2023 NFL Mock Draft

Last year, the Seattle Seahawks acquired Russell Wilson from the Denver Broncos and now have an abundance of draft picks heading into 2023. This presents general manager John Schneider with the unique opportunity to address multiple positions during the first round.

At wide receiver, the Seahawks prioritize finding a successor to Tyler Lockett. A true successor can be an enormous asset in their future endeavors.

Defensive tackle Jalen Carter

Carter, a five-star recruit from the Class of 2020, has been the best player on Georgia's defense that won two SEC championships. After finishing his junior year as an Associated Press, FWAA and Sporting News All-American, Carter has steadily moved up draft boards since then.

He's an unstoppable pass rusher with limitless power and the agility to shed blockers and get off blocks. Additionally, his instincts are superb and he shows great ball-finding instincts. Furthermore, he's a strong lateral mover who displays surprising speed for someone of his size (300 pounds).

His athleticism and lateral agility make him a formidable blitzer with the speed to turn back the run. Additionally, his strength allows for impressive chest-to-chest bear hug tackles in the hole which can create havoc on the backfield.

In 2022, he started 10 games and made 308 snaps for Georgia, recording 18 tackles, 7 assists and 25 pressures. His 6.0 sacks led the team while he also forced two fumbles.

Jalen Carter is the kind of pick teams desire out of their top-five selection. He's considered one of the three or four best pass rushers in this year's class, alongside Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and Ohio State defensive end Will Anderson Jr.

Wilson predicted him to go to the Chicago Bears in his most recent mock draft, but that could change if another team trades up and takes him or if Chicago takes Anderson No. 1 overall out of Alabama instead.

Matt Eberflus' defense would be ideal for him, as his size and leverage can be utilized against the pass in an attacking three technique. A great athlete with an impressive skill set, he's ready to contribute right away.

The Seattle Seahawks have a great chance to make an impact in the 2023 NFL Draft, as they possess several first-round picks. If either Carter or Anderson can be chosen as their No. 5 overall pick, it would be an impressive accomplishment for Seattle at that position.

Quarterback Jarrett Stidham

With Derek Carr out of the picture, the Raiders need a quarterback more than ever. While they won't find one at the top of the 2023 nfl mock draft, they can go with Jarrett Stidham or take a veteran signal caller in exchange.

Stidham has a good chance to become their starting quarterback in the future, especially after his impressive start in Week 17. While he will need time to develop with his new team, it should be enough for him to start competing in the league soon enough.

His best performance came in Week 17 against the Chiefs, when he completed 67% of his passes for 365 yards and three touchdowns. It was an encouraging sign for the Raiders as Stidham helped them overcome injury-plagued Derek Carr to move past this setback.

The Raiders have many needs, but quarterback is by far their top priority. They need a quarterback who can help them compete for a championship within the next couple of years.

Stidham has a better grasp of the Raiders' offense than Carr did, so it makes sense for him to start as starter at quarterback. Additionally, this gives the team an opportunity to assess how well he works with their other players - something which could prove crucial in the long run.

He may lack NFL experience, but he is an impressive young prospect that could lead the Raiders to victory if given the right environment. His arm talent makes him a top-tier passer, while his ability to protect the football could be an immense asset in the league.

He's a prime candidate to be the face of the franchise for years to come, and could easily become its quarterback of choice if they win the Super Bowl. In fact, he could even become its starter long term as the Raiders haven't had such an elite passer at that position since Brett Favre and Tom Brady's days.

Wide receiver Levis Mayer

The Seahawks are in need of a wide receiver to complement Tyler Lockett. Therefore, they could take an early wide receiver on the second day of the draft.

Mayer stands alone among other route runners for his size, speed and athleticism. A skilled route runner, Mayer can catch the ball with either foot or arm. As a physical presence in the passing game, Mayer helps enhance Seattle's passing attack and allows them to maximize their offensive weapons.

He's an ideal player to collaborate with, as he is a natural leader who can handle pressure and keep his cool under pressure. This combination will enable him to succeed at the professional level and give Seattle another reliable target to build upon.

His playmaking abilities are a major asset to his game, making him an ideal fit for the Seahawks as they need someone with proven route-running ability who can make plays in tight quarters. Plus, with good size, he'll have no trouble playing either outside or inside.

Though he may not be a star at the next level, his presence as part of an already talented receiver trio in Seattle makes this pick especially wise given its late first round selection.

Many are uncertain how to approach this pick, but I believe it makes perfect sense. The Lions have two first-rounders and can afford to double down on a defensive player if Christian Gonzalez goes off the board before they select. If Christian Gonzalez goes unclaimed before then, they might have room to move down and select someone else; however, for now I think they'll stick with this choice and add an experienced defensive back to their lineup.

This pick may be controversial, as some will question his suitability for the NFL. But he possesses all of the tools necessary to be an excellent football player and is an exciting prospect who will add much-needed depth to a defense that desperately needs more talent.

Center Austin Blythe

On Tuesday, Seattle is set to have an empty center position after veteran Austin Blythe announced his retirement from the NFL. The 30-year-old started every game for the Seahawks this past season but was expected to become a free agent after it concluded.

Blythe has played for three different teams over his career: Colts (2016), Rams (2017-2021) and Kansas City (2021). All those years he started in a Super Bowl.

One year ago, when Blythe first arrived in Seattle he wasn't sure if he wanted to play football again. Ultimately though, he signed a one-year deal with the Seahawks and was reunited with offensive-line coach Andy Dickerson and coordinator Shane Waldron - both coaches while Blythe was with the Rams.

After an impressive performance at their Senior Bowl, it appears he could be an ideal fit for the Seahawks. They haven't had a reliable center in years and he could provide them with an immediate upgrade.

He may not be the top pick, but his athleticism could give them an edge against the run.

His best years are yet to come, but he could still be an impressive starting center for Seattle in the near future.

As a rule, centers tend to face the highest cap pressure, so his salary would need to be relatively low. $4 million annually could be an ideal target figure; however, it is likely he will make more than that.

Although he would be an ideal pick, the team may find it difficult to justify drafting a center when there are so many other needs. There are other viable options such as tight ends or edge defensive players (EDGEs).

Given the team's defensive needs, a pass rusher is likely their top pick this draft. Bowling Green's EDGE Karl Brooks comes into play here; although he is underrated by PFF, his presence would be an invaluable addition to the lineup.

Overall, the team is in better shape than a year ago, but still needs to fill some holes. Fortunately, the 2023 NFL mock draft offers some promising picks for them to consider.

Class of 2023 NFL Mock Draft 2 Rounds

From quarterbacks to defensive backs, the Class of 2023 provides plenty of value in the first two rounds. We take a look at some of the top picks and players to watch in this premature mock draft.

Stroud is an ideal second-round pick for Frank Reich's offense, as his reliable quarterback with high accuracy can make throws between defenders and can also go off script when needed.

1. C.J. Stroud (Carolina Panthers)

On Underdog Fantasy with Josh Norris, Carolina Panthers quarterback coach Josh McCown shared his thoughts on Ohio State's C.J. Stroud - widely considered one of the top two quarterback prospects in this year's draft class - who is widely viewed as one of the top two prospects at his position.

Stroud, 21, is an accomplished pocket passer with impressive arm talent and pinpoint accuracy on throws downfield. However, his ability to function outside structure and handle pressure have been questioned. In the Peach Bowl against Georgia, however, Stroud had a stellar performance: throwing for 348 yards with four touchdowns on 23-of-34 passing while also using his legs to get into space.

If the Panthers truly desire Stroud, they could potentially move up from their ninth overall pick and acquire his services. That would require giving up both their first-rounder for next season and a second-rounder this season.

The Indianapolis Colts are another team in need of a QB, and would be interested in trading up for either Stroud or Alabama's Bryce Young. If the Colts were willing to make such an offer, General Manager Chris Ballard would be more than delighted to oblige.

2. Jalen Carter (Chicago Bears)

The Chicago Bears are in need of assistance at all positions, particularly linebacker. After trading Roquan Smith to Houston, they're left with a need at this position and several quality edge rushers available on the market.

Jalen Carter is one of the premier defensive prospects in this year's draft, making him a hard player to ignore. Unfortunately, his recent arrest for drunken car racing and leaving the scene of a fatal crash could make him an attractive target for teams with uncertain risk assessments.

No matter what trade offers they receive, the Bears should keep an eye out for the top talent in this class. If they can move down into the top five but remain in the top four, they have a chance to select the best defender available in this draft.

If the Bears do indeed strike a deal, it will be beneficial for the team. They gain linebackers who can contribute immediately, two offensive linemen to build around and help on the edge for years to come.

3. Joey Porter (Seahawks)

On Thursday's 15-minute media session, Porter did not hold back when speaking of the similarities he shares with his famous father. He hopes to carry on the NFL legacy and also make a name for himself in the league.

He is a physical cornerback with the ideal frame, length and movement skillsets. Unfortunately, his play is inconsistent and he struggles to get his hands on the ball well.

In this draft, there are several cornerbacks who fit the mold better than Porter and are far more likely to be selected in the top round. Illinois' Devon Witherspoon, Oregon's Christian Gonzalez and South Carolina's Cam Smith all offer teams much better alternatives.

Porter was a junior cornerback for Penn State who started 13 games and recorded 769 snaps. As a junior, he recorded 46 tackles, 9 assists, 14 stops as well as forcing 3 pass breakups, 1 interception while giving up an unfavorable QB rating when targeted of 156.3.

4. Deebo Smith-Njigba (San Diego Chargers)

The Chargers need a weapon to complement Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, but without breaking their budget. That is why they have an open option to trade up for receivers such as Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Tennessee's Jordan Addison.

Smith-Njigba is an athletic and dynamic slot receiver with excellent ball skills and body control, making him a well-rounded route runner.

He missed the first four games of 2022 due to a hamstring injury, yet still managed to catch 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns in last year's Rose Bowl. A versatile player who can play in any spot on the field - be it the slot, Z or red zone - Johnson is an impressive prospect.

He may not be a high-volume receiver, but his versatility could make him an ideal pick for teams with limited running back options. He can run, catch the ball or return kicks and punts - making him a great value in streaming prices in both Standard and PPR formats.

5. C.J. Bergeron (Los Angeles Rams)

When the Los Angeles Rams pick 36th in April, they have plenty of decisions to make. Whether to address their offensive line or add a linebacker is one of them. Plus, thanks to a trade up from Carolina Panthers, they now possess an additional first-round pick.

Bergeron would make an excellent addition to the Rams as an offensive tackle with experience and the versatility to play either left or right at the next level. He was a 39-game starter at Syracuse, boasting impressive athleticism to block outside run lanes.

He can play inside to guard, where he has the capacity for creating a powerful push at the point of attack. Though he could benefit from some practice on his pass protection technique, he already possesses all of the tools necessary to become an NFL starter.

The Bengals need to secure their long-term left tackle position with Joe Burrow set for free agency. Anton Harrison would be an ideal pick to provide stability at this position; he possesses all of the athletic movement skills and play strength needed for great success early in his career, so they should be able to secure him now.

6. Tyree Wilson (Seahawks)

Wilson is an experienced, dynamic edge player who could potentially become an NFL starting defender. In 10 games for Texas Tech in 2022, he recorded 37 tackles, 15 stops and a team-high 50 total pressures (32 QB hurries and 10 QB hits).

His impressive combination of strength and flexibility allow him to dominate on defense in multiple ways. He can rush from the edge or on interiors, showing enough lateral agility to juggle and swat in tight spaces.

He's an incredibly versatile player, capable of handling the pass, locating the ball quickly and pursuing with passion. He can juggle in various spaces and shock offensive linemen with fluid movements.

He has the potential to become an excellent outside linebacker, a position for which Seattle currently lacks an immediate replacement after Lockett. If he can develop into his physical traits, it could be a major asset for the Seahawks in 2019.

7. Joey Flowers (Raiders)

The Raiders need assistance at several positions. James Cook can certainly use some running back company, but they also require a pass-rusher to bolster their defense.

With a high pick in the first round, they are likely to find someone who fits that mold. Joey Flowers, who visited for a junior day at Texas Tech last weekend, appears to be an ideal candidate.

His size and speed at a position that is overloaded could make him a top-10 pick in this 2023 NFL mock draft. Furthermore, he's an incredibly intelligent defensive back with excellent coverage skills.

He boasts a powerful arm and can execute play action with ease. Additionally, he's an impressive passer with superior field vision. Unfortunately, injuries have dogged him in the past; however, his numbers suggest he could be an exceptional quarterback if selected at top pick in the 2023 nfl mock draft. With such a talented roster full of quarterback prospects, it appears likely that he will be taken by someone looking for a signal caller during this year's draft.

8. Will Anderson (Carolina Panthers)

Will Anderson has the potential to become Alabama's first top overall draft pick since Harry Gilmer in 1948 if all things go his way in 2022.

His production is impressive, and the way he can shave edges off with his long arms and open rush paths from inside is a testament to his skill level. Additionally, he has an impressive base with an unstoppable motor that causes havoc from start to finish.

Though he may not possess the same athleticism as some of his teammates, he is a high-effort pass rusher who has already proven that he can make an impact on teams' defenses despite his size. Although his hand usage needs improvement, he possesses all of the physical tools to become an elite edge rusher in the NFL.

The Texans are in need of improving their offensive line and defensive front, and this presents them with a great chance to select one of the top edge rushers in this draft class. Under new DC DeMeco Ryans' leadership, Anderson can flourish under his guidance and help make the Texans into an impressive defensive force in the NFL.