It's finally the week of the 2023 NFL Draft, which means all of the mock drafts, hot takes, and never-ending research are going to be exposed as either good, meh, or simply bad.

We decided to join the fray and put together our own site-wide mock draft for the first-round and sure enough, there are some great picks/decisions, as well as a few of trades to keep things interesting.



So, without further ado, let's see which players our beat writers are taking in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

A to Z Sports’ Final First-Round Mock Draft

Carolina Panthers, No 1. overall: QB Bryce Young, Alabama

The Carolina Panthers have taken plenty of chances on quarterbacks with potential over the last few seasons (Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, even a reunion with Cam Newton) and all of those signings failed spectacularly.

The Panthers can’t overthink things, this time. 

The best player in this draft is Alabama’s Bryce Young. The size is certainly a concern and it’s been well documented that new head coach Frank Reich has mostly worked with “bigger” quarterbacks, but Young’s resumé outside of his height/weight is the most impressive in the draft. And he showed during his time at Alabama that he can make those magical plays that it often takes to win NFL games. – Zach Ragan

Houston Texans, No 2. overall: QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

With Young off the board, the Texans pivot to Stroud. Despite the latest rumors, it is entirely possible that Stroud is actually the preferred choice. 

Stroud had a prolific career at Ohio State, finishing with 81 touchdowns and 7,775 passing yards in two seasons as the starter in Columbus. 

Stroud received high marks for his accuracy and arm strength – the QB completed just shy of 70% of his passes in college. There are rumors that the Texans won't pick a QB at No. 2, but I think that would be a poor choice. Don’t overthink it, Stroud is the pick. – Bryce Lazenby

Arizona Cardinals, No. 3 overall: EDGE Will Anderson, Alabama

The Eagles’ pass rush was a huge reason for the team’s defensive success in 2022. Right now, the Cardinals don’t have any reliable pass rushers. Building that foundation will easily be Jonathan Gannon’s main priority during the draft, therefore, Anderson is the pick. 

The Cardinals couldn't find a trade partner to move back, but that's fine. Anderson will come in and man one starting EDGE position on Day 1. Where he goes from there remains to be seen, but he's an immediate upgrade on a defense desperate for quality pass rushers. – Evan Winter

Indianapolis Colts, No. 4 overall: QB Anthony Richardson, Florida

The Colts are in desperate need of an answer at quarterback, and there happens to be two options for the franchise to choose from, here. 

Richardson would be an extremely intriguing fit in Shane Steichen’s offense thanks to his elite athletic profile, rocket arm strength, and sky-high ceiling. His upside is too exciting for Indianapolis to pass up. 

We saw how explosive Steichen’s offense can be with a dynamic signal caller in Philadelphia. Richardson has the potential to unlock things even more and take the offense to another level if everything clicks. – Cole Patterson

Seattle Seahawks, No. 5 overall: DT Jalen Carter, Georgia

The Seahawks select Jalen Carter because he represents exactly what the team needs defensively following last season. Yes, there are culture concerns, but talent trumps all and Seattle gets a player that can immediately help the front seven. – Ian Kayanja

Detroit Lions, No. 6 overall: EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

As enticing as a cornerback is at No. 6, a top-tier pass rusher is still a bigger priority for this team and its playoff aspirations. Wilson has an extremely high ceiling, and with the right coaching, he would help bookend this defensive line with Aidan Hutchinson for years to come. 

The Lions can still take a shot at corner at No. 18 if they really want to address the position for the future. The same opportunity does not exist if Detroit went with corner first and then EDGE, later. – Rob Leeds

Las Vegas Raiders, No. 7 overall: CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

If Anthony Richardson is here the Raiders will take him because of his high ceiling. In this instance, he isn’t available, so the best defensive player on the board is Devon Witherspoon. He knows how to play the same style of defense that defensive coordinator Patrick Graham loves and should be an immediate contributor once the season kicks off in September. – Justin Churchill

Atlanta Falcons, No. 8 overall: CB Christian Gonzalez, Orgeon

Sure, the Falcons just traded for former top-3 pick Jeff Okudah, but that should hold zero weight when it comes to evaluating the cornerback room outside of stud A.J. Terrell. 

Gonzalez has a lot of athletic similarities to Marshon Lattimore, and obviously that helps new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. The former Duck has all the traits required to be a top corner and his ability to excel in either press or zone is going to give the Falcons one of the NFL's best CB duos before the 2023 season ends. – Evan Winter

Chicago Bears, No. 9 overall: LT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State

The Bears get a premier tackle after addressing other key needs in free agency. Johnson’s size and athleticism gives Chicago stability up front and reunites Justin Fields with his college teammate.

Now, the Bears have their two bookends in Johnson Jr. and second-year starter Braxton Jones. Johnson Jr. also represents a potential backup plan in case Jones doesn't take the steps expected of him in 2023. – Jack Gentry

Philadelphia Eagles, No. 10 overall: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

This may seem like overkill, but taking the best wide receiver in the class at No. 10 is the best intersection of value and talent. 

The Eagles' other needs are running back and safety, but they can be addressed in later rounds with a higher level of confidence at those respective points than wide receiver. Smith-Njigba gives the Eagles one of the best wide receiver trios in the NFL and the room is locked up for the majority of Jalen Hurts' current contract. 

A move like this also gives the Eagles flexibility at one of the most important offensive positions in the event of an injury or the departure of a player like DeVonta Smith when it comes time for him to get a new contract. There is no such thing as overkill on offense, even if the team has recently found some depth receivers in free agency. – Rob Leeds

Pittsburgh Steelers, No. 11 overall: OL Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

TRADE: The Tennessee Titans trade pick No. 11 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for the 17th overall pick and the 49th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

The Steelers desperately need to upgrade the offensive line, and in this scenario, they select the best pure lineman in the draft. Skoronski has guard and tackle flexibility, with a ceiling of a franchise left tackle, and the floor of plus starter at guard for years to come. They still have the Bears' 32nd pick from last year's Chase Claypool trade, as well, which makes this move a no-brainer. – Rob Gregson

Green Bay Packers, No. 13 overall: EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

The Eagles snatched Green Bay’s target in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but they still get a versatile, athletic, and explosive player in Van Ness. 

The former Hawkeye lined up all over the defensive line while he was in college, including over the B-gap in certain alignments. Sound familiar? It's what the Packers did with Za'Darius Smith in their NASCAR package a few years ago.

General manager Brian Gutekunst loves taking athletes in the first round. Van Ness fits the bill and is more polished than a Nolan Smith. He will factor into the Packers' pass rush rotation from the jump. – Evan Winter

New England Patriots, No. 14 overall: EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia

Smith is slightly undersized for a Patriots edge defender, but he could potentially fill a role similar to the one manned by Kyle Van Noy in the past as a versatile outside linebacker who can rush the passer, set the edge against the run and even drop back at times. 

Smith doesn't have a ton of experience in coverage but he certainly has the athleticism to be molded. He also comes with the type of high character that New England coaches love. – Doug Kyed

New York Jets, No. 15 overall: OT Broderick Jones, Georgia

Jones’ lack of experience is easily his biggest “weakness”. Outside of that, he has all the tools needed to become a Pro Bowl tackle for the next decade.

Duane Brown and Mekhi Becton are both still on the roster. But Brown is 37-years-old and has one year left on his Jets contract. Becton is currently in the final year of his rookie deal -unless the Jets approve his fifth-year option- but the former top-11 pick has been anything but the player the Jets envisioned when they drafted him in 2020. 

Jones will come in and compete for a starting job on either side in 2023 and he offers the Jets an option in 2024 in case Brown and Becton have moved on. – Evan Winter

Washington Commanders, No. 16 overall: CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

Joey Porter Jr isn’t a perfect fit for the Commanders — Washington plays more zone than man and Porter seems like a more natural fit in a man scheme. But he’s probably too talented for the Commanders to pass on. 

Porter has ideal size and length (6-foot-2 with a 34-inch arm length) and he's seemingly always around the ball. The former Nittany Lion has the skills to be a lockdown cornerback in the NFL and there aren't many of those around. Cornerback has also been a popular mock draft pick for Washington this offseason. – Zach Ragan

Tennessee Titans, No. 17 overall: QB Will Levis, Kentucky

TRADE: The Tennessee Titans trade pick No. 11 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for the 17th overall pick and the 49th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

Titans GM Ran Carthon spoke to the media on Monday about the importance of having discipline when addressing positions of need.

"I think in most cases, you want to take care of a need. You hope that the best player available is at a position of need, but you also don't want to reach for a guy. You have to trust your board," said Carthon. "You just have to trust the process and just understand that 'hey, this player here is available, but then a little bit further down you can get an equal player that you don't have to necessarily reach for.'"

With Paris Johnson Jr. and Jaxon Smith-Njigba off the board for Tennesse's pick at 11, the Titans react accordingly, trading down to 17 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Carthon and Tennessee would be ecstatic to see Levis still on the board here, as they get great value in a QB they feel confident can develop behind Ryan Tannehill and take the reigns in 2024. – Sam Phalen

Detroit Lions, No. 18 overall: CB Deonte Banks, Maryland

After addressing the defense with the sixth pick, the Lions have a bit of flexibility with their second pick in the first round, but one position makes more sense than all others: cornerback. 

The Lions pass on linebacker and running back, here, but they can easily address those spots in later rounds and receive far better value for their picks. Sure, Detroit did well to go out in free agency and find two starters at one of its worst positions in 2022, but the longevity of a draft pick at the CB position would be too good to pass up. Banks has very high upside and would flourish in a depth role as the Lions prepare him for a featured role down the road. – Rob Leeds

Los Angeles Chargers, No. 19 overall: TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah

TRADE: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade picks No. 19 and No. 175 to the Los Angeles Chargers for picks No. 21 and No. 125

The Chargers need to find more weapons for Justin Herbert and while one can make an argument that receiver is a bigger need than tight end, it can easily be countered with the fact that Kincaid is a receiver in a tight end's body. So, the Chargers are kind of killing two birds with one stone, here.

Kincaid was cleared to play a couple of weeks ago, so it looks like his back issues are currently a thing of the past. He's a matchup nightmare that immediately benefits Herbert and the Chargers' current crop of wideouts. – Evan Winter

Seattle Seahawks, No. 20 overall: WR Zay Flowers, Boston College

Seattle needs a succession plan at WR since Tyler Lockett turns 31 during the season, and sliding Flowers into the lineup with Metcalf and Lockett could be like using a video game cheat code. 

The Seahawks need a reliable third option in the passing game. Flowers gives them a dynamic player who can take over for Lockett in the near future. – Ian Kayanja

New York Giants, No. 21 overall: CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State

TRADE: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade picks No. 21 and No. 153 in the 2023 draft, plus a 2024 fourth-round pick to the New York Giants for picks No. 25 and No. 89 in the 2023 draft.

The Giants' defensive only had six interceptions last season and are searching for the ball hawk that defensive coordinator Wink Martindale covets. Forbes screams ball production with six pick-sixes in his collegiate career, not to mention his scheme versatility. – Rob Gregson

Baltimore Ravens, No. 22 overall: WR Jordan Addison, USC

The Ravens addressed the wide receiver position earlier this offseason by signing Odell Beckham Jr, but they could still use some more firepower/depth. 

Jordan Addison is one of my favorite prospects in the draft. He looked like an early first round pick in 2021 after catching 100 passes for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns at Pittsburgh. He wasn't quite as productive at USC this past season, but some of that can be attributed to playing in a new scheme at a program with a new head coach. Addison is an excellent route runner and should quickly find success in the NFL. He's also a Maryland native, which makes him a geographical fit for the Ravens. – Zach Ragan 

Minnesota Vikings, No. 23 overall: QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee

The Vikings aren’t contractually tied to any quarterback beyond the 2023 season. Minnesota has been doing plenty of work on this QB class and wind up taking one of the most accurate passers in the draft in Hooker, who would represent the Volunteers’ first first-round draft pick since Derek Barnett was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. – Jack Gentry

Jacksonville Jaguars, No. 24 overall: EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson

One year after banking on Travon Walker’s athletic traits with the No. 1 overall pick, the Jaguars do it again. Murphy’s got the size and length that could translate into a nightmare for opposing offenses. Pairing him with Walker should go a long way against the pass. – Mauricio Rodriguez

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, No. 25 overall: OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee

TRADE: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade picks No. 21 and No. 153 in the 2023 draft, plus a 2024 fourth-round pick to the New York Giants for picks No. 25 and No. 89 in the 2023 draft.

This is an absolute dream scenario for the Buccaneers. Not only do they draft arguably the second-best tackle prospect in this class, they also picked up an extra third-round pick and put themselves back in Round 4 thanks to a couple of trades.

Wright's selection means Tristan Wirfs is going to move to left tackle. Wirfs isn't guaranteed to provide elite play on the left side, but he should be able to provide close-to-if-not Pro Bowl-caliber play, which would represent a win for the Bucs. – Evan Winter

Dallas Cowboys, No. 26 overall: EDGE Will McDonald IV, Iowa State

Another Dan Quinn special. McDonald’s explosive first step and incredible bend off the edge is what got Quinn to attend his Pro Day. He may be undersized at 239-pounds, but he uses his speed and good hand usage to defeat much larger offensive lineman. 

With Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams, and Dorance Armstrong in the mix as well, the Cowboys have arguably the best edge rushing unit in the NFL after the addition of McDonald. – Matthew Lenix

Buffalo Bills, No. 27 overall: LB Jack Campbell, Iowa

Buffalo looks to fill a major hole after the Tremaine Edmunds departure with Jack Campbell. After Zay Flowers and Jordan Addison were taken picks before, McDermott goes all in for yet another defensive pick. Buffalo gets their 3rd down LB to pair with Matt Milano. – Adam Zientek

Cincinnati Bengals, No. 28 overall: DL Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh

With the top 5 cornerbacks off the board, Kancey stands out from the best available crowd, which is ironic considering his size. The Bengals need more juice for their pass rush, something Kancey has plenty of. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and his staff will know how to put him in the optimal positions to succeed. – John Sheeran

New Orleans Saints, No. 29 overall: TE Michael Mayer

The Saints gave tight end Juwan Johnson a two-year extension during the off-season, but that doesn’t stop them from drafting the best overall tight end in the class. A contract extension for backup TE Adam Trautman doesn’t seem likely, so Mayer can play an important role during his rookie contract. Mayer possesses impressive blocking ability and play-making skills after the catch. – Adam Holt

Philadelphia Eagles, No. 30 overall: S Brian Branch

With C. J. Gardner-Johnson leaving for Detroit, there is a hole in the Eagles’ secondary. Branch is one of the top safety prospects in this draft and can slide into the void left by Gardner-Johnson. Branch is a highly versatile player and is very fundamentally sound. Branch played all over the defense while at Alabama, playing deep safety, strong safety, nickel, linebacker, and was effective in certain blitz packages. – Max Yazdian

Kansas City Chiefs, No. 31 overall: OT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma

Anton Harrison is one of the better tackles in the draft, and is a guy the can play both tackle positions if need be. Protecting Patrick Mahomes should be the Chiefs No. 1 priority, obviously, and Harrison helps in that regard. His rookie deal also balances out Jawaan Taylor’s expensive contract. 

Harrison wins with his movement and great footwork. The draft is too deep at their other needs to pass up on such a good tackle. – Justin Churchill

---

• Carolina Panthers, No. 1 overall: QB Bryce Young, Alabama
• Houston Texans, No. 2 overall: QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
• Arizona Cardinals, No. 3 overall: EDGE Will Anderson, Alabama
• Indianapolis Colts, No. 4 overall: QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
• Seattle Seahawks, No. 5 overall: DT Jalen Carter, Georgia
• Detroit Lions, No. 6 overall: EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
• Las Vegas Raiders, No. 7 overall: CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
• Atlanta Falcons, No. 8 overall: CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
• Chicago Bears, No. 9 overall: OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
• Philadelphia Eagles, No. 10 overall: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
• Pittsburgh Steelers (TRADE), No. 11 overall: OL Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
• Houston Texans No. 12 overall: RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
• Green Bay Packers, No. 13 overall: EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
• New England Patriots, No. 14 overall: EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia
• New York Jets, No. 15 overall: OT Broderick Jones, Georgia
• Washington Commanders, No. 16 overall: CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
• Tennessee Titans (TRADE), No. 17 overall: QB Will Levis, Kentucky
• Detroit Lions, No. 18 overall: CB Deonte Banks, Maryland
• Los Angeles Chargers (TRADE), No. 19 overall: TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah
• Seattle Seahawks, No. 20 overall: WR Zay Flowers, Boston College
• New York Giants (TRADE), No. 21 overall: CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
• Baltimore Ravens, No. 22 overall: WR Jordan Addison, USC
• Minnesota Vikings, No. 23 overall: QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
• Jacksonville Jaguars, No. 24 overall: EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TRADE), No. 25 overall: OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee
• Dallas Cowboys, No. 26 overall: EDGE Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
• Buffalo Bills, No. 27 overall: LB Jack Campbell, Iowa
• Cincinnati Bengals, No. 28 overall: DL Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
• New Orleans Saints, No. 29 overall: TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
• Philadelphia Eagles, No. 30 overall: S Brian Branch, Alabama 
• Kansas City Chiefs, No. 31 overall: OT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma

---

A to Z Sports Draft Expert Tyler Browning on the final results:

So let's start with who is missing. Notable names include: BJ Ojulari, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bryan Breese, Darnell Washington, Quentin Johnston, and O'Cyrus Torrence. 

It is very plausible that all of these names do not hear their names called on Thursday evening.

Now a couple players that were picked might not even hear their names called on Thursday. Names to look out for would be Will McDonald IV, Jack Campbell, Hendon Hooker, Emmanuel Forbes, and perhaps Anton Harrison. 

There were also no trades in the top-10 of the draft, something that last happened in the 2020 NFL Draft; and prior to that, not since the 2015 NFL Draft. 

The best fits would involve Paris Johnson Jr. going to the Bears to protect Justin Fields, and Hendon Hooker going to the Vikings. Hooker would not be asked to start right away, as they have Kirk Cousins starting. This would give Hooker time to fully recover from his ACL injury without being rushed back and have him sit and develop even further.

Overall the results of this mock draft give a fairly safe estimate on who will likely hear their names called on Thursday evening.