The former top high school recruit in the country, Bresee showed right away as a freshman why he was such a hyped recruit. He missed most of last season with a torn ACL, so his projection in the top 10 is based on him returning healthy. But based on talent, Bresee is one of the best defensive linemen in college football.
The fifth and final quarterback to crack the first round of this mock, McKee has fans around the NFL. He is well-built and gets the ball out quickly and accurately. He will get himself into the first round if he continues to hone his decision-making. I also considered Boston College's Phil Jurkovec here.
Drew Lock isn't the answer to replace Russell Wilson, but the Seahawks might not have to look far to find one next year. A transfer from Incarnate Word, Ward could be a superstar for the Cougars this season, and a top-10 pick wouldn't be far-fetched.
The Seahawks landed one stud pass rusher this year in second-round pick Boye Mafe, but they could use another one next year. Hall would be a solid addition to improve the pass rush with Seattle's additional first-rounder.
Linebackers are mostly dropping to the second round, but Sewell -- brother of former Oregon star Penei -- will be in the mix to win the Butkus Award. At 6-foot-3, 251 pounds, he is a force.
Levis opened a lot of eyes with his emergence after transferring from Penn State to Kentucky last season. He finished with a 90.6 overall grade in now-Rams offensive coordinator Liam Cohen's offense. Levis has easy arm talent for a 6-foot-3, 232-pound signal-caller.
The 6-foot-6, 303-pounder gives Javon Kinlaw vibes with just how massive he is playing defensive line in the SEC. As a sophomore last year, he racked up 24 pressures on 229 pass-rushing snaps.
Is Drew Lock the answer? The Seahawks didn't take a QB in the '22 draft and if Lock balls out, the team can focus on other needs here. If not, quarterback will be big need and Van Dyke will be on NFL radars this fall.
Noah Sewell is a special talent that jumps off the screen with his elite defensive playmaking skills. He would be a wonderful replacement for Bobby Wagner.
Ojulari is such an exciting pass rusher to watch given his burst, bend, and pass rush repertoire. He would give Seattle a much-needed pass-rushing presence off the edge.
Georgia's defense isn't going anywhere, which is something we used to say about the Seahawks' defense which game up 265.5 passing yards per game last season. That was second-worst in the NFL and miles away from anything resembling a "Legion of Boom." Enter, Jalen Carter. He's a freakish athlete at well over 300 lbs and has the ability to singlehandedly change the way teams are able to move the ball.
Back-to-Back Gamecocks! Rattler, who's been a Gamecock for all of 25 minutes, was the top person on a lot of these lists last season and then played poorly and wound up getting benched and transferring. Now, with a fresh start, he has a chance to put those elite natural tools on display.
Similar to the Lions, the Seattle Seahawks were so adamant about not wanting to take a quarterback in the top portion of the 2022 NFL Draft that they tried their hardest to trade down. After unsuccessfully doing so, the Seahawks have a pair of bookend tackles for new quarterback Bryce Young.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Young possesses an elite right arm and a moxie that rivals the most seasoned NFL quarterback today. He stands tall in the pocket and delivers the ball accurately and on time to every level of the field.
It's a bleak affair on the Seattle Seahawks' receiving corps aside from Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. Few people can do the things Ronnie Bell can do in this draft class. In fact, it's only because of a season-ending injury that he wasn't a high draft choice in the 2022 NFL Draft.
He'll be an older rookie after spending five years at Michigan, but his NFL readiness will never be in question. With a clean bill of health, Bell can play out wide or in the slot, winning wherever he goes.
The top senior quarterback in next year's class, Levis blossomed in his first season at Kentucky after transferring from Penn State. He is a good-sized athlete with a loose arm and the creative instincts to make plays. Despite losing Liam Coen as offensive coordinator (hired as the offensive coordinator with the Rams), Kentucky went back to the McVay/Shanahan tree and hired former 49ers quarterback coach Rick Scangarello to run its offense, so the scheme and playbook should be similar.
Even after grabbing two promising pass rushers in the 2022 draft, the Falcons wouldn't pass up the best overall player in next year's class, especially after stealing their quarterback of the future in third-rounder Desmond Ridder.
The Penn State transfer had a very good year for the Wildcats (8.0 YPA, 24 TDs) in the SEC and has a quick release. If you're looking for a sneaky QB pick to go first, this is your guy.
Anderson led the country in total pressures (81) as a sophomore in 2021. The 6-foot-4, 243-pounder may be a touch undersized, but he has the frame to add muscle. Even if he doesn't, he's lightning-quick enough to get by in the league at his size.
The Falcons had a good '22 draft but need to continue to add Dudes, and Nolan Smith qualifies as one. Again, it's hard wrap your brain around how good that Georgia team was last season.
Anderson is a blue-chip prospect that is among the most exciting pass rushers to enter the NFL in recent years. He would provide the Falcons with a game-changer in its front seven.
All the above said, from this distance, Stroud looks to be the better prospect. He's a couple of inches taller than Young and more than a couple of pounds heavier. Both QBs have insane levels of production and will likely be in the discussion for every relevant award. Both QBs have incredible talent around them as you'll see in the rest of this mock draft. Moreover, both are considered exceptional young men and natural leaders.
What separates them for this 2023 NFL Mock Draft? Stroud has more physical tools and even better ball placement than Young. Many will question, though, whether he (along with Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields) can break a long trend of Ohio State quarterbacks who have struggled at the next level.
Likening Jalen Carter to Warren Sapp is all too easy. The comparison is so good that the Hall of Famer happens to also hail from the same high school as the younger Carter. Like Sapp, the Georgia Bulldog defensive tackle is a smart and athletic player.
Carter will jump from gap to gap with anticipation, routinely finding himself in the right position because of his instincts. He's a monster in the middle and is the rare interior pass rusher to get excited about. He'll change the Falcons' defense for the better.
An athletic big man, Pickens isn't yet a finished product, but you don't need to squint to see why NFL scouts are intrigued by his talent. South Carolina has a solid track record of producing defensive linemen, and Pickens is next up in the hopper.
You can never have too many talented pass rushers, and Foskey's combination of size and a well-rounded skill set would be the perfect fit for Cincy's defense.
The all-purpose back had 1,422 yards from scrimmage and 15 TDs last season, and even though I rarely advocate taking a running back in the first round, he's worth it.
Murphy is one powerful dude for a true sophomore. At 6-foot-5, 275 pounds, he earned an 84.1 run-defense grade last year and racked up 42 pressures. You'd be hard-pressed to see someone with Murphy's physical tools drop too far in the draft.
Catalon was draft eligible this year but returned to school. He's a middle-of-the-field thumper who will look to improve his stock with a strong '22 season.
The Bengals feature a balanced roster but can certainly upgrade the tight end position. Mayer can bring back what Cincinnati had in Tyler Eifert when he was healthy.
Boutte didn't play with Joe Burrow at LSU, but this 2023 NFL Mock Draft pick rectifies that situation. Boutte has nice speed and excellent run after the catch ability. He dealt with an injury last season, but he's going to be a focal point with the ball in his hands quite a bit for the new coaching staff.
The Cincinnati Bengals dramatically improved their offensive line through free agency this past offseason. With maybe one small chink in the armor, the Bengals go to the Ohio well to grab Paris Johnson Jr. from Ohio State.
The selection of Johnson gives them a massive man on the interior who may also play a bit outside following the departure of Nicholas Petit-Frere. Johnson's versatility and proven skill set on the interior is why he's the selection here, filling multiple roles for Cincinnati.
Last year's Biletnikoff Award winner as the nation's top receiver, Addison benefited from Kenny Pickett's jump in production. He is currently deciding on a potential transfer destination, but regardless of where he plays in 2022, the NFL will be interested in his talent.
The interior of this offensive line could use some work. While guard is a bigger need than center at the moment, Patterson could start at that spot before sliding inside if the Bills ever need to replace Mitch Morse, who just turned 30.
The Sooners had a ton of departures after Lincoln Riley left, but Mims stuck around, and he'll be WR1 in Norman after catching 14 TDs in his first two seasons.
Johnson will be Ohio State's left tackle this season after starting at right guard in 2020. That's the position where the 6-foot-6, 315-pounder is a more natural fit. He earned a 79.1 overall grade as a redshirt freshman in his first year as a starter in 2021.
Battle was another player who returned to school even though he was draft eligible. He doesn't possess otherworldly athleticism but he's incredibly consistent, and right-place, right-time players are coveted at the next level.
The Bills' roster is outstanding but is also becoming quite expensive so it could be challenging for Buffalo to meet Jordan Poyer's contract demands. Jordan Battle is an intelligent player that can offer versatility, ball skill, physicality, and athleticism that can help fill the void should Poyer not be retained.
The Bills have invested a ton into their offense over the past couple of seasons, and if they're picking No. 32 in our final 2023 NFL Mock Draft, that means it's all worked out. The offensive line still needs some work, however, and Skoronski gives them one of the most battle tested and polished offensive linemen in the nation.
First things first, we have to address the fact that the odds have the Buffalo Bills winning the Super Bowl in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. So, if the odds (or Kyle Brandt) are to be believed, the defending Super Bowl champs address a hole at tight end with the selection of Cameron Latu.
He came on strong last season as a pass catcher, but Latu is more than just an inline receiver. Latu had 8 touchdowns and showcased an ability to line up all over the Alabama offense. Today's NFL tight ends aren't required to do everything, and Latu can improve his blocking. But his receiving prowess is certainly enough for first-round consideration.
Based just on the 2020 film, Ricks was arguably the top cover man on the LSU defense (over Derek Stingley). He missed the second half of last season because of shoulder surgery and opted to transfer to Alabama, so he will be looking for a bounce-back season in 2022 that could land him in the top half of round one next April.
Based on last season, Harrison isn't yet a first-round prospect because the tape wasn't good enough. But with his near-36-inch arms and 4.5 speed at 6-6 and 265 pounds, he has first-round traits. And if he shows improvement as a pass rusher on the 2022 tape, NFL teams will happily draft him in the top 32.
Darius Slay will turn 32 in January, which means the Eagles could look for an understudy for the No. CB spot. A transfer from LSU, Ricks could be the latest Alabama corner to come off the board in the first round.
First-round running backs are rare, but when you have multiple first-round picks, you can afford the luxury when there's a rare prospect at the position. Robinson is a complete back with an impressive blend of power and explosiveness who can impact the game on all three downs.
McDonald mysteriously passed on entering the 2022 Draft, but he's a tremendous athlete who was a star basketball and track athlete in high school and picked up football late.
Smith took over for Jaycee Horn and didn't miss a beat. Last year, he allowed only 15 catches from 32 targets for 184 yards, with three picks and nine pass breakups.
Smith was the former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2019 class over Kayvon Thibodeaux. You see that high-end athleticism on tape consistently. He still needs to add some weight and add some moves as a pass-rusher, but he's got elite tools.
The Eagles had a fantastic draft even without targeting pass rusher. Frankly, it's not a huge need but could be a year from now and Murphy is a speed-to-power player off the edge.
Again, the Eagles absolutely crushed the '22 draft, and if Jalen Hurts can prove he's the long-term answer at QB, the team can continue to build around him. Johnson can play inside or out, though his NFL future will likely be at guard.
Running backs don't often go this early in the draft, but ones like Robinson don't come around often. He's the ultimate blend of size, speed, power, receiving skills, physicality, and instincts.
The Eagles have some notable expiring contracts at defensive end, a position the team always prioritizes. Hall emerged as a star for Auburn and has a chance to take another step in 2022 as he cements his status as a future high pick.
Anyone who watched this year's NFL Draft prospects from Georgia knows what I'm talking about when I say that Nolan Smith is a very distracting dude. He made it very difficult to write notes on any of their prospects because Smith kept showing up on the tape. He's heading up the depth chart and will be a future player this season. Honestly, in a few months, we might be talking about him in the Top 5 picks.
This feels low for a guy I think could end up going No. 1 when all is said and done. I don't have rock solid proof on tape that he's the best defensive end in the class or even on his own defensive line, but that tape could easily show up over the course of this college football season and the testing will follow. Here, he falls to an Eagles team that gets back-to-back picks and just massively upgraded their pass rush.
Another Alabama cornerback, but this time around, it's a lot of projection. Eli Ricks transferred from LSU to the Crimson Tide and projects to start opposite Malachi Moore. Ricks is a long and rangy cornerback with a healthy recruiting background from his days in high school. He doesn't allow much in coverage, amassing 5 career interceptions despite playing just a handful of games a season ago for the Tigers.
Back-to-back picks in the secondary for the Philadelphia Eagles in this NFL Mock Draft as they grab Brandon Joseph from Notre Dame. Similar to their first pick, Joseph's selection is also a major projection at this time.
He thrives in zone coverage as a free-ranging safety, intercepting a national-best 6 passes in 2020. After he decided to return to college and spurn the 2022 NFL Draft, he transferred to Notre Dame, where he fits their system perfectly.
The Eagles continue to build up the trenches which is an area they didn't address in the 2022 Draft. Lane Johnson is starting to get long in the tooth, but they can always kick Nelson inside to start.
After D'Eriq King went down with injury last season, Van Dyke ignited the Hurricanes' offense and put his name on the NFL radar. There are still a number of things NFL scouts want to see on film this upcoming season for him to be a first-rounder, but he has the potential to get there.
Ever since Luke Kuechly's retirement, the Panthers have been missing a true impact player at the second level of their defense. Sewell is big, athletic, and has all the potential to be worthy of a top-10 pick.
This highly rated QB struggled last season on a bad Clemson team, but the tools are all there for the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder to be one of the best pro prospects, in the Daunte Culpepper mold.
The former top recruit didn't have much to work with at Stanford in his first year as a starter last season. His footwork is tremendous in the pocket, but he is firmly a pocket passer. He'll need to take a step forward with his decision-making to get into the first-round conversation, but he has the talent to do so.
The Panthers wisely passed on a QB at the top of the '22 draft, bolstered the offensive line with Ickey Ekwonu, and were still able to get Matt Corral in Round 3. But the team also used a third-round pick on Will Grier a few years ago and he's no longer with the team. The point: We like Corral, and he may get a chance to play next season, but if the team loves any of the QBs in this class you'd have to think they'd target one.
If the Panthers are picking this high in the order then obviously Sam Darnold isn't the answer at quarterback--and neither is Matt Corral. Tyler Van Dyke was a revelation for the Hurricanes in 2021 and has the makings of an early selection at quarterback.
Even in a talented 2022 wide receiver class, we didn't see a pass catcher go quite this high. Smith-Njigba has the physical ability and well-rounded game to push into this kind of rarified air. Consider the fact that two of Smith-Njigba's teammates went in the early first round this year and this is the guy NFL teams are truly salivating over, and you start to get the picture. He's 6'0", around 200 lbs, a pristine and explosive route runner who can both take the top off the defense or utilize the big cushion defensive backs are forced to give him to be an electric playmaker after the catch.
After grabbing their left tackle of the future at the top of Round 1 in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers grab their guard of the next decade in Emil Ekiyor Jr. The big man from Alabama stands tall, has a great anchor, and some of the best balance we've seen from an interior lineman in some time. Ekiyor does it all -- and does it all incredibly well.
Foskey likely would have been a Day 2 pick if he declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, but he has his sights on the 2023 first round. Playing a versatile edge role in Marcus Freeman's scheme, he has the length to stab and soften the edge, relying both on power and range to be disruptive.
The lone running back to appear in this mock draft, Robinson is a special player with the ball in his hands. Not only does he run with power and balance, but his cutting skills and vision make him hard to tackle. The Big 12 had the first running back drafted in the 2022 class and could do the same next year.
The addition of explosive weapons continues for the Dolphins, who add another dynamic pass-catcher in Addison to pair with the already-terrifying tandem of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill.
Channing Tindall was a huge steal for the Dolphins in this year's third round, but they still need a second linebacker in that same mold. Simpson is big and athletic, with the versatility to make big plays in every phase of the game.
Ringo made a name for himself with the pick-six in the national title game, flashing the 4.35 speed that teams covet, in addition to his coverage ability.
The 5-foot-10 burner put up huge stats with QB Sam Howell last season (1,335 yards, eight TDs), and if he can run a 4.40 40, he'll put his name in the hat for the first round.
Yet another 2020 five-star. Ringo was impressive in his first year as a starter for the Bulldogs in 2021. He's got 4.3 speed at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds. His pick-six in the National Championship Game sealed the win for Georgia.
The fastest running back in the draft goes to the fastest offense in the NFL. Achane has a 100m personal best of 10.14 seconds, and it shows on the football field. In all, 27 of his 130 carries last season went for 10 or more yards. He's earned elite rushing grades both seasons with the Aggies.
Nelson made an appearance in this space a year ago but he returned to school for another season. It was a smart decision; for as athletic as he is, Nelson's also incredibly raw, but if he puts it all together he'll be in the first-round mix.
If Tua can't make it work next season the Dolphins may look elsewhere. Rattler was in this space 12 months ago and, well, he had a forgettable '21 season at Oklahoma. He's since transferred to South Carolina and if it all clicks for him in Columbia he could be among the first QBs drafted.
The Dolphins have made notable strides to improve the offensive line this offseason but can still find an upgrade at center. Patterson has been a stalwart for the Irish and can help stabilize the center position for the Dolphins.
The Dolphins are committed to Emmanuel Ogbah and have an emerging talent in Jaelan Phillips but NFL teams can never have enough options to play on the edge. Foskey is a balanced defender against the run and pass that would give the Dolphins yet another versatile option.
He started all 14 games for Michigan in 2021 and elected to return after being selected Second-Team All-Big Ten. The former tight end is a legit 6'7″ and while he's maybe a little light for an elite tackle prospect at just over 300lbs, there's a really good chance he packs on another 5-10 lbs of muscle over the next few months.
Sewell is a big, powerful linebacker in the mode of what San Francisco might've picked had they kept this pick, and that works out well for the former 49ers coach leading this Dolphins team. Look for Sewell to have a breakout season with former Georgia Defensive Coordinator Dan Lanning taking over for the Ducks.
It's rare to select a running back in the first round nowadays. But Bijan Robinson is even rarer. A special kind of player with three-down ability, Robinson is the best running back prospect since perhaps Saquon Barkley.
He's dependable and racks up yards after contact with the best of them. Robinson has speed, elusiveness, power, and the ability to take any touch to the house. He does this all while standing at 6'0" and 215 pounds.
Get to know the name Connor Galvin if you don't already. A truly gifted tackle prospect, the praises don't just start at scouts. It starts with offensive line mastermind Eric Mateos. Galvin is a fabulous pass blocker, setting a great anchor and fighting off hands incredibly well.
He's also a road-grader who has improved his skills every single year during his illustrious college career. Back for one final run at Baylor, Galvin would add a valuable weapon to the Dolphins' offensive line that has struggled to find consistency over the years.
They are going to need to get after the passer a bit more in a division with Josh Allen, Zach Wilson, and Mac Jones. Beal fits what they should need next year.
The younger brother of Penei Sewell, Sewell is well-strapped together with the power, pursuit and recognition skills that will play well in the NFL. He led the Ducks in tackles last season (106) and is arguably the best off-ball linebacker in college football.
The rebuild continues for the Dallas offensive line, as they land Skoronski to start at right tackle, allowing 2022 first-round pick Tyler Smith to remain as a dominant guard.
Ricks did the unthinkable this offseason by transferring from LSU to Alabama. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound corner earned an 85.6 coverage grade as a true freshman in 2020 before a shoulder injury cut his sophomore season short.
The Cowboys keep adding skill position players to fuel this high-powered offense and Mims, while not a burner, is an incredible athlete with great hands.
The Cowboys linebacker corps is littered with question marks and it's a position that Dallas priorities. Simpson is an explosive linebacker with a high recruiting pedigree that emerged as a star for Clemson in 2021.
Earlier, I mentioned how No. 1 wide receivers are getting smaller in the NFL thanks to wide open spread schemes that favor route running and separation. Cam Smith is the antidote. Yeah, at 170lbs, he's lighter in the shorts than NFL teams might like, but he's one of the best coverage guys in college football.
There really isn't anywhere Jordan Battle can't line up and improve the Dallas Cowboys' secondary. With his versatility, Battle could slide into the starting strong safety role or stay at free safety.
He can cover from the slot and brings an impressive range on the back end. Battle is strong at the catch point in single coverage. Nonetheless, roaming as a member of a two-high safety group would play well to his skills.
A few weeks after helping defeat Alabama in the national championship game in January, Burton made a business decision and opted to leave Georgia and join the Tide as a transfer. With Alabama losing its top three receivers, Burton will have an opportunity to flourish this season.
Lamar Jackson needs more weapons on offense, regardless of where they line up. Gibbs is a versatile playmaker who would be a perfect fit for this offense, as the Ravens could dial up creative ways for Jackson to get him the ball.
Addison was the Biletnikoff Award winner as a sophomore in 2021 after a 100-catch, 1,593-yard performance. He's a sudden route-runner at 6-foot-0, 175 pounds, who still needs to add more weight. His future is still up in the air, though, as he's rumored to be a potential transfer this offseason.
The Ravens crushed the '22 draft though Lamar Jackson didn't quite enjoy it perhaps as much as he would've liked because the team shipped Hollywood Brown to Arizona. The team gets him a 6-foot-4 weapon here.
The Ravens moved on from Hollywood Brown, partly to avoid paying him a contract extension, but did create a hole at receiver along the way. Demus offers an exciting blend of size and speed with a knack for making big plays down the field.
A running back in the first round? Yeah! We're going with two of them! Robinson is one of the top handful of prospects on just about everyone's big board a year out. He's got gamebreaking speed, fantastic balance in and out of his cuts and great hands for a back. He'll look awfully good in a backfield next to Lamar Jackson.
As good as the Baltimore Ravens' 2022 NFL Draft was, the one position they didn't quite attack was wide receiver. They make amends for that by grabbing the massive Quentin Johnston from TCU. At 6'4" and 201 pounds, Johnston is a mismatch waiting to happen against any NFL cornerback.
He's a big-bodied receiver who can outjump any defender, but he also possesses enough separation on his routes. The latter is more translatable to the NFL level and gives the Ravens a new viable WR1.
The Ravens were hoping for Georgia DT Jordan Davis and just missed out. Next year they could target Ika who is close to 350 lbs. so they can get back to their roots.
As evaluators fired up the tape to check out Jordan Davis, Travon Walker and Devonte Wyatt on the Georgia defensive line, how many times do you think this phrase was uttered: "Wait, who is this No. 88?" That would be Carter, who is entering his true junior season and was arguably the best player on the national champion's defensive front last year.
Justin Fields finally gets his WR1, and it's a familiar face. Smith-Njigba has the explosiveness and big-play ability to be an instant star at the next level, especially if he's catching passes from his old quarterback.
The Biletnikoff Award winner had 38 catches of 15-plus yards and caught 12 of his 17 touchdowns in the slot from Kenny Pickett. But he might transfer to USC.
Now it's not fair to put the Ja'Marr Chase comp on him by any means, but at 6-foot and 205 pounds wearing number 1 for LSU, Boutte's explosiveness makes you think you're watching 2019 tape at times. Look no further than his 308-yard performance as a true freshman against Ole Miss.
Wide Receiver U continues to pump out wide receivers. Smith-Njigba is a silky smooth playmaker who was every bit as effective as Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.
The Bears are a work in progress with notable work left to do in building around Justin Fields. Smith-Njigba overshadowed both of Ohio State's 2021 first-round picks in Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.
There's some irony in talking about where Jordan Addison is going to play in 2023, while the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner is in the transfer portal and is likely rumored to be leaving Pittsburgh and headed to elsewhere--though a return to the Panthers is an option. He's smaller than you'd like for a top receiver in the NFL, but continues a recent trend of eschewing top-end traits for elite route running and catching ability.
The thought of drafting a tight end in the top 10 of any NFL Draft is a lofty one. However, Michael Mayer transcends the position. He has the receiving skill set of a dominant wide receiver and the after-the-catch skills of an elusive running back in space. He's strong both at the catch point and at the point of contact in the blocking game. Mayer is a rare blend of pass-catching weapon and plus blocking on the outside.
