Adams: NFL Mock Draft 1.0

How will the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft shake out?

It's getting hard to see out here with all the NFL Draft smoke flying around. From who the Carolina Panthers will take when they are officially on the clock after their massive trade-up to what player the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs will add to their roster. And let's not forget the most important question in the minds of all of Indianapolis Colts Nation: which QB(s) will be available when they are on the clock?

So, it is time to sift through all the rumors and predict how this year's first round will fall. And with the first pick, the Carolina Panthers select...

Pick 1: Carolina Panthers (via Chicago Bears)

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QB Bryce Young, Alabama

The Panthers made the big move of the offseason when they elected to send a massive offer to Chicago for the first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. While it's been known that the team made that move with hopes of drafting their next franchise quarterback, the question has been who would they take? All recent signs have pointed to the selection being Alabama’s Bryce Young. I was told earlier in the offseason that there were many people high up in Carolina who were fans of Young but also heard that many on the coaching staff were fans of C.J. Stroud. So, it was always about who would get the final say, and I believe the selection will be Young.

Pick 2: Houston Texans

Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama

With Young off the board, many are penciling in Stroud as the obvious pick for the Texans. However, in my opinion, it isn't that simple. The talk around the league has been that Young is far-and-away QB 1 for the Texans. So, after missing out on Young I believe the Texans would pivot to edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. out of Alabama to be the anchor of new head coach DeMeco Ryans' defense. Anderson, to many, is the number-one player in this year's class and fits Ryans' defense very well while filling a huge need as a pass rusher for the Texans.

TRADE: Arizona Cardinals send pick 3 to Atlanta Falcons for 2023 1st (pick 8), 2023 3rd (pick 75), and 2024 1st. Pick 3: Atlanta Falcons (via Arizona Cardinals)

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QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

Since the Panthers made the move for the first pick, the Cardinals have been seen as a prime trade-down candidate. With the Texans passing on Stroud, I can see multiple teams being interested in the talented QB. The Falcons have had a really solid offseason so far with notable signings of Jessie Bates and Calais Campbell as well as trading for Jeff Okudah and Jonnu Smith. The NFC South is up for grabs following the retirement of Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady, and the Panthers and New Orleans Saints both made moves to acquire their next QB this offseason (Derek Carr and the first-overall pick). To pair with an aggressive free agency period, I believe the Falcons could elect to make the move up to three and draft their next franchise QB and have a solid roster in place to draft Stroud and let him start Day 1, and I could see the pairing having success early.

Pick 4: Indianapolis Colts

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QB Anthony Richardson, Florida

This draft is huge for the Colts, who have been looking for their next franchise QB ever since the surprise retirement of Andrew Luck in 2019. They've used free agency and the trade market to try and fill the hole left by Luck's departure but have never taken the swing in the draft. After pushing off the swing for so long, it's only fitting that the Colts swing for the fences with a QB like Anthony Richarson, who is the best athlete we’ve ever seen a the QB position according to RAS Football.

The Colts hired the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen, as their head coach this offseason, who has worked with young QBs such as Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert. They saw great success with Hurts this past season by optimizing his mobility and ability to attack a defense vertically. If Steichen would like to replicate some version of that offense here in Indianapolis, I believe Richardson is the best-suited QB in this class to do so.

Pick 5: Seattle Seahawks

IDL Jalen Carter, Georgia

Jalen Carter is looked at as one of the best overall players in this draft class, but an off-the-field issue has made some question if he could fall farther than people expect come draft day. I believe the Seahawks will go with the best player available at this position, and Carter projects as a special 3-tech at the next level. Coming off a season where the team outplayed many’s expectations, adding Carter to their defense as a day-one contributor should help Seattle build off last season's success.

Pick 6: Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)

Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

The Lions have been as active as anyone this offseason with notable additions such as C.J. Gardner-Johnson, David Montgomery, and Cameron Sutton. Since taking over as the team's head coach, Dan Campbell has brought physicality and toughness to the Lions. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon out of Illinois plays with a level of physicality that would fit perfectly in Detroit. After moving Okudah to the Falcons earlier this offseason, the team has an open starting spot on the outside at corner opposite of the newly-signed pair of Emmanuel Mosely and Sutton in the slot.

Pick 7: Las Vegas Raiders

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State

Some believe the Raiders could go QB after moving on from longtime starter Carr this offseason. But after not being able to move up to one or three, I believe the Raiders will pivot to another need which is their offensive line that will be blocking for Jimmy Garappolo. I believe Paris Johsnon Jr. is the best offensive lineman in this year's class and would be a day-one starter for the Raiders. Johnson is a solid athlete at the position and would be able to play at left or right tackle at the next level. The Raiders did decide to move off starters such as Carr and Darren Waller this offseason but still have a lot of offensive talent in place to work with this season with Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Josh Jacobs.

Pick 8: Arizona Cardinals (via Atlanta Falcons)

Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

After electing to trade down, the Cardinals are able to land one of the players I believe they are considering taking if they stay at three in Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson. The Cardinals lost JJ Watt this offseason to retirement, and with newly-hired head coach Jonathan Gannon bringing his defense, adding to their pass rush is a massive need. For Gannon’s defense to excel, getting home with four is a huge need and Wilson projects as a solid day-one pass rusher who, if he can progress, could be special at the next level.

Pick 9: Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers)

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

OT Broderick Jones, Georgia

The Bears flipped the draft on its head before it even began by sending the number-one overall pick to Carolina for picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore. To many, this move was looked at as them showing their belief in QB Justin Fields. The team has added offensive weapons with Moore and signed guard Nate Davis. But an area that they still need to add is at tackle. Broderick Jones is my second highest-rated tackle after Johnson and projects as a day-one starter at left tackle and could be the blind side protector for Fields for the foreseeable future.

TRADE: Philadelphia Eagles send pick 10 to Green Bay Packers for 2023 1st (pick 15), 2023 3rd (pick 78), and 2024 2nd. Pick 10: Green Bay Packers (via Philadelphia Eagles/New Orleans Saints)

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

I know, I know, it's incredibly ironic for the Packers to not only take a first-round wide receiver the year they are moving off Aaron Rodgers but trade up for one. But Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of Ohio State would be a great compliment to Christian Watson. Smith-Njigba’s ability out of the slot can be a solid safety blanket for Jordan Love, as well as him being my WR 1 in this class. I believe it is important to put him in the best position to succeed as possible to properly evaluate his possible future with the franchise, which warrants this type of aggressive move.

Pick 11: Tennessee Titans

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OL Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

The Titans are the hot name amongst the national media to trade up to the third pick in the draft to select a QB. With the number of holes on this roster, I have a hard time seeing them paying the price it would take for that type of move. So instead, I have the Titans staying put and taking versatile offensive lineman Peter Skoronski out of Northwestern. Skoronski projects as both a tackle and guard at the next level, and the Titans have starting jobs open across the offensive line. The team chose to let guard Nate Davis sign with the Bears, and released starting left tackle Taylor Lewan and starting center Ben Jones. Skoronski would offer the team solid flexibility for the rest of the draft to select the best lineman available instead of having to focus on tackle or guard to pair with Skoronski.

Pick 12: Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns)

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QB Will Levis, Kentucky

After passing on QB at two, the Texans are able to land their next signal-caller at pick 12 in Will Levis out of Kentucky. Levis has a solid combo of traits and size that will have many teams across the league interested. As well as his experience in a pro-style offense in 2021 under Liam Coen. Early on in the draft process, I was told by multiple individuals across the league that there were multiple members in the Texans building that were fans of the Kentucky QB, so much so that many around the league believed that Levis was QB2 on the team's board. If that notion is accurate, passing on a QB at two and adding Anderson and the team's QB2 at pick 12 would be a solid Day 1 of the draft for Houston.

Pick 13: New York Jets

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OT Darnell Wright, Tennesee

The Jets' offseason has been in limbo for lack of a better word as the team is openly negotiating to acquire their next QB in the Packers legend, Rodgers. So, while they are still working on ironing out those details, preparing the offense for him should be their top priority. Darnell Wright out of Tennessee is a very talented tackle who best projects as a right tackle at the next level with the upside to develop into a left tackle. Wright is a name I've been told by many around the league that is expected to hear his name much higher than the consensus online normally has him mocked. Wright can come in on day one and start for the Jets who, at some point, will land Rodgers and will be in win-now mode next season.

Pick 14: New England Patriots

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

Trying to predict who the Patriots will draft is always a tall task, but they are notorious for staying true to their board no matter what. Lukas Van Ness out of Iowa is a raw but high-upside defensive lineman who wouldn't have to be the top pass rusher in New England with Matthew Judon on the roster. His brute strength at the position would offer the Patriots multiple options to deploy on the defensive line as he can line up on the edge or in the interior.

Pick 15: Philadelphia Eagles (via Green Bay Packers)

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RB Bijan Robinson, Texas

After trading back for even more draft capital, the rich get richer by the Eagles' offense adding Bijan Robinson to the team's high-powered offense. They lost Miles Sanders to Carolina this offseason so Robinson fills a need but also is one of the better running back prospects we've seen in recent years. Pairing him with Hurts and their dominant offensive line is a match made in heaven.

Pick 16: Washington Commanders

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TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah

The Commanders will likely be starting second-year QB Sam Howell out of North Carolina next season, and adding to the offense to help him succeed should be prioritized here at 16. Adding a weapon like Dalton Kincaid out of Utah, who is the best pass-catching tight end in this class, would do just that. Kincaid will be a walking mismatch for most linebackers and even safeties at the NFL level and will keep defensive coordinators up at night. Pairing him with Pro Bowl receiver Terry McLaurin should be a solid 1-2 punch for the Commanders and Howell.

Pick 17: Pittsburgh Steelers

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CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

This offseason, an already thin corner room lost Sutton to the Lions during free agency. And at pick 17, my personal top corner in this class falls in Pittsburgh's laps in Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon. Gonzalez is a long and lanky corner who is also a top-tier athlete. His upside is through the roof at the NFL level, which should interest a team like the Steelers. Gonzalez would be the best corner in Pittsburgh the moment he is drafted and would begin to help fill a need that the Steelers have had for quite some time.

Pick 18: Detroit Lions

Mandatory Credit: Kimberly Moss-USA TODAY Sports

DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh

The Lions earlier added to their secondary with Witherspoon and now add to their defensive line with Clijah Kancey out of Pittsburgh. Kancey has been one of the biggest draft risers through this process as he shined as a star at this year's Scouting Combine, where he tested out as one of the best interior linemen in this class, according to RAS Football. He is also one of the best pure pass rushers out of the interior in this year's class. Kancey would fill a need for the Lions and wrap up a really solid Day 1 of the draft tremendously improving the team's defensive unit.

TRADE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers send pick 19 to Cincinnati Bengals for 2023 1st (pick 28), 2023 3rd (pick 92), and 2024 3rd. Pick 19: Cincinnati Bengals (via Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

The Bengals decide to jump ahead of a few teams who could be in the market for a tight end and select my personal TE1 in this class, Michael Mayer out of Notre Dame. Mayer may not be the best pass catcher or best run blocker in this class at the position but he is the most well-rounded. The Bengals give Joe Burrow yet another weapon to pair with wide receiver JaMarr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd, as well as fill the hole left by Hayden Hurts, who signed with the Panthers this offseason.

Pick 20: Seattle Seahawks

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia

I have the Seahawks double dipping on the defensive line as well as Georgia Bulldogs by pairing Carter with his college teammate Nolan Smith. Smith had a tremendous Combine and will be explosive off the edge at the next level. A Seahawks team that was once known for defense has lost that identity in years past, but adding Smith and Carter to the team's group from last year would be taking a step in the right direction.

Pick 21: Los Angeles Chargers

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

WR Jordan Addison, USC

The Chargers are coming off a heartbreaking loss where they blew a huge lead to the Jaguars during Wild Card Weekend, so adding a wide receiver who can create separation to pair with Mike Williams long-term is an area of need for the Chargers. They don't have to go far to find that, as I have them bringing in USC’s Jordan Addison. Addison is a great route runner who was among the best wide receiver in college over the last two seasons. Allowing Addison to learn from veteran Keenan Allen while he is still with the Chargers is a perfect mentor to help Addison reach his ceiling at the NFL level.

Pick 22: Baltimore Ravens

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CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

The Ravens need to find a solid partner for corner Marlon Humphrey and this is a great class to do so. Joey Porter Jr. out of Penn State would be a great fit with Baltimore, even though I'm sure his father and Steeler Nation would cringe at the thought. Porter is a long and lengthy corner who plays very physically. The Ravens like to make offenses feel their presence at all times, so pairing Porter and Humphrey together will certainly make them one of the most physical duos in the league. They certainly will be among the most annoying corner rooms to face among wide receivers.

Pick 23: Minnesota Vikings

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

WR Zay Flowers, Boston College

Zay Flowers out of Boston College is one of my favorite wide receivers in this class and graded out as my WR2. The Vikings decided to release starter Adam Thielen this offseason and will be looking for a running mate with star receiver Justin Jefferson. If you look up the definition of electric, you may see a picture of Flowers. He is on the smaller side for the receiver position but with a player like Jefferson taking most of the attention, Flowers could flourish on the underneath work as well as being a vertical threat.

Pick 24: Jacksonville Jaguars

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

CB Deonte Banks, Maryland

The Jaguars decided to release starting corner Shaquill Griffin this offseason and will be in the market for a corner. Deonte Banks out of Maryland has excellent size for the position and is very physical at the line of scrimmage. I think Banks will fit the Jaguars' young defense that is built with an identity of hard-nosed physical prospects. His aggression may lead to flags early on, but Banks can develop into a great boundary corner at the next level with the right coaching staff.

Pick 25: New York Giants

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WR Quentin Johnston, TCU

In his first year as the Giants' head coach, Brian Daboll led his unit to the playoffs and even has a win on his resume over the Vikings during Wild Card Weekend. The team decided to extend Daniel Jones, franchise tag Saquon Barkley this offseason, and traded for Waller. I have the Giants taking wide receiver Quentin Johnston out of TCU to pair with those moves. Johnston is the most natural "X" receiver in this year's class, and after the failed Kenny Golladay experience, the team is in need of a true "X" on the outside. Johnston would be the starter at that spot from day one, and the Giants can continue to build off last year's success.

Pick 26: Dallas Cowboys

Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson

The Cowboys have been active on the veteran trade market this offseason, adding Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks. Via how the board falls here, I have the Cowboys taking the best interior defensive lineman available in Bryan Bresee out of Clemson. Bresee brings juice out of the interior as he is an excellent athlete, according to RAS Football. As the Cowboys are in win-now mode, getting a day-one contributor is likely important, and adding Breese on the inside to pair with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawerence on the outside will be a lot of speed for offensive linemen to combat.

Pick 27: Buffalo Bills

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas

The Bills lost linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to the Bears this offseason, and he was a big part of their defense. Replacing him is challenging, and you don't want to force it on draft day. But in their case here, the best linebacker in this class has a similar skill set and size to Edmunds in Drew Sanders out of Arkansas. Sanders is a long and athletic linebacker who could fill Edmund's spot at the center of Sean McDermott's defense. 

Pick 28: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Cincinnati Bengals)

[Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]

G O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida

After trading back and gaining more picks, the Buccaneers, who are starting their post-Tom Brady tenure, should go with the best player available to fill one of their needs, and guard O’Cyrus Torrence out of Florida fits the bill. Torrence is an excellent run blocker and is ready to play day one as a guard at the NFL level. And with the Buccaneers adding Baker Mayfield for this season, committing to the run for now while Torrence develops in the passing game makes a lot of sense.

Pick 29: New Orleans Saints (via San Francisco 49ers)

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

TE Darnell Washington, Georgia

The NFC South is up for grabs, and the Saints made moves this offseason to take advantage of that. Adding Carr via free agency was a move towards that goal, and adding a weapon for him and the offense in Darnell Washington out of Georgia fits their needs. Washington is a huge, athletic tight end with high upside at the next level. And while he develops as a route runner, he is the best run blocker in this year's tight end class, and his big frame should help him in the red zone. Carr had excellent success with Waller, and adding an athlete like Washington would be a great way to attempt to replicate that success in New Orleans.

Pick 30: Philadelphia Eagles

Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

S Brian Branch, Alabama

With the Eagles' second pick, they attack another spot of need with Alabama's Brian Branch. The team lost Gardner-Johnson to the Lions, and there isn't a player in this draft better suited to fill that hole than Branch, who is a hybrid safety that also has played in the nickel. He would be a day-one starter for Philadelphia and would allow the defense to run in a similar light with a player to fill Gardner-Johnson’s unique skill set and role diversity.

Pick 31: Kansas City Chiefs

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EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson

The Super Bowl Champion Chiefs let edge rusher Frank Clark go this offseason, so finding a starting edge rusher opposite George Karlaftis will be one of the team's more significant needs to fill through the draft. They fill that need here with Clemson’s Myles Murphy, who would add an explosive element off the edge that the Chiefs usually covet. As well as being a solid run defender already, he would be one of the Chiefs' best in the run game off the line immediately. 

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