2023 NFL Draft: November Mock Draft

Even though it’s only November, the 2023 NFL Draft doesn’t feel that far away

All-Star circuit invitations are out, and acceptances are coming in each day. Even though it’s only November, the 2023 NFL Draft doesn’t feel that far away. With the added clarity of an extra month, here’s my mock draft for November.

This isn’t a truly predictive mock draft. I’ve mixed some of my thoughts and biases with predictive elements. We’ll start doing fully predictive mocks once the final draft order is set after the Super Bowl. I’m still throwing stuff at a wall and seeing what sticks.

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

32. Philadelphia Eagles: O'Cyrus Torrence, IOL Florida

The Eagles value their depth and high-level talent along the defensive and offensive lines. They have several options if All-Pro center Jason Kelce retires after the 2022 season. Cam Jurgens, a 2022 second round pick, could step into the starting role, or left guard Landon Dickerson could slide over into the position he played during his final season at Alabama.

Torrence allows the Eagles to move Dickerson or replace pending free agent Isaac Seumalo. The 29-year-old starting right guard is a solid NFL starter, but he’s also the weakest link on Philadelphia’s start-studded line. Torrence played left guard in 2019, but he’s spent the past three seasons starting at right guard.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Jared Verse, EDGE Florida State

I’m surprised Frank Clark is still in Kansas City. The three-time Pro Bowler hasn’t been the same since leaving Seattle, and he’s costing the Chiefs a pretty penny to keep around despite his declining production. Cutting Clark would mean taking on dead money in the offseason, but the move would save roughly $20 million against the cap.

The Chiefs began retooling their defensive line by using the 30th overall pick on Purdue’s George Karlaftis last spring. They continue adding talent at a premier position by taking Verse. The Albany transfer still needs to become stouter against the run, but he’s only played at the FBS level for one season. He’ll take significant steps with NFL coaching.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE Notre Dame

The Vikings have two terrific pass rushers in Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith. However, the two former Pro Bowls aren’t far removed from significant injuries, and Hunter is only under contract through 2023. If Foskey falls this far in the draft, it would be hard for Minnesota to turn down solidifying a three-man rotation along the edge.

Foskey is a well-rounded prospect, but he lacks an arsenal of pass rushing moves and isn’t the bendiest player around the edge. This is a later selection than most people anticipate for Foskey, but I’m not sold he’ll go in the middle of the first round.

29. Buffalo Bills: Jalin Hyatt, WR Tennessee

Gabriel Davis isn’t the player everyone thought he could be after the historic playoff performance he posted against Kansas City. Ideally, Davis is still a mid-level WR2 or a high-end WR3. In this instance, Buffalo bets against Davis taking the next step by adding a speedster to their wide receiver room.

I’m far from sold on Hyatt as a first round pick, but NFL teams are obsessed with speed. The Tennessee wide receiver knows how to take the top off of defenses. He’s also an insurance policy if Davis requests an absurd amount of money when he becomes a free agent in 2024.

28. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Mayer, TE Notre Dame

Dallas used the franchise tag on Dalton Schultz this past spring, meaning the 26-year-old tight end becomes a free agent after this season. Schultz is a good tight end, but he’s probably not worth the value he’ll receive on the open market. His production is down significantly, which makes it even easier for the Cowboys to let him walk.

Mayer is a well-rounded tight end who offers high upside as a pass catcher and enough upside to handle duties as a blocker. However, he’s not a very dynamic athlete. It’s doubtful he ascends to the level of Mark Andrews, Travis Kelce, George Kittle, etc. Mayer’s ceiling is closer to prime Zach Ertz.

27. Tennessee Titans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR Ohio State

Treylon Burks is coming off the best game of his young career. The rookie 18th overall pick caught seven of eight targets for 111 yards in Tennessee’s recent win over Green Bay. Even if Burks continues his upward trajectory, the Titans should consider adding to their wide receiver room.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Robert Woods aren’t players Tennessee should ask to shoulder heavy burdens in the future. Spending back-to-back first round picks on pass catchers might seem odd, but the Titans are building their wide receiver room from the ground up. Sometimes this is just what it takes.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Bijan Robinson, RB Texas

I’m not a fan of drafting running backs in the first round, but Robinson is the best prospect at his position since Saquon Barkley. He’s a physical menace on the ground with the burst to generate big plays. The Texas product also has upside as a pass catcher to take some of the offensive burden off Lamar Jackson.

The Ravens built their offensive philosophy around a strong running game. Injuries to J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards over the past two years have caused Baltimore to scramble their usual style. Robinson will get them back to their identity.

25. New York Giants: Clark Phillips III, CB Utah

Phillips is an undersized defender that some teams might only view as a slot cornerback, but the Utah product deserves a chance to play outside. He’s a sticky defender who displays exciting twitch and athleticism. His instincts and anticipation are among the best in the 2023 cornerback class.

New York has one legitimate outside corner in Adoree' Jackson, but they could upgrade over Fabian Moreau at the CB2 spot. At worst, Phillips would jump Darnay Holmes for the team’s new slot role. The Giants drafted Cordale Flott in the third round last year, and their confidence in his growth could determine if they take a corner in the first round.

24. Miami Dolphins: Forfeited

One fewer first round pick this year means the top of the second round will have even more talent.

23. Cincinnati Bengals: Devon Witherspoon, CB Illinois

Cincinnati spent money last offseason on upgrading the offensive line. This year, the Bengals should focus on revamping their secondary. An injury to Chidobe Awuzie revealed how thin Cincinnati is at cornerback. Eli Apple and rookie second rounder Cam Taylor-Britt can’t hold up without a top option like Awuzie.

Drafting Witherspoon allows the Bengals to move on from Apple, who will be a free agent after this season. There are some concerns about Witherspoon not possessing the size to play outside, but he has the athleticism and feistiness to battle outside.

22. New York Jets: Brian Branch, S Alabama

The Jets would love for any of the top three wide receivers to reach them at this spot. Corey Davis’ struggles with injuries and inconsistent play since arriving in New York make him an expendable asset, especially considering his contract carries under one million dollars in dead cap if he’s released this coming offseason.

Unfortunately, the top three wide receivers are already gone. That leaves Branch, a dynamic defensive back capable of working in the slot and helping in the box. Jets starting safety Lamarcus Joyner is a free agent this coming spring.

21. Seattle Seahawks: Rashee Rice, WR SMU

I began plotting out this mock draft before the Thanksgiving Day games. I planned to have Seattle draft Jalin Hyatt from Tennessee, but Thursday’s outcomes led to Rice being available at this spot. Seattle has young talent across the board. Pete Carroll’s team only needs depth along the interior offensive and defensive lines (and possibly a quarterback), but the worthwhile trench players are long gone.

Adding Rice gives Seattle three fantastic wide receivers with different skill sets. Rice starting alongside Tyler Lockett (slot) and D.K. Metcalf with D'Wayne Eskridge and possibly Marquise Goodwin coming off the bench makes Seattle’s wide receiver room one of the NFL’s best.

20. Denver Broncos (Via 49ers): Trenton Simpson, LB Clemson

The Broncos have a downhill linebacker in Josey Jewell and a slightly more athletic starter in Alex Singleton. Even without Bradley Chubb, Denver has one of the league’s better defenses. They’ve held opponents to 20 points or less in eight of their ten games this season. Off-ball linebacker is the one defensive position for Denver that truly lacks talent.

There’s a legitimate chance that Simpson falls out of the first round and we see no linebackers go in the top 31 selections. The Clemson star needs to answer what roles he can play in the NFL. There’s a chance he’s a 4-3 scheme-specific player, in which case, he won’t go to Denver.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Anthony Richardson, QB Florida

Anthony Richardson and Will Levis haven’t looked like first round quarterbacks this year. I wouldn’t touch either SEC quarterback in the first round, but I have a hard time believing NFL teams will look at a mobile 6'4", 232 lb. quarterback with a live arm and be able to contain themselves.

Tom Brady looks like he could play another season, but he’s only under contract in Tampa Bay through the end of 2022. Even if the ageless wonder decides to return for another year, the Buccaneers should prioritize their long-term future over the happiness of a declining star.

18. Washington Commanders: Kelee Ringo, CB Georgia

Assuming the current Commanders coaching staff returns in 2022, they’ll want another starting-caliber corner to add to their zone-heavy scheme. They traded William Jackson III because he wasn’t a scheme fit, but Ringo could be a terrific fit. Some teams will want to experiment with him in man schemes, but Ringo’s current build prevents him from staying attached to receivers on any routes that aren’t going vertical.

17. New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB Oregon

New England is one of the remaining franchises that plays a hefty amount of man coverage. Gonzalez possesses the athletic ability to fulfill a man-heavy role for the Patriots. Bill Belichick’s defense had an elite corner during the Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson years. Even Darrelle Revis and Aqib Talib operated as shutdown stars in Foxborough.

The Patriots don’t have a star corner right now. Rookie Jack Jones, Jonathan Jones, and Jalen Mills are the only players with more than 100 snaps at outside corner for the Patriots this season. That’s not a group built to hang with AFC East wide receivers like Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Garrett Wilson.

16. Los Angeles Chargers: Bryan Bresee, IDL Clemson

Bresee’s best fit is in a 4-3 front, but the former five-star recruit played defensive end in high school and still has the versatility to move around the line. Imagine Bresee rushing from the interior with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack firing off the edges. It would be a nightmare situation for offensive coordinators.

Bresee drops this far in the draft because he’s struggled to stay on the field during his three years at Clemson. He’s never played more than 400 defensive snaps in a single season.

15. Atlanta Falcons: Peter Skoronski, OT Northwestern

Skoronski might be the most polished offensive lineman in this draft class. The Northwestern left tackle has only allowed five pressures this season. However, teams have questions about his arm length and viability as an NFL tackle. The Falcons could really use Skoronski’s help at left guard, and they could evaluate him as a potential replacement for Jake Matthews, who becomes a cut candidate in 2024. 

Skoronski isn’t a mauler, and the Falcons are surviving on offense this year because of the movement they’re generating up front. He might not be a fit for what Atlanta needs along the line.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Broderick Jones, OT Georgia

Colts general manager Chris Ballard understands by now that his team needs to draft a quarterback. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a chance in this mock draft. The top three quarterbacks are already off the board, and the Colts don’t feel like taking a flier on a three to four-year project like Anthony Richardson.

Bernhard Raimann hasn’t performed well in his limited time as an NFL left tackle. Jones could join the Colts and start right away along a line that’s struggling to perform at a league-average level.

13. Green Bay Packers: Paris Johnson Jr., OT Ohio State

This is a rich selection for Johnson, who should go somewhere in the twenties. However, the Packers need offensive line help, and Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski isn’t a scheme fit. Georgia’s Broderick Jones is a higher-ranking tackle on my board, but Johnson’s experience starting in multiple roles makes it easier to send him to Green Bay.

Johnson started at right guard in 2021 and played left tackle this season. He could start as a rookie in place of right guard Jon Runyan before transitioning to left tackle after David Bakhtiari retires.

12. Detroit Lions: Will Levis, QB Kentucky

As I wrote earlier, I don’t view Levis as a first round-caliber quarterback. However, right or wrong, NFL teams consistently bet on traits. Dan Campbell and the Lions must be starting to feel pressure to add a young quarterback or make a run at the playoffs. Detroit’s current leadership group is in danger of being too passive in the draft and losing their goodwill.

This is a bet based entirely on physical potential. Levis has all of the arm talent evaluators could want in a quarterback prospect. He’s also mobile. However, the fifth-year quarterback is inaccurate, especially on downfield throws, and makes poor reads post-snap.

11. Arizona Cardinals: Cam Smith, CB South Carolina

Arizona’s starting cornerbacks are Byron Murphy Jr. and Marco Wilson. At worst, Murphy is still a starting-caliber slot corner. On the other hand, Wilson is running out of time to prove he’s worth retaining in a starting role. The 2021 fourth round pick has allowed more than 950 receiving yards over his two seasons in the NFL.

Smith hasn’t matched the production from his 2021 breakout season, but he still has the traits to step in as a day one starter.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Saints): Myles Murphy, EDGE Clemson

The Eagles already addressed their offensive line by drafting O'Cyrus Torrence. Now it’s time to build up the defensive front. Murphy drops to ten in this mock draft because of concerns about his short arms and lack of sophisticated pass rush moves. The true junior primarily wins with power and explosiveness off the edge but displays limited bend and finesse moves.

Philadelphia’s defensive line needs a reset. Veteran players past their primes man the interior, and the edge position features soon-to-be free agents in Brandon Graham and Robert Quinn. Derek Barnett and Janarius Robinson are signed through 2023, but they’re underwhelming starting options. Drafting Murphy begins the process of reinventing Philadelphia’s defensive line.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT Penn State

Fashanu was 19 years old for most of his redshirt sophomore season this year. As you might expect from a young player with only one season of starting time under his belt, Fashanu needs to improve his play strength and smooth out some of the rough edges to his technique. However, what he’s accomplished at such a young age has NFL teams prepared to take him with a top ten selection.

Fashanu only allowed seven pressures (and no sacks) through his first eight appearances this season. He recently missed some time with an injury, but assuming the medicals check out, he’d be an excellent replacement for struggling left tackle Dan Moore Jr. Pittsburgh’s offensive line is one of the worst in the NFL.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jordan Addison, WR USC

The Jaguars overpaid last summer to inject their roster with some new talent. Despite the knee-jerk reaction to the Christian Kirk contract, the former Cardinal has been a hit in Jacksonville. Fellow free agent addition Zay Jones has also played a significant role in the offense. However, Trevor Lawrence is still missing a true go-to option.

Addison isn’t in the same class as former top ten picks like Ja'Marr Chase or Jaylen Waddle, but he should be able to match DeVonta Smith’s level of production. Addison is a technical route runner who has humiliated several NFL-caliber cornerbacks during his college career.

7. Houston Texans (Via Browns): Quentin Johnston, WR TCU

Houston addresses their quarterback situation with the top overall pick in the draft, meaning they use this selection to build around the future of their franchise. Unofficially listed at 6'4", 215 lbs., Johnston is a rare mover for his size. His speed and build help him threaten teams vertically, creating mismatches against most opponents.

Ideally, Brandin Cooks is still a Texan next season, but that relationship is souring. Cooks’ contract isn’t easy to get out of until 2024, which could mean he’s stuck in Houston. While the veteran’s status is up in the air, we’re pretty confident Houston will have developmental options Nico Collins and John Metchie III (and possibly Amari Rodgers) available.

6. Detroit Lions (Via Rams): Joey Porter Jr., CB Penn State

This pick is very high for Porter. The long-limbed redshirt junior only has one interception to his name in college, and smaller, twitchier receivers give him issues. However, Porter is an immensely gifted player with unique physical talent. He’s cut down on penalty concerns this season and has allowed under 130 yards in coverage.

The Lions have two first round picks this year. Logic says take a quarterback here if you love one, but the quarterbacks after Stroud and Young aren’t very good. Levis and Richardson have elite traits, but their fundamentals, decision-making, and reads are developmental at best. Neither is a top 30 prospect in this class.

5. Seattle Seahawks (Via Broncos): Tyree Wilson, EDGE Texas Tech

Wilson suffered a season-ending foot injury that required surgery in Texas Tech’s game against Kansas. The breakout superstar is on track to be a top ten pick, assuming he recovers without setbacks and passes the medical examination process at the NFL Combine. Wilson possesses rare physical tools similar to what Travon Walker brought to the table last year.

The Seahawks continue throwing assets at their edge rusher position but haven’t landed a star yet. Former first round pick L.J. Collier is on his way out, 2020 second round pick Darrell Taylor hasn’t impressed much, rookie Boye Mafe is still adjusting to the NFL, Alton Robinson is on IR, and Uchenna Nwosu is only under contract for one more season. It’s a good time to try and resolve any lingering issues at edge.

4. Las Vegas Raiders: Jalen Carter, IDL Georgia

We could be talking about a completely different draft scenario if the Raiders decide to blow it up in the spring by firing head coach Josh McDaniels and trading Derek Carr. Assuming that doesn’t happen, Las Vegas desperately needs help in the trenches. With the offensive line pool still looking a bit disappointing, the Raiders grab one of the few blue-chip prospects in this class.

Carter hasn’t posted overwhelming numbers during his time with the Bulldogs, but it was clear last season that he was already a better NFL prospect than former teammates and first round picks Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt. Carter is a powerful and sudden athlete who overwhelms offensive linemen.

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

Anderson isn’t matching the monster numbers he had in 2021, but he’s still one of the most athletic and physically imposing members of the 2023 draft class. The Bears recently traded Robert Quinn, dismantling a defensive front that entered the 2021 season with Khalil Mack and Quinn at the helm.

Anderson adds some fangs to Chicago’s defensive front. Fans probably want an offensive pick here to help build around Justin Fields, but there aren’t any offensive linemen or wide receivers worth a selection this high up the board. The Bears are a prime candidate to trade back and accumulate more picks.

2. Carolina Panthers: C.J. Stroud, QB Ohio State

General Manager Scott Fitterer survived Matt Rhule’s firing, but he’s feeling the heat from owner David Tepper to find a sense of direction for the franchise. Considering the team recently announced another quarterback change (they’re starting Sam Darnold again), the Panthers must invest a high pick in the next leader of their franchise.

Stroud’s footwork and post-snap reads leave much to be desired, but he’s the easiest quarterback to project to the next level in this class. The 2022 Heisman candidate has prototypical size and arm strength, and he’s shown clear development since taking over as Ohio State’s starter last season.

1. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB Alabama

The Texans decided to bench Davis Mills ahead of their Week 12 match against the Miami Dolphins. The Mills experiment is officially at an end, meaning it’s time for the Texans to draft their quarterback of the future. Stroud has a cleaner projection to the NFL than Young, but the Alabama product is a more fundamentally sound passer.

Drafting Young first overall comes with some risks, but his it-factor, accuracy, and late-game heroics put him ahead of Stroud. 

Second Round

64. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyrique Stevenson, CB Miami

63. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaelyn Duncan, OT Kansas City Chiefs

62. Detroit Lions (Via Vikings): Luke Musgrave, TE Oregon State

61. Buffalo Bills: Christopher Smith, S Georgia

60. Dallas Cowboys: Eli Ricks, CB Alabama

59. Chicago Bears (Via Ravens): Jordan Morgan, OT Arizona

58. Tennessee Titans: Cooper Beebe, IOL Kansas State

57. New York Giants: Noah Sewell, LB Oregon

56. Miami Dolphins: DJ Turner, CB Michigan

55. Carolina Panthers (Via 49ers): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE Kansas State

54. Cincinnati Bengals: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Alabama

53. New York Jets: Jack Campbell, LB Iowa

52. Seattle Seahawks: Antonio Johnson, S Texas A&M

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zach Harrison, EDGE Ohio State

50. New England Patriots: Mike Morris, EDGE Michigan

49. Washington Commanders: Cody Mauch, OT/IOL North Dakota State

48. Los Angeles Chargers: Zay Flowers, WR Boston College

47. Atlanta Falcons: Derick Hall, EDGE Auburn

46. Indianapolis Colts: Emmanuel Forbes, CB Mississippi State

45. New Orleans Saints: Gervon Dexter, IDL Florida

44. Green Bay Packers: Darnell Washington, TE Georgia

43. Detroit Lions: Henry To'oto'o, LB Alabama

42. Arizona Cardinals: Nolan Smith, EDGE Georgia

41. Las Vegas Raiders: Cedric Tillman, WR Tennessee

40. Pittsburgh Steelers: Garrett Williams, CB Syracuse

39. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dawand Jones, OT Ohio State

38. Cleveland Browns: Kayshon Boutte, WR LSU

37. Las Angeles Rams: Anton Harrison, OT Oklahoma

36. Seattle Seahawks (Via Broncos): John Michael Schmitz, IOL Minnesota

35. Carolina Panthers: Josh Downs, WR North Carolina

34. Pittsburgh Steelers (Via Bears): BJ Ojulari, EDGE LSU

33. Houston Texans: Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE USC

Best Available

Devon Achane, RB Texas A&M

Steve Avila, IOL TCU

Deonte Banks, CB Maryland

Jordan Battle, S Alabama

Tank Bigsby, RB Auburn

Blake Corum, RB Michigan

Zach Evans, RB Ole Miss

Jaren Hall, QB BYU

Daiyan Henley, LB Washington State

Hendon Hooker, QB Tennessee

Roschon Johnson, RB Texas

Jaylon Jones, CB Texas A&M

Dalton Kincaid, TE Utah

Tucker Kraft, TE South Dakota State

Tanner McKee, QB Stanford

Kendre Miller, RB TCU

Bo Nix, QB Oregon

JL Skinner, S Boise State

Mazi Smith, IDL Michigan

Lukas Van Ness, EDGE Iowa

Sedrick Van Pran, IOL Georgia

Cameron Ward, QB Washington State

Luke Wypler, IOL Ohio State