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    Colts Options for QB, Draft or Trade?

    Adams: Final 1st Round NFL Mock Draft

    What surprises will today’s first round of the 2023 NFL Draft bring?

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    Indianapolis Colts
    Indianapolis Colts

    The wait is finally over, NFL fans. Today, the 2023 NFL Draft will begin.

    The long-anticipated answer to who the Carolina Panthers traded up for will be revealed, as well as finding out which quarterback the Indianapolis Colts will finally select in Round 1 after choosing to stay on the veteran carousel the past four seasons.

    Every year, there are many surprises that come inside the first round, and from what I am hearing across the league, this year could have even more than normal.

    I released my first-round mock draft 1.0 a week ago; check it out HERE. So here is my final prediction of how today’s first round will go. 

    Pick 1: Carolina Panthers (via Chicago Bears)

    Mar 23, 2023; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Quarterback Bryce Young throws during Pro Day at Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility on the campus of the University of Alabama. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News Ncaa Football University Of Alabama Pro Day

    QB Bryce Young, Alabama

    Pick 2: Houston Texans

    University of Kentucky senior quarterback Will Levis showed off his passing form while being watched by NFL scouts during a Pro Day workout at Nutter Field House in Lexington, Ky., on Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

    QB Will Levis, Kentucky

    After the Panthers take who I believe to be the Texans' number-one QB option in Young, what they do at two is one of the biggest mysteries surrounding this year's draft. Many thought they could pivot to edge rushers, as I did in my previous mock draft, and the smoke is pointing toward Tyree Wilson out of Texas Tech. But, the more I’ve thought about the pick, it feels like a hard sell to their fan base to leave the first round without a QB, and the only pick they can guarantee themselves their top guy is here at two. After talking to multiple people close to the Texans, I believe their QB2 in this class is Kentucky’s Will Levis.

    Pick 3: Arizona Cardinals

    Nov 19, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Austin Peay quarterback Mike DiLiello (12) is tackled by Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

    EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama

    The Cardinals, to many, are a prime trade-down candidate, but I believe their top player in this class is Will Anderson Jr. out of Alabama. So to pass on him here to move down would need to be a solid trade package. And the word around the league is that teams aren't willing to make a move up in a class that many believe is missing the clear blue-chip prospects at the top. This tells me that the Cardinals will decide to stay put and take their top player in the draft Anderson.

    Pick 4: Indianapolis Colts

    NFL Scouts watch as Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) passes during the 2023 NFL Pro Day held at Condron Family Indoor Practice Facility in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Richardson will meet with six NFL teams. They are the Panthers, Colts, Titans, Raiders, Falcons and Ravens.

    QB Anthony Richardson, Florida

    Which QBs would be available when the Colts are on the clock has been one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. Here, options were Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Florida’s Anthony Richardson. I personally have Stroud ranked as the top QB in this class (see all of my rankings HERE), but the question is, do the Colts agree with me? I think the hiring of Shane Steichen was a sign that they trust him to get the most out of whichever QB they select, and Richardson is a huge pile of clay for Steichen to mold his offense around. I believe when it's all said and done, Richardson’s upside has him at the top of their QB board, and why I think he is the selection.

    Pick 5: Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos)

    Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) escapes a tackle from Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game on Dec 31, 2022, in Atlanta. News Joshua L Jones

    DT Jalen Carter, Georgia

    Pick 6: Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)

    Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud throws in front of NFL scouts during Ohio State football s pro day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on March 22, 2023. Football Ceb Osufb Pro Day

    QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

    Early in this draft process, I was told that the Lions thought hard about trading up for a QB in this class but elected to stay put. With the recent news surrounding Stroud, their patience pays off and he falls to them here at six. The only question I have here is what they do with Jared Goff because sitting Stroud, who looks beyond pro-ready, wouldn't make much sense. But sometimes, the draft brings you a pleasant surprise and you figure out the logistics afterward.

    Pick 7: Las Vegas Raiders

    Oct 23, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) breaks up a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) during overtime at Beaver Stadium.

    CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

    Pick 8: Green Bay Packers (via Atlanta Falcons)

    Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith Njigba (WO45) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium.

    TRADE: Atlanta Falcons send pick 8 to the Green Bay Packers for pick 13, pick 78, and a 2024 2nd.

    WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

    Pick 9: Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers)

    Mar 5, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State offensive lineman Paris Johnson, Jr. (OL24) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

    OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State

    Pick 10: Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints)

    Oct 29, 2022; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears running back Richard Reese (29) rushes against Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive linebacker Tyree Wilson (19) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field.

    EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

    Pick 11: Tennessee Titans

    Oct 22, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Peter Skoronski (77) prepares to block Maryland Terrapins linebacker Fa'Najae Gotay (9) during the first half at SECU Stadium.

    OT/OG Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

    Pick 12: Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns)

    Oct 8, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nolan Smith (4) tackles Auburn Tigers running back Tank Bigsby (4) at Sanford Stadium.

    EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia

    Pick 13: Atlanta Falcons (via Green Bay Packers/New York Jets)

    Texas running back Bijan Robinson (5) runs the ball. Texas took on Texas Christian University at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on Oct. 2, 2021. Aem Ut Vs Tcu 25

    RB Bijan Robinson, Texas

    The Falcons are a team many are reporting are trying to trade back in this year's draft. I think the main reason is that if they stay put at eight, they will feel like they need to take one of the defenders available at the pick. But, what I think they are more interested in is adding to their offense. Whether that is moving up for a QB in this year's class or moving back to add a running back like Bijan Robinson, who many views as the best running back prospect we've seen since Saquon Barkley.

    Pick 14: New England Patriots

    Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness (DL47) participates in drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

    EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

    Pick 15: New York Jets (via Green Bay Packers)

    Oregon s Christian Gonzalez (0) hauls in an interception as the No. 9 Oregon Ducks take on the No. 21 Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore. on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Ncaa Football Uo Vs Osu Rivalry Game University Of Oregon At Oregon State

    CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

    After officially trading back to acquire QB Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have options at pick 15. I think “best player available” will be their approach, while they probably prefer to add one of the top tackles in this class. This makes me think Broderick Jones out of Georgia and Christian Gonzalez out of Oregon would be the top two choices here, but I think pairing Sauce Gardner with Gonzalez would be too good of an opportunity to pass up.

    Pick 16: Washington Commanders

    Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. motions to the Nittany Lion faithful after Minnesota is penalized for a second false start in the first quarter at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College. Hes Dr 102222 Whiteout

    CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

    Pick 17: Pittsburgh Steelers

    Broderick Jones Georgia Bulldogs Indianapolis Colts Mock Draft

    OT Broderick Jones, Georgia

    The run on corners went earlier than the Steelers would have liked, but one of the perks of this is one of the draft's best offensive linemen falls in their lap here in Jones. He can play right or left tackle, whichever the Steelers would prefer, and it's a bonus for them that this is an incredibly deep cornerback class, and they have the top pick in the second round thanks to the Bears gifting it to them for Chase Claypool this past year.

    Pick 18: Detroit Lions

    Sep 17, 2022; Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA Western Michigan Broncos quarterback Jack Salopek (6) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Panthers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (8) at Waldo Stadium.

    DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh

    Pick 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) scores a touchdown against Southern California Trojans defensive back Max Williams (4) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

    TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

    Pick 20: Seattle Seahawks

    Florida Gators offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence (54), left, runs a blocking drill with Florida Gators offensive lineman Richard Gouraige (76) during the 2023 NFL Pro Day held at Condron Family Indoor Practice Facility in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

    OG O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida

    Pick 21: Los Angeles Chargers

    Nov 19, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates his touchdown scored againt the UCLA Bruins during the second half at the Rose Bowl.

    WR Jordan Addison, USC

    Pick 22: Baltimore Ravens

    Nov 19, 2022; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (13) returns an interception for a touchdown against the East Tennessee State Buccaneers during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.

    CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State

    Pick 23: Minnesota Vikings

    Nov 26, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) signals first down after a catch against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at Alumni Stadium.

    WR Zay Flowers, Boston College

    Pick 24: Jacksonville Jaguars

    Oct 8, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Myles Murphy (98) moves to bring down Boston College Eagles wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) during the second half at Alumni Stadium.

    EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson

    Pick 25: New York Giants

    Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch (14) celebrates his interception against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome.

    S/NCB Brian Branch, Alabama

    Pick 26: Dallas Cowboys

    Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders (LB26) participates in drills during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

    LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas

    The Cowboys here had who I believe to be their top choice taken by the Buccaneers in Mayer, so I think they would look to other needs to pivot instead of going with another tight end. Drew Sanders out of Arkansas is my top linebacker in this class. His size and ability in coverage would give the Cowboys a day-one starter with solid upside at a position of need on a strong defense run by Dan Quinn.

    Pick 27: Buffalo Bills

    Dec 30, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (11) sacks Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) during the first half of the 2022 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium.

    DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson

    Pick 28: Cincinnati Bengals

    Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) celebrates the victory against the Southern California Trojans in the PAC-12 Football Championship at Allegiant Stadium.

    TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah

    Pick 29: New Orleans Saints

    Nov 5, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Deonte Banks (3) reacts following a play during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.

    CB Deonte Banks, Maryland

    Pick 30: Philadelphia Eagles

    Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs (1) runs the ball against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome.

    RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

    Pick 31: Las Vegas Raiders (via Kansas City Chiefs)

    Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins (76) celebrate Hooker's touchdown during the NCAA college football game against Kentucky on Saturday, October 29, 2022 in Knoxville, Tenn. Utvkentucky1029

    TRADE: Kansas City Chiefs send pick 31 to the Las Vegas Raiders for pick 38, pick 100, and a 2024 3rd.

    QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee

    While I personally wouldn't draft Hendon Hooker in Round 1, everyone I talk to around the league believes a team will end up trading up to the end of the first for the Tennesee QB. The Raiders have a highly reported interest in adding a rookie QB to sit behind Jimmy Garoppolo for the time being. And after they missed out on Stroud earlier, they pivot to offering the Chiefs a package to get Hooker and the fifth-year option. Hooker will need to redshirt this season to fully recover from his ACL tear this past season, as well as having to learn an NFL offense that he will not be accustomed to coming from Tennessee.

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