The countdown began for a NFL Draft 2023 who will have their 1st Round picks on Thursday April 27. And with that in mind, now is an ideal time for The Sporting News present your mock, the simulation of the 32 picks of that first round of selections.
Who will the Bears take with the first pick and what names will appear in the rest of that first day? The projection below.
NFL Mock Draft 2023
1. Chicago Bears
The Bears have the first pick for the first time since 1947 and are presented with three options. One is to trade their current quarterback, Justin Fields, and draft Bryce Young. The second is to keep the pick and take the best defensive player available. The third, and most likely, is to swap picks and move down the order for another team to pick Young, the most consequential talent in this class, at the most important position in the game.
2. Houston Texans
- C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Although Young has broken away as the best available quarterback, Stroud still makes sense as a second pick if Young isn’t available. He delivers the ball with speed and knows how to distribute it, which fits well with the DeMeco Ryans’ 49ers-style offense.
3. Arizona Cardinals
- Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
The Cardinals have an easy pick to make here, with the retirement of JJ Watt and Zach Allen a free agent. Carter is a disruptive and dominant force, who will make big plays in the NFL. He has potential similar to Watt’s in rushing opponents.
4. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts need to stop betting on veteran quarterbacks. With an offensive mind like Shane Steichen as the new coach, after working with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia it would make sense for them to go with a dynamic pass-threat and run-threat quarterback like Richardson.
5. Seattle Seahawks (vía Broncos)
- Will Anderson Jr., OLB, Alabama
The Seahawks need to improve their defensive front line. The versatile Anderson makes perfect sense with his combination of speed, explosiveness, quickness and power.
6. Detroit Lions (vía Rams)
- Christian González, CB, Oregon
González is establishing himself as the draft cornerback, with his agility, size and physicality for coverage. It’s the Lions’ best chance to find Jeff Okudah’s partner in the secondary.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Raiders need to replace Derek Carr and Levis is a pocket passer who can work well under Josh McDaniels.
8. Atlanta Falcons
- Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
If the Falcons lose Kaleb McGary in free agency, Johnson would be an ideal replacement on the offensive line, with his ability to pass and run protection.
9. Carolina Panthers
- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Mayer can be a dominant force in helping DJ Moore and have a defining tight end for the first time since Greg Olsen’s retirement.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via Saints)
The Eagles need a versatile player on the front line to complement Haason Reddick. Wilson’s athleticism can make him a disruptive player right away.
11. Tennessee Titans
- Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Titans need to think about a replacement for Taylor Lewan at left tackle after cutting him. Skoronski can be that player, standing out for his quickness and athletic ability to protect the wingers.
12. Houston Texans (vía Browns)
The Texans need a good receiver, after taking a quarterback with the second pick. Addison has a good combination of speed in the open field and quickness to make him a favorite target for his quarterback.
13. New York Jets
After hitting Garrett Wilson in the last Draft, the Jets must go for another receiver to add weapons for their next quarterback. Johnson can stretch the field and be a target in the Red zone.
14. New England Patriots
The Patriots are always looking for versatile players for their secondary. Branch is a naturally agile player for personal coverage and can also help against the run.
15. Green Bay Packers
- Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
The Packers must choose to the best cazamariscales make it available. Murphy can be that man, with explosiveness and big size.
16. Washington Commanders
The Commanders need reinforcements in the secondary. Smith uses his size and physicality in coverage and also has some explosiveness.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Steelers can immediately select and use Jones at left tackle, to help protect Kenny Pickett first and then, with development, open space for Najee Harris.
18. Detroit Lions
The Lions must continue to draft defensively and Bresee is someone who can pressure from the inside and help Aidan Hutchinson.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers will have secondary shortages in Free Agency and could bet on Ringo, a big, athletic cornerback that Todd Bowles will like.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Porter offers size and explosion to make big plays on the ball, playing opposite Tariq Woolen in the secondary.
21. Miami Dolphins (pick vacante)
22. Los Angeles Chargers
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
It makes sense that the Chargers would look to give him another playmaker to Justin Herbert. Smith-Njigba can make plays all over the field and be an ideal complement to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
23. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are going to lose pieces of their secondary in free agency, and Witherspoon is a cornerback who knows how to use his size in man coverage.
24. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings need to rush the opposing quarterback more often. Van Ness can be a star in certain situations, with relentlessness to charge the quarterback.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Johnson is a capable safety in man coverage who is also reliable against the run.
26. New York Giants
Phillips is a hawk at a tall cornerback and would be a good fit for the Giants if the top receivers are no longer available.
27. Dallas Cowboys
With the possibility of losing Tony Pollard to Free Agency, Dallas may think of a replacement. Robinson can be a three-runner downswith explosive abilities tied to his vision, quickness, determination and speed in the open field, both in the air and on the ground.
28. Buffalo Bills
- O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
The Bills need help inside their offensive line and Torrence has the power, hands and feet to excel there.
29. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals may have a hole in the middle of their defense if they lose Germaine Pratt in free agency. Simpson is an instinctive and long defender, solid against the run and the pass.
30. New Orleans Saints (vía 49ers)
With Cameron Jordan turning 34 and Marcus Davenport in Free Agency, the Saints must go for a player capable of rushing opposing quarterbacks. Anudike-Uzomah has characteristics similar to those of Jordan.
31. Philadelphia Eagles
- Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Miles Sanders and Boston Scott are free agents, and the Eagles could look to a strong running back in Gibbs, who would be another explosive option for the Jalen Hurts-led offense.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Harrison is already an excellent run-blocking lineman and can become a valuable piece in the passing offense if trained well.
