Early 2023 NFL Mock Draft Predictions and Analysis

Examining Early 2023 NFL Mock Draft Predictions

As the 2022 NFL season hits the halfway point, it's never too early for fans and analysts to look ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft. Who will be the top picks? Which positions seem especially strong or weak? Early mock drafts provide some insight into how next April's draft could shake out.

Quarterbacks in Focus

The 2023 quarterback class lacks a consensus number one prospect like recent drafts, but intriguing talents remain. Alabama's Bryce Young headlines the group as the reigning Heisman winner, noted for his accuracy and poise. Ohio State's C.J. Stroud and Kentucky's Will Levis are also possible first rounders with prototypical size and arms. Other names to monitor include Florida's Anthony Richardson, Stanford's Tanner McKee, and Tennessee's Hendon Hooker.

Defensive Line Depth

Several elite defensive line talents are expected to come off the board early. Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. is considered a generational pass rusher who can make an immediate impact. Clemson's Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy bring versatility and upside. Other disruptive linemen like Georgia's Jalen Carter, Clemson's Tyler Davis, and TCU's Dylan Horton cannot be overlooked.

Skilled Positions in Flux

The running back position continues to fall out of favor early in the draft, but some intriguing playmakers could break that trend. Texas' Bijan Robinson and Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs are game-changing talents, while Michigan's Blake Corum produces consistently. At receiver, LSU's Kayshon Boutte, USC's Jordan Addison, and Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba boast enticing athleticism and production.

Team Needs Guide Early Mock Draft Selections

In early mock drafts, expected team needs significantly sway projections. Quarterback-needy squads like the Texans, Panthers, and Colts could reach for a signal caller. Receiver and cornerback are positions multiple teams will target. Meanwhile, the Bears, Seahawks, and Lions having two picks each in the first 36 provides interesting flexibility.

Texans and Panthers Eye Franchise Quarterbacks

Sitting at number one, the Texans would have their choice of Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud to hopefully end their long-term quarterback woes. Carolina at number five needs similar stability under center and would likely snap up whichever top arm Houston passes on. Other quarterback-hungry teams like Seattle, Indianapolis, and even Tampa Bay could also make draft day moves if they fall out of the top prospects.

Corner and Receiving Talent Up for Grabs

Several corner needy defenses at the top of mock drafts will have options like Georgia's Kelee Ringo, Oregon's Christian Gonzalez, and Devon Witherspoon of Illinois. Philadelphia, Washington, the New York Jets, and Detroit could upgrade their secondaries. For offense, Chicago, Green Bay, Jacksonville, New England, and the New York Giants may covet someone like Boutte, Addison, or Smith-Njigba to juice their passing games.

Loaded Teams Eye Best Player Available

Clubs with extra day one and two picks like Chicago, Seattle and Detroit have flexibility. Expect them to take upside players who drop rather than reach based solely on position. Defenders like Anderson, Carter, and Bresee would appeal, as would skill guys like Robinson and Gibbs. This abundance of early selections gives struggling teams chances to accelerate their rebuilds.

Other Draft Factors in Play

As always, draft stocks will shift after prospects showcase themselves in college football playoffs, bowl games, all-star events, and NFL Combine testing. Player interviews and background checks also sway decisions. How teams finish the 2022 season also impacts the draft order. Yet early mock draft analysis provides a snapshot of which players and positions could dominate next April.

Risers and Fallers Throughout Draft Process

Inevitably players will rise and fall throughout the pre-draft process. Quarterbacks often surge late from showcases like the Senior Bowl and combine. Elsewhere, prospects like Pitt defensive lineman Calijah Kancey could boost their stock with more exposure. Unfortunately, injury risks like Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. may have medical red flags. Character concerns and program changes can also hurt players.

2023 Draft Order Still Taking Shape

While the one-win Texans seem likely to secure the number one selection, most of the draft order remains unsettled. As clubs like the Panthers, Steelers, Saints, and Packers struggle, picking higher becomes more probable. Conversely, the Giants and Jets have outside playoff shots that could drop them down in round one. Ultimately, on-field results over the last nine weeks will determine placements.

Underclassmen Declarations Loom Large

The January 16 deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft will shake up available player pools drastically. Alabama's Bryce Young, Will Anderson Jr., and Jahmyr Gibbs project to enter alongside Georgia defender Jalen Carter, but surprises always emerge. The decisions from stars like Bijan Robinson, Myles Murphy, and Kelee Ringo will guide mock drafts closer to April.