NFL 2023 mock draft: Kentucky QB Will Levis slides in updated two-round projections
We’re nearing the halfway point of football season, which means a clearer picture of the draft landscape at both levels of the game.
In the college ranks, prospects are either boosting their stock with impressive performances over the first half of the year or failing to live up to the preseason hype. In the pros, teams are already starting to collect at the bottom of the standings, and looking ahead to the offseason.
That being the case, it’s a great time to take an updated look at how the first two rounds of the 2023 NFL draft could shake out, using the latest pick order updated after Week 7 results:
NOTE: The Miami Dolphins forfeited their first-round pick in next year’s draft as a result of the NFL’s investigation into tampering violations.
1. Detroit Lions: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Lions have bigger problems on defense, and it’s not like Jared Goff hasn’t played well enough for them to be successful on offense. That said, Goff may have already hit his ceiling — and if Detroit ends up with this pick, they’d have a hard time passing up the lofty potential of Stroud.
2. Houston Texans: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Davis Mills hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire, but if Anderson is still on the board here, he might be too much to pass up. Houston might still end up with another top-five pick they could use on a quarterback, and Lovie Smith would get the elite pass rusher his defense desperately needs.
3. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold haven’t worked out, Matt Corral will miss his entire rookie season with an injury, which has left P.J. Walker running the offense. If the Panthers get the chance to land a difference-maker like Young, the new regime in Carolina shouldn’t hesitate.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
Thanks to last year’s draft-day trade with the Saints, the still-undefeated Eagles could also end up with a top-five pick. If that happens, they should go pure overall value — and in this scenario, that means teaming up 2022 first-round pick Jordan Davis with his Bulldog teammate in Carter.
5. Houston Texans (from CLE): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Kentucky’s Will Levis is the popular pick in most mock drafts as the third quarterback off the board, but it’s Hooker who has been more impressive throughout the 2022 season so far. His arm talent, athleticism and deep-ball accuracy should override any concerns about his age (turns 25 in January).
6. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
It sure looks like Seattle got the better end of this trade, as Russell Wilson continues to struggle in Denver. That could mean a high extra pick here, which the Seahawks could use to bolster their defensive front. Meanwhile, 2022 second-round pick Boye Mafe has shown some promise, and teaming up with a talent like Murphy would lock down both edges.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Kevin Colbert was never a fan of spending first-round picks on offensive tackles, but considering the state of the position in Pittsburgh, Omar Khan should take a different approach. Skoronski might not have the ideal size, but he’s been dominant all year and would be an immediate upgrade.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Jags double-dipped on defense in the first round this year, but next year’s top pick needs to be spent helping Trevor Lawrence on the other side of the ball. Johnston has the size, athleticism, physicality and ball skills to be the top receiver off the board — and would immediately be Lawrence’s new favorite target.
9. Las Vegas Raiders: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
There are plenty of needs all over this roster, but the interior of the defensive line has to be addressed. This scenario gives the Raiders strong value at the position with Bresee, who has bounced back from last year’s injury to deliver on the high expectations he brought to Death Valley.
10. Atlanta Falcons: Jordan Addison, WR, Falcons
Top-10 pass-catchers three years in a row? I know, I know. But there’s not a clear-cut match of need and value at any other position here, and it’s hard not to daydream about Desmond Ridder throwing to Addison, Kyle Pitts and Drake London. Maybe that’ll finally get Arthur Smith to open up the offense?
11. Miami Dolphins (from SF): Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
This defense already has some promising weapons at every level, but adding another with the versatility that Simpson brings would take this unit to another level. Simpson can line up all over the field and make big plays against both the run and pass.
12. Arizona Cardinals: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Another team with glaring needs on both sides of the ball, the Cardinals would be wise to prioritize improving the supporting cast around Kyler Murray now that he’s got his big contract. Jones would give Arizona an immediate upgrade at right tackle, and a long-term option at left tackle if D.J. Humphries needs replacing sooner than later.
13. New England Patriots: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
After watching Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson head out the door, the Pats could still use another high-upside corner with shutdown potential. Ringo’s combination of size, length and athleticism make him the perfect candidate, and he’d be a strong value if he’s still on the board here.
14. Chicago Bears: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
This offseason has to be about building around Justin Fields — either in the trenches or in terms of added weapons. This scenario gives the Bears solid options down both avenues, but reuniting Fields with his former Ohio State teammate might be too much to resist.
15. Washington Commanders: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Regardless of who is throwing the passes in Washington, the Commanders need a long-term solution at left tackle if they want that quarterback to be successful. Fashanu has been one of the fastest-rising prospects in the nation and has all the tools to quickly develop into a franchise player.
16. Green Bay Packers: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
This will remain a popular spot for a receiver, but the Packers haven’t valued that position in the first round recently, so it won’t be surprising if they continue that trend. Finding a versatile playmaker for the secondary could be a priority, and Branch can line up all over the field.
17. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
It feels like Levis probably won’t get anywhere near this pick. But from where I’m sitting, this range makes way more sense than the top-five hype he’s been getting. There are definitely some intriguing tools to work with here, but consistency has still been an issue this season. He’d still be a massive upgrade to any long-term plan the Colts currently have.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Safety could be the bigger need if Jessie Bates isn’t re-signed, but the corner spot could also use some help in Cincy. Smith has a strong combination of size, length, athleticism and physicality, and a track record of success against top competition in the SEC.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Carlton Davis III got his three-year extension this offseason, but Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting are both headed for free agency, which could leave a gaping hole at the No. 2 CB spot. Porter Jr. has been as dominant as any corner in the country this year and has the skill set to be a perfect fit in Todd Bowles’ scheme.
20. Detroit Lions (from LAR): Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
This secondary needs more playmakers — and in this scenario, the best value comes on the back end. Johnson is a rangy, athletic defender who can line up single-high, in the slot, or mix it up in the box against the run. He does everything at an extremely high level.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Justin Herbert already has a stud left tackle in Rashawn Slater, but the right side could use a long-term upgrade. Johnson has a track record of success at both guard and tackle and would be an instant starter to help protect one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Ravens landed one stud edge rusher recently in Odafe Oweh, but they need a long-term plan beyond aging veterans like Justin Houston and Jason Pierre-Paul. Wilson’s massive frame, length and athleticism give him limitless potential at the next level.
23. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
After landing a dominant edge rusher in the top 10, the Seahawks use their original pick to give Geno Smith another weapon on offense. Mayer is a well-rounded prospect who can help the running game as a blocker, but also give Seattle the pass-catching upside they just don’t have at tight end right now.
24. Tennessee Titans: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Back-to-back tight ends come off the board, as the Titans add a much-needed presence they’ve lacked since losing Delanie Walker and Jonnu Smith in recent years. Washington is a massive target with rare athleticism who might take some time and patience, but the eventual payoff could be huge.
25. New York Jets: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
The Jets have a promising young roster on both sides of the ball, but they could still use another stud offensive tackle. Duncan has the length, athleticism and intelligence to excel as both a run-blocker and a pass-protector at the next level.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Trevon Diggs is obviously one of the best corners in the NFL, but the Cowboys could use an upgrade on the other side of the field. One of this year’s fastest-rising defensive prospects, Gonzalez has an intriguing combination of size, length, instincts and ball skills that could make him a star.
27. Minnesota Vikings: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
Adam Thielen isn’t getting any younger, and the Vikings should find a younger understudy to eventually take over as Justin Jefferson’s running mate at receiver. Rice has flown up the draft board thanks to a stellar start to the 2022 season, and his size/speed combo would make him a perfect complement to Jefferson.
28. Kansas City Chiefs | Army EDGE Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army
George Karlaftis already looks like a hit, but Frank Clark turns 30 in the offseason, so the Chiefs might want to find his eventual replacement. Carter is a massive defender with impressive length and physicality who can set the edge against the run and convert speed to power as a pass rusher.
29. New York Giants: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
A fantastic blend of need and value, as the Giants fill perhaps the most gaping hole in their starting lineup with an instant-impact player. Sewell is big, athletic and physical, with all the tools to be a three-down playmaker at the next level.
30. Buffalo Bills: Bijan Robinson, RB, Bills
Safety is a possibility here depending on what happens in free agency, but the Bills might not be able to resist adding another dynamic weapon to their offense. Robinson might be a top-10 overall talent in this draft — but he could end up falling this far, and land in the perfect place to make a massive, immediate impact.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Jalen Hurts has this offensive running on all cylinders, but a versatile, explosive weapon like Gibbs could help take the unit to another level. The Georgia Tech transfer has been an absolute stud for the Crimson Tide, and one of the most dynamic players in all of college football when the ball’s in his hands.
32. Detroit Lions: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
33. Houston Texans: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
34. New Orleans Saints: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
35. Cleveland Browns: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
36. Seattle Seahawks: Gervon Dexter Sr., DL, Florida
37. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
38. Jacksonville Jaguars: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
39. Carolina Panthers: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
40. Las Vegas Raiders: Andrew Voorhees, OL, USC
41. Carolina Panthers (from SF): Josh Downs, WR, UNC
42. Arizona Cardinals: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
43. New England Patriots: Henry To'o To'o, LB, Alabama
44. Chicago Bears: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
45. Washington Commanders: Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M
46. Green Bay Packers: Cyrus O'Torrence, OL, Florida
47. Atlanta Falcons: Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
48. Indianapolis Colts: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
49. Cincinnati Bengals: JL Skinner, S, Boise State
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
51. Los Angeles Rams: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
52. Baltimore Ravens: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
53. Seattle Seahawks: John Michael Schmitz, OL, Minnesota
54. Miami Dolphins: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
56. Tennessee Titans: A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
57. Dallas Cowboys: Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor
58. New York Jets: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
59. Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Ward, QB, Washington State
60. Kansas City Chiefs: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
61. New York Giants: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
62. Buffalo Bills: Jarrett Patterson, OL, Notre Dame
63. Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama