2023 NFL Draft: December Mock Draft

We're getting closer to learning the official draft order

We’re already in the final month of 2022, and the college football regular season is over. I’m producing my monthly mock draft before my updated top 200 this time around because I have a few interesting players on the docket. This mock uses the latest order for the 2023 NFL Draft.

I’m still not ready to start writing predictive mock drafts. I’m still throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks. The mock I’ve put together today is a mixture of picks I enjoy, drafting for need, and including a few predictive elements. You’ll know when I start going full-predictive mode.

Please leave your complaints in the comment section or send them to my Twitter account @Sam_Teets33.

1. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB Alabama

The Texans may move on from their second one-and-done head coach this offseason. Depending on who they hire, Houston could build its supporting cast instead of going for the quarterback. Either way, this franchise needs some direction, and taking Young provides that. He comes with his fair share of concerns, but the former Heisman Trophy winner is also clearly the top quarterback prospect in this class.

2. Seattle Seahawks (Via Broncos): Jalen Carter, IDL Georgia

Seattle can draft Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. and finally resolve their revolving door at edge rusher. However, general manager John Schneider recognizes the depth in this edge class and the lack of talent along the interior defensive line. Carter is the rarer prospect, and there’s not a massive gap between him and Anderson.

3. Chicago Bears: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE Alabama

The Bears had one of the better pass rushing duos a few years ago, but now Khalil Mack is in Los Angeles and Robert Quinn plays for the Eagles. Chicago’s leaders in sacks this season are safety Jaquan Brisker (three) and Baltimore Raven Roquan Smith (2.5). Matt Eberflus’ defense needs some fangs coming off the edge.

4. Detroit Lions (Via Rams): Tyree Wilson, EDGE Texas Tech

The Lions address their defense at fourth overall, putting off adding a potential long-term developmental quarterback. They have a lot of young players up front, including Austin Bryant, James Houston, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Josh Paschal, and the Okwara brothers. However, Wilson is the most physically imposing player in the 2023 NFL Draft. He gives the Lions two full-time starting-level defensive ends.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Saints): Bryan Bresee, IDL Clemson

Philadelphia is losing a ton of trench players to free agency this offseason, including Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Javon Hargrave, Linval Joseph, Robert Quinn, and Ndamukong Suh. I’m sure they’ll re-sign a few of those players, but age, regression, and financial expectations make it unlikely the whole crew returns. When healthy, Bresee is a monster with the versatility to take snaps at defensive end.

6. Arizona Cardinals: Joey Porter Jr., CB Penn State

We’ve been mocking first round corners to the Cardinals for two or three years, and I’m not going to stop until they do something about their secondary. Marco Wilson being your only corner with more than 700 snaps at this point in the season isn’t good enough. Porter brings some physicality and elite traits to Arizona’s secondary.

7. Indianapolis Colts: Paris Johnson Jr., OT Ohio State

Colts general manager Chris Ballard might feel the pressure to take a quarterback here, but if Indianapolis’ front office cares about doing this rebuild correctly, they’ll put some key building blocks in place before throwing a quarterback to the wolves. This quarterback class, more than most, needs time and a good supporting cast to develop. The Colts don’t have that right now. 

Seventh overall is rich for Johnson, but the offensive tackle class is fairly disappointing. He carries the least number of concerns and disqualifiers among the tackle pool.

8. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Levis, QB Kentucky

Let me explain myself. I think the Raiders realized their ceiling with Derek Carr at quarterback this season. Granted, I’ve thought that before, but the first-year general manager and head coach probably feel the need to shake things up after they spent a ton of money in the offseason and stunk during the year.

Carr is under contract through 2025, but there’s a cheap $5.625 million out in his deal after this season. The Raiders could cut him, dangle him as trade bait, or keep him on the roster while Levis develops. I’m not a big fan of the Kentucky quarterback, but NFL teams seem to love his raw traits.

9. Carolina Panthers: Quentin Johnston, WR TCU

Like the Colts, the Panthers don’t have a ton of foundational building blocks on offense. General manager Scott Fitterer’s clock is ticking after the whole fiasco this season with Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and PJ Walker, but I’m not sold on C.J. Stroud or Anthony Richardson saving anyone’s job. Johnston gives the Panthers a legitimate receiver duo with DJ Moore ahead of developmental options Terrace Marshall Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr.

10. Atlanta Falcons: Kelee Ringo, CB Georgia

This isn’t the range I value Ringo in anymore. He’s more of a back-third of the first round prospect, but there’s room for him to succeed in Atlanta’s zone-heavy defense. He’s played in the shadow of Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the last few years and would be a welcome addition to a secondary already featuring A.J. Terrell.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jordan Addison, WR USC

Addison is a former Fred Biletnikoff Award winner. He excels at creating separation with route running and demolished several NFL cornerback prospects this season, including Kyu Blu Kelly and Clark Phillips III (the first time). Addison might not have the ideal ceiling of a top-12 selection, but he gives developing quarterback Trevor Lawrence the consistent outlet he’s needed over his first two seasons.

12. Houston Texans (Via Browns): Myles Murphy, EDGE Clemson

Concerns about arm length and a lack of bend could result in Murphy tumbling down draft boards late in the process. However, the Clemson star still has good burst and power for his size. The Texans could use his help, considering they’re losing Rasheem Green and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo in free agency. Thirty-four-year-old Jerry Hughes can only carry Houston’s pass rush for so long.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers: Christian Gonzalez, CB Oregon

Pittsburgh’s defense was at its best over the past few years when it had Joe Haden and Steven Nelson. Neither cornerback is still with the franchise, and Levi Wallace and Ahkello Witherspoon haven’t impressed this season. Gonzalez is a tremendous athlete, and he’s showcased increased ball production this season.

14. Green Bay Packers: Peter Skoronski, OT Northwestern

Green Bay has an affinity for offensive linemen capable of playing multiple positions. Whether it’s Royce Newman, Elgton Jenkins, Yosh Nijman, or Zach Tom, the Packers play musical chairs up front more than any team in the league. Skoronski provides some stability for an often-injured line with the option to begin his career at guard before potentially transitioning outside.

15. Detroit Lions: Cam Smith, CB South Carolina

The Lions have a handful of half-answers at cornerback in Jerry Jacobs, Jeffrey Okudah, and Amani Oruwariye. They’ve all shown potential but failed to put together complete seasons. Smith, who is still the top cornerback prospect for some analysts, gives Detroit another shot at landing a permanent, long-term starting corner.

Unfortunately for the Lions, this year’s quarterback class doesn’t lend itself to finding Jared Goff’s replacement.

16. Los Angeles Chargers: Broderick Jones, OT Georgia

At this point, I don’t care if Jones spends his entire rookie season as a sixth offensive lineman for the Chargers while transitioning to right tackle. For Justin Herbert’s sake, Los Angeles needs all of the help it can get to replace injured linemen and guard against depth concerns in the future. Jones primarily plays left tackle for the Bulldogs, but the Chargers could ask him to change roles after their myriad of misfortunes this year.

17. Seattle Seahawks: Jared Verse, EDGE Florida State

After taking Jalen Carter at the top of the draft, the Seahawks still get a dynamic pass rusher to complete their defensive line. Verse transferred from Albany to Florida State for the 2022 season, and he was a beast when healthy. He even received votes for the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award despite missing some time. Verse needs to improve his anchor against the run, but he’s a ready-made pass rusher with the burst to put offensive tackles on notice.

18. New York Jets: Rashee Rice, WR SMU

The Jets could save roughly $13 million by cutting Corey Davis this offseason. The former first round pick only has 952 yards over his 19 games with the team, meaning New York will likely let him go and search for an upgrade. Depending on where Denzel Mims and Elijah Moore stand with their trade requests, wide receiver could become an urgent need for the Jets.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C.J. Stroud, QB Ohio State

Stroud is a high-end college quarterback, but he’s not elite in any area. His footwork varies, his arm talent is above-average but not jaw-dropping, his release could be quicker, and his post-snap reads are questionable. It doesn’t help that Stroud is coming from a college offense notorious for producing big numbers and struggling rookies.

This selection allows the Buccaneers to retool their team regardless of if Tom Brady stays in Tampa Bay next year. The organization doesn’t view Kyle Trask as a viable successor.

Note: I’ll likely have at most 20 first round grades for the 2023 NFL Draft. It’s just not a top-heavy class. That means this is the range where the talent starts to become questionable. Many players at this point and beyond are considered top 50 picks but aren’t consensus first rounders. Enjoy the chaos.

20. Tennessee Titans: Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE USC

The Titans have several larger pass rushers that provide alignment versatility in 5-tech, 4-tech, and occasionally 3-tech roles. From that group, Denico Autry is recovering from a knee injury, and DeMarcus Walker is a pending free agent. That opens the door for Tuipulotu, who leads the nation in sacks and recently won the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award.

21. New England Patriots: Josh Downs, WR North Carolina

The Patriots have a lot of big bodies in their wide receiver room and lack a quick, go-to option with some burst to generate instant separation. That’s where Downs comes into play. He lacks the play strength to generate much YAC, but his speed in short areas should give Mac Jones an accessible target on short to intermediate throws.

22. Washington Commanders: Devon Witherspoon, CB Illinois

Ron Rivera’s defense is relying heavily on Benjamin St-Juste after trading disgruntled veteran William Jackson III. St-Juste is a fine rotational defender with good length, but he’s not ready for a full-time starting role. Witherspoon was the best cornerback in the country this year, and he plays with an attitude.

23. New York Giants: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR Ohio State

There’s a debate about Smith-Njigba’s draft stock after he basically missed the whole season. The junior was statistically dominant in 2021 and proved capable of producing separation with his route running. Medicals will be huge for his evaluation. While the Giants probably want a more dynamic option, Smith-Njigba is a quarterback-friendly receiver and one of my favorite prospects I studied over the summer.

24. Miami Dolphins: Forfeited

Cheaters never prosper kids.

25. Denver Broncos (Via 49ers): Anthony Richardson, QB Florida

Russell Wilson dug up some vintage moments against the Chiefs before getting knocked out of the game. Outside of Sunday’s performance, this year has gone as poorly as possible for the 34-year-old. He’s under contract through 2028 with a $31.2 million out after 2025. Wilson isn’t going anywhere soon, and that’s okay. Richardson won’t be ready to play for a few years anyway.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Clark Phillips III, CB Utah

The Ravens are playing an interesting combination of Kyle Hamilton and Damarion Williams in the slot this season. Those are young players with upside, but neither is a coverage defender on the level of Phillips. The Utah corner is a potential All-American who isn’t higher on the mock only because of his 5'10", 183 lb. frame. He would be a top 20 pick if he was 6'0", 193 lbs. because of his agility and mirroring skills in coverage.

27. Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Branch, S Alabama

The Bengals used their first round pick in 2022 on slot/safety hybrid Daxton Hill. They take a similar route in 2023, adding Branch to a young but improving secondary. Cincinnati safeties Jessie Bates III, Vonn Bell, and Michael Thomas are free agents this coming spring. The reigning AFC champions could save a ton of money by letting all three walk.

28. Dallas Cowboys: Bijan Robinson, RB Texas

Jerry Jones is a stout defender of Ezekiel Elliott, but even he must realize the franchise’s third-leading career rusher has lost a step. The Cowboys don’t need to cut Elliott, although finding a way out of his $16.72 million cap hit for 2023 is preferable, but they shouldn’t remain content with just him in the backfield. After all, there’s no way they’ll be able to afford pending free agent Tony Pollard.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Anton Harrison, OT Oklahoma

Chiefs left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. is tied for the league-lead in pressures allowed this season (40), followed by his teammate, right tackle Andrew Wylie (39). Kansas City sunk draft capital into acquiring Brown from Baltimore. The investment provided some stability for two years, but extending Brown this offseason would be a mistake.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Nolan Smith, EDGE Georgia

I’ve mocked Smith to the Vikings before, mostly because they keep playing themselves out of drafting one of the top six cornerbacks in this class. Minnesota has a lot of key building blocks in place, including both tackle positions, WR1, tight end, and the edge positions. The one premier position this team needs help at is corner, and there isn’t one available at this spot.

Smith is a lot lighter than the edge rushers Minnesota usually uses, but he plays above his weight in run defense.

31. Buffalo Bills: Dawand Jones, OT Ohio State

Jones probably has arms over 35 inches long, a rare find for offensive tackles. Teams have proven they’re willing to draft developmental traits-based prospects before. That was part of the reason Buffalo took current starting right tackle Spencer Brown in the first place. The difference is that Brown was a third round pick compared to a potential late first in this instance.

While Brown is only 24 years old and in his second season, he and possibly soon-to-be retired left guard Rodger Saffold are consistently the weakest links on a Bills offense with almost everything it needs to succeed.

Before you ask, no, I don’t like the value of this pick. Jones isn’t a first round talent in my books, but the Bills are a hard team to draft for in a year where the interior offensive line prospects are so underwhelming. It doesn’t help that Josh Downs is already off the board, and I just watched Jalin Hyatt’s tape the other day. I wasn’t impressed.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Darnell Washington, TE Georgia

I don’t think the Eagles go tight end at the back of the first round, and I don’t view Washington as a first round-caliber prospect. I just love the idea of Nick Sirianni and Shane Steichen running two or three-tight end sets with Dallas Goedert and Washington in the formation.

The Eagles have three tight ends under contract next year (Grant Calcaterra, Goedert, and Jack Stoll), and Tyree Jackson is an exclusive rights free agent. That makes this pick highly unlikely, and I wouldn’t include it in a predictive mock. There weren’t many attractive scheme or talent fits this late in the mock, and so I went the fun route.

The best players remaining Philadelphia could target that might meet their scheme and needs include Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Isaiah Foskey, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jalin Hyatt, Michael Mayer, Trenton Simpson, O'Cyrus Torrence, and DJ Turner.

Best Available

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE Kansas State

Deonte Banks, CB Maryland

Isaiah Foskey, EDGE Notre Dame

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Alabama

Derick Hall, EDGE Auburn

Jaren Hall, QB BYU

Jalin Hyatt, WR Tennessee

Tucker Kraft, TE South Dakota State

Michael Mayer, TE Notre Dame

Tanner McKee, QB Stanford

B.J. Ojulari, EDGE LSU

Trenton Simpson, LB Clemson

O'Cyrus Torrence, IOL Florida

DJ Turner, CB Michigan