Week 2 of the NFL season is in the books, and a lot has changed in this fan-drive 2023 NFL Mock Draft. The more data we get, the less volatility we should see. Some fanbases staid put with their selection, but nearly everyone changed which top NFL draft prospect they’d like to see their team select next April.
2023 NFL Mock Draft | Round 1
The order for this 2023 NFL Mock Draft is taken from the reverse Super Bowl odds. We don’t necessarily think that your team isn’t great, but Vegas does. That said, the Atlanta Falcons are on the clock with the first overall pick.
This mock draft is also taken from what you — the fans — have told us you would do with your team’s pick. Each selection is based upon Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft Simulator results from this year and is based on which player is currently the highest-drafted player for each team with a first-round pick.
In the event that the player with the highest ADP has already been selected, we chose the second-highest drafted player and so on until a player was available.
1) Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Keeping the Georgia kid in the state is what Falcons fans want, and I don’t blame them. Would there be plenty of debate surrounding this pick if it happens? Absolutely. But you can’t blame fans for wanting Jalen Carter with the first pick of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Carter brings a unique blend of power and athleticism to the defensive tackle position. He’s already displayed both in 2022, and it’s easy to see why the Falcons would take him. it.
2) Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
If Davis Mills can find consistency this year, the Texans might be willing to wait for a quarterback. That allows them to address a big need in their edge play defensively. It would be a surprise to see Will Anderson Jr. fall second to them, but Houston wouldn’t complain if that’s the case.
Anderson essentially takes over for a 34-year-old Jerry Hughes, who can also provide him tips until that happens. Anderson isn’t on pace to match his numbers from last year, but he’s still making an impact whether teams scheme around him or not.
3) Seattle Seahawks: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Let’s be honest, Seahawks fans have been mocking a quarterback to their team since their team traded Russell Wilson. Geno Smith provided a game of excitement in Week 1, but we all knew that wouldn’t last. So it makes sense that they take C.J. Stroud with the third pick in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
In the current battle for QB1, Stroud sits in the lead over Bryce Young. The Buckeyes’ signal-caller has yet to throw an interception and has 11 touchdowns on the season. He’s currently on pace for a 50-touchdown season, which would solidify his place as QB1 and make it tough for teams to pass on him early in the draft.
4) Carolina Panthers: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Panthers fans want the most terrifying defensive line in the league. Adding Myles Murphy to a team that already has Brian Burns, Derrick Brown and Yetur Gross-Matos gives them plenty of talent to scare opposing offenses.
Murphy’s development over the last few seasons shows his potential and gives fans hope that his ceiling will continue rising. Even on an elite Clemson defensive line, Murphy stands out. Not necessarily in the stats department, but in the way that he affects the game.
5) Chicago Bears: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Chicago came crashing back down to Earth this week, and we’re back to looking at needs for a team full of them. Between offensive line and wide receiver, Bears fans had options to pick from in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. They decided to go with a position that’s been lacking for years now.
Justin Fields needs time to throw, that’s for sure. However, it won’t mean much if he can’t find anyone downfield. Jaxon Smith-Njigba gives the Bears a legitimate threat downfield and brings some excitement to an offense that’s currently averaging 95.5 passing yards per game.
6) New York Jets: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Don’t get me wrong, Stroud is slinging it. But that wouldn’t be possible if he faced pressure on every play. Paris Johnson Jr. remains the top tackle that most NFL fanbases covet, and the Jets address their OT need by taking him sixth in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Outside of Notre Dame, Johnson hasn’t seen much competition, so there’s plenty for him to show still. With Big Ten play nearly around the corner, we will get a chance to see him face better competition soon enough.
7) Detroit Lions: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Lions fans aren’t satisfied with Jared Goff and continue to take a quarterback of the future. Ignore the box scores right now, because they’re not doing Bryce Young justice. Two games were blowouts, and the other he was running for his life most of the time. Maybe that’s appropriate for what he’ll see early in his time with Detroit.
8) Jacksonville Jaguars: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Jaguars fans know they need better options at receiver for Trevor Lawrence. Whether or not Kayshon Boutte will be that guy remains to be seen. Just 10 catches for 93 yards and zero touchdowns this year, Boutte’s stock is headed in the wrong direction. A guy with explosive potential, the LSU receiver needs to get things going quickly.
Is he in Brian Kelly’s doghouse? We’re not sure. Kelly mentioned the need to get Boutte more involved, but that simply hasn’t happened. It’s going to be hard to convince a team you’re a top-10 pick if you’re not catching more than three passes a game.
9) Pittsburgh Steelers: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Despite the team’s struggles, Peter Skoronski continues to be a bright spot for the Northwestern Wildcats. His consistent play keeps him as a first-round prospect, and the only question surrounding his game is whether he’ll play tackle or guard at the next level. Mike Tomlin gets a player who brings elite consistency to the team, and that’s tough to pass on in any 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
10) Washington Commanders: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Washington fans make a great decision by adding Kelee Ringo to their secondary. It’s good for two major reasons. First, Ringo is an elite talent that can instantly upgrade the Commanders’ secondary. Second, he’ll face great competition every day in practice to sharpen his skill set.
Even though the Commanders might struggle this year, they have the ability to build towards the future with another young and talented skill-position player. Ringo’s speed and athleticism will help him transition well to the NFL game, and Washington will be happy to add him to the roster.
11) New York Giants: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
There are other needs that might take priority over linebacker, but it won’t hurt to add a talent like Trenton Simpson in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. New York must find help in the trenches, but this pick gives them some help as well.
Simpson continues to show his versatility at Clemson, which bodes well for him at the next level. The Tigers move him all around the field to help their defense, and that will help a Giants defense looking for that exact same thing.
12) Las Vegas Raiders: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
One thing remains the same from last week. Raiders fans know what they want in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Can you blame them? I mean, you already have a defensive line full of talent and potential, and you add Bryan Bresee to the mix.
Bresee’s name has been in the news lately, with the passing of his sister. So you might not see him on the field for a period of time. When he does return, he’ll be one of the most menacing players in the country. Already with great size, Bresee brings an athleticism that’s simply unfair for a man his size.
13) Houston Texans (from CLE): Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Houston fans add to their first-round picks with a player whose stock might be rising the fastest of anyone. Jordan Addison took his talents to Los Angeles, and the results speak for themselves. He’s already shown his explosiveness in big games and reminded fans why he’s arguably the best receiver in the country.
At this point, there isn’t a solidified QB3 in the 2023 NFL Draft, so teams should wait to take one in this mock draft. The Texans fanbase feels good with Davis Mills right now, so they instead give him a weapon that can take the top off a defense at any point.
14) New England Patriots: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
This pick almost feels too flashy for the Patriots. Known for finding underrated talent and developing it into legitimate players, New England might have to pass on Noah Sewell out of principle. Patriots fans love what they see in Sewell, and it’s easy to see why.
A sprinter out of the blocks, it doesn’t take long for Sewell to get downhill to attack the ball carrier. Teams typically have a specific game plan for him, but even that isn’t always a legitimate way to stop him. He’s that special.
15) Arizona Cardinals: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Arizona’s forced just one sack this season. Whether that’s the trend for the 2022 season or an overreaction to two games, it’s still a number to watch. Adding Nolan Smith could help if that becomes a problem. Cardinals fans like the length and explosiveness Smith brings to the table, and they select him with the 15th pick of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Georgia’s defense lost a ton of talent to the NFL this past year, but it’s a group that’s already proving to be one of the best in the country. Smith is a leader of that group, and his play keeps him in the first round.
16) Tennessee Titans: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Notre Dame is currently driving the struggle bus, and it might get worse before it gets better. But one constant has been tight end Michael Mayer. He’s proving to be a reliable threat downfield and as a blocker, but Notre Dame can’t seem to get him the football enough.
A good summary of how the season has gone for Mayer is this overthrow from the win over Cal. Mayer has improved as a route runner, but that doesn’t guarantee that he’ll get a catchable ball. Tennessee taking him means they’d have one of the biggest group of skill-position players with RB Derrick Henry and WR Treylon Burks already on the roster.
17) Dallas Cowboys: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Dallas fans are smart. They know that they need to give future star quarterback Cooper Rush more weapons to utilize. I mean, after all, he did just beat Joe Burrow and the Super Bowl runner-up Cincinnati Bengals. That’s a guy you build your team around.
All jokes aside, adding Quentin Johnston brings a big-play threat to Jerry World. At 6’5″, Johnston provides a matchup nightmare for anyone facing him. Sonny Dykes gets a full year to showcase his talent, and that could making the best WR prospect in the country when the year ends. Dallas fans are elated to add him to the team in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and he’ll help the offense no matter who’s playing quarterback.
18) Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Right now, drafting Will Levis in a 2023 NFL Mock Draft means you’re betting on his traits, because the play on the field hasn’t exactly warranted a first-round selection. Interceptions continue plaguing Levis, and that could knock him out of Round 1 if it continues. With QB3 up for grabs at this point, Levis needs to improve his performances on the field or his stock will head in the wrong direction.
19) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
At this rate, someone is going to take Bijan Robinson in the first round. It’s going to happen with the film he’s provided and the plays he’s made so far in 2022. Do I think that’s going to be the Eagles? No, but it is them in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. It’s not their biggest need, but you have to admit the terror teams would feel facing Philadelphia each week.
20) Cincinnati Bengals: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Bengals fans continue their 2023 NFL Mock Draft focus on Antonio Johnson. Despite Texas A&M’s struggles, Johnson and the secondary have been the steady hand on the team. At 6’3″, 200 pounds, he brings a unique skill set to the defense. The Aggies like to move Johnson all over the field from linebacker to safety to nickel, and he seems to be comfortable at any of those positions.
21) Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Alabama
Seattle fans know what they want from their draft picks, as evident by their consistent drafting of Henry To’oTo’o. A smart, instinctual player, To’oTo’o makes the right play more often than not. His ability to make a move before most players showcases his work off the field in the film room as well.
To’oTo’o is not the flashiest player in this draft class, but he’s consistent and makes the right read. With the Seahawks in need of some help at linebacker, he gives them the perfect fit.
22) Minnesota Vikings: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Vikings fans continue their love for cornerbacks in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and the pick still makes sense. Cameron Dantzler so far has looked solid this season, but Patrick Peterson isn’t getting any younger. Enter Cam Smith, a sticky cornerback who knows how to make plays.
Adding Smith gives the Vikings another young and talented CB to learn from Peterson and provide excitement for the future. Like Dantzler, Smith shows the right attitude to help in run support as well, something that will help him see the field quickly.
23) Baltimore Ravens: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
Similar to Levis, drafting Eli Ricks right now means you’re betting on traits. We don’t have enough data yet to prove that he’s worth a first-round pick, but there are things that suggest he could be one. Ricks’ length stands out over a lot of corners, and he’ll get plenty of opportunities to showcase that length when SEC play begins for the Tide.
24) Miami Dolphins (from SF): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
It was always funny to hear people say Tua Tagovailoa was only good in college because of his receivers. I think we can put that notion to rest after last week. Dolphins fans are stacking wins on wins with this pick because Jahmyr Gibbs adds speed to a Miami offense loaded with it.
With Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill already on the offense, adding a player who models his game after Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara seems unfair. Gibbs will also challenge Waddle and Hill for fastest player on the team, and his presence in the offense makes this pick arguably the best in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
25) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
This is a Dan Campbell guy if I’ve ever seen it. Gervon Dexter is going to get down and dirty in the trenches, and will wreak havoc against any team he faces in the NFL. Florida might not be having the season they envisioned, but they’ve got NFL talent that’s worth watching still.
26) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
In the last fan mock draft, Chargers fans paired Jordan Battle with Derwin James. That remains the same here, and I’m still excited about it. We’ve seen the physicality that James brings to the field, and Battle has the ability to match that. At a certain point, teams might have to pick their poison when facing those two.
27) Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
After this week, Philadelphia might not want to touch its secondary. Well, corner at least. Darius Slay had a huge game in the Eagles’ win over the Vikings, but the safety position could still use some help. Brandon Joseph is a natural playmaker, and he’s caught the attention of Eagles fans in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
28) Green Bay Packers: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Green Bay’s front seven is quickly turning into a dangerous group. Rashan Gary leads the way, but Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt show great potential too.
Packers fans decide to add Isaiah Foskey to the mix. He’s disruptive when rushing the passer, but can also do the same against the run. It might be tough for Green Bay fans to look past taking a receiver, but drafting Foskey is a solid pick.
29) Kansas City Chiefs: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Protecting Patrick Mahomes will never be a bad decision, and Darnell Wright can protect his quarterback like the best of them. Wright’s been a recent riser on draft boards because he’s finally been able to translate talent into production. Tennessee is set to have a great year in 2022 because the offense is firing on all cylinders, and Wright is leading the way up front.
30) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami (FL)
It wasn’t the best weekend for Tyler Van Dyke and the Miami Hurricanes, so this pick should change when this 2023 NFL Mock Draft is created next week. The passing attack struggled mightily on the road in College Station, and Van Dyke never seemed to get comfortable. The talent is still there, but there’s a long way to go before TVD proves that he can be Tom Brady’s successor.
31) Buffalo Bills: Malachi Moore, CB, Alabama
Where Malachi Moore plays at the next level remains to be seen, but Bills fans continue drafting him in the PFN Mock Draft Simulator. Moore brings experience at multiple positions, which helps him at the next level. If he can show consistency in that versatility, Buffalo gets some depth by drafting him.
