In my first 2023 NFL mock draft, I am using team needs and relying a bit more heavily on my prospect grades and evaluations
, to determine who lands where in Round 1. As we get closer to April, though,
my mock drafts will have less to do with how I see these players, and more to do with what I think teams want to do with each pick.
Pick 1. Chicago Bears Chicago Bears I'm not making a trade projection in Mock 1.0, so we will give the Bears a dominant interior defender with the ability to help the run defense and pass rush.
Pick 2. Houston Texans Houston Texans The entire city of Houston rejoices as the franchise pairs the fan-favorite quarterback with the fan-favorite head coaching hire, DeMeco Ryans.
Pick 3. Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals Alabama · Edge · Junior The talented Alabama pass rusher joins a defensive unit in desperate need of more pressure off the edge.
Pick 4. Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts It's hard to imagine the Colts wanting to turn to another veteran quarterback with limited upside. Instead, they go young and build for the future.
Pick 5. Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks Texas Tech · Edge · Senior (RS) Seattle is hoping to build a fearsome front, and it starts with the pass rush. Wilson is a long-limbed, athletic edge rusher, which is exactly what GM John Schneider covets.
Pick 6. Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions showed they mean business last year, but there is only so much business you can mean if you don't have a better secondary.
7. Las Vegas Raiders Las Vegas Raiders One of the most polarizing quarterbacks in this draft lands in Las Vegas, where he will have a plethora of talented pass-catchers to target.
Pick 8. Atlanta Falcons Have I got good news for Falcons fans. You need linebacker help and a pass rusher, and it just so happens that this monster can do both!
Pick 9. Carolina Panthers I had Bijan Robinson here -- and he's the better player right now -- but taking an edge rusher with upside here makes sense as the Panthers' new staff should have time to develop White's potential.
Pick 10. Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles Witherspoon is a highly confident, ball-hawking cornerback with the type of energy that will fit right in with the Eagles and their fan base.