It's not really mock draft season -- far from the thick of it, actually -- but with college and NFL football back on your televisions, tablets, and phones, we need to start monitoring how the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft might unfold next April. To set the scene, it appears as though we'll be treated to a dandy of a quarterback group, headlined by Bryce Young of Alabama and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud. Don't sleep on Florida's Anthony Richardson either. If you do, he may repeatedly hurdle all 11 defenders from your favorite team in your dream each night.
The defensive line class looks as sturdy as it's been in a while -- Crimson Tide rusher Will Anderson looks elite already -- and as usual, there's a plethora of talented receivers ready to make big plays down the field and after the catch.
The draft order below is based upon reverse Super Bowl odds from Sportsline before the NFL season kicks off tonight. Let's get to it. Mock Draft 1.0 deploy!
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Stroud has the size, pocket passing skill, and weapons around him to have a gigantic 2022 season and land at the top spot in next year's draft. The Texans justifiably like Davis Mills but not enough for them to pass on Stroud here.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
Anderson is somewhere on the Khalil Mack-Joey Bosa spectrum from a squeaky clean edge-rusher prospect perspective. The Falcons have to get better on defense.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
Young has a lot of Russell Wilson to his game, and the Seahawks gravitate toward him for that reason.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
It was a rough start to the 2022 season for Boutte, but I'm banking on a rebound from the uber-talented wideout. The Bears must build around Justin Fields.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Given the uncertain future of Mekhi Becton, the Jets have to prioritize offensive tackle early in next year's draft for Zach Wilson.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
Carter is a wrecking ball with rockets attached to his cleats. The Jaguars have to just add talent to this roster, regardless of position.
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Round 1 - Pick 7
Levis is an older prospect, but the physical traits, the accuracy, the willingness as a runner will all make him a favorite among coaches come draft time.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
Smith-Njigba's injury against Notre Dame shouldn't derail his hype to go inside the top 10 as an electric, do-everything wideout.
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Round 1 - Pick 9
Richardson was sensational in Florida's upset win over Utah, and his traits will get him drafted earlier than people think right now.
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Round 1 - Pick 10
The offensive line could hold back the Steelers in 2022. If that's the case, they need to look for a tackle early in Round 1. Skoronski needs to add weight but plays with awesome technique and balance.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
Ringo has looked like a first-round pick from the jump, as a lengthy and sudden ball hawk on the outside. He's what the Commanders need in their secondary.
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Round 1 - Pick 13
More receiving weaponry for Kirk Cousins in Minnesota. Johnson has a similar frame to Justin Jefferson. Long, lanky, and bendy.
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From
New Orleans Saints
Round 1 - Pick 14
Murphy was a monster recruit and played like it down the stretch in 2021. He's a dynamic athlete for his size, plays with loads of power, and his pass-rush arsenal is advancing.
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Round 1 - Pick 15
Carter is a tall, long, relentless rusher who would immediately boost the Patriots' pass-rush unit.
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Round 1 - Pick 16
Jones is the mauling type up front, and his run-game prowess will put him on the Titans' radar.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
Anudike-Uzomah plays at 100 mph on every snap and possesses high-end traits as an outside rusher. He's precisely what the Cardinals need.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
Bresee could ultimately go much higher than this, but if he does fall, the Raiders wouldn't be able to pass on him. So much athleticism and power to his game.
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Round 1 - Pick 19
Mayer and Dallas Goedert would be such a fun tight-end duo for Jalen Hurts.
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Round 1 - Pick 20
Leary had a shaky start to the season, but the big-time throws are imminent. The Colts have to try the draft route at the quarterback spot at some point.
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From
Cleveland Browns
Round 1 - Pick 21
The Texans get a young, shifty, and explosive wideout in Addison who can become a No. 1 for Stroud.
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Round 1 - Pick 22
The Ravens need to provide Lamar Jackson with more top-tier weapons. Downs is silky smooth underneath and deceptively speedy down the field.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
The Bengals know they're going to score points. Stopping the opponent has become a major priority, and if they can't re-sign Jessie Bates after the season, pairing Daxton Hill with another talented safety would be a prudent decision for Cincinnati's front office.
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Round 1 - Pick 24
Simpson will give the Cowboys' Micah Parsons vibes, and he projects a little bit more as a traditional off-ball linebacker with blazing speed and a gigantic tackling radius.
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From
Denver Broncos
Round 1 - Pick 25
Sewell is a bulky but fast second-level defender who's likely to be loved by Pete Carroll during the pre-draft process.
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From
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 - Pick 26
The Dolphins still need to bolster the offensive line. Duncan is an athletic, powerful blocker with loads of experience.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
Gilbert is part enormous wide receiver, part stellar pass-catching tight end. He'd be a tremendous weapon inserted into Justin Herbert's offense.
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From
Los Angeles Rams
Round 1 - Pick 28
Smith is a long, super-pesky, in-your-face cornerback destined for the first round.
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Round 1 - Pick 29
Yes, the Chiefs just drafted George Karlaftis in April. But Verse is too naturally gifted -- and strong -- to pass on here.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
Johnson is the size of a traditional corner but thrives in the slot. More secondary talent for Green Bay.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
The Buccaneers have to acknowledge the future at the quarterback spot and Van Dyke is a young, big-armed passer with upside.
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Round 1 - Pick 32
The Bills get some youth on the interior of their offensive line with the sturdy Beebe.
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