2023 NFL Mock Draft: Four QBs taken in top 5 as Raiders trade up, Bijan Robinson falls to NFC contender (2024)

From Chicago Bears

Outside of a bogus internet rumor, Bryce Young has been the perceived favorite to go No. 1 overall for about a month. Bryce Young is the best at the quarterback position in this class. If he were of prototypical size, there would not be any doubt in his ability to be one of the league's best.

The buzz suggests that Houston is not sold on a quarterback not named Bryce Young. If DeMeco Ryans stays put at No. 2 overall, a productive defender from his alma mater makes a lot of sense.

Mock Trade from Arizona Cardinals

I do not think Las Vegas would take just any quarterback in this draft class. The Raiders have a roster with several needs, but they can not help themselves. C.J. Stroud gives them a quarterback to build around moving forward.

The buzz linking Will Levis and Indianapolis has been circulating for quite awhile. I believe there is truth to it, but the Colts could also be releasing a savvy smokescreen. We will all find out together Thursday night.

From Denver Broncos

A fourth quarterback is taken in the top five picks. It may be too much for Seattle to pass on Jalen Carter in the moment, but there is no guarantee it could pass on Anthony Richardson here and land him later. The Seahawks would be smart to consider life beyond Geno Smith.

Devon Witherspoon is the type of player who head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have been trying to add to the locker room for years. After initially believing that the Lions would need to take an edge rusher early and take the cornerback at No. 18 overall, I have flipped. The NFC North franchise goes cornerback first.

Mock Trade from Las Vegas Raiders

Arizona may have taken Tyree Wilson at No. 3 overall, so moving back, picking up additional draft assets from Las Vegas and still landing Wilson is a big win in general manager Monti Ossenfort's first year.

Atlanta added veteran voices in Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree to the roster this offseason. Those two players and Grady Jarrett should be able to bring Jalen Carter along and instill a professional way of life.

From Carolina Panthers

Chicago needs to come away from the upcoming season knowing what it has in Justin Fields. The Bears addressed the skill talent but now need to focus on the offensive line. Peter Skoronski's future is best served as an interior lineman, but the coaching staff can do whatever is necessary to get the five best players on the field.

From New Orleans Saints

General manager Howie Roseman commonly addresses the offensive and defensive lines so that they are always prepared in the event of injury. Paris Johnson Jr. may have to play guard for a year or two as he awaits his time to move outside, but he provides them insurance in the short-term.

Despite signing Andre Dillard in free agency, Tennessee still needs offensive tackle help. Darnell Wright slides into right tackle with Dillard on the left side.

From Cleveland Browns

It is best player available for Houston after taking Will Anderson Jr. No. 2 overall. The Texans have added significant talent on the defensive side of the ball over a two-year period; music to the ears of head coach DeMeco Ryans.

From New York Jets

Green Bay has Rashan Gary working with Preston Smith, but Gary missed eight games last season and Smith will turn 31 years old in November. The Packers could use another rusher. The Smith selection comes a year after the franchise took two Georgia Bulldogs -- defensive tackle Devante Wyatt and linebacker Quay Walker -- in the first round.

Offensive tackle is a critical need for New England in my eyes. They have an assortment of players that could play right tackle but lack a viable long-term option on the left side. Head coach Bill Belichick replaces one Georgia tackle (Isaiah Wynn) with another (Broderick Jones).

From Green Bay Packers

The pick swap with Green Bay costs New York an offensive tackle, but it has a backup plan. Brian Branch can be a leader in that secondary. Senior advisor Phil Savage has a long history with many programs but notably Alabama.

Washington will not even need to send a jet to pick up local star Deonte Banks. The Commanders get a lengthy, physical cornerback to capitalize on all the pressure created by that expensive front.

The legacy comes home as Pittsburgh selects Joey Porter Jr. Offensive tackle is a bigger need, but the reality is that the Steelers could miss out if the run begins at No. 9 overall or earlier, as it did in this scenario.

After adding Devon Witherspoon at No. 6 overall, Detroit turns around and selects an edge rusher to continue adding to that front. The Lions can condense Lukas Van Ness in certain scenarios and fulfill some of what they are missing at defensive tackle.

Tampa Bay is just adding young talent at an affordable rate. Myles Murphy has tremendous upside, and Tampa Bay should be happy to have him midway through the first round.

DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have a vertical presence to their skillset, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a smooth operator underneath. He is accountable as a route-runner and should feast on opportunities created by those other threats.

The Chargers and Dalton Kincaid both left San Diego, so they have that in common. Los Angeles is looking to add speed, but the availability of Kincaid was too good to pass up as it adds another weapon for Justin Herbert.

Baltimore cannot be comfortable with Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr. The situation is improved, but if the Ravens really want to send a message, they would add Quentin Johnston to open up the possibility of three wide receiver sets.

Minnesota takes a very productive wide receiver to replace Adam Thielen and pair with Justin Jefferson.

Bryan Bresee feels like a pick made by general manager Trent Baalke. Baalke has never been afraid to take a player with a torn ACL in his past. He also favors prospects with traits and, Bresee certainly qualifies for both at a position of need.

New York adds to its offensive interior with the selection of O'Cyrus Torrence. The Giants have a big, physical front with Andrew Thomas, Evan Neal and Torrence.

One of the most curious storylines of draft night is where Bijan Robinson is ultimately taken. His talent suggests he should go inside the top 10, but it is difficult finding a logical landing spot. Dallas could not pass on him if he were still on the board at this point.

The Bills offense is unlocked with a quality slot receiver, and they find theirs here at No. 27 overall. Zay Flowers has inside out versatility but will primarily see snaps out of the slot.

Cincinnati could go defensive tackle here as well with a few quality options on the board. However, it targets the northern Kentucky native as another element to its passing game.

From Denver Broncos

New Orleans needs help at defensive tackle after losing Shy Tuttle and David Onyemata. Mazi Smith is a wide body who should be able to upgrade the run defense.

After taking Paris Johnson Jr. at No. 10 overall, the Eagles follow their modus operandi by selecting a defensive lineman -- Calijah Kancey in this instance.

Kansas City signed Jawaan Taylor in free agency to replace Orlando Brown Jr. at right tackle. However, the selection of Anton Harrison, who played left tackle for the Sooners, allows the Chiefs to move Taylor back to the right side.