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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Miami Dolphins were forced to forfeit their first-round selection in 2023 (and their third-rounder in 2024) for tampering with both Tom Brady and Sean Payton.
Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.
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