April Mock Draft NFL
Introduction
This year’s NFL season was spectacular and this year’s college football saga was no different. From risers that were almost unknown to scouts coming into this season now sitting as projected first round picks, to major disappointments that have fallen completely off scout’s radar, one thing is for sure: the 2023 NFL Draft will be worth the watch. Even when considering TCU shocking the college football world, as well as Caleb Williams taking home the Heisman, possibly the only reason why college football was as fun as it was was because we got to witness future NFL stars dook it out. So let’s dissect those prospects, some of the bright spots in their as well as some of the shortcomings, and what will make them a great selection in this year’s draft.
~ 2023 NFL Mock Draft ~
#1 | Carolina Panthers (via Chicago Bears)
CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
In my opinion the best QB in the draft, Stroud is both physically gifted and physically developed. He has great accuracy, and a cannon of an arm. I’m excited to see what Stroud will be able to do under a revamped Panthers offense under Frank Reich.
#2 | Houston Texans
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
An undersized, yet electric prospect, Young has drawn comparisons to the likes of Drew Brees and Patrick Mahomes. Young has progressed tremendously over the past two seasons as the starter of the Crimson Tide while simultaneously raising eyebrows with throws you’d never think someone could even attempt.
#3 | Arizona Cardinals
Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
A big, fast and strong edge rusher, Anderson possesses a strong technique and plenty of upside. Possibly the best player in the draft, the reality that the Cardinals could snag an elite player on the line for years to come should be exciting.
#4 | Indianapolis Colts
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Perhaps the most polarizing player in the draft, Levis has fantastic physical attributes but is extremely raw. However, Levis does provide upside in his game that includes a cannon of arm and the potential to stop the recent stereotype of the Colts “renting” bridge quarterbacks season after season.
#5 | Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos)
Jalen Carter, EDGE, Georgia
Someone that could possibly be the biggest steal of the draft, Carter was at one point considered the clear cut number one overall prospect in the draft. Beefing up the line will be a priority for Seattle and with two first round picks it’s easy to see them stacking the line with studs starting with a selection of the Georgia edge rusher at the number five pick.
#6 | Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)
Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Maybe the most exciting and intriguing team in football lacked one major thing last season: defense. With that obviously being the main focus, the Lions can’t go wrong with who’ll be projected to be on the board - however, Tyree Wilson provides both physical presence and upside to that Lions “D”.
#7 | Las Vegas Raiders
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The 6’2” 200-plus pound redshirt-sophomore played extremely well for the Ducks; rising up draft boards like nothing. There’s possibly no better place for Gonzalez to go in terms of need - the biggest question mark will be how the Raiders will develop the new tool they’ll have in the secondary.
#8 | Washington Commanders (via Atlanta Falcons)
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Trade Details:
Washington: 8th overall pick (2023)
Atlanta: 16th overall pick (2023), 75th overall pick (2023), 3rd round pick (2024)
In five years, Richardson will either be the best player from this draft class, the worst player from this draft class or still “on the bench developing”. Nothing else. The sheer talent and physical attributes of the Florida QB are enough alone to be given a look at for the number one overall pick. His career will come down to development and coaching - something that’ll fit Washington’s new system under Eric Bieniemy perfectly.
#9 | Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers)
Peter Skorosnki, OT, Northwestern
If you’re Chicago you can’t go wrong with picking a tackle. Which one remains to be a mystery but I like the potential Skoronski provides. Since last season he’s been looked at as the best tackle in this year's draft and he has held true to that title throughout the entirety of this past season.
#10 | Jacksonville Jaguars (via Philadelphia Eagles)
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Trade Details:
Jacksonville: 10th overall pick (2023)
Philadelphia: 25th overall pick (2023), 56th overall pick (2023)
The Jags are in an interesting situation. They have a young and fun team which definitely is something that is shown on both sides of the ball. If you’re Philly you’re in a situation where one side of the ball is young and fun, and your secondary is well-set but your line is both aging and amazingly good at the same time. I’m personally against adding edge depth with a player like Lukas Van Ness, so I have them trading down and the Jags trading up so they can select a bonafide home run pick to add to a new and upcoming defense.
#11 | Tennessee Titans
Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
Johnson has the upside to be the best tackle chosen on draft night and considering his landing spot in this mock, he certainly will have the opportunity to show out. The Titans are perhaps the most confusing in the NFL right now, with a mega-star in Derrick Henry in the backfield and one of the best coaches in the league - but that’s it. This year’s draft should be revolved around adding depth to offensive skilled positions and adding pieces to a depleted line.
#12 | Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns)
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
A year removed from the blockbuster Deshaun Watson deal and the Texans are already looking like they fleeced the Browns. Despite the low time frame that has taken place while judging this trade, the Texans can certainly bolster their case by providing QB Bryce Young (as previously mocked) with physical down-field threat Quentin Johnston from TCU.
#13 | Green Bay Packers (via New York Jets)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Trade Details:
Green Bay: 13th overall pick, WR Corey Davis, 5th round pick (2024)
New York: QB Aaron Rodgers, 2nd round pick (2024)
You can’t look at the Aaron Rodgers situation without thinking that the Packers are simply gonna pry this pick outta New York - or Aaron Rodgers in a Jets uniform will somehow not be a thing. Adding weapons to a depleted, yet young receiving core for Jordan Love will be key over the next two seasons.
#14 | New England Patriots
Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
‘Ol Bill has one final ride with his Pats before the retirement gates shine brightly wide. If Lamar Jackson is off the table the biggest need for New England will be adding weapon after weapon to a weak WR room, and giving Mac Jones as much protection as possible; especially since their playing inside arguably the toughest in football.
#15 | Green Bay Packers
Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
With the Packers back on the clock and more offense added, the focus may shift to adding to what has been a very good Packers defense over the past handful of seasons. With Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness still available, I love the thought of Kenny Clark charging through the middle of the line, while both Van Ness and Preston Smith cleaning up the sides of you try to escape.
#16 | Atlanta Falcons (via Washington Commanders)
Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Trade Details:
Washington: 8th overall pick (2023)
Atlanta: 16th overall pick (2023), 75th overall pick (2023), 3rd round pick (2024)
Maybe the biggest sleeper heading into draft night, Myles Murphy Clemson was a projected and unanimously considered top 10 prospect; however, the risers rose, and Murphy simply fell from the public attention he was given. Despite this, Murphy is still a fantastic prospect and the athleticism he has at his size is unheard of.
#17 | Pittsburgh Steelers
Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh
Why not stick to the recent theme of drafting local kids; especially when the local kids are flat-out ball players. Kancey was one of those yearly risers that come up and prove their stock through both the combine and their respective pro-days. Kancey’s game revolves around physical upside and potential. If you hit on it you may have the best defensive lineman since Aaron Donald to come out of Pitt.
#18 | Detroit Lions
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Hate or love the projection, there’s no denying the need for cornerback talent in the Detroit secondary next to Jeff Okudah and there’s no denying the raw skill of the Mississippi State back. Forbes’ physical measurements are to marvel at, his length is what scouts consistently look for and his ability to make plays on the ball are amazing - tell me that’s not exactly what Detroit needs.
#19 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Maybe one of the more safe picks of the draft, Branch showed why he can be a reliable safety in the secondary of any team. He has a good frame with exciting potential to make plays on the ball. With an aging defense in many facets, adding to that core of youngsters should be atop the list of priorities.
#20 | Seattle Seahawks
Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson
The main idea behind this pick is that the image of Jalen Carter and Bryan Bresee both rushing the passer on what is an absolutely filthy d-line seems too good to be true. With the very real possibility of this pick happening, and the potential that Bresee possesses, I can’t see the draft going any better than matching these two together. Bresee, I’m case you didn’t already know, was another projected top 10 pick before falling down some draft boards due to injury; despite this his game is centered around high end athleticism and great physical tools.
#21 | Pick Forfeited
#22 | Los Angeles Chargers
Joey Porter, CB, Penn State
The son of a Pittsburgh legend, Porter Jr. has been a great addition to an absolutely loaded defensive back class. He showed flashes of great all-around potential and although he can’t lay the body as well as his dad, he can sure play terrific in man coverage and lock up a team’s go-to guy. Many like the thought of Justin Herbert matched with someone like Jalin Hyatt, Josh Downs or Jordan Addison at this point in the draft, however I’m still high on Josh Palmer, and if their top two weapons can stay healthy there shouldn’t be a need at the receiver spot; whereas on the defensive end, the secondary is a complete mess. Offseason acquisition JC Jackson was injured very early into the season, with Derwin James being the only bright spot. Porter fits well in a Charger’s uniform, enough said.
#23 | Baltimore Ravens
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
A no-brainer. You can blindfold a man and tell them to pick the better wide receiver core out of two teams one being Baltimore and he still would know not to pick them. That’s how bad the Ravens pass game has been over the past few years. I could easily see someone like Josh Downs or Zay Flowers filling this spot instead, however I love the raw upside that Addison possesses. The 2021 Biletnikoff award winner was great with USC before he caught the injury bug, and would be great in the slot for a Ravens team that needs receiving help fast.
#24 | Minnesota Vikings
Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The only thing that held back the Vikings in 2023: second-level defense. It was absolutely horrendous. You can’t go 13-4 and have a negative point differential, which is what the selection of speedy Maryland corner Deonte Banks will help prevent at the #24 overall pick. Banks showed out at the combine and overall would just be great to see in a Vikings uniform given how desperately they need a star breaking up passes.
#25 | Philadelphia Eagles (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Trade Details:
Jacksonville: 10th overall pick (2023)
Philadelphia: 25th overall pick (2023), 56th overall pick (2023)
A questionable trade-back at the #10 overall spot with Devon Witherspoon available is backed up by a great selection at #25 of Texas running back Bijan Robinson. Maybe the best runner that has been eligible for the draft of the last five to ten seasons, Robinson would easily replace the loss of Miles Sanders. Already boasting a receiving core of AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith and Quez Watkins, and a ground game that has the legs of Jalen Hurts backed up by Rashad Penny, there would be no-stopping an offense that is so well-balanced.
#26 | New York Giants
Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Another no-brainer. Bottom line is that if Brian Daboll can transform your team into a perennial divisional-contender with a receiving core of Kenny Golladay, Isaiah Hodgkin and Richie James III then imagine what he’ll do with Darren Waller and Zay Flowers. Arguably the best pure pass catcher in the draft, the loyal BC grad played four full seasons while blossoming into a Tyler Lockett-esque receiver.
#27 | Dallas Cowboys
Mazi Smith, IDL, Michigan
A raw and exciting young player, Smith is both a controversial figure and an electric one. With the loss of Zeke Elliot, a argument is to be mad to continue to bullster an offense that has the likes of Tony Pollard, CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, however the thought of Micah Parsons and Mazi Smith charging at you from opposite directions while you simultaneously through into a crowd of receivers covered by Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore sounds like a perfect scenario the Cowboys can’t miss on.
#28 | Buffalo Bills
Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The Bills need to protect Josh Allen. Simple as that. The easiest way to do that would be by drafting an offensive lineman in the first round and the best guy to fill those voids is Darnell Wright. While prospects like O’Cyrus Torrence and Anton Harrison are intriguing, Wright falling into their laps at #28 sounds like best case scenario. A well-tenured senior seems like the perfect guy to make an impact on day 1 which is exactly what Wright provides - his massive frame is also very enticing (6’6” 335lbs. according to ESPN).
#29 | Cincinnati Bengals
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The only thing the dynamic Burrow-Chase led Bengals offense is missing is a star tight end which would seem to spell doom for all the league’s defenses. They have a #1, #2, #3 options and a running back that has proven to have top ten talent; adding the best and most polished natural tight end prospect we’ve probably ever seen is a great way to round it off.
#30 | New Orleans Saints
Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Smith could go as high as #10 in the draft and the only way he doesn't is if his size is really the concern every team looks at and shrugs on. Smith is truly a fantastic edge rusher and his speed and technique are to marvel at. If I was a QB behind center Smith may be the edge rusher that scares me the most in this class. You blink and he’s standing next to you. He’s really just that good and learning from a great like Cameron Jordan would only make him better.
#31 | Philadelphia Eagles
Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
This is the spot where the Eagles really can hit home in the draft and is the pick they should value the most. With defensive talent falling into that second tier, one of the only guys that are still available and worthy of a tier one look is Cam Smith of NC State. A certified ball-hawk, Cam Smith is a physical presence in coverage and excels in pass-deflection. With a CB-duo led by maybe the best corner in the league in Darius Slay and a great complimentary piece in James Bradberry, Smith could be a shadow to their games as he evolves into a top-end man-corner in the NFL.
#32 | Kansas City Chiefs
Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
If we can take away anything from the post-Tyreek Hill era it would be that Patrick Mahomes can unlock an even higher level in his game when someone isn’t always open. Taking a tad-bit of pressure off Mahomes’ shoulders would be great, and adding Tennessee Vol’ Cedric Tillman is the way to go. An athletically gifted receiver, Tillman can bully his way down the field, but play with ease and break off routes smoothly at the same time. A week two matchup against the Pitt Panthers is all that needs to be glanced at when looking at his game.
Hope Y’all enjoyed,
And until next time.
~Potential Picks~
3rd overall: Washington trades up for Florida QB Anthony Richardson
10th overall: Philadelphia selects Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon
10th overall: Philadelphia selects Texas RB Bijan Robinson
11th overall: Tennessee selects TCU WR Quentin Johnston
26th overall: Dallas selects UNC WR Josh Downs
