2023 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper reveals new Round 1-2 predictions
It's that time of year again, when the top college football prospects move into the professional ranks, and the annual crop of players head to the 2023 NFL Draft.
And with that in mind, mock drafter extraordinaire Mel Kiper went to work creating his updated look at how this year's draft could shake out in the first and second rounds.
Related: 2023 NFL Draft Order, Schedule
It's a lot of the usual names at the top, with two premier SEC defensive prospects on the market, in addition to a quartet of high-profile quarterbacks who are poised to be selected high in the first round this year.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper predicts where college football's top prospects will go
1. Panthers: Bryce Young
Position: Quarterback
School: Alabama
What Kiper says: "There is some risk because of his stature... Relying more on his pinpoint accuracy and pocket mobility than his scrambling ability."
Scouting report: "A smart-accurate passer who doesn't force throws and rarely makes mistakes. Lacks prototype size but sees the field very well, demonstrated natural feel in the pocket and can push the ball downfield with a simple flick of the wrist." — NFL Draft Bible
2. Texans: C.J. Stroud
Position: Quarterback
School: Ohio State
What Kiper says: "Stroud is a smooth thrower with advanced mechanics in a 6-foot-3 frame. He has the tools to be an All-Pro passer -- except for the talent around him."
Scouting report: "Known as the first one in, last one out, Stroud possesses all the intangibles that NFL Decision-makers seek from a franchise quarterback — head coach Ryan Day has praised his work ethic and professional approach to the game on a daily basis." — NFL Draft Bible
3. Titans: Anthony Richardson
Tennessee moves up in a projected mock trade with Arizona
Position: Quarterback
School: Florida
What Kiper says: "If he puts together all of his tools and isn't rushed into being the guy in Week 1, he could be a star."
Scouting report: "An adroit athlete with a small sample size, if Richardson can follow up his 2021 appearances with polish and precision, he may see the biggest rise of any draft prospect come 2023." — NFL Draft Bible
4. Colts: Will Levis
Position: Quarterback
School: Kentucky
What Kiper says: "Why do I like Levis over Stroud and Richardson? Because of his ability both in and out of the pocket... Levis' floor is high, and he'll be able to start immediately for the Colts."
Scouting report: "You will notice everything is ultra-quick. An up-tempo offense based on quick reads and fast decision-making. Levis gets rid of the ball in a hurry and it's the high-octane scheme that you see many NFL teams attempting to mimic." — NFL Draft Bible
5. Seahawks: Jalen Carter
Position: Defensive tackle
School: Georgia
What Kiper says: "He's explosive at the snap and finished well around the ball, even though he had just six career sacks."
Scouting report: "Blessed with rare athleticism, a lightning quick first step and violent hands, the Bulldogs defensive tackle makes a living in the opponents' backfield." — NFL Draft Bible
Rounding out the Top Ten
USA Today Images
6. Lions: Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama: "One of the most twitchy and fastest pass rushers that we've seen come off the edge in quite some time. His ability to convert speed to power, along with his bend and athleticism, enables him to use an array of moves to get to the quarterback."
7. Raiders: Devin Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: "There are some minor concerns about Witherspoon’s size, but his elite agility, instincts, and ability to consistently stay attached to wide receivers warrant a top 60 selection."
8. Falcons: Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia: "An excellent athlete who is a terrorizing run defender. It all starts with Smith’s freakish get-off, where he keys the center and times the snap very well and his explosive first step covers a lot of ground. Smith makes up for his undersized stature with great technique, playing with low pad level and consistently winning inside hand placement to stand up tackles and control the point of attack."
9. Bears: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee: "Colossal size, long arms, and thick lower half. Able to move on pin and pull schemes and GT Counter plays. Like his ability to get to his target on the second level. Yet to see his anchor threatened. Can redirect his punch when faced with counter moves."
10. Eagles: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern: "A potential first-round pick that has the versatility to play any position on the offensive line with his size and athletic ability."
You can see Mel Kiper's full mock draft here.
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