The Cavalier’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1 of the NFL Draft is tonight, and this is one of the few drafts where no pick is certain which should make for an interesting draft. Here are my predictions for the Draft

Carolina Panthers (via Chicago Bears): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The Panthers gave up their entire future to move up to the #1 pick, so there is no chance they did for a risky prospect like Will Levis or Anthony Richardson. The Panthers make the safest pick and take Bryce Young.

Houston Texans: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

Houston may not have a preference out of the three remaining quarterbacks, so they take the best player available in Will Anderson. Because the Texans also have the #12 pick, they have the leverage of waiting until one of the quarterbacks falls and they can trade back into the Top 10.

Tennessee Titans (mock trade with Arizona Cardinals): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

In the boldest move of the draft, the Titans trade their first rounder next year and the 11th pick to Arizona to take a chance on the riskiest prospect in the draft. He by far has the most superstar and bust potential, but the Titans decide to gamble on him.

Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

I personally have CJ Stroud ranked higher than Levis, but I can see the Colts opting to with him instead. It just seems like a good fit.

Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

There is no denying Carter’s talent, but off the field issues may slightly damage his draft stock. Carter is considered by many to be the most talented player in the class, so getting him at #5 could seem like a steal for Seattle.

Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Devon Weatherspoon, CB, Illinois

The Lions are not in need of a quarterback, so they take the best defensive player available and the best corner in the draft in Devon Weatherspoon. Detroit just traded Jeff Okudah to Atlanta, so they take a shot on another DB.

Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Las Vegas committed tons of money to Jimmy Garroppolo in the offseason, so taking a QB here seems like a stretch. Gonzalez is considered by some to be the top corner in the class, but he falls to the Raiders at 7.

Atlanta Falcons: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Falcons have both Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinecke, but Stroud falls to #8 and the Falcons feel they have no choice. He is such a high upside prospect and Ridder has not proven that he is the franchise quarterback.

Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers): Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

The Bears moved out of the #1 spot, and they have a glaring need at multiple positions on the offensive line. It is between Skoronski and Paris Johnson for the best OL on the board so I see Chicago going with the Illinois product.

Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints): Bijan Robinson, HB, Texas

This pick would create one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in the league, along with two great receivers in AJ Brown and Devonta Smith. Robinson is ridiculously talented and Miles Sanders signed elsewhere in free agency, making running back and glaring need for the reigning NFC champs.