo in this NFL mock draft might seem like overkill, but you can never have too many corners. Ringo is too talented to pass up.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Clark Phillips III CB, Utah

This is a season from hell for the Buccaneers. They will still likely make the playoffs due to their division being awful, but still, it’s been ugly. The team needs a talent overhaul and that starts here with the addition of Clark Phillips III. Phillips III is undersized for a corner but I don’t care because he does not play like it. He is a twitched-up kid with outstanding short-area quickness and ball skills. This is a culture-changing player who would fit in very well with Antoine Winfield Jr. as alphas in the secondary.

20. Tennessee Titans

Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State

I know it’s popular to jump off the Jaxon Smith-Njigba bandwagon but you won’t find me doing it. Look, last year at Ohio State while playing with two of the best young receivers in the NFL in Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, Smith-Njigba was the best from a statistical standpoint and both of the receivers went on record to say that he was the better overall player. Let’s not overthink this one just because he missed most of this year. Smith-Njigba will give Ryan Tannehill another option in the passing game.

21. Washington Commanders

Cam Smith CB, South Carolina

Washington is a feisty team that continues to stay alive even when the cards are stacked against them. They still need help in the secondary and lack a true No. 1 corner. In comes Cam Smith, an alpha on the outside who has the length, speed, and quickness to excel on the boundary.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Jared Verse EDGE, Florida State

The Chargers have two of the best edge rushers in the NFL but teams could always use more pass rush. Jared Verse is one of the biggest risers in this class and is very likely to hear his name called in round one. He is an explosive pass rusher with really good speed off the edge.

23. Miami Dolphins

[Pick forfeited]

24. New York Giants

Trenton Simpson LB, Clemson

New York is a tough team to draft for. I considered going receiver here, but I feel like adding to their defense—which has some nice building blocks but still needs a talent overhaul—makes sense. Trenton Simpson is a long and athletic linebacker who excels playing in space and in coverage. A rangy player who can play sideline-to-sideline, Simpson will give the Giants a much-needed boost in team speed on defense.

25. Baltimore Ravens

Bijan Robinson RB, Texas

Look, I know whichever team I gave Bijan Robinson to is going to be all up in my Twitter comments screaming “Wow, an RB in the first round? That’s terrible value!” To that I say, I don’t care. Robinson is a special player who I have graded as a top-five prospect in this class. The Ravens are at their best when they can impose their will on teams with a strong run game and a good defense and currently, they don’t have a back that elicits fear for opposing defenses.

26. Denver Broncos (via SF)

O’Cyrus Torrence IOL, Florida

While quarterback Russell Wilson has caught a lot of the blame (deservedly so) for the Broncos’ struggles, their offensive line has not been up to par. It would be wise to invest some early capital up front and try to bolster this offensive line. O’Cyrus Torrence is a strong and sturdy guard with good power and balance. He projects as a starting guard in year one.

27. Dallas Cowboys

Rashee Rice WR, SMU

The Cowboys’ continued flirtation with Odell Beckham Jr. clearly signals that the team would like to add more pass-catchers around Dak Prescott. SMU’s Rashee Rice is a polished receiver with good size and athleticism. The local kid would provide big-play ability to this Cowboys offense.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Darnell Washington TE, Georgia

The Bengals have quickly become one of the best teams in the NFL and are set up for sustained success in large part due to the play of their quarterback Joe Burrow. As long as Burrow is healthy and has weapons, this team can beat anyone. Adding another weapon here in Darnell Washington, who is a force both as a receiver and as a blocker, will only make this offense more difficult to defend.

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Jalin Hyatt WR, Tennessee

Patrick Mahomes is currently enjoying an MVP-caliber season and his best receiver not named Travis Kelce is JuJu Smith-Schuster. Let’s try and change that in this NFL mock draft by giving him one of the best playmakers in this class. Jalin Hyatt was born to catch deep balls from Mahomes as he has game-changing vertical speed that allows him to be a threat to score whenever he touches the field.

30. Minnesota Vikings

Devon Witherspoon CB, Illinois

Minnesota is a juggernaut offensively due to Justin Jefferson being literally unguardable, but their defense leaves a lot to be desired. They need to add talent to this secondary and Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon makes a ton of sense here in this NFL mock draft. An aggressive corner who excels in man coverage, Witherspoon has the skills et to give the Vikings the No. 1 corner that they desperately need.

31. Buffalo Bills

Andrew Vorhees IOL, USC

I was tempted to give the Bills a speed receiver here, but instead, I’ll give them one of this class’ best interior offensive linemen as the team looks to build a wall in front of Josh Allen. Andrew Vorhees is a powerful guard who generates a ton of movement at the point of attack.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Jahmyr Gibbs RB, Alabama

This may feel like a luxury pick, but the player is just too talented to pass up. Jahmyr Gibbs is an electric back with game-changing burst, quickness, and elusiveness. He is a do-it-all back who can affect the game on the ground and through the air as a receiver. He would fit in very nicely in this explosive Eagles offense.

NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

33. Houston Texans

Isaiah Foskey EDGE, Notre Dame

The Texans land one of the best players to not go in round one in Isaiah Foskey, who is a highly productive pass rusher who wins with speed and effort.

34. Pittsburgh Steelers (via CHI)

Anton Harrison OT, Oklahoma

Pittsburgh must improve their offensive line and Anton Harrison is a high-upside player worth taking a swing on.

35. Los Angeles Rams

Derick Hall EDGE, Auburn

The Rams’ lack of pass rush has hurt this team and adding an explosive pass rusher like Derick Hall will help get this defense back on track.

36. Arizona Cardinals

Nolan Smith LB, Georgia

Nolan Smith is a twitched-up edge defender who is an instant tone-setter for a defense that could use another alpha.

37. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

John Michael Schmitz OC, Minnesota

Seattle addressed their two offensive tackles last year but needs to improve their center position. They do here in this NFL mock draft by adding Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz.

38. Indianapolis Colts

DJ Turner CB, Michigan

Indianapolis needs to add another corner to their secondary and DJ Turner is a player who very well could hear his name called on day one.

39. Carolina Panthers

Dalton Kincaid TE, Utah

Dalton Kincaid is one of my favorite tight ends in this class and would give Anthony Richardson a reliable weapon in the passing game.

40. New Orleans Saints

Tuli Tuipulotu IDL, USC

The Saints need to revamp their once-loaded defense and adding a talented interior defensive lineman in Tuli Tulipilotu will help both the run defense and pass defense.

41. Atlanta Falcons

Josh Downs WR, North Carolina

Atlanta is missing a vertical threat in their offense and Josh Downs is one of the best in the country.

42. Jacksonville Jaguars

Tucker Kraft TE, South Dakota State

While Evan Engram has enjoyed a bounce-back season, adding another option for Trevor Lawrence makes a ton of sense.

43. Cleveland Browns

Mazi Smith IDL, Michigan

The Browns’ run defense has been as poor as it’s always been, so they look to add some more power upfront on their defense.

44. Pittsburgh Steelers

Drew Sanders EDGE, Arkansas

Drew Sanders has helped himself a ton with a strong season this year and would give the Steelers a force at the second level.

45. Green Bay Packers

Felix Anudike-Uzomah EDGE, Kansas State

The Packers are slowly building one of the better front sevens in football and look to add another pass rusher to the mix.

46. Las Vegas Raiders

Gervon Dexter Sr. IDL, Florida

Las Vegas must get more pass rush from their interior defensive line next season. Gervon Dexter Sr. can be a disruptor,

47. New England Patriots

Henry To’o To’o LB, Alabama

We know Bill Belichick loves him some Alabama players and he looks to add an enforcer for the middle of his defense here in this NFL mock draft.

48. New York Jets

Brian Branch SAF, Alabama

Perhaps the steal of this NFL mock draft, Brian Branch has first-round ability but slides to due teams not prioritizing safety at the top of the draft.

49. Detroit Lions

Lukas Van Ness EDGE, Iowa

The Lions are building a strong front seven led by Aidan Hutchinson and look to add a running mate with Lukas Van Ness.

50. Seattle Seahawks

Antonio Johnson SAF, Texas A&M

This is another strong value pick as Antonio Johnson projects as an impact player at safety for years to come.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cody Mauch IOL, North Dakota State

Tampa Bay needs to replace Alex Cappa and Cody Mauch brings similar power, athleticism, and aggressiveness.

52. Tennessee Titans

Dawand Jones OT, Ohio State

The Titans have arguably the worst tackle pair in the league and must take a swing to improve the position.

53. Washington Commanders

Sedrick Van Pran-Granger IOL, Georgia

Washington’s offensive line has been a concern this season, especially in the interior. Sedrick Van Pran can come in and be a plug-and-play starter.

54. Miami Dolphins

Zach Charbonnet RB, UCLA

Miami misses out on the Bijan Robinson sweepstakes but find their consolation prize here in Zach Charbonnet. Charbonnet would thrive in Mike McDaniel’s zone rushing scheme.

55. Los Angeles Chargers

Zay Flowers WR, Boston College

The Chargers need some speed outside to pair with Justin Herbert. Zay Flowers has sped to burn and would give Herbert a legit deep threat.

56. New York Giants

Xavier Hutchinson WR, Iowa State

New York has a sad excuse for a receiving corps and must add playmakers for whoever is quarterback next season.

57. Chicago Bears (via BAL)

Marvin Mims WR, Oklahoma

Justin Fields finally gets a new weapon here with the productive Marvin Mims, who wins with excellent quickness and route-running.

58. Dallas Cowboys

Siaki Ika NT, Baylor

Adding Siaki Ika to a front that consists of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence seems unfair… so let’s make it happen. Ika would bolster the Cowboys’ run defense that needs some work.

59. Cincinnati Bengals

Emmanuel Forbes CB, Mississippi State

The Bengals need another corner with the possibility of Eli Apple walking in free agency and land a very talented one here in Emmanuel Forbes.

60. Carolina Panthers (via SF)

K.J. Henry EDGE, Clemson

Carolina keeps the Clemson prospect local as they add a talented pass rusher to pair alongside Brian Burns.

61. Detroit Lions (via MIN)

Cedric Tillman WR, Tennessee

Cedric Tillman is a physical chain-mover who will give the Lions yet another talented pass-catching option.

62. Kansas City Chiefs

BJ Ojulari EDGE, LSU

George Karlaftis has shown flashes of excellence in his first year but the team still needs to add more pass rushers to this defense.

63. Buffalo Bills

Christopher Smith SAF, Georgia

The Bills may lose Jordan Poyer in free agency, so adding another starting-caliber safety at this point in my NFL mock draft makes a ton of sense.

64. Philadelphia Eagles

Garrett Williams CB, Syracuse

Garrett Williams is rehabbing an ACL injury so he will likely be out for year one, but his upside in future years makes him worth a pick here.

 

What did you think of the fourth 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.