Another week means another mock draft which also means another chaotic week with numerous rumors coming out. Kentucky quarterback, Will Levis and his draft stock seems to be decreasing. But why? The Carolina Panthers found their Head Coach in former Indianapolis Colts Head Coach, Frank Reich. The New York Jets signed a familiar coach in the league who has strong ties to the Packers’ quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Sean Payton doesn’t look like he’ll be back on the sidelines in 2023. Numerous mocks were released this week and some of the players were shocking. Is the wide receiver class actually bad? Find out in just a few seconds because we have some NFL Playoff action talk to do first.

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated their NFC East rival New York Giants in a game of domination. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers were able to hold off their long-time NFC rival Dallas Cowboys. Now the two teams will face off for the NFC Championship.

The Kansas City Chiefs potentially suffered a huge blow in their chances of making it back to the Super Bowl with the injury of Patrick Mahomes. The injury didn’t keep Mahomes out of the game long as he helped lead the Chiefs back to the AFC Championship after a victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals showed that they are for real after defeating my Super Bowl favorite, Buffalo Bills.

We are officially approaching the Conference Championships of the NFL Playoffs. This weekend, I have the Bengals shocking the world once again as I believe they will defeat the Kansas City Chiefs. I also have the Philadelphia Eagles coming back to reality as I predict they will lose to the San Francisco 49ers in what I believe will be a defensive game. If you’re interested in who our staff has their money on this week, check out our Free NFL Picks.

My prediction is that the San Francisco 49ers will be facing the Cincinnati Bengals in this year’s Super Bowl. With that being said, let’s take a look at one person’s opinion in this week’s mock, in my 2023 NFL Mock Draft 4.0.

New – Mock Draft 5.0

1.) Indianapolis Colts (PROJECTED TRADE via CHI) Bryce Young QB, Alabama

Colts receive: Pick No.1
Bears receive: Picks No.4, No.35, and 2024 1st.

I’m worried that Will Levis’ stock has made teams push him down their boards. Why though? Levis didn’t go to the Senior Bowl which is a huge deal to some. Scouts want to talk to prospects as much as possible but Levis doesn’t seem interested. In the end, the Colts get the best quarterback in the draft.

2.) Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud QB, Ohio State

Houston can’t pass on a quarterback here. The future of the AFC South would be a battle for years to come. Divisional teams led by Trevor Lawrence, Bryce Young, and C.J. Stroud? Sign me up!

3.) Arizona Cardinals: Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia

Jalen Carter is a great prospect but I’m not high on selecting an IDL with the first pick. Otherwise, the Bears would be selecting Carter with the first pick.

4.) Chicago Bears (PROJECTED TRADE via IND) Will Anderson EDGE, Alabama

Anderson still ranks as my overall top prospect in this year’s class. Sure his numbers fell off this season but he’s still an animal and will be at the next level.

5.) Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech

I like Myles Murphy a lot, however, I think Tyree Wilson will be picked ahead of Murphy as Wilson seems to be gaining a lot of love from around the league.

6.) Carolina Panthers (PROJECTED TRADE via DET): Will Levis QB, Kentucky

Panthers receive: Pick No.6
Lions receive: Picks No.8, No.62, and No.132.

Carolina Panthers Head Coach, Frank Reich has a history of going after quarterbacks similar to Levis. Andrew Luck, Nick Foles, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and even Phillip Rivers. They all have the same tangibles as Levis. The Panthers package a deal that includes the 49ers’ draft picks that were sent from the Christian McCaffrey trade.

7.) Las Vegas Raiders: Peter Skoronski OT, Northwestern

The Raiders are in desperate need of offensive linemen. Peter Skoronski is the best one in this year’s class. Could the Raiders go defense or wide receiver? Yes, but as a lot of people say, you win and lose in the trenches.

8.) Baltimore Ravens (PROJECTED TRADE via ATL): Anthony Richardson QB, Florida

Ravens receive: Picks No.8, No.45, 2024 1st, and 2024 2nd
Falcons receive: QB Lamar Jackson.

Until I see that Lamar Jackson has re-signed, I’m mocking the Ravens to trade him to Atlanta. Baltimore fans might not like it but Lamar wants to get paid. Sorry that you all have to deal with this fiasco.

9.) Detroit Lions (PROJECTED TRADE via CAR): Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson

The potential duo of Aidan Hutchinson and Myles Murphy will run Aaron Rodgers out of the NFC North. Just keep scrolling…

10.) Philadelphia Eagles: Brian Branch CB/SAF, Alabama

The most versatile defensive back in this class finds a home where he will be able to blitz and play man to man. Overall, Branch is a perfect fit for the Eagles.

11.) Tennessee Titans: Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State

The simple selection here. Tennessee finished the year with a lot of holes in the offensive line. Paris Johnson Jr. would fit right in with their run-heavy scheme.

12.) Houston Texans: Broderick Jones OT, Georgia

The Texans select their franchise quarterback and offensive tackle. Jones has the ability to protect Stroud and create holes for Dameon Pierce.

13.) Green Bay Packers (PROJECTED TRADE via NYJ): Lukas Van Ness EDGE, Iowa

Packers receive: Picks No.13, 2024 1st, and WR Corey Davis
Jets receive: QB Aaron Rodgers.

The Packers deal Aaron Rodgers to the Jets and gain a defensive playmaker in the process. In the end, Aidan Hutchinson and Myles Murphy did run Rodgers out of the division. As for Van Ness, he’s gaining a lot of steam from being a top-15 pick.

14.) New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon

The Patriots miss out on an offensive tackle. However, they get a stud in Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez. He is the perfect replacement for J.C. Jackson.

15.) Green Bay Packers: Jordan Addison WR, USC

The Packers start loading up Jordan Love with weapons with this selection. Green Bay should look back at the mistakes that they had with Rodgers and give as many weapons as possible to Love.

16.) Washington Commanders: Devon Witherspoon CB, Illinois

Devon Witherspoon is gaining top-10 buzz and he absolutely deserves it. The way the quarterbacks have been selected in this mock, Witherspoon falls to a cornerback-needy team.

17.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State

If Joey Porter Jr. is on the board when the Steelers are on the clock, I don’t think they pass on him. It’s just a family tradition to be a Steeler.

18.) Minnesota Vikings (PROJECTED TRADE via DET): Cam Smith CB, South Carolina

Vikings receive: Pick No.18
Lions receive: Picks No.28, 2024 2nd, and 2024 4th.

The Vikings are in desperate need of a top corner in this class. Minnesota and the Lions have traded numerous times within the past few years. This time, the Vikings trade up to get the player that they want instead of letting them fall to Detroit.

19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emmanuel Forbes CB, Mississippi State

Todd Bowles loves corners who can press one on one vs the opposing team’s No.1 receiver. That’s exactly what Forbes is, he’s a lengthy press corner. This would be an ideal fit for both parties and help fill one of the weak points on this talented Buccaneers defense.

20.) Seattle Seahawks: Calijah Kancey IDL, Pittsburgh

Seattle buffs up the pass rush with the additions of Tyree Wilson and now Pittsburgh’s Calijah Kancey. Kancey is going to start to gain 1st Round buzz soon.

21.) Los Angeles Chargers: Bijan Robinson HB, Texas

A top 10 prospect in this year’s class falls to a team that needs to find more help for their quarterback. Bijan Robinson would take a lot of pressure off of Justin Herbert. Austin Ekeler will be 28 next year and this would be a deadly duo out of the backfield, maybe the best in the NFL.

22.) Baltimore Ravens: Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame

This is an interesting pick, right? What happens if Lamar Jackson does get traded? I wouldn’t be surprised if Mark Andrews gets called about and that’s what’s happening here. Jackson and Andrews will both be on new teams in this mock draft.

23.) Detroit Lions (PROJECTED TRADE via MIN): Bryan Bresee IDL, Clemson

It feels like this happens every week. Bryan Bresee is a prospect who will fill the need at IDL for the Lions. Not to mention, in this scenario, Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee will be teammates once again.

24.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Dalton Kincaid TE, Utah

Evan Engram is going to want a lot of money and I don’t think the Jaguars will be willing to pay him what he wants. Kincaid has been the talk of Utah football for the last two seasons. Kincaid would be a young tight end that Doug Pederson gets a chance to groom in his scheme.

25.) New York Giants: Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State

The New York Giants could go interior offensive line or even cornerback with this pick. That being said, I think with who is remaining on the board, the Giants should select a wide receiver here. They also get a steal with Smith-Njigba lasting this long in the draft.

26.) Dallas Cowboys: Quentin Johnston WR, TCU

Dak Prescott needs another weapon. Hoping CeeDee Lamb is open on every single play won’t work forever. With Tony Pollard hurt and Ezekiel Elliott’s future in doubt, the Cowboys could once again, be a pass-heavy offense. Lamb and Johnston would make for a very solid pair at the wide receiver position.

27.) Buffalo Bills: Trenton Simpson LB, Clemson

I’m projecting that Tremaine Edmunds won’t be back with the Bills. Trenton Simpson is just like Edmunds except he won’t be 19 when he enters the NFL Draft. 

28.) Cincinnati Bengals: Darnell Washington TE, Georgia

The Bengals top two needs in the off-season? The offensive line and the tight end position. Darnell Washington can do both if needed. He has the size and strength to line up as an offensive tackle in certain formations. 

29.) Denver Broncos (via SF/MIA): Nolan Smith EDGE, Georgia

Rumors suggest that the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, Demeco Ryans will be the new Head Coach of the Denver Broncos next year. Ryans is going to want to establish the pass rush and that’s what Smith is great at. Nolan Smith out of Georgia would be a fantastic addition to this already tough defense.

30.) Philadelphia Eagles: Cody Mauch OT, North Dakota State

With both Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson’s futures in doubt, the Eagles could look to draft another offensive lineman in the 1st Round. Mauch’s film stood out in Trey Lance’s film study last year.

31.) Kansas City Chiefs: Darnell Wright OT, Tennessee

Kansas City could go with a wide receiver here. However, with Patrick Mahomes taking a beating this year and the future of Orlando Brown uncertain, they could definitely grab a lineman. Wright would be lining up next to former Volunteer teammate, Trey Smith.

New – Mock Draft 5.0

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