With a new team picking No. 1, the first wave of free agency behind us and the 2023 NFL Draft just over a month away, the first round is starting to come into focus, but some mysteries remain.
Our NFL reporters gathered for the second of three virtual mock drafts this spring. As with our first beat writer mock last month, we encouraged our writers to trade picks to move up or down as they saw fit, and there was wheeling and dealing throughout Round 1. Here’s how it played out:
1. Carolina Panthers (from CHI): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
It’s an important week for the Panthers’ decision-makers, with the pro days of C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young and Will Levis on consecutive days, beginning Wednesday in Columbus. (Anthony Richardson’s is March 30.) The Panthers are comfortable with a couple of the top four quarterbacks, as The Athletic has reported. That would suggest Stroud and Young.
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But Frank Reich has a type when it comes to quarterbacks, all of whom have been 6-foot-2 or taller (the majority have been 6-4 and up). Reich also values accuracy. That combination points to the 6-3, 214-pound Stroud, who has impressed with his ball placement and throwing mechanics. The one knock on Stroud was his unwillingness to make plays with his feet. Then he showed off his athleticism in the College Football Playoff semifinal against a Georgia defense teeming with NFL prospects, and everyone took notice. — Joe Person
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2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
It’s no secret the Texans are drafting a quarterback, and with the Panthers jumping up to take Stroud, Houston winds up with the QB many regard as the best in this class. Yes, Young is a bit undersized, but he seemingly has all of the other physical skills and intangibles necessary to succeed in this league. With offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik having followed DeMeco Ryans to Houston to run the Shanahan offense, the Texans will support Young with a strong run game to set up the play-action passing attack while also moving him out of the pocket with roll-outs and keepers to help ensure his stature isn’t a problem. — Mike Jones
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, edge, Alabama
The Cardinals explored trade options but ultimately decided to stay put and take arguably the best player in the draft. Anderson was an elite pass rusher in college, and there’s no reason to think that won’t translate at the game’s highest level. First-year coach Jonathan Gannon has several needs, but with Anderson, he has a defensive pillar he can build around. — Doug Haller
*Will Anderson also a problem without a runway pic.twitter.com/DRvmI6qmIQ
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) July 15, 2022
Read more: 2023 NFL Mock Draft: What would an imminent Lamar Jackson move mean for Round 1?
4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Colts rolled the dice on staying put at No. 4, assuming another QB-needy team wouldn’t trade with the Cardinals at No. 3, and they were right. Still in need of their own signal caller, and with Stroud and Young off the board, Indianapolis chose Richardson over Kentucky’s Will Levis. Richardson has the most upside of any player in the draft. It might take the 21-year-old some time to adjust to the NFL, but that’s why the Colts signed Gardner Minshew. He’ll start until Richardson is ready to shoulder the weight of a franchise. — James Boyd
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5. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
If the board falls this way, the Seahawks will likely attempt to trade down, which is what I tried to do in this mock. There weren’t any takers, which might be the case on draft night if a team like Las Vegas feels Seattle and Detroit are uninterested in drafting quarterbacks. So Seattle selects the best player available at a position of need — if Carter passes what amounts to a background check because of the concerns that have emerged during the pre-draft process.
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6. Detroit Lions (from LAR): Tyree Wilson, edge, Texas Tech
The top three QBs were all selected. The two best defensive prospects — Anderson and Carter — were gone, too. I offered No. 6 to see what was out there, but … crickets. No problem. I’ll happily take Wilson and keep adding to one of the best young defensive lines in football. Wilson is a scheme-versatile edge with length, speed and power. He’s also a great fit opposite Aidan Hutchinson. With Charles Harris and Romeo Okwara entering the final year of their contracts, I really like the idea of adding Wilson now and building for the future. — Colton Pouncy
7. Minnesota Vikings (from LV): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Trade details: Vikings send No. 23, 87 and a 2024 first-round pick to the Raiders for No. 7 and 204
The Vikings’ future at quarterback is in question. Kirk Cousins remains under contract through 2023. The team has yet to extend him. Until they do, thinking about the team’s next thrower of the football is worthwhile. Though it might be tempting to save key 2024 draft capital, especially with the potential QBs in next year’s NFL Draft, the Vikings could benefit from adding a QB now. A season to learn head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system would be a boon. So would the opportunity to sit behind Cousins.
Levis, a strong-armed passer, played for Liam Coen in 2021 at Kentucky. Coen spent three years on the Rams staff with O’Connell from 2018 to 2020, then replaced him as L.A.’s offensive coordinator in 2022. Leaping to No. 7 would take some heavy lifting, but the time comes for every team to shoot its shot. — Alec Lewis
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8. Atlanta Falcons: Myles Murphy, edge, Clemson
The Falcons proved with last year’s No. 8 pick — when they took Southern Cal wide receiver Drake London as he was coming off an ankle injury — that they are more worried about game tape than pre-draft workouts. Murphy tweaked his hamstring prior to the combine and didn’t work out in Indianapolis or at Clemson’s pro day. He’s still almost 6-foot-5 and 268 pounds with 14.5 sacks in the past two seasons, and the Falcons didn’t sign an edge rusher in free agency. Murphy will hold a private workout for NFL teams on April 4. Bet on Atlanta being in attendance. — Josh Kendall
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9. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern
After Wilson didn’t drop, the Bears were sellers with no takers. Keeping Skoronski close to home is a fine consolation prize. Everyone knew about his technical abilities, but at the combine, his athleticism was outstanding as well, an important trait for Chicago’s scheme. Maybe tackle isn’t his long-term position, but considering how important it is to protect against the league’s great three-techniques, I see no harm in using a top-10 pick on someone who could be a Pro Bowl guard. Either way, he has the tools to be a starter for a decade. — Kevin Fishbain
Peter Skoronski talks about his grandfather, who played for the Green Bay Packers. Also tells a funny story about Vince Lombardi and whether or not his family will talk to him if he becomes a Chicago Bear: pic.twitter.com/WqB83L4LSg
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) March 4, 2023
10. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Howie Roseman’s M.O. with a pick this high is to target a player or two for a small trade-up to ensure he lands a difference-maker, especially with expectations of not picking this early again in the near-term future. But neither Anderson nor Carter fell within range, leaving the Eagles to choose between a cornerback, an edge rusher like Nolan Smith or another offensive lineman to place in the Jeff Stoutland University apprenticeship program.
It might look like the cornerback need is lessened by the re-signing of James Bradberry and extension for Darius Slay, but both players are over 30, and Slay is not assured of being on the team in 2024. Enter Gonzalez, the top-rated cornerback on Dane Brugler’s board, who backed up an impressive college career with a standout performance at the combine. — Bo Wulf
11. Tennessee Titans: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
The Titans could look elsewhere here after signing Andre Dillard, who should get first crack at being the team’s new left tackle. This team has a desperate need for help at receiver and a not insignificant need for another edge rusher. But Dillard is no sure thing. And the Titans’ offensive line is surely their biggest problem. So get the guy who could be the long-term answer at left tackle. It’s possible Dillard could bump inside as well. And it makes sense to address receiver in the second round. — Joe Rexrode
12. Houston Texans (from CLE): Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Having addressed quarterback, the Texans turn their attention to further upgrading his supporting cast. Houston signed veterans Dalton Schultz and Robert Woods and traded the disgruntled Brandin Cooks. Now they grab one of the top wide receivers in this year’s draft and will pair him with their rookie quarterback, giving themselves a young playmaker to help in the immediate and long-term future. — Jones
13. New York Jets: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Trade negotiations with the Packers and Matt Schneidman for Aaron Rodgers got hostile. (There was name-calling.) His attempts to demand a first-round pick went ignored. Despite speculation to the contrary, the Jets feel like they have all the leverage: It’s either trade Rodgers to the Jets now or risk not getting any picks this year — a year when they should be trying to surround Jordan Love with as much talent as possible. There are no other teams interested, buddy.
Eventually, we know Schneidman will cave and give the Jets what they want (Rodgers for a 2023 second-round pick, conditional third-round pick in 2025 and WR Corey Davis and/or Denzel Mims). Onward and upward.
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The Jets were hoping that Skoronski or Johnson would fall to No. 13, but Jones is a nice consolation prize. The Jets can plug him in at right tackle, address center in free agency (Ben Jones?) or later the draft and feel better about the offensive line’s ability to protect Rodgers this season. — Zack Rosenblatt
14. New England Patriots: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Patriots re-signed Jonathan Jones in free agency, but they’ve done little to improve their depth at the position, which also took a hit when they released Jalen Mills. Bill Belichick tends to use his most valuable picks in the trenches, so this would buck that trend. But the Pats need a cornerback, and Porter was the best available. He also fills a role that the Patriots don’t have. At 6-foot-2 with 34-inch arms (only 12 of the 51 offensive linemen at the combine had longer arms), Porter is a prototypical outside corner. He’d instantly be the only Patriots cornerback taller than 5-11. — Chad Graff
15. Green Bay Packers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
We tried acquiring the No. 13 pick in a deal for Aaron Rodgers, but Zack Rosenblatt must not want his starting QB until September, when the Packers would have to pay out Rodgers’ $58.3 million option bonus. Once April 27 has passed, the leverage shifts from the Jets to the Packers. Hopefully Zach Wilson enjoys being QB1 this offseason and during training camp while his teammates wish for someone else to be there! Broderick Jones better be a stud! And yes, there was some vicious name-calling in a separate message chain between (fake) GMs during trade talks.
With our own pick, the Packers take the best pass-catching tight end in the draft to replace Robert Tonyan, who never returned to his 2020 form after his torn ACL suffered midway through the 2021 season. What better way to start Jordan Love off on the right foot than giving him a trio of talented pass catchers in Kincaid and receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs to throw to? How ironic is it that the Packers’ first receiver or tight end taken in the first round since Rodgers comes the year he leaves? — Matt Schneidman
16. Las Vegas Raiders (from WAS): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Trade details: Raiders trade No. 23, 70 and 174 to the Commanders for No. 16 and 193
We obviously really love Witherspoon if we traded down from No. 7 to 23 and then back up to get him. He doesn’t have ideal size at 6-1, 180 pounds, but he has great instincts, closing speed and ball skills, and he will leave a mark when he hits receivers. Witherspoon had 14 passes defensed, three interceptions and an opposing passer rating of 24.6 when targeted in 2022. He skipped workouts at the combine and his pro day because of a tweaked hamstring but plans to have a private workout for NFL teams on April 5. Witherspoon would be a foundational piece for the Raiders’ rebuild. (And we added the Vikings’ 2024 first-rounder just in case we need to go all in for Caleb Williams or Drake Maye next year.) — Vic Tafur
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pitt
The Steelers let neighbor Aaron Donald slip through their fingers in the 2014 draft. They won’t make that mistake twice. Though Kancey has a long way to go to come close to matching Donald’s career, the similarities are eerie — same college, same style, same athleticism and same size. Kancey shot up the draft board after running a 4.67-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He’s undersized for what the Steelers look for in a defensive tackle, but everything is out the window with the new front-office regime of GM Omar Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl. With Cameron Heyward turning 34 in May, it makes total sense. — Mark Kaboly
18. Detroit Lions: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Lions can really do whatever they want in this spot. After free agency, some of their needs aren’t as glaring as they once were. But even after signing two corners in free agency, Detroit could still use some youth here. The only cornerbacks under contract in 2024 are Cameron Sutton and 2022 seventh-rounder Chase Lucas. Banks has great length, elite athleticism (4.35 40 and a 42-inch vertical) and is physical in man coverage. He has all the tools to become Detroit’s CB1 of the future. — Pouncy
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19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
This is a timeline pick for Tampa Bay. It was very tempting to go with Texas running back Bijan Robinson here, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense in the long run. Pairing Wright, who turned a lot of heads at the combine, with Tristan Wirfs gives the Bucs a very good young duo at tackle, which should make for a welcoming home for the rookie quarterback that looks headed to this team in 2024. — Kendall
20. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Once again, the Seahawks were willing to trade back. Again, there were no takers. Thus, the thought process remained the same: draft the best player available at a position of need. Seattle needs a No. 3 receiver who can stress the defense in the underneath and intermediate areas of the field. Tight end Michael Mayer or slot receiver Zay Flowers would accomplish the same goal, but Smith-Njigba is just as dynamic with the potential to be Tyler Lockett’s long-term replacement. — Dugar
21. Miami Dolphins: Forfeited pick
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
If the board falls this way, the Chargers could be tempted to take Texas RB Bijan Robinson as a potential replacement for Austin Ekeler, who has been granted permission to seek a trade. The Chargers also need some edge rushing depth, and Nolan Smith and Lukas Van Ness were available. But in Kellen Moore’s new offense, the Chargers will be using more 12 personnel, and they need an all-around tight end who can take over a Dalton Schultz-type role. Mayer is too good of a fit to pass up. — Daniel Popper
22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
There is angst among some evaluators about Flowers’ size (5-foot-9, 182 pounds), but watching his college tape should ease some concerns. Flowers is a big play waiting to happen. He caught 200 balls in college and averaged more than 15 yards per reception. He makes contested catches, runs good routes, tracks deep balls well and is a game breaker with the ball in his hands. More than anything, the Ravens need offensive playmakers, and Flowers fits that bill. — Jeff Zrebiec
23. New Orleans Saints (from MIN via LV, WAS): Lukas Van Ness, edge, Iowa
Trade details: Saints trade No. 29 and 71 to the Commanders for No. 23
Trading up? For a defensive lineman? Again? I’m sure Saints fans might read this and think this will turn out like Marcus Davenport all over again. But Van Ness seems too good to pass up with the Commanders dangling No. 23 in the wind. And we all know the Saints have no issue with being aggressive in the draft. They are revamping their defensive line, and the Iowa product appears to fit the body type of what the Saints like as a 4-3 end. Cameron Jordan isn’t getting any younger. Davenport has moved on to the Vikings. And the rest of the edge rushing depth chart contains Carl Granderson, Payton Turner (who’s on his way to being a first-round disappointment) and Tanoh Kpassagnon. — Holder
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nolan Smith, edge, Georgia
The Jaguars had a golden opportunity to steal a playoff game at Arrowhead with Patrick Mahomes on a badly sprained ankle. And for all the missed opportunities, the Jags’ biggest issue in that game was getting after the QB. With the athletically gifted Smith surprisingly still on the board, this had to be the play, and he’ll help Josh Allen and Travon Walker rush the passer. This was an unexpectedly tough call with Alabama safety Brian Branch (filling a bigger need) and Texas running back Bijan Robinson (more help for Trevor Lawrence) still in play, but I couldn’t ignore Smith after that playoff loss. — Jeff Howe
Nolan Smith: ATHLETE
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/4qTdp9MylL— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2023
25. New York Giants: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Though the Giants signed linebacker Bobby Okereke to a four-year contract this month, the position was one of the team’s biggest weak spots in 2022. By season’s end, the Giants were still signing players off the street, and one of those, Jarrad Davis, played both postseason games. New York brought Davis back on a one-year deal. Why not find a complementary piece for Okereke in a versatile player like Sanders? He would fit well in Wink Martindale’s system. — Charlotte Carroll
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26. Dallas Cowboys: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Cowboys would have to be absolutely thrilled if Robinson fell to 26. He’s the type of elite talent they’d probably select if they had a top-15 pick. With Ezekiel Elliott released and Tony Pollard franchise-tagged, running back is one of Dallas’ biggest needs. They are expected to pick one by Round 4, but none would make the immediate impact that Robinson would in the running and passing game. The Cowboys’ offense lacked playmakers in 2022. That would no longer be a problem with Robinson, Pollard, CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup. Clemson DT Bryan Bresee would have been the pick had Robinson already been drafted. — Jon Machota
27. Detroit Lions (from BUF): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Trade details: Lions trade No. 48, 55, 183 and 194 to the Bills for 27 and 137
Surprise, surprise. Folks in Detroit might still be scarred by first-round tight ends, but I’m not. At 6-foot-7, 269 pounds with a 4.64 40, Washington has the tools to be a nightmare in the red zone and a menace as a blocker, which is exactly how Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson want to use their TEs. Washington gives Jared Goff another weapon and helps this offense avoid regression, marking yet another Detroit upgrade this offseason. The trade value on the Rich Hill chart is almost even, and Detroit still has Nos. 81, No. 137 and No. 152 to fill holes and address depth. The NFC North crown awaits. — Pouncy
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
The Bengals took a 6-foot-8, 345-pound swing at protecting Joe Burrow by landing Orlando Brown in free agency. He’s expected to hold down the left side for the next four years. The interior was revamped last season to rave reviews internally and is signed for multiple seasons. Adding Jones provides two mountainous, powerful bookends to execute the shotgun, downhill, gap-scheme run game the team shifted to philosophically last season. It would complete the three-year project of fully protecting their franchise QB. And, really, if you were looking for a comp for Jones at 6-8, 374 pounds, wouldn’t it be Brown? — Paul Dehner Jr.
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29. Washington Commanders (from SF via MIA, DEN, NO): O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
Trading down twice from 16 got Washington No. 29 and two third-round picks (70 and 71), while moving up from 193 to 174. The Commanders now have five selections in the top 100 and 10 picks overall. That’s good for the roster-building in general, though it meant losing CB Devon Witherspoon. At least there is legit corner depth in this class. Meanwhile, the Commanders are revamping the offensive line, but there’s not much upside on hand. Torrence is a 6-foot-5, 300-pound mauler who thrived during his one season in the SEC. Put him at left guard, select a cornerback in the second and then use three third-round picks on a linebacker, another offensive lineman and the best player available. — Ben Standig
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
The Eagles always prioritize the lines of scrimmage, and Bresee is one of the top defensive tackles available. Early in the draft process, you could find him in the top half of the first round in many mock drafts. That’s because the former top recruit has the type of tools to be a difference-maker. He’s 6-foot-6 and 298 pounds and runs a 4.86-second 40-yard dash. His college production was tempered by injury, including a torn ACL in 2021 and a kidney infection in 2022. But the Eagles could be enamored by the upside and see a potential long-term complement to Jordan Davis. — Zach Berman
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Under coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs will always covet speedy receivers like Hyatt. Some draft analysts have compared him to DeSean Jackson. Well, we know Reid was able to successfully develop Jackson after the Eagles drafted him in 2008. The Chiefs could definitely use another high-quality receiver to add alongside Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore. Hyatt’s ability to be a deep threat should also be accentuated by Patrick Mahomes. — Nate Taylor
Jalin Hyatt can FLY 😳
The Tennessee WR is one of the fastest WR’s in this upcoming NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/X01XzARDKd
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) February 24, 2023
Beyond Round 1
36. (Round 2) Los Angeles Rams: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
A Sean McVay-led team could, and frankly probably will, go offense here in real life. But for the sake of a necessary argument, the Rams are also trying to get younger and more athletic on defense — and they just traded star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Miami. Forbes has all of the instincts, athletic traits and ball skills the Rams’ defense needs to kick-start its overhaul. They drafted two corners last spring in Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, but they need more speed partnering with Durant, who showed some real promise late in 2022. Forbes’ technical skill shows up regardless of the type of scheme he plays in, and that versatility is also a plus. — Jourdan Rodrigue
43. (Round 2) Cleveland Browns: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State
The Browns need a wide receiver badly (probably more than one), but this mock and most others leave them with few realistic options here. Not having a first-round pick until 2025 is one reason that a trade for Jerry Jeudy is probably not a realistic option, either. So I’m sticking with another premium position and the kind of young, athletic player this Browns regime values in Anudike-Uzomah. The Browns’ track record says they won’t actually pick at 42, but for this exercise, they have their guy. — Zac Jackson
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48. (Round 2) Buffalo Bills (from DET): Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
With only six picks and needs that don’t have clear options at 27, the Bills’ opportunity to add a second-round pick (No. 55) was too good to pass up. And with two extra sixth-round picks (183 and 194), GM Brandon Beane can package them to move back into the fifth round. In Campbell, the Bills would be getting a potential home run middle linebacker of the present and future. Campbell is a natural fit with the size to be an issue for opponents in coverage. He’s also the type of leader they look for at the position, and Sean McDermott loves players from the Iowa program. — Joe Buscaglia
51. (Round 2) Miami Dolphins: Steve Avila, G/C, TCU
Miami probably would have preferred an answer at right tackle here, but ultimately the goal is to put as many quality offensive linemen in front of Tua Tagovailoa as possible. Avila fits the bill. He’s a plug-and-player starter — an ideal fit amid the Dolphins’ win-now offseason — who has the strength and versatility to play any spot along the interior. Playing left guard during his final season at TCU, he didn’t allow a single sack in more than 500 pass-blocking snaps. If the Dolphins want to prioritize protecting Tagovailoa — and they should — this would be a great way to start the draft. — Jim Ayello
67. (Round 3) Denver Broncos (from IND): Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
The Broncos addressed their offensive line in a big way during the first wave of free agency by signing left guard Ben Powers and right tackle Mike McGlinchey to lucrative, multi-year deals. But center remains a question mark. Lloyd Cushenberry and second-year player Luke Wattenberg are the in-house options, but expect new coach Sean Payton to create competition at the position while also beginning to build some depth in the draft. Wypler had a strong performance at the combine, so it will be interesting to see whether he’s still available by the time the third round begins. — Nick Kosmider
99. (Round 3) San Francisco 49ers: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
The 49ers must concentrate on offensive tackle after mostly drafting guards in recent seasons and after watching Mike McGlinchey head to Denver in free agency earlier this month. In Freeland, the 49ers would get someone with the agility and foot quickness to handle their zone-blocking attack. Freeland stands 6-foot-8, didn’t look all that sharp in Senior Bowl practices and might need a year to get stronger. But his frame and athleticism suggest he has significant upside and that he can develop into Trent Williams’ bookend in San Francisco. — Matt Barrows
(Illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic; top photos: Justin Ford,
Scott Taetsch, Nick Cammett / Diamond Images / Getty Images)