2023 NFL mock draft: Round one

Stroud had a breakout 2021 season, finishing practically 72% of his passes and throwing for 4,435 yards and 44 touchdowns. He has his sights set on profitable the Heisman Trophy in 2022 and is nearly sure to be among the many prime picks in 2023 if he declares for the draft. The Texans noticed progress from Davis Mills in his rookie season however in all probability could not resist the chance to take a expertise like Stroud.

Stroud has a slight benefit over Younger coming into the 2022 season, however the edge is not a lot. Younger was nice final season, throwing for over 4,800 yards and 47 touchdowns. Whereas barely undersized, that should not cease Younger from being a prime choose. Atlanta chosen Desmond Ridder within the third spherical this yr, however he might want to present lots for the Falcons to really feel set on the quarterback place.

Anderson is a generational edge-rushing expertise, recording seven sacks in 2020 and 17.5 sacks final season. The line of defense is a power for the Jets after drafting Jermaine Johnson to affix Quinnen Williams and Carl Lawson, however this chance can be too good to cross up.

The Lions chosen Aidan Hutchinson within the 2022 draft, however the inside of the line of defense stays a problem. Carter was an enormous a part of Georgia’s Nationwide Championship staff with 37 tackles and three sacks, and may see extra snaps this season.

The Jaguars spent large on Christian Kirk this offseason, however their broad receiver corps remains to be a piece in progress. Smith-Njigba was the most efficient wideout at a place that had two first-round picks at Ohio State final season, with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Ringo was a key face on the backend of Georgia’s protection final season, with two picks. He’d give the Panthers one other robust press nook for what’s shortly changing into one of the gifted secondaries in soccer.

This season could possibly be Daniel Jones’ final probability to get it proper. If he fails, the Giants are prone to have a prime 10 choose within the draft, and Richardson could possibly be in play. The versatile quarterback hasn’t seen a lot of the sphere in his school profession, however that may change in 2022.

Not many groups have extra wants than the Bears, and that features the inside of the line of defense. Bresee suffered a torn ACL final season however has elite pass-rushing upside.

Seattle has struggled to discover a premium cross rusher since buying and selling Frank Clark, however Murphy might doubtlessly clear up that drawback. He recorded eight sacks in 10 video games final season.

Washington’s secondary was in shambles at occasions final season and stays a necessity. Ricks is transferring from LSU to Alabama this season and was a breakout participant in 2020 with 4 picks in eight video games.

Pittsburgh’s offensive line improved within the offseason, however left deal with stays a necessity. Johnson suits the invoice as a 6-foot-7 deal with prospect.

Robinson has the expertise to be a uncommon early first-round operating again subsequent yr. He had over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns final season for the Longhorns, displaying the power to be a three-down again. The run-heavy Eagles could possibly be available in the market if Miles Sanders would not make progress this season.

With Adam Thielen within the latter a part of his profession, the Vikings could possibly be available in the market for some assist reverse Justin Jefferson. Boutte performed solely six video games final season as a consequence of a leg harm, however he was extremely productive with 38 catches for 509 yards and 9 touchdowns. 

The Patriots have lengthy featured tight ends and will use some firm with Hunter Henry. Mayer is barely undersized however has elite receiving means, with 71 catches final yr.

The Eagles managed with out Brandon Graham for a lot of final season however might use a long-term substitute. Foskey is a first-round prospect after recording 10 sacks final season.

The offensive line is the Raiders’ clear weak spot offensively, the place there are a number of wants. Skoronski is a succesful deal with, however he might additionally transfer inside to protect.

Miami paid most of their consideration towards the offense this offseason, so the protection might get consideration in subsequent yr’s draft. Smith has elite edge rush potential with extra taking part in time and can have an even bigger function at Georgia this season. 

Is Ryan Tannehill the reply in Tennessee? That is still a query regardless of a number of profitable seasons with him on the helm. With a deep quarterback class subsequent yr, the place could possibly be in play. Levis is a extra dynamic passer, but in addition correct finishing 66% final season.

Addison is taking his abilities to USC after taking part in at Pitt beforehand and will see a pleasant enhance within the new offense. He is coming off an enormous yr with 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns and can be a pleasant match to play alongside Kyler Murray now that he is getting expertise below Lincoln Riley.

Baltimore traded Marquise Brown within the offseason however hasn’t made a major transfer to switch him but. Downs is undersized however coming off an enormous season with 101 catches for 1,335 yards for the Tar Heels.

Matt Ryan is a positive placeholder for the Colts, however the staff might want to handle the place once more quickly. Corridor had a promising yr in 2021 changing Zach Wilson at BYU with over 2,500 yards passing and 300 yards speeding and will assist his inventory with one other bounce this season.

Simpson is shortly changing into the chief of the Tigers’ protection, recording 6.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss final season. He might shore up the second degree for the Bengals subsequent yr.

Ojulari has recorded 11 sacks in two seasons with the Tigers and will assist his draft inventory with a fantastic junior marketing campaign. The Cowboys have by no means met a cross rusher they did not love and could possibly be available in the market with their edge rushers getting older.

Regardless of utilizing a first-round choose on Derek Stingley Jr. this yr, the Texans nonetheless have a necessity at cornerback. The 6-foot-3 Johnson has premium dimension as a prime defensive again prospect.

Seattle has did not adequately change Russell Wilson up to now, but it surely’s exhausting to imagine both Drew Lock or Geno Smith are the long-term reply. Van Dyke has a powerful first season as Miami’s starter, passing for over 2,900 yards and 25 touchdowns in 10 video games.

The Chargers have been in a position to retain Mike Williams, however Keenan Allen is getting older. The 6-foot-4 Johnston is an elite deep menace, averaging over 20 yards per catch during the last two seasons. 

Miami has a wonderful secondary, however they may use extra depth of their entrance seven. Sewell was a tackling machine for the Geese final yr, with 114 tackles together with 4 sacks.

The Packers drafted Christian Watson this yr however nonetheless want extra younger wideout expertise. Demus averaged over 100 yards per sport final season and has the dimensions to be a serious Purple Zone menace. 

The Lions might doubtlessly maintain including to their entrance seven, even when they handle it early within the first spherical. Carter has nice dimension at 6-foot-7 and is a official NFL prospect, with 14.5 sacks final season.

Whereas the Chiefs signed Justin Reid within the offseason, it stays to be seen if they are going to maintain Juan Thornhill round after this season. Moore has proven potential as both a nook or security.

The Bucs might want to handle quarterback in the end, as Tom Brady cannot play ceaselessly. A switch from FCS Incarnate Phrase, Ward posted large numbers and will draw NFL scouts if he continues to achieve the Pac-12.

Buffalo spent a first-round choose on Kaiir Elam however might add extra cornerback depth, particularly if Tre’Davious White is not the identical following a knee harm. Porter has proven himself to be an elite cornerback prospect at Penn State.