Last update: Thursday, April 27, 2023, 4:20 p.m. Final version, barring trade before 7 p.m.
Next update: Every week. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
NFL Mock Draft 2023 updated April 27, 4:20 p.m.
This mock draft will be updated occasionally. Follow @walterfootball for NFL Draft updates.
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama 
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The Panthers need a franchise quarterback, which is obviously why they traded up to No. 1 (check my NFL Trade Grades page for more.) They didn’t want to settle for the third or fourth option in this class. Instead, they surrendered D.J. Moore and a package of picks to move up for the signal-caller of their choice. That’s likely to be Bryce Young because he canceled all of his future visits, probably because he was told by the Panthers that he would be the No. 1 pick. The coaches actually prefer C.J. Stroud, so you have to wonder about the damage owner Ax Tepper is doing with this meddling.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. None – It seems as though Young is locked into the top pick even though the coaches wanted Stroud.
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Houston Texans: Will Anderson, DE/OLB, Alabama As mentioned prior to the Bears-Panthers trade, the Texans wouldn’t be able to get the quarterback they wanted because of their foolish decision to win in Week 18. They apparently wanted Bryce Young, but because of their meaningless victory, they’re no longer in position to draft him. The logical thing would be to go with C.J. Stroud, but the Texans don’t do things logically. They’re likely to pass on a quarterback, and as a result, they’re going to allow the rival Colts to land a franchise signal-caller.
Assuming Houston passes on Stroud, it’ll select either Will Anderson or Tyree Wilson, as the team hasn’t been able to replace J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney after all these years.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Tyree Wilson, DE – Edge rusher is the likely pick if the Texans remain at No. 2.
2. C.J. Stroud, QB – Was this all a trick? Did the Texans fool everyone into thinking they were stupid and/or secretly working for the Colts? By the way, the whole Will Levis to the Texans thing reminds me of when everyone thought the 49ers would draft Mac Jones. It could happen, but it would be insanely dumb for the Texans to do it – which might mean that it will happen because Houston does all the wrong things.
Tennessee Titans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State 
I normally don’t like projecting trades in my mock draft, but I’ll do it on occasion. Charlie Campbell just reported that the Titans have been calling about trading up for C.J. Stroud if he falls past the Texans at No. 2. We’ve also been saying for quite some time that the Cardinals are dying to trade down. I believe Arizona would take less in return than the trade value chart would call for because they are so desperate to move out of No. 3. This deal just makes so much sense.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Anthony Richardson/Will Levis, QB – If the Titans don’t want to trade up, they could settle for one of the other quarterbacks at No. 11.
2. Zay Flowers, WR – Flowers visited the Titans, who reportedly liked him quite a bit.
Pick change; previously Cam Smith, CB
Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida 
At this rate, it’s fair to wonder if Texans general manager Nick Caserio is a sleeper agent working for the Colts. The Texans won a meaningless game late in the year versus Indianapolis, which hurt their draft choice and moved up the Colts in the order. Now, Caserio will allegedly be passing on C.J. Stroud, which will allow a franchise quarterback to fall into the Colts’ lap if there is no trade at No. 3. I hope Jim Irsay is paying Caserio well!
However, in this update, the Titans have moved ahead of the Colts, so perhaps Caserio has been working for the Titans this entire time. What a twist! If Stroud is off the board, the Colts will likely select one of the other quarterbacks. Many believe it’ll be Will Levis, but I think Anthony Richardson makes more sense.
Richardson is raw, but has a huge arm and great athleticism. He had a great 2022 debut, but struggled versus Kentucky the following week. He was inconsistent after that, but he looked great at the combine.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. C.J. Stroud/Will Levis, QB – Both of the other quarterbacks are in play here as well.
2. Will Anderson, DE – If the quarterback the Colts want is off the board, they could target the best defensive player in this class.
Pick change; previously C.J. Stroud, QB
Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia 
It’s amazing that at No. 5, the Seahawks could end up with the top prospect in this class. With the Panthers moving up to No. 1, we now know for sure that the top two picks will be a quarterback. If the Cardinals trade the third choice, there will be four quarterbacks gone after four picks, leaving the Seahawks with Will Anderson, who will provide a huge boost to their pass rush.
If, however, Anderson is off the board, the Seahawks will strongly consider Jalen Carter. The Georgia product is having a rough pre-draft session with an arrest and a horrible Pro Day workout, but the Seahawks have taken chances on troubled players in the past. Carter is a top-three prospect in this class based on the tape.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Will Anderson or Tyree Wilson, DE – This should be the floor for the top two pass rushers unless something very strange happens.
2. C.J. Stroud, QB – If both the Texans and Colts pass on C.J. Stroud, the Seahawks will certainly have to consider him as their long-term franchise quarterback.
Detroit Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois 
This pick wouldn’t have been used on Devon Witherspoon had the draft been held about three weeks ago. Witherspoon hadn’t worked out at that point, so there was some concern with his health. Those concerns have been resolved, however, as Witherspoon was able to put together a quality workout.
Devon Witherspoon is not quite six feet, but he has incredible speed. His injury concerns could drop him into the teens or 20s. See where he ranks in our 2023 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Bijan Robinson, RB – The Lions love Bijan Robinson, but the lean seems to be toward Devon Witherspoon at this point.
2. Will Anderson, DE – We’ve seen some strange falls before, but this would be the very bottom for Anderson.
Las Vegas Raiders: Paris Johnson, OT/G, Ohio State The Raiders like Anthony Richardson, but it sounds like the plan is to move forward with Jimmy Garoppolo. In that case, the Raiders will be interested in protecting their new quarterback. They have a big hole at right tackle that they can address with this pick.
Paris Johnson has been linked to the Bears as a possibility to enhance Justin Fields’ protection. Given how often Fields was under siege last year, Chicago must consider Johnson if the top defensive linemen are off the board. Johnson has good athleticism for an offensive lineman, and he can play both tackle and guard.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Devon Witherspoon/Christian Gonzalez, CB – Cornerback is a huge need, and there are two cornerbacks worthy of being top-10 picks.
2. Darnell Wright, OT – The other tackle selection would help solidify Jimmy Garoppolo’s pass protection.
Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas 
I wouldn’t love this pick if it happens because I believe that only teams ready to make a Super Bowl run should select running backs in the first round. The Falcons definitely are not there yet, though they could win the division. Still, this is a mock of what I believe will happen; not what I think should occur.
Bijan Robinson is going to be another running back chosen early in the draft, much like Saquon Barkley, who went No. 2 overall. All of his attributes are at sky-high levels. Sources have told Campbell that Robinson is the best player in this class, so he’s a potential top-10 pick.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Lukas Van Ness or Nolan Smith, DE – Two pass-rushing options for a team that can’t get to the quarterback.
2. C.J. Stroud, QB – If Stroud falls, the Falcons have to be interested because Desmond Ridder has a low ceiling.
Chicago Bears: Peter Skoronski, OT/G/C, Northwestern 
Thanks to the incompetence of the Houston Texans, the Bears were able to obtain the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They have since moved down to No. 9 in a very successful trade. This then begs the question, what do the Bears do with the ninth pick? Offensive line seems like an obvious choice, but the team’s dreadful defense must be addressed as well.
Peter Skoronski is an athletic tackle who has kept his quarterback clean. He can play every position up front, though his short arms may have him end up at guard.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Jalen Carter, DT – This is a potential home for Carter if he slips because of his character concerns.
2. Paris Johnson, OT – The other tackle option for the Bears, who would love to reunite Justin Fields with his former college teammate.
Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, DE/OLB, Georgia Brandon Graham won’t be around much longer, so the Eagles will need an edge rusher for the future. Philadelphia’s pass rush was horrendous in the Super Bowl anyhow.
Nolan Smith needs to get stronger, but he has great speed off the edge.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Jalen Carter, DT – This seems like Jalen Carter’s floor. In fact, the Eagles could trade up a couple of spots for him.
2. Peter Skoronski, OT/G – If the Eagles don’t feel comfortable with Cam Jurgens replacing Isaac Seumalo, they could draft Peter Skoronski if he’s available.
Pick change; previously Lukas Van Ness, DE
Arizona Cardinals: Tyree Wilson, DE/DT, Texas Tech 
If the Cardinals trade down, they’d expect to land Christian Gonzalez in their new spot. However, how surprised would they be if they were able to obtain a prospect they easily could have selected at No. 3 overall?
Tyree Wilson has terrific traits, but hasn’t been able to work out because of a foot injury. He was recently cleared medically, but some teams have downgraded him regardless. This is why he could slip to the 11-14 range.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Christian Gonzalez, CB – If Wilson is off the board, I have to believe Gonzalez would be the pick.
2. Will Anderson, DE – If the Cardinals can’t trade down, they’ll likely pick the pass rusher the Texans don’t take.
Houston Texans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State The Texans needed a second receiver across from Brandin Cooks before they traded him. Now, they need someone to replace him.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has incredible speed and athleticism. He had a huge 2021 campaign, which included a terrific Rose Bowl performance.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Will Levis, QB – It’s sounding like the Texans will pass on a quarterback at No. 2, but what about at No. 12? Perhaps they would draft Will Levis.
2. Quentin Johnson/Zay Flowers/Jordan Addison, WRs – The top four receivers in this class can go in any order.
Green Bay Packers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah 
The Seahawks waited until Russell Wilson was gone to improve their offensive line, and so the Packers could finally select a first-round wide receiver or tight end after Aaron Rodgers leaves. This is no accident. Seattle’s front office knew that Wilson could bail out the poor blocking with his legs, much like Rodgers could get the most out of mediocre receivers and tight ends.
Dalton Kincaid is an athletic receiver who runs good routes.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba/Quentin Johnson/Jordan Addison, WRs – Wide receiver will finally be a first-round option for the Packers because Rodgers is gone.
2. Lukas Van Ness/Nolan Smith, DE/OLBs – The Packers really need to improve their pass rush, and these two edge rushers are very athletic.
New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon 
The Patriots have a huge hole at cornerback, and they may deem Christian Gonzalez to be the best player available.
Gonzalez is a talented cornerback, but some teams don’t like him due to his lack of toughness. That said, I do not expect Gonzalez to fall too far because other teams are still big fans of him.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Tyree Wilson, DE – Wilson could fall to No. 14. The Patriots hosted him, but that may have been a medical visit.
2. Quentin Johnson/Jordan Addison, WRs – All four of the receivers make sense for the Patriots, but I like these two as the best fits.
New York Jets: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee 
Mekhi Becton has been a huge disappointment, so the Jets may use this pick to find a new offensive tackle.
Darnell Wright didn’t allow a single sack to Hendon Hooker last year.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Peter Skoronski/Broderick Jones, OLs – The other tackle options make sense for the Jets, though a bit less so with Peter Skoronski, who is too much like Alijah Vera-Tucker.
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR – The thought of reuniting Jaxon Smith-Njigba with Garrett Wilson has to excite the Jets, who wanted to sign Odell Beckham.
Washington Redskins: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State 
The Redskins can’t cover anyone, thanks to William Jackson being a complete bust as a free agent signing. They desperately need someone new to stay with A.J. Brown and CeeDee Lamb.
Emmanuel Forbes is a feast-or-famine cornerback.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Christian Gonzalez, CB – If I didn’t like the Branch fit so much, I’d mock Gonzalez to the Redskins.
2. Dalton Kincaid, TE – The Redskins could target a tight end because Logan Thomas is always injured.
Go to 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-31
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