NFL mock draft 2023

published on 4/17/2023


⇐ My Mock Drafts   |  View All Mocks

Round 1

Picks 17-31
17. Steelers: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Definitely got Pitt going OT in 1st rd and Darnell Wright gets the nod over Broderick Jones. The Steelers want to protect last years 1st rd QB investment but they also want the focus of their offense to center around the run. Wright is a better run blocker than Jones and can play either side of the line.


18. Lions: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

Detroit doubles down on D. Bresee didn't have the kind of year he wanted in 2022 but his off-season workouts has helped improve his stock and get him back in the 1st rd.


19. Buccaneers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Another rebuild here. Brady's gone and the aftermath isn't looking pretty. Jones is a nice start though. I'd keep Wirfs at RT and let Jones be the new LT for the next 10 years.


20. Seahawks: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

Lockett's getting up their and Metcalf seems be almost traded every year. Addison is a bit frail but knows how to get open and having this trio for a year would be pretty hard to defend.


21. Chargers: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

The Charger's are getting sick of teams running all over them. This is a bit high for Smith and their are some better prospects available here but they need a run stuffing NT now.


22. Raiders: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Vegas has to trade up to get in front on the Vikings if they want Hooker. It'll cost them picks #38, #70 & #109 and Baltimore desperately needs the draft capital. The Raiders just signed Jimmy G but he gets hurt every year so they need a long term answer. Vegas still has plenty of picks to rebuild their D, including a late 3rd rd comp.


23. Bills: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

Minnesota needs picks too and now with their top options Hooker and Addison gone, they trade down a little with Buffalo adding picks #130 & #137 in the process. Buffalo snags the versatile Flowers to add to their offensive assault.


24. Jaguars: Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Jacksonville goes with Branch who I consider more of a hybrid DB. He best fits as a nickel back but also can play safety. He timed slow this off-season but he's still a mid 1st rounder based on his game tape. Let's get Jacksonville and in the playoffs again! They're like your sad little brother.


25. Chiefs: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Kansas City trades up, as they tend to do. They have a bunch of picks this year and they just won't have that many spots for the rookies. Johnston is a big, fast WR they need to round out their new young group. The Giants get picks #31 & #95.


26. Cowboys: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

Kancey seems like the kind of DT Dallas is looking for. A penetrator that will cause opposing teams all sorts of issues on 3rd down. Kancey coming up the middle with Parsons and Lawrence on the edges sounds dumb.


27. Vikings: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

Sounds like Minnesota's cutting Cook soon. Pairing Gibbs with Mattison with allow them to continue incorporating their RBs in the passing game.


28. Bengals: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Strangely enough the Bengals are taking Kincaid not to be their new TE but to replace Tee Higgins in a year as they won't be able to afford him. Kincaid can be a solid #2 option behind Chase. He'll still technically be a TE but the majority of his snaps will be split out.


29. Saints: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

Michael Thomas probably won't be with the Saints past this year. Teaming the speedster Hyatt with Olave will allow New Orleans to stay versitle on offense.


30. Eagles: Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia

I like Smith going earlier than this but we just can't find a spot for him. He's fast but undersized though he may fit perfectly as an eventual replace for Haasan Reddick at SLB in Philly. Jalen Hurts can get his huge contract next off-season and they won't be able to keep everybody.


31. Giants: Keion White, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech

The last invitee hears him name called with the last pick. White can add a little bulk still and play 5 technique on New York's line.


Picks 17-31