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Just a week out from the college football regular season and we’re back at it with another 2023 NFL Mock Draft. In our final installment before the regular season commences, it’s time to level set with what each NFL team needs and get ahead of some of the players you should know about going into the college football season and ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.
2023 2-round NFL Mock Draft | Round 1
The 2023 NFL Draft order was set using the current Vegas Super Bowl odds in reverse order in conjunction with our Pro Football Network season projections.
1) Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Houston Texans slated to pick No. 1 overall means the Davis Mills experiment didn’t go as planned through a 17-game season. Insert the best prototypical quarterback in this draft class or even in the 2022 class as well: C.J. Stroud.
The Ohio State signal-caller set 17 Ohio State records and lifted OSU to the top offense in the country last season. He finds the field very well and drops accurate passes to every level. Best of all, he gives hope to a Texans fanbase that needs it.
2) Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Atlanta’s biggest position of need is on the defensive line, and though they could go in a variety of ways, the Falcons select Georgia’s Jalen Carter. A big defensive tackle prospect with the best pre-snap instincts we’ve seen in some time, Carter transforms the Falcons’ defense from Day 1. Carter will hop gaps pre-snap and disrupt both the run and pass game equally as well.
3) Chicago Bears: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The top receiver from arguably the best WR room we’ve ever seen in college football, Jaxon Smith-Njigba becomes the highest drafted Buckeye from a group that once upon a time included Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jameson Williams.
Smith-Njigba may not be the fastest wide receiver you’ve ever seen, but he has the best routes, deceptive separation ability, and the best combination of body control and catch-point skills in the country this season. Justin Fields gets his new top target at the top of the first round.
4) Detroit Lions: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Detroit Lions need an answer at a few positions but none more important than quarterback. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner heads to Detroit as Bryce Young will look to continue the trend of recent Alabama QB success in the NFL. Young played well beyond his years in 2021, dealing in the face of pressure like a seasoned vet. He has the arm strength to find any level and the accuracy to deliver pinpoint passes to any receiver.
5) Seattle Seahawks: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
The best player on the board is arguably Will Anderson Jr. Seattle nabs him here with the fifth overall pick despite having bigger holes elsewhere. Last season, Anderson led the nation in tackles for loss and sacks. He’s a game-changer for any defensive front. His 33.5 tackles for loss were 12 more than any other defender as he single-handedly changes offensive game plans.
6) New York Jets: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
At 6’2″ and well over 200 pounds, Kelee Ringo still possesses top-end track speed and is a 4.3 40-yard dash sprinter. The best part about Ringo’s game is that he maintains that speed in a uniform on Saturdays and will carry that over to Sundays. Given his speed, coverage skills, and ball-tracking ability, Ringo is a top cover corner.
7) Jacksonville Jaguars: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Despite missing a chunk of time with an injury in 2021, Kayshon Boutte certainly impressed. The Jacksonville Jaguars need youth at the WR position despite spending heavily in free agency in 2022. Boutte offers upside, youth, and a dynamic skill set both at the catch point and after the fact.
8) Carolina Panthers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner transferred from Pittsburgh to USC, and now, Jordan Addison will haul in passes from a Lincoln Riley-coached offense in 2022. Addison is a dynamic receiver both along his routes and after the fact. With his ability to climb the proverbial ladder, no ball is thrown Addison’s way that isn’t catchable. Addison will aid whichever direction the Carolina Panthers decide to go with at quarterback.
9) New York Giants: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
The New York Giants are a few healthy players away from competing in their division and QB is one of those spots. However, the quarterback role on the defense is also a need, and Noah Sewell is as dynamic and dominant as they come. Sewell was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 and led the conference in tackles in 2021. He’s a three-down linebacker who will change the Giants’ defense instantly.
10) Pittsburgh Steelers: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Kicking out to left tackle in 2022, Paris Johnson Jr. has the skill set to become the draft class’ top tackle prospect with ease. He’s a mauler in the run game and has a great set of pass-protection skills. The Pittsburgh Steelers will be in the market for a lot of help along the offensive line. With the premium paid to left tackles, getting a potential franchise one in the draft is too much to pass up.
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