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.

Jalen Carter just clings to the top 10 in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Tyree Wilson could be a consideration at third overall to Arizona, as he fits what the Cardinals are likely to do on defense under Jonathan Gannon, but he is snapped up by Detroit here as a running mate to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

Wilson flashes on tape but will be served better playing as a complimentary piece to Hutchinson. He has excellent length and power, but question marks remain about his quickness and true agility.

It is a shame that he has been suffering from a foot injury and has not been able to test in the lead up to the draft because it would have given him the chance to show that he could become a true lead pass rusher at the next level.

For now, doubts remain and Detroit will be the perfect landing spot for him to assume duties as a piece within an emerging unit.

With no quarterback on the board here, the Raiders will venture into 2023 with Jimmy Garoppolo as its unquestioned leader.

The team has holes at numerous spots on the roster including defensive tackle, but need not court controversy by selecting Jalen Carter at this juncture. It would be an unnecessary risk when there are still so many players available at premium positions of need for the team.

Witherspoon will give the team an ultra-competitive player for a secondary that needs an injection of talent. A true number one corner to face off against the multiple high caliber gunslingers that litter the AFC.

The Ohio State pro day reminded everyone of why JSN is the number one wideout in this draft. His ability to glide through his breaks and run with efficient footwork, purpose, and contact balance enables him to create easy separation and produce after the catch.

Atlanta is currently set to enter 2023 with Mack Hollins, Jared Bernhardt, and Frank Darby as their only options at wideout after Drake London. That is not tenable.

When combined with London and tight end Kyle Pitts, Smith-Njigba will complete a trio of impressive young weapons that will allow Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot the opportunity to fully assess what they have in the sophomore signal caller, Desmond Ridder.

Both lines need work in Chicago, Justin Fields needs weapons, and there are holes in the secondary.

Wright handled Will Anderson during an underappreciated collegiate career and will slot straight in on the right side of the offensive line. The nimble-footed tackle from the Tennessee Volunteers will operate to the outside of the returning Teven Jenkins, who has found a home at right guard.

The ex-Volunteer is an explosive tackle prospect who looked great during combine drills. Do not be surprised if he is the first true tackle off the board.

The “fall” ends here as Carter finds a realistic home on a team that can afford to take a gamble on the embattled defender.

Some say Carter is the best player, regardless of position, but falls in this 2023 NFL mock draft. Conditioning concerns have me skeptical of his status as the best overall player, but he probably is the top prospect available here at ten and could be a monumental bargain for the Eagles when all is said and done.

Mazi Smith is a true freak of nature and is taken within the top 15 picks of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Tennessee needs an injection of talent throughout its offensive line.

Skoronski was an exceptional left tackle throughout his career at Northwestern but could kick inside at the pro level. Irrespective of where he finds his home, he is an explosive technician with a solid anchor and has a high floor.

The lack of length is a slight concern, but Skoronski will provide the Titans with a long term building block on a line needing a drastic overhaul.

Many mock a receiver here, but Robert Woods is an underrated signing that should help with the development of John Metchie, who had an injury redshirt year in 2022. The position can be ballasted later on.

Instead, the Texans address their secondary with the best player available.

Gonzalez offers length, natural instincts for the position, and the fluid athleticism needed to stick close to his man in coverage. He will quickly rise to the top of the depth chart alongside 2022 draft pick, Derek Stingley Jr, forming perhaps the best young duo in the league.

Smith met with the Jets at the Michigan pro day and will be an ideal complement to Quinnen Williams on the interior of their defensive line.

Williams truly emerged as a one-man wrecking ball last season, but the presence of Smith will ensure that the fifth-year defensive lineman continues his upward trajectory into the uppermost echelon of players across all positions in 2023.

Smith will absorb blockers, allowing Williams to eat, as well as providing his own brand of pocket-collapsing havoc thanks to his overwhelming size and unparalleled athletic potential. The Jets’ defense becomes more intimidating with this pick.

Johnson has the potential to become a franchise left tackle.

He is not yet the finished article but has the frame and range to be a considerable asset in both the run and pass game. It is his smooth movement skills that allow him to stay in charge throughout reps and recover comfortably when things do get somewhat out of control.

Trent Brown will continue to start at left tackle for now but should eventually move back to his more natural right side. Alternatively, the Patriots could move on entirely from Brown and save a chunk of cap space, allowing Johnson to flourish on Mac Jones’ blind side.

Murphy is a difficult prospect to project.

Some see him as the next best edge prospect after Will Anderson, others see him as a player who has taken it easy throughout his collegiate career, knowing that he can get by on his superior athletic gifts. The reality is that he is somewhere in between, meaning that the middle of round one feels right in this 2023 NFL mock draft.

As alluded to, Murphy is a phenomenal natural athlete and as a bigger edge prospect, should appeal to Green Bay. He has dominant reps, but very often leaves you wanting more and appears slightly stiff.

The ex-Tiger has not produced pressure numbers to the level of some of his peers but the Packers will be confident that they can coax more out of him. A Rashan Gary career arch for the Clemson product is not an unreasonable expectation.

Adebawore, the top tight end and an elite running back among those taken between picks 16 and 20 in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft

If Sam Howell is to be the starter in 2023 then he needs all the help he can get. Michael Mayer will provide exactly that.

While he is not considered as explosive an athlete as some of his peers, Mayer is comfortably the best all-around tight end in the class. He has a sensational catch radius with excellent hands and routinely plucks the ball out of the air over the top and around defenders in traffic.

Mayer is tough as nails, an above average blocker, and will be an immediate safety valve for Howell. One of the safest prospects this year and offers excellent value in this 2023 NFL mock draft.

Offensive tackle seems like a perennial need in Pittsburgh, but Lukas Van Ness feels like a Steelers pick and would fill an immediate need as the third pass rusher behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.

A gritty hockey background has served him well as he possesses a grizzled and violent mentality for the position, as well as the bend and agility of a player twenty pounds lighter.

Dripping with athletic upside, Van Ness has the burst and agility to play on the edge, as well as rotating down onto the defensive line as a five-technique in obvious passing situations.

The ex-Hawkeye is an incredibly enticing prospect and could go higher than this after an impressive combine. While he was never a full-time starter at Iowa, his best football is still to come and the Steelers will reap the rewards.

Sanders’ style of play fits this Detroit Lions team and the mentality that Head Coach Dan Campbell means to instill.

Bringing an aggressive mindset, Sanders is a three-down, hard-hitting, dynamic defender who is just at home in coverage as he is sifting through traffic against the run. The former Razorback allows Detroit to get creative at the second level.

Sanders plays with his hair on fire and will be used by the Lions to attack in any number of different ways, leading to him becoming a heart and soul player for the defense.

This is a common pairing in mock drafts but makes so much sense. Leonard Fournette has gone and Rachaad White has not yet proven that he is capable of leading an NFL rushing offense.

Drafting the best rusher to have entered the league in half a decade will alleviate some of the pressure on Baker Mayfield as he beds into his new home.

Bijan is a top-five player in this class and the Bucs grabbing him at nineteen is an absolute steal, regardless of the depreciation in running back value over recent years.

The Seahawks made a splash in free agency by signing Dre’Mont Jones for their defensive line. Here they add more young depth to assist with the overhaul of the unit as they move into year two of their new scheme.

Adebawore blew the doors off at the combine with a performance that highlighted what a force of nature he could become at the next level. A 4.49-second 40-yard dash with a 1.61 split is incredible at 282 pounds. These numbers, alongside impressive 37.50” vertical and 10’5” broad jumps as well as a magnificent Senior Bowl scream first-rounder.

Possessing the length and explosion that the Seahawks look for in their defensive linemen, the team will not shy away from spending a high pick on such an enticing profile.

The electric Zay Flowers taken as WR2 and versatile Minnesota offensive lineman becomes the first center off the board in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Brandon Staley had Aaron Donald when he was the defensive coordinator for the Rams. He gets his version of Donald for the Chargers in Kancey who is a player who has drawn parallels to the future hall of fame inductee; not simply for his collegiate origins.

A rising prospect over the past few months, Kancey has an exciting combination of short-area burst, pass-rush moves, and sheer explosion.

He may not become a true three-down player who can absorb double teams consistently due to his smaller frame and shorter arms, but his traits jump off the screen as an exciting QB hunter at the next level.

Kancey is worth a first-round pick and should blossom into a penetrative three-tech who will wreak havoc with his quick twitch and fast hands. Yes, the ex-Panther is slightly undersized, but he is a dynamic three-tech who offers genuine interior penetration. The Bolts capture lightning in a bottle.

Watch this spot for Hendon Hooker as a hedge for a post-draft Lamar Jackson trade.

QB aside, the Ravens need help in the secondary and Banks is a feisty, sticky man corner who should excel at the next level. He will become an exciting playmaker for the Ravens and has the potential to pair well with slept-on second-year corner Jalyn Armour-Davis over the long term.

A thrilling replacement for Adam Thielen. Zay Flowers could be the best receiver in the draft.

Flowers’ timing through the catch is exceptional, always snags the ball in stride, and is very creative with the ball in his hands. The Boston College product can cut on a dime and possesses the best change of direction ability in the class. He is simply electrifying to watch as he slashes between defenders in space.

Pairing him with Justin Jefferson will create the best tandem in the league.

Mel Kiper beat me to the punch on this one in his recent 2023 NFL mock draft, but the sentiment is exactly the same. McDonald is an incredibly explosive athlete, built like a perfect replacement for Arden Key.

Furthermore, the Jags sent their outside linebackers coach, Bill Shuey, to the Cyclones’ pro day where McDonald put on a real show. McDonald injects more tantalizing athletic upside for this defense.

Schmitz is getting first-round buzz and is a much cleaner prospect on the interior than some of his peers. This is not a flashy pick for New York, but they must improve the interior of their offensive line and Schmitz has multiple contract potential, according to Jim Nagy.

Schmitz is undoubtedly the top pure center prospect this year and would be a solid pick that would help protect the Giants’ recent investment in quarterback Daniel Jones. Furthermore, he would be another building block on a line of young, cheap, developing talent, allowing him to grow alongside recent picks Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal.

The final six selections of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft push some huge names into round two

The Cowboys could go in any number of ways with this pick, but decide to strengthen the interior of their offensive line by taking one of the most quietly impressive prospects at the Senior Bowl this year.

Many onlookers at the event were praising the overrated O’Cyrus Torrence, but it was Avila who displayed his overwhelming strength, rock-solid anchor, and tone-setting mentality time and time again during drills.

Avila played left guard in 2022 but has his best season for TCU as a center in 2021, which is where he could find a home for Dallas as an upgrade on Tyler Biadasz.

Having said that, Avila gives the team flexibility over the long term at guard if they decide to keep sophomore Tyler Smith on Dak Prescott’s blind side and move on from Tyron Smith.

Johnston’s ‘fall’ ends here as the Bills nab a bigger-bodied wideout who can ascend to a level that Gabe Davis may never reach.

Johnston is not the finished product but can already beat most corners easily on jump balls due to his immense frame. The former Horned Frog should not be pigeonholed into just this role though as he has legitimate ability after the catch with the ball in his hands; an impressive sight to behold for such a big man.

The Bills will be exhilarated by the prospect of trying to harness this skillset as both a red zone threat and field stretcher opposite Stefon Diggs.

Cincinnati addressed their offensive line in free agency for a second year running with the signing of Orlando Brown Jr, so they decide to mimic what they did during the 2022 rookie showcase by addressing their secondary in this 2023 NFL mock draft.

D.J. Turner is the cornerback currently going slightly under the radar in mock drafts but should hear his name called on day one in April. Genuine man-to-man skills and a competitive demeanor complement his precise and sudden movement mastery in coverage.

He displayed his explosive athleticism at the combine and was undoubtedly the most impressive corner prospect at the event from this standpoint. Hips, feet, speed, a desire to hit… what more do you want?

Major upside, albeit a touch older; White is in danger of being the forgotten man after being ranked as Daniel Jeremiah’s eighth-best prospect back in January. Admittedly, White has fallen to 27th in Jeremiah’s most recent list but this means that he offers solid value here for the Saints.

An underwhelming combine may have tempered expectations somewhat but he is an impressive specimen with tantalizing potential and the perfect successor to Cameron Jordan.

Initially, he will be part of a pass-rushing rotation as he refines some technical issues but White will grow into his role and show that he can play multiple alignments along the Saints’ defensive line.

Branch manages to hang onto first-round status. He becomes the second fallen prospect who once had a blue-chip reputation to land in the lap of the Eagles.

Indeed, Branch is a Rolls Royce of a defender and slides comfortably into a defense that has just lost its top two safeties. He will be able to cover multiple spots and makes up for a perceived lack of athleticism with game smarts and instinct.

New defensive coordinator Sean Desai has demonstrated previously his preference for more three-safety looks in this nickel and dime age, and so Branch can be the crown jewel of this philosophy.

Wide receiver or right tackle could be options here with Josh Downs and Dawand Jones still available, but the Chiefs desperately need more depth at edge and they will be able to address their offense later on.

Derick Hall had an outstanding collegiate career, displays legitimate versatility in terms of how can align to stalk the QB, and will be an ideal replacement for Frank Clark. Admittedly, the Auburn edge defender is slightly lighter than the former Seahawk draftee but possesses a similar (and slightly better) overall testing profile.

Hall plays with a motor that always runs hot, is a true alpha and formally met with the Chiefs during the combine. An increasingly common pairing in mock drafts, Hall makes too much sense here as the final pick in round one.

Who would you like your team to take and who should have been included in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, or talk to me on Twitter @BenAMatthews