The 2023 NFL Draft is almost here. In just a couple of days, the Denver Broncos will have a bunch of new players added to the roster and there will be a brand-new level of intrigue surrounding different position groups. The same is true across the NFL as teams have a chance to really build up the level of optimism among their fan base. We're going to try to help get every fan base excited with a full three-round NFL mock draft (without any trades) trying to project where the best prospects in this class will wind up playing.
NFL futures hang in the balance. Let's take a look at a scenario of what might end up happening on Thursday and Friday this week.
2023 NFL mock draft: Predicting every first-round pick (no trades)
1. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
New Panthers head coach Frank Reich and his "Murderer's Row" of a coaching staff traded a king's ransom to move up and get this pick. They obviously have had their minds made up for some time, but will they actually pull the trigger on Bryce Young? He seems to be almost a home run selection at this point.
2. Houston Texans: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
The winds have changed course in Houston in recent weeks. For the longest time, most assumed that this would end up being a quarterback for Houston, but perhaps the Texans want to continue building a foundation on the rest of the roster before throwing a young QB into the mix. Or maybe they just really only liked Bryce Young in this class compared to Caleb Williams and Drake Maye next year. Rumors have also been swirling that the Texans like Tyree Wilson over Will Anderson...
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
Although I'm sure the Cardinals would get calls for this pick, is this really a team in position to pass on a talent like Will Anderson? An offer to move up for a QB might ultimately get a deal done because the Cardinals need as many picks this year and next year as they can get. Don't be surprised if someone jumps up here for Will Levis or CJ Stroud.
4. Indianapolis Colts: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
I don't know how the Colts can justify coming away from this draft without a QB. They hired Shane Steichen from the Eagles specifically to work with a young quarterback, and I think CJ Stroud sitting on the board here would be an awesome scenario for the Colts. But would they be able to avoid the temptation of picking Will Levis?
5. Seattle Seahawks: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
I might be the most confused about the direction the Seattle Seahawks are going with their top choice. If Tyree Wilson or Will Anderson are still on the board, I think the picture becomes a bit clearer. I don't know that Jalen Carter is a slam dunk here but maybe I'm overthinking that. The Seahawks run a good enough operation that they probably don't expect to be picking this high again next year. Why not take a shot on a QB with upside? You're basically playing with house money anyway. Richardson has the highest ceiling of any QB in this draft.
6. Detroit Lions: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
If there are character concerns with Jalen Carter, it might scare a team like the Lions off. They really can't afford to miss on this high of a pick with the way this team has finally started to compete. Jalen Carter presents a bit of a risk, but perhaps a worthwhile one for this Detroit team which has started to catch that winning feeling.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
I might be giving the Las Vegas Raiders a little too much credit here. I think this would be a really good pick and a really smart decision. Devon Witherspoon is aggressive, athletic, and physical. He would be a major asset to the Raiders' secondary. But regardless of whether Mike Mayock or Josh McDaniels are making picks, I think maybe we can expect something a
8. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Are the Atlanta Falcons true believers that Desmond Ridder can be the future of the franchise? So far in their time together as head coach and GM, the combination of Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot has been extremely non-committal at QB. If the Falcons don't plan on taking a QB in this draft, then why would you not put Bijan Robinson in that backfield with Desmond Ridder and let him eat?
9. Chicago Bears: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Chicago Bears made a massive commitment to Justin Fields by trading out of that first overall pick slot. If they're putting that much faith in Fields, they had better put a better offensive line in front of him. How about going after another former Buckeye with this selection?
10. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles landed a couple of pieces from the vaunted Georgia Bulldogs defense in Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean. Here, they add yet another. Nolan Smith along with Haason Reddick coming off the edge? The Eagles already have tons of weapons on both sides of the ball but this could be scary.
11. Tennessee Titans: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
I have a sneaking suspicion that Will Levis is going to end up in the AFC South, one way or the other. Some rumors have him going as high as 2nd overall to the Texans, others as high as 4th to the Colts. There's another school of thought that Levis winds up in Tennessee with the Titans, who have been sniffing around QBs and potentially the idea of trading up from this slot to get one.
12. Houston Texans: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
After passing on QBs to get Tyree Wilson at that second overall pick, the Texans turn around at this 12th overall slot and land another corner to pair with Derek Stingley Jr. in DeMeco Ryans' secondary. That would give Ryans two ball-hawks who have tremendous size at the position.
13. Green Bay Packers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Aaron Rodgers is finally gone, and the Packers are moving forward into the Jordan Love era. It would be so hilarious and ironic to see them draft an offensive skill player the second Rodgers bolts for a new team. Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be the best receiver in this class and would fit in perfectly as a slot with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs on the outside.
14. New England Patriots: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
Peter Skoronski just sounds like a New England Patriots player, doesn't he? Skoronski is considered arguably the best offensive lineman in this draft. I'm not sure he'll play tackle at the next level but playing on the interior, he should be a longtime starter.
15. New York Jets: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The New York Jets need to add to the offensive line after seeing how bad they played last year when injuries started to mount up. There is a lot invested in this unit already, but players like Mekhi Becton can't be relied upon at this point. Darnell Wright has had a great pre-draft process and would pencil in nicely as the Jets' top pick in this class.
16. Washington Commanders: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Washington Commanders hired former Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy to the same role this offseason, and everyone in the nation's capital is understandably a bit more excited about the new direction of the offense. But with a young QB (or Jacoby Brissett), it's going to be Ron Rivera's defense once again carrying the heaviest portion of the load in 2023. Ron needs more help at corner, and Deonte Banks is a ridiculous athlete who can start immediately.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
This would be a pretty incredible story. Joey Porter Jr. has already spent plenty of time around the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. His old man was an outstanding edge player for the Steelers for a long time. Now, Junior is about to enter the NFL as one of the draft's top cornerback prospects, and he's got a decent chance of being the ideal pick for the Steelers when they are on the clock. As fate would have it...
18. Detroit Lions: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
I might be more excited to see what the Detroit Lions have in store for this NFL Draft than any other team outside of the Denver Broncos. They have multiple picks in each of the first two rounds and one of the most exciting teams in the league. I love the idea of adding Jalen Carter and Lukas Van Ness to a defensive front that already includes Aidan Hutchinson, although it's possible the emergence of guys like John Cominsky and James Houston makes this pick a bit redundant. At any rate, Van Ness is an awesome talent who would be able to play all over Detroit's defensive front.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hitting the reset button following Tom Brady's retirement. They've said goodbye this offseason to a number of key veterans, including former starting left tackle Donovan Smith. They obviously want to get a younger bookend for Tristan Wirfs and Broderick Jones has some of the best upside at tackle in this class.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Seahawks have been lucky to have a mostly healthy duo of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf in recent years. Some of their recent WR draft picks have simply not panned out. I think Jordan Addison has a very translatable game to the NFL even if he's not "spectacular" as an overall prospect. He'd be a great fit in Seattle giving Geno Smith (and in this scenario, Anthony Richardson) plenty of options.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Kellen Moore's offense necessitates production out of the tight end position and I think, as of right now, the Chargers are really lacking there. I would be shocked if this pick was not one of Michael Mayer, Dalton Kincaid, Zay Flowers, or Jordan Addison. If Kincaid's health checks out, I think he would be one of the best values in this entire first round.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
If the Baltimore Ravens are trying to entice Lamar Jackson to stick around, then adding more playmakers is a good way to go about it. Zay Flowers added to the group that now includes Odell Beckham Jr. could be exactly what Jackson is looking for. Not to mention, he's still got his old pal Mark Andrews out there. Flowers is going to be one of the best picks of the back half of round one for whoever gets him.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
We saw Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah really attack the secondary in his first two years on the job as GM of the Minnesota Vikings. I don't know if he's going to be stopping anytime soon. In the last two years, he's added players like safety Lewis Cine, cornerback Andrew Booth, and cornerback Byron Murphy among others. The Vikings have a new defensive coordinator in Brian Flores and here, Flores gets himself the cornerback in this class with arguably the best overall ball skills.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
The Jaguars seem to have quite the affinity for Clemson players these days, and you can't really blame them. I think Jacksonville would love to add a player like Myles Murphy late in round one unless they are just 100 percent sold -- like many in the Jacksonville fan base -- that it's Brian Branch, no matter what.
25. New York Giants: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Giants have been in the market for playmakers all offseason. In no particular order, they have added Darren Waller, Parris Campbell, and Jamison Crowder to the mix while also re-signing Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard. Here, they add a bigger receiver in Quentin Johnston who is rough around the edges but a high-ceiling playmaker. Or will they use this pick to trade for Denver Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy?
26. Dallas Cowboys: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
If dynasty fantasy football players would be lined up to take Bijan Robinson no. 1 overall in their offseason drafts, then I think Jahmyr Gibbs will be a very close second in this scenario. Gibbs may even take the cake as dynasty RB1 out of this class thanks to the fact that Ezekiel Elliott is no longer in Dallas and Tony Pollard is coming off of a major injury.
27. Buffalo Bills: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
The Bills could use additional help in the secondary given the fact that Damar Hamilin's status is in question, at best. Although he seems to be working his way toward playing again, I don't know if you could argue against taking a versatile player like Alabama's Brian Branch in this slot. Branch can play in the box, he can play nickel, he can play safety. In other words -- he can play right away.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Perhaps a bit of a stroke of luck here for the Bengals, landing arguably the TE1 of this class in Michael Mayer. They already have so many playmakers in this offense, but Mayer can be a dynamic addition at the tight end spot to upgrade a position group that has been average -- at best -- in recent years. I think we could see the Bengals also look at tackles thanks to the trade request of Jonah Williams.
29. New Orleans Saints: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh
The New Orleans Saints undoubtedly need to do some work to their defensive line after it was gutted in NFL free agency. Of course, they brought in Khalen Saunders, but the DL and EDGE positions could definitely use some work in the draft. Calijah Kancey doesn't have ideal measurables but his athleticism is off the charts.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
The Philadelphia Eagles had the best team in the NFC last season and they undoubtedly are reloaded for another run at the Super Bowl in 2023. Even after losing both coordinators and a number of big-name free agents, adding a tremendous athlete like DJ Turner to a secondary that brought back James Bradberry and Darius Slay could give this team the edge it needs to close out games and shut teams out through the air.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
The Kansas City Chiefs set out to do a little renovation on their offensive line in the 2023 offseason, letting Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie walk in free agency. They were replaced by Jawaan Taylor and...perhaps whoever is selected 31st overall. Anton Harrison has the ability to step right into the NFL and play right away. Perhaps the Chiefs will find the Oklahoma program to be a bit of a pipeline after seeing so much success with Creed Humphrey a couple of years ago.
2023 NFL mock draft: Predicting the 2nd round of the Draft
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
33. Houston Texans: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
34. Arizona Cardinals: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
35. Indianapolis Colts: O'Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida
36. Los Angeles Rams: Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
37. Seattle Seahawks: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
38. Las Vegas Raiders: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
39. Carolina Panthers: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
40. New Orleans Saints: Keeanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin
41. Tennessee Titans: Steve Avila, OL, TCU
42. Green Bay Packers: Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan
43. New York Jets: John Michael Schmitz, OL, Minnesota
44. Atlanta Falcons: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
45. Green Bay Packers: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
46. New England Patriots: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
47. Washington Commanders: Joe Tippmann, OL, Wisconsin
48. Detroit Lions: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Adetomiwa Adeboware, EDGE, Northwestern
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
51. Miami Dolphins: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
52. Seattle Seahawks: Cody Mauch, IOL, North Dakota State
53. Chicago Bears: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
54. Los Angeles Chargers: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
55. Detroit Lions: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
57. New York Giants: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
58. Dallas Cowboys: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
59. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
60. Cincinnati Bengals: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
61. Chicago Bears: Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, USC
62. Philadelphia Eagles: Ji'Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
In this simulation, I think one of the most interesting things to happen was the fall of Georgia tight end Darnell Washington. He has been mocked in the first round, but in this scenario, he somehow lasts all the way to pick 55 overall. The Cowboys probably wouldn't complain in that instance. Washington is an absolute beast. This round includes another very interesting selection in the state of Texas with the Houston Texans taking Hendon Hooker after passing on the QB position in round one.
This scenario really leaves a number of interesting players on the board for the Broncos in round three but also highlights the potential necessity of moving up.
2023 NFL mock draft: Predicting the 3rd round of the Draft
64. Chicago Bears: Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
65. Houston Texans: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
66. Arizona Cardinals: Zacch Pickens, DL, South Carolina
67. Denver Broncos: Riley Moss, CB, Iowa
And here we have it -- the Denver Broncos' first pick of this mock draft. At long last. And it's...Riley Moss? Really?
Mock Draft machines have ruined the real draft in recent years. These machines have players ranked in certain ways and the reality is teams could be all over the map on players. I guess, in that way, mock draft machines can be helpful if you make it a practice to put together scenarios on all of the different ones. One simulator might have Riley Moss ranked outside the top 100 while real analysts like Daniel Jeremiah have him ranked in the top 65.
The Broncos had Moss in for a top 30 visit and I think his fit in the defense is pretty obvious. The Broncos need another outside corner to add depth behind Damarri Mathis and Pat Surtain II. Moss can play on the outside, he can excel on special teams immediately, and I think he can play in the slot or even some safety if need be at the next level.
Not to mention, it's feeling more and more like cornerback (or defensive back, in general) is a high priority for the Broncos in this draft.
68. Denver Broncos: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
Sticking in the Big Ten with this selection, the Broncos have to go after a tight end with so many flying off the board in round two. This is a very deep tight end class, and Luke Schoonmaker has kind of gotten lost in the shuffle just a little bit.
He's a tremendous athlete, he's got great size (6-foot-5, 251 pounds) and can block. The Broncos seem to be highly interested in a dual-threat, three-down option at the tight end position who offers more size and physicality than Greg Dulcich. Dulcich is a receiver in a tight end's body. The Broncos need someone that is going to keep defenses honest.
In this particular draft class, adding at tight end and cornerback might be the wisest course of action given the talent level of those position groups and overall depth. The Broncos can't really go wrong with a number of scenarios there.
69. Los Angeles Rams: Jartavius Martin, DB, Illinois
70. Las Vegas Raiders: Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
71. New Orleans Saints: Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
72. Tennessee Titans: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
73. Houston Texans: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
74. Cleveland Browns: Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida
75. Atlanta Falcons: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
76. New England Patriots: Sydney Brown, DB, Illinois
77. Los Angeles Rams: Marte Mapu, LB/DB, Sacramento State
78. Green Bay Packers: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
79. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
80. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
81. Detroit Lions: Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State
82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
83. Seattle Seahawks: Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor
84. Miami Dolphins: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
85. Los Angeles Chargers: Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
86. Baltimore Ravens: Byron Young, EDGE, Tennessee
87. Minnesota Vikings: KJ Henry, EDGE, Clemson
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
89. New York Giants: Tyler Steen, OL, Alabama
90. Dallas Cowboys: Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston
91. Buffalo Bills: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
92. Cincinnati Bengals: Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
93. Carolina Panthers: YaYa Diaby, EDGE, Louisville
94. Philadelphia Eagles: Chandler Zavala, OL, North Carolina State
95. Kansas City Chiefs: Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
96. Arizona Cardinals: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
97. Washington Commanders: Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin
98. Cleveland Browns: Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
99. San Francisco 49ers: Garrett Williams, DB, Syracuse
100. Las Vegas Raiders: Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
101. San Francisco 49ers: Nick Saldiveri, OL, Old Dominion
102. San Francisco 49ers: Izzy Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
103. Chicago Bears: Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
This mock draft simulation really highlighted just how uncertain things are after round one. It also serves as a reminder that trading up in this draft might end up being one of the best options. The Broncos could trade up from pick 67 and trade down from pick 68. They could trade a receiver to get into the first or second round.
There are ways for this team to add capital and add depth where it's needed, but they also have a chance with a draft like this to add very necessary depth and future starters at important positions on both offense and defense.