Mock Draft Edition 4.0 (Final)

Hello and welcome back to another mock draft. Believe it or not the NFL draft is less than a week away (starts Thursday, April 27). In celebration, I will be releasing my final mock draft of the 2023 season. As always, let me know what you think in the comments section below. Let’s get started.

1) Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): CJ Stroud (QB)

While many recent mock drafts have mocked the Panthers to take Bryce Young, I still think that Stroud will go number one. He is the best pure passer in this year's draft class and fits what new head coach Frank Reich is looking for in a franchise QB.

2) Houston Texans: Bryce Young (QB)

With Stroud off the board, the Texans take arguably the best player in the draft.

3) Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr. (Edge)

For the Cardinals, this seems like an obvious trade down spot given the numerous needs on their roster. However, since this mock draft contains no trades, the Cardinals sit still and grab the best defensive player in the draft. Jonathan Gannon will be thrilled.

4) Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson (QB)

The Colts have had a revolving door at QB ever since Andrew Luck left and Shane Stichen will love having a raw developmental QB that can turn into a Jalen Hurts type player.

5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Jalen Carter (DT)

A lot of mocks have Carter falling due to off the field concerns, however I believe that the Seahawks organization has enough respect and discipline in order to turn him into a superstar.

6) Detroit Lions (from L.A. Rams): Tyree Wilson (Edge)

The Lions did enough in free agency to address the backside of their defense. Pairing Tyree Wilson with Aiden Hutchinson will terrorize QBs for years to come.

7) Las Vegas Raiders: Will Levis (QB)

The Raiders are in a tough spot and while many may want them to take a defensive player, I still believe they will look to develop a future franchise QB under Jimmy G.

8) Atlanta Falcons: Lukas Van Ness (Edge)

Cristian Gonzalez is a strong candidate here, however the trade for Jeff Okudah leads me to believe the Falcons will go a different direction. If you look at the Falcon’s defensive line you will find absolutely no one - except Calais Campbell who is on a 1 year deal.

9) Chicago Bears (from Carolina): Peter Skronski (OT)

Skronski is a complete offensive line prospect who will become a bookend tackle for the Bears. The Bears must continue to build & protect around Justin Fields.

10) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): Christian Gonzalez (CB)

This is an obvious defensive line selection, however with Van Ness off the board, the value just isn’t there. That being said, the Eagles are thrilled to land Gonzalez who could’ve easily gone in the top 8. The saying is - you can never have too many good corners.

11) Tennessee Titans: Jaxon Smith-Nijigba (WR)

The Titans offense is in desperate need of some type of talent. The value at QB isn’t quite there yet so they elect to take the best receiver prospect in the draft.

12) Houston Texans (from Cleveland): Jordan Addison (WR)

The Bryce Young to Jordan Addison combination could be dangerous for years to come. Ever since the Watson to Hopkins connection, the Texans offense could finally start to look dangerous again.

13) New York Jets: Myles Murphy (Edge)

The Jets will have a number of aging free agents on their defense following the 2023 season. Murphy is an athletic edge rusher who has the potential to become a star alongside former first round picks Jermaine Johnson and Quinnen Williams.

14) New England Patriots: Quenton Johnson (WR)

The Patriots seem like a team that could go any direction this draft, however they elect to take a chance on a pure X receiver.

15) Green Bay Packers: Dalton Kincaid (TE)

With Jordan Love set to start next year, the Packers must put in pieces around him to succeed. Kincaid is a stellar tight end who will make life easier for the new franchise QB.

16) Washington Commanders: Devon Witherspoon (CB)

The Commanders start to see Witherspoon sliding and grab him immediately. Pairing him with corner Kendall Fuller will make a good Commanders defense turn elite.

17) Pittsburgh Steelers: Paris Johnson (OT)

The Steelers offensive line in 2022 was terrible to say the least. Kenny Pickket was constantly under pressure and Najee Harris averaged less than 4 yards per carry: Johnson helps solve both those issues.

18) Detroit Lions: Michael Mayer (TE)

The Lions upgraded their defense with their first first round selection and now upgrade the other side of the ball. With Hockensen gone, Mayer makes a lot of sense.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Hendon Hooker (QB)

For the Bucs, I could see them trading up if they fall in love with one of the top tier QBs - maybe Will Levis? Here they take the next best option in Hendon Hooker.

20) Seattle Seahawks: Deonte Banks (CB)

Pairing Banks with Tariq Woolen would elevate the Hawks secondary to a level not seen after the Legion of Boom.

21) Los Angeles Chargers: Calijah Kancey (DT)

The Chargers defense was still bad despite significant additions in the 2022 offseason. In fact, they gave up a league leading 5.4 yards per carry to opposing running backs. Kancey can help fix that problem.

22) Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers (WR)

While the Ravens did sign OBJ, it isn’t clear how his health will hold up in the future. The Ravens must continue investing in weapons for Lamar.

23) Minnesota Vikings: Joey Porter Jr (Corner)

The Vikings defense was awful in 2022 and they must make every effort to correct it.

24) Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Branch (S)

The Jags cut Shaquill Griffin and thus have a need at corner. While Branch is listed at safety, he could easily slide down and play nickel corner.

25) New York Giants: O’Cyrus Torrence (OG)

Pick 25 is a tough spot for the Giants as many of the top receivers and corners will likely be gone at this spot. However, they elect to take Torrence who will fill another need on the interior of their offensive line.

26) Dallas Cowboys: Bijan Robinson (RB)

Where will Bijan go is the question everyone is asking themselves. The Cowboys have shown extreme interest in the Texas running back and elect to take him here.

27) Buffalo Bills: Jack Campbell (LB)

The Bills had a few key departures in free agency. Termaine Edmunds was one of them - Campbell can help ease the blow.

28) Cincinnati Bengals: Broderick Jones (OT)

Jonah Jackson requested a trade, taking Jones ensures that the Bengals don’t lose significant talent on their offensive line.

29) New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver): Nolan Smith (EDGE)

Smith had an OUTSTANDING combine performance and is an insane athlete. Pairing him with Cam Jordan will be fun to watch.

30) Philadelphia Eagles: John Michael Schmitz (Center)

Jason Kelce will be back for another year but what about after that? The Eagles have to continue to get younger.

31) Kansas City Chiefs: Felix Anudike-Uzomah (EDGE)

The Chiefs don’t have many needs with the exception of their defensive line. With the departure of Frank Clark in free agency, they grab Anudike-Uzomah to improve their pass-rush.