Expert Analysis
4/3/23
16 min read
2023 NFL Mock Draft 4.3: First Four Picks All QBs, Rodgers Trade Completed
The Tennessee Titans drafted quarterback Malik Willis in the 2022 NFL Draft, but that might not keep them from reinvesting in the position. In The 33rd Team's Mock Draft 4.3, the Titans move up toward the top of the draft to invest in a quarterback they hope will lead their franchise for years to come. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (scouting report) and Ohio State signal-caller C.J. Stroud (scouting report) are the betting favorites to be the top two players off the board, but which quarterback should the Titans tie their destiny to if they acquire the third pick?
Plus, after the Dallas Cowboys cut ties with Ezekiel Elliot this offseason, will they look for his replacement in the draft?
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.
>>Â 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 4.3
 1. Carolina Panthers
*FROM BEARS
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Carolina Panthers pick the Alabama quarterback No. 1 overall to direct their offense for the future. There are concerns about his size, but NFL scouts and coaches love his accuracy, intelligence and anticipation. Frank Reich has a history of working with young quarterbacks, and he'll work to groom Bryce Young (scouting report) into a franchise passer. Undoubtedly, Young will put in the time and effort to be great.
>>READ: Up for Debate: Who Won Bears-Panthers Trade?
 2. Houston Texans
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Houston Texans take their shot at the uber-talented passer from Florida. Anthony Richardson (scouting report) took the combine by storm with his arm strength, accuracy, speed and athleticism. Richardson does not have much game experience, but his upside is too much for the Texans to pass up at this spot.
>>READ: Best Landing Spots for Anthony Richardson
3. Tennessee Titans
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH CARDINALS
- Tennessee receives: 1-3
- Arizona receives: 1-11, 2-41, 3-72, 5-147, 2024 second-round pick
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Titans move from No. 11 to No. 3 to fill their big quarterback need. The Titans give up No. 11, No. 41, No. 72, and No. 147 to go along with a second-round pick in 2024. Will Levis (scouting report) will be a good fit in this city and with this team. The Titans feel like they are a quarterback away from being contenders in the AFC.
>>Read: Teams Must Do Their Homework on Levis
4. Indianapolis Colts
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Colts have tried to replace Andrew Luck but have not found the right quarterback for this offense. C.J. Stroud (scouting report) has all the tools to be a top passer and should fit nicely with this scheme. New coach Shane Steichen has experience developing young quarterbacks and probably is eager to work with the Ohio State product.
 5. Seattle Seahawks
*FROM BRONCOS
Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
Will Anderson (scouting report) is the first non-quarterback off the board and is an ideal fit for this defense. Anderson will give the Seattle Seahawks a presence off the edge and can disrupt quarterbacks with his speed and overall rush savvy. Pete Carroll loves rushers who create havoc, and Anderson is that type of player.
 6. Detroit Lions
*FROM RAMS
Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
The Detroit Lions have eight picks in 2023 — four in the first two rounds — and they are in a position to get one of the top defensive players in the draft and increase their depth later in the process. Tyree Wilson (scouting report) will be an excellent fit on the opposite side of Aidan Hutchinson and will give the Lions two edge rushers to cause problems for quarterbacks in the NFC North.
 7. Las Vegas Raiders
Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Las Vegas Raiders need to protect their new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and they should feel good about picking Broderick Jones (scouting report) to help them in the run and pass games. Many feel that Jones is the most complete offensive tackle in the draft, and he should be a cornerstone of this offensive line for years to come.
 8. Atlanta Falcons
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Atlanta Falcons take the top corner in the draft and feel he can lock down receivers in the NFC South. Christian Gonzalez (scouting report) has the size, quickness, speed and cover skills that defensive coordinators covet. He will allow this defense to play more man coverage and send pressure more often.
 9. Chicago Bears
*FROM PANTHERS
Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
The Chicago Bears need help on the offensive line, and picking Paris Johnson (scouting report) makes them more athletic on that unit. They should prioritize helping and protecting Justin Fields, and with Johnson, they feel like they are helping the young quarterback hit his stride.
 10. Philadelphia Eagles
*FROM SAINTS
Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles' leadership are secure and confident in their jobs, which allows them to take a chance on a top player with some off-the-field concerns. Jalen Carter (scouting report) will improve this defense from the inside out and allow their outside rushers even more freedom to get to the quarterback.
 11. Arizona Cardinals
*FROM TITANS
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Arizona Cardinals roster needs help, and with this pick, they get one of the top corners in the draft. Devon Witherspoon (scouting report) will bring the competitiveness and aggressiveness Arizona has been missing in the secondary. He should help establish a foundational culture with his attitude and playmaking ability.
 12. Houston Texans
*FROM BROWNS
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
To go along with their new rookie quarterback, Quentin Johnston (scouting report) immediately can help the Houston Texans offense due to his size, speed and playmaking ability. He can be a downfield threat who will make plays at all levels.Â
 13. New York Jets
Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
Peter Skoronski (scouting report) has the positional flexibility to play guard and perhaps even center for the New York Jets. Their roster needs to improve on the interior offensive line, and Skoronski will be a solid fit for what the Jets are looking to do with this offense.
 14. Washington Commanders
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH PATRIOTS
- Washington receives: 1-14
- New England receives: 1-16, 3-97, 5-150
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
The Washington Commanders send the No. 16, No. 97 and No. 150 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft to New England in exchange for the No. 14 pick, hoping to secure their passer of the future. Hendon Hooker (scouting report) is coming off an injury, but his film does not lie. Hooker has shown the arm strength, accuracy and athleticism needed to be a legitimate NFL starter.
>>READ: Evaluating QB Hendon Hooker
 15. Green Bay Packers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
There are concerns among some NFL executives about his down-the-field speed, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba (scouting report) possesses outstanding ball skills, hands and route-running ability. This pick will help open up the outside of the field for the Green Bay Packers and give quarterback Jordan Love a reliable security blanket.
 16. New England Patriots
Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
The New England Patriots put an emphasis on size and, with this pick, select one of the biggest players in the entire draft (6-foot-8, 374 pounds). Dawand Jones (scouting report) can move people off the line of scrimmage and will use his ideal length to ride speed rushers up the field and out of the play.
 17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Pittsburgh Steelers keep it in the family and pick the son of one of their long-time players. Joey Porter Jr. (scouting report) has outstanding length and does a great job crowding receivers, giving up almost nothing underneath. When you watch his film, you can see that Porter has many NFL traits, something growing up in an NFL family undoubtedly fostered.
 18. Detroit Lions
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
With their first pick, the Lions picked a pass rusher, and they'll stay on the defensive side of the football here and pick one of the top cornerbacks in the draft. Emmanuel Forbes (scouting report) has outstanding ball production (six career interceptions returned for a touchdown) though his weight (166 pounds) is a concern.
 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need some help protecting the edge, and this pick would give them an athletic left tackle who has the upside to play opposite Tristan Wirfs. Anton Harrison (scouting report) has outstanding footwork and overall movement skills and should get on the field quickly in Tampa Bay.
 20. Seattle Seahawks
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
With their first pick, Seattle took the top pass-rusher in the draft, and now it gets one of the top receivers on the board. Jordan Addison (scouting report) is the savviest route runner in the draft and would give the Seahawks an outstanding option to eventually take over for Tyler Lockett.
 21. Los Angeles Chargers
Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Jalin Hyatt (scouting report) is perhaps the most explosive wide receiver in the draft and this team needs to get faster. Hyatt can take the top off defenses and must be accounted for at all times. The Los Angeles Chargers will love watching him separate and run past corners.
 22. Baltimore Ravens
Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Deonte Banks (scouting report) will not need to travel far to Owings Mills as the Maryland product will be expected to lock down wide receivers in the AFC North. Banks is a physical press-man corner with top-level athleticism.
 23. Minnesota Vikings
Brian Branch, S, Alabama
The Minnesota Vikings are in need of help at the back end of their defense and with this pick, they secure the most talented safety in the draft. Brian Branch (scouting report) is "Mr. Geography" — he can align anywhere. He lined up for Alabama in the slot, on the hash and in the post. The Vikings will love his versatility and instincts.
 24. Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence gets another weapon that will help the Jacksonville Jaguars in both the pass and run game. Jacksonville can target Michael Mayer (scouting report) on third down and the tight end will help them move the sticks. He has some work to do on his technique as a blocker, but he has the size and strength to be productive in that aspect of the game.
 25. New York Giants
Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
Jonathan Mingo (scouting report) is one of the cleanest players in the draft and should help the New York Giants offense from day one. Scouts love his size, ball skills and down-the-field speed. Quarterback Daniel Jones will be happy with this pick. Look for Mingo to be one of Jones' favorite targets in 2023.
 26. Dallas Cowboys
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliot and are running the card to the table to pick the top running back in the draft. Bijan Robinson (scouting report) can not only run the football, but he can be a big threat in the passing game. Robinson is an outstanding route runner who has top-level hands and ball skills.
 27. Buffalo Bills
Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The Buffalo Bills need to protect their franchise quarterback Josh Allen and this pick is a big step in that direction. Darnell Wright (scouting report) has outstanding strength and toughness. Once he gets his hands on defenders, he has shown the ability to punish them until the whistle.
 28. Cincinnati Bengals
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The Cincinnati Bengals could be an elite tight end away from building a historically prolific offense, and Dalton Kincaid (scouting report) has the ability to be that miss-match player in the passing game. He has some injury concerns, but if healthy, he can be dynamic in this offense with Joe Burrow distributing the ball.
 29. New Orleans Saints
*FROM 49ers (via Broncos)
Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
The New Orleans Saints understand that this is a premium position and Myles Murphy (scouting report) fits the mold of what they look for in a defensive lineman. He has the length and athleticism to be a top player in the NFL. He is not a finished product but has the ability to get there with the right coaching and development.
 30. Philadelphia Eagles
Will McDonald, Edge, Iowa State
The Philadelphia Eagles picked the top defensive tackle in the draft and now they choose an edge rusher to get to the quarterbacks in the NFC East. Will McDonald (scouting report) has rare length, bend and athleticism and will fit in nicely with this defense. This pick could be a big hit for the Eagles.
 31. Kansas City Chiefs
Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The Kansas City Chiefs get more explosive with this pick. Zay Flowers (scouting report) may even wind up reminding some of Tyreek Hill with his flat-out speed. He does not have the size you are looking for, but he plays bigger when on the football field. Patrick Mahomes will really like this pick.
Round 2
32. Pittsburgh (From Chicago): Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa (scouting report)
33. Houston: Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia (scouting report)
34. Arizona: BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU (scouting report)
35. Indianapolis: Julian Brents, CB, Kansas St. (scouting report)
36. L.A. Rams: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia (scouting report)
37. Seattle (From Denver): Keeanu Benton, IDL, Wisconsin (scouting report)
38. Las Vegas: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina (scouting report)
39. Carolina: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina (scouting report)
40. New Orleans: Byron Young, IDL, Alabama (scouting report)
41. Arizona (from projected trade with Tennessee): Olusegun Oluwatimi, IOL, Michigan (scouting report)
42. N.Y. Jets (From Cleveland): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa (scouting report)
43. Green Bay (from projected trade with N.Y. Jets for Aaron Rodgers): Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh (scouting report)
44. Atlanta: Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech (scouting report)
45. Green Bay: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State (scouting report)
46. New England: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati (scouting report)
47. Washington: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State (scouting report)
48. Detroit: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon (scouting report)
49. Pittsburgh: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin (scouting report)
50. Tampa Bay: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State (scouting report)
51. Miami: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama (scouting report)
52. Seattle: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson (scouting report)
53. Chicago (From Baltimore): Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh (scouting report)
54. L.A. Chargers: Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson (scouting report)
55. Detroit (From Minnesota): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia (scouting report)
56. Jacksonville: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse (scouting report)
57. N.Y. Giants: John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota (scouting report)
58. Dallas: O'Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida (scouting report)
59. Buffalo: Demarvion Overshown, ILB, Texas (scouting report)
60. Cincinnati: Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State (scouting report)
61. Chicago (From Carolina through San Francisco): Byron Young, Edge, Tennessee (scouting report)
62. Philadelphia: Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State (scouting report)
63. Kansas City: Adetomiwa Adebawore, Edge, Northwestern (scouting report)
