NFL Mock Draft 2023: Chiefs, Eagles Extend Super Bowl Windows, Packers Trade Aaron Rodgers, Cowboys Lose Tony Pollard

The Super Bowl is here, but there's still time to sneak in a three-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Can the Chiefs and Eagles keep their windows open?

The Super Bowl is here. That’s cool and all, but I’m more excited by the fact that it means the 2023 NFL Draft is mere months away. Let’s see how the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs can set themselves up for back-to-back appearances on the biggest stage in the sport.

Want to put your favorite franchise on the path toward a Lombardi Trophy? Take the PFN Mock Draft Simulator for a spin!

Trade: Texans receive pick No. 1, Bears receive picks No. 2, No. 33, and a 2024 third-rounder

While trading up for the pick you played yourself out of is embarrassing, Houston can’t sit at No. 2 and take whichever QB is available. Bryce Young is the clear QB1 in the class and ushers in a new era of Texans football alongside new head coach DeMeco Ryans.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bears trade down twice in the first round. However, losing out on the top blue-chip defenders likely isn’t on their agenda. Taking out positional value, Jalen Carter has an argument as the top player in the draft. He gives Chicago the centerpiece to their defensive rebuild.

Trade: Panthers receive pick No. 3, Cardinals receive picks No. 9, No. 39, No. 93, and a 2024 first-rounder

C.J. Stroud is a Frank Reich QB, if I’ve ever seen one. The only issue is, he won’t be available at No. 9, so the Panthers trade up with Arizona, who’s in desperate need of an influx of young talent.

MORE: Which Quarterback Is Best for Panthers Head Coach Frank Reich To Build Around?

Carolina is much closer to being a contender than many believe. Stroud will need some time to acclimate to the NFL, as any QB will, but Reich will do his best to give him advantageous looks.

With his recent top-five hype, Will Levis‘ … unique … food habits have fallen off the radar. But not here. Never forget that Levis puts mayo in his coffee, eats bananas with the peels on them, and I’m sure there’s more behind the cupboard. If you can put those aside, Levis has the tools to warrant the Colts’ selection.

If Will Anderson Jr. is on the board at fifth overall, the Seahawks are sprinting the card up faster than Tariq Woolen’s 40 time. Anderson is the EDGE they’ve been longing for since the days of Cliff Avril and Bruce Irvin.

Devon Witherspoon isn’t the fastest, strongest, or biggest in the 2023 class, but you know what he is? The best. He’s a day-one starter opposite Jeff Okudah, bolstering Detroit’s coverage unit behind a strong defensive line.

The 2023 offensive tackle class is deep, but based on traits, no one comes near Paris Johnson Jr. He can line up at any position the Raiders desire and keep the pocket clean for whoever starts under center.

Myles Murphy may not be a lock for the top 10 off of his film study, but NFL franchises weigh physical tools so heavily that it doesn’t matter. He’s a solid run defender with the upside to be a difference-making pass rusher in Atlanta.

The Cardinals trade down and still land a CB1-worthy candidate in Christian Gonzalez. He possesses all the elite traits Witherspoon lacks, and at 6’2″ with sought-after fluidity, he won’t have to wait long to hear his name called.

Philadelphia’s defensive line is the team’s engine, so adding fuel to the fire is the best way to keep their Super Bowl window open. Tyree Wilson may not have the burst or bend to be a consistent threat around the arc, but he doesn’t have to, given his devasting power and length.

Peter Skoronski has been my OT1 since the offseason, and he’s done nothing to dissuade me. His shorter arms will be ridiculed throughout the entire pre-draft circuit, but once he hits an NFL field, no one will care. His football IQ, hand usage, and overall technique will endear him to Mike Vrabel and Co.

With Bryce Young in-house, the Texans may turn their attention to upgrading the front seven. But with Jordan Addison still on the board, they gift Young his new No. 1 receiver. Addison is a walking highlight reel, torching defenses over the top or breaking ankles underneath.

Trade: Packers receive pick 13 and a 2024 second-rounder, Jets receive Aaron Rodgers

Fresh off a four-day “isolation retreat,” Aaron Rodgers finds himself in New York. He may not remember how he got there, but the Jets hope his presence under center is what they need to get over the hump.

MORE: NFL News and Rumors — Jets and Raiders in Play for Aaron Rodgers?

With their newfound draft capital, the Packers present Christian Watson with his new running mate: Quentin Johnston. Two big-bodied vertical threats that can gain yards after the catch? That’s the stuff of defensive coordinators’ nightmares.

Brian Branch is a Bill Belichick defensive back: Versatile, heady, and willing to do what’s best for the team. He’s a bit lean to play safety full-time, but he’s a playmaker from the slot with the ability to run any coverage Belichick calls.

Is Jordan Love a starting NFL QB? Possibly, but unlike Rodgers’ COVID toe, we need to see it to believe it. Michael Mayer gives him a safety valve over the middle of the field and can help clear lanes in the ground game.

Anthony Richardson falling to the Commanders may seem unrealistic, but so was saying the military would deploy jets to shoot down a … balloon? Washington finally has a QB that no DC wants to face.

Broderick Jones is, as Stephen A. Smith would say, a “baaaaaadddd man.” He looks, moves, and plays like an NFL tackle, and he only started 19 games (15 of which came this season)!

Undersized? Sure. Undervalued? Definitely. Underrated? NOT HERE. Calijah Kancey is the best defensive tackle, not named Jalen Carter. His ability to penetrate from the interior with a lightning-quick get-off is uncanny.

The Bucs could attack the defensive line, but after spending high-value picks in back-to-back drafts, they may want to dip into a different well. O’Cyrus Torrence fills the hole left by Ali Marpet’s retirement, establishing a brick wall up front.

Tariq Woolen was a revelation at corner, and Joey Porter Jr. is the ideal complement on the other side. His ball skills accentuate the length/size/speed profile Pete Carroll covets.

Even if Keenan Allen is still in L.A. next year, this offense has the same voltage as a potato. Zay Flowers is a shock to the system, giving Justin Herbert a dynamic weapon the likes of which he’s never seen before.

The last time we saw a fully healthy Jaxon Smith-Njigba, he dropped 336 yards and three touchdowns on Utah in the Rose Bowl. His hamstring injury will need to be thoroughly vetted, but he’s already an elite route runner with a clear understanding of the position.

Cam Smith is an instinctual corner with quick feet and fluid hips. He was rarely tested at South Carolina, but when he was, he broke up 15 passes and intercepted four more. His prowess in press can unlock coverage looks that Minnesota couldn’t run with their personnel last season.

Tyson Campbell impressed last season, but Darious Williams struggled at times in his first year with Jacksonville. Clark Phillips III is the premier slot cornerback in the class and allows Williams to play where he’s most comfortable on the outside.

If a linebacker is going to go Round 1, it’s Trenton Simpson. Not only is he the new-age athlete at the position, but the Giants simply cannot start Jaylon Smith and Jarrad Davis in 2023.

Jerry Jones won’t be able to compose himself if Bijan Robinson is available when the Cowboys are on the clock. Ezekiel Elliott is, to put it kindly, well passed his crop-top-wearing days, and Tony Pollard is a free agent. Robinson is a top-five talent regardless of position, surpassing the ROI expected from a running back.

It was important Cody Mauch didn’t look out of place at the Senior bowl. But he downright dominated at times, taking it to the Power Five defenders on hand. He can start on the interior out of the gate before taking over either tackle spot for Buffalo.

Most NFL-bound college OTs play on the blindside, but Darnell Wright is one of the few that shined at right tackle. Even if La’el Collins returns to form in Cincy, Wright can move to left tackle, allowing Jonah Williams to be the final piece of the puzzle at guard.

The Saints are still new to the first-round foray this season, so forgive them if they act up. Jalin Hyatt is by no means a complete receiver, but his game-breaking speed will cause Mardi Gras to erupt every Sunday in New Orleans.

Jordan Davis and Siaki Ika on the same defensive line? That’s assault with intent to do great bodily harm — a felony worth up to 10 years in prison! Jokes aside, Ika is a rare breed of nose tackle that can actually penetrate the pocket as a pass rusher.

What Bryan Bresee has gone through off the field is nothing short of tragic. His younger sister passed due to cancer early in the season, and even though he played on, there’s no telling how it affected him.

MORE: Top 10 DTs in the 2023 NFL Draft

But he’s already shown enough flashes to warrant a first-round selection. He can win one-on-one battles and take pressure off Chris Jones on Kansas City’s interior.

Most 2023 NFL mock drafts have Kelee Ringo going in the first round, but there’s a chance he tumbles a bit. While he has a linebacker aesthetic at 6’2″ and 210 pounds, with speed to turn and burn, his change of direction and acceleration concern me.

Anton Harrison is one-half of Oklahoma’s remarkable OT duo. He can mirror nearly every edge rusher with his foot speed and has three years of significant reps as a 21-year-old rookie.

Lukas Van Ness has a first-round ceiling, but he never started for Iowa and has fewer than 1,000 career snaps. Nevertheless, he possesses possibly the deadliest bull rush this cycle.

Three words describe Isaiah Foskey‘s play style: power, length, and explosiveness. He’s demonstrated impressive hand usage, but consistency will be key to his NFL development.

BJ Ojulari is a better prospect than his brother and Giants EDGE Azeez Ojulari. He exploits offensive tackles with pure speed, but adding a power element to his arsenal could take his game to new heights.

Geno Smith showed enough to be the Seahawks’ starter in 2023, but they’ll need to keep him upright. John Michael Schmitz is a veteran from the center position but has the athletic ability to kick out to guard if necessary. He’s a perfect fit for Seattle’s heavy zone-blocking scheme.

This cornerback class is loaded. Deonte Banks is a top 50 player that could fall below that simply due to an overabundance of talent at the position. He’s skilled in press at 6’2″, 200 pounds, and has noticeable body control downfield.

A quarterback’s best friend, Jahmyr Gibbs can make Kyler Murray’s life easier out of the gate. He’s an Alvin Kamara-esque prospect, proficient as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.

Tyrann Mathieu is getting long in the tooth, and Marcus Maye hasn’t played a full season since 2020. Antonio Johnson not only provides long-term security at the position, but the 6’3″ defender can also start in the slot.

I don’t know where the NFL will be on Nolan Smith. He checks all the physical boxes, exploding downhill and laterally. But the Georgia EDGE is a bit raw as a pressure generator.

Despite playing out of position at Iowa State, Will McDonald IV is one of the best pure pass rushers in the class. He can bend and burst around the edge with the best of them, boasting a stellar spin move.

Jaelyn Duncan can play guard or tackle, but his maximum output is as a starting blindside protector. The Jets will need to polish his technique and decision-making, but the tools are there.

A long and athletic corner, Tyrique Stevenson has bushels of potential. Still, he has to work on the finer points of the position.

Jammie Robinson is one of the most complete safeties in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he proved it at the Senior Bowl. He’s a straightforward projection to the NFL with 600+ snaps in the box, slot, and deep safety under his belt.

Want Zay Flowers without needing to spend Round 1 capital? Josh Downs is your guy. He’s similarly electric from the slot, divorcing defenders at the top of routes and blazing past them on vertical routes.

There’s ball production, and there’s Emmanuel Forbes‘ ball production. Owner of the most pick-sixes in college football history (six), Forbes has recorded 14 INTs and 17 PBUs in his career.

An edge rusher-turned-off-ball-linebacker, Drew Sanders needs a scheme that will utilize his pass-rushing prowess. He can develop further as a run defender, but his range and fluidity buoy an exciting ceiling.

If Keion White gets into your chest off the ball, you might as well bring him to the ground with you. He can also move for a 6’4″ and 280-pound defensive lineman which should translate well to a three-down role.

Stanford’s offense didn’t do Tanner McKee any favors, but he routinely exhibited superb ball placement and anticipation. He’s a quick processor and can read defenses better than most in the class.

A quiet winner from the Senior Bowl, Wanya Morris displayed excellent pass sets with quick feet and well-timed punches. He was reactive and never gave up on a rep, working to re-anchor whenever needed.

A.T. Perry moves incredibly well for a 6’3″ receiver. He was seemingly unguardable at the Shrine Bowl, showcasing his mixture of long speed and body control.

Darnell Mooney needs reinforcements in the receiving corps, and Rashee Rice answers the call. He consistently fights to restack downfield and has the size/speed build teams covet on the outside.

The Chargers nailed their selection of Rashawn Slater a couple of years ago. Now it’s time to address right tackle. Matthew Bergeron has the patience and foot quickness to hold up against some of the speedier pass rushers who aim to press the outside track.

Darnell Washington might end up a first-round pick when all is said and done. He’s already an outstanding blocker and has tremendous size at 6’7″ and 270 pounds. He’ll need work as a receiver, but his tape has flashes of contested catch and YAC ability.

Interior linemen don’t often go in the first two days of the draft, but Steve Avila made himself money at the Senior Bowl. He’s a big-bodied plotter that can start at either guard or center early on.

Kayshon Boutte has the tools of a first-rounder, but he’ll likely fall much further due to the ambiguity of his final season. His inclusion in the second round of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft is solely based on his upside. He’s a big-play threat in the open field that can pressure defenses vertically.

Keeanu Benton is already a robust run defender, thanks to his raw power. But with violent and energetic hands, he flashed potential as a pass rusher from the interior, especially in Mobile.

Although he’s a diminutive receiver, Nathaniel Dell lives up to his nickname “tank” due to his explosiveness. He’s a natural separator that’s electric in and out of his breaks.

The Bengals could use a potent weapon at tight end, with defenses keying on Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Luke Musgrave fits the bill, owning one of the best receiving skill sets at the position.

Eli Ricks is a polarizing player, but when he’s been on the field, he’s excelled — both at LSU and Alabama. Teams will test him opposite Jaycee Horn, but they’ll quickly learn that’s not the best idea.

Despite his success this season, the Eagles would be wise to let Miles Sanders walk and replace him with an RB in a loaded class. Kendre Miller is the type of back the Eagles can rely upon next to Jalen Hurts in the backfield.

With George Karlaftis bull rushing off one edge, Felix Anudike-Uzomah can finish at the QB with his flexibility and bend on the other side.

Power, athleticism, build, and experience. Check, check, check, and check. Don’t overthink it, Chicago; draft Joe Tippmann and succeed.

There aren’t many “true” linebackers in the 2023 NFL Draft, but Jack Campbell is the best of them. Simply put, he has one of the highest floors in the class.

Rebuilding the tranches is a must for Arizona, especially if they want Kyler Murray to stay on the field. Andrew Vorhees is the prototype on the interior, possessing a firm anchor.

With a coveted blend of production and traits, Derick Hall, would supplement an already-dangerous Broncos defense with another pass rusher to develop on the edge.

One of the most substantial risers from the Senior Bowl, Darius Rush ushers in a new “No Fly Zone” in Denver across from Patrick Surtain.

The Rams need to draft a tackle with one of their Day 2 picks. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they take Dawand Jones, the largest man in the class: 6’8″, 375 pounds, 36 5/8″ arms.

With overwhelming power, Moro Ojomo displaced blockers all week at the Shrine Bowl. His blend of length, leverage, and first-step quickness poses a significant issue for opposing linemen.

Trade: Raiders receive pick No. 71, 2024 fifth-rounder, Saints receive QB Derek Carr

With the pick they receive for Derek Carr, the Raiders continue investing in the defensive line. Andre Carter II is equipped with intriguing length and speed, but he’ll need some time in an NFL weight room.

If the Titans want to truly evaluate Malik Willis, they need to give him some weapons. Cedric Tillman has the size, ball skills, and body control to complement Treylon Burks outside.

Proportional length. Natural leverage. Elite explosiveness. Inside/outside versatility. What isn’t there to like about Adetomiwa Adebawore?

Standing 6’4″ and 211 pounds, JL Skinner is easily one of the most oversized safeties in the class. He has the length and play strength to be a menace over the middle of the field.

One of my guys in the 2023 NFL Draft, Marvin Mims pairs his dynamism with Drake London’s large frame and Kyle Pitts’ receiving prowess.

There aren’t many 6’4″ and 290-pound defenders that can thrive on the edge, but that’s what Tuli Tuipulotu did at USC.

Speed. The Dolphins have it in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and Mike McDaniel would definitely love some more in the backfield. Enter Devon Achane.

A stout run defender and growing pass rusher, Isaiah McGuire has a high floor with traits that highlight his untapped potential.

Blake Freeland had his ups and downs at the Senior Bowl, but his length/athleticism combination won’t last too long on the board come April.

The Steelers don’t have a genuine deep threat on their roster. Andrei Iosivas and his track speed represent the perfect remedy.

Xavier Hutchinson doesn’t have a household name like others in the class, but he put on a show at the Senior Bowl.

Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting are slated to be free agents, and Kyu Blu Kelly can step in and yield reliable play.

Neither Jordyn Brooks nor Cody Barton is adept in coverage, so selecting a linebacker that can cover like Daiyan Henley is a must.

Xavien Howard and Byron Jones are only getting older … and more expensive. Garrett Williams injects youth and physicality into Miami’s CB room.

A jumbo EDGE, Mike Morris can help shore up the Chargers’ run defense woes.

Long, athletic corners are the new rage, and Julius Brents fits the mold on the outside.

Parker Washington doesn’t garner enough attention. He’s a YAC threat with sure hands from the slot and has kick/punt return ability.

Mazi Smith, the No. 1 player on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, has all the tools to be a dominant defensive tackle. It will be up to Jacksonville to unlock his potential.

One of the biggest risers from the all-star circuit, Atonio Mafi provides long-term interior stability for the Giants.

Pairing one athletic freak with another, BJ Thompson can be a high-upside edge rusher alongside Micah Parsons.

Sydney Brown plays like a sports car with a brick on the gas pedal. He’s extremely experienced (3,000+ career snaps) and is rarely out of position.

Brian Branch gets all the love in the Alabama secondary, but Jordan Battle was a potential first-rounder just last cycle.

Interior penetrators are extremely valuable, and Kobie Turner can be an early impact-maker for the Cardinals.

Parker Washington fits very well as a big slot between A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes have gotten the most out of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, but Tyler Scott is a legitimate speed demon.

During this semi-rebuild, the Cardinals must address the offensive line. Mark Evans II gives them tackle/guard flexibility from Day 1.

At 226 pounds, Isaiah Land may not be able to stay on the edge full-time in the NFL. Still, he’s an effective pass rusher with the tools to play off-ball.

The Browns need to add juice to their receiving corps. Trey Palmer brings that and then some as a slot/Z option.

At 6’5″ with 35″ arms, McClendon Curtis is a stout guard prospect with the ability to kick out to tackle if needed.

Karl Brooks is sudden and violent with his hands, offering alignment versatility along the defensive line.

5’7″ and 175 pounds isn’t exactly the prototypical NFL cornerback build. Yet, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson has made a name for himself as a gnat in coverage.

Christopher Smith has average arm length attached to a slim frame, but he’s a proven playmaker in the deep third with slot versatility.

Clayton Tune, QB, Houston | NFL Draft Scouting Report

CFB Week 0 2023: Draft Prospects Sam Hartman, Caleb Williams, and Audric Estime Stand Out

Full List of Texans Draft Picks: Who Did Houston Take in the 2023 NFL Draft?

2-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Caleb Williams Stands Tall, and Ohio State WRs Make History

Taulia Tagovailoa Draft Profile | Maryland, QB Scouting Report