2023 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Quarterbacks Go 1-2-3

There were clear winners and losers from the NFL Scouting Combine, and the quarterback buzz is getting louder.

How will it all affect my second mock draft? Check it out:

1. Houston Texans (via Chicago Bears): QB Bryce Young, Alabama

Compensation: No. 2 overall, No. 33 overall

No change here, as the Texans move up a spot to take the most polished quarterback prospect in the draft. Young has size and weight concerns, but he is a savant at reading defenses and has uncanny playmaking ability.

2. Indianapolis Colts (via Chicago Bears): QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

Compensation: No. 4 overall, fourth-round pick, 2024 first-round pick

The Bears double-dip and move down again, picking up more draft capital and keeping them in play for Will Anderson. The Colts need a quarterback, and staying at No. 4 could force them into the unenviable position of taking their third or fourth choice.

The price is steep, but Indy goes for a player with serious arm talent.

3. Carolina Panthers (via Arizona Cardinals): QB Anthony Richardson, Florida

Compensation: No. 9 overall, No. 61 overall, 2024 first-round pick

Richardson is a polarizing prospect, but there are going to be some teams that are all-in on him. Cam Newton won an MVP in Carolina, leading the Panthers to the Super Bowl.

Richardson is a similar player with huge upside, and this is a team that is almost certainly going to nab a signal-caller in the first round.

4. Chicago Bears: OLB Will Anderson, Alabama

Chicago may be able to play this draft to perfection, adding some major draft capital while still grabbing the prospect it could be considering at No. 1 overall. Anderson is the clear-cut top non-quarterback prospect following the reckless driving and racing arrest of Jalen Carter.

5. Seattle Seahawks: DT Jalen Carter, Georgia

The Seahawks could take a long look at Will Levis or Anthony Richardson if they are on the board. In this scenario Levis is still there, but Seattle makes the risky pick with the selection of Carter.

Once expected to be the first non-quarterback off the board, his character is being questioned after his recent arrest. The Seahawks drafted Frank Clark in 2015 after a domestic violence arrest, and could make a similar move here.

6. Detroit Lions: Edge Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

There is a lot to like about Wilson, who has major upside as a pass-rusher. He’s not quite Anderson or Carter, but he’s close, and the Lions could boost their defense by adding him alongside Aidan Hutchinson.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Will Levis, Kentucky

It’s the Raiders! Of course they would be intrigued by a quarterback who can throw the ball to the moon! 

8. Atlanta Falcons: CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

The Falcons have a stud cornerback in A.J. Terrell and can add a very enticing prospect in the top-10. With the four quarterbacks all off the board, Atlanta bolsters its defense after selecting Kyle Pitts and Drake London early the past two years.

9. Arizona Cardinals: OT Paris Johnson, Ohio State

Johnson has the versatility to play guard as a rookie if Josh Jones and D.J. Humphries remain on the roster in 2023, but his long-term position would be tackle.

Arizona did a poor job constructing the offensive line around Kyler Murray the past few seasons, and GM Monti Ossenfort could aim to change that with his first pick. Johnson has some holes in his game but his build and athleticism allow for a lot of upside.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

The Eagles have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, but cornerback is a need. While Gonzalez is seen as a slightly-better prospect, Witherspoon is right there.

11. Tennessee Titans: T Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

The Titans released Taylor Lewan and need to shore up their offensive line. It is rebuild time in Tennessee, and Skoronka is a nice prospect who should help beef up the trenches.

12. Houston Texans: Edge Myles Murphy, Clemson

The Texans need help at a lot of different spots, and someone like wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be a consideration here. But many believe Murphy is a top-10 talent, and Houston isn’t in a position to pass on someone like that.

13. New York Jets: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

Elijah Moore could be on the way out after a bumpy tenure in New York. Smith-Njigba could slide in and be another weapon for whichever quarterback ends up starting.

14. New England Patriots: WR Quentin Johnston, TCU

The Patriots need to find some more playmakers on offense. DeAndre Hopkins is a rumored target, but if he doesn’t end up in New England, a big-play guy like Johnston could be a good choice to pair with Mac Jones.

15. Green Bay Packers: Edge Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

The Packers have some good players up front already and would add to that with Van Ness, a player with a solid frame who should have success rushing the passer and stopping the run.

16. Washington Commanders: CB Joey Porter, Jr., Penn State

Even though the focus is on quarterback, the Commanders have a hole at cornerback, and there are a plethora of intriguing options in the draft. While Gonzalez and Witherspoon are expected to be gone, Porter is a nice consolation prize.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Deonte Banks, Maryland

After a fantastic showing at the combine, Banks’ stock is on the rise. The Steelers need a cornerback, so this pairing is natural.

18. Detroit Lions: RB Bijan Robinson, Texas

One of the few selections I have remaining the same from Mock Draft 1.0. Robinson seems like a good fit in Detroit as D’Andre Swift’s time with the team seems to be winding down.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: G O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida

The Buccaneers need some help on the offensive line. There are some tackle options in this spot, but if the evaluation is stronger on Torrence, he could be the pick.

20. Seattle Seahawks: Edge Nolan Smith, Georgia

Smith is a fast-riser in projections after his dominant combine performance. The Seahawks need a lot of help on the defensive line and pairing Smith with Carter could improve it in a hurry.

21. Los Angeles Chargers: TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Like last time, tight end makes a lot of sense for Los Angeles. Mayer and Dalton Kincaid are expected to be the first two off the board, so it depends on the Chargers’ evaluations.

22. Baltimore Ravens: WR Zay Flowers, Boston College

With Johnston off the board, the Ravens take a look at other receivers, and land on an exciting prospect in Flowers. Lamar Jackson is dominating the headlines, but no matter the quarterback, Baltimore needs help at receiver.

23. Minnesota Vikings: DB Brian Branch, Alabama

Branch is a versatile defensive back with the ability to play cornerback or safety. Minnesota has some aging veterans on defense and infusing this youth would be welcomed.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh

Kancey ran an ultra-fast 40. If he can be Aaron Donald-lite, this is a steal for Jacksonville.

25. New York Giants: WR Jordan Addison, USC

The Giants need wide receivers badly. Addison’s stock is dropping a bit after a so-so combine. New York would likely take a long look at him if available.

26. Dallas Cowboys: CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State

Dallas could be on the lookout for a wideout, but the defensive backfield could also use some strengthening.

27. Buffalo Bills: G/C John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota 

The Bills need some help with protection on the interior of the line. Schmitz is one of the most heralded centers in the class but could start out at guard as well.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama 

Joe Mixon seems headed out of town. The Bengals already have a great passing attack and Gibbs could be an impact piece on the ground for a team in the midst of a championship window.

29. New Orleans Saints: DT Mazi Smith, Michigan

New Orleans has some impressive edge-rushers but could use a bit of help on the interior. Smith has great strength and would fit in well.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas

The Eagles could be losing some of their mainstays on defense, but they have the draft capital to load back up. Sanders is a versatile player who could find a starting spot from the jump.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: T Broderick Jones, Georgia

Orlando Brown is set to hit free agency, leaving a major hole at tackle for the Chiefs. Jones is projected to go higher, and if he’s still available, he could land in Kansas City.