With the 2023 NFL Draft upon us, it's time to produce our final mock. As usual, there was – and sort of still is – a ton of intrigue at the top of the board. The Carolina Panthers acquired the #1 pick from the Chicago Bears and Carolina is expected to select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. However, some late movement with the odds has thrown that pick into a little bit of doubt.
A chaotic first round can be expected, but let's try to sort it out by projecting picks 1 through 31. Note that there only 31 picks instead of 32 because the Miami Dolphins were stripped of their first-rounder stemming from violations impacting the integrity of the game.'
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1. Carolina Panthers (from CHI): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Some late money has come in on Will Levis, but none of those rumors seem to be substantiated. Young is the safe choice and also the smart choice. Anything other than Young here would be an absolute shocker.
2. Houston Texans: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Assuming that Young does end up going #1, #2 is where the draft really begins. Nobody knows exactly what the Texans are going to do in this spot. I'm still guessing it's Stroud, but nothing would surprise me.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, LB, Alabama
Pick 3 looks like more of a lock, although who knows what Arizona will do if Houston creates chaos by picking Anderson? If the best defensive player in the class is still available, the Texans should snatch him up.'
4. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Levis is pretty much the x-factor in this draft. He could go 1 (maybe), he could go 2, someone could pull off a trade with Arizona and take him at 3, he could go 4, or he could go 5 or later. The smart bet is on 4 to Indianapolis.o
5. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Do you think the Seahawks are liking that trade they made involving Russell Westbrook? You bet they are. They'll like it even more if this pick from the Broncos turns into Carter. Off-the-field issues have bumped Carter down a bit, but he is 1 of the most talented players in this class.
6. Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Lions' offense cooled off during the second half of the season, but that side of the ball is still a well-oiled machine for the most part. Another pass rusher alongside Aidan Hutchinson is possible, but Gonzalez would be a good move.