NFL prospect C.J. Stroud, Ohio State Buckeyes. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
With the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, we take a look at an updated full two-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up last week from Indianapolis, and for many players, it was a step in the right direction in terms of their draft stock. The quarterback group showed out, showing a combination of athleticism, and passing accuracy, and there is a good chance we see as many as four go in the top 5 picks.
Here, we take a look at what the first round of the NFL Draft could look like, factoring in some trades after the performances down in Indy.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Post-NFL Scouting Combine
CJ Stroud
Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine was kind to the quarterbacks, as they put on a display and nailed the interview process. For CJ Stroud, he had one of the better passing efforts we have seen in quite some time, cementing himself as one of the first players to come off the board this April.
With Chicago holding the No. 1 overall pick and stating they are going to stick with Justin Fields, they trade the top selection to the Indianapolis Colts. Stroud did enough in Indy, and during his time at Ohio State to warrant being the first player off the board, and he lands with the Colts as their next franchise quarterback.
Bryce Young
Quarterback, Houston Texans
Staying with the AFC South, the Houston Texans hold the No. 2 overall pick, and if CJ Stroud is gone by the time they pick, the selection will be Alabama star quarterback, Bryce Young. In this draft class, the overall thought is that Young and Stroud are QB1A and QB1B, so the Texans really cannot lose picking where they are this draft season.
Young may not have the prototypical size you look for in an NFL quarterback, but he is the complete package and allows the Texans to hit the reset button at the most important position in sports. Houston plays within a division that could be wide open in 2023, and in Young, they get the kind of playmaking quarterback they have not had since Deshaun Watson.
