Post-Combine NFL Mock Draft (Picks 1-10): Three QBs in opening five selections
Despite all the blockbuster trades and the drama of free agency coming very soon, the main event of any spring for football fans is the undoubtedly the NFL Draft. Also a special event in any year, the 2023 draft should see quarterbacks return to the first-round of selections, and there are a good set of defensive linemen expected to go early.
The 2023 NFL Combine has now been and gone. Prospects have been assessed and teams will be ready to make for moves. There were winners and losers of the event, which has altered their mock position, so here is part one of Jonny Bisby’s second mock draft of the new year:
1. Indianapolis Colts (via mock trade with Bears)
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
With the first overall selection, the Chicago Bears are in complete control of this draft. Justin Fields is the QB for the future in Chicago, so the Bears could trade with the Colts, who are in desperate need of transforming their fortunes at quarterback.
Bryce Young is certainly the consensus QB1 this year, but CJ Stroud is definitely a star player in the making. Despite not having as prolific a year as in 2021, he was exceptional for the Buckeyes in their recent defeat to Georgia in the playoffs.
General manager prefers taller QBs, and Stroud fits that mold. He would be a great fit for the Colts and their new head coach to work with.
2. Houston Texans
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
After winning their way out of the golden #1 spot in the draft, the Texans may have given up the prized pick. But they should still come away with an elite quarterback in the first round.
Infact, Bryce Young is probably the best quarterback prospect in the draft. Regardless of concerns of his size, Young has been the standout player in college for the past couple of years, and can go on to have a very successful career as a pro.
In what could have been have been a sticky situation, this could turn out to be ideal for Houston.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
After losing J.J. Watt to retirement this year, Arizona will be in desperate need of some help on the pass rush. Anderson Jr., probably the best overall player in the draft, offers just that, and more.
He’s been likened to Khalil Mack and Von Miller, and that’s just the type of player that the Cardinals need. A dominant playmaker, Anderson Jr. is going to take the NFL by storm.
4. Carolina Panthers (via mock trade with Bears, via Colts)
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida Gators
After an impressive outing in the NFL Combine, the Anthony Richardson hype train is in full force. Looking at combine results since 2006, he posted the best quarterback vertical (40.5 inches) and broad jump (10-foot-9), and then rolled out a scorching 4.43-second 40, which tied for the fourth-fastest time at the position over that span.
Richardson has huge upside as a quarterback, and would be an ideal player to bring to Carolina. It might take a while for him to develop as an NFL pro, but Richardson certainly has the talent and ability to make the jump.
5. Seattle Seahawks (via trade with Denver Broncos)
Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
One player who has seen his stock fall in recent weeks is Jalen Carter.
However, he would be too big a talent for the Seahawks to turn down if he fell to #5. Seattle would be a perfect environment for Carter, and head coach Pete Carroll is the ideal coach to get the best out of the star defensive tackle.
6. Detroit Lions (via trade with Los Angeles Rams)
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Lions will be ecstatic to be drafting this high, considering the progress they made in 2022. They are going to be a force in the NFC next season, and fixing their weaknesses in the draft and free agency should put them in a good spot.
One area in need of improvement is at defensive back. The Lions allowed 6.2 yards per play in 2022 – the NFL’s sixth-worst number for the past decade – so an adding a cornerback is imperative.
They’ve been heavily linked Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez, a 6-1 and 197 pounds corner who impressed at the Combine. He can make plays and would be a great pick for Detroit.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Levis is a strong QB prospect. He’s a physical quarterback, with a huge arm and an exceptionally quick release. Considering the other talent available in this class, it is understandable to see that he isn’t receiving the same hype, but teams are going to be very keen on the Kentucky QB.
He can go on to have a long and very successful year as a pro, and would fit would Josh McDaniels is looking for in Las Vegas
8. Atlanta Falcons
Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Falcons will probably miss out on a QB they want if they don’t trade up, so addressing their defense will take priority. Defensive tackle or a cornerback selection could happen, but the Falcons really need someone who can really revolutionise the pass rush, a weakness in 2022 despite drafting two edge rushers last year.
Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson would be an ideal addition. He would slot in as a starter from day one.
9. Chicago Bears
Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
The Bears trade down twice and still end up with a premium defensive pick in Clemson’s Bryan Bresee.
Defensive line is high of the Bears needs, considering they finished 31st against the run in 2022. Bresee would be a day one starter, with his elite athleticism and mental fortitude making him a viable pro prospect.
With a treasure chest of picks, plus an incredible amount of cap space to use up, this should be a busy offseason in Chicago.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via trade with New Orleans Saints)
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Eagles‘ roster may have strong depth, but the defense is littered with pending free agents. One impending issue could become the secondary in the offseason. Taking Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon, a coverage ace would certainly ease the blow of potentially losing James Bradberry in free agency.
Witherspoon is too good of a talent for the Eagles to ignore here.
