2023 NFL Mock Draft: Huge names fall out of first round

Four Quarterbacks taken in the top five picks in brand new 2023 NFL Mock Draft

April has finally arrived and the frequency of 2023 NFL Mock Draft articles is only going to ramp up as we swiftly approach the league’s annual Player Selection Meeting. Recent Pro Days have been staged, so strap in and read on to find out how things are shaping up in a brand new 2023 NFL Mock Draft with some major names falling out of the round one.

The top three in this 2023 NFL mock draft certainly feel as though they write themselves. Apologies that this well-trodden ground has been explored many times before, but it feels as though we are edging closer and closer to seeing Stroud in a Panthers uniform.

He will immediately be able to come in and start. Poise in the pocket, touch, accuracy, and a more than adequate arm gives Frank Reich et al a franchise signal caller to build around. David Tepper finally gets his superstar.

Part of me believes that DeMeco Ryans could begin his tenure with a defensive building block, someone to act as the beating heart on that side of the ball. Will Anderson would mirror Ryans’ image as a charismatic leader in the locker room during his playing career.

Ultimately though, choosing Bryce Young makes too much sense for a leadership group that wants to get off to a great start with fans. It provides both time and excitement for a franchise starting over and gives the Texans a franchise QB for many years to come.

The reward for trading back may not be as bountiful as the Cardinals hope, so they opt to stand still and make a selection at third overall in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

Possibly the safest pick in the class, Anderson may not quite be on the same level as a Myles Garrett, or Nick Bosa, but he will provide a serious jolt to an anemic pass rush that finished in the bottom third of the league in 2022. Read more on why Anderson is the correct pick for the Cardinals in this full seven-round 2023 NFL mock draft.

Richardson’s upside is undeniable and Shane Steichen will seek to harness this potential in a similar way in which he helped to bring Jalen Hurts along in Philadelphia.

The ex-Gator profiles as a bonafide superstar and possesses the highest ceiling of all the signal-callers in this year’s draft. Richardson has an exceptional arm, is much more advanced in terms of his processing than many will lead you to believe, and has the greatest athletic profile of any QB to have ever entered the league.

He played in a system that required him to make pre-snap adjustments, and protection calls and was closer to a pro-style offense than the schemes within which some of his draft peers have been developed.

Whilst Richardson may not start until year two or three, he is more polished than the casual NFL Draft fan may realize and displays the sheer physical brilliance that will appeal to Chris Ballard.

Levis has become the most divisive quarterback of the 2023 NFL mock draft cycle, but his recent pro day served as a reminder of why he should not be forgotten.

His “cannon” is electrifying and with a compact release, Levis has incredible upside and possesses the physical traits that John Schneider will be enamored by.

A chance to sit and learn behind Geno Smith affords Levis the time to continue to work on his mechanics and develop as the heir apparent in the Pacific Northwest.