As an avid fan of the NFL and its annual draft, I’m excited to explore SB Nation’s 2023 NFL mock draft. This year, the team communities of SB Nation have taken part in making their first-round predictions in English. With so much talent emerging from college football each year, it’s always intriguing to see which young stars will make the cut and which teams will be fortunate enough to land them. So, let’s dive in and see which players might be destined for success in the NFL.
The 2023 NFL Mock Draft: An Expert’s Perspective
As the NFL season progresses, it’s never too early to look ahead to the future. The 2023 NFL draft may be a few years away, but it’s never too early to start predicting who will be the top picks come draft day. Here is an expert’s 2023 NFL mock draft, with SB Nation team communities making their first-round picks.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma
The Jaguars have struggled to find a franchise quarterback, and Spencer Rattler could be the answer. Rattler has shown impressive accuracy and arm strength in his college career, and has the ability to extend plays with his legs. He could be the cornerstone of the Jaguars’ offense for years to come.
2. New York Jets – Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
Kayvon Thibodeaux is a game-changing pass rusher, and the Jets’ defense could use a boost. Thibodeaux uses his speed and power to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, and also has the ability to drop back in coverage. He would be a perfect fit in Robert Saleh’s defense.
3. Houston Texans – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
The Texans need help on defense, and Derek Stingley Jr. is one of the best cornerbacks in the country. Stingley has elite speed and footwork, and can lock down any receiver. He would instantly improve the Texans’ secondary.
4. Detroit Lions – Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
The Lions traded away Matthew Stafford, and now they need a new franchise quarterback. Sam Howell has shown excellent accuracy and decision-making in college, and his athleticism allows him to extend plays. He could be the face of the Lions’ franchise for years to come.
5. Cincinnati Bengals – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Bengals need to protect Joe Burrow, and Evan Neal is one of the top offensive tackles in the draft. Neal has elite size and strength, and can dominate in the run game and pass protection. He would be a valuable addition to Cincinnati’s offensive line.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
The Raiders’ defense needs a playmaker, and Kyle Hamilton fits the bill. Hamilton is a versatile safety who can play in the box or drop back in coverage. He has excellent ball skills and can create turnovers. He would be a great addition to the Raiders’ secondary.
7. Carolina Panthers – DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M
The Panthers need help on the defensive line, and DeMarvin Leal is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the draft. Leal has excellent size and strength, and can disrupt opposing offenses with his quickness and power. He would be a valuable addition to the Panthers’ defense.
8. Denver Broncos – Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
The Broncos have struggled to find a franchise quarterback since Peyton Manning retired, and Malik Willis could be the answer. Willis has shown excellent athleticism and playmaking ability in college, and his arm strength allows him to make all the throws. He could be a dynamic addition to the Broncos’ offense.
9. New York Giants – George Pickens, WR, Georgia
The Giants need to give Daniel Jones more weapons, and George Pickens is one of the top wide receivers in the draft. Pickens has excellent size and athleticism, and can make contested catches with ease. He would be a valuable addition to the Giants’ offense.
10. Philadelphia Eagles – Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Eagles need to protect Jalen Hurts, and Evan Neal is one of the best offensive tackles in the draft. Neal has elite size and strength, and can dominate in the run game and pass protection. He would be a great addition to Philadelphia’s offensive line.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
The Steelers need a playmaking tight end, and Jalen Wydermyer could be the answer. Wydermyer has excellent size and athleticism, and can create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. He would be a dynamic addition to the Steelers’ offense.
12. Atlanta Falcons – Zion Nelson, OT, Miami
The Falcons need to protect Matt Ryan, and Zion Nelson is one of the top offensive tackles in the draft. Nelson has excellent quickness and footwork, and can dominate in pass protection. He would be a valuable addition to Atlanta’s offensive line.
13. Miami Dolphins – Myjai Sanders, DE, Cincinnati
The Dolphins need a pass rusher, and Myjai Sanders is one of the best in the draft. Sanders has excellent athleticism and explosiveness off the edge, and can disrupt opposing offenses with his speed and power. He would be a great addition to Miami’s defense.
14. Minnesota Vikings – Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
The Vikings’ secondary needs help, and Andrew Booth Jr. is one of the top cornerbacks in the draft. Booth has excellent size and athleticism, and can lock down any receiver. He would be a valuable addition to Minnesota’s defense.
15. Dallas Cowboys – Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
The Cowboys’ defense needs a playmaker, and Christian Harris could be the answer. Harris has excellent speed and athleticism, and can make plays in the run game and pass coverage. He would be a dynamic addition to Dallas’ defense.
16. Cleveland Browns – Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Browns need to give Baker Mayfield more weapons, and Chris Olave is one of the top wide receivers in the draft. Olave has excellent athleticism and route running ability, and can create big plays downfield. He would be a valuable addition to Cleveland’s offense.
17. Arizona Cardinals – Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The Cardinals need to improve their secondary, and Ahmad Gardner is one of the best cornerbacks in the draft. Gardner has excellent size and athleticism, and can lock down any receiver. He would be a great addition to Arizona’s defense.
18. Baltimore Ravens – Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M
The Ravens need to improve their offensive line, and Kenyon Green is one of the top guards in the draft. Green has excellent size and strength, and can dominate in the run game and pass protection. He would be a valuable addition to Baltimore’s offensive line.
19. San Francisco 49ers – George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
The 49ers’ pass rush needs a boost, and George Karlaftis is one of the best defensive ends in the draft. Karlaftis has excellent size and athleticism, and can disrupt opposing offenses with his quickness and power. He would be a great addition to San Francisco’s defense.
20. New Orleans Saints – Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The Saints need to give their quarterbacks better protection, and Charles Cross is one of the top offensive tackles in the draft. Cross has excellent size and footwork, and can dominate in pass protection. He would be a valuable addition to New Orleans’ offensive line.
Conclusion
The 2023 NFL draft may be a few years away, but these top prospects are already making a name for themselves. From quarterbacks to pass rushers, there are plenty of playmakers to choose from in this draft class. Only time will tell which teams will come out on top come draft day.
