Expert Analysis
3/7/23
13 min read
2023 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Post-Combine Picks For First Three Rounds
Where will the top quarterbacks be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft? It's really as easy as 1-2-3 to figure out.
Mock Draft 4.0 features plenty of trades atop the first round, and the reason is several teams have their eyes on their next franchise quarterbacks.
Led by T.J. McCreight, The 33rd Team Scouting Department has been hard at work evaluating the top prospects in this class. A former player personnel executive for the Philadelphia Eagles and former director of college scouting for the Colts, McCreight has nearly 25 years of NFL scouting experience.
He is joined in the department by three scouts:
- Kevin Cohn, a former scouting assistant for the Jacksonville Jaguars and assistant director of player personnel for the University of Connecticut.
- Justin Casey, who worked for the Arizona Cardinals in football administration and then as the senior player personnel executive for the Montreal Alouettes.
- Evan Pritt, a former scouting assistant for the Eagles and former player personnel assistant for the University of Maryland.
>>Full Big Board from The 33rd Team Scouting Dept.
Note: This year’s first round only has 31 picks because the Miami Dolphins forfeited their selection for tampering with Tom Brady.
The 33rd Team 2023 Mock Draft 4.0
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1. Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH BEARS
- Indianapolis receives: 1-1
- Chicago receives: 1-4, 2-35, 3-79, Colts' 2024 1st
Anthony Richardson (scouting report) is a high-risk, high-reward pick. He's a good fit with new coach Shane Steichen who can attempt to do what he did with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia.
2. Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
C.J. Stroud (scouting report) has the best combination of adequate size (6-foot-3, 214 pounds) and pure throwing ability. He also has enough athleticism. He really showed his talent level at the combine in Indianapolis.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH CARDINALS
- Las Vegas receives: 1-3
- Arizona receives: 1-7, 2-38, 3-70
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Josh McDaniels gets a player in Bryce Young (scouting report) who will fit what he wants to do on this offense. They will tailor the offense to fit Young's vast skill set. The Raiders move from No. 7 to No. 3 and give up two Day 2 picks.
4. Chicago Bears
Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH COLTS
The Bears trade back three spots and get the top edge rusher in Will Anderson (scouting report), whom they would have picked No. 1 overall had they stayed put.
5. Seattle Seahawks
Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
*FROM BRONCOS
Seattle gets an explosive rusher who will help their defense get to the passer. Tyree Wilson (scouting report) can also play stout vs. the run.
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6. Carolina Panthers
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH LIONS, VIA L.A. RAMS
- Tennessee receives: 1-6, 3-81
- Detroit receives: 1-9, 2-41
The Panthers land their quarterback of the future to build around for years to come. Will Levis (scouting report) could flourish as he finally has talented players around him. The Panthers move up three spots and give up No. 39 and get back Detroit's third-round pick at No. 81.
7. Arizona Cardinals
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Cardinals move back and get the top corner in the draft that they had their eyes on all spring. Christian Gonzalez (scouting report) has the size (6-foot-1), length and speed that NFL defensive coordinators covet.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The push is on to be the No. 1 offensive lineman in the draft — Broderick Jones (scouting report) still holds the top spot, but it is getting closer. Scouts love Jones' run blocking and pass blocking.
9. Detroit Lions
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Lions need help on defense, especially in the secondary. Devon Witherspoon (scouting report) gives them a top-level athlete to hold down on of their corner spots for years to come. It would not be shocking if they picked a corner again in this draft to put that position to rest.
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10. Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
*FROM SAINTS
Jalen Carter (scouting report) drops, but the Eagles can't let him get by this pick. General manager Howie Roseman reunites Carter with former Georgia teammate Jordan Davis on the Eagles' defensive line. The rich get richer.
>> READ: Carter Made Critical Mistake with Far-Reaching Effects
11. Tennessee Titans
Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Dawand Jones (scouting report) fits how the Titans want to play. They get a giant man (6-foot-8, 374 pounds) to push the front and create room in the run game. He can protect the passer as well with his rare length.
12. Houston Texans
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
*FROM BROWNS
The Texans get a tall, long, fast wide receiver in Quentin Johnston (scouting report) to help their new rookie quarterback.
13. New York Jets
Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Jets are in need of help at offensive tackle, and they get the super athletic Paris Johnson (scouting report) to protect the quarterback.
14. New England Patriots
Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Patriots will like the position flexibility of Northwestern's Peter Skoronski (scouting report). Many NFL scouts believe that he is a five-position player.
15. Green Bay Packers
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid (scouting report) has mismatch qualities at tight end and is a quarterback-friendly option for whoever is under center for the Packers in 2023.
>> READ: Packers Excited About Jordan Love
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16. Washington Commanders
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Last season, the Commanders picked wide receiver Jahan Dotson in the first round, and this year they look to fix the corner position with Joey Porter, Jr. (scouting report)
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Pittsburgh is very happy to land Darnell Wright (scouting report), who has the size (6-foot-5, 333 pounds), length and toughness to play right tackle in this offense. He can play some guard and brings an element of toughness to the offensive line.
18. Detroit Lions
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Lions run this pick in to get the best running back in the draft, Bijan Robinson (scouting report). Robinson is not only a runner but can be dynamic in the passing game.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
Never a full-time starter at Iowa, Lukas Van Ness (scouting report) has the size (6-foot-5, 272 pounds), speed and length to help this defense defend the run as well as get to the passer.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
There are some questions about the speed and overall movement skills of Jordan Addison (scouting report), but his tape is really good, and he is a polished wide receiver that coach Pete Carroll will love to have in this offense.
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21. Los Angeles Chargers
Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The Chargers have a need for speed, and they pick Jalin Hyatt (scouting report) to take the top off opposing defenses. Hyatt has rare explosiveness and hits his top speed quickly
22. Baltimore Ravens
Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Ravens ranked 26th in passing yards allowed last season. They look to bolster their secondary by adding Deonte Banks (scouting report). Banks has the burst you look for in an NFL corner and top-level size (6 feet, 197 pounds) to mix it up in the run game.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
The Vikings are in need of a safety and Brian Branch (scouting report) makes a lot of sense. Branch has ball production, solid size and speed.
>> READ: Vikings Defense Needs Overhaul
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Michael Mayer (scouting report) will fit nicely in this offense. He will be productive in the passing and running games for the Jaguars. Mayer ran a 4.70-second 40 at 249 pounds. He has the ball skills and body control to beat linebackers in the passing game.
25. New York Giants
Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Giants pick the top inside linebacker in the draft to be the quarterback of their defense. Trenton Simpson (scouting report) can play the run and also cover backs and tight ends down the field.
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26. Dallas Cowboys
Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
The Cowboys will love what they will be getting from Darnell Washington (scouting report). His combination of size, athleticism and ability to block in the run game is a great fit for the Cowboys' offense. The 6-foot-7 Washington ran sub 4.65 at 264 pounds at the combine.
27. Buffalo Bills
Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
The Bills give Josh Allen another weapon at wide receiver. Josh Downs (scouting report) plays bigger than his 5-foot-9 size, and he has a very good burst to separate. He will be a nice fit for the Bills' offense.
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Anton Harrison (scouting report) has good length, and he moves well for the position. He is an instinctive player that will do a nice job picking up stunts and games facing the complex defenses in the AFC North.
29. New Orleans Saints
Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
The Saints land a pass rusher that has talent and upside to develop. Myles Murphy (scouting report) did not work at the combine, so his pro day will be very important to showcase his abilities.
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30. Philadelphia Eagles
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Only 166 pounds at the combine, Emmanuel Forbes (scouting report) has very good height (6-foot-1) and length for the position but lacks bulk which is why he falls to the end of round 1. The Eagles will love his hands, ball skills and overall ball production.
>> READ: Eagles Must Keep Roster Core Together
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
There are serious questions about the speed of Jaxon Smith-Njigba (scouting report), but it is difficult to argue with results. The talented receiver posted 95 receptions, 1,606 yards, and nine touchdowns as a true sophomore while sharing the field with Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. This could be a sneaky good pick and should work well with Patrick Mahomes.
Round 2
32. Pittsburgh (from Chicago): Cam Smith, CB (scouting report)
33. Houston: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia (scouting report)
34. Arizona: Will McDonald, EDGE, Iowa St (scouting report)
35. Chicago (projected trade with Colts): Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh (scouting report)
36. L.A. Rams: Zion Nelson, OT, Miami FL (scouting report)
37. Seattle (from Denver): Byron Young, Edge, Tennessee (scouting report)
38. Arizona (From Projected Trade with Las Vegas): John Michael Schmitz, OC, Minnesota (scouting report)
39. Detroit (From Projected Trade with Carolina): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State (scouting report)
40. New Orleans: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss (scouting report)
41. Tennessee: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee (scouting report)
42. Cleveland: Keeanu Benton, IDL, Wisconsin (scouting report)
43. N.Y. Jets: Joe Tippmann, IOL, Wisconsin (scouting report)
44. Atlanta: B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU (scouting report)
45. Green Bay: Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota St (scouting report)
46. New England: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College (scouting report)
47. Washington: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State (scouting report)
48. Detroit: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse (scouting report)
49. Pittsburgh: O'Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida (scouting report)
50. Tampa Bay: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia (scouting report)
51. Miami: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama (scouting report)
52. Seattle: Julius Brents, DC, Kansas State (scouting report)
53. Chicago (from Ravens): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee (scouting report)
54. L.A. Chargers: Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson (scouting report)
55. Detroit Lions (from Minnesota): Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa (scouting report)
56. Jacksonville: Byron Young, IDL, Alabama (scouting report)
57. N.Y. Giants: A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest (scouting report)
58. Dallas: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU (scouting report)
59. Buffalo: Antonio Johnson, DS, Texas A&M (scouting report)
60. Cincinnati: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota St (scouting report)
61. San Francisco (from Carolina): Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas (scouting report)
62. Philadelphia: Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh (scouting report)
63. Kansas City: Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn (scouting report)
Round 3
64. Chicago: Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern (scouting report)
65. Houston: Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech (scouting report)
66. Arizona: Mazi Smith, IDL, Michigan (scouting report)
67. Denver (From Indianapolis): Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati (scouting report)
68. Denver: Sydney Brown, DS, Illinois (scouting report)
69. L.A. Rams: McClendon Curtis, OG, Chattanooga
70. Arizona (From Projected Trade with Las Vegas): Clark Phillips, CB, Utah (scouting report)
71. New Orleans: Gervon Dexter, IDL, Florida (scouting report)
72. Tennessee: Owen Pappoe, ILB, Auburn (scouting report)
73. Houston (From Cleveland): Demarvion Overshown, ILB, Texas (scouting report)
74. N.Y. Jets: Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati (scouting report)
75. Atlanta: Jakorian Bennett, DC, Maryland (scouting report)
76. New England (From Carolina): Andre Carter, EDGE, Army (scouting report)
77. Miami (From New England): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa (scouting report)
78. Green Bay: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame (scouting report)
79. Chicago (From Projected Trade with Indianapolis): Zacch Pickens, IDL, South Carolina (scouting report)
80. Pittsburgh: Siaki Ika, IDL, Baylor (scouting report)
81. Carolina (From Projected Trade with Detroit): Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State (scouting report)
82. Tampa Bay: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU (scouting report)
83. Seattle: Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford (scouting report)
84. Miami: Noah Sewell, ILB, Oregon (scouting report)
85. L.A. Chargers: Drew Sanders, ILB, Arkansas (scouting report)
86. Baltimore: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU (scouting report)
87. Minnesota: Olusegun Oluwatimi, IOL, Michigan (scouting report)
88. Jacksonville: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (FL) (scouting report)
89. N.Y. Giants: Jammie Robinson, DS, Florida State (scouting report)
90. Dallas: Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford (scouting report)
91. Buafflo: Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston (scouting report)
92. Cincinnati: D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan (scouting report)
93. Carolina (From SF): Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton (scouting report)
94. Philadelphia: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA (scouting report)
95. Kansas City: Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma (scouting report)
96. Arizona: Kendre Miller, RB, TCU (scouting report)
97. Washington: Nick Hampton, ILB, Appalachian State (scouting report)
98. Cleveland: Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland (scouting report)
99. San Francisco: Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, USC (scouting report)
100. N.Y. Giants (From KC): Luke Wypler, IOL, Ohio State (scouting report)
101. San Francisco: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse (scouting report)
102. San Francisco: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan (scouting report)
