Week 7 of the NFL season is in the books, and it’s time to look at another 2023 NFL Mock Draft. College football enters Week 9, and the chaos reigning means the first round remains volatile.
You can tell which teams are experiencing the most success in the sport based on the number of players in this mock, so even if you don’t follow college football (shame on you), you have an idea of how it’s going.
2023 NFL Mock Draft | Round 1
The NFL draft order for this 2023 mock is taken from the current NFL standings as of October 29. We’ve added in the appropriate trades and subsequently removed the Miami Dolphins’ first-round selection. This order, like the order on the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator, will change with the results of each week of action in the NFL.
Check the PFN Mock Draft Simulator after every NFL game to see the most up-to-date draft order, and each subsequent mock draft will indicate the rapidly changing environment that is the 2023 NFL Draft.
1) Detroit Lions: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Ohio State struggled against Iowa this weekend, especially in the first half. Yet, they still managed to beat the Hawkeyes by 44. C.J. Stroud threw a pick-six, but Iowa couldn’t contain him for long. That resiliency and ability to display short-term memory would be perfect for Dan Campbell and the Lions.
Stroud brings all the tools to the Lions’ offense. Pair him with the explosiveness of Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown, and you’ve got an offense that puts fans in the seats. It’s going to take more than a pick-six to get Stroud out of the top spot for me, and Detroit won’t take long to select him first overall.
2) Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
There aren’t many positions that you feel good about on the Texans’ depth chart. Sure, they could take Bryce Young here with the pick, but it’s also tough to pass up on his teammate on the other side of the ball.
Will Anderson Jr. changes the game when he steps on the field. His disruptiveness makes offensive coordinators change their game plans, and it’s a big reason why he’s one of the most coveted prospects in the class.
3) Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Bryce Young continues gaining traction as a potential first-overall pick, but he falls to third in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. No shame in that, considering who he’s following, and Carolina loves that he’s available.
At this point, we know Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold aren’t the future of the franchise, and the new coaching staff will want to make sure they get their guy of the future. Young’s skill set, including an uncanny ability to stay poised when the spotlight shines brightest, makes him an elite player.
4) Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Not only is Bryan Bresee playing with a purpose this year, but I have a feeling he’s going to rise up draft boards soon enough. Bresee’s had NFL size (6’5″, 300 pounds) since he stepped onto Clemson’s campus, and his film speaks for itself.
A great combination of size and athleticism sets Bresee apart, and the Eagles aren’t strangers to adding a big-time defensive tackle to their roster. Given the success they’re having this year, adding Bresee is just icing on the cake.
5) Houston Texans (via CLE): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The final stretch of the season is huge for Will Levis. Games against Tennessee, Georgia, and Louisville give him opportunities to shine against great competition. Houston’s a team that will monitor his success closely.
After passing on Young earlier in the draft, the Texans still add their QB of the future. Levis has the tools to be an NFL quarterback, and strong performances in the final stretch give him a chance to move into the top five of any 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
6) Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
How good is Jalen Carter? Even after a season where he played as a backup and a current season with limited reps, he’s still a top-10 pick for many. It’s easy to see why when you watch him on the field.
Guys Carter’s size shouldn’t move as quickly and efficiently as he does. Right when you’re ready for a bull rush, Carter gets linemen on their position coach’s bad side with an elite swim move. Seattle could use some of that on their defense.
7) Pittsburgh Steelers: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
While everyone gushes over Anderson (and for good reason), Myles Murphy is terrorizing ACC tackles week in and week out. Murphy brings great size to the edge, and he continues finding ways to utilize it more efficiently.
Clemson’s defensive line features a number of NFL draft prospects, so it’s tough to stand out. Yet, Murphy commands a ton of attention on the edge despite that talent. When you’re capable of doing that, teams are going to notice. Now, picture Murphy lined up opposite T.J. Watt, and you’ve got a nightmare in waiting for any opposing offensive coordinator.
8) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Trevor Lawrence needs help. Plain and simple. It’s not rocket science, but do you know who could take Jacksonville’s offense to the moon? Jordan Addison. The USC star receiver can create separation like the best of them, and he’s taking a run at WR1.
Trojans QB Caleb Williams already found plenty of chemistry with Addison, and Lawrence should have no problem doing the same with him at the next level. Maybe we’ll see some flashbacks of the Jimmy Smith days too.
9) Las Vegas Raiders: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Georgia’s offensive line had many questions coming into this year, but they’ve quickly eased those concerns. Broderick Jones brings size, power, and good technique to the tackle position, one that appears to be wide open in terms of who’s the best. It’s tough to stand out at Georgia, and Jones’ current rise shows how well he’s been playing for the Bulldogs’ offense.
10) Chicago Bears: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Kansas State did literally everything to stop Quentin Johnston this past Saturday. After two huge weeks for the Horned Frogs wide receiver, the Wildcats knew they needed to slow him down. So they clawed and scratched away at him (sometimes literally) to prevent another huge game.
Johnston still managed four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. He’s just that good. A great frame combined with surprising quickness, Johnston is showing why he’s a valuable player. Chicago needs help at WR, and Justin Fields might faint if he gets added to their roster.
11) Atlanta Falcons: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Paris Johnson Jr. has thrived after a position change, but his past gives teams another option for him if tackle somehow doesn’t work. Ohio State’s offense continues to thrive thanks to Johnson, and his stock remains steady as the season progresses. He brings a good blend in his skill set to the next level, and it’s why he’s pushing the top 10 of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
12) Miami Dolphins (via SF): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Make no mistake about it, teams are going to have Bijan Robinson high on their draft boards. It doesn’t guarantee they’ll take him this high (or even top 10), but you can bet someone will think twice about it.
It’s tough to find much wrong with Robinson. Most of the time, his lack of production comes from taking him away from the Longhorns’ offense or Texas needing to throw the ball more. Although, maybe they shouldn’t have this week. Still, I can’t get over the fact that Robinson would join an offense with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle already.
13) Arizona Cardinals: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Texas Tech and elite defense are far from synonymous, but Tyree Wilson is the exception. A big player with an incredible wingspan, he’s punishing teams that leave him with 1-on-1 matchups. Wilson’s new to the first round, but it’s going to be tough to keep him out of it if he continues playing this way.
14) Washington Commanders: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
At 6’2″, Kelee Ringo brings good size to the cornerback position along with great speed to run with nearly anyone. He’s still working to become a more polished player, but his skill set could push him into the top 10 of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. All Georgia does is produce first-round defensive players, and Ringo belongs on that list.
15) Green Bay Packers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
It’s been fun to watch the rise of Joey Porter Jr. over the last few months. A player that showed tremendous potential in 2021 quickly turned into a star this season. Porter’s name elevated expectations right off the bat, but he hasn’t shied away from them.
Green Bay already has Jaire Alexander, but now they add a player in Porter who possesses great length and confidence to shut anyone down. It’s a huge week for his draft stock when his Nittany Lions take on the Buckeyes’ elite passing attack.
16) Indianapolis Colts: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The tough part for Peter Skoronski is he doesn’t have the frame of a freak. Still, there’s no reason to drop him far in a 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Yes, there are flaws to his game, but there are plenty of great traits to love too.
Even if he can’t play tackle at the next level, pairing Skoronski with Quenton Nelson would give the Colts one of the best guard duos in the league. Good luck beating either of them. Nelson will bury you in the ground, and Skoronski will frustrate defenders enough into wishing they had the former fate.
17) New England Patriots: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
In case you didn’t know, Clemson’s defense carries the team. If that wasn’t obvious after this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, I don’t know what will help. Trenton Simpson is the third Tigers defender taken in this draft, and the Patriots get a versatile weapon as a result.
Simpson obviously benefits from playing behind one of the best defensive lines in college football, but that shouldn’t take away from his game. From power to athleticism, he can do it all for any team.
18) Cincinnati Bengals: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
One of the few wins that Colorado can take is the fact that their former player is killing it with another team. Christian Gonzalez took his talents to Eugene, Oregon, and turned his new home into a potential first-round pick. Gonzalez’s size and speed make him tough to beat, and the Ducks will see plenty of challenges as the season heads to a close.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Tampa needs help on offense, that much is true. Quarterback is becoming a need more and more. Just behind the tablets they need to replace every week. While Hendon Hooker doesn’t play in a traditional offense, he’s showing that he can sling it like the best of them.
Sure, the top tier of quarterbacks stands out, but Hooker’s quickly putting his name into the QB3 conversation. If Tennessee finds a way to beat both Kentucky and Georgia in the coming weeks, it’s going to be tough to argue anyone’s better than him other than Stroud and Young.
20) Detroit Lions (via LAR): Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
With Detroit snagging their quarterback earlier in the draft, Dan Campbell gets a chance to add a dude in Noah Sewell. There won’t be much that the Oregon LB needs to hear from his new head coach to make plays at the next level. He’s wired differently than most players.
His ability to get downhill quickly paired with underrated athleticism, Sewell shouldn’t be on anyone’s draft board too long. Linebacker may not be the most coveted position in the draft, but Sewell will fly off the board once the middle of the first round starts.
21) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
If I put Derwin James and Jordan Battle in the same sentence, there shouldn’t be too much more to say. Two guys that have that dog in them paired together in the same secondary gives the Chargers’ defense a bright future. Battle would also learn quite a bit from a veteran playmaker like James.
22) Baltimore Ravens: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Baltimore’s defense loves to be physical, and so does Cam Smith. South Carolina’s star cornerback continues to put his elite ball skills on full display, and it’s a big reason why he’s a first-round pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Teams have tested Smith a lot this year but have found more success elsewhere on the field.
23) Seattle Seahawks: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
It’s time for an overreaction. Eli Ricks fell quickly out of Round 1 thanks to a lack of reps on the field, but he certainly made up for some of that this past weekend. Given the start for Alabama, Ricks did not waste time making plays and reminding everyone why he has first-round potential.
24) Tennessee Titans: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Michael Mayer alone produced 44 catches for 526 yards and six touchdowns this year for Notre Dame’s offense. The next three top pass catchers produced 46 catches for 569 yards and three touchdowns. It’s safe to say Notre Dame’s passing attack would be nonexistent without him, and that boosts his draft stock.
Mayer can open running lanes for Derrick Henry while also giving Ryan Tannehill a big weapon downfield. So, while the offense continues to struggle, at least one player benefits from Notre Dame’s season.
25) New York Jets: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Tackle remains a need for the thriving Jets, and Darnell Wright can fill that need. After a strong performance two weeks ago against Will Anderson, Wright’s draft stock continues rising. It’s been a good season for the Tennessee tackle, and he gets more opportunities to face quality competition in the coming weeks.
26) Dallas Cowboys: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Everyone’s loving on Brock Bowers (obviously), but Darnell Washington appears to be settling into his own game quite nicely. At 6’7″, 260 pounds, Stetson Bennett doesn’t have trouble finding him on the field.
Washington’s also displayed some highlight-reel plays as a pass catcher, and it’s a big reason for the rise in his stock. You can’t teach the frame he has, and someone like the Cowboys would love adding a unicorn of a weapon to their offense.
27) Minnesota Vikings: Clark Phillips III, Utah
A guy I think Patrick Peterson would love mentoring is Clark Phillips III. Phillips might not be the recruit that Patterson or fellow corner Cameron Dantzler once were, but he’s the ultimate competitor.
A guy who knows plenty of tricks at the college level, Phillips would learn even more from a veteran like Peterson. This is a guy who refuses to back down from anyone despite the size he typically gives up.
28) Kansas City Chiefs: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Okay, I’ll admit that this is most likely an overreaction to his recent performances, but it’s hard not to put Jalin Hyatt on the Kansas City offense. I mean, did you see what they did with Tyreek Hill’s speed? Hyatt may not be as fast as Hill, but the kid can turn on the jets.
Like Hill, Hyatt’s not a track star playing football. The kid is a certified baller, and so far, CFB teams continue to find that out the hard way.
29) New York Giants: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Still one of the best ball-skill corners in college football, Emmanuel Forbes remains a potential first-round pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. He remains tied for most interceptions in the country with five, but that’s not the only thing Forbes brings to the table. Add in great length, and it’s easy to see why the Giants would add him to their roster.
30) Buffalo Bills: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
Minnesota’s struggles up front have nothing to do with their center. Sure, John Michael Schmitz will take responsibility for the struggles, but it’s not on him. The Gophers continue thriving with runs up the middle because their center is first-round material. Thanks to this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Schmitz will block for an elite QB for the first time in his career.
31) Philadelphia Eagles: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
Darius Slay’s season continues to be a fun one to watch, but the future of the secondary needs to be addressed. So adding a budding star in Garrett Williams feels like the right move to end Round 1. With some expiring contracts looming, Philadelphia might decide to go a cheaper route by adding a corner through the draft.