2023 NFL mock draft: Round one

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.

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.

The Lions selected Aidan Hutchinson in the 2022 draft, but the interior of the defensive line remains an issue. 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 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.

Ringo was a key face on the backend of Georgia's defense last season, with two picks. He'd give the Panthers another strong press corner for what's quickly becoming one of the most talented secondaries in football.

This season could be Daniel Jones' last chance to get it right. If he fails, the Giants are likely to have a top 10 pick in the draft, and Richardson could be in play. The versatile quarterback hasn't seen much of the field in his college career, but that will change in 2022.

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 elite pass-rushing upside.

Seattle has struggled to find a premium pass rusher since trading Frank Clark, but Murphy could potentially solve that problem. He recorded eight sacks in 10 games last season.

Washington's secondary was in shambles at times last season and remains a need. Ricks is transferring from LSU to Alabama this season and was a breakout player in 2020 with four picks in eight games.

Pittsburgh's offensive line improved in the offseason, but left tackle remains a need. Johnson fits the bill as a 6-foot-7 tackle prospect.

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.

With Adam Thielen in the latter part of his career, the Vikings could be in the market for some help opposite Justin Jefferson. 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. 

The Patriots have long featured tight ends and could use some company with Hunter Henry. Mayer is slightly undersized but has elite receiving ability, with 71 catches last year.

The Eagles managed without Brandon Graham for much of last season but could use a long-term replacement. Foskey is a first-round prospect after recording 10 sacks last season.

The offensive line is the Raiders' clear weakness offensively, where there are several needs. Skoronski is a capable tackle, but he could also move inside to guard.

Miami paid most of their attention toward the offense this offseason, so the defense could get attention in next year's draft. Smith has elite edge rush potential with more playing time and will have a bigger role at Georgia this season. 

Is Ryan Tannehill the answer in Tennessee? That remains a question despite multiple winning seasons with him at the helm. With a deep quarterback class next year, the position could be in play. Levis is a more dynamic passer, but also accurate completing 66% last season.

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 to play alongside Kyler Murray now that he's getting experience under Lincoln Riley.

Baltimore traded Marquise Brown in the offseason but hasn't made a significant move to replace him yet. Downs is undersized but coming off a huge season with 101 catches for 1,335 yards for the Tar Heels.

Matt Ryan is a fine placeholder for the Colts, but the team will need to address the position again soon. 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.

Simpson is quickly becoming the leader of the Tigers' defense, recording 6.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss last season. He could shore up the second level for the Bengals next year.

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.

Despite using a first-round pick on Derek Stingley Jr. this year, the Texans still have a need at cornerback. The 6-foot-3 Johnson has premium size as a top defensive back prospect.

Seattle has failed to adequately replace Russell Wilson to this point, but it's hard to believe either Drew Lock or Geno Smith are the long-term answer. Van Dyke has a strong first season as Miami's starter, passing for over 2,900 yards and 25 touchdowns in 10 games.

The Chargers were able to retain Mike Williams, but Keenan Allen is getting older. The 6-foot-4 Johnston is an elite deep threat, averaging over 20 yards per catch over the last two seasons. 

Miami has an excellent secondary, but they could use more depth in their front seven. Sewell was a tackling machine for the Ducks last year, with 114 tackles along with four sacks.

The Packers drafted Christian Watson this year but still need more young wideout talent. Demus averaged over 100 yards per game last season and has the size to be a major Red Zone threat. 

The Lions could potentially keep adding to their front seven, even if they address it early in the first round. Carter has great size at 6-foot-7 and is a legitimate NFL prospect, with 14.5 sacks last season.

While the Chiefs signed Justin Reid in the offseason, it remains to be seen if they will keep Juan Thornhill around after this season. Moore has shown potential as either a corner or safety.

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.

Buffalo spent a first-round pick on Kaiir Elam but could add more cornerback depth, especially if Tre'Davious White isn't the same following a knee injury. Porter has shown himself to be an elite cornerback prospect at Penn State.