With the 2022 football season now underway, it's a good time to look toward next year. Here's our 2023 NFL first-round mock draft, as of early September 2022.
1 of 32
1. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Kyle Robertson / USA Today Sports Images
Stroud had a breakout 2021 season, completing nearly 72% of his passes and throwing for 4,435 yards and 44 touchdowns. He has his sights set on winning the Heisman Trophy in 2022 and is almost certain to be among the top picks in 2023 if he declares for the draft. The Texans saw progress from Davis Mills in his rookie season but probably couldn't resist the opportunity to take a talent like Stroud.
2 of 32
2. Atlanta Falcons: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images
Stroud has a slight advantage over Young entering the 2022 season, but the edge isn't much. Young was great last season, throwing for over 4,800 yards and 47 touchdowns. While slightly undersized, that shouldn't stop Young from being a top pick. Atlanta selected Desmond Ridder in the third round this year, but he will need to show a lot for the Falcons to feel set at the quarterback position.
3 of 32
3. New York Jets: Will Anderson, DE, Alabama
Albert Cesare / USA Today Sports Images
Anderson is a generational edge-rushing talent, recording seven sacks in 2020 and 17.5 sacks last season. The defensive line is a strength for the Jets after drafting Jermaine Johnson to join Quinnen Williams and Carl Lawson, but this opportunity would be too good to pass up.
4 of 32
4. Detroit Lions: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Matt Pendleton / USA Today Sports Images
The Lions have a viable quarterback in Jared Goff, but he needs to play better than he did last season for the team to plan around him. The versatile Richardson hasn't seen much of the field in his college career, but that will change in 2022.
5 of 32
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Joshua A. Bickel / USA Today Sports Images
The Jaguars spent big on Christian Kirk this offseason, but their wide receiver corps is still a work in progress. Smith-Njigba was the most productive wideout at a position that had two first-round picks at Ohio State last season, with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns.
6 of 32
6. Carolina Panthers: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Dale Zanine / USA Today Sports Images
The Panthers spent first-round picks on defensive linemen in 2019 and 2020, but they can still use more depth up front. Carter was a big part of Georgia's National Championship team with 37 tackles and three sacks and should see more snaps this season.
7 of 32
7. New York Giants: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Jasen Vinlove / USA Today Sports Images
The Giants are trying to fix Daniel Jones, but 2022 could be his final opportunity in New York. Levis is a more dynamic passer, but also accurate, completing 66% last season.
8 of 32
8. Chicago Bears: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Ken Ruinard / USA Today Sports Images
Not many teams have more needs than the Bears, and that includes the interior of the defensive line. Bresee suffered a torn ACL last season but has an elite pass-rushing upside.
9 of 32
9. Seattle Seahawks: Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images
It's clear the Seahawks will need to address quarterback next year, but they're rolling with Geno Smith and Drew Lock for now. Hall had a promising year in 2021, replacing Zach Wilson at BYU with over 2,500 yards passing and 300 yards rushing, and could help his stock with another jump this season.
10 of 32
10. Washington Commanders: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today Sports Images
Ringo was a key face on the backend of Georgia's defense last season, with two picks. Washington could use some youth at the position, as they rely on veterans Kendall Fuller and William Jackson this year.
11 of 32
11. Pittsburgh Steelers: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
Jamie Rhodes / USA Today Sports Images
T.J. Watt remains a dominant force for the Steelers, but they could use more youth on the edge with Cameron Heyward approaching the end of his career. Murphy recorded eight sacks in 10 games last season.
12 of 32
12. Philadelphia Eagles (via Saints): Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
Brad McClenny / USA Today Sports Images
James Bradberry joined Philly in the offseason, but he could be just a one-year stopgap. Ricks is transferring from LSU to Alabama this season and was a breakout player in 2020 with four picks in eight games.
13 of 32
13. Minnesota Vikings: Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
Matt Cashore / USA Today Sports Images
Minnesota is still rebuilding its defense and could use a fallback option for the oft-injured Danielle Hunter. Foskey is a first-round prospect after recording 10 sacks last season.
14 of 32
14. New England Patriots: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today Sports Images
New England has rarely spent major draft capital at wideout, and they've suffered recently at the position. Boutte played only six games last season due to a leg injury, but he was highly productive with 38 catches for 509 yards and nine touchdowns.
15 of 32
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Stephen Spillman / USA Today Sports Images
Robinson has the talent to be a rare early first-round running back next year. He had over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns last season for the Longhorns, showing the ability to be a three-down back. The run-heavy Eagles could be in the market if Miles Sanders doesn't make progress this season.
16 of 32
16. Las Vegas Raiders: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Adam Cairns / USA Today Sports Images
The offensive line is already looking like a major issue for the Raiders, with 2021 draftee Alex Leatherwood failing to pan out. Johnson fits the bill as a 6-foot-7 tackle prospect.
17 of 32
17. Tennessee Titans: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Joe Camporeale / USA Today Sports Images
Tennessee has struggled to fill the void at tight end since losing Jonnu Smith. Mayer is slightly undersized but has elite receiving ability, with 71 catches last year.
18 of 32
18. Arizona Cardinals: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images
Arizona lost Chandler Jones in the offseason, and J.J. Watt has also struggled to stay healthy recently. Smith has elite edge rush potential with more playing time and will have a bigger role at Georgia this season.
19 of 32
19. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Robin Alam / Icon Sportswire
Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley has struggled to stay on the field over the last two seasons, and Baltimore could also have a need at right tackle next season. Skoronski is a capable tackle, but he could also move inside to guard.
20 of 32
20. Indianapolis Colts: Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
Caitie McMekin / USA Today Sports Images
The Colts had several changes in the secondary this year, and could still have a need next season. Moore has shown potential as either a corner or safety.
21 of 32
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Antonio Johnson, CB, Texas A&M
Gary Cosby Jr. / USA Today Sports Images
Cincinnati spent their first two draft picks on the secondary this year, but could look for further help with Eli Apple and Mike Hilton set to have significant roles this season. The 6-foot-3 Johnson has premium size as a top defensive back prospect.
22 of 32
22. Dallas Cowboys: B.J. Ojulari, DE, LSU
Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today Sports Images
Ojulari has recorded 11 sacks in two seasons with the Tigers and could help his draft stock with a great junior campaign. The Cowboys have never met a pass rusher they didn't love and could be in the market with their edge rushers getting older.
23 of 32
23. Houston Texans (via Browns): Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Dale Zanine / USA Today Sports Images
Addison is taking his talents to USC after playing at Pitt previously and could see a nice boost in the new offense. He's coming off a huge year with 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns and would be a nice fit opposite Brandin Cooks in Houston.
24 of 32
24. Seattle Seahawks (via Broncos): Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Ken Ruinard / USA Today Sports Images
Simpson is quickly becoming the leader of the Tigers' defense, recording 6.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss last season. Seattle needs help at linebacker after moving on from Bobby Wagner.
25 of 32
25. Los Angeles Chargers: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Joe Nicholson / USA Today Sports Images
The Chargers could be looking for change at inside linebacker next year if Kenneth Murray is unable to rebound. Sewell was a tackling machine for the Ducks last year, with 114 tackles and four sacks.
26 of 32
26. Miami Dolphins (via 49ers): Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Rich Barnes / USA Today Sports Images
Cornerback has been a strength for Miami over the last several years, but they could look to build behind veterans Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. Porter has shown himself to be an elite cornerback prospect at Penn State.
27 of 32
27. Green Bay Packers: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Bob Donnan / USA Today Sports Images
Green Bay used two high draft picks on wideouts this year, but could look to add more next offseason if Aaron Rodgers is still around. Downs is undersized but coming off a huge season with 101 catches for 1,335 yards for the Tar Heels.
28 of 32
28. Detroit Lions (via Rams): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Ron Johnson / USA Today Sports Images
Detroit has already had some bad luck with former top pick Jeff Okudah, and could further address corner. Witherspoon is a key part of the Illini defense and could be a strong press corner.
29 of 32
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Kevin Jairaj / USA Today Sports Images
With JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman possible free agents, the Chiefs might address wideout again next offseason. The 6-foot-4 Johnston is an elite deep threat, averaging over 20 yards per catch over the last two seasons.
30 of 32
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cameron Ward, QB, Washington State
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images
The Bucs will need to address quarterback sooner or later, as Tom Brady can't play forever. A transfer from FCS Incarnate Word, Ward posted huge numbers and could draw NFL scouts if he continues to succeed in the Pac-12.
31 of 32
31. Buffalo Bills: Dontay Demus Jr., WR, Maryland
Scott Taetsch / USA Today Sports Images
The Bills promoted Gabriel Davis to their No. 2 wideout this season, but their depth at the position is now lacking. Demus averaged over 100 yards per game last season and has the size to be a major Red Zone threat.
32 of 32
Forfeited first round pick: Miami Dolphins
Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images