FA Frenzy NFL Mock Draft

published on 3/21/2023


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Round 1

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

Carolina undoubtedly gave up what they did having a good idea of who they wanted first overall. My guess is C.J. Stroud is that guy. He’ll need more than an aging Adam Thielen to throw to at receiver.


2. Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Houston is likely to snag whichever of Stroud or Bryce Young isn’t taken ahead of them. Young feels more likely to be on the board at this juncture


3. Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Colts get: Picks 3 and 96
Cardinals get: Picks 4, 79 and 162

Florida’s Anthony Richardson is very raw and unrefined being as inexperienced as he is, but new coach Shane Steichen was able to work wonders with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. It’ll take time, but the payoff could be huge. Will Levis could be considered if Indy wants more refined guy.


4. Cardinals: Will Anderson, DE, Alabama

Arizona isn’t able to get a haul for the third pick, but they do get a third round pick swap and a 5th rounder to pick someone they’d take at 3 anyway. Can’t complain too much. Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson could be in play as well since some teams reportedly like him more than Anderson.


8. Falcons: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

How far will Jalen Carter fall in the draft? Perhaps not at all, but between being involved in a car race that killed an ex-teammate and UGA staffer and a less than stellar pro day workout, it hasn’t been the best pre-draft process for him. Atlanta could certainly use him up front if they’re comfortable with who he is character-wise.


7. Raiders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Should the Raiders be unable to secure a top QB prospect, Christian Gonzalez could be the next best thing given his size/speed/length/athleticism along with the major need the Raiders have at corner.


9. Bears: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State

Surprisingly to some, the Chicago Bears didn’t show any interest in Orlando Brown in free agency. No problem when they can likely have their choice of the top offensive linemen at 9. I have Paris Johnson going here due to his experience, versatility and long arms.


5. Seahawks: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Seattle goes for the Las of the top 4 QBs. Geno Smith is likely only a short-term solution at QB, and teams usually only get to pick this high so often. If they don’t like the remaining QB still on the board, they’d likely look to trade back. If the 4 QBs go in the first four picks, I think they’d take Will Anderson.


6. Lions: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech

Detroit is looking like a serious contender in 2023 for much bigger things with the free agent signings they’ve had. You can never have too many pass rushers, and Tyree Wilson is the best one available.


10. Patriots: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Patriots get: Picks 10 and 62
Eagles get: Picks 14, 46 and 135

New England added some veterans in free agency, but I wouldn’t feel too confident in that crew if I were them. This would be a cheap price to pay to move up for the second offensive tackle off the board. Bill Belichick tends to prefer for tackles to have longer arms, so Broderick Jones is the pick here for them over Peter Skoronski out of Northwestern.


11. Titans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Tennessee is hoping for a big sophomore jump from Treylon Burns. Even if they get it, more help at receiver is needed. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is an excellent route runner with great hands and outstanding agility. He had an injury riddled 2022, but outproduced first rounders Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson in 2021.


12. Texans: Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa

Coach DeMeco Ryans is a former NFL linebacker and ex-49ers defensive coordinator. He gets a toy in Lukas Van Ness aka Hercules. The former Iowa star surprisingly was not a starter for the Hawkeyes, but the sky is the limit.


14. Eagles: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

After a trade back, the Eagles pick up Myles Murphy, who they’ll look to develop in 2023 behind Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat as an eventual starter while he plays in more of a rotational role to start with.


18. Chargers: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Chargers get: Pick 18
Lions get: Picks 21, 125 and a 2024 4th round pick

Running back Austin Ekeler has asked for a trade since the Chargers seem hesitant to work out a new deal with him. If the two parties can’t reconcile, the Chargers could look to move on with Bijan Robinson, a big, powerful back who’s an excellent receiver out of the backfield. He’s an elite RB talent and top 10 talent in the class, but being a running back pushes him down some. A couple 4ths isn’t a bad price to pay for an elite talent.


13. Jets: Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern

Sooner or later, we think the trade for Aaron Rodgers will materialize. The Jets could use some more help up front, and Peter Skoronski is the last of the three top remaining O-Linemen available. His arms are shorter at just a bit over 32 inches, but the Jets drafted Alijah Vera-Tucker a year ago despite him coming with the same concerns.


15. Packers: Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Safety is a major sore spot in Green Bay. Even if Darnell Savage bounces back, he could use a running mate. Brian Branch can wear a bunch of different hats as a box safety, free safety and slot corner.


Picks 1-16