2023 NFL Draft order: Probable picks by teams for the 1st round
With the 2023 NFL Draft fast approaching, here's a look at the top players and the order in which they are likely to be drafted in the first round.
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It’s that time of the year again! The NFL Draft for 2023 is fast approaching. This means 250 new faces get the opportunity to realize their dreams of playing football professionally. All those years of hard work and long hours spent studying film will finally pay off for the nation’s finest athletes.
The NFL Draft is a bittersweet moment for athletes. While many players get drafted, many do not make the cut and fall short of living their dream. The draft has seven rounds, and each team gets to pick one player in each round. Teams have the option to move up the board by trading multiple picks or a player with one another.
The talent pool is immense this year and the draft order is set. Based on player rankings, performance, and the latest buzz from NFL scouts and analysts, here is the proposed order in which the top players are expected to be drafted in the first round.
Related: Top 10 best No.1 draft picks in NFL history
NFL Mock Draft 2023 (Top 10)
1. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are going all in this year. The team has given up a LOT to get the first pick in this year’s draft as they exchanged it with the Bears at the cost of two-first round picks, second-round picks in this year’s draft and the 2025 draft along with wideout DJ Moore.
Carolina is in desperate need of a quarterback. The team has changed multiple QBs in the past decade and without stability at this position; it is hard for any team to thrive. C.J. Stroud is likely to be the first pick in the draft and the Panthers should go for him. While Bryce Young is as good a QB, Stroud has shown situational awareness and has proven to be a great option during critical moments of the game. C.J. Stroud to the Carolina Panthers at number 1.
2. Houston Texans
The Texans are in a full rebuild mode. The team has struggled to get back on its feet after trading Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins. Houston needs a quarterback, a fresh face with talent and that is exactly what Bryce Young has to offer. His accuracy is commendable and football IQ is off the charts. Bryce has shown exceptional ball placement skills and drafting him will be the first step the Texans will need to take to improve the franchise. Bryce Young to the Houston Texans at number 2.
3. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals do not need a QB. On the offensive end, the team is pretty much covered. However, the defense does need some improvement. Following the retirement of JJ Watt, Arizona could use a new strong face in the form of an outside linebacker. This is exactly what Will Anderson Jr. has to offer. His agility and quickness are commendable and he will be able to run through and past OL as strength is also his forte. Will Anderson Jr. to the Arizona Cardinals at number 3.
4. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have had a rough season in 2022. Not only did the team’s acquisition of Matt Ryan turn out to be disappointing, but they played out the second half of the season with an interim Head Coach. With Shane Steichen as the team’s new Head Coach, the QB room will also need a new face and Anthony Richardson is the man. The Colts are likely to draft him due to his athletic build. Richardson is built like a linebacker, can run through tackles like a running back, and has the speed of a wideout. Oh, and also, he is damn good at throwing the ball! Anthony Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts at number 4.
5. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has found a reliable quarterback in Geno Smith, however, the team does need improvement on the defensive end and DL Tyree Wilson may be the first step toward achieving that goal. Tyree Wilson brings in an intimidating factor. The dude is big and, despite his size, can move quickly. His combination of strength, agility, and speed is remarkable and are also the reasons Seattle will draft him. Tyree Wilson to the Seattle Seahawks at number 5.
6. Detroit Lions
The Lions have had a massive culture change under Dan Campbell. The team is headed in the right direction and yes; they do have a decent quarterback in Jared Goff but it does not mean they are not eyeing a better option at QB. Will Levis is the perfect option for the team as he possesses elite arm talent, and the dude can run. Moreover, he would perfectly blend in with the culture in Detroit, as he is known to be an extremely competitive and hardworking individual. Will Levis to the Detroit Lions at number 6.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are pretty much set on offense. While the team does have good defensive tackles and defensive ends, they need a corner, and Devon Witherspoon is as good as they come. Pro Football Network describes him as aggressive, physical, and confident. His resemblance to Sauce Gardner is uncanny and he has all the essentials needed to thrive right out of the gates in the NFL. Devon Witherspoon to the Raiders at number 7.
8. Atlanta Falcons
While the primary need for the Falcons remains to be the QB position, it is less likely that the team will consider drafting a playmaker unless any of the above-mentioned QBs happen to be available. With that being said, Atlanta is likely to solidify that defense by adding Jalen Carter, the DT out of Georgia. The team’s defensive line needs some help. With Grady Jarrett and Ta’Quon Graham coming off injuries, Jalen Carter can become the key piece for that defensive line to improve from its current rankings.
9. Chicago Bears
The Bears need to work on their O-line. Period. They are set at the QB position with Justin Fields, who has immense talent and potential, but the team has just not been able to protect him in the pocket. With that being said, the Bears are likely to draft Peter Skoronski, the OT out of Northwestern. His 33″ arms and performance last season where he gave just six pressures on 474 pass-blocking snaps as the left tackle make a compelling case for him to be drafted at number 9.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles pretty much have every position covered, after all, they did just go to the Super Bowl. However, the defense could use some improvement. Particularly the cornerbacks. While Darius Slay and James Bradberry are good players, the former is getting up there in age, and the latter cannot be a one-man show. The team is likely to choose Christian Gonzalez, the corner out of Oregon, to fill this void in their roster. Gonzalez has it all: the speed, the strength, the vision, and great instincts. The ceiling for this man is high, and the culture in Philly would be the best for him. Christian Gonzalez to the Philadelphia Eagles at number 10.
Picks 11 through 32
11. Tennessee Titans – The Titans need a wideout desperately and the best option for them is WR Quentin Johnston out of TCU. A 6-foot-4, 215 pounds with an athletic build, his exceptional route-running skills are something Ryan Tannehill can use. Quentin Johnston to the Titans at number 11.
12. Houston Texans – H-Town would prioritize drafting a QB with their first pick and the team is likely to use its second pick on getting a receiver such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State. His technique is impeccable and his route-running is on another level. Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the Houston Texans at number 12.
13. New York Jets – The Jets are likely to be the most improved next season. The team needs to improve upon its offensive line and is likely to pick Paris Johnson Jr., the Tackle out of OSU. He is known to be a competitor and has the perfect combination of power and athleticism. Paris Johnson Jr. to the Jets at number 13.
14. New England Patriots– The Pats have struggled in the past seasons and the team does require more options at the WR spot. However, Bill Belichick is likely to consider drafting a TE as that has been a problematic area for New England. The best option for them is Dalton Kincaid out of Utah, he’s not going to be of much help if you expect him to block but he could be the second coming of Gronk as he is the perfect mix of a TE and a wide receiver. Dalton Kincaid to the Patriots at number 14.
15. Green Bay Packers – There are a lot of things at play for the Packers who could get the Jets’ first-round pick after trading Aaron Rodgers. The team will probably focus on its defensive line and draft Calijah Kancey, the DL out of Pittsburgh. His 92.4 pass-rushing grade last season is convincing enough for Green Bay to take a shot at him. Calijah Kancey to the Packers at number 15.
16. Washington Commanders – The Commanders need a QB, but the team is not likely to consider filling this position through the draft. Washington is likely to step up its defense by drafting a corner with their first pick. The ideal pick for them is Deonte Banks out of Maryland. Deonte Banks to the Washington Commanders at number 16.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers are known for their defense. However, in the last season, it has become evident that the team could use an Edge Rusher. Pittsburgh should take a look at Lukas Van Ness out of Iowa as he fits the build and could make an immediate impact. Lukas Van Ness to the Steelers at number 17.
18. Detroit Lions – With their second pick in the first round, Dan Campbell and the Lions are likely to address their defensive needs by drafting a defensive lineman. Bryan Bresee out of Clemson is a great option for the Lions as he is a dynamic DL who looks like your typical lineman, but he can move! Bryan Bresee to the Lions at number 18.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Bucs have a lot of position groups that need improvement, however, they are likely to focus on drafting a new edge rusher. Shaq Barrett’s Achilles tear last season had an adverse impact on the team as their pass-rush game fell. The Bucs are likely to draft Nolan Smith out of Georgia to address their defensive needs. His agility, speed, and strength make him one of the best edge rushers to watch out for in the draft. Nolan Smith to the Bucs at number 19.
20. Seattle Seahawks – Seattle will look to improve their defensive roster by adding Brian Branch, the safety out of Alabama. A versatile defender, Brian’s football IQ, is impressive, and he has the speed to chase down receivers. Oh, and a notable mention, he just so happens to be the best tackling defensive back Pro Football Focus has graded. He just missed four tackles on 174 career attempts. Brian Branch to the Seahawks at number 20.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – The Chargers need to address needs on both defense and offense. The team could opt-in to draft either an Edge Rusher to solidify their defense or pick a wideout or tight-end for their offense. Assuming they are likely to prioritize their defense, the Chargers need an Edge Rusher as despite the duo of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa being a threat to opposing offenses, the last season, following the latter’s injury, the Chargers could have used an Edge Rusher. Myles Murphy, the Edge out of Clemson, is perfect for them as the 6-foot-5, 275-pound pass-rusher is athletic, consistent, and humble. The perfect recipe for success in the NFL. Myles Murphy to the Chargers at number 21.
22. Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens need to work on their edge rushing game. Will McDonald IV is a great option for the team as he utilizes his natural length to his advantage and, combined with his speed and athleticism, he would make a great fit for the Ravens. Will McDonald IV to the Ravens at number 22.
23. Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings need a wide receiver. Yes, Justin Jefferson is the best out there but they just lost Adam Thielen, which means defenders now have one less player to worry about covering. The best option for the Vikings would be Zay Flowers from Boston College. He would match Justin Jefferson’s energy on the field and his ability to separate from the man is amazing. Zay Flowers to the Vikings at number 23.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jaguars should address their offense and the running back position is one that they need to improve upon. Bijan Robinson, the RB out of Texas, has a lot to offer to the Jags. His athletic build allows him to explode and run past defenders. He can also catch the ball effectively, which makes him a dual threat. Bijan Robinson to the Jaguars at number 24.
25. New York Giants – The Giants have to widen their cornerback room and add more pieces. The team is likely to add Emmanuel Forbes out of Mississippi State. The corner can handle man coverage as well as zone coverage, his football IQ and natural instincts serve him well in the midst of critical situations. Emmanuel Forbes to the Giants at number 25.
26. Dallas Cowboys – Cowboys need to draft a wide receiver. Period. The team went into last season counting on CeeDee Lamb to step his game up and while he did improve; he is by no means the solution if Dallas intends to make the Super Bowl. Jordan Addison, the WR out of USC, is an underdog in the draft who has a lot to offer the Cowboys. His separation game is on point, impeccable route-running, he has proven himself to be a high-volume target, and overall should be a great addition to the team. Jordan Addison to the Dallas Cowboys at number 26.
27. Buffalo Bills – The Bills are likely to draft a new Offensive Tackle. Darnell Wright out of Tennessee is a great pick for the team owing to his experience and versatility at playing both RT and LT. His hand technique, functional strength, and patience in pass protection make him one of the best options at OT in this draft. Darnell Wright to the Bills at number 27.
28. Cincinnati Bengals – The Bengals have a great roster. The one visible spot that could use an upgrade is the tight-end position. Michael Mayer out of Notre Dame is a great option for the team as he is heading into the draft as a Junior, but he has shown scouts that his skillset can be easily translated into the NFL level. He can block and catch passes effectively and consistently. Michael Mayer to the Bengals at number 28.
29. New Orleans Saints – The Saints have multiple positions that need to be addressed. However, assistant GM Jeff Ireland has stated that the team has its sights set on finding a dual-threat QB in the draft. Hendon Hooker, out of Tennessee, would be a great option for the team as he can pass the ball with great accuracy, has the size and mobility to go with his arm, and can serve as a great backup to Derek Carr. Hendon Hooker to the Saints at number 29.
30. Philadelphia Eagles – With their second pick in the first round, the Eagles could turn to an Edge Rusher. The team is likely to take Adetomiwa Adebawore out of Northwestern. His toughness, versatility, and interior penetration quickness are amazing traits that one does not get to see often. Adetomiwa Adebawore to the Eagles at number 30.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs need to stack up on wideouts. The team is likely to pick Josh Downs out of North Carolina. A 4-star wideout, Downs is explosive and dynamic. A great slot receiver, he uses his speed and agility to his advantage. Josh Downs to the Kansas City Chiefs at 31.
32. Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins have been stripped of their first round picks this year as a result of the tampering allegations levied against the organization and owner Stephen Ross. Hence, the team will be eligible to pick players only from the second round onwards.
This concludes the first round of the NFL Draft. This is the order in which players are likely to be drafted by teams. Do you agree with this list? What do your predictions for the first round look like?
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Sumedh Joshi
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