Analysis
4/12/23
16 min read
2023 NFL Mock Draft 5.0: Five Franchise QBs Selected in Top 15
The Carolina Panthers are unofficially on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick as the 2023 NFL Draft approaches. Our scouts predict new coach Frank Reich will wind up mentoring Alabama's Bryce Young (scouting report) when the team selects him first overall, one of five quarterbacks projected to go in the top 15.
Plus, the New York Jets pull off two trades that will alter the history of three franchises, trading the No. 13 overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings — who our experts predict will draft QB Anthony Richardson (scouting report) — and dealing a second-rounder for QB Aaron Rodgers.
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 Indianapolis 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 5.0
[bc_video video_id="6324473756112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
1. Carolina Panthers
*FROM BEARS
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
There are major questions with Young's size, but the Panthers turn the pick in and make him their future. Young has outstanding film and has shown the ability to pick defenses apart with both his mind and his arm.
>> READ: Size Isn't Young's Only Flaw
2. Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Houston Texans stay at No. 2 and are happy to pick the talented C.J. Stroud (scouting report) from Ohio State. They feel like they can build their offense around his arm and athleticism. With a new head coach, they can grow together and work to use Stroud's strengths to avoid growing pains in his rookie year.
>>READ: Stroud's Ideal 2023 Landing Spot
3. Indianapolis Colts
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH CARDINALS
- Indianapolis receives: 1-3
- Arizona receives: 1-4, 2-35
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Indianapolis Colts give up pick No. 35 to move up one spot. The compensation may depend on how much interest there is in this spot, so the Colts might have to give up more in the end. The Colts are in desperate need of a young quarterback and in Will Levis (scouting report), they get a strong-armed product to build their offense around.
4. Arizona Cardinals
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH COLTS
Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Arizona Cardinals need good players at a variety of positions, so they pick the top offensive lineman on their board after moving back just one spot. Broderick Jones (scouting report) will push the front in the run game and protect their franchise quarterback for years to come in the NFC West.
>> READ: Cardinals Have Six Suitors for No. 3 Overall
[bc_video video_id="6323672915112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
5. Seattle Seahawks
*FROM BRONCOS
Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia
With some of the off-field issues, Jalen Carter (scouting report) will drop a few spots, but his talent can't be denied. Carter is a load to block and must be accounted for on each play. There is nothing quarterbacks hate more than pressure from the inside, and Carter has the talent to be a disruptor up the middle.
>> READ: Carter Setting Himself Up for Draft Fall
6. Detroit Lions
*FROM RAMS
Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
The Detroit Lions will now be talented on the edges with Will Anderson (scouting report) and Aidan Hutchinson. Opposing offenses can't chip and double on both players, making the Lions' defense stronger and more relevant. Teams can never have enough players to get to the passer and keeping them fresh in the fourth quarter is crucial.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Las Vegas Raiders pick the top corner on the board. Christian Gonzalez (scouting report) has the tools to be a legitimate shutdown corner in the NFL. He has the size, speed, quickness and cover skills that will allow the Raiders to send pressure and put him on an island. Las Vegas has struggled to find a No. 1 cornerback for several years, but Gonzalez should solve its problem.
[bc_video video_id="6323539584112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
8. Atlanta Falcons
Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
The Atlanta Falcons love what they are getting from this pick. Tyree Wilson (scouting report) is a long and powerful pass rusher that can win on the outside or condense inside and win up the middle. Some NFL scouts and coaches have Wilson as the top-rated rusher in the draft over Anderson.
9. Chicago Bears
*FROM PANTHERS
Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
The Chicago Bears love what they will get in Paris Johnson (scouting report) in regard to his athletic ability and size. He does need to get a bit stronger, and on film, you see he is lacking some strength. Johnson is a productive player that has seen some good rushers in his career and has the confidence to be a starting tackle.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
*FROM SAINTS
Peter Skoronski, OG, Northwestern
The Philadelphia Eagles are looking toward the future and love the position flexibility of Northwestern's Peter Skoronski (scouting report). Perhaps a better fit at OG, he can play at least four spots on the offensive line and has the mentality and "plays like an Eagle."
>> READ: 9 Players Who Could Be Overdrafted
[bc_video video_id="6324034376112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
11. Tennessee Titans
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
The Tennessee Titans stay local and are picking the player that has been slowly moving up their draft board. Hendon Hooker (scouting report) is coming off an injury, but he has shown the ability to throw the ball accurately and the athleticism to make people miss. Hooker has been impressive throughout the interview process, despite not competing at events like the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine.
>> READ: Hooker Is Unique QB Prospect
12. Houston Texans
*FROM BROWNS
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Houston Texans stay in Columbus and take Jaxon Smith-Njigba (scouting report) to go along with Stroud. There are some concerns about his speed and explosiveness, but the film is good, and he is a polished wide receiver that can make plays at all levels. There is value when a quarterback and a receiver are on the "same page" and have been working together for years.
[bc_video video_id="6322984719112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
13. Minnesota Vikings
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH JETS
- Minnesota receives: 1-13
- New York receives: 1-23, 3-87, 2024 first-round pick
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Minnesota Vikings give up No. 87 and their 2024 first-round pick to pick their quarterback of the future. Richardson stunned people at the combine, but there are some questions about his film, and he is certainly not a finished product. He will need some time to become an NFL starting quarterback.
>> READ: Can Richardson's Issues be Fixed?
[bc_video video_id="6322021047112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
14. Los Angeles Chargers
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH PATRIOTS
- Los Angeles receives: 1-14
- New England receives: 1-21, 4-125, RB Austin Ekeler
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Los Angeles Chargers move to No. 14 and give up a fourth-round pick and Austin Ekeler. Los Angeles picks the best running back on the board and perhaps the best football player on the board. Bijan Robinson (scouting report) has some rare traits in the passing game as well as being a top-level runner. This is an offensive coordinator's dream.
[bc_video video_id="6324100359112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
15. Green Bay Packers
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Green Bay Packers feel like they are getting one of the top players in the draft in Devon Witherspoon (scouting report). Witherspoon is the most physical corner in the draft that will bring an attitude to this defense. He can play outside and in the slot as well. He'll pair nicely with Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes.
[bc_video video_id="6324637926112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
16. Washington Commanders
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Washington Commanders take the first tight end off the board in Michael Mayer (scouting report). Mayer has some miss match qualities with his size, hands and ball skills. He also has some natural strength to control defenders in the run game, but that can still improve and should as time goes on.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
This is a perfect fit for this city and this team. Dawand Jones (scouting report) is a giant of a man that can move the line and create a new line of scrimmage. He has the length to ride speed rushers up the field and has good enough movement skills to adjust and move his feet.
18. Detroit Lions
Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Lions continue to improve their defense. Deonte Banks (scouting report) is an outstanding athlete and physical press corner. He has the size, speed and quickness teams look for at this position. He was outstanding in press coverage vs. Ohio State and would not allow those wideouts off the line of scrimmage. Banks can help replace the recently traded Jeff Okudah.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have to replace Donovan Smith at left tackle, and Anton Harrison (scouting report) fits the bill with his length, athleticism and experience. He could form a nice set of bookends with Tristan Wirfs for years to come. Tampa Bay could consider adding to its pass rush in this spot, but there is just too big of a drop-off at offensive tackle after the first round.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Joey Porter Jr. (scouting report) is a big, long, athletic corner that fits the mold of what the Seattle Seahawks look for. He does have some rawness to his game and should only get better as he gets into an NFL building with professional coaching.
21. New England Patriots
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH Chargers
- Los Angeles receives: 1-14
- New England receives: 1-21, 4-125, RB Austin Ekeler
Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The New England Patriots considered taking Robinson at No. 14 but got too good of an offer to move back to this spot. The Patriots need to solidify the tackle position, as they had a revolving door in 2022. Darnell Wright (scouting report) will give them some stability for years to come.
[bc_video video_id="6321659566112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
22. Baltimore Ravens
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Emmanuel Forbes (scouting report) is a good fit for the Baltimore Ravens and should be high on their internal draft board. Forbes has rare ball skills and hands to go along with his instincts to find the football. The Ravens love playmaking defensive backs, and they get that with this pick.
[bc_video video_id="6324315749112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
23. New York Jets
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH VIKINGS
- Minnesota receives: 1-13
- New York receives: 1-23, 3-87, 2024 first-round pick
Joe Tippman, C, Wisconsin
Many NFL experts consider the center position to be more important now than it has ever been. Joe Tippman (scouting report) has unusual height for a center, but he is a solid player who can still play with leverage and on his feet. He has outstanding instincts and intelligence to be the voice of this offensive line for years to come. Assuming he's snapping the ball to Aaron Rodgers, this feels like a good fit.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
The Jacksonville Jaguars love the versatility and attitude of Alabama's Brian Branch (scouting report). Branch can play safety or nickel and is probably the best tackling defensive back in the draft. He will help this defense quickly and has the intelligence to learn the scheme with ease.
[bc_video video_id="6323094621112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
25. New York Giants
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The New York Giants pick what could be the No. 1 wide receiver on their board. Quentin Johnston (scouting report) does have some head-scratching drops, but what he brings to the table could make those drops worthwhile. Johnston has the speed to stretch the field and the size and length to win 50-50 balls.
26. Dallas Cowboys
Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Coach Mike McCarthy has stated he wants to run the ball more and with this pick, they land a tight end that can help them in the run game. Darnell Washington (scouting report) also has good qualities in the passing game with his hands, ball skills and overall movement skills as a route runner.
27. Buffalo Bills
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Jordan Addison (scouting report) is a pure route runner that is extremely polished as a wide receiver. This will give quarterback Josh Allen another reliable weapon to look for and hopefully get them over the hump in the AFC playoff race.
>> READ: Greg Jennings' Top 5 Route Runners
[bc_video video_id="6323555224112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The Cincinnati Bengals already have weapons on this offense, but a tight end would make a lot of sense for them still. Dalton Kincaid (scouting report) does have a back injury, but when healthy, he has shown outstanding hands and ball skills. He has some mismatch ability as he can outrun and box out linebackers to move the chains.
29. New Orleans Saints
*FROM 49ers (via Broncos)
Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
The New Orleans Saints lost a lot in their defensive front with the departures of David Onyemata, Marcus Davenport and Kaden Elliss. Myles Murphy (scouting report) has all the athletic tools, and he fits the size profile for what New Orleans has looked for at the position in recent years. He was a bit of an underachiever at Clemson, which is why he has fallen out of the top 10 in many analysts' eyes.
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
The rich get richer as the Eagles get the most athletic rusher in the draft. Nolan Smith (scouting report) is a defender with the quickness and speed to puncture pockets and shave edges. He solidifies and bolsters a defensive line that led the NFL in sacks last season.
[bc_video video_id="6323719733112" account_id="6312875271001" player_id="default" embed="in-page" padding_top="56%" autoplay="" min_width="0px" playsinline="playsinline" picture_in_picture="" language_detection="" application_id="" max_width="680px" mute="muted" width="100%" height="100%" aspect_ratio="16:9" sizing="responsive" ]
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Will McDonald, Edge, Iowa State
The Super Bowl champions grab an edge rusher with a high ceiling and high upside in Will McDonald (scouting report). Though lean-bodied, McDonald possesses rare quickness, bend and length, all of which he utilizes in beating blockers one-on-one.
Round 2
32. Pittsburgh (From Chicago): Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa (scouting report)
33. Houston: BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU (scouting report)
34. Arizona: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina (scouting report)
35. Arizona (From Projected trade with Indianapolis): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas St. (scouting report)
36. L.A. Rams: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia (scouting report)
37. Seattle (From Denver): Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina (scouting report)
38. Las Vegas: Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh (scouting report)
39. Carolina: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee (scouting report)
40. New Orleans: Keeanu Benton, IDL, Wisconsin (scouting report)
41. Tennessee: Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota St. (scouting report)
42. N.Y. Jets (From Cleveland): Byron Young, Edge, Tennessee (scouting report)
43. Green Bay (From Projected with N.Y. Jets for Aaron Rodgers): Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College (scouting report)
44. Atlanta: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss (scouting report)
45. Green Bay: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa (scouting report)
46. New England: Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee (scouting report)
47. Washington: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson (scouting report)
48. Detroit: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon (scouting report)
49. Pittsburgh: Olusegun Oluwatimi, IOL, Michigan (scouting report)
50. Tampa Bay: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon St. (scouting report)
51. Miami: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama (scouting report)
52. Seattle: Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech (scouting report)
53. Chicago (From Baltimore): Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh (scouting report)
54. L.A. Chargers: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati (scouting report)
55. Detroit (From Minnesota): Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse (scouting report)
56. Jacksonville: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State (scouting report)
57. N.Y. Giants: Jammie Robinson, S, Florida St. (scouting report)
58. Dallas: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas (scouting report)
59. Buffalo: Demarvioun Overshown, LB, Texas (scouting report)
60. Cincinnati: Sydney Brown, S, Illinois (scouting report)
61. Chicago (From Carolina through San Francisco): Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio St. (scouting report)
62. Philadelphia: Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson (scouting report)
63. Kansas City: Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma (scouting report)
