April is here, and that means we’re about to find out where the top college prospects in the nation will be playing football in 2023. With that in mind, SGPN presents their 2023 NFL Rookie Mock Draft 1.0 projecting the selection of the first 96 picks. In addition, we will provide an analysis of each player’s 2023 outlook and how they fit with their new team.
Where will your favorite college player be playing next year in the NFL? Can your favorite NFL team land a talented rookie to elevate their fortunes? The first mock draft from Emerson Beery has some answers for the NFL fan looking for the next big rookie sensation.
2023 NFL Three-Round Mock Draft – Emerson Beery 1.0
NFL Rookie Mock Draft – Round 1
The first round of the NFL Draft is headlined by the quarterbacks, with Stroud being my projected top pick in the draft. However, it’s a defensive heavy round, with a particularly deep EDGE and cornerback group. There are some surprises toward the end, too with a whopping four tight ends slipping in the first 31 picks. The tight end position is a strong point in the class, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them highlight the end of round one.
| # | Team | Pick | Pos | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Panthers via CHI/i> Bryce Young | QB | Ohio State |
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| The Panthers move up and select their QB of the future, Bryce Young, who is a fantastic arm talent despite being undersized. | ||||
| 2 |  Texans | C.J. Stroud | QB | Alabama |
| C.J. Stroud lit up the combine and was one of the most impressive players in college football in the last two years. He has the safest floor of any of the quarterback prospects. | ||||
| 3 |  Cardinals | Will Anderson | EDGE | Alabama |
| This man produced in each of his three seasons at Alabama and is my top-ranked player in the class. Anderson isn’t as physically as impressive as some in the class however he makes up for it with technique. | ||||
| 4 |  Colts | Jalen Carter | DT | Georgia |
| Despite the pending legal issues Jalen Carter’s talent is undeniable and he will be an instant impact player in the NFL. This is a situation to monitor, however, this tragic situation doesn’t seem likely to prevent him from playing in 2023. | ||||
| 5 |  Seahawks via DEN Tyree Wilson | EDGE | Texas Tech |
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| Tyree Wilson is a raw prospect however at 6’6” with outstanding athleticism he’s a prototype EDGE in today’s NFL. He will need to continue to grow into his lengthy frame. | ||||
| 6 |  Lions* (from Rams) | Anthony Richardson | QB | Flordia |
| Despite being an extremely raw prospect Anthony Richardson is literally the most athletic quarterback prospect of all time. Richardson will be a boom or bust prospect but he has every physical tool a general manager is looking for in a modern quarterback. | ||||
| 7 |  Raiders | Will Levis | QB | Kentucky |
| Will Levis had a sneakily impressive NFL combine which should lock him into the top 10 picks in the NFL Draft. It was a tale of two seasons for Levis, who was very impressive as a sophomore before a lackluster junior campaign. | ||||
| 8 |  Falcons | Nolan Smith | EDGE | Georgia |
| Nolan Smith is breaking the mold of what we typically see in an EDGE standing 6’2” and weighing in at 238 pounds. He literally broke the combine though with a 4.39 40-yard dash and 41.5” vertical. | ||||
| 9 |  Bears via CAR Christian Gonzalez | CB | Oregon |
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| Christian Gonzalez is another player who has every physical tool you're looking for and ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He still needs to work on his technique but he has the opportunity to be a lockdown CB1 in the NFL. | ||||
| 10 |  Eagles via NO Devon Witherspoon | CB | Illinois |
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| I struggled with this one however despite Devon Witherspoon’s athletic limitations he still has an argument to be the top CB in the draft. He is very smart with good ball instincts, however, he may struggle to keep up with faster receivers. | ||||
| 11 |  Titans | Peter Skoronski | OT | Northwestern |
| Peter Skoronski is the best offensive lineman in this draft however he lacks the ideal size to be a LT in the NFL. A move to Guard could be a possibility, however, he should be a long term starter in the league either way. | ||||
| 12 | Texans via CLE Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | Ohio State |
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| There are concerns about Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s straight line speed and ability to play outside the slot. Don’t overthink this one though. He is extremely skilled and outproduced Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave as a sophomore. | ||||
| 13 |  Jets | Paris Johnson Jr. | OT | Ohio State |
| Paris Johnson Jr. is likely the best tackle prospect in this draft as a former 5 star recruit out of high school. He needs to work on technique but he has all the tools to be a long term starter. | ||||
| 14 |  Patriots | Quentin Johnston | WR | TCU |
| Quentin Johnston is unique in this class as a bigger bodied receiver where most are smaller prospects. He doesn’t play to his frame though and scouts are concerned about his contested catch rate. | ||||
| 15 |  Packers | Broderick Jones | OT | Georgia |
| The Packers have struggled with health on the offensive line for years. Enter Broderick Jones who with time to develop could develop into a very good starter on the left side. |
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| 16 |  Commanders | Emmanuel Forbes | CB | Mississipi State |
| Emmanuel Forbes is a ballhawk at CB and is capable of keeping up with the fastest receivers (4.35 40-yard dash). He is light but if he can pack on weight he can be top tier slot corner. | ||||
| 17 |  Steelers | Joey Porter Jr. | CB | Penn State |
| Joey Porter Jr. was extremely consistent last season and wasn’t targeted often by opposing quarterbacks. I’m playing to the narrative here and having Joey Porter Jr. follow in his father’s footsteps as a Steeler. | ||||
| 18 | Lions | Michael Mayer | TE | Notre Dame |
| Despite not impressing at the NFL Combine Michael Mayer should still be the first tight end selected in the draft. He has the safest floor of any of the tight end prospects and is an excellent blocker. | ||||
| 19 |  Buccaneers | Lukas Van Ness | EDGE | Maryland |
| Lukas Van Ness didn't have stats that will blow you away in college but he’s coming off a very impressive combine. This isn’t the biggest need for the Buccaneers, instead, they take Van Ness at a great value here. | ||||
| 20 | Seahawks | Deonta Banks | CB | Iowa |
| One of the big winners at the NFL Combine, Deonta Banks likely locked up first round draft capital as one of the most athletic cornerbacks in the class. He isn’t afraid to hit either although he will probably be best as a team’s second cornerback. | ||||
| 21 |  Chargers | Jordan Addison | WR | USC |
| Jordan Addison was one of the big losers at the NFL Combine measuring 5’11” and just 173 pounds. His size adjusted athletic skills were very poor, however, he’s played against elite competition and has produced every season he was at LSU. | ||||
| 22 |  Ravens | Myles Murphy | EDGE | Clemson |
| Some thought Myles Murphy could be a top 10 pick, however, he came in underweight at the NFL Combine and didn’t participate in all the drills. Needs to work on his technique and his physicality in the NFL. | ||||
| 23 |  Vikings | Bijan Robinson | RB | Texas |
| The Vikings have an out in Dalvin Cook’s contract and they will likely want to take some of the load off of Kirk Cousins. Enter one of the greatest running back prospects of this generation and their rushing game won’t miss a beat. | ||||
| 24 |  Jaguars | Keion White | OLB | Georgia Tech |
| Keion White is a versatile, big-bodied defender who is extremely athletic. The Jaguars will likely try to help out the defense in this draft with one of the best offenses in the NFL. | ||||
| 25 |  Giants | Zay Flowers | WR | Boston College |
| Zay Flowers is a four year player but he was excellent in his last three years at Boston College. He may have a slighter frame but he makes up for it with strong athleticism and can work as a deep threat. | ||||
| 26 |  Cowboys | Luke Musgrave | TE | Houston |
| Luke Musgrave missed his entire junior season and has limited college production prior to that too. It’s all about his potential though as he is extremely athletic. Musgrave also received full clearance on his knee at the NFL Combine. | ||||
| 27 |  Bills | Darnell Washington | TE | Georgia |
| Talk about a complete freak of nature. Darnell Washington also has a limited history of production, however, he stands 6’7” tall and outproduced most of the receivers in the athletic competitions at the combine. | ||||
| 28 |  Bengals | Darnell Wright | OT | Tennessee |
| Darnell Wright continues to check the boxes this off-season after an excellent 2022 season. Cincinnati continues to add to the offensive line here that struggled to stay healthy at the end of the year. | ||||
| 29 |  Saints via SF via MIA via DEN | Anton Harrison | OT | Oklahoma |
| Anton Harrison has the frame and athleticism to play tackle at the NFL level and also had a great 2022 campaign. The Saints will need help to keep Derek Carr upright at a premium position. | ||||
| 30 | Eagles | Bryan Bresee | DT | Clemson |
| Bryan Bresee is a former number one overall recruit in the 2020 recruiting class. He suffered a torn ACL in 2021 and had shoulder surgery last year though but there is a lot of upside with this pick. | ||||
| 31 |  Chiefs | Jalin Hyatt | WR | Tennessee |
| Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the league, but the Chiefs still have a glaring weakness at wide receiver. Enter Jalin Hyatt who will immediately fit the fast wide receiver mold Kansas City looks for. | ||||
| FOREFIT |  Dolphins | SELECTION FOREFITED | ||
| Miami Forefits their 2023 1st Round Pick as a result of attempted tampering with Tom Brady. | ||||
NFL Rookie Mock Draft – Round 2
The 2023 NFL Rookie class has one of the deepest running back classes in recent memory. It is highlighted by Zach Charbonnet, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Kendre Miller here. The EDGE position also continues to show its depth, with multiple talented players being selected, similar to round one. Furthermore, Hendon Hooker is my lone quarterback selected in the second round going to Washington, where he likely sits for 2023. Hooker may be the most challenging rookie to mock this draft season. He has high-upside potential, but can he sustain his 2022 production at the NFL level?
| # | Team | Pick | Pos | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | Steelers via CHI Dawand Jones | OT | Ohio State |
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| Dawand Jones is an absolutely massive human being at 6’8” and 374 pounds. He has all the tools of an elite tackle in this league although he is still a very raw prospect. | ||||
| 33 | Texans | Daiyan Henley | LB | Washington State |
| Dayan Henley is a former wide receiver who claims that helps him in coverage on defense. He is a slightly older prospect having spent 6 years in college possibly limiting his overall upside. | ||||
| 34 | Cardinals | Josh Downs | WR | North Carolina |
| Arizona Cardinals are going to have a hole at receiver with the likely departure of DeAndre Hopkins. Enter Josh Downs who was a star at North Carolina and could immediately enter 3 WR sets with Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore. | ||||
| 35 | Colts | Will McDonald | EDGE | Iowa State |
| Will McDonald had a very impressive pass rush win rate last season ranking 2nd among 266 qualified EDGE rushers. The knock on his game is that he didn’t line up as a traditional EDGE often and doesn’t have the technique yet. | ||||
| 36 |  Rams Dalton Kincaid | TE | Utah |
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| This should be considered a steal for the Rams as many have Kincaid as their top TE prospect in the class. | ||||
| 37 | Seahawks via DEN Brian Branch | S | Alabama |
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| Some have Brian Branch in the first round, however, with a relatively slow 40-yard dash, I believe he falls a bit in a position that isn’t a premium. | ||||
| 38 | Raiders | Calijah Kansey | DT | Pittsburg |
| Calijah Kansey is an explosive pass rusher that ran the fastest 40-yard dash time for a DT since 2003. | ||||
| 39 | Panthers | Felix Anudike-Uzomah | EDGE | Kansas State |
| Felix Andudike-Uzomah is the reigning Big 12 defensive player of the year who falls a bit due to lack of ideal size. | ||||
| 40 | Saints Mazi Smith | DT | Michigan |
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| Mazi Smith is a bully who simply overpowers lineman in the middle. The Saints continue to add in the trenches which was a big need for them last year. | ||||
| 41 | Titans | O'Cyrus Torrence | G | Flordia |
| O’Cyrus Torrence is one of the best Guard prospects in the class. He doesn’t measure in as a great athlete, however, it doesn’t show in the film. |
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| 42 |  Browns | B.J. Ojulari | EDGE | LSU |
| B.J Ojulari has a swagger to him and would be the perfect complement opposite star EDGE rusher Myles Garrett. | ||||
| 43 | Jets | Steve Avila | G | TCU |
| Whoever is under center for the Jets come week 1 will want to protect him. Steve Avila has the upside to start right away in the interior of New York. | ||||
| 44 | Falcons | Cam Smith | CB | South Carolina |
| Cam Smith is very athletic and improved his stock a lot at the NFL Combine. He’s a consensus top 10 CB in the 2023 NFL draft class. | ||||
| 45 | Packers | Rashee Rice | WR | WR |
| Rashee Rice’s stock has been falling recently however he should still find his name called early on day two. Nonetheless, he was a monster as a senior in 2022 with 1355 yards and 10 touchdowns. | ||||
| 46 | Patriots | Adetomiwa Adebawore | DT | Northwestern |
| Adetomiwa Adebawore is another fantastic athlete and could get playing time right away in the Patriot's defensive interior. | ||||
| 47 | Commanders | Hendon Hooker | QB | Tennessee |
| Hendon Hooker received positive news about his knee at the NFL Combine and he should be ready to go for training camp. Don’t look for him to be an immediate starter though as he will likely need a year to develop. | ||||
| 48 | Lions | Tyrique Stevenson | CB | Miami |
| Tyrique Stevenson was very impressive at the Senior Bowl last month and would be perfect in defense with man coverage. | ||||
| 49 | Steelers | Jack Campbell | LB | Iowa |
| Jack Campbell had a very productive 2022 campaign and could go even higher than this after an impressive NFL Combine. The Steelers were lacking athletes on the defensive side last year and Campbell can change that. | ||||
| 50 | Buccaneers | Tanner McKee | QB | Stanford |
| Tanner McKee looked the part at the NFL Combine and was one of the most accurate quarterbacks in attendance. He could immediately push Kyle Trask for the starting job. | ||||
| 51 | Dolphins | Jahmyr Gibbs | RB/b> | Alabama |
| Jahmyr Gibbs may be small but his pass catching skills should remind general managers of Austin Ekeler, He may not ever receive a workhorse role in the NFL, but how many backs get that nowadays anyway. | ||||
| 52 | Seahawks Cedric Tillman | WR | Tennessee |
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| Cedric Tillman is the second Tennessee wide receiver taken in the 2023 NFL draft. He was very productive as a junior before fighting injuries last season. |
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| 53 | Bears via BAL Zach Charbonnet | RB | UCLA |
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| Many expected Zach Charbonnet to fail at the NFL Combine however he was quite impressive. A riser and one of the most productive college running backs in this year’s class. | ||||
| 54 | Chargers | Tuli Tuipulotu | EDGE | Southern California |
| Tuli Tiupolotu can play either on the inside or the outside, is very athletic, and has great instincts as a pass rusher. | ||||
| 55 | Lions | Karl Brooks | DT | Bowling Green |
| While he didn’t get an invite to the NFL Combine, Karl Brooks athleticism is in full view on tape as not many 6’3”, 300 pound human beings move like him. | ||||
| 56 | Jaguars | Garrett Williams | CB | Syracuse |
| Garrett Williams might even go higher in this draft if he wasn’t coming back from a torn ACL. He should be good to go for training camp. | ||||
| 57 | Giants | Marvin Mims | WR | Oklahoma |
| Marvin Mims has an excellent prospect profile breaking out at an early age with a very impressive NFL Combine. New York needs all the help they can get at receiver and they get a big boost with Flowers and Mims. | ||||
| 58 | Cowboys | Matthew Bergeron | OT | Syracuse |
| Matthew Bergeron is tough and physical and is a steal in the draft at this point for the Cowboys. | ||||
| 59 | Bills | Antonio Johnson | S | Texas A&M |
| Antonio Johnson is long and very athletic coming off a great NFL Combine. Very solid in run support as well. | ||||
| 60 | Bengals | Devon Achane | RB | Texas A&M |
| Devon Achane is a track star who simply looks like he is on a different level with his speed than his counterparts. He may have a small frame, but having him run underneath Chase and Higgins would be dangerous. | ||||
| 61 | Bears via CAR Andre Carter | EDGE | Army |
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| Andre Carter is very versatile as even with his 6’7”, 270 pound frame he can still drop into coverage. | ||||
| 62 | Eagles | Kendre Miller | RB | TCU |
| Kendre Miller is a home run waiting to happen and would be a perfect fit alongside Kenny Gainwell. He is one of the most electric backs in this class and when he gets in open space that is lights out. | ||||
| 63 | Chiefs | Tre'Vius Hidges Tomlinson | CB | TCU |
| The Chiefs need to keep up with the Chase and Higgins tandem in the AFC and Tre’Vius Hodges should add speed to their secondary. | ||||
CHECK OUT MORE MOCK DRAFTS FROM SGPN
2023 NFL Mock Draft: Three-Round Mock by Dave Heilman
2023 NFL Three-Round Mock Draft – John Ginder 1.0
NFL Mock Draft + Betting Predictions Part 1 | NFL Gambling Podcast (Ep. 139)
NFL Mock Draft + Betting Predictions Part 2 | NFL Gambling Podcast (Ep. 141)
NFL Rookie Mock Draft – Round 3
The string of running backs continues as one of my favorite landing spots is Tyjae Spears to the Denver Broncos. Javonte Williams won’t be 100% to start the season. This means the situation is ripe for another running back to take advantage. I also love Chicago to continue to add to their receiver room with Kayshon Boutte, who was projected to be a first-round selection not too long ago. Plenty of high-level rookie talent remains left as we wrap up Round 3 of this NFL mock draft.
| # | Team | Pick | Pos | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | Bears Kayshon Boutte | WR | LSU |
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| 65 | Texans | Drew Sanders | LB | Arkansas |
| 66 | Cardinals | Joe Tippmann | G | Wisconsin |
| 67 |  Broncosvia IND Tyjae Spears | RB | Tulane |
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| 68 | Broncos Eli Ricks | CB | Alabama |
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| 69 | Rams Jaren Hall | QB | BYU |
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| 70 | Raiders | Nick Herbig | LB | Wisconsin |
| 71 | Saints Roschon Johnson | RB | Texas |
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| 72 | Titans | Xaver Hutchinson | WR | Iowa State |
| 73 | Texansvia CLE Julius Brents | CB | Kansas State |
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| 74 | Jets | Sydney Brown | S | Illinois |
| 75 | Falcons | Sean Tucker | RB | Syracuse |
| 76 | Patriotsvia CAR Jammie Robinson | S | Florida State |
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| 77 | Patriotsvia MIA Keelee Ringo | CB | Georgia |
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| 78 | Packers | Sam Laporta | TE | Iowa |
| 79 | Coltsvia WAS Di Siaki Ika | DT | Baylor |
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| 80 | Steelers | Trey Palmer | WR | Nebraska |
| 81 | Lions | Isaiah Foskey | EDGE | Notre Dame |
| 82 | Buccaneers | Tank Bigsby | RB | Auburn |
| 83 | Seahawks Cody Mauch | OT | North Dakota State |
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| 84 | Dolphins | Keeanu Benton | DT | Wisconsin |
| 85 | Chargers | Trenton Simpson | LB | Clemson |
| 86 | Ravens | Zach Evans | RB | Mssissippi |
| 87 | Vikings | Clark Phillips | CB | Utah |
| 88 | Jaguars | Jordan Battle | S | Alabama |
| 89 | Giants | John Michael Schmitz | G | Mnnesota |
| 90 | Cowboys | Derick Hall/b> | EDGE | Auburn |
| 91 | Bills | Chase Brown | RB | Illinois |
| 92 | Bengals | K.J. Henry | EDGE | Clemson |
| 93 | Panthers via SF Nathaniel Dell | WR | Houston |
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| 94 | Eagles | Isaiah McGuire | EDGE | Missouri |
| 95 | Chiefs | Jaelyn Duncan | OT | Maryland |
| 96 | CardinalsComp Pick
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| 97 | CommandersComp Pick
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| 98 | BrownsComp Pick
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| 99 |  49ersComp Pick
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| 100 | Giantsvia KC Special Comp Pick
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| 101 | 49ersComp Pick
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| 102 | 49ersComp Pick
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