2023 NFL Live Mock Draft Day 3

April 29, 2023 8:00 PM EST

NFL Draft Day 3 HERE!
Mock Draft simulated forward following each real world pick
Gray cell color - Pick is in
Gray cell with star - correct Drafttek prognostication
Blue cell - SIM pick

The Trade Value Chart updated with recent trades.

Round 1 Picks 1- 16 (Below)

Forward to Round 1 Picks 17- 31

2023 NFL Draft Big Board

2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings

Carolina (Trade)
Carolina (Trade) NFL Mock Draft logo

Bryce Young

Alabama

Reach/Value:

-1

Height:

5'10"

Weight:

204

It's official, Bryce Young is a Carolina Panther!

Best player in #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/rNQb9P2kKW
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) April 27, 2023

It has been rumored for weeks now that the Panthers brass has been head over heels in love with Bryce Young, and it's not hard to see why. Bryce's accolades as a QB at the University of Alabama are truly legendary. Not only was he the 2021 Davey O'Brien award winner, but Young has also won a national championship and a Heisman Trophy while going 23-4 as a career starter for the Crimson Tide. Bryce can also lay claim to being the only Alabama QB to throw for over 3000 yards in two separate seasons while also setting the single season passing yards record for Alabama at 4872!

What makes this pick even more exciting is how perfectly Carolina is built to support a rookie QB like Bryce Young! The Panthers have spent the last three seasons putting young talented pieces throughout the roster. Bryce will need high-level tackle play and last year's first-round pick Ikem Ekwonu should quickly become Bryce's best friend keeping him clean in the pocket. Add on top a stout young defense moving to a 3-4 with a brand-new coaching staff that has 11 Super Bowl rings amongst them, and you have a PERFECT situation for Bryce Young to hit the ground running! A new era of Panthers football has OFFICIALLY begun!

Don't forget to check out the C3 Panthers Podcast Tuesday nights at 9 PM and 30 minutes after every game to hear us discuss all the latest in Panther Nation!

- Cody Lachney, Panthers Analyst

Houston

C.J. Stroud

Ohio State

Reach/Value:

-1

Height:

6'3"

Weight:

214

The Houston Texans did the right thing, they drafted CJ Stroud with the 2nd overall pick!

Rumors circulated that the team would prioritize defense, but owner Cal McNair reportedly intervened at the last minute to secure a franchise quarterback.

If the Houston Texans pass on CJ Stroud, does he make them regret it? pic.twitter.com/mxP7a9wmo7
— V?a?t?o?r? (@Vator_H_Town) April 27, 2023

For the Texans, Stroud represents hope for the future. The team has been searching for a quarterback to build around since the departure of Deshaun Watson. While there are certainly risks involved in drafting a young quarterback, Stroud's incredible touch, timing, and accuracy on downfield throws is a thing of beauty!

Of course, the success of Stroud and the Texans will depend on a variety of factors. The team will need to provide him with a strong supporting cast, and Stroud will need to continue to develop and adjust to the speed of the NFL game. However, the selection of Stroud is a step in the right direction for a team that has been in desperate need of building blocks.

- Cody Lachney, Texans Analyst

3 Houston (Trade)

Will Anderson Jr.

Alabama

EDGE

Reach/Value:

2

Height:

6'4"

Weight:

253

The Houston Texans have shocked the NFL world by trading with the Arizona Cardinals for the 3rd overall pick to draft Will Anderson!
WRECKING BALL. ??

Which team will land Will Anderson?#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/UJo9NN72UD
— Whistle (@WhistleSports) April 27, 2023

Anderson, who played at the University of Alabama, was a disruptive force on the EDGE for the Crimson Tide. Anderson recorded an impressive 34.5 career sacks and 62 career tackles for loss. Will was one of the most feared defenders in all of CFB throughout past two seasons!

Anderson possesses a rare combination of speed, strength, and technique that make him a difficult player for opposing offenses to handle. The Texans are confident that Anderson can continue to develop his technique and become a dominant player in the league. Anderson's college production and potential make him a worthwhile investment for the Texans. If he can translate his success at the college level to the NFL, he has the potential to be one of the best defensive players in the league for years to come!

- Cody Lachney, Texans Analyst

4 Indianapolis

Anthony Richardson

Florida

QB

Reach/Value:

-1

Height:

6'4"

Weight:

244

The Indianapolis Colts make good on their promise to take a quarterback. Anthony Richardson becomes the first signal caller drafted by the Colts in the first round since Andrew Luck's first overall selection in the 2012 draft.
Got him. #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/kv7gkeKToF
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 28, 2023

Richardson does not come in with the expectation of making the immediate impact that Luck did. Thought to be more of a project, he will likely be competing for the starting job with newly signed Gardner Minshew for the starting spot for the 2023 season while developing under head coach Shane Steichen, who just last season finished his development of Jalen Hurts, a quarterback of much the same build as Richardson.

If Richardson does indeed start this year, however, he will have all eyes on him to revive an offense that dipped in 2022 with the lackluster production of the offensive line and struggles from 2021 rushing leader Jonathan Taylor, who dealt with nagging injuries and ran for just 861 yards and four touchdowns. The offense was expected to make a jump after bringing in Matt Ryan, but the team and fanbase quickly learned better as Ryan showed his age. If Richardson is to see success early in his career, he will likely do it with his pure athleticism and running ability while his ability as a pocket passer matures. It should make for an exciting time in Indianapolis either way.

5 Seattle (Trade)

Devon Witherspoon

Illinois

CB

Reach/Value:

-8

Height:

6'0"

Weight:

180

I was halfway through a comment on Jalen Carter when Devon Witherspoon was announced as the Seahawks' first selection. There were some rumors leading up to the draft that Seattle really liked the former Illini Corner and wouldn't be afraid to nab him early if they had to. Even with that, this feels like a shock. This is the highest selection John Schneider and Pete Carroll have ever used on a secondary player.

Let's imagine this though: Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen on the outside and Coby Bryant at nickel. That's a potentially stifling unit that sounds even better than what the Legion of Boom had - in terms of talent.

Was this the most pressing need? Probably not. But when you pick high it's imperative to get as much talent as possible. Teams had a passer rating of 25.3 when targeting Witherspoon in 2022. If Pete Carroll sees him as a good defensive back, then I believe him.

Grade: A-

~Jeff Chapman, Seahawks Analyst

6 Arizona (Trade)

Paris Johnson Jr.

Ohio State

OT

Reach/Value:

0

Height:

6'6"

Weight:

313

A bevy of trades have landed the Cardinals six to draft the first offensive tackle off the board.
With the 6th Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select Paris Johnson Jr. pic.twitter.com/tbIUExCBqt
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 28, 2023

Arizona got picks 12, 33, and a 2024 1st-round pick and 3rd-round pick from the Texans and used picks 12 and 34 to trade back into the top 10. Kyler Murray demanded an offensive lineman in this draft from the Cardinals' new general manager, Monti Ossenfort, and it appears his wishes were granted. Arizona extended left tackle D.J. Humphries this offseason and now they shore up the other side with a great pass protector for Murray when he comes back from his ACL injury. Johnson Jr. shows great versatility all along the line with outstanding athleticism and length. He should be able to step in immediately as a plus starter for a rebuilding Cardinals offense.

7 Las Vegas

Tyree Wilson

Texas Tech

EDGE

Reach/Value:

-1

Height:

6'6"

Weight:

271

In our Mock, I wrote that it would be malpractice to pass on Wilson if he were available at #7. The versatile and lengthy Red Raider gives the Silver & Black an elite, young pass rusher to pair with Maxx Crosby. A team that was 27th in sacks and 29th in pass defense now adds a bonafide star to its lackluster defense.

While it would have been difficult to screw up this selection based on how the Draft played out, Vegas displayed discipline by not reaching for biggest need (CB), taking a QB with big question marks, or taking likely bust Jalen Carter. Tyree Wilson is a smart pick who will line up in a variety of spots in Year 1 and make this team better. His addition will allow them to move on from Chandler Jones as soon as contractually possible, and provide great value at one of the NFL's premier positions. The right trade down would have been nice, but this is 100% the right selection at #7.

Grade: A

8 Atlanta

Bijan Robinson

Texas

RB

Reach/Value:

4

Height:

6'0"

Weight:

221

Arthur Smith apparently missed Derrick Henry, because he went out and got his Falcons' version. For the third year in a row, Atlanta has eschewed the "positional value" to stockpile weapons for the offense. Robinson was among the top two or three talents in the draft, and that's all it took for Smith to pull the trigger and complete the retooling of the offense along the lines he has been working towards.

Robinson's position is the only thing that led him to fall this far, and Atlanta will be able to spell Cordarelle Patterson and use Tyler Allegeir as a short-yard battering ram. They spent the free agency period retooling the defense, so topping off the offense took priority over adding pass rush or secondary help. For value? This is a B move. For impact? This is an A+ move.

9 Philadelphia (Trade)

Jalen Carter

Georgia

DL3T

Reach/Value:

2

Height:

6'3"

Weight:

314

The Bears slip down another spot and pick up a 2024 RD4 pick from the Eagles, to select OT Darnell Wright. Wright is a pure right tackle and should slide right in to start week 1. Peter Skoronski was still on the board, so Wright is a surprising pick ahead of the Northwestern star. Wright, at 333 lbs, has athletic limitations, but he makes up for that with strength and power.

The Tennessee Tackle will have to work on his technique to cement a spot on a Bears' line that will need more help in later rounds. A pick at a position of need, but definitely a reach.

- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Grade: B-

10 Chicago (Trade)

Darnell Wright

Tennessee

OT

Reach/Value:

-10

Height:

6'5"

Weight:

333

When it was announced that Georgia DT Jalen Carter would not be taking meeting with teams picking outside the top 10 the easy assumption was that he would get past Philadelphia at 10. As it turns out, Philly wasn't willing to wait even that long. They were able to trade up for Pick 9 to snag Carter, paying only a RD 4 pick in next year's draft to ensure they got their guy.

Carter, arguably the most talented defensive player in this draft class, and the Eagles are a perfect match as Philly gets a game wrecker on the interior to help replace Javon Hargrave's production and Carter is reunited with former Georgia teammate and mentor Jordan Davis. That partnership should quell questions about his passion for the game and any off-field issues. With Carter and Davis reunited and Nakobe Dean behind them the Eagles Defense remains a force to be reckoned with.

Grade: A

11 Tennessee

Peter Skoronski

Northwestern

OT

Reach/Value:

2

Height:

6'4"

Weight:

313

I'm torn. The Titans picked one of the best players in the draft which is always good. OG just isn't their biggest need. Maybe Tannehill just needs more and more blocking to play better. Still, who is he throwing to?

I'll also add that Dillon Radunz is awesome, so maybe Skoronski and Radunz is the magic formula. It's a deep receiver class and I'm overjoyed the Titans didn't take Will Levis like I feared they might.

-- Jonah Anderson, Senior Drafttek Analyst

Grade: B+

12 Detroit (Trade)

Jahmyr Gibbs

Alabama

RB

Reach/Value:

-24

Height:

5'11"

Weight:

200

After a savvy trade down netted an additional pick and got them out of the Jalen Carter quandary, the Lions raised some eyebrows by grabbing Alabama RB Jamyr Gibbs at Pick 12. He brings lightning quickness and finishing speed, along with above-average pass catching and route running ability. Gibbs put up long TDs in the run and pass game in college and promises home-run potential in the NFL.

A very nice back adds another weapon for QB Jared Goff. This move makes it clear that D'Andre Swift will not be extended and may not even make it to this fall in a Lions uniform. Grade: B+

--Jud Branam, Lions Analyst

13 Green Bay (Trade)

Lukas Van Ness

Iowa

EDGE

Reach/Value:

2

Height:

6'5"

Weight:

272

Old habits die hard as GM Brian Gutekunst continues to build on the defensive side of the ball. Lukas Van Ness fits so much of what the Packers look for in the draft. Van Ness is a high-motor performer in a premier position with a 9.39 RAS.
With the 13th pick in the 2023 #NFLDraft, the #Packers select Iowa LB Lukas Van Ness!#PackersDraft | @meijer pic.twitter.com/rxng9Rjna1
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 28, 2023

Van Ness, who had 46 pressures last year despite never starting a game at Iowa, has the versatility to contribute as both a defensive end and stand-up pass rusher. With the nickname "Hercules," Green Bay will be hoping Van Ness can improve a run defense that allowed 5.0 yards/carry last season. He can earn early reps as Rashan Gary returns from an ACL injury while projecting as a long-term option to replace Preston Smith.

Grade: A

14 Pittsburgh (Trade)

Broderick Jones

Georgia

OT

Reach/Value:

-4

Height:

6'5"

Weight:

311

The Steelers move up to grab one of the draft's top-tier tackles. Omar Khan in his first year as GM picks the first RD1 tackle since 1996. With Kenny Pickett entering his sophomore season, the team has not been shy about going all in to pave the way for an improved running game to take the pressure off the young signal caller. Jones will compete with Dan Moore for the starting LT role immediately with the loser becoming a quality swing tackle.

Jones is an incredible athlete from a size and speed perspective. Paired with those physical gifts, he's shown his skills on the highest stage possible as the staring LT for the CFB champion Dawgs. The Steelers like players on an ascending career arc, and with only 19 starts, Jones is just starting to tap into his potential.

15 NY Jets (Trade)

Will McDonald IV

Iowa State

EDGE

Reach/Value:

-9

Height:

6'3"

Weight:

239

The Jets have built an identity around a stifling defense. Having added Aaron Rodgers and multiple weapons on offense, they add talent to the pass rush. McDonald offers a different look as an edge player, and perhaps there are plans to play him some off the line of scrimmage. A slightly less lauded version of Nolan Smith, McDonald offers excellent athleticism. If the Jets decide to run more multiple sets, including 3-4 looks, McDonald offers interesting options. Still, this is a bit of a strange pick for fit. B-

16 Washington

Emmanuel Forbes

Mississippi State

CB

Reach/Value:

-18

Height:

6'0"

Weight:

166

Ron Rivera and Co. have never been good at hiding their hand from the rest of the league, but I don't think they care. It was clear from the outset that this team was a) happy with Howell at QB, b) wanted help at corner and c) wanted to bolster the offensive line. While I don't love that process, this group has drafted fairly well overall. Getting Emmanuel Forbes at 16 is a nice value, as he will be a plug-and-play starter at corner; but I have to wonder why Forbes was the pick over Christian Gonzalez. The argument would be that Forbes has better ball skills and might have better instincts in zone. I trust Rivera and Del Rio to identify a DB for their scheme.

Grade: B

-Kennedy Paynter, Senior Draft Analyst (@Kennedy_Paynter on Twitter)

Forward to Round 1 Picks 17- 31 Forward to Round 2 Forward to Round 3 Forward to Round 4/5 Forward to Round 6/7

O/A Rank	Big 10 Conference Top-30 Players	Psn
3	C.J. Stroud Ohio State	QB
6	Paris Johnson Jr. Ohio State	OT
9	Peter Skoronski Northwestern	OT
11	Lukas Van Ness Iowa	EDGE
12	Jaxon Smith-Njigba Ohio State	WR
13	Devon Witherspoon Illinois	CB
15	Joey Porter Jr. Penn State	CB
21	Deonte Banks Maryland	CB
37	John Michael Schmitz Minnesota	OC
38	Mazi Smith Michigan	DL1T
39	Jack Campbell Iowa	ILB
48	Adetomiwa Adebawore Northwestern	DL5T
49	Sam LaPorta Iowa	TE
51	Keeanu Benton Wisconsin	DL1T
61	Joe Tippmann Wisconsin	OC
63	D.J. Turner Michigan	CBN
67	Luke Wypler Ohio State	OC
68	Dawand Jones Ohio State	OT
72	Sydney Brown Illinois	S
73	Ji'Ayir Brown Penn State	S
88	Zach Harrison Ohio State	EDGE
89	Cory Trice Purdue	CB
91	Jaelyn Duncan Maryland	OT
97	Jartavius Martin Illinois	CBN
99	Riley Moss Iowa	CB
100	Brenton Strange Penn State	TE
101	Parker Washington Penn State	WR
105	Luke Schoonmaker Michigan	TE
107	Jayden Reed Michigan State	WRS
109	Trey Palmer Nebraska	WR

2023 NFL Live Mock Draft Day 3

2023 NFL Mock Draft

(4/29) Live Mock Day 3