2023 NFL Mock Draft: Parson 1.0

Family, we made it! The 2022 football season is nearly here. In a few weeks, college football kicks off and we will be in bliss. You can cry, I will not judge you! There will be storylines for months to come as both NFL and NCAA season progresses. Training camps are underway along with the NFL preseason. Being tasked with this NFL mock draft exercise has been fun. Nothing is set in stone as games have not been played yet. The 2022 college season will give us new names and faces to debate in the coming months. As for now, let’s have some fun and talk a little football.

The draft order is set for this NFL mock draft by BetOnline’s Super Bowl odds as of this weekend.

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Parson 1.0

1. Houston Texans

Will Anderson Jr. EDGE, Alabama

The Texans can find themselves in this position without Davis Mills playing poorly. If the organization’s belief in Mills remains, the best idea is to build this team by adding blue-chip players. This is not a roster that can handle a reset at the quarterback position and develop a new young signal-caller.

Will Anderson Jr. is the best player in this draft and the last, it is not close. He would immediately elevate the defensive front for the Texans. His athleticism, power, and relentless motor create havoc for opposing offenses. The Texans must continue to build and not restart the rebuilding process.

2. Atlanta Falcons

Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia

Atlanta’s roster is in need of impactful, blue-chip players—especially defensively. Most have longed for Grady Jarrett to have someone next to him worthy of creating a disruptive interior duo. Jalen Carter fills that role amicably. Paired with the two explosive edge selections from the 2021 draft, the defense can reach new heights!

3. Chicago Bears

Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State

With a new regime in Chicago, there is a different vibe. Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus will have their first full season to assess the talent around second-year quarterback Justin Fields. Protection comes first, and questions surrounding the long-term status of Teven Jenkins do not help. Adding more high-end talent to the OL will only benefit everyone involved. Paris Johnson Jr. is a big, athletic prospect that will provide some trust for Fields on the blindside.

4. Carolina Panthers

CJ Stroud QB, Ohio State

Carolina is in a weird place entering the 2022-2023 season, especially at the quarterback position. If they are selecting in the top four, they would be hard-pressed to bypass quarterback. Their list of quarterbacks on the roster does not provide high confidence to deter me from selecting one here.

C.J. Stroud has the arm strength, accuracy, and ball placement you want in a franchise quarterback. He is far from a finished product which adds excitement regarding his potential.

5. New York Giants

Anthony Richardson QB, Florida

Brian Daboll is in his first year as the Giants’ head coach. He is tasked with rebuilding the confidence and game of Daniel Jones. Seeing them picking in the top five in this mock does not bode well on the Jones experiment. Daboll finds one of the most gifted quarterbacks in college football to build his offense around.

Anthony Richardson gives the Giants a ball of clay to mold into their image as a franchise quarterback. You cannot teach 6-foot-4 and 240-pounds with a rocket arm and 4.50 speed. This is purely a projection, based on his physical abilities.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kayshon Boutte WR, LSU

Trevor Lawrence has a real coach heading into year two of his career. The front office did some good things to improve his supporting cast and help elevate his play. They are a young roster with goals to rise. Adding a WR1-caliber prospect to this offense will only benefit Lawrence’s progression.

Kayshon Boutte will bring an explosive element to this Jaguars offense. His ability to generate plays after the catch tips the scale for this NFL mock draft.

7. Detroit Lions

Bryce Young QB, Alabama

Dan Campbell is building a strong team in Motor City. He has gotten solid play out of Jared Goff, but is he the long-term answer at the most important position in football? I doubt that until proven otherwise.

Bryce Young is one of the better quarterbacks in college football and the draft. His mobility, accuracy, and ball placement are his strengths. I believe his sheer toughness and grit will ingratiate him to Campbell. Jameson Williams vouching for and reuniting with his former Heisman quarterback seems almost poetic in this NFL mock draft.

8. Seattle Seahawks

Will Levis QB, Kentucky

Tools, tools, and more tools, that is the name of the game when discussing quarterbacks prospects. Will Levis has most if not everything from a physical standpoint, similar to Richardson. Seattle does not have a bona fide franchise quarterback anymore. Their team, specifically the offense, is built to draft a quarterback. Essentially, this speeds up this “rebuild” with Pete Carroll at the helm.

Levis walks into a huddle that boasts D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Charles Cross, and Kenneth Walker III. I believe this would be a tremendous fit for the big-armed quarterback to find early success in the league.

9. Washington Commanders

Cam Smith CB, South Carolina

Can the Washington Commanders select in the top 10 of the NFL draft if Carson Wentz plays good football? Possibly. Chase Young is not expected to start the season after recovering from an ACL injury. This can have a negative impact on their pass rush. In addition, their secondary struggled in 2021, allowing the fourth-most passing yards in the NFL.

Cam Smith is a versatile cover corner that plays with a “Dawg” mentality. He is a sticky and twitchy mover that can mirror/match routes. This will help Washington deal with the receiver pairings in the NFC East.

10. New York Jets

Trenton Simpson LB, Clemson

The Jets have done a good job adding talent to this young roster. Hopefully, second-year quarterback Zach Wilson takes that next step in his development. Head coach Robert Saleh has a defense with rising potential in 2022. Their position of weakness is off-ball linebacker.

Since this is a copycat league, insert Trenton Simpson. He has similar skills as the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons. Simpson’s ability to rush the passer off the edge and play in space with athleticism/comfort is a feather in his cap. This will allow Saleh to create versatile pressure packages on the front lines.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kelee Ringo CB, Georgia

Joe Haden remains on the free agent market after spending his last few seasons with the Steelers. Mike Tomlin has never endured a losing season—this could be his first, to be honest. Defensively and at the quarterback position, there are reasons to be concerned.

Keele Ringo checks the physical and straight-line speed boxes to fare well against those AFC North receivers. Paired with his youth (20 years old), there is room to continue his growth and development, providing Steel City with a potential CB1 in this NFL mock draft.

12. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)

Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson

The Eagles have some veterans that are no guarantee for the long-term future. Defensive ends Brandon Graham (34) and Derek Barnett have void years after next season, creating a need for this defensive line.

Myles Murphy is a well-rounded defensive end that plays well against both run and pass. His motor and strength make him a difficult blocking assignment. Grabbing a top-10 talent here is a great value.

13. New England Patriots

Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State

Did the Patriots do enough for Mac Jones to take the next step in his second season? There are mixed reviews so far. Second-round pick Tyquan Thornton adds an explosive and speedy element to this quick passing attack, butJones lacks high-end weapons despite that addition.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a perfect WR1 for the Patriots’ offense. His quickness and burst in short areas are really good, along with his play strength to make plays after the catch. He’s a savvy route-runner that will make Jones’ life a lot easier.

14. Houston Texans (via CLE)

Bryan Bresee IDL, Clemson

After selecting the best player in college football at No. 1, the Texans continue to add talent in the trenches. Lovie Smith’s defenses have been known for creating turnovers. A key to success is generating pressure on the quarterback by rushing four. Anderson was a great start, now adding Bryan Bresee is *chef’s kiss*.

Bresee is an ideal 3-technique that has the power and quickness to collapse the pocket. His athleticism allows him to work on twist/stunt games into the backfield.

15. Arizona Cardinals

Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon

The Cardinals have struggled with building a championship roster with a quarterback on his rookie deal. After losing Patrick Peterson, they have not found his replacement. It is time for GM Steve Keim to find a real CB1.

Christian Gonzalez is a twitched-up and fluid mover. He mirrors and matches the receiver’s releases to quickly cap their routes. Not to mention, the speed (23 mph) he has to run with the best athletes at the position.

16. Tennessee Titans

Jordan Addison WR, USC

Tennessee has a pretty good receiving corps right now. Treylon Burks and Kyle Philips are rookies, but the lead dog is 30-year-old Robert Woods coming off a torn ACL. He is not guaranteed any additional money after this season. If he does not return to form, the Titans can cut bait. Nonetheless, adding the reigning Biletnikoff winner will only improve this passing attack, no matter who is taking snaps at quarterback in 2023.

17. Philadelphia Eagles

Eli Ricks CB, Alabama

Philadelphia has a strong playoff-caliber roster. Stability is the key to continuing their ascent in the NFC. So, no quarterback replacement? Not in this sequence, as Hurts earns more time.

The Eagles have been in search of a running mate across from cornerback Darius Slay. Eli Ricks has tremendous ball skills, footwork, and football IQ. He has coverage versatility and plays with aggressiveness and swag. That sounds like a great potential duo if you ask me!

18. Minnesota Vikings

Andrew Vorhees OL, USC

For a running team, the interior offensive line is pivotal for success. The left guard position is in flux and needs improvement. Andrew Vorhees’ physicality and toughness on the frontlines will help the effectiveness of this run game. His tone-setting play style is hard to miss and will be a welcomed addition to the Vikings’ OL.

19. Indianapolis Colts

Isaiah Foskey EDGE, Notre Dame

The Colts are riding the Matt Ryan wave as long as possible. I believe the roster is in a good place for him to keep them competitive and possibly atop the AFC South. That being said, continuing to retool this defense is worthwhile.

Isaiah Foskey is a versatile and athletic defender with a long reach. He is able to move around the front seven as an edge rusher and off-ball backer. Building this defense to defeat the high-octane offenses outside of Indianapolis’ division in the AFC is important.

20. Las Vegas Raiders

Gervon Dexter IDL, Florida

Las Vegas is part of arguably the toughest division in all of football. The AFC West has high-caliber quarterback play from all four teams. The one area of concern on Las Vegas’ defense is the interior of its line.

Gervon Dexter is a big, tall body with long levers to stack and shed blockers. With experience at multiple positions, he can positively impact both their run and pass defense.

21. Dallas Cowboys

Peter Skoronski OT, Northwestern

Dallas’ money maker has been the offensive line for the last decade. Those old faces we grew accustomed to seeing are beginning to leave. To stay atop the NFC East, they must regain their identity and strength.

Peter Skoronski offers positional flexibility due to his size and frame. Tyler Smith may or may not remain at right guard, but if he kicks out to tackle then you can slide Skoronski in at guard. If not, place him at right tackle to compete with Terence Steele for a starting position in 2023. Either way, get back to what made your offense hum, the trenches.

22. Miami Dolphins (via SF)

Bijan Robinson RB, Texas

If the reports out of camp translate into the regular season and hopefully postseason, Tua Tagovailoa is the quarterback of the future. This will make losing their other first-round selection sting a bit less. Henceforth, putting the best running back prospect since Saquon Barkley in this Dolphins’ offense is unfair. Oh well, I did just that! Bijan Robinson fits the scheme and has an easily translatable skill set. He would have light boxes to rush against too, making his transition to the league a bit easier.

23. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Henry To’o To’o LB, Alabama

Carroll has his next potential franchise quarterback to replace his former. Now, let’s try to replace a recent retiree in K.J. Wright.

Henry To’o To’o is a dynamic and physical linebacker. He plays both the pass and run well. Due to being undersized for an inside or MIKE backer, placing him as a run-and-chase WILL sounds too good to be true. Pairing him with Jordyn Brooks and Uchenna Nwosu will make a fun trio on the second level of the defense.

24. Cincinnati Bengals

Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame

After losing the Super Bowl this past February, the Bengals attacked roster improvement with aggression, adding offensive linemen to protect their crown jewel, Joe Burrow. Burrow has everything at the controls to spread defenses out and attack accordingly. Everything but a young tight end to control the middle of the field.

Michael Mayer is a good route-runner that understands coverages and spacing. He averaged nearly five yards after the catch last season. This pick is another weapon for Burrow and the Bengals!

25. Baltimore Ravens

Quentin Johnson WR, TCU

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens look to rebound after an injury-riddled 2021 season. Marquise Brown is an Arizona Cardinal, leaving a void at the wide receiver position. If the receivers outside of Rashod Bateman do not step up, it will be tough sledding for Jackson.

Imagine a pair of Bateman and TCU’s Quentin Johnston flanking Jackson on each side of the field. Jackson would have two bigger/taller receivers that can play at the catch point. This selection can improve Jackson’s deep ball efficiency outside the numbers, making this offense even more dangerous than before.

26. Detroit Lions (via LAR)

Kyu Blu Kelly CB, Stanford

Amani Oruwariye and Jeff Okudah are the notable names for Campbell’s defensive secondary. In a division that has good receiver talent, this must improve. Enter Kyu Blu Kelly. His presence can allow Okudah to play more in the slot during nickel and dime packages. Kelly is a tough and competitive corner that plays with physicality at the catch point. He fits the defense and the team’s culture. A no-brainer for this NFL mock draft.

27. Green Bay Packers

Jordan Battle SAF, Alabama

Continuing to retool this defense is important, regardless of Aaron Rodgers’ status. Veteran safety, Adrian Amos will be 30 years old in 2023 and his contract expires after this season. Jordan Battle can handle the low hole and strong safety responsibilities. A tough defender with some man-coverage abilities, Battle would make a nice pairing with Darnell Savage.

28. Los Angeles Chargers

Tucker Kraft TE, South Dakota State

Is there a way to make a Justin Herbert-led offense even scarier? Yes—add a well-rounded tight end with good athleticism. Tucker Kraft will face advantageous coverages with Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, and Keenan Allen around him. His ability to threaten the seams of the defense will be fun to see with laser-arm Herbert slinging the pigskin everywhere. AFC West defenses just shivered a little.

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Noah Sewell LB, Oregon

The theme of the 2022 offseason for the Chiefs’ defense was toughness and physicality. That will not change in this instance.

Noah Sewell is the epitome of toughness and physicality. He is a hard and tough tackler. You know it is him when he drives into the ball carrier. His ability to generate pressure as an A-gap blitzer will be a valuable way to quickly collapse the pocket. Sewell will bring even more attitude to this defense.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Garrett Williams CB, Syracuse

The Buccaneers saw Tom Brady retire only to unretire a month or so later. They cannot be sure that it won’t happen again this offseason. However, they must keep this defense on the upward trend. That will not be easy with the potential of losing both Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean to free agency.

Adding Garrett Williams would soften the blow. Williams is fearless in run support and plays with a competitive edge in coverage. Head coach Todd Bowles can use this gritty cornerback in his secondary.

31. Buffalo Bills

Jermaine Burton WR, Alabama

Trying to find holes in the Bills’ roster is not easy. Actually, it feels like nitpicking. They have Jamison Crowder and Tavon Austin on expiring deals with Isaiah McKenzie signed until 2024. I love the fit of Jermaine Burton to this Bills offense, though. Josh Allen has ascended into the elite tier of NFL quarterbacks. Why not continue to add playmakers on cheap deals for him to terrorize opposing defenses with? Sounds like fun, if you ask me.

 

What did you think of the first version of Damian Parson’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft? Let us know what you think on Twitter and Instagram. and stay tuned next week for the next edition of TDN’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft series.