NFL Mock Draft 2023 - Round 1

The Panthers are having a heated internal debate about which QB to take here, but it's down to Young vs. Stroud. Young has plenty of fans with the offensive staff because of his arm, accuracy, intangibles and leadership adding up to can't-miss package regardless of any size concern.

The Texans will be happy taking either Young or Stroud as their franchise QB to fit their new 49ers-like offense well Stroud is a sturdy pro-polished pocket passer who makes all the throws with accuracy with the right dash of athleticism.

The Cardinals, if they don't trade this pick for a team jumping up for a quarterback, should lock into the defensive difference-maker they like and trust the most. Anderson is a great fit for Jonathan Gannon's defense rushing the passer and flying around on the second level despite the fact Jalen Carter fills more of a need.

The Colts might need to swing a trade with the Cardinals slide up to No. 3 to ensure getting the third quarterback, but should Young and Stroud be gone, Richardson looks like the choice. He has massive arm and athletic upside to think he will click in Shane Steichen's offense after he coached Jalen Hurts so well in Philadelphia.

The Seahawks will be thinking defense early and will go for pass-rush upside outside over filling a need inside, too, especially after investing well in free-agent addition Dre'Mont Jones. Wilson's freakish and versatile qualities should have great appeal to Pete Carroll as another cornerstone disruptor.

The Lions spent well to upgrade their secondary in free agency with corners Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley and safety C.J. Gardner Johnson. But they still have a weakness outside after deciding to give up on first-rounder Jeff Okudah. Gonzalez's size-speed-ballhawk combination is hard to ignore to flip a group into a complete strength.

The Raiders will be ready to pounce on the best player available with GM Dave Ziegler and they won't let Carter slip past them as a much-needed complementary impact front seven defender for Maxx Crosby. Between Jerry Tillery and Bilal Nichols, Las Vegas is one of the worst base 4-3 teams at tackle.

The Falcons should think pass rush most regardless of Anderson and Wilson being off the board. Murphy also provides a classic combination of size, speed and quickness and is a great fit for outside linebacker in their revamped 3-4 defense.

The Bears have to work on their major defensive rebuild in this draft and would jump on Carter should he slips here, but they also need to focus on improving pass protection for Justin Fields after upgrading his wide receiver corps with new No. 1 D.J. Moore. Staying local for Skoronski makes sense as a means to that end with his plus athleticism made for long-term left-side success.

The Eagles weren't able to keep star safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency and they need a direct replacement with a savvy, versatile cover man for the inside. With the depth at pass rusher, it makes sense to go after Branch, in a tier by himself at safety in this class, with their initial first-rounder.

The Titans, if passing on a quarterback such as Will Levis this early, need to think upgrading their passing game again with a second consecutive first-round wide receiver after Treylon Burks. Johnston would be the ideal vertical threat complement to Burks' intermediate and after-catch work with his size and field-stretching speed 

The Texans need to pair a new dynamic pass-catcher with their new franchise QB, whether it's Stroud or Young. Addison fits because he's an all-around go-to guy who plays faster than he tests and has a reliable history of production lining up everywhere as a modern No. 1.

The Jets are hoping recent first-rounders Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker will stay healthy to help Laken Tomlinson and new center Wes Schweitzer up front, but the other tackle is a concern given Duane Brown's age (37) and durability concerns and Max Mitchell's ineffectiveness. Johnson, with great athleticism for his size, projects as an immediate starting right tackle opposite Becton.

The son of the former Steelers star pass rusher would be a fine get for New England as Bill Belichick's scheme could use a top, big cover corner to complement Jonathan Jones. Porter has the potential to be their new Stephon Gilmore or J.C. Jackson with his ability to make plays on the ball using his size, speed and quickness.

Mayer lines up well for the Packers as more than a luxury pick for Jordan Love. They invested well in wide receivers for Aaron Rodgers' successor in last year's draft but need to fill the receiving void created by Robert Tonyan leaving for the Bears in free agency. Mayer is the complete tight end who can get down the seam and make big plays and also be a reliable force in the red zone.

Witherspoon follows the agility and size combination theme for corners in this class. He positioned himself to be a top-half pick with great pre-draft work, much like Gonzalez and Porter. The Commanders might think a little about quarterback here with Levis on the board, but cleaning up corner is smarter.

The offensive tackles might see a shuffle between Skoronski, Johnson, Jones and others in terms of how they go early in the draft, but lock in the Steelers for the best tackle available here unless they go up and trade for a falling Jalen Carter. Kenny Pickett has plenty of offensive skill weapons.

The Lions can put their offense over the top with a dominant, explosive three-down workhorse, turning D'Andre Swift into a dynamic change of pace and newcomer David Montgomery to a straight-up relief backup. Robinson would thrive and put up huge numbers behind their offensive line feeding off a dangerous passing game, of which he also would be a part with his receiving skills.