2023 NFL Mock Draft: Who’s the first non-quarterback drafted?

It’s that time of year everyone, draft season!

While the Sacramento Kings are putting the 916 back on the map, the football world is starting to heat up. The 2023 NFL Draft will kick off from Kansas City on April 27th, with draft hopefuls realizing their dreams of playing in the NFL.

But before we officially get there, time to predict where the best prospects will go. So without further ado, here is Sactown Sports’ first NFL Mock Draft of the 2023 offseason.

1. QB C.J. Stroud – Carolina Panthers via Chicago Bears

College: Ohio State

After trading up to the No. 1 overall pick, the Carolinas Panthers can’t afford to miss in the draft. That’s why C.J. Stroud is the pick here, he’s the safest of all the quarterbacks.

Panthers owner David Tepper and coach Frank Reich want to make this partnership work after Matt Rhule underachieved last season, and that means giving the coach the QB he wants. Stroud is 6’3″, 214 pounds, and can has all the makings of a prototypical franchise gunslinger in the NFL.

Yes there will be a talent drop, going from the Buckeye’s receiving core to whatever the Panthers have, but Carolina will bet on Reich and Jim Caldwell getting the best out of Stroud from the jump.

CJ Stroud’s deep ball is a thing of BEAUTY 😳

Several NFL scouts “loved” what Stroud was able to show at Ohio State’s Pro Day.

Stroud is still the current favorite to be the first pick in the Draft.

The hype is REAL for the Buckeyes QB. pic.twitter.com/FuT4kNaqlA

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) March 26, 2023

2. QB Bryce Young – Houston Texans

College: Alabama

After former coach Lovie Smith “accidentally” won the final game of the 2022 regular season with the Texans, their claim of the No. 1 spot went up in flames. But after Carolina took one of the two top QBs, Houston is thrilled to end Night 1 with their quarterback of the future.

Bryce Young was unbelievable for the Crimson Tide last year, willing them to victories with a far less talented roster than previous years. If not for close losses to Tennessee and LSU, Alabama would have been in the college football playoffs. Young still left college with a dominant performance however, tossing for 321 passing yards and five TDs in a rout of Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl.

His physical traits remain cause for concern (5’10”, 204 pounds), but the talent is undeniable. That’s why DeMeco Ryans will be thrilled to have him in H-Town, looking to reignite the Texans’ brand in the next few seasons.

3. DE Will Anderson Jr. – Arizona Cardinals

College: Alabama

The Cardinals will probably trade down from this pick, seeing that they have a QB (Kyler Murray) and need more draft capital. But in this scenario they stay pat and draft the best defensive player in the draft in Will Anderson Jr.

Anderson has the makings of being an elite edge rusher at the next level, able to use quick-twitch abilities to get around offensive linemen. Playing outside linebacker at Bama, Anderson can come from the second level, and put his hand in the ground on the line, a rare trait to have.

In three years of college, Anderson racked up 34.5 sacks and 204 total tackles. With that being said, new coach Jonathan Gannon won’t think twice here: Get the best player and go to work.

4. QB Will Levis – Indianapolis Colts

College: Kentucky

Now the draft really gets interesting.

The Colts don’t have a quarterback worth starting on the roster, and after five years of playing roulette, they get their guy for the future in Will Levis.

Levis is a lot like Justin Herbert a few years back, big arm, big body and natural throwing mechanics. He was a standout at Kentucky, tossing 5,232 passing yards, 43 TDs and 23 INTs in two seasons.

The problem is decision-making and pocket awareness. There are many plays where he gets clobbered in the backfield after not sensing the pressure coming off the edge. His 23 picks are also concerning, and something coach Shane Steichen will need to help him with.

That being said, Levis could be the next Herbert, but just like Justin, there’s a lot of risk here.

5. QB Anthony Richardson – Seattle Seahawks via Denver Broncos

College: Florida

Surprise!

Thanks to the Denver Broncos and Russell Wilson, the Seahawks have the fifth pick in the draft. And because of that, they grab their QB of the future right here.

Anthony Richardson has the highest upside of any QB in this class, with comparisons to Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson flying around. But he also has the lowest floor and won’t be ready to start in the NFL until at least Year 2.

But that’s why he’s perfect for Seattle.

They have Geno Smith in place for now, allowing Richardson to hone his skills in practice, while not throwing him to the wolves in the NFC West.

It’ll take some time, but thanks to rare athleticism and arm talent (plus he seems to really care about his craft), Pete Carroll is rejuvenated with his next project at the QB position.

The deep ball 🚀
The back flip 😮

Anthony Richardson put on a show at @GatorsFB Pro Day! pic.twitter.com/eLgiTMeXyq

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) March 30, 2023

6. DE Tyree Wilson – Detroit Lions via Los Angeles Rams

College: Texas Tech

If you told Lions’ fans last season that they would almost make the playoffs AND have a Top-10 pick, they’d think it was Christmas.

Well it’s time to unwrap the gift from the LA Rams.

Tyree Wilson finds himself in a great landing spot opposite of standout DE Aidan Hutchinson on the line. A freak athlete, Wilson racked up 109 total tackles and 15.5 sacks at Texas Tech.

Coach Dan Campbell loves two things: Guys who can play football, and guys that love to play football. Wilson is both, giving Campbell is edge pairing for the next 5 to 10 years.

7. CB Christian Gonzalez – Las Vegas Raiders

College: Oregon

The Raiders can go in many directions with this pick, but after missing out on the QBs, they take a position of need at cornerback with Christian Gonzalez.

Gonzalez has all the makings of elite CB at the next level, showing out on the tape and at the combine. His ability to fluidly move his hips and reach the point of attack is what you want in a lockdown corner.

Las Vegas has a less than inspiring group at the moment, likely meaning they’ll address it early in the draft. Gonzalez can immediately step on the field as your No. 1 guy.

8. DL Jalen Carter – Atlanta Falcons

College: Georgia

Despite all that has transpired for Carter the last few months, the Falcons decide to keep him home in Georgia.

Carter didn’t workout at the combine after having to speak with Athens police about a reckless driving incident early this year. Then he had a lackluster pro day, shaking up nine pounds heavier and seemingly unable to finish his full workout.

A lot could be said for dropping him further in the draft, but Atlanta takes a chance on some home cooking. His tape is what will save his draft stock, going for 83 total tackles and six sacks on the way to two national championships.

There are some serious red flags here, but the film is too much to deny for the Falcons.

9. OT Paris Johnson Jr. – Chicago Bears via Carolina Panthers

College: Ohio State

The Chicago Bears have been winning ever since they fell into the No. 1 overall pick at the end of last season. Now equipped with a plethora of draft capital, while also staying inside the top-10, it’s time to make a statement in the NFC North.

Ryan Poles gets that started by drafting OT Paris Johnson Jr.

Johnson has all of the makings of a starting left tackle from Day 1, 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds. Only playing one season at left tackle, he allowed a mere 14 pressures on 449-pass-blocking snaps. Chicago has a few young guys they like on the line, but none of them are at the level of Paris.

It’s all about protecting QB Justin Fields, and getting him a former teammate is too good to pass up.

10. RB Bijan Robinson – Philadelphia Eagles via New Orleans Saints

College: Texas

A match made in heaven.

Bijan Robinson is arguable the best overall prospect in this year’s draft class. The issue is his position, not ability. Running backs don’t have the same value they did 10 years ago. The last RB to go in the top-five was Saquon Barkley in 2018. Since then, tailbacks have dropped to the later rounds, with teams more interested in a committee than one workhorse.

That goes out the window with Robinson.

Arguably the most electric player in college football, Robinson’s unique blend of speed and elusiveness is something to behold. Throw in some serious strength and get the hell out of his way. The Texas alum had an incredible 2022 season, running for 1580 yards and 18 TDs.

The Eagles don’t have that many holes to fill and use this pick to get their next bell-cow halfback to pair with QB Jalen Hurts. Imagine having to stop those two in read option, yikes.

Well that’s a reality now.

College Football star Texas RB Bijan Robinson is going to be special in the NFL. Just watch this run. My goodness.

“Looking like Reggie Bush” 🍿 pic.twitter.com/0VMaTOrNzb

— JWP Sports / CFBAlerts (@JWPSports) February 25, 2023

11. WR Quentin Johnston – Tennesse Titans

College: TCU

Maybe a pick out of left field but the Titans need more playmakers on offense.

After trading away A.J. Brown prior to last season, Tennessee struggled to get their passing game going all season, ending up 30th in passing yards a game. Coach Mike Vrabel knows that has to change in 2023.

Enter Quentin Johnston.

A freak athlete, Johnston stands 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, and can immediately slot into the “X”receiver role. The Titans already have a big-boy wideout in Treylon Burks but it never hurts to have another, especially one known for his leaping ability. Helping TCU get to the national championship game, Johnston caught 60 passes for 1069 yards and six TDs.

With the AFC South getting revamped this offseason, Tennessee has to make a move like this. Going 7-10 last season, the addition of weapons for QB Ryan Tannehill could mean another division title.

12. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Houston Texans via Cleveland Browns

College: Ohio State

Time to get Bryce Young some weapons.

Despite missing most of last season with hamstring issues, Smith-Njigba has the potential to be a star in the NFL. Considered the best route runner in his class, “JSN” went for 95 catches, 1,606 passing yards and nine TDs in 2021. His best game came at the end of that season against Utah, going off for 15 receptions, 347 yards and three TDs.

Point being: The potential is there for Smith-Njigba. It may take some time, but Houston has the luxury of that for the next few years.

13. OT Broderick Jones – New York Jets

College: Georgia

Congrats Jets fans, you have Aaron Rodgers as your quarterback. Hooray!

Slight sarcasm aside, Rodgers is the best QB to wear Gang Green quite possibly ever, and that’s without even throwing a pass. Now that you have him, you got to protect him. Drafting Broderick Jones should help with that.

Jones was a beast at Georgia, standing 6’4″, 315 pounds. Quite literally an immovable object, your best chance is to go around him in the NFL. In his lone year at left tackle, Jones had an 84.1 pass-blocking grade for the Bulldogs. All those traits bond nicely for his play at the next level.

He’ll probably be moved to right tackle, but if Mekhi Beckton gets hurt again, don’t be surprised to see him back on the left side of the line.

14. CB Devon Witherspoon – New England Patriots

College: Illinois

The Patriots have many ways they can go with this pick, my vote is that they get another lockdown cornerback in Devon Witherspoon.

The Illinois alum had one of the best seasons for a collegiate corner in history. Consider the stats: Targeted 63 times, allowed 22 catches for 206 yards with three INTs and 14 pass breakups. That comes out to 3.3 yards per target. Unreal.

He’s also one of the feistiest players on defense, constantly talking smack to wideouts and offenses nationwide. That bodes well for members of the secondary, just look at Sauce Gardner with the Jets last season.

Bill Belichick and the Patriots missed having a lockdown guy in 2022. Witherspoon solves that in a flash, likely becoming one of your starting CBs at the start of training camp.

Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon is a baller. Every game is just him flying around in coverage and as a tackler to make plays on the ball. My kind of DB. pic.twitter.com/FA9sQLPhpG

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) February 10, 2023

15. TE Michael Mayer – Green Bay Packers

College: Notre Dame

The first tight end is off the board.

The most polished TE in the draft, Mayer was outstanding for The Fighting Irish through three seasons. He went for 2,099 yards and 18 TDs in college, coming to the NFL as a true junior. Run routes, catches passes, do a little blocking, Mayer does it all and then some. He also looks the part at 6’4″, 249 pounds.

On Green Bay’s side, it’s time to hand the keys over to QB Jordan Love. Whether he’s ready for the spotlight or not, the Packers would be wise to get him some help this season. Mayer can be a security blanket for Love in 2023 & beyond.

16. CB Joey Porter Jr. – Washington Commanders

College: Penn State

This class is full of top-tier cornerbacks with the Commanders taking the next one in Joey Porter Jr.

Son of an NFL player, Porter Jr. could be the best press corner in the 2023 draft, able to attack wideouts at the line of scrimmage. While his production doesn’t show on stats, he only allowed 143 yards in 10 games in 2022. He drops slightly due to an average combine, posting ninth amongst all CBs.

Washington will look past that and draft a guy that can be the No. 1 in a short time. Kyle Fuller is entering the final year of his deal, while the rest of the CB group is replacement level at best.

17. OT Peter Skoronski – Pittsburgh Steelers

College: Northwestern

Rated as the No. 1 OT by Pro Football Focus, Peter Skoronski drops to the Steelers because of physical traits, specifically his sub 33-inch arms. While that isn’t a make-or-break trait, it does leave teams wary of what position he can play at the next level.

Pittsburgh doesn’t care about that though, taking talent over everything here.

Coach Mike Tomlin can use all the help he can get on the offensive line. Whether Skoronski plays tackle or guard remains to be seen, but the tape doesn’t lie. He finished with only six pressures on 474 pass-blocking snaps in his third season as Northwestern’s starting left tackle. Three seasons!!!

Point being: All Tomlin needs is talent, he can figure out the fit at a later date.

18. TE Darnell Washington – Detroit Lions

College: Georgia

Here you go Dan Campbell, anther freak athlete.

At 6’7″, 270 pounds, Darnell Washington is basically an offensive tackle playing tight end. Unlike most OTs, he’s a freak athlete, able to hurdle defenders in the open field. He ran an absurd 4.64 40-yard dash, and a 1.57 10-yard split. He finished second amongst tight ends at the combine.

Washington may need some time before he can reach his potential, but the highs are too good to pass up for Campbell and the Lions. Imagine seeing a three tight-end set with Washington and Penei Sewell.

Must-See TV right there.

Darnell Washington showing he’s a pass-catching machine. pic.twitter.com/ljTeplyW0Y

— Matt DeBary (@MattDeBary) March 5, 2023

19. OL O’Cyrus Torrance – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

College: Florida

Life after Tom Brady is here for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. First up on the docket: Rebuild the offensive line with O’Cyrus Torrance.

A Florida alum, Torrance was one of the nation’s best interior lineman last season, earning an 88 overall grade with the Gators. A four-year starter, he also has the option of going outside thanks to his size. 6’5″, 347 pounds is like a mountain to move, and alongside Ryan Jensen and Tristan Wirfs, that’s a nice trio to have.

It’s all about protecting Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield, at least for now.

20. S Brian Branch – Seattle Seahawks

College: Alabama

The Seahawks pulled off a big swing at the beginning of the draft, now they close Day 1 with a dawg in the secondary.

Brian Branch makes plays happen. One of the hardest-hitting safeties in college football, Branch had 90 total tackles, two picks and seven pass breakups in 2022. The film speaks for itself with this guy, a gamer that you want on defense.

Which is why Seattle takes him.

They already have Jamal Adams in that strong safety spot, but if he gets hurt (he missed almost all of last season with a torn quad), Branch can fill the void seamlessly. For now, stick him at the nickel-back position and left him be terror in press coverage.

Players like these usually work out for Pete Carroll.

Brian Branch is going to be one of them ones. #RollTide pic.twitter.com/CctomloLV8

— TC. (@GoatLatia) February 28, 2023

21. WR Jordan Addison – Los Angeles Chargers

College: USC

The Chargers’ offense was very inconsistent last season, looking unstoppable early on, to almost unbearable by the end. This is a prove-it year for coach Brandon Staley, meaning he needs to get more talent for QB Justin Herbert quick.

Why not just go down the road to USC for wide receiver Jordan Addison.

The former Fred Biletnikoff Award winner was solid for the Trojans, catching 59 passes for 875 yards and eight TDs last season. The Bolts will be hoping for production similar to 2021 with Pittsburgh, going for 100 catches, 1593 yards and 17 TDs.

That likely won’t be necessary however, serving as the third wideout to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. That’ll allow Jordan to adapt to the NFL before Allen’s contract ends in 2025. But if either one gets hurt, Addison should be able to step up in a pinch.

22. CB Deonte Banks – Baltimore Ravens

College: Maryland

Un til the Ravens figure out the Lamar Jackson situation, we really don’t know what their draft plans are. In this scenario Jackson is still with Baltimore on April 27th.

With that being said, they can always use another cornerback.

Deonte Banks is an incredible athlete, posting a 4.35 40-time at the NFL Combine. He also had a 42-inch vertical and an 11’4″ broad jump. Combine performance isn’t everything, but those numbers are exceptional for a 6’1″ CB.

His play on the field mirrors those stats, putting up 38 total tackles, one pick and eight pass breakups last season.

Starting opposite Marlon Humphrey, Banks can thrive in the No. 2 spot. And if he reaches his potential (or when Humphrey is hurt), he’ll slide into the primary spot as well.

Plus he’s from the University of Maryland, talk about a home-run selection.

23. DL Myles Murphy – Minnesota Vikings

College: Clemson

The Minnesota Vikings are at a crossroads this offseason. But with the NFC North fully up for grabs, they get a valuable contributor in DL Myles Murphy.

Murphy starred at Clemson the last three years, totaling 18.5 sacks and 116 total tackles. He uses bull-rushing abilities and burst to get around the edge, often pressuring the QB. His only drawback is that he’s a project with some serious fine tuning on technique and hands in his future.

Minnesota banks on the talent of the All-American, hoping he can be a rotational piece for them from Day 1.

24. OT Darnell Wright – Jacksonville Jaguars

College: Tennesse

It’s all about protecting QB Trevor Lawrence now, and what better way to do that than draft him a stud left tackle.

Darnell Wright is a four-year starter for the Vols, hitting his stride in his final collegiate season. In 2022, Wright went up against edge rushers, like Will Anderson Jr., and held his own. He only allowed one pressure in that game, and only eight all season.

The Jaguars will hope that his new found form his here to stay, because the Jacksonville has to find a way to protect Lawrence in the AFC. If they can do that, maybe last season’s playoff run wasn’t a fluke.

And that starts with Wright protecting him on the outside.

25. OL Steve Avila – New York Giants

College: TCU

The same thing we just discussed with Jacksonville, also applies to the New York Giants. Except it’s the NFC, and they already have two stud tackles.

So the Giants work on the interior with Steve Avila.

Avila was one of theist players for TCU last season, protecting QB Max Duggan all the way to the National Championship Game. He allowed only 11 pressures on 540 pass-blocking snaps in 2022. The Texas native finished last season with an 83.6 pass-blocking grade.

Able to play guard and center, Avila is a great fit for coach Brian Daboll, able to finally lock down the interior for QB Daniel Jones.

26. TE Dalton Kincaid – Dallas Cowboys

College: Utah

Losing Dalton Shultz hurts, but replacing him with Dalton Kincaid makes it better.

Kincaid is the best receiving threat amongst tight ends in the draft, turning into a big-body wideout in the open field. His vertical threat is also astonishing, able to leap above (or over) defenders for the catch.  He’ll fins his collegiate career with 1,414 receiving yards and eight TDs.

Dallas can never have enough weapons for QB Dak Prescott, making Kincaid the new security blanket for the Cowboys.

"Dalton Kincaid is unbelievable and I think he's the best TE in the draft" ~ @MoveTheSticks#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/dDCOqMH8H3

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 28, 2023

27. LB Jack Campbell – Buffalo Bills

College: Iowa

Another player that just makes things happen on defense.

Jack Campbell can do a little bit of everything in the middle of the park. You need him come down for a blitz? Fine. You need him. to drop back in coverage and get a PBU? Done. Point being: He’s a field general and that’s just what Buffalo needs.

Campbell leaves college Iowa with 299 total tackles, three sacks, five INTs and 10 pass breakups. Him and Matt Milano; good golly, hold onto your hats AFC East.

28. CB Emmanuel Forbes – Cincinnati Bengals

College: Mississippi State

If not for weighing 166 pounds at the NFL Combine last month, Emmanuel Forbes would have been picked in the teens.

Forbes is a ball merchant at cornerback, snagging 14 picks in college, with six of those being taken back for a touchdown. SIX! He also had 20 pass breakups in three years, able to contort his body to locate the football.

His measurables are also awesome, running a 4.35 40-time, with a 37.5″ vertical and a 10’11” broad jump.

He will need to add a little bit of weight at the next level, but that will come in time. The Bengals will look forward to pairing him with Chidobe Awuzie in the secondary for a few years.

29. EDGE Lukas Van Ness – New Orleans Saints via San Francisco 49ers

College: Iowa

There’s always one player that slides in the draft. This year it’s Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness.

Nicknamed “Hercules”, Van Ness is a specimen to say the least, able to overpower offensive linemen to get to the backfield. Playing all across the defensive line, he’s a nightmare for offenses and a dream for defensive coordinators.

He finished his collegiate career with 70 total tackles and 13 sacks in two seasons.

The reason he drops is because of scheme and fit, with teams unsure of how to deploy him at the next level. The Saints use the 49ers’ pick to snag them a blue-chip player on the edge, leaving Round 1 with a big smile on their faces.

I know this is only one play but look what Lukas Van Ness does to Peter Skoronski here 👀 #DaBears #NFLdraft pic.twitter.com/3ShziKqDqw

— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) March 22, 2023

30. DE Nolan Smith – Philadelphia Eagles

College: Georgia

If not for being super raw, Nolan Smith would be higher in this mock draft.

Probably the winner of the 2023 NFL Combine, Smith ran a blazing 4.39 40-time last month, the best for a DL this year. He also ran a 1.52 10-yard split, showing that quick burst for the next level.

He was also very productive when watching the tape, going for 110 total tackles and 12.5 sacks on Georgia. If not for a serious injury last season, Smith would have put up even more numbers in the trenches.

But previously stated, he has some work to do.

Philadelphia doesn’t worry about that now, hoping he can be a contributor this season, before becoming a starter in 2024. He’ll reunite with fellow Georgia Bulldog Jordan Davis.

31. OT Anton Harrison – Kansas City Chiefs

College: Oklahoma

After losing LT Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency, the Chiefs have to find cheaper protection for Patrick Mahomes. In comes Anton Harrison to close out Round 1.

Harrison is a nimble 6’5″, 315-pound tackle, able to use speed and agility to protect the backfield. He ran a 4.98 40-yard dash to prove it. He’s more than just a athlete however, only allowing nine pressures on 447 pass-blocking snaps last season.

Those stats check enough boxes for Andy Reid & Co., giving them another stud tackle to mold in Kansas City.

 

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