The 2022 season was full of upsets, rage, disappointment, and excitement. But, with things coming to a close, its time to look ahead. Even before the Super Bowl, people had already begun to make predictions on what the next season will be like. And that includes one of the most important pre-season events: the draft. Here’s what the 2023 NFL Draft may look like, starting at the end and working our way back up to who the coveted, No. 1 draft pick might be.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Alabama OT, Tyler Steen
The Chiefs were expected to have some trouble blocking the Eagles at the Super Bowl. Orlando Brown is also an impending free agent. The right tackle could also use a bit of an upgrade if Jawaan Taylor plays on the blind side. It was on the blind side that Tyler Steen’s demonstrated great skill in protecting Bryce Young after transferring from Venderbilt.
30. Philadelphia Eagles – Florida G, O’Cyrus Torrence
The Eagles have 12 key free agents this offseason. Two of them are offensive lineman and Isaac Seumalo may be difficult to keep, given the strides he’s made recently. O’Cyrus Torrence in particular is a huge interior blocker with great athleticism.
29. New Orleans Saints – Alabama RB, Jahmyr Gibbs
It’s possible that Alvin Kamara may never play in the NFL again. His issues off the field are just too major. So, the Saints may use this pick to replace him. Jahmyr Gibbs is a running back with great instincts, power, and catches passes well.
28. Cincinnati Bengals – Notre Dame TE, Michael Mayer
The Bengals were interested in Trey McBride in last year’s draft, so it’s possible they’ll go for a tight end this year. Michael Mayer’s proven to have high production over the middle of the field and is an absolute unit.
27. Buffalo Bills – USC DE, Tuli Tuipulotu
The Seahawks need to continue adding to their defensive line. Their pressure rate is in the top ten worst in the NFL. Tuli Tuipulotu had an incredible 2022 season and he used his explosiveness and dexterity to great effect while on the field.
26. Dallas Cowboys – Baylor NT, Siaki Ika
The Cowboys are desperate for help with their receivers. Although, they also want to upgrade the interior of their defensive line. That would help disrupt the offenses of the Eagles and 49ers. Siaki Ika is a massive nose tackle and he can apply more pressure to the quarterback.
25. New York Giants – USC WR, Jordan Addison
The Giants don’t have much in terms of receivers, especially after trading Kadarius Toney. Jordan Addison has incredible speed, scoring 17 touchdowns during his 2021 season. He’s a pretty big reason why Kenny Pickett was drafted in the first round.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Miami CB, Tyrique Stevenson
The Jaguars are lacking in the corner, which is why they’re ranked dead last against the pass at one point during the 2022 season. Fortunately, there are some options to fill that hole in their team. Tyrique Stevenson has some character concerns, but he’s a big player with a great deal of speed.
23. Minnesota Vikings – South Carolina CB, Cam Smith
Getting a cornerback like Cam Smith in the first round only seems possible if everyone else needs to pick someone else. He’s a physical, explosive cover man, especially for his size, and has the potential to become a more polished, well-rounded, and consistent player. And with miserable secondaries right now, the Vikings are in desperate need of someone like Smith.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Boston College WR, Zay Flowers
The Ravens have struggled with their offensive line since Rashod Batman exited the lineup. So, it’s important they find a new, viable receiver for Lamar Jackson. Zay Flowers is a smaller receiver, but he can really take down the field whenever he touches the ball.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – Pittsburgh DT, Calijah Kancey
The Chargers have given up on Jerry Tillery, but it’s still crucial that they build up their defensive line. They still play really poorly against running plays. Calijah Kancey is a terrific athlete. The only issue with him is how raw he is at this time. But there’s otherwise a huge upside to getting him.
20. Seattle Seahawks – Clemson EDGE, Myles Murphy
The Seahawks need to keep adding to their defensive line. They had the tenth worst pressure rate in the NFL last season. Myles Murphy has great potential as well as a 3-4 defensive end. Although, he could also be a 4-3 EDGE.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Illinois CB, Devon Witherspoon
Jamel Dean has been re-signed, but the Buccaneers are still in need of proper personnel to defending against passing plays. Devin Witherspoon may not be six feet tall, but he’s definitely fast. And that more than makes up for a lack of height.
18. Detroit Lions – Texas RB, Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson may be one of the best players in this draft, so it’s a bit hard to believe that he’d be this far into the first round. Some sources have said that he’s the best player in his class. But there aren’t a lot of teams in need of a new running back. All of Robinson’s attributes are incredibly high.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Penn State CB, Joey Porter Jr.
The return of T.J Watt to the Pittsburgh bolstered their pass defense, but they still need a good cornerback. Fortunately for the Steelers, there will be plenty available at this time. Joey Porter Jr. is actually the son of a former Steeler cornerback. And he’s got high potential as one too.
16. Washington Commanders – Alabama CB, Brian Branch
The Commanders have a real problem with covering anyone. William Jackson has been a complete bust as far as free agents go. They need someone that can stay with A.J. Brown and CeeDee Lamb, and Brian Branch has the size and cover ability to do it.
15. Green Bay Packers – Notre Dame EDGE, Isaiah Foskey
The Packers really need a receiver, but the two top prospects will likely be off the board at this point. Instead, they should focus on boosting their offensive line or front seven. The latter’s been a particular issues for Green Bay, as they had to blitz frequently last year with four of their players being unable to get to the quarterback consistently. Isaiah Foskey had an 11-sack campaign. At the minimum he has great potential.
14. New England Patriots – TCU WR, Quentin Johnston
The Patriots need help on their offensive line. But they should first address the weakness in their receiving corps. Scouts seem to be interested in Quentin Johnston. People have even drawn comparisons between him and Julio Jones.
13. New York Jets – Georgia OT/G, Broderick Jones
Mekhi Becton ended up being a pretty big bust. So, the Jets may need to pick a new offensive tackle. Broderick Jones is a pretty good lineman and has shown a great upside while on the field.
12. Houston Texans – Ohio State WR, Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Texans could use a second receiver to work with Brandin Cooks, as well as a different No. 1 wideout for the long haul. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has incredible speed and athleticism. Not to mention, he had a really great showing during the 2021 campaign at the Rose Bowl.
11. Tennessee Titans – Ohio State OT, Paris Johnson Jr.
Taylor Lewan is 32 and coming off of a knee injury. He was also due for a $14.8 million paycheck next season. At least until the Titans released him. So, the Titans probably want to find some help with their blocking. Paris Johnson Jr. has good athleticism for an offensive lineman. And he can play both as a tackle and a guard.
10. Philadelphia Eagles – Iowa DE, Lukas Van Ness
Brandon Graham probably won’t be around much longer, so the Eagles will need an edge rusher. Their pass-rush game was horrendous in the Super Bowl anyway. Lukas Van Ness has a relentless motor, albeit he’s a bit raw. He’s proven to be a great performer so far.
9. Chicago Bears – Georgia DT, Jalen Carter
Thanks to the Texans, the Bears will likely be able to obtain one of the top picks of the 2023 season. Now they’re No. 9 in the overall draft. Bolstering their offensive line seems like an obvious choice, but the team also needs to address their sub-optimal defense. Charlie Campbell reported that the Bears have been really looking at Jalen Carter. He’d likely be a valuable player to have on the team.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Northwestern OT, Peter Skoronski
The Falcons had a superb offensive line during the 2016 season. However, it’s not the same anymore. They need a big boost in their interior and left tackle. If they choose him, they could go with Bijan Robinson, who would certainly be an upgrade over Tyler Allgeier. However. Peter Skoronski is an athletic tackle who has kept his quarterback clean in the past. He can play every position up front.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Florida QB, Anthony Richardson
What else are the Raiders doing with their quarterback position exactly? They may have signed Jimmy Garoppolo, but that doesn’t mean they won’t pick a new quarterback for the second string. Or otherwise someone they can groom to take over as the new starter. Anthony Richardson is raw, has a huge arm, and great athleticism. He had a great debut in 2022, but struggled against Kentucky the following week. Ever since, he’s been somewhat inconsistent. But he looked great at the combine.
6. Detroit Lions – Texas Tech EDGE, Tyree Wilson
A lot of mock drafts have the Lions picking Tyree Wilson as a new EDGE. It’s not hard to see why. They got a good boost from Aidan Hutchinson last year, but their front seven are still starved for pass-rushing talent. Tyree Wilson would be fantastic across from Hutchinson and could slide inside on pass-rushing downs to create havoc for opposing quarterbacks.
5. Seattle Seahawks – Alabama EDGE, Will Anderson Jr.
The Seahawks might end up with one of the top prospects in his class. It’s possible that the Alabama EDGE will still be available by the time they get to the No. 5 pick. Will Anderson Jr. will provide a huge boost to their pass rush. He’s got ridiculous speed and athleticism and has otherwise proven to be a real force in Alabama’s defense.
4. Indianapolis Colts – Kentucky QB, Will Levis
The Colts really need a permanent solution for their quarterback problem. And hopefully the first three picks don’t take the quarterback they like. Will Levis has a big arm and is likely to be picked in the top ten.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Oregon CB, Christian Gonzalez
Some of the other teams probably won’t even be able to pick new quarterbacks with the Cardinals having the No. 3 pick. Although it’s likely they could trade again before the draft, they may just keep the slot here. Even so, they’re probably more interested in a cornerback than a quarterback. More likely, they’d fill that gap with Christian Gonzalez.
2. Houston Texans – Alabama QB, Bryce Young
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Texans passed on all the quarterbacks, but they didn’t really have much of a choice. Now they’ve managed to trade up to the No. 2 spot. Bryce Young’s not the biggest player on the field, but he’s certainly a good player. People have drawn comparisons to Kyler Murray.
1. Carolina Panthers – Ohio State QB, C.J. Stroud
The Panthers need a franchise quarterback. That’s probably why they traded for the No. 1 pick. They surrendered D.J. Moore and a package of picks to move up and get the player of their choice. There’s a couple of different options, but C.J. Stroud seems as though he’d fit in best with the Panthers, either him or Bryce Young. He completed 71 percent of all his passes last season. He’s an excellent passer, and fast too.
