The 2022 NFL season is just weeks away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the upcoming NFL Draft.
The 2023 class should be a great one. Among the projected top prospects are talented quarterbacks, pass rushers, and receivers. But who will go No. 1 overall? And which team will make that pick?
Here is our complete first-round NFL mock draft for 2023:
Note: The Miami Dolphins have forfeited their 2023 first-round pick after an NFL investigation found they violated league policies related to the integrity of the game, so there will only be 31 selections in Round 1.
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1
1. Seattle Seahawks: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Seahawks are entering the 2022 season with Drew Lock and Geno Smith as their quarterbacks. That’s a sure-fire way to pick inside of the top three in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Bryce Young is the best quarterback prospect in this class despite not having ideal size (listed at 6-foot). Still, he’s incredibly accurate and knows how to throw on time with anticipation.
NFL Draft Bet: Bryce Young 2023 No. 1 Pick
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2. Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Falcons selected Desmond Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but that certainly won’t stop them from taking a much better quarterback prospect in C.J. Stroud.
During the 2022 season, Stroud threw 44 touchdowns while completing nearly 72% of his passes. He needs to speed up his game, but he is a fantastic quarterback prospect who could easily be picked at No. 1.
NFL Bet of the Day: C.J. Stroud No. 1 Pick in 2023 NFL Draft
3. Houston Texans: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Will Anderson would be the No. 1 pick in most drafts despite being an EDGE rusher. He’s truly one of the most dominant pass rushers we’ve ever seen come out of college.
During the 2021 season, he led the SEC in tackles for a loss with 31 and had 17.5 sacks. That was the most sacks ever in one season by an SEC player as he was nearly unblockable.
Anderson also had an insane 55 hurries last year, leading all of college football.
While he might not have the same size as a Myles Garrett or a Jadeveon Clowney entering the NFL, he’s just a far better player. Picking him at No. 3 would be a massive steal for the Texans.
Could Alabama’s Will Anderson follow in Travon Walker’s footsteps as the next SEC pass rusher to be the No. 1 overall pick? (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Jalen Carter was the best defensive tackle on Georgia last season and is a true pass-rush star. He totaled 8.5 tackles for loss on just 396 defensive snaps last year.
Even more impressive were his 24 quarterback hurries. To put that into perspective, Jordan Davis (pick No. 13 in 2022) totaled just 14 hurries on a similar number of snaps.
Carter has all the tools to be an All-Pro defensive tackle in the NFL.
5. Chicago Bears: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Bears didn’t get Justin Fields much help this offseason, so look for them to select a No. 1 receiver in Round 1 of the 2023 draft. The top wideout in this class is Field’s former Ohio State teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Despite playing with Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave (both top 12 selections in 2022), Smith-Njigba was the No. 1 receiver on that team. He led the Buckeyes in receptions (95) and yards (1,606), and he’s incredibly dynamic after the catch.
He would be a perfect fit with Fields in Chicago, should he fall to No. 5.
6. Carolina Panthers: Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami (FL)
Matt Rhule has had back-to-back five-win seasons to start his NFL coaching career. If he has a third, look for the Panthers to move on.
And despite them taking Matt Corral in the latter part of the third round in 2022, don’t be surprised if they use their top pick on a quarterback.
One quarterback to keep an eye on during this college football season is Tyler Van Dyke from Miami. He ended up starting over D’Eriq King for most of last season, and that was the wise move.
Van Dyke played exceptionally well in the final six games of the campaign, throwing 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He led Miami to a 5-1 record during that time, picking up wins over Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech.
If he can continue to improve, he’ll have a shot at being the No. 3 quarterback off the board in 2023.
7. New York Jets: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
At this point, the Jets can no longer count on Mekhi Becton. He’ll miss the entire 2022 season with a knee injury and has played just one game since the start of the 2021 season. For that reason, expect the Jets to look at offensive tackle early in Round 1.
One name to keep an eye on is Paris Johnson Jr. from Ohio State. He’s only played guard so far in his college career but is expected to move out to left tackle in 2022.
Assuming that goes well, he could easily be the first offensive tackle off the board in 2023. He’s got the size, power, and length to be a star at nearly any position in the NFL.
- Keep track of the best NFL betting tips and college football bets of the day.
8. Detroit Lions: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
The Lions would love to draft one of the top three quarterbacks here at No. 8, but none are available. So, don’t be surprised if they are very aggressive trying to trade up next year to find their next franchise quarterback.
If that doesn’t happen, look for the Lions to continue to rebuild their wide receiver group. D.J. Chark is on a one-year deal and we’ll see how Jameson Williams turns out.
LSU’s Kayshon Boutte only played six games in 2021, but he had multiple outings over 120 yards. He’s extremely young and raw, but he should have a monster season in Baton Rouge this year.
9. Washington Commanders: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Washington didn’t do much to help their offensive line this offseason as they opted to trade for Carson Wentz and pick wide receiver Jahan Dotson in the first round. The Commanders have one of the worst offensive lines in the league and could use a player like Peter Skoronski.
He has already had two full seasons of experience, and his play just keeps getting better and better. He projects as a left tackle in the NFL and compares favorably to his former teammate Rashawn Slater, now with the Chargers.
10. New York Giants: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Tight ends usually aren’t picked in the first round, but most tight ends aren’t like Michael Mayer.
During his freshman season, he caught 42 passes for 450 yards and two touchdowns while playing with Tommy Tremble (third-round pick of the Panthers in 2021). This past year, he saw his role and production increase massively as he caught 71 passes for 840 yards and seven touchdowns.
Not only is Mayer a receiving weapon, but he is a useful blocker that can be moved across all formations. With another strong season, “Baby Gronk" could find himself inside the top 10 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
11. Houston Texans (via Cleveland): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Could the Texans add another cornerback to pair with Derek Stingley? The answer is yes, as Kelee Ringo has incredible size and speed. Stingley and Ringo would be a fantastic young duo for the new-look Houston defense.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
The Steelers must address their offensive line early in the 2023 NFL Draft, but we know how much they value the linebacker position. Noah Sewell is a massive off-the-ball linebacker who could replace Devin Bush, who is set to hit free agency after the season.
13. New England Patriots: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
Bill Belichick loves to draft Alabama players and they have a huge need at cornerback going into the season. Eli Ricks is a former LSU Tiger, but he will now play under Nick Saban for the 2022 season. Expect his draft stock to rise dramatically over the next few months.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Both of the starting defensive ends for the Vikings are coming off serious back injuries, and they need more depth at the position. Myles Murphy is a towering defensive end with the ability to be a high-end run defender right away. He needs to continue to work on his pass-rush game, but he has the makings of a top-10 pick in next year’s draft with a strong junior season.
15. Arizona Cardinals: Bryan Breese, DT, Clemson
Bryan Breese is a massive defensive end who is coming off a torn ACL. He can play all across the defensive line and would be a perfect replacement for J.J. Watt.
16. Denver Broncos: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Broncos have invested a ton in their pass rush over the last few years, but it’s never a bad idea to keep drafting players there. Nolan Smith is one of the best athletes in the class and is already a proven commodity as a run defender.
17. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Jordan Battle could have entered the 2022 NFL Draft and would have been a fringe first-round pick. But returning for his senior season could allow his stock to rise even more. He’s a physical box safety who can be an enforcer on defense for the Eagles.
18. Tennessee Titans: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Joey Porter Jr. is the son of former Pro Bowl linebacker Joey Porter, and he has some of the best ball skills in the nation. He should be even better this year for Penn State and could lock himself into being a top-10 pick.
His father was a third-round pick, but Joey Porter Jr. could crack the top 20 with another strong season at Penn State. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army
A 6’7, 265-pound EDGE rusher with 14.5 sacks in 2021? What’s not to like? Andre Carter is an athletic freak who is still learning how to rush the passer. The upside is there for him to be one of the top picks in next year’s draft.
20. Las Vegas Raiders: Zion Nelson, OT, Miami
It looks like the Raiders whiffed on Alex Leatherwood, so they need to add an offensive tackle to help protect Derek Carr. Zion Nelson needs to continue to get stronger, but he’s improved in every season at Miami.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The left tackle position continues to be a problem for the Colts, so don’t be surprised if they try to address it early in the 2023 NFL Draft. Broderick Jones is transitioning from right tackle to left tackle for Georgia, but he’s one of the class’s most physically gifted offensive tackles.
22. Dallas Cowboys: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
The Cowboys love to add long, athletic defenders to their defensive line, and Isaiah Foskey certainly fits that mold. At 6’5, 265 pounds, he has a ton of raw power and his ceiling is unlimited. Pairing him with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence seems unfair.
23. Cincinnati Bengals: Cam Smith, CB South Carolina
The Bengals draft defensive backs high and could do so again in 2023 with Cam Smith. He was fantastic for Clemson last season, as he totaled three interceptions and nine pass deflections. Pairing him with Dax Hill for the foreseeable future would be a lot of fun.
24. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Mike McDaniel comes from a coaching tree that usually doesn’t draft running backs high, but Bijan Robinson is a special runner that belongs in the first round. He’s also a dynamic receiver that can be used out of the backfield, which increases his value. Robinson shouldn’t get past the top 25 picks in next year’s draft.
25. Los Angeles Chargers: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Linebacker is the only weak spot for the Chargers on defense, but there will be several intriguing options available in Round 1. One such target could be Trenton Simpson, who stands at 6’3, 230 pounds. He played all over the field for Clemson last season and can even be used as a pass rusher.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
After transferring from Pittsburgh to USC, Jordan Addison should be in for a massive season in Lincoln Riley’s offense. And with the Ravens having a huge need at receiver, this feels like a match made in Heaven.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
You can never have too many good cornerbacks, and Garrett Williams certainly is a good one. He has the size and length to be a man-to-man cornerback in the NFL, but he’s also very experienced in zone and off-man coverage.
28. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Lions passed on a quarterback earlier in this draft, but they gamble on Will Levis here at No. 28. He significantly improved after transferring to Kentucky last season, and his fantastic tools make him a worthwhile developmental quarterback behind Jared Goff.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Antonio Johnson is the new wave of safety in the NFL, as he’s 6’3, 200 pounds but can legitimately cover slot receivers. His incredible length and range might allow him to rise up draft boards during this college football season.
30. Green Bay Packers: Arik Gilbert, TE, Georgia
Is this finally the year the Packers improve their tight end position? Arik Gilbert is one of the riskier prospects in the draft after sitting out the entire 2021 season. But the Packers love to draft former Georgia Bulldogs, and he would make a ton of sense in the middle of the Green Bay offense.
31. Buffalo Bills: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
The Bills love to put a ton of draft picks into their defensive line, and Siaki Ika would be a fantastic fit next to Ed Oliver. While he’s 350 pounds, he’s not just a run-stuffer. He can make plays in the backfield and provide a pass rush.
2022 NFL Draft Picks & Mock Draft Results
| Pk | Team | Player | Mocked | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaguars | Travon Walker | Walker | ✔️ |
| 2 | Lions | Aidan Hutchinson | Hutchinson | ✔️ |
| 3 | Panthers | Derek Stingley Jr. | Ahmad Gardner | ❌ |
| 4 | Jets | Ahmad Gardner | Kayvon Thibodeaux | ❌ |
| 5 | Giants | Kayvon Thibodeaux | Evan Neal | ❌ |
| 6 | Panthers | Ikem Ekwonu | Ekwonu | ✔️ |
| 7 | Giants (via Bears) | Evan Neal | Jermaine Johnson II | ❌ |
| 8 | Falcons | Drake London | Jameson Williams | ❌ |
| 9 | Seahawks (via Broncos) | Charles Cross | Cross | ✔️ |
| 10 | Jets (via Seahawks) | Garrett Wilson | Drake London | ❌ |
| 11 | Commanders | Chris Olave | Garrett Wilson | ❌ |
| 12 | Lions (via Vikings) | Jameson Williams | Derek Stingley Jr. | ↔️ |
| 13 | Eagles (via Texans) | Jordan Davis | Chris Olave | ↔️ |
| 14 | Ravens | Kyle Hamilton | Jordan Davis | ❌ |
| 15 | Texans (via Eagles) | Kenyon Green | Malik Willis | ↔️ |
| 16 | Commanders (via Saints) | Jahan Dotson | Kenny Pickett | ↔️ |
| 17 | Chargers | Zion Johnson | Trevor Penning | ❌ |
| 18 | Titans (via Eagles) | Treylon Burks | Kyle Hamilton | ↔️ |
| 19 | Saints (via Eagles) | Trevor Penning | Quay Walker | ❌ |
| 20 | Steelers | Kenny Pickett | Trent McDuffie | ❌ |
| 21 | Chiefs (via Patriots) | Trent McDuffie | Zion Johnson | ↔️ |
| 22 | Packers (via Raiders) | Quay Walker | Kenyon Green | ❌ |
| 23 | Bills (from Cardinals via Ravens) | Kaiir Elam | Tyler Smith | ↔️ |
| 24 | Cowboys | Tyler Smith | Treylon Burks | ❌ |
| 25 | Ravens (via Bills) | Tyler Linderbaum | Devonte Wyatt | ↔️ |
| 26 | Jets (via Titans) | Jermaine Johnson II | Andrew Booth Jr. | ↔️ |
| 27 | Jaguars (via Buccaneers) | Devin Lloyd | Kaiir Elam | ↔️ |
| 28 | Packers | Devonte Wyatt | George Pickens | ❌ |
| 29 | Patriots (from Dolphins via 49ers and Chiefs) | Cole Strange | Jahan Dotson | ↔️ |
| 30 | Chiefs | George Karlaftis | Daxton Hill | ❌ |
| 31 | Bengals | Daxton Hill | Tyler Linderbaum | ❌ |
| 32 | Vikings (from Rams via Lions) | Lewis Cine | Desmond Ridder | ↔️ |
Read our full 2022 NFL Draft Picks Recap.
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick Prediction Results (Correct-Incorrect-Traded): 4-16-12
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick Prediction Results (Team-Position Match): 9-23
2021 NFL Draft Picks & Mock Draft Results
| Pk | Team | Player | Mocked | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaguars | Trevor Lawrence | Lawrence | ✔️ |
| 2 | Jets | Zach Wilson | Wilson | ✔️ |
| 3 | 49ers | Trey Lance | Lance | ✔️ |
| 4 | Falcons | Kyle Pitts | Pitts | ✔️ |
| 5 | Bengals | Ja'Marr Chase | Chase | ✔️ |
| 6 | Dolphins (from PHI) | Jaylen Waddle | DeVonta Smith | ❌ |
| 7 | Lions | Penei Sewell | Sewell (LAC) | ↔️ |
| 8 | Panthers | Jaycee Horn | Justin Fields | ❌ |
| 9 | Broncos | Patrick Surtain II | Micah Parsons | ❌ |
| 10 | Eagles | DeVonta Smith | Jaylen Waddle | ❌ |
| 11 | Bears (via NYG) | Justin Fields | Rashawn Slater (NYG) | ❌ |
| 12 | Cowboys | Micah Parsons | Patrick Surtain II | ❌ |
| 13 | Chargers | Rashawn Slater | Kwity Paye (DET) | ❌ |
| 14 | Jets (from MIN) | Alijah Vera-Tucker | Christian Barmore (MIN) | ❌ |
| 15 | Patriots | Mac Jones | Jones | ✔️ |
| 16 | Cardinals | Zaven Collins | Jaycee Horn | ❌ |
| 17 | Raiders | Alex Leatherwood | Christian Darrisaw | ❌ |
| 18 | Dolphins | Jaelen Phillips | Alijah Vera-Tucker | ❌ |
| 19 | Washington | Jamin Davis | Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | ❌ |
| 20 | Giants (from CHI) | Kadarius Toney | Teven Jenkins (CHI) | ❌ |
| 21 | Colts | Kwity Paye | Liam Eichenberg | ❌ |
| 22 | Titans | Caleb Farley | Samuel Cosmi | ❌ |
| 23 | Vikings (from NYJ thru SEA) | Christian Darrisaw | Greg Newsome (NYJ) | ❌ |
| 24 | Steelers | Najee Harris | Travis Etienne | ❌ |
| 25 | Jaguars (from LAR) | Travis Etienne | Trevon Moehrig | ❌ |
| 26 | Browns | Greg Newsome II | Azeez Ojulari | ❌ |
| 27 | Ravens | Rashod Bateman | Caleb Farley | ❌ |
| 28 | Saints | Payton Turner | Zaven Collins | ❌ |
| 29 | Packers | Eric Stokes | Elijah Moore | ❌ |
| 30 | Bills | Greg Rousseau | Rousseau | ✔️ |
| 31 | Ravens (from KC) | Odafe Oweh | Rashod Bateman (Pick 27) | ↔️ |
| 32 | Buccaneers | Joe Tryon | Jaelan Phillips | ❌ |
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick Prediction Results: 7-23-2
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick Prediction Results (Team-Position Match): 12-20
