FPC 2023 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Quarterbacks Takeover Top Five

Embed from Getty Images
The 2023 NFL offseason is in full swing. Overall, this week will be flooded by players changing teams with the legal tampering period and free agency. But, it is also a glorious time of year for the next generation of players entering the NFL landscape. We are just around six and a half weeks away from the 2023 NFL Draft.

With the official draft nearing, it is time for our first 2023 mock draft here at Full Press Coverage. We now have a brand-new team picking at number one overall, via last week’s trade. Who will the Carolina Panthers take? How many quarterbacks are selected in the top five? Let’s kick it off.

1. Carolina Panthers: QB CJ Stroud- Ohio State

The Carolina Panthers paid a hefty price to move up from number nine overall to number one overall. After years of riding the veteran quarterback carousel, they felt like this newly hired regime needed a rookie quarterback. Now, they will get to select the quarterback of their choice. There could be a different QB1 at the top of someone’s NFL Draft board, depending on what team you are referencing.

In the end, the Panthers select Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud. Stroud is the safest pick of this year’s quarterbacks, mainly because he is the best all-around option. His accuracy, touch and timing will make this massive trade up worth it for Carolina.

2. Houston Texans: QB Bryce Young- Alabama

It appears to be no secret that the Houston Texans are extremely high on Bryce Young. This team may not have the sufficient supporting pieces for a rookie quarterback. But in today’s NFL, some teams have been more comfortable with getting their guy, and building around them afterwards. Bryce Young is obviously a historical outlier at the position. His height and size concerns will be a turn off for some teams. Focusing on the positives, however, Young brings excellent instincts, a wicked release and an ability to improvise and remain poised. The Texans get the guy who they are rumored to love.

3. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Will Levis- Kentucky

TRADE!

Las Vegas Raiders Receive: 3rd overall pick

Arizona Cardinals Receive: 7th overall pick, 38th overall pick

With two quarterbacks already off the board, the Las Vegas Raiders pay a premium price to move up four spots. The Raiders secure the quarterback they want, getting ahead of Indianapolis and fringe quarterback spots in Seattle and Detroit. Las Vegas will be entering a season without Derek Carr for the first time in nearly a decade.

Will Levis may not be the quarterback who has the highest ceiling of who is still on the board. Yet, Levis may be a better schematic fit for Josh McDaniels’ offense. He offers immense arm talent to hit all areas of the field. His bread and butter is the rhythm passing game. Do not discredit the athleticism of Levis, either. Can he develop into a more well-rounded quarterback in the silver and black?

4. Indianapolis Colts: QB Anthony Richardson- Florida

Embed from Getty Images
Because of the trade up by the Raiders, the Colts are left picking the fourth quarterback off of the board. Nonetheless, this could be the passer that they like the most. He could also possess the highest ceiling of this year’s quarterback prospects.

Anthony Richardson does not have the polish and experience of a Stroud. However, the tools are all in place for someone to bet on the traits. Richardson’s release and overall arm talent looks almost effortless on tape. You also have the dual-threat rushing ability and ability to create out of structure. That is an element that most NFL teams are longing for in quarterbacks nowadays. He may take some time to develop. Though, the potential of Richardson is sky-high.

5. Seattle Seahawks: EDGE Will Anderson- Alabama

After the Raiders traded up, the Seattle Seahawks sit comfortably and land arguably the best overall player in the draft class. Will Anderson would immediately become the best defensive lineman on the Seattle defense. Whether you put him on the edge or at 3-tech, Anderson can dominate with physicality. His smooth acceleration as a pass rusher is icing on the cake, given his never-ending tenacity.

6. Detroit Lions: CB Devon Witherspoon- Illinois

The Detroit Lions are a bright, up-and-coming team. Detroit still needs improvements on defense, if they want to get back to the playoffs. The cornerback position was one of the weaker points last season. Jeff Okudah finally showed some flashes. More help is needed, nevertheless.

The Lions end up making Devon Witherspoon the first cornerback to come off the board. With his mix of aggressiveness, physicality in man coverage and combativeness at the catch point, he is a perfect fit for the Lions. Detroit wants to be in your face and embrace attitude. Witherspoon matches that perfectly.

7. Arizona Cardinals: EDGE Tyree Wilson- Texas Tech

TRADE! (Details above)

Yes, a trade down forces the Cardinals to miss out on Will Anderson. Arizona could very well be just as high on Tyree Wilson, given their past draft quirks. Part of this is due to the versatility that Wilson can provide upfront. Out on the edge, Wilson offers immense power at the point of attack. That allows him to set the edge with force and win leverage. Elsewhere, Wilson can even reduce inside to rush the passer. The length and physical nature that he plays with could be perfect for the Cardinals, who need any edge rusher, following JJ Watt’s retirement.

8. Atlanta Falcons: IDL Jalen Carter- Georgia

The off-field situation involving Jalen Carter could cause a slight drop in his landing spot. That process off of the field will take care of itself in due time. Despite those concerns, NFL teams will still look for that to be resolved with Carter’s play speaking for itself on the field. Perhaps, the Falcons keep him in the state of Georgia after a slight drop.

Interior pressure is not easy to find. As a result, that has become more valuable for teams when building their pass rush. Atlanta needs as many options as they can find in the pass rush. Because of that, they go with Carter in this scenario, as he is still on the board.

9. Chicago Bears: OT Paris Johnson Jr.- Ohio State

The Chicago Bears must know that they need better protection around young quarterback Justin Fields. Fortunately for them, Chicago has the opportunity to take the first offensive lineman off the board in this scenario. Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr. winds up being the selection here. The Bears would be getting a blocker who moved from right guard to left tackle for the 2022 season. In general, Johnson Jr.’s pass blocking technique and footwork are extremely coordinated. There are no issues there. Plus, there is upside with the athleticism of Johnson Jr.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Christian Gonzalez- Oregon

Embed from Getty Images
The Philadelphia Eagles could be losing James Bradberry to free agency. Darius Slay has also been given permission to seek a trade. Thus, Philadelphia could look to draft a cornerback early in this year’s deep class at the position.

Christian Gonzalez may have the cleanest tape of any 2023 cornerback prospect entering the NFL Draft. The athleticism of Gonzalez is through the roof. With that, the defender brings crisp, quick transitions and silky-smooth footwork in coverage. His ball skills also improved greatly in his final collegiate season.

11. Tennessee Titans: OL Peter Skoronski- Northwestern

The Tennessee Titans are largely blowing it all up with their roster entering 2023. In the NFL Draft, offensive line help could be their top priority. Peter Skoronski just feels like a blocker who head coach Mike Vrabel would love. Will he play offensive tackle or guard? That remains to be seen. What Skoronski does offer is an urgent pop with his hands, a variety of pass sets that he is confident in and commanding play strength. Tennessee has been known for playing bully ball upfront. Skoronski would fit the mold of continuing that trend.

12. Houston Texans: EDGE Myles Murphy- Clemson

Admittedly, there were a handful of different options that made sense here. The Texans had many paths to go down with their second first-round pick. With whom is still on the board in this particular NFL mock draft, new head coach DeMeco Ryans gets his young pass rusher.

Myles Murphy is a dense pass rusher that can also catch opponents off guard athletically. The prowess that he shows of exploding off of the line is tantalizing. On the flip side, Murphy excites with his ability to work through defenders and reduce rush angles.

13. New York Jets: OT Broderick Jones- Georgia

Are the Jets going to have Aaron Rodgers as their new quarterback? Whether it is him or not, the New York passer will need stable protection upfront. The Jets were not consistent or efficient as a blocking unit in 2022.

Georgia’s Broderick Jones injects rare movement skills as an offensive tackle. He can slide laterally or pass set vertically. Overall, that agility and body positioning can quickly take the air out of an opponent’s pass rush. Jones is not afraid to show off his “finisher” mentality, to boot.

14. New England Patriots: OT Dawand Jones- Ohio State

This could be seen as a pick that comes somewhat out of left field. Yet, the Patriots have two pending free agents at the right tackle position. Dawand Jones could fit in swimmingly with the New England offense. This blocker is built like an absolute monster, measuring in at 6’8’’ and 374 pounds. Jones lives up to that monster-like mentality. He can be a nasty mauler in the run game, an area where the Patriots rely on heavily. His aggression and blocking tenacity, along with his exceptional length, makes Jones nearly impossible to get around.

15. Green Bay Packers: DB Brian Branch- Alabama

Brian Branch screams versatility as a defensive back. He can line up at safety over the top, in the slot as a nickel cornerback and defend near the line of scrimmage in the run game. Branch is the prototypical style of defensive back for today’s evolving NFL. For instance, he can match up one-on-one with any size or style of pass catcher. By being able to cover and defend in any area of the field, Branch is an instant math changer for his defense. Overall, the Packers could lose Adrian Amos to free agency and Darnell Savage had a disappointing 2022. Branch could step right in and improve the backend.

16. Washington Commanders: CB Joey Porter Jr.- Penn State

Embed from Getty Images
There are a few different positions that the Washington Commanders could look to address. But in this scenario, it is difficult to have Joey Porter Jr. slide beyond this point with him still being on the board. It also snipes Pittsburgh from selecting him, after his dad starred for the Steelers at linebacker.

Joey Porter Jr. may have the most outstanding length that I have ever seen for a cornerback prospect. In Washington, he would be able to press at the line of scrimmage. The ability to put clamps on opponents immediately would do wonders for the Commanders. Simply put, Porter Jr. would be able to frustrate the dynamic opposing receivers in the NFC East.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: EDGE Nolan Smith- Georgia

The Steelers are truly in a challenging spot. In this scenario, they stayed at 17 overall and the top three cornerbacks and top three offensive linemen are gone. So, why not add to this daunting Pittsburgh defense?

Nolan Smith still needs some further development after he enters the NFL. But right now, there is no denying the freakish athleticism and speed that he brings as a pass rusher off of the edge. Smith blew up the testing portion of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Quietly, this defender can win often with power, despite his smaller frame.

18. Detroit Lions: RB Bijan Robinson- Texas

Bijan Robinson is easily a top five prospect in this 2023 NFL Draft class. Obviously, we know how hard it is for teams to draft running backs in round one. Robinson is one of the best running back prospects in recent memory, however. Finding the landing spots for him in the first round is a bit difficult. No place makes more sense than Detroit, in my opinion.

The team could lose Jamaal Williams in free agency. D’Andre Swift has not secured a consistent starting role. More importantly, Robinson would make the Lions even more dangerous and unpredictable, because of the existing weapons in the passing game. The change of direction skills, contact balance and vision are effortless for Bijan Robinson.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Deonte Banks- Maryland

Deonte Banks may not be a household name right now among the cornerback prospects. Recently, he has been rising up draft boards. He was expected to test well at the Combine and knocked it out of the park. On top of that, his film presents Banks as a well-rounded defender in pass coverage.

The Buccaneers are going to be overhauling a ton of positions. Cornerback is likely to be one of them. With the skill set and mentality that Banks possesses, it is hard to envision Todd Bowles letting him slip in this scenario.

20. Seattle Seahawks: OL John Michael Schmitz- Minnesota

Seattle could sneakily go wide receiver or tight end in this spot. But with their second first-round pick in 2023, let’s give them a new interior offensive lineman. John Michael Schmitz could step right in and be the new starting center for the extended Geno Smith, following Austin Blythe’s retirement.

Instincts matter so much at the center position. Arguably, there is no greater trait that stands out than that for John Michael Schmitz. The way in which he gains leverage is urgent. All told, this blocker embodies a tremendous mix of having a strong anchor, while still being fairly athletic. This would be an amazing fit for both player and team.

21. Los Angeles Chargers: TE Dalton Kincaid- Utah

The Los Angeles Chargers have one of the most dynamic offenses on paper. LA is shining bright, in terms of top-end talent at running back and wide receiver. We know that the Chargers will be forced to score many points in the rugged AFC. Let’s add another weapon for Justin Herbert to make the Chargers offense even more fun.

This is one of the most exciting tight end classes in recent memory. In this scenario, Dalton Kincaid is the first tight end to come off the board. Kincaid is a pass catcher who wins similar to how most tight ends are doing it nowadays. Overall, he is quick to read coverages and diagnose the soft spots in between zones. Kincaid quickly separates by running crisp routes and finds the ball rapidly. The buzz on Kincaid is high and Los Angeles could be one of his top suitors.

22. Baltimore Ravens: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba- Ohio State

Embed from Getty Images
The Baltimore Ravens have a massive need at wide receiver. In this particular mock draft, they take the first receiver off the board. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was unable to play much in 2022, due to nagging injuries. Yet, he is still one of the smoothest pass catchers in this class. Smith-Njigba offers savvy route running skills and can separate in any way possible. The way in which he attacks defenders, along with his effort at attacking the ball at the catch point, would inject instant juice into the Ravens offense.

23. Minnesota Vikings: CB Kelee Ringo- Georgia

There may not have been any defense worse in last year’s playoff field than the Minnesota Vikings. The cornerback position has been a constant question mark for years now. Once again, it looks like many changes will be made there.

Kelee Ringo has seen his draft stock fluctuate since the start of last year’s college football season. Questions about his change of direction skills and overall athleticism seem to differ, depending on who you talk to. There is also a general lack of ball production from Ringo. On the surface, his instincts, reactionary skills at the catch point and size should be a nice starting point for him.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: OT Darnell Wright- Tennessee

Quietly, the Jacksonville Jaguars have assembled one of the more exciting young offenses in the league. Trevor Lawrence had a brilliant finish to his second career season. His pass catching room is largely intact. In this scenario, we opted to give Lawrence more protection in hopes of keeping him clean. Jawaan Taylor is a pending free agent that possibly priced himself out of Jacksonville with his stellar improvements.

Darnell Wright is yet another name who has seen his stock rise. Initially, you get excited about his clean hand techniques. Wright sets up opposing pass rushers by altering his pass sets, if necessary. Jacksonville would also be getting a blocker who adds immense length and power upfront.

25. New York Giants: WR Jordan Addison- USC

The New York Giants are pretty bare at the wide receiver position. Granted, New York will look to rely on the running game with Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones. You still need to deepen the pass catching options for Jones, nonetheless.

Jordan Addison ends up being the pick here for multiple reasons. For one, the Giants snipe the division-rival Dallas Cowboys from possibly taking him. From a skill set perspective, Addison is similar to the aforementioned Smith-Njigba, in that he is smooth and savvy with his route running. He has many moves and plans to increase his separation as well.

26. Dallas Cowboys: WR Quentin Johnston- TCU

Despite not getting Addison, the Cowboys still wind up with one of the top wide receivers. Quentin Johnston may not be ready to be a WR1 entering the NFL level. Thankfully for him, he would not have to feel that pressure in the Dallas offense behind CeeDee Lamb.

Johnston can be a bit of a basket catcher at times, while drops have been an issue. The bright moments of Johnston’s game flash from his ability to stack defensive backs and win leverage. He also brings sharpened ball skills. Finally, Johnston can offer incredible speed for his size.

27. Buffalo Bills: OL Cody Mauch- North Dakota State

The Buffalo Bills are a challenging team to mock for. Buffalo has a few different holes to address. But in this NFL Draft scenario, the Bills get a new protector for Josh Allen. They need more consistency from the interior offensive line.

Buffalo has a track record of taking unique football players who have played a multitude of positions. At the same time, the Bills have been willing to take chances on underdeveloped players that they can continue to mold. Cody Mauch is the next great prospect from North Dakota State. A former walk-on tight end, Mauch is a blocker who can get nasty, outwork opponents and surprise with his movement skills.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Darnell Washington- Georgia

Embed from Getty Images
The Cincinnati Bengals already boast one of the most explosive offenses in the entire NFL. Why not add a tight end with a superhero-like build to that group? Hayden Hurst is a pending free agent. Will he be back long-term?

Darnell Washington can surely add an extension to the run game with his blocking prowess. Where he really impresses, though, is with his pass catching skills. Washington is extremely comfortable with attacking vertically and up the seams. Quite frankly, how can you even stop that once Washington gets going? In a quick-strike, vertical attack like the Bengals, Washington’s fit feels almost too good to be true.

29. New Orleans Saints: DL Calijah Kancey- Pitt

The case for Calijah Kancey being a first rounder is starting to solidify. His size is definitely a fascinating talking point as a defensive lineman. Yet, Kancey has been able to put a versatile skill set on tape. You can rely on him to be a relentless player with his never-ending motor. You can rely on him to crash laterally with electric quickness. Moreover, Kancey offers a deep set of counter moves as a pass rusher.

The New Orleans Saints have many pending free agents on the defensive line. Not only do they need to get younger there. But, the Saints simply need better all-around results upfront. Kancey just feels like the style of defender that New Orleans has fallen in love with in the past.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: DL Keion White- Georgia Tech

A second Eagles pick, and a second defensive selection. By no means, is Keion White a fully developed prospect. He transferred from Old Dominion to Georgia Tech. In 2022, he transitioned to a full-time starter. White can line up all over the defensive line, fitting into multiple shades. Add in his quickness and wicked first-step, and the Eagles could once again land a dominant pass rusher. Philly would have plenty of tools to work with here, as White continues to grow and get more experience.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Anton Harrison- Oklahoma

The Kansas City Chiefs are seemingly moving on from Orlando Brown Jr. Plus, Andrew Wylie is another pending free agent. Patrick Mahomes will likely be getting new reinforcements to help stay as clean as he did last season.

Anton Harrison feels like a strong fit, given the offense that he played in at Oklahoma. Harrison sparks intriguing athleticism, mirroring skills and fast footwork. There appears to be confidence from him with any form of pass set. Possibly, Harrison is the new blindside protector for Mahomes from the get-go.

Be on the lookout for more upcoming FPC 2023 NFL mock drafts in the coming weeks, which will drop on each Monday. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter (@FullPressNFL) in the leadup to the 2023 NFL Draft.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.