Draft season is in full swing with the Scouting Combine taking place. Therefore, it is time to make a first simulation (at least public) of what could happen at the end of April.
In this first published version we will keep things simple; just one round and no trades. There will be opportunity to make other attempts.
We’ll group the picks into blocks of 8 and then talk about the thought process as well as the standout picks from each group.
Let’s go to Mock Draft NFL 2023 version 1.0
Three QBs in the first eight picks. The Texans take coveted Young, while the Colts get a very precise passer in Stroud and finally the Raiders will give Levis, the most controversial of the third, the chance to surround himself with Davante Adams, Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs .
The Bears (most likely moving back in the order), will be in position to take Anderson and secure a pass rusher who compares himself to Khalil Mack, letting Carter through after his off-field incident, something that the Cardinals, here do not prioritize too much.
The fourth QB of the round starts this group, Richardson will offer the Panthers the chance to compete and be the best team in their division.
We have five offensive and defensive linemen. Skoronski gives the Titans a perfect technique player, while Broderick Jones strengthens a dwindling line that will likely protect Aaron Rodgers, while Dawan heads to Washington to continue that franchise’s reinvention.
Myles Murphy in Philadelphia will be part of a fairly healthy rotation that continues with generational relief, while Van Ness is the kind of piece that coach DeMeco Ryans can start building his defense with.
The two members of the secondary are going to New England and Green Bay. Porter will be a piece that Bill Belichick will make the most of, while Branch would cover the potential departure of Adrian Amos with an easy transition.
Comes the mini receiving streak in this group where we see Johnston, Addison and Smith-Njigba being taken back to back. Johnston gives the Chargers a very interesting playmaker for Justin Herbert and Kellen Moore. Addison brings a fairly complete receiver to Baltimore’s revamped offensive scheme and finally Smith-Njigba brings a very skilled receiver in short space and with good hands to Minnesota’s offense.
Steelers and Buccaneers take corners to relieve needs on that side of the ball. Meanwhile, the Lions complement their first round with another defensive player, this time with a Nolan Smith who, thanks to his incredible performance at the Scouting Combine, could climb positions.
In closing, the Jaguars are going the route of protecting Trevor Lawrence by selecting a player who will add solidity and depth to the offensive line.
Three more corners come out in this block, all to teams from the East of the National. Smith would give the Giants a player in the secondary who could become his No. 1 corner, while Banks would be the perfect complement as a No. 2 corner for the Cowboys opposite Trevon Diggs. Finally, Forbes would give the Eagles the perfect replacement for the potential departure of James Bradberry.
The Bengals would add a top-5 talent at the 29th position and give an additional option to their already explosive offense, if they get rid of Joe Mixon the dead impact is low both this year and next year, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
The Saints try to restore their defensive front in the face of the potential departure of Marcus Davenport and the seniority of Cam Jordan. And to close the Chiefs take an eventual replacement for Orlando Brown.
