The way-too-early 2023 NFL mock draft

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.

Bresee is looking to reestablish his value after suffering a torn ACL last season and playing only four games. He has pass-rush skills on the interior and comes from a long line of successful defensive linemen at Clemson. The Lions are still in a position to take the best player available in their rebuild.

The Georgia defense is set to reload, with Ringo one of its leaders. The 6-foot-2 corner has ample size for press coverage, as the Jags could look to add depth at that spot next season.

The Buckeyes had two first-round picks at wideout in 2022, but Smith-Njigba was arguably their best wide receiver last season with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine scores. He has the potential to make a Ja'Marr Chase-like contribution immediately, which the Panthers would certainly welcome as they try to revamp their offense.

Carter should see more snaps this season with many Bulldogs departing from the historic 2021 season, which will allow him to use his pass-rush skillset. He has great potential to help make the Giants defensive line elite after already using a first-round pick on Kayvon Thibodeaux this year.

The 6-foot-7 Johnson is a premium tackle prospect, and the Bears need to desperately shore up their offensive line to help Justin Fields' development. Johnson would be a great start.

Tyler Lockett is starting to get long in the tooth for a wideout, while D.K. Metcalf will be costly soon. Seattle could be in a position to revamp their wide receivers, and Downs has great potential in the Lockett mold after catching 101 passes for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

The offensive line is already a concern for Washington heading into the 2022 season. Hayes would be a fit at left tackle, as the team revamps next year.

There are rumors Addison is mulling a transfer from Pitt, but he's a first-round prospect in any case. He's coming off a huge season in the explosive Panthers offense, with 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns. Addison's pure speed and ability to run after the catch will play anywhere, and he'd make for an elite wideout down the road with the Steelers.

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 Vikings did well to add Christian Darrisaw in the first round of last year's draft, but could be in the market for a right tackle or guard next season. Skoronski's lack of height could push him inside to guard at the next level.

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.

Porter Jr. has sample size for press coverage and a nose for the ball. The Eagles could be in the market for secondary help opposite Darius Slay next year.

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. His elite speed shows a first-round prospect, and the Raiders could be in the market for another outside wideout opposite Davante Adams next year.

Murphy is coming along well as an elite edge rusher, recording eight sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 10 games last season. Miami could be in the market for an edge rusher next year.

Demus missed much of last season with a knee injury, but should reestablish his draft stock with a healthy season. He averaged over 100 yards per game last season and has the size to be a major Red Zone threat. Tennessee took Treylon Burks in the first round this year but could need more wideout help.

Smith has elite edge rush potential with more playing time, and will have a bigger role at Georgia this season. Arizona could be in the market next year with J.J. Watt and Markus Golden getting older.

Baltimore traded Marquise Brown at the draft without adding a notable replacement, so adding another wideout could be on the horizon. The 6-foot-4 Johnston is an elite deep threat, averaging over 20 yards per catch over the last two seasons.

Richardson has seen limited work in his college career thus far, but could be headed for a breakout campaign in 2022. The versatile quarterback would make an excellent replacement for Indy stopgap Matt Ryan.

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.

Florida has been a defensive back factory in recent seasons, and Dent could be a first-round prospect with a strong junior season. Safeties are especially important in Lovie Smith's defensive scheme, so adding one in the first round could be in play.

Van Dyke has a strong first season as Miami's starter, passing for over 2,900 yards and 25 touchdowns in 10 games. Seattle didn't address quarterback in this year's draft, but could do so next year.

Moore is next in the long line of terrific cornerback prospects the Crimson Tide have produced in recent seasons. The Chargers spent big on J.C. Jackson and have seen positives from Asante Samuel Jr., but could be in the market for an addition cornerback next year.

Baldonado had a breakout 2021 season with nine sacks in 14 games. He'd be a candidate for Miami, as they potentially rebuild their front seven next year.

Green Bay could be in the market at right tackle next year. Scott is a strong prospect who could fill the void.

Joseph has been a takeaway machine over the last two seasons, with nine interceptions. He could help a Lions defense that still needs a lot of help in the secondary.

The Chiefs will almost certainly need wide receiver help next year, with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling possibly only in KC for one year. Burton shows elite deep speed, averaging 19.1 yards per catch last year.

Slovis has made his name at USC to this point, but is set to replace Kenny Pickett at Pitt. He's regressed at USC but has the physical tools to get back on draft boards. The Bucs could look toward an heir to Tom Brady soon.

Sewell was a tackling machine for the Ducks last year, with 114 tackles along with four sacks. He'd add talented depth behind Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano.