Jack Bethel 2023 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
We’ve finally made it to my favorite time of the year: draft season. Much like the last few, this year’s mocks are deep with pass catchers, however, not all wide outs this time around. Now, initially, I don’t usually like to mock trades in my earlier versions, however, this year is the exception. With the first overall selection being almost a certainty of being traded via Chicago, it’d be asinine to mock otherwise. Thus, this year, there are a few trades I could see happening in Round 1 of 2023. Let’s get into it.
If you wouldn’t like to read in depth, please scroll to the end of the selections or click HERE as I have provided a summary of the overall draft. Enjoy :)
TRADE ALERT: Chicago trades #1 overall for #2 overall and #33 overall to Houston
- Houston Texans (via CHI): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Houston gets their guy while still keeping #12 overall to help build around him. As of now, Young is the top quarterback of the class and should stay that way unless the combine and pro days deliver some astonishing results.
TRADE ALERT: Chicago trades #2 overall for #7 overall, #38 overall, and 2024 first round selection to Las Vegas
2. Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI via HOU): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
After missing out on the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes, the Raiders trade up to get their guy. However, their guy is not the Ohio State QB, it’s Kentucky’s. Levis’ potential is too sweet to miss in Vegas. Raiders are known to miss in the draft, let’s hope it doesn’t happen again.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr., OLB, Alabama
Two years ago, Arizona drafted Isaiah Simmons in the top 10 at inside linebacker. Anderson can pair nicely on the outside with the underwhelming play of Simmons in the desert.
4. Indianapolis Colts: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Unless Ballard wants to really stir it up here and take Florida’s QB, Stroud seems like the obvious choice. After holding true and staying put, the Colts finally get their guy. Of the top 3 QBs, Stroud is easily put in the best situation for immediate success.
5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Widely regarded as the top prospect in the draft, Seattle hits the jackpot here. Thanks to the emergence of Geno Smith, they don’t have to worry about their QB situation post-Russ. Carter will be an instant havoc in the NFC West.
6. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Witherspoon has been skyrocketing up boards as of late, and for good reason. His instincts, quickness, and ability to cover vertical routes make him the top DB selected. Witherspoon reunites with his former backfield mate Kerby Joseph in Detroit.
7. Chicago Bears (via LV): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Chicago wants everything in place for Fields to succeed. Bringing in his former top connection at Ohio State does just that, just as he has hinted. Them trading back allows them to draft a WR high, but not too high. Look for them to address the defense in their now three second round selections.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
A slight fall excites Atlanta, as they snag Wilson at #8. Elite quickness off the ball paired with his length and awareness makes him a top prospect off the edge. Atlanta wants to see what Desmond Ridder has this year, potentially waiting til next year for the Caleb Williams sweepstakes.
9. Carolina Panthers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Much like Atlanta, Carolina still has Sam Darnold, and more importantly, Matt Corral. Corral is still unproven, so they decide to pass on the raw Anthony Richardson. Johnston can immediately compliment DJ Moore as WR2 before eventually becoming the top option in Carolina.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
This selection is pretty tough to make before free agency, due to Philly having an abundance of free agents. If they lose James Bradberry, this picks makes a ton of sense. Gonzalez balled out in his only year at Oregon and can fill in nicely for potential losses in free agency.
11. Tennessee Titans: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Titans get their pick of the litter for the tackle class in this scenario. In my mind, Johnson has been the top OT since last year, and the safest option. Vrabel picks up a fellow Buckeye.
12. Houston Texans (via CLE): Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Texans got their signal caller: now they got his top option. Addison can quickly become a high-volume catcher for the Texans, as his quick burst and speed gives him elite separation from the defender.
TRADE ALERT: New York trades #13 overall for #23 overall, 2023 fourth-round selection overall, and 2024 first round selection to Minnesota
13. Minnesota Vikings (via NYJ): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
It doesn’t take long for new leadership to draft their guy. The Vikes trade up and to grab Kirk’s successor in Minnesota. Sitting a year behind Cousins will work wonders for Richardson, who will be ready to take over in 2024.
14. New England Patriots: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
I was torn here between tackle and corner here, but with two of the top three tackles still on the board, Belichick opts to improve upfront. A riser in mocks lately, Jones continues to improve his stock all the way to the top half of the first round.
15. Green Bay Packers: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Although only playing in two games in 2022, I’m expecting Musgrave to have a big showing at the combine and the pro day. If he can show he’s fully healthy, he can take over Michael Mayer as the top tight end in the class. We will see if the Packers finally take a pass catcher in Round 1.
16. Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
I was torn here between a few defensive backs here, but Porter gets the nod due to experience and press skills. The Commanders take Nittany Lions in Round 1 in back to back years.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Much like New England, I see Pitt either going either corner or tackle. However, seeing Skoronski drop this far makes it impossible to pass up. He’s an immediate Day 1 starter who can help out on the inside if need be.
18. Detroit Lions: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Detroit has a big hole to fill after the mid-season trade of TJ Hockenson. Mayer is the stereotypical TE1 with great efficiency in run blocking while also being able to matchup against DBs. Dan Campbell and Mayer are a match made in heaven.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Regarded as a top 5 prospect by many, Robinson slightly falls due to his position. Following Fournette’s departure, Bijan can quickly come in and become a safety blanket for Kyle Trask (or whoever is behind center).
20. Seattle Seahawks: John Waggoner, DE, Iowa
Talk about an underrated prospect. This guy could very well be the steal of the entire draft. Waggoner plays with such ferocity and speed that he will most likely not make it out of the top 10. The most common analyst comparison I keep seeing is a stronger yet quicker Lawrence Taylor.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Boy, would this be fun. Although unlikely that the Bolts and Keenan Allen part ways, all the speculation and rumors are saying just that. If correct, Flowers could fill in nicely for Herbert as a speedy receiver in the slot with insane acceleration and burst.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
A surprise first rounder to many, but Baltimore doesn’t shy away from such decisions. Boutte has been a staple at LSU across transition years, and I suspect him to be the next great former Tiger WR in the league.
23. New York Jets (via MIN): Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State
Here’s another surprise for the first round. If Mauch performs well at the combine and the NDSU pro day, I expect him to slip into the Round 1. He’ll be a starter next year somewhere with his grit and over-acceleration.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
The Jags find themselves in unfamiliar territory picking outside the top 20, but in my eyes, they get a steal. Phillips can read the play well, something tough to teach and rare in rookie defensive backs.
25. New York Giants: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Widely regarded as the top safety in the 2023 class, I don’t see Branch escaping the first round if he performs well at the combine. His football IQ is off the charts and can immediately be plugged in Day 1 in the Big Apple.
26. Dallas Cowboys: O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
One position the Cowboys seem to nail in the first round is offensive line. Torrence can continue that tradition as he allowed ZERO sacks throughout his career at Louisiana and UF. He immediately can be plugged into the left guard position for Big D, to (hopefully) get back to the 2014 Cowboys front.
27. Buffalo Bills: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Do the Bills finally draft a RB in the first round? Unless Bijan Robinson is here, the answer is no. Instead, they address their middle secondary with aging veterans Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Both still on the top of their game, but it doesn’t hurt to bring in some young talent to mentor.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The last of the Big 3 tight ends in my mind goes to Cincy. Hayden Hurst is a quality TE1 but is a free agent and may not be back. A former San Diego Torero, Kincaid developed into one of the top tight ends in the nation for Utah.
29. New Orleans Saints (via SF/MIA/DEN): Atlias Bell, DL, Houston
Talk about another guy that isn’t talked about enough. No not the receiver from Houston, Dell, this is Bell. Bell is athletic enough to rush from the edge yet has the grit to line up inside. This kid is a NOLA native, making this pick make perfect sense. Pairing him up with his former teammate, Payton Turner, and New Orleans is set for years.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Even if Miles Sanders ends up re-signing with Philly, the Eagles can afford to draft his successor. With the way the board played out, this may be their best option, depending on how they handle free agency. Gibbs can provide that young, downhill running that Sanders is beginning to lose.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
All year, the talk was the Chiefs need a true WR1. Yes, they won it all, but Mahomes could always use some new, shiny weapons. Enter Downs. The former Tar Heel makes up for his lack of size with big confidence and great positioning across the field.
Key Takeaways
Bears trade down back to back picks at 1 and 2
- Texans trade up to take Bryce Young #1 overall
- Raiders make a splash trading up for Will Levis at #2
Anthony Richardson slides out of top 10, but not for long
- Vikings trade up to select Florida QB at #13
Record-breaking 9 pass catchers taken Round 1
- 6 wide receivers, 3 tight ends
- JSN to Bears at #7 to reunite with college QB in Fields
- Packer select Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave as first tight end off the board
- Kayshon Boutte (LSU) surprise first rounder at #22 (Ravens)
6 defensive backs taken Round 1
- Witherspoon (Illinois) first DB selected (#6 — Detroit)
- Clark Phillips III surprise first rounder at #24 (Jaguars)
Offensively dominated Round 1
- 20 offensive players, 11 defensive players
Seahawks select future Hall of Famer DE at 20th overall
- Next Lawrence Taylor
