Way too soon. Yes. A full season is yet to come, players will prove themselves and others will disappoint, worse some may even get injured. A mock draft being much more fun to read than a simple list, here are some of the players to follow for the 2023 draft. The position of the teams is only based on the current odds (May 2022) given by the bets made in Las Vegas.
The teams are there to illustrate player selection, but it’s clearly not a projection of the upcoming NFL season. If your favorites do not take the player you want, then the complaints office is run by Victor Roullier.
1 – Houston Texans : C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
While he had the daunting task of succeeding Justin Fields, Stroud impressed last year. Despite a sluggish start to the season, he progressed week after week with incredible consistency. The legs, the arm, the brain: everything seems ready at home for the NFL. Barring a cataclysm, he should be one of the two most prominent quarterbacks in 2023.
2 – Detroit Lions : Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
He is the other “star” quarterback of the vintage, and winner of the Heisman Trophy 2022. Bryce Young is also full of talent, but he will suffer from the athletic comparison with Stroud. A meter 83 for 88 kilos, not ideal in the NFL. However, he has too much talent in him and around him to leave the podium today.
3 – Atlanta Falcons : Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
No quarterback for Atlanta, but a generational player! Like Myles Garrett or Nick Bosa before him, he is expected to be an exceptional pass rusher. But he’s also the best defender against the run. In short, a complete player with no real faults, and a weighty reinforcement for a defense in search of “star power”.
4 – Jacksonville Jaguars : Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Decidedly Alabama and Ohio State vampirize the first places. The Jaguars have added talent on the defensive line in 2022, but the offensive line still needs some tweaking. Paris Johnson Jr. is currently the most prominent, even if this class is very homogeneous. Powerful and dominant in the running game, he has made significant progress in the passing game in 2022. If the progress continues, he can dream of a top 10.
5 – Carolina Panthers : Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami
If the quarterback class is exceptional, it is also homogeneous: at least 8 players can be the “quarterback number 3”. Parachuted into an inconstant Miami attack last season, he turned the team around in just a few weeks, to the point of becoming the undisputed leader of the squad. It must be confirmed of course, but such maturity for a “redshirt freshman” is stunning, and he has the athletic abilities to seduce NFL recruiters.
6 – New York Giants : Will Levis, QB; Kentucky
It’s a real tidal wave on the quarterbacks! Another bet, this time from Kentucky! Older than his direct opponents, he knew how to bounce back after a transfer from Penn State to do a lot with little at his new university. This choice is a strong projection, but with a favorable system it can work wonders in 2022.
7 – New York Jets : Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
New York theoretically doesn’t need a quarterback, so they choose the best player available. A complete, powerful and technical lineman, Carter ticks all the boxes. Even in a weaker year in 2021 despite more playing time, he finally has the opportunity to shine with the departures of Travon Walker, Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt. This is his moment, his time to shine.
8 – Seattle Seahawks : Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
Quarterback, Chapter 5! After three years of waiting behind Zach Wilson, Jaren Hall finally had the opportunity to shine in 2021. A double threat with a powerful arm, he has an intriguing profile that can do wonders in 2022, and in the NFL.
9 – Chicago Bears : Jordan Addison, WR, Pittsburgh (pour l’instant)
If the crop of receivers should not be as deep as in previous years, the headliners are sparkling. Author of an exceptional season in 2021 with Kenny Pickett, Addison is choosing a new destination in 2022. Whether it’s Alabama or USC (the favorites), he will have the opportunity to show that he is not a “one year wonder”.
10 – Pittsburgh Steelers : Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The best cornerback of the vintage has waited long enough! Zone defence, man-to-man, tackle or race defence: he can do EVERYTHING. Ticking all the athletic boxes, the top 10 seems like the max for him (barring injury) given how important the position is in today’s NFL.
11 – Washington Commanders: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
For the first time in years, there is a dominant “traditional” tight end in this cuvée. A talented receiver but also a good blocker, Mayer will attract many teams. If he has good hands and can win the ball in a duel, his ability to run the lines and create separation remains an anomaly for his size.
12 – Las Vegas Raiders: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Absolutely irresistible in the Ohio State attack, Smith-Njigba must take advantage of the departures of Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson to become the boss of this attack. He has the talent, but he is going to be expected in 2022. If he continues to progress, he could even be much higher.
13 – Minnesota Vikings :Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
The third “premium” receiver in this draft is also in the top 15. He too has the ability to be higher, but he has the misfortune to have missed part of the 2021 season for a knee injury. If he comes back to the top, he can climb very high too. Successor to Ja’Marr Chase, he can do wonders after reception, which is fundamental in the NFL.
14 – Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints) : Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
A diamond in the rough, that’s Joey Porter. In an open cornerback cuvée (apart from Ringo). Finally coming of age, Porter is making progress on the cover every week, and finally looks like he can contribute on the running game. If he corrects his tackling technique, he can climb very high.
15 – Miami Dolphins : B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
Miami needs “star power”, and reinforcements in the pass rush. BJ Ojulari, the brother of Azeez (Giants), seems to suit the defensive system of the Dolphins and has the talent to turn a front seven, in the running game and in the passing game. Athletic and talented, top 15. CQFD.
16 – New England Patriots : Justin Flowe, LB, Oregon
If you need a linebacker, Oregon is a great destination. first player of the duo: Justin Flowe. An athletic freak, Fowe is the best run defender in the vintage. Making progress last season in coverage, he needs to explode in 2022 to get a pick in a defense that loves massive linebackers.
17 – Philadelphia Eagles : Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Eagles have two issues to resolve on the line: finding a guard in the short term, and a replacement right tackle for Lane Johnson in the medium term. Peter Skoronski solves both problems. Mobile and fast, Skoronski is particularly effective against the pass and intelligent in his placement.
18 – Arizona Cardinals : Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Another talented pass rusher, also able to contribute against the race. Nolan Smith is a tireless leader and player on the court. Above average athletically, he’s the kind of player who shows up in big games.
19 – Tennessee Titans : Connor Galvin, OT, Baylor
One of the risky choices of this first round, in an uncertain position for 2023. A real mountain of more than two meters, he achieved an extraordinary 2021 season: 881 snaps, 0 sacks collected, only 1 “hit”. If he continues his momentum, he can apply in the first round.
20 – Indianapolis Colts : Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
One of the enigmas of the draft. Full of talent, Eli Ricks disappointed in 2021, was injured and was even recently the subject of extra-sporting stories. Transferred to Alabama, he can explode and become a top 20. But we will have to keep quiet off the field.
21 – Houston Texans (from Cleveland) : Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Houston needs talent in the front seven, and taking the best EDGE available seems like a good idea. A true physical monster, Murphy is not a pure pass rusher but a versatile player capable of driving the back line inside or outside. A valuable addition for the Texans.
22 – Baltimore Ravens : Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Sometimes one match is enough to put you on the map. Author of 185 yards and 3 touchdowns against Oklahoma, Quentin Johnston was the light in a sad aerial attack by TCU. If it manages to show more in 2022, its value could quickly explode.
23 – Cincinnati Bengals : Bryan Breese, DL, Clemson
Another lineman from Clemson, but this time a more inside profile. After a truncated season in 2021, the Tiger wants to prove that he still deserves to be considered in the first round. Able to contribute in pass rush from the middle, he is a real disruptive force when he is in good physical shape.
24 – Los Angeles Chargers : Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Oregon linebacker, part two. And this time again, there is meat! A box player, he can be a force in pass rush but his weakness in coverage remains a concern. Like Flowe, he must show real progress in this area in 2022.
25 – Dallas Cowboys : Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
Phenomenon of the 2020 season, Brandon Joseph got a little lost last year. His transfer to Notre Dame makes sense, where he will have the daunting task of replacing Kyle Hamilton. A great showcase for him, and the opportunity to once again demonstrate all his abilities as a “playmaker”.
26 – Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos) : Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama
Another linebacker, this time to succeed Bobby Wagner. If To’o To’o is a complete linebacker, his first season at Alabama was not a complete success. He needs to prove he can be a middle linebacker, not just a weak side player in the NFL. It will also have to progress on the cover, definitely a constant among the LBs of this vintage!
27 – Miami Dolphins (from 49ers) : Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
If 2022 did not see a runner in the first lap, 2023 should return to this (bad) habit. Miami must dream and send star power? Here is the most anticipated running back in half a decade. Powerful, fast and capable of breaking defenders, he has all the qualities to dominate.
28 – Detroit Lions : Clark Philips, CB, Utah
Last cornerback of this first round, Philips proves that there was not only Devin Lloyd in the defense of Utah. Not ticking all the boxes physically, however, he has an impressive ability to cover ground. It’s a risky choice for this mock, but sometimes you need it.
29 – Green Bay Packers : Jalen Catalon, S, Arkansas
After a phenomenal 2020 season, Catalon had a difficult 2021 season. However, he has the talent to bounce back, and if he finds his “killer” instincts again, he should finish high on the boards. Smaller than average, its versatility makes up for this size deficit.
30 – Kansas City Chiefs : Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Like an Aidan Hutchinson a year ago, Foskey decided to go back to college to go from a potential 2nd rounder to a first-rounder. He is progressing every year, and he is banking on his potential to go even higher. Winning bet?
31 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Emil Ekiyor Jr., G, Alabama
Will a guard be in the first round? Far from a certainty. Ekiyor is the one that seems the most complete today, and evolving at a high university level. Particularly at ease in the passing game, Ekiyor has good mobility despite weighing 147 kilos on the scale.
32 – Buffalo Bills : Jarrett Patterson, C, Notre Dame
In three college seasons, Jarrett Patterson has never conceded a single sack! Impressive for one of the two most prominent centers of the vintage with Sedrick Van Pran. As effective for the race as for the pass, he has the shoulders to become a long-term starter in the NFL.
