2023 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper reveals final mock
It's finally here: the 2023 NFL Draft is upon us and the next generation of pro football talent is ready to take the next step, moving up from the ranks of college football's best to realize their dreams and become the next faces of the NFL.
And with that in mind, mock drafter extraordinaire Mel Kiper went to work creating his final look at how this year's draft could shake out in the first round.
Related: 2023 NFL Draft Order, Schedule
Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter remains the No. 1 player on Kiper's big board and is still projected to be a high first-round selection despite the star player's legal issue from this offseason relating to the car accident that killed two people.
NFL Draft Bible, our sister publisher in the Sports Illustrated Fannation Network, agrees with Kiper, naming Carter the No. 1 player on its Big Board Rankings, as well.
Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson checks in at No. 2 on the board, followed by Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young at No. 3, Texas running back Bijan Robinson at No. 4, and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud rounds out the top five.
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: "He's going to be their face of the franchise for years to come, though they need to focus on putting talent around him."
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: Will Anderson
USA Today Images
Position: Edge
School: Alabama
What Kiper says: "I'm hearing Houston will take an edge rusher, either Anderson or Tyree Wilson, unless it throws everyone a curveball."
Scouting report: "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." — NFL Draft Bible
3. Titans: C.J. Stroud
Kiper projects the Titans will trade up
Position: Quarterback
School: Ohio State
What Kiper says: "He is a stellar downfield passer with pinpoint accuracy and anticipation."
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
4. Colts: Will Levis
Position: Quarterback
School: Kentucky
What Kiper says: "He's going to make some mistakes, but he has experience playing in a pro-style offense and is ahead of the curve in going through progressions and reading defenses."
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 10
6. Lions: Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon: ""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."
7. Raiders: Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez: "Terrific length and subtle weight that doest burden his athleticism. Tons of press-bail alignments, typically to the boundary. He has blitzed from the field and has an impact on the pass. Plays the ball in the air for back-shoulder pass breakups."
8. Falcons: Texas Tech edge Tyree Wilson: "One of the most physically gifted prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, possessing the arm length, frame, explosiveness, and power to be an immediate impact player at the next level."
9. Bears: Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson: "He showed significant improvement in his footwork and his hand placement which, while still a work in progress, are no longer true weaknesses. If his technique is sound, the Ohio State standout is typically hard to beat."
10. Eagles: Texas running back Bijan Robinson: "While he is a raw pass protector and must refine his open-field vision to better work to space, Bijan Robinson is an elite running back prospect without any athletic limitations. His size, agility, lateral and linear burst, balance, power, and well-rounded pass-catching are all special."
You can see Mel Kiper's complete final 2023 mock draft here.
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