We are roughly one month away from the 2023 NFL Draft. Let’s catch up on some of the big news so far since my NFL Mock Draft Mock 5.0 was released. I’ll be breaking down all of my picks with a brief explanation to go with them. Continue reading and check out this latest mock draft for the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
The biggest news since my last release was Lamar Jackson has officially requested a trade from the Ravens. This news doesn’t shock me as I believe the Ravens aren’t set on paying Jackson what he’s worth. Unfortunately, Jackson has never had a true No. 1 wide receiver. Mark Andrews has been his go-to guy. In reality, it could have been because that’s the only option he’s ever had.
Aaron Rodgers to the Jets is pretty much a done deal. Both parties are waiting on final trade compensations, but it’s expected to be finalized any day now. To me, I think it’ll be a trade where the Jets send a 2023 2nd Round pick alongside a 2024 1st Round pick if the Jets go far in the playoffs. The Jets reportedly want a pick back if Rodgers retires after the 2023 season.
In other news, the Panthers traded wide receiver D.J. Moore alongside picks No. 9, No. 61, a 2024 1st, and 2025 2nd Round pick to the Bears for the 1st overall pick. Continue reading to learn more about that in this mock draft.
You can read more on the latest fantasy football news and NFL transactions here. We covered players such as Darren Waller, Miles Sanders, Baker Mayfield, and more.
Looking at the 2023 rookies, the biggest prospect news this year came out around the NFL Combine when Georgia IDL, Jalen Carter was arrested. Personally, if I was a General Manager, I wouldn’t select Carter. The talent is there, however, there are too many off-field issues that outweigh the on-field productivity.
Now that we are caught up, here’s my latest mock draft in NFL Mock Draft 6.0. In this draft, Jackson will not be traded. There’s too much behind the scenes that a lot of people don’t know what’s going on. My final mock draft will be released the week of the NFL Draft. Continue reading and let me know your thoughts!
1.) Carolina Panthers (via CHI): C.J. Stroud QB, Ohio State
The Panthers traded a haul to land their choice of a franchise quarterback. Could they trade back if they like more than one quarterback? Sure. But why would they? You trade up all this way to make sure you land your guy. The additions of Miles Sanders, Adam Thielen, DJ Chark, and Hayden Hurst will be a great supporting cast for my No. 4 prospect in the 2023 class in Ohio State quarterback, Stroud.
2.) Houston Texans: Bryce Young QB, Alabama
A lot of smoke is building that the Panthers like Bryce Young. However, I think they do like him but I think they prefer Stroud. Do the Texans bite the bait from the Panthers to trade up to make sure they get Young? Carolina knows they traded too much so they’re at least trying to get a few more picks to help toward the future. Overall, if Carolina doesn’t strike a deal with Houston, Young should be the No. 2 pick.
3.) Tennessee Titans (PROJECTED TRADE via ARI): Anthony Richardson QB, Florida
Titans receive: Pick No. 3Cardinals receive: Picks No. 11, No. 41, and 2024 1st.
Tennessee is my pick to be a team that trades up for a quarterback. They notice the Jaguars are running away with the AFC South unless they do something. Additionally, the Texans just drafted their franchise quarterback before this pick. That being said, Anthony Richardson is a prospect that won’t be playing in year 1. Ryan Tannehill is the perfect quarterback to start this year and have Richardson sit behind him for one year.
4.) Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis QB, Kentucky
The Colts are a team to watch for to trade for Lamar Jackson. However, I don’t think they’ll do it so I’m playing it safe with this mock draft. The Colts land a prospect in Levis that has the tools to be their quarterback of the future. At the end of the 2023 NFL Draft, I truly believe each team in the AFC South will have their franchise quarterback on their roster.
5.) Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Will Anderson EDGE, Alabama
My No.1 prospect in the 2023 class falls to 5th overall due to the quarterbacks being picked. With the addition of Bobby Wagner and Dre’Mont Jones, Seattle lands their biggest need in the star pass rusher out of Alabama, Will Anderson.
6.) Detroit Lions (via LAR): Devon Witherspoon CB, Illinois
This is where the Jalen Carter talks begin. Once again, I believe there are too many off-field issues for him to be picked this high. That being said, one team that I think will pick Carter is Detroit. However, Devon Witherspoon is a guy I’ll take over a red-flagged prospect. Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon is my No. 1 corner but I think Witherspoon will fit Detroit’s scheme more.
7.) Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon
My top corner falls into the laps of a team that is in desperate need of secondary help. While the Raiders could go offensive line here, I wouldn’t take one over Gonzalez out of Oregon.
8.) Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech
Quietly, the Falcons had a really solid free agency. They added one of the top safeties in the league when they signed former Bengal, Jessie Bates. They added an underrated IDL in former Saint, David Onyemata. Atlanta understands they need to upgrade the defense and I don’t expect them to stop in the draft. All in all, Tyree Wilson out of Texas Tech is the dream scenario for me.
9.) Chicago Bears (via CAR): Bijan Robinson HB, Texas
I’ve read a lot of mocks and I haven’t seen one that has the Bears selecting Bijan Robinson. Why is that? They lost their leading rusher, David Montgomery, in free agency to their division rival Lions. They already added weapons and protection for Justin Fields’ offense. Maybe they should look to add a franchise running back.
10.) Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia
Howie Roseman possibly feels that there wouldn’t be a top corner at the 10th pick. He re-signed both James Bradberry and Darius Slay to long-term deals knowing this. Additionally, the Eagles could look to trade back with a team that is willing to pay to move up for Jalen Carter. Instead, they stay put and select him themselves. Carter should get his act together with his former Georgia teammates in Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean. Red flags and all, this could be a great value as a player with a ton of upside could help the one weak spot on this Eagles defense.
11.) Arizona Cardinals (PROJECTED TRADE via TEN): Nolan Smith EDGE, Georgia
I call this the “Brian Burns” pick. Nolan Smith lit up the NFL Combine. New Head Coach, Jonathan Gannon is a defensive-minded guy. That being said, adding Nolan Smith out of Georgia while gaining more picks for the future is a great first draft as a head coach.
12.) Houston Texans: Peter Skoronski OL, Northwestern
This isn’t the prettiest of picks but let me explain. In free agency, the Texans signed Robert Woods and Noah Brown. They aren’t long-term weapons for whoever is selected with the No. 2 pick. However, the Texans have a huge hole at IOL. That being said, Skoronski is a guy I think will switch to guard and be an elite player for years to come. Overall, protection is better than weapons to me.
13.) New York Jets: Broderick Jones OT, Georgia
Aaron Rodgers is going to be a Jet. Simple as that. Additionally, the Jets have added pass-catching options and this offense now has plenty of weapons. Now it’s time to add a franchise tackle alongside Mekhi Becton. In the end, Broderick Jones out of Georgia is just that.
14.) New England Patriots: Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State
During free agency, the Patriots added JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki to their offense for Mac Jones. They don’t stop there as they land the No. 1 wide receiver in this class, Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of Ohio State.
15.) New York Giants (PROJECTED TRADE via GB): Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State
Trade: Giants receive: Pick No. 15Packers receive: Picks No. 23, No. 128, and 2024 4th
The Packers need as many picks as possible to build their roster back up. Additionally, the Giants have 10 total picks this year and trade up to land their cornerback of the future. While the Giants are in dire need of a wide receiver, they can land one in the 2nd round. I also believe that corner is a bigger hole for the Giants. Everybody wins.
16.) Washington Commanders: Dalton Kincaid TE, Utah
While the Commanders need help at cornerback, Dalton Kincaid is someone I think they should attempt to draft if he makes it this far. The tight end class could see three being selected in the first round. Giving Sam Howell as many weapons as possible is a necessity.
17.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Brian Branch DB, Alabama
At 17, the Steelers could go offensive line here, but Brian Branch is too good to pass up. With that, Branch and Minkah could absolutely be a top safety duo in the NFL. Not to mention, it also helps they’re both from Alabama.
18.) Detroit Lions: Bryan Bresee IDL, Clemson
I think I’ve made this pick in a few mock drafts now. It just makes sense. For the Lions, interior defense is a need and Bresee is the best available around pick 18.
19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State
Despite all their cap issues, Tampa Bay managed to retain their top cornerback, Jamel Dean. Since that happened, I have them taking the best offensive lineman available. Paris Johnson Jr. out of Ohio State makes his way to Tampa Bay with this pick.
20.) Seattle Seahawks: Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson
What a great draft this would be for the Seattle Seahawks. They land two of the top pass rushers in this class in the first 20 picks. That being said, Murphy is a favorite of mine in this 2023 rookie class. I believe he will be a dominant player in the NFL for upwards of 10+ years.
21.) Los Angeles Chargers: Jahmyr Gibbs HB, Alabama
With the news of Austin Ekeler wanting out, the Chargers selecting Gibbs out of Alabama is the smart and safe selection here. He’s a fantastic pass-catching back and the RB2 in this class behind Robinson.
22.) Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Addison WR, USC
If Jackson ends up staying with the Ravens for another year, this should make him happy. Jordan Addison is arguably the No. 1 wide receiver in this class. This would finally give Jackson the WR1 that he’s been looking for.
23.) Minnesota Vikings: Hendon Hooker QB, Tennessee
Minnesota should begin to look for their franchise quarterback. With that, it is time to move on from Kirk Cousins. They didn’t extend him this off-season so I’m thinking Hooker out of Tennessee could be in play here.
24.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Will McDonald IV EDGE, Iowa State
I’m a huge fan of McDonald and think he has a lot of upside. In this Jaguars defense, he could end up being a 10+ sack player every year.
25.) Green Bay Packers (PROJECTED TRADE via NYG): Lukas Van Ness EDGE, Iowa
I think Green Bay goes with a guy that they can build this year in the NFL Draft. They aren’t competing in the NFC North unless Jordan Love shows out, which he is certainly capable of doing. That being said, this is a long-term selection for the Packers with Van Ness.
26.) Dallas Cowboys: Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame
With Dalton Schultz leaving for the Houston Texans, the Cowboys draft a replacement in Michael Mayer. On film, I believe Mayer is already a better player than Schult. That being said, I think he will be a top player on the Dallas offense for years to come.
27.) Buffalo Bills: Zay Flowers WR, Boston College
Buffalo is looking to add another receiver. They’ve called about Odell Beckham but I think they take one in the draft instead. The Bills lost Isaiah McKenzie in free agency and now add his replacement to complement Stefon Diggs.
28.) Cincinnati Bengals: Darnell Washington TE, Georgia
Simple selection, the Bengals need a tight end, and Darnell Washington can block and catch. Hayden Hurst is out of Cincinnati and there is definitely a need there outside of the two stud wide receivers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Overall, Washington would be a huge get for Joe Burrow and this already very talented offense.
29.) New Orleans Saints (via DEN): Calijah Kancey IDL, Pittsburgh
Recently, the Saints lost David Onyemate to the Falcons in free agency. Now, New Orleans goes out and drafts his replacement with Kancey. He is someone who has a high upside in the NFL and can be a top-15 player at the position if everything goes right.
30.) Pittsburgh Steelers (PROJECTED TRADE via PHI): Darnell Wright OT, Tennessee
Trade: Steelers receive: Pick No. 30Eagles receive: Picks No. 32 and 2024 4th
The Eagles trade back two spots and gain an extra 4th rounder in 2024. Consequently, Pittsburgh trades up to select a promising tackle in Tennessee’s Darnell Wright. The offensive line is an issue in Pittsburgh and they grab a solid piece here with Wright.
31.) Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Musgrave TE, Oregon State
Sure the Kansas City Chiefs have Travis Kelce, but this is to help in the future. Mahomes and this Chiefs offense do run a lot of 2 tight end sets. Musgrave could also be an All-Pro after learning behind the best tight end in the NFL in Kelce. Don’t be afraid to stash Musgrave on your taxi squads in your dynasty leagues if this happens.
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