NFL Mock by Mike Elworth

published on 2/5/2023


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Round 1

Picks 1-16
1. Bears: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Bears wont be drafting here, a team- Commanders? Raiders? Colts?Falcons?- will trade a ridiculous amount of assets for a QB and I see a team swinging big for Stroud at one. He had a fantastic career at Ohio State, with huge numbers and a lot of wins. As a non-apologetic Bears fan I want them to trade pick one for a lot of assets a


2. Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Bryce Young is my favorite prospect in this class and Houston would be getting their franchise QB. He is a walking star QB and could help the Texans be relevant for the first time in awhile.


3. Cardinals: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

You have to go with a potential superstar defender here and Carter could replace JJ Watt as the defensive stud of the franchise. Carter is a physical monster who could improve their D in a big way. This was 50/50 with Carter and Will Anderson, I just think Carter as a fit for them.


4. Colts: Will Anderson, DE, Alabama

If it wasn’t for the two QB’s, Anderson could be picked first, but at 4 he would be incredible value. He could join an already fantastic defense and give them a spark. As for a QB, they should pick one in round 2-3 and trade for a proven starter.


5. Seahawks: Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern

Skoronski is a versatile and very talented offensive lineman who could step in at guard or tackle for Seattle’s very young OL. They have to pay big money to Geno Smith, so protecting him and helping Kenneth Walker is a smart idea.


6. Lions: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson


The first few picks will be a lot of drama, this one is easy, as the Lions need to build their defense, so why not pair their young star DE who was just the second pick in his draft with a second potential star here at 5. Murphy is a stud talent in his own right and could make their DL.


7. Raiders: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

First I need to say that I don’t see Richardson as a first round pick, let alone worthy of being drafted 7th, but it appears that some team will take a gamble on him. I honestly thought Jarrett Stidham looked like a franchise QB when he played, but at the very least he could be a bridge for them while they develop Richardson.


8. Falcons: Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame

The Falcons don’t get many sacks, so why not draft a guy who just had 11. They have Grady Jarrett at defensive tackle, but need a big talent like Foskey who can consistently get to or near QB’s. I considered QB Will Levis here, which is a very real possibility to me, as they need a franchise QB, but Foskey is the smart choice.


9. Panthers: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

The Panthers will very likely draft a QB as they need a franchise QB to go with a very talented roster that can win a lot of games. They can sit at 9 and see who’s available or trade to 1 for Young or Stroud. Here they would get the huge armed Kentucky QB, who has the talent, but lacked the stats/wins you want from a potential franchise QB.


10. Eagles: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Robinson is my 4th favorite prospect in this draft, but it’s difficult to place a RB in round 1 no matter how talented he is. Regardless, he would improve a fantastic offense, and as Miles Sanders is a free agent and will be expensive, they could draft a cheaper and stronger talent here.


11. Titans: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech

Tennessee plays like a team from the 80’s, as they are a run first smashmouth team that has a strong defense. Improving their lines is key if they want to play like this so adding Wilson to their talented defensive line would be a wise decision.


12. Texans: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

The Houstons would be smart to pair their franchise QB with a star WR so why not take Johnston who many have as the cream of the WR crop. He is a physically gifted and truly talented player.


13. Jets: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State

What they really need is a QB, as they likely wont be keeping Zach Wilson and Mike White still hasn't proven he’s the guy. Regardless, trading for one is the smart move and helping protect their QB and helping their excellent run game should be their choice. Johnson is versatile and talented and should be a rookie starter.


14. Patriots: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The Patriots have a strong defense and running game, and I think Mac Jones is a franchise QB, but he needs weapons. They should re-sign Jakobi Meyers, but drafting a wide receiver with the ability of Smith-Njigba would be a nice find for them.


15. Packers: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Ringo is fast and talented and can be a strong starter next to Jaire Alexander. I have no idea what the Packers will do at QB, but improving their stout defense seems to be a smart move here.


16. Commanders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Washington apparently wants to roll with second year QB Sam Howell next season, although the why of that statement is hard to answer. The point is they need a franchise QB. The problem is that there isn’t one that fits them here. Therefore drafting a corner would be the right move for Washington who at least have a solid defense.


Picks 1-16