Two Round NFL 2023 Mock Draft: Most Chaotic Draft Of All Time?
The 2023 NFL Draft might be the most mysterious in recent memory.
Generally, in the month of April, we know which prospects most teams are zeroing in on, and who they plan to pursue. Moreover, we often have an idea of potential trade spots, looming runs on certain positional groups, and consensus-viewed rankings.
From a distance, the 2023 NFL Draft is intriguing. In the midst of analysis, the end of April feels like it could be the most volatile butterfly effect in recent memory. With the unknown even at the top of the first round, the 2023 NFL Draft might be one of the most entertaining of all time.
Let’s take a look at the two-round mock draft. I have decided not to include trades to ensure that it does not become a complete mess.
Round One
Pick 1 – Carolina Panthers – Anthony Richardson QB (Florida)
The Panthers forego the safety of C.J. Stroud and go for one of the best QB physical profiles in draft history. Richardson could be truly special, and Carolina gets a potential superstar in the NFL.
Pick 2 – Houston Texans – Bryce Young QB (Alabama)
Despite significant size concerns, the Texans get the most advanced passer entering the NFL Draft. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner had an over 90 PFF grade in 2022 despite a much less stacked supporting cast.
Pick 3 – Arizona Cardinals – Will Anderson Jr EDGE (Alabama)
The Cardinals are sorted at QB with Kyler Murray. Instead, Arizona turns to Will Anderson Jr to be their superstar on the less glamorous side of the ball. The Alabama EDGE can help to turn around one of the weakest defenses in the NFL.
Pick 4 – Indianapolis Colts – Will Levis QB (Kentucky)
Will Levis just feels like an Indianapolis Colt. Traits-obsessed GM Chris Ballard will be enamored by the Kentucky signal caller and his sizzling arm talent, impressive physical traits, and high ceiling. The Colts must hit this pick to turn around a franchise in disarray since Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement.
Pick 5 – Seattle Seahawks – Jalen Carter IDL (Georgia)
Despite character concerns, Carter is absolutely one of the two best defenders in the 2023 NFL Draft class. Seattle is in need of upgraded defensive line play. Thus, improving the interior is a perfect place to begin, and Carter has the potential to be truly special in the NFL.
Pick 6 – Detroit Lions – Devon Witherspoon CB (Illinois)
Witherspoon has the attitude that Dan Campbell will fall in love with. He is a hard-hitting, feisty athlete that plays with a mean streak. He allowed just a 25.3 passer rating and no touchdowns in 2022.
Pick 7 – Las Vegas Raiders – C.J. Stroud QB (Ohio State)
The Raiders would sprint in the card in this situation. An accurate, high-floor prospect that would be perfect for Josh McDaniels’ scheme, Stroud can develop behind Jimmy G for his rookie season, before potentially becoming the star quarterback that the Las Vegas Raiders are hoping for.
Pick 8 – Atlanta Falcons – Tyree Wilson EDGE (Texas Tech)
Wilson manhandled offensive tackles in college. The physically imposing defensive lineman will help the Falcons team that had just 39 sacks in the last two seasons. The Texas Tech prospect may take some time to develop but has a seemingly unlimited ceiling.
Pick 9 – Chicago Bears – Paris Johnson Jr OT (Ohio State)
Paris Johnson Jr is a physical freak as an offensive lineman. Extremely long, powerful, and strong, the Ohio State left tackle surrendered just 14 pressures in 449 pass-blocking snaps. Moreover, he gave up just three sacks in the last three seasons playing against strong competition.
Pick 10 – Philadelphia Eagles – Peter Skoronski OL (Northwestern)
Howie Roseman loves the trenches. The Eagles get potentially the best offensive lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft, who can play all five positions across the line. Skoronski likely will start at right guard, until Lane Johnson retires in a few years and he can kick outside.
Pick 11 – Tennessee Titans – Broderick Jones OT (Georgia)
The run on offensive tackles continues, as the Titans rebuild their trenches to continue to dominate on the ground. Jones has all the tools to be a superstar but will need some patience in pass protection at the next level.
Pick 12 – Houston Texans – Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR (Ohio State)
Smith-Njigba was the best receiver in a corps that included Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson the last time he was healthy. The Texans expedite their offensive rebuild, grabbing a fantastic quarterback and a premium weapon to pair with him.
Pick 13 – New York Jets – Darnell Wright OT (Tennessee)
The New York Jets grab some offensive line depth here, ensuring that they have insurance if Mekhi Becton cannot get back on the field. Alternatively, he could make a sensational tandem with Becton on the right side. Win, win for the Jets.
Pick 14 – New England Patriots – Bijan Robinson RB (Texas)
Bill Belichick will have his big board of talent, and positional value will not scare him away from a running back. Robinson is ridiculously talented and can legitimately lead the NFL in scrimmage yards in his rookie season. The Patriots get a premium weapon in the draft.
Pick 15 – Green Bay Packers – Lukas Van Ness EDGE (Iowa)
The Packers are apparently allergic to drafting any sort of offensive weapon in the first round. Fortunately, they do have needs on the defensive side of the ball, and take Iowa prospect, Lukas Van Ness. He is a risk but possesses physical traits that give him the upside of a dominant edge rusher.
Pick 16 – Washington Commanders – Christian Gonzalez CB (Oregon)
Perhaps the most physically gifted cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft, Gonzalez offers absolutely stellar value here at pick 16 for the Commanders. Washington could be tempted by Hendon Hooker here as buzz increases for him in the first round but make a much smarter pick here solidifying their secondary.
Pick 17 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Joey Porter Jr CB (Penn State)
This one is almost too easy. With most of the offensive tackles already off the board, the Steelers take the son of former superstar defender Joey Porter. The Penn State cornerback is long, physical, and has the sort of attitude the Steelers will love.
Pick 18 – Detroit Lions – O’Cyrus Torrence OG (Florida)
The Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. With an opening at one of the offensive guard spots, Detroit decides to take Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence. He can come in immediately as a bullying bulldozer in the run game who can offer rock-solid pass protection.
Pick 19 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Deonte Banks CB (Maryland)
Banks is an exceptional athlete. The Maryland prospect offers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the opportunity to build the secondary as a primary strength for the defensive roster.
Pick 20 – Seattle Seahawks – Myles Murphy EDGE (Clemson)
Myles Murphy is the textbook prototype for a defensive end in the NFL. At 6’5″, 258 pounds, the Clemson EDGE gives the Seahawks another trench player to help create a stout front to the less glamorous side of the ball.
Pick 21 – Los Angeles Chargers – Quentin Johnston WR (TCU)
The Chargers desperately need speed on offense. Justin Herbert has untapped potential, with the unreliability of the oft-injured Mike Williams and the aging Keenan Allen. Johnston is a big receiver who is blazing fast and can stretch the field for the Chargers offense.
Pick 22 – Baltimore Ravens – Bryan Bresee DL (Clemson)
Bryan Bresee, like his Clemson teammate Myles Murphy, is so physically dominant. The 6’5″, 298-pound interior defender has had a run of injuries and personal tragedies that have made his draft evaluation difficult and nuanced. The Ravens get a terrific defensive lineman that can be a star at the next level.
Pick 23 – Minnesota Vikings – Drew Sanders LB (Arkansas)
Drew Sanders is the Swiss Army Knife of this draft class. He can rush the passer, play coverage and stuff the run. The Arkansas linebacker provides the Vikings with a unique weapon that can fill many different roles in their aging defense.
Pick 24 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Nolan Smith EDGE (Georgia)
Nolan Smith slides down the board, and Trent Baalke snaps up yet another athletic defender. The Georgia defender lines up across from fellow Bulldog alumni Travon Walker to form a deadly duo of edge rushers. Smith has deadly speed and while light at just 238 pounds, had a 14.9% run-stop rate to go along with a 25.5% pass-rush win rate.
Pick 25 – New York Giants – Zay Flowers WR (Boston College)
Zay Flowers is explosive. The Boston College prospect gives the Giants easily their most explosive offensive weapon. Flowers will be Daniel Jones’ most dynamic receiver that offers great after-the-catch ability.
Pick 26 – Dallas Cowboys – Darnell Washington TE (Georgia)
The Dallas Cowboys want to run the football. Washington is a sixth offensive lineman in the run game while being a huge target for Dak Prescott. At 6’6″, and 266 pounds, the Bulldog tight end has a unique athletic profile that can be elite at the next level.
Pick 27 – Buffalo Bills – Dalton Kincaid TE (Utah)
Kincaid received a 91.8 PFF receiving grade, had a 2.8% drop rate, and 890 yards from just 60 catches in 2022. He had a nose for the end zone in his last two seasons, snagging 16 touchdowns in 26 games. Josh Allen will unlock this ultra-reliable offensive weapon in the NFL.
Pick 28 – Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Mayer TE (Notre Dame)
The Bengals grab a weapon here that can contribute in both the passing and running game. Mayer received an overall grade of 92.5 PFF grade in 2022 and had a PFF blocking grade of 82.1 in that campaign. Joe Burrow gets a premium big pass catcher to add a huge element of physicality to the offense.
Pick 29 – New Orleans Saints – Kelee Ringo CB (Georgia)
Kelee Ringo has been plummeting down draft boards. The Georgia defensive back has the versatility to play cornerback or even safety and has the athletic tools to be an absolute star. His 2022 season had its struggles, yet the Saints bet on his fantastic 6’2″, 207-pound size and 4.36 40-yard dash speed.
Pick 30 – Philadelphia Eagles – Calijah Kancey DI (Pittsburgh)
The Eagles benefit from Kancey’s slide here. While the Pitt product is definitely significantly undersized at 6’1″, 281 pounds, there is no doubt that he has elite potential as a pass rusher. He received an absurdly impressive 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade, as well as a 22.7 pass-rush win rate. Alongside behemoth run-stuffing athletic outlier Jordan Davis, Kancey’s presence forms a thunder-and-lightning combination in Philadelphia’s defensive interior.
Pick 31 – Kansas City Chiefs – B.J. Ojulari EDGE (LSU)
Ojulari has a bloodline in the NFL, with his older brother Azeez playing for the New York Giants. B.J. comes in as a player that has racked up 127 pressures in the last three seasons and tallied a solid 16.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss through the same period. Ojulari gives the Chiefs a devastating young pairing at the EDGE across from 2022 draft first-round selection George Karlaftis.
Round Two
Pick 32 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Dawand Jones OT (Ohio State)
Porter was a great Steeler fit due to his family bloodlines and attitude. Jones is seemingly also tailor-made for Pittsburgh, as one of the glowing examples of a personification of toughness. At 6’8″, 374 pounds, the Ohio State tackle is a human excavator in the run game. He achieved an 85.0 run-blocking grade from PFF, while not allowing a single sack or quarterback hit in 2022.
Pick 33 – Houston Texans – Brian Branch S (Alabama)
Inexplicably, Brian Branch slides down the board and DeMeco Ryans rejoices. He has the flexibility to play at nickel or safety and was simply dominant in his 2022 season for the Crimson Tide. Branch had 90 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions and seven passes defended. Ryans plugs him to be the backbone of a rebuilding defense.
Pick 34 – Arizona Cardinals – Keeanu Benton DI (Wisconsin)
The Cardinals return to the well on the defensive trenches. Benton provides terrific athleticism, at 6’4″, 309 pounds with a glowing 8.87 Relative Athletic Score (RAS). Arizona leave the first two rounds with Will Anderson Jr and Keeanu Benton, effectively addressing their lacklustre defensive line.
Pick 35 – Indianapolis Colts – Cedric Tillman WR (Tennessee)
Battling through injuries in his 2022 campaign, Tillman is a rare large receiver in his year’s draft that figures to slide to the second day. As a result, the Colts take him to give Will Levis a weapon with a huge catch radius.
Pick 36 – Los Angeles Rams – Jahmyr Gibbs RB (Alabama)
The Rams need talent. Gibbs in the second round is fantastic value. The Crimson Tide weapon has caught 103 passes for 1,215 yards in the past three seasons and gives Stafford some stability in the backfield.
Pick 37 – Seattle Seahawks – Josh Downs WR (North Carolina)
Downs is a small, tough receiver that was highly productive at the college level. He racked up 2,364 yards and 19 touchdowns in the past two seasons. Downs also caught 72.2% of his contested opportunities in 2022.
Pick 38 – Las Vegas Raiders – Anton Harrison OT (Oklahoma)
Harrison allowed just nine pressures in 447 pass-blocking snaps. He allowed just one sack in 2022 and has the potential to be a franchise left tackle to protect C.J. Stroud for the next ten years. The Raiders get two premium players with their two top 40 selections.
Pick 39 – Carolina Panthers – Jordan Addison WR (USC)
Some view Addison as the best wide receiver in this draft class. The cupboards are pretty barren for the Panthers at pass catcher after the trade of WR1 D.J. Moore. In 2021, Addison had a monster season for the Trojans, hauling in 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns. Richardson gets his WR1 in Carolina.
Pick 40 – New Orleans Saints – Mazi Smith DI (Michigan)
The Saints continue rebuilding the defense. Smith is a huge interior defender who at 6’3″, 323 pounds is a prototypical nose tackle at the next level that New Orleans can take a chance on.
Pick 41 – Tennessee Titans – John Michael Schmitz IOL (Minnesota)
The Titans double up on offensive linemen, grabbing Minnesota interior prospect John Michael Schmitz. He had a phenomenal 92.3 overall PFF grade in 2022 and is experienced in an outside-zone-heavy scheme. Tennessee make a significant improvement to their offensive line.
Pick 42 – New York Jets – Will McDonald IV EDGE (Iowa State)
Will McDonald IV slips into the middle of the second round and the New York Jets take the opportunity to get a five year collegiate prospect with great production. The Iowa State edge rusher racked up 40.5 tackles for loss and 34.0 sacks for the Cyclones in college, and the Jets hope he can develop into a similarly terrific defender at the NFL level.
Pick 43 – New York Jets – Joe Tippmann IOL (Wisconsin)
The Jets further invest in the retooling of their offensive line. Tippmann has guard and centre flexibility at the next level, which allows the Jets to mix and match their new starting five in the trenches. Moreover, his size is fantastic as a guard at 6’6″, 313 pounds, and with Wright and Becton can make one of the biggest, most physically imposing offensive lines in the NFL.
Pick 44 – Atlanta Falcons – Adetomiwa Adebawore DL (Northwestern)
Want to rebuild the pass rush? How about pairing Tyree Wilson with an absurdly athletic inside and outside defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore. At 6’2″, 282 pounds, the Northwestern defender had a 4.49 40-yard-dash. This combination of draft picks, combined with Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata and Calais Campbell can help turn this pass rush around. This investment could turn a significant weakness into an absolute strength.
Pick 45 – Green Bay Packers – Luke Musgrave TE (Oregon State)
PFF project Luke Musgrave as the “best athlete at the position in the class”. Although his 2022 campaign was marred with injury, his 6’6″, 253 pound frame should translate excellently to the next level.
Pick 46 – New England Patriots – Felix Anudike-Uzomah EDGE (Kansas State)
Anudike-Uzomah midway through the second round will have Bill Belichick absolutely stoked. The Kansas State EDGE had 89 pressures in his last two seasons, along with 19.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss. He gives the Patriots a premium rusher across from Matthew Judon.
Pick 47 – Washington Commanders – Hendon Hooker QB (Tennessee)
The Commanders resist the temptation to desperately address the quarterback position with the 16th selection, and are rewarded with Hooker’s availability in the second round. The Tennessee signal caller had 80 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions in his four years as a starter, as well as a phenomenal 8,974 yards passing. What a steal for the Commanders at the 47th pick.
Pick 48 – Detroit Lions – Sam LePorta TE (Iowa)
The Lions still need a TE and LB. Detroit pluck LaPorta here with the first of their two second round draft selections. At 6’3″, 245 pounds, the Iowa State tight end has mismatch speed with a 4.59 40-yard dash and can give Goff yet another offensive weapon to make this passing game even more potent.
Pick 49 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Jack Campbell LB (Iowa)
Jack Campbell is the third straight player that just feels like a perfect Pittsburgh prospect. The Iowa linebacker had a 87.0 PFF run defense grade, as well as an even more impressive 92.9 PFF pass coverage grade. Campbell is tough, physically imposing (6’5″, 249 pounds) and experienced. The Steelers plug their three primary draft needs and can be ecstatic with an excellent first two rounds of selections.
Pick 50 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Steve Avila OG (TCU)
Apart from superstar OT Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay can use an upgrade at every position across their offensive line. Avila is a productive pass blocking interior lineman, with guard and flexibility. In 2022, he did not allow a single sack in 540 pass blocking snaps.
Pick 51 – Miami Dolphins – Cody Mauch OL (North Dakota State)
Cody Mauch is imposing. Perhaps it is the missing teeth, the long hair or just the amazing athleticism he possesses. He gives the Dolphins positional flexibility and an athletic freak that excels in pulling and getting downfield. Mauch is a vital piece for rebuilding the run game for Miami.
Pick 52 – Seattle Seahawks – Julius Brents CB (Kansas State)
The Seahawks have addressed the defensive line with two first-round prospects, a pass catcher with their initial second-round selection and now turn their attention to the secondary. At 6’3″, Julius Brents has 34-inch arms and offers sound collegiate production, with four interceptions in 2022.
Pick 53 – Chicago Bears – Cam Smith CB (South Carolina)
Chicago have addressed their offensive line to assist in the development of Justin Fields, and use the second round to improve their defense. Smith was productive in 2022, with his fantastic ball skills resulting in four interceptions and 15 pass breakups in 70 targets.
Pick 54 – Los Angeles Chargers – Siaki Ika DI (Baylor)
Siaki Ika can be seriously explosive. He may give Chargers’ head coach Brandon Staley the ability to employ light boxes in the run game with his 6’3″, 335 pound frame used to occupy multiple blocks at the point of attack. While Ika’s production dipped in 2022, he had 33 pressures in 2021 and can get penetration into the backfield.
Pick 55 – Detroit Lions – Trenton Simpson LB (Clemson)
Entering the 2022 season, Trenton Simpson was viewed widely as the best linebacker prospect in this draft class. The Clemson product is versatile, and stuffed the stat sheet last season. Simpson had 72 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2022. He fills a void for the Lions at linebacker, providing a versatile skillset that can assist in each phase of the defense.
Pick 56 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Emmanuel Forbes CB (Mississippi State)
If Forbes wasn’t 166 pounds, he would likely be a higher selection. At 6’1″, the Bulldogs cornerback offers a sound athletic foundation of a premium outside corner. Forbes must gain muscle mass at the next level to not be bullied by bigger receivers. He has amazing ball skills, pulling in 14 interceptions and 20 passes defended in three seasons at college.
Pick 57 – New Yorks Giants – Garrett Williams CB (Syracuse)
Similarly, Williams slides down the draft boards due to his ACL injury in 2022. The Syracuse cornerback had 21 passes defended over his three collegiate seasons, and PFF said he “has some of the best feet of any cornerback in the draft class”. Williams offers terrific value for the Giants here at 57 to inject youth into their secondary.
Pick 58 – Dallas Cowboys – Nick Herbig EDGE (Wisconsin)
Nick Herbig is undersized as a traditional edge rusher at 6’2″, 240 pounds. PFF awarded him an absolutely incredible 91.1 PFF pass rushing grade and 23.9% pass rush win rate. The Cowboys somehow snag a versatile prospect that tallied 36 tackles for loss, 21 sacks and four forced fumbles at the back end of the second round to further develop this varied, dominant defense.
Pick 59 – Buffalo Bills – Matthew Bergeron OT (Syracuse)
The Bills were widely viewed as the NFL’s most complete roster entering the 2022 season. Unfortunately, their offensive line was mediocre, and must be invested in to unlock the potent potential of the offense. Bergeron offers a significant upgrade to Spencer Brown at right tackle right off the bat.
Pick 60 – Cincinnati Bengals – Andrew Vorhees OG (USC)
Although Vorhees is likely to miss his rookie season, and is already 24 years old. Thus, the second round may seem too early for the USC interior lineman. That being said, Vorhees started six seasons for the Trojans and was above an 80 overall grade in PFF’s the last two seasons.
Pick 61 – Chicago Bears – Tuli Tuipulotu EDGE (USC)
Back-to-back Trojans selected gives the Bears a potentially elite defender. Chicago needs defensive talent, and the USC star was incredible in 2022. Tuipulotu had a terrific season last year, accumulating 22 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks and 37 hurries.
Pick 62 – Philadelphia Eagles – Zach Charbonnet RB (UCLA)
The Eagles have a long term contributor at running back in Kenneth Gainwell. UCLA prospect Zach Charbonnet offers thunder to his lightning. At 6’0″, 214 pounds, the Bruins’ ground weapon is powerful and forced 53 missed tackles in 2022. His 93.6 PFF rushing grade warrants the Eagles uncharacteristically taking a running back in the second round.
Pick 63 – Kansas City Chiefs – Jalin Hyatt WR (Tennessee)
Not again. The Chiefs get their second steal of the draft. Kansas City get an absolute burner here who has field tilting speed. In 2022, the Tennessee prospect had 18.9 yards per catch for a total of 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. NFL defenses collectively shudders as Mahomes gets a blazing fast receiver on the outside.