NFL Mock Draft 2023: Edition 3 (Super Bowl Edition)

C.J. Stroud, Ohio State to Indianapolis

 1. Chicago Bears

Will Anderson Jr., LB, Alabama

This feels like a pick that Chicago will look to swap with a QB-needy team, but if not, Will Anderson Jr. feels right. The Alabama product was one of the sport's most dominant defenders in recent history and has transcendent talent off the edge. He's much more than a consolation prize for a rebuilding Bears defense.

2. Houston Texans

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Do the Texans try to move up a spot, or instead take their chances picking No. 2? It's well-known Houston is in the market for a new quarterback, and Bryce Young feels like the clear No. 1 quarterback, at least right now. He injects some fresh energy and spirit into an organization that has been staggering since the Deshaun Watson fallout.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

All eyes will be on Arizona's offense as they bring in a new coach and overhaul their system, but the Cards will also have notable holes to fill defensively. Up front, J.J. Watt is calling it a career, and Zach Allen could leave in free agency. Enter Jalen Carter, a premier disruptor who should test extremely well at the Combine.

4. Indianapolis Colts

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Colts have relied on several different bridge quarterbacks since the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck, but it's about time they invest in a true franchise quarterback. C.J. Stroud feels like a step below Bryce Young as it stands right now, but could easily ascend with a strong pre-Draft. He's fresh off a 41-touchdown campaign in nearby Columbus this fall.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)

Tyree Wilson, DE/LB, Texas Tech

Don't be surprised is a fast riser through the spring, as he's the type of prospect every GM is looking for in the modern NFL. Versatile, long, athlete that is probably a defensive end at the next level, but could still fit in at outside linebacker. Seattle is loaded with selections over the next several years and focus on pass rush to kick things off.

6. Detroit Lions

Myles Murphy, DL, Clemson

Detroit may have invested a No. 2 pick in a pass rusher last year, but you can never have too many impact defenders in this league, and Myles Murphy feels too good to pass up. Murphy was an impact player from the moment he stepped on campus at Clemson, and projects even better to the NFL.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

There may not be a more controversial player in the 2023 NFL Draft than Will Levis. Those who love him can talk themselves into him going No. 1, but he has his fair share of detractors. He didn't exactly set the world on fire during his time at Kentucky, but he's a toolsy quarterback with a lot of physical gifts. Levis feels like a boom-or-bust move Las Vegas is willing to take a chance on as they move forward without Derek Carr.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

Despite investing countless draft selections in their front seven over the past decade, Atlanta is still awfully porous up front, with one of the worst rush defenses in the NFC. Bryan Bresee could be the solution, formerly the nation's No. 1 prospect coming out of high school. He dealt with injuries and family tragedy during his three seasons at Clemson, but established himself as a physical force on the interior D-Line.

9. Carolina Panthers

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Carolina is another team clearly in the market for a quarterback, but they find themselves in a predicament here if things shape up like this. With the top three quarterbacks on the board, Anthony Richardson is probably the best available, but that feels like a huge stretch at nine. Instead, the Panthers still work on their aerial attack but instead choose a pass-catching weapon in Michael Mayer. The well-rounded Notre Dame product could be the team's next Greg Olsen.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans)

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Philadelphia is on the cusp of their second Super Bowl Title in a half-decade, but that doesn't mean the Eagles don't have holes to fill as they look ahead towards the offseason. Cornerback feels like an obvious spot to address; although they've gotten quality production there in 2022-23, both James Bradberry and Darius Slay are aging and Bradberry is going to be a free agent. Philadelphia won't have to go too far to land a franchise corner, picking up Penn State's Joey Porter Jr.

11. Tennessee Titans

Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

It could be an interesting offseason for Tennessee after a disappointing year, but this pick feels like a no-brainer. The Titans have obvious holes to fill along their offensive line, and Peter Skoronski is top blocker available. He may not test as well as other linemen at the Combine, but feels like the type of player who is going to have a long, steady NFL career.

12. Houston Texans

Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Houston has needs throughout their roster, but it's hard to imagine they go very long in this Draft without selecting a new playmaker on the perimeter. There's plenty of options here, but Quentin Johnston stands out to me as an NFL prospect. He's a long, physical receiver who was absolutely unstoppable at times through his collegiate career. It wouldn't be shocking to see him and Bryce Young terrorizing defenses for years to come.

13. New York Jets

Paris Johnson Jr., OL, Ohio State

I'm not ready to completely sell my Mekhi Becton just yet, but the former Top 10 pick needs to show up in a big way in 2023. However, he's not the only concern up front for the Jets, with several pieces set to hit free agency. Even if New York is able to hold on to one or two, it feels like the right move to invest long-term by adding Paris Johnson Jr. out of Ohio State. He's likely to battle Skoronski for top billing in this offensive line group.

14. New England Patriots

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

There may not be a more pedestrian receiver corps in the NFL than the group in New England entering the offseason. If the Patriots are actually committed to Mac Jones being their guy, they simply have to upgrade his weaponry. Fortunately, Jaxon Smith-Njigba lasts all the way to 14 in this scenario, gifting the Patriots a dynamic wide out with elite ball skills.

15. Green Bay Packers

Brian Branch, S, Alabama

All eyes will be on Aaron Rodgers this offseason and it's easy to project a receiver here, but Green Bay's priorities seem elsewhere. Safety is an obvious spot they could choose to upgrade, with Adrian Amos an unrestricted free agent and the team potentially willing to move on from Darnell Savage to open cap. Brian Branch offers a cheap, high-upside safety who can line up just about anywhere in the defensive backfield.

16. Washington Commanders

Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Statistically, the Commanders were decent in defending the pass in 2022, but they have long-term concerns, especially considering the quarterbacks in their division. Enter Christian Gonzalez, who emerged as a serious NFL Draft candidate with Oregon this fall after two years at Colorado. Well-built, versatile, and equipped with excellent hands, Gonzalez is a quality get here.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

A team with plenty of options here, trying to project which direction Pittsburgh goes in feels like complete guesswork. Offensive line and defensive line may be two possibilities, but corner feels like a real need, as the Steelers have significant moving parts here entering the spring. Cam Smith could be a potential steal at 17, and he plays with an attitude and toughness that fits this defense.

18. Detroit Lions

Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Pass defense has been an Achilles heel for Detroit for awhile now, and it's hard to imagine this team returning to the postseason without investing more capital on the back-end. Kelee Ringo feels like a prospect who could have a wide range in this Draft, but he offers plenty of value here in the mid-first round.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Bijan Robinson is one of the most complete running back prospects we've seen coming out of college in years and yet, it's nearly impossible to project where he'll be picked. It wouldn't shock me if Arizona or another team takes a swing at him in the Top 5, but if not, he could last into the 20s. In this scenario, Tampa takes a chance on the exciting tailback, as they embark on the post-Tom Brady era.

20. Seattle Seahawks

O'Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida

Geno Smith was a pleasant surprise in 2022, but Seattle didn't always supply him the best help, as he was sacked 46 times. It feels like the Seahawks will be in the market for offensive line help with one of their first-round selections, and O'Cyrus Torrence makes plenty of sense. He's the Draft's top guard as we stand today, and Seattle could be set to replace both starting guards in the offseason.

21. Los Angeles Chargers

Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

The Chargers could use help at all three levels of their defense, as they were mediocre to plain bad in rush and pass defense in 2022. An interior defensive linemen could be the move if somebody drops but cornerback feels like the most likely option. Clark Phillips III is one of the top playmakers in this Draft and would add much-needed attitude to this secondary.

22. Baltimore Ravens

Jordan Addison, WR, USC

No matter what the future looks like regarding Lamar Jackson, Baltimore has to upgrade their receiver corps. Beyond Rashod Bateman, there's no Raven that can cause significant pressure on the back-end of a defense, which has made Baltimore extremely one-dimensional. Adding a downfield weapon like Jordan Addison, the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner, would work wonders.

23. Minnesota Vikings

Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M

New defensive coordinator Brian Flores will bring a much-needed culture shift for Minnesota's defense, but the organization also needs to invest money or draft picks on this side of the ball. Antonio Johnson feels like the perfect fit for a defense that will look to play more downhill in 2023; the Texas A&M defender can line up just about anywhere and make an impact.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars

Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

Jacksonville boasted one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL this past season, and that was in arguably the weakest quarterback division in the league. They have to add a quality defensive back early in this Draft, and I'm a big fan of Devon Witherspoon. He's not a guy who will blow you away with his testing numbers, but is a sturdy, well-built corner who should have a lengthy pro career.

25. New York Giants

Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

New York appears set to bring back Daniel Jones in the long-term, but his receiving options have been underwhelming throughout most his NFL career. A healthy Wan'Dale Robinson will help, but taking a dynamic weapon like Zay Flowers feels even more effective. Flowers was one of the most electric receivers in college football, even in a vanilla Boston College offense, and projects well to the pros.

26. Dallas Cowboys

Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

Beyond CeeDee Lamb, Dallas doesn't have the weapons on the perimeter to seriously contend for an NFC Title. They missed Amari Cooper after shipping him away, but could find a better long-term fit in Jalin Hyatt, fresh off a huge year at Tennessee. Hyatt became known as a big-play option with the Vols, but he's a versatile wide out who could still be scratching the surface of his potential.

27. Buffalo Bills

Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa

It was a deflating conclusion to the 2022 season in Buffalo, but the Bills remain a serious Super Bowl contender, assuming they make the right moves over the offseason. Spending on a receiver or drafting one early is a real possibility, but this is a front office that has leaned on the best player available approach in the past. Lukas Van Ness could sneak into the Top 10, but is more likely to land somewhere in the 20s as a ferocious edge rusher with upside.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

Joe Mixon's future in Cincinnati seems murky after his recent legal troubles, throwing a wrench into Cincinnati's offensive game-plan. Perhaps Mixon will be back as normal in 2023, but the Bengals could find a long-term upgrade in Jahmyr Gibbs. The versatile tailback is an explosive open-field runner and capable receiver, adding yet another element to this potent Cincinnati attack.

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco)

Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

With the selection they recently acquired in the Sean Payton deal, New Orleans adds an impact defender in Drew Sanders. The former Crimson Tide linebacker had a breakout 2022 while playing at Arkansas and can play multiple positions and contribute. He's too intriguing to pass up in the bottom of the first round.

30. Kansas City Chiefs

Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame

Kansas City's defense held up well in 2022 despite significant amounts of youth at just about every position group. They will likely be in play for defense somewhere early in this Draft, and Notre Dame's Isaiah Foskey offers excellent value here. Despite his size, Foskey moves incredibly well and has the type of physique every NFL team covets.

31. Philadelphia Eagles

Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor

With an earlier first-round selection already secured and without any overwhelmingly obvious needs at this spot, Philadelphia could trade down. If they don't, I like the idea of them pairing Baylor's Siaki Ika with Jordan Davis to form an impenetrable interior D-Line. They were banged up on the interior this fall and could see several pieces move on this offseason, adding even more value to this pick.