Jack Bethel 2023 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
Well, it’s finally draft week, and I couldn’t be more excited. As opposed to years past, there’s no sure fire selection at #1. Whoever Carolina ends up taking to start things off will surely have a ripple effect of chaos throughout the night. Almost certainly, there will be some blockbuster trades in the Top 5. It’s a matter of when, not if, but that’s the beauty of the NFL Draft. Here are my final predictions of how the Draft will unfold Thursday night in Kansas City.
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 :)
- Carolina Panthers (via CHI): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Some speculation that this could be C.J. Stroud or even Anthony Richardson, but there should be no surprise at the top. Carolina wouldn’t of traded up eight spots if they didn’t know exactly who they want.
2. Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr., OLB, Alabama
Here’s where the fun begins. The Texans really cause the chaos everyone is thinking and pass on a quarterback. Nevermind the Alabama defense connection between DeMeco Ryans and Anderson, as Houston opts for the safest player in the draft. If not Anderson, keep an eye on Tyree Wilson here.
TRADE ALERT: Arizona trades #3 overall for #4 overall and #35 overall to Indianapolis
3. Indianapolis Colts (via ARI): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Chris Ballard doesn’t want to take any chances of someone taking their guy once he slides past Houston. Trading up one spot is a no-brainer for Indy getting a signal caller that will stay longer than one season.
4. Arizona Cardinals (via IND): Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
I really wanted to put Jalen Carter here, but off-field concerns cause a bit of a slide for him. Instead, Arizona gets a player with elite quickness off the edge paired with length to replace the retired JJ Watt and departure of Zach Allen.
5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
An ideal scenario for Richardson. Seattle doesn’t need a QB for 2023, but with their first top-five selection in nearly 15 years, the Seahawks make an investment. Working for a year or two behind Geno Smith and being molded by Pete Carroll could form Richardson into a future HOF.
TRADE ALERT: Detroit trades #6 overall for #11 overall, #41 overall, and 2024 1st round selection to Tennessee
6. Tennessee Titans (via DET via LAR): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Tennessee is taking more chances after 3 of the Big 4 QBs are gone. Levis’s name has been circulating in Tennessee while Ryan Tannehill’s time as a Titan seems to be nearing end as he will be 35 next season.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Even though Vegas signed Jimmy G, a QB isn’t out of question here. After missing out on the Big 4, the Raiders address their biggest need. It’s either Gonzalez or Witherspoon here: Gonzalez gets the edge due to his phenomenal combine performance.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Atlanta jumps at the chance to nab Carter: something that wouldn’t of happened if it weren’t for off-field concerns. Nevertheless, Carter stays home to pair with newly acquired Calais Campbell.
9. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Had Carter fell one more spot, Chicago wouldn’t hesitate. Instead, a surprise top offensive lineman off the board here, Wright is the most NFL ready option. An immediate plug and play tackle to protect Fields opposite Braxton Jones.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern
As I mentioned in my last mock, Philly’s selection was depend on their free agency. After losing RG Isaac Seumalo to Pittsburgh, the Eagles find an immediate replacement. Skoronski can play nearly all five positions up front but will start on the right inside.
11. Detroit Lions (via TEN): Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia
Here’s another guy that made himself some money at the NFL Combine. Dan Campbell can’t wait to deploy Smith in packages with Aidan Hutchinson. Many think CB here but after adding Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley in free agency, a best fit available approach is taken.
TRADE ALERT: Houston trades #12 overall, #161 overall, and a 2024 5th round selection for QB Trey Lance, #101 overall, and 2024 3rd round selection to San Francisco 49ers
12. San Francisco 49ers (via HOU/CLE): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
BOOM! The Niners have entered Round 1 with a giant trade: Trey Lance is dealt to Houston after the emergence of Brock Purdy. After seeing Witherspoon fall, San Fran jumps in to fill their one weakness on a terrifying defense.
13. Green Bay Packers (via NYJ): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
I mocked Oregon State’s TE here in my first mock, however, Kincaid has recently emerged as the top option. Green Bay wastes no time in taking a first-round pass catcher following Rodger’s departure. Kincaid slides in to replace Robert Tonyan, who signed with rival Chicago.
14. New England Patriots: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Many regard Johnson as the top tackle in this draft, and Belichick won’t hesitate to select him Round 1. Keep an eye on the Patriots potentially trading down here if there isn’t a guy they see the value in.
15. New York Jets (via GB): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
I see no scenario where this isn’t an offensive player. The Jets D is already elite, and they need some upgrades up front to help protect newly acquired Aaron Rodgers. Jones can start on either end Day 1.
16. Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Sticking with my selection from my first mock here. The Commanders take Nittany Lions in Round 1 in back to back years.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Pitt just added Allen Robinson, but they still lack a true WR1. If JSN falls out of the top 15, the Steelers wouldn’t hesitate. I wanted to mock former Pitt teammate of Kenny Pickett, Jordan Addison, here but JSN is too good to pass up. Dallas didn’t have a need when they drafted CeeDee Lamb either.
18. Detroit Lions: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Sticking with my first mock projection here. Still all holds true: 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
Ditto for this pick: 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: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
After investing in their future with the #5 selection, Seattle addresses their defense with a player that can make an impact right away. Murphy’s high motor and take-off speed will cause havoc early in the league.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
As a perfect compliment to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Addison stays in Southern Cal to play for the Bolts. Addison is the exact type of receiver the Chargers need to play in the slot for quick slants and cuts across the middle.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Expect this pick to be an appeasement for Lamar Jackson. Although drafting injury-prone Rashod Batman in the first round two years ago, Baltimore still lacks a redzone threat big-time WR. Enter Johnston.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Are we surprised? Cousins won’t be the starter in Minnesota in three years, so his successor needs to be groomed. Although some are concerned with his age, his success depends immensely on playing when he is ready.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Forbes is best in off-ball coverage, with 6 pick sixes in his career. For the first time in a while Jacksonville doesn’t have a desperate need to fill, opting to merely improve their secondary. Even though his small size is cause for concern, Forbes’s ball production speaks for itself.
25. New York Giants: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
It seems the Giants have had big(ish) names in their receiving core, however lack that star power. Zay Flowers is my favorite wideout in this draft and would most likely be the top receiver off the board if he was 3 inches taller. Nevertheless, his instinct, quickness, and elite separation give Daniel Jones a weapon on the outside (or inside in the slot).
26. Dallas Cowboys: Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State
Just an absolute ideal fit here (not bias). Dallas routinely drafts best when drafting the best available prospect, regardless of true need. Dan Quinn personally worked out McDonald, making it more likely. Tight end will be addressed Day 2.
27. Buffalo Bills: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
Is this a reach? Maybe. However, Brandon Beane and Co. don’t see value at WR or any other needs and address a future concern. Schmitz can plug in at any of the interior line positions to help continue Buffalo dominance.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Safeties back-to-back years in Round 1 for Cincy. I really considered Darnell Washington here, but the value in Branch was too great to pass up. The Bengals can immediately fill the voids of Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell with Brian Branch and last year’s Round 1 selection, Daxton Hill.
29. New Orleans Saints (via SF/MIA/DEN): John Waggoner, DE, Iowa
A slight fall for a future Hall of Famer. The real Iowa edge rusher everyone should be talking about is Waggoner. This kid’s motor is something else. Pair that with some quick feet and sudden burst off the ball, and you’ve got yourself a generational talent.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Miles Sanders left in free agency and Philly needs to find his replacement. There’s arguably a bigger drop off from RB2 to RB3 than their is from RB1 to RB2, so the reigning NFC champs select the 2nd running back on Day 1.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Essentially, it’s do the Chiefs reach here for a wideout, like I had in my last mock. However, the value at WR here is about the same as at their second round selection, so they take the best available. Kancey and Chris Jones makes the Chiefs defensive front very intimidating.
Key Takeaways
Texans pass on QB at #2, chaos ensues
- After Carolina selects Bryce Young #1, Texans select teammate LB Will Anderson Jr. at #2
4 Quarterbacks Taken in Top 6 Picks, 5 in 1st Round
- Bryce Young #1 overall to Carolina
- Indianapolis trades up one spot to pick CJ Stroud at #3
- Seattle picks Anthony Richardson #5
- Tennessee trades up to #6 for Will Levis
- Minnesota selects Hendon Hooker at #23
Trey Lance traded to Houston for #12 overall
- San Francisco jumps into first round to select Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon
Utah TE Dalton Kincaid first non-QB skills player
- Kincaid to Packers at 13
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba first WR drafted #17 to Pittsburgh
- 6 pass-catchers total — 2 tight ends, 4 wideouts
SEC Dominate Draft
- 12 SEC players selected in Round 1
- 7 of top 11 selections from SEC schools
Offensively dominated Round 1
- 18 offensive players, 13 defensive players
- Surprise first rounders: John Michael Schmitz, Jahmyr Gibbs
Saints select future Hall of Famer DE at 29th overall
- Next Lawrence Taylor
