2023 NFL Mock Draft Version 1: Bears Pull an Audible with First Pick

Super Bowl LVII is in the books, so that means it’s officially NFL mock draft season! 

And even though mock drafts have accompanied the NFL Draft for many years now, mocks with an NFL Draft odds angle are new to the game. While the betting markets for the 2023 NFL Draft are light as of now, you can be sure that will change as the Chicago Bears' clock to April 27 counts down.

But will it be the Bears making the first pick? With a draft class featuring several potential franchise quarterbacks, Chicago has plenty of leverage.

In version 1.0 of my 2023 NFL mock draft, I have them making a move. But with what team? And who will they select?

2023 NFL Mock Draft Version 1.0

1. Texans (mock trade via CHI): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Colts owner Jim Irsay is already trying to throw out smokescreens about which quarterback they would like to see drop to them at No. 4. But DeMeco Ryans and the Texans aren’t playing. The Texans have a little more capital to get this deal done and Ryans finds his franchise QB in his first offseason. Young will be knocked for his size, but his arm strength, mobility, vision, and intangibles all make him a worthy No. 1 overall pick.

2. Bears (mock trade via HOU): Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

For me, this is best-case scenario for the Bears. They gain some assets this year and in the future, and take the guy they would have selected No. 1 overall if they had stayed put. Carter is a perfect fit with the Bears' system as a freak pass-rushing 3-technique. But he’s more than that. He’s versatile. He’s strong. He’s fast. And of all the outstanding Georgia defenders drafted the last couple of seasons, Carter is arguably the best.

3. Panthers (mock trade via ARI): CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Carolina makes the first big move of the draft, moving up from No. 9, leapfrogging the Colts to get their guy. Stroud is going to have some impressive tape in this draft process. His raw numbers are outstanding. He’s thrown 85 touchdowns to 12 interceptions in 25 career starts. But it’s Stroud’s performance against Georgia in the CFP semifinals that has him moving up draft boards, and new head coach Frank Reich is willing to hitch his wagon to him.

4. Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Jim Irsay will say Levis is the guy they were looking at all along and is the No. 1 signal-caller on their board. But I would exercise some caution with the former Wildcats’ QB. Levis has a big arm. And arguably the best arm talent in this draft class. But he sometimes battles his accuracy, and his decision-making wasn't the best at Kentucky — and that resulted in plenty of turnovers. There is potential with Levis, but he’ll need some work.

5. Seahawks (via DEN): Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

The Seahawks will be linked with a quarterback until they sign Geno Smith, and while I’m tempted to go with Florida’s Anthony Richardson here, Pete Carroll just can’t pass on a pass rusher of this quality that fell into his lap. Anderson will be the top player in the draft for some teams. He has elite power and speed and will be a cornerstone on defense for any team that selects him.

6. Lions (via LAR): Christain Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

A year ago, this statement might have sounded crazy but here it goes: Jared Goff earned another year as the Lions’ starting quarterback. I know. I can’t believe it either. So, instead of investing at quarterback here, the Lions shore up their defense with a lockdown corner. Gonzalez has elite size and athleticism with fluid hips and great ball skills. He’ll be a great fit opposite Jeff Okudah.

7. Raiders: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State

This is another potential landing spot for Richardson, but it appears that head coach Josh McDaniels is set on adding a veteran quarterback. And protecting whomever that quarterback is will be a key to the Raiders' success next season. Johnson is athletic and has great size. He allowed two sacks all season. He also has positional versatility as he played right guard for the Buckeyes before kicking out to tackle last season. 

8. Falcons: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Falcons ranked next-to-last in the NFL in sacks this season, so enter Wilson. The former Texas Tech defensive lineman had a breakout season for the Red Raiders, recording seven sacks. But it’s Wilson’s measurables that will have teams salivating for his services. He’s 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds with great speed and strength.

9. Cardinals (mock trade via CAR): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

The Cardinals did well to acquire some extra draft capital by trading down and still were able to address one of their biggest needs at pass rusher. Murphy continues the tradition of great Clemson defensive linemen. Here is yet another edge rusher with an excellent combination of size, strength, and speed. Murphy will immediately step into the void left by JJ Watt.

10. Eagles (via NO): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

I'm seeing a lot of mock drafts have the Eagles taking Texas uber running back prospect Bijan Robinson, calling it a luxury pick. But the Eagles can’t waste this pick on a running back. Patrick Mahomes burned them in the Super Bowl and with James Bradberry a free agent, Witherspoon is a natural choice. He has solid size and is fantastic in man coverage. Which is necessary for this Eagles' defense. 

11. Titans: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Taylor Lewan isn’t getting any younger. He’s also played just 20 games over the last three seasons. So, a tackle is certainly a need for the Titans. Jones is a big, mean tackle that moves well. He didn’t allow a single sack for the Bulldogs last season. Jones can start next season on the right side but also has the potential to be the best tackle in this class.

12. Texans (via CLE): Jordan Addison, WR, USC

The Texans now need a wide receiver to pair with their new franchise quarterback, Young. This year’s wide-out class is an interesting one. To me, it looks deep with potential NFL starters but there's no Ja’Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson in the group. So, I’m going with Addison here. The Biletnikoff Award winner at Pitt before transferring to USC, Addison might not have the ideal size, but he has top-notch speed, elite route running, and great hands.

13. Jets: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

The Jets feel like they're a veteran quarterback away from being a contender. So, while this is another tempting spot for Richardson, protecting that veteran QB is the better bet. Skoronski is an interesting prospect. He excelled at Northwestern against some of the top pass rushers in the country and some scouts believe he's the most pro-ready. But his arm length has some thinking he’ll have to kick inside to guard. It might be time to move on from Mekhi Becton.

14. Patriots: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

The Patriots need help all over the place. The offensive line might be the most pressing need, but with the top three tackles off the board in this mock, they instead grab a true No. 1 wide receiver in Johnston. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds Johnston looks like a prototypical “X” wideout. But he’s also got amazing burners. His draft stock rose along with the Horned Frogs' improbable title game run.

15. Packers: Jaxson Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

For starters, it would just be hilarious if this is what the Packers did while moving on from Aaron Rodgers. But JSN is more than worthy of this selection. He was widely regarded as WR1 heading into this season, but then a hamstring injury cost him all but three games. However, a year ago, he had a better season than NFLers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. And remember what he did in the Rose Bowl against Utah?

16. Commanders: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

As of right now, Sam Howell is tabbed as the Commanders' starter heading into next season. That ain’t great. That means Washington can’t pass on Richardson and his sky-high potential. His arm strength is unreal and has game-changing ability in the run game. The rub? He’s super raw. And that has resulted in troubles with accuracy. But with the right coaching, the former Gator has a chance to be the best of the bunch in this QB class.

17. Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

This is a match made in heaven. Porter’s father was an all-pro linebacker and a member of the Steelers for eight seasons, and his son has a chance to live up to his dad’s legacy. Jr. has great movement for a guy with his size and length. He only had one interception at Penn State, but that was because teams basically stopped throwing to his side of the field.

18. Lions: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

I’m a firm believer that the Lions are going to use this draft to stock up on defensive talent. After taking the top corner with their first pick, they sure up their defensive line with the next. Despite not being a starter at Iowa, Van Ness still managed 13.5 sacks over the last two seasons. But Van Ness also has the size and power to stop the run and would be a terrific compliment opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

19. Buccaneers: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

The Buccaneers need a lot. Starting with a quarterback. But there isn’t one worth taking at this spot, so instead, they’ll look to reinforce their secondary, particularly with Jamel Dean set to hit free agency. Branch is the most versatile defensive back in this draft. He played in the slot, outside, and free safety for Nick Saban. Branch is also a sure tackler.

20. Seahawks: O'Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida

The Seahawks filled their biggest need by drafting Anderson with the fifth overall pick. Next, they turn their focus to the offensive line. Last year they made a couple of great picks getting their bookend tackles in Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas but they need help on the interior. Torrence has great size and is a powerful run blocker. And suddenly, Seattle's offensive line is becoming a strength.

21. Dolphins: pick forfeited

22. Chargers: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

The Chargers could be moving on from Keenan Allen, so a wide receiver is definitely in play here. But with my Top 3 guys off the board instead, they take the guy who has been the best tight end in college football the last couple of seasons. Mayer has great hands and works the seams well. But he also has the size to be an in-line blocker.

23. Ravens: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee 

It doesn’t feel like the case, but the Ravens have been drafting wide receivers in the first round quite often lately. Unfortunately, the position is still one of need for a team that needs to get Lamar Jackson some help. Hyatt is coming off a breakout campaign with the Vols. He’s a straight burner who can blow the top off of defenses. He’s the playmaker the Ravens need.

24. Vikings: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

Another early exit in the playoffs for the Vikings. And, despite being a 13-win team, the Vikings have a lot of holes to fill this offseason. Patrick Peterson and Chandon Sullivan are free agents and Smith is the high-confidence, aggressive corner that new defensive coordinator Brian Flores will love. He’s a little lean, but that doesn’t take away from his physicality. He also has great length and instincts.

25. Jaguars: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

Bresee is going to be one of the most polarizing figures in the draft. He's the former No. 1 overall recruit out of high school and an athletic freak whose measurables aren’t too far behind those of Jalen Carter. Bresee has some injury issues and some wonder why there wasn’t more production at Clemson. But the Jaguars need help on the interior defensive line, and at this spot, his upside is more than worth the risk.

26. Giants: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College 

The Giants selecting a wide receiver might be one of the most obvious things of this draft. If Daniel Jones is going to be successful, he’s going to need Saquon Barkley not to be his best pass catcher. Flowers has great speed, is a problem after the catch, and is an elite route runner. He’s not an entire wide receiver room, but he’s a start.

27. Cowboys: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Jerry Jones loves off-ball, stat-heavy linebackers and Simpson fits the bill. He recorded 161 total tackles during his time at Clemson. He’s also versatile with a solid pass rush, run defense, and coverage abilities. With Leighton Vander Esch and Anthony Barr pending free agents, this looks like a solid pickup for the Cowboys.

28. Bills: Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State 

FCS shoutout! This pick helps the Bills in two ways. One: Giving more protection to Josh Allen is always a good idea. But more importantly, we say this season that the Bills need to get more out of their run game. Mauch can help with both. He played left tackle at NDSU but has shown the ability to play all across the line. His strength and quickness will help the Bills immediately.

29. Bengals: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Ringo might have the best physical traits of any cornerback in this draft. And heading into the season he was in the conversation to be the first corner selected. But the Bulldogs cornerback had an inconsistent season and struggled at times in man coverage. The potential for Ringo is massive, and with several Bengals secondary members about to hit free agency, he’s a great fit.

30. Saints (via DEN): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

I think Robinson can go higher than this. Someone (maybe the Eagles) may even trade up a little high for the right to select him. That's how highly touted a running back prospect he is. But Robinson's hurt by two things here: the devaluation of the running back position over the last several years and the ridiculous depth in this year's running back class. That said, even in an outstanding class, Robinson is in a class of his own, and Alvin Kamara’s time in New Orleans could be coming to an end.

31. Eagles: Nolan Smith, LB, Georgia

The Eagles bolstered their secondary with their first pick, and they continue to improve that defense with the selection of Smith. Another Georgia freak who doesn’t really have a true position. But that’s a good thing in Smith’s case. He’s versatile and can play as either an off-ball linebacker or an edge rusher. His intangibles are also through the roof. The Eagles continue to make strong picks.

32. Chiefs: Darnell Wright, OL, Tennessee

The champs have some options here. A wideout is certainly on the table, but there may be more value in later rounds. But I think keeping Patrick Mahomes upright and healthy should still be a priority. Wright was a beast at Tennessee this year and showed out at the Senior Bowl. He has the size and strength to play both tackle and guard, and with Orlando Brown and Andrew Wylie about to hit free agency, Wright could step right in for the Chiefs.

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