* Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (12/6)
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 11/29): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (11/23)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)
Carolina had a discussion about which quarterback to take with the No. 1-overall pick. Initially, the scouting department, front office, and ownership were inclined toward Bryce Young, while there were supports for C.J. Stroud on the coaching staff. After Young aced the interview process, he became the consensus for the Panthers. In past years, I have projected Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, Jaycee Horn, and Ikem Ekwonu to Carolina. I would be shocked if I didn’t make the correct pick for the Panthers for the fifth straight year.
Young is a true assassin on the football field capable of taking over games and carrying his team to wins. He is a very accurate passer, showing superb placement, a fantastic ability to throw into tight windows, and excellent feel. Games look slowly paced for Young, whose natural instincts are off the charts. He is also a dangerous runner who offers superb escapability and is extremely dangerous to make plays off schedule. The only knock on Young (5-10, 204) is his size, but he was durable overall in his two years as a starter in the SEC.
In 2022, Young completed 65 percent of his passes for 3,328 yards, 32 touchdowns and five interceptions. He picked up four touchdowns on the ground as well. Young (5-11, 194) took over as Alabama’s starting quarterback in 2021, and there was a lot of hype about him in the scouting community. Some NFL sources believe Young’s skill set and style of play are similar to those of Kyler Murray. In 2021, Young completed 67 percent of his passes for 4,872 yards, 47 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Click links to see the Panthers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Panthers' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 30 | Rd: 4 Pk: 12 | Rd: 4 Pk: 30 | Rd: 5 Pk: 10
The 2023 NFL Draft is the most difficult one for me to project over the past decade. While I have led all NFL media in three of the last five years (2017, 2019, 2022) for getting picks correct, this year is a total crap shoot, starting with the second pick. The Texans should take C.J. Stroud, but it sounds like they prefer a defensive player. Houston badly needs defensive line and edge-rush help. Anderson could be safer than Tyree Wilson for the first selection under new head coach DeMeco Ryans.
In 2022, Anderson collected 51 tackles, 10 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown. The 6-foot-4, 253-pounder was the rare freshman to start on Nick Saban’s defense, but Anderson proved his special ability with a superb 2020 season. He was third in the SEC with seven sacks while also recording 10.5 tackles for a loss and 52 tackles. Anderson was phenomenal in 2021, recording 101 tackles, 17.5 sacks and three passes defended. Not only was he a dominant pass rusher, but Anderson was a strong, tough run defender. He has outstanding instincts and is a natural pass rusher. On top of his production, Anderson is a team leader who works extremely hard and pushes his teammates to get better and play up to their potential. “The Terminator” may lack elite size and crazy speed, but he is truly a good football player.
Click links to see the Texans' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 12 | Click here to jump to the Texans' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 2 | Rd: 3 Pk: 10 | Rd: 4 Pk: 2 | Rd: 5 Pk: 26 | Rd: 6 Pk: 11 | Rd: 6 Pk: 24 | Rd: 6 Pk: 26 | Rd: 7 Pk: 13 | Rd: 7 Pk: 42
If the Cardinals are unable to trade down, I think they might pull a surprise and take Johnson. Arizona badly needs to improve its offensive line to protect Kyler Murray, and Johnson has the upside to be a potential elite left tackle. He also has great character, and he would be a safe pick for Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon to get their regime started well.
The 6-foot-6, 313-pound Johnson has an excellent skill set with size, quickness and athleticism. He was superb for Buckeyes in 2022, not allowing a sack and manning the blind side for C.J. Stroud. Johnson started at guard in 2021, but he moved to tackle as an upperclassmen. Johnson has lot of upside to improve as he gains additional experience. Johnson is a smooth mover with excellent potential to be a dynamic left tackle. If Johnson gets a little stronger, he could be a very good pro starter.
Click links to see the Cardinals' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Cardinals' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 3 | Rd: 3 Pk: 33 | Rd: 4 Pk: 3 | Rd: 5 Pk: 33 | Rd: 6 Pk: 3 | Rd: 6 Pk: 36
While there is a lot of chatter about the Colts taking Will Levis, I think they are going to select Stroud. Stroud is a great fit for their offense, and his tape is exponentially better than what Levis or Anthony Richardson produced in college. If Houston passes on Stroud and he falls to Indianapolis, he could be a massive steal for the Colts.
In 2022, Stroud completed 66 percent of his passes for 3,688 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. The 6-foot-3, 214-pounder is a highly talented dual-threat quarterback who could end up as a first-round pick – and perhaps at the top of Round 1. He won Ohio State’s starting quarterback position following Justin Fields’ departure to the NFL. In 2021, Stroud completed 72 percent of his passes for 4,435 yards, 44 touchdowns and six interceptions. He was a dominant passer, showing good accuracy and the ability to push the ball vertically.
Click links to see the Colts' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Colts' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 16 | Rd: 4 Pk: 4 | Rd: 5 Pk: 3 | Rd: 5 Pk: 27 | Rd: 5 Pk: 34 | Rd: 7 Pk: 4 | Rd: 7 Pk: 19
Seattle could use more interior defensive line talent to go with Dre’Mont Jones. The Seahawks should have some good options to consider with the fifth pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. Carter is a good scheme fit in terms of size, length, quickness and physicality. If Seattle is comfortable with the character evaluation, Carter could be a great fit in the organization’s defense.
In 2022, Carter totaled 32 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and three passes batted. He missed a chunk of time due to a sprained MCL from a dirty hit versus Missouri. Despite Georgia’s crowded defensive line filled with future early-round picks, Carter flashed as a sophomore in 2021 with 37 tackles and three sacks. Multiple team sources say Carter is a better player and prospect than Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt. The 6-foot-3, 314-pound Carter has quality size to go along with shocking speed and athleticism.
However, multiple team sources say that Carter is not a hard worker and has a reputation for not loving football to go along with his other off-the-field character concerns. Thus, I know of three teams in the top 10 that could definitely use Carter, but have dropped him from their boards.
Team sources are also not thrilled about Carter on the field either. They question Carter’s lack of production despite being faster, stronger, and more athletic than the players he went against; he recorded only three sacks in each of the past two seasons. Carter did not rack up sacks in college like other top defensive tackle prospects like Quinnen Williams, Aaron Donald or Ndamukong Suh. That being said, Carter has a tremendous skill set and a ton of upside.
Click links to see the Seahawks' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 20 | Click here to jump to the Seahawks' first second-round pick. | Rd: 2 Pk: 21 | Rd: 3 Pk: 20 | Rd: 4 Pk: 21 | Rd: 5 Pk: 16 | Rd: 5 Pk: 19 | Rd: 6 Pk: 21 | Rd: 7 Pk: 20
The Lions only have Cam Sutton signed at corner beyond the 2023 season. Detroit could use more long-term cornerback talent, and Witherspoon is a great fit for the culture that Dan Campbell has put in place. Hands down, Witherspoon has the best tape of any corner in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he should play a prominent role as a rookie while being a cornerstone of the secondary for many years to come.
Witherspoon recorded 40 tackles, three interceptions and 14 passes broken up in 2022. The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder impressed evaluators as he is a twitchy defender that is always around the ball and has fantastic instincts. Witherspoon is fast and athletic while being a devastating hitter. However, team sources are concerned about Witherspoon avoiding injuries because he hits so violently. Instead, he must protect himself in the NFL.
Click links to see the Lions' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 18 | Click here to jump to the Lions' first second-round pick. | Rd: 2 Pk: 24 | Rd: 3 Pk: 18 | Rd: 5 Pk: 17 | Rd: 5 Pk: 24 | Rd: 6 Pk: 6 | Rd: 6 Pk: 17
The Raiders have a ton of needs, and chief among them is the cornerback position. Nate Hobbs is a nice player, but in the AFC West, Las Vegas has to get more cornerback talent to help defend Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. Here’s a prospect with No. 1 corner potential.
Team sources were impressed with the coverage skills of Gonzalez (6-1, 197) on tape, starting from 2021 and into how he played in 2022. The junior is a big corner who is fast, athletic, and able to run the route to prevent separation. However, Gonzalez is a finesse player who lacks toughness. He gets pushed around at times and doesn’t fight back. Hence, teams are worried Gonzalez will get bullied by pro receivers.
Entering 2022, Gonzalez had not recorded an interception, so NFL evaluators wanted to see him show more ball skills, and he displayed improvement in that regard. In 2022, Gonzalez totaled 51 tackles, four interceptions and seven passes broken up. Gonzalez started out his collegiate career at Colorado before transferring to Oregon. With Colorado in 2021, he collected 53 tackles and five passes broken up. Gonzalez notched 25 tackles and five breakups during the COVID-19-abbreviated season.
Click links to see the Raiders' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Raiders' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 7 | Rd: 3 Pk: 37 | Rd: 4 Pk: 7 | Rd: 5 Pk: 6 | Rd: 5 Pk: 9 | Rd: 5 Pk: 39 | Rd: 6 Pk: 27 | Rd: 6 Pk: 37 | Rd: 7 Pk: 3 | Rd: 7 Pk: 14
In Kyle Pitts and Drake London, the current Falcons regime has drafted elite talents that have high character and love football. Robinson would continue that trend while giving Atlanta an elite back. With Robinson, Pitts, and London, second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder has a tremendous supporting cast to help him make a big leap in Year 2.
Over the process, we have documented in the Hot Presshow sources from a number of teams have Robinson graded higher than other recent top-five running back prospects of Saquon Barkley, Leonard Fournette and Ezekiel Elliott, and Robinson. Back in January, team sources across the league said the 2023 NFL Draft lacked true high first-round talent, with the exception of Robinson, who was the only one receiving a consensus elite grade around the NFL.
In 2022, Robinson averaged 6.1 yards per carry for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also notched 19 receptions for 314 yards and two scores. The junior had a painful overtime fumble against Texas Tech. Robinson was one of the best players in college football in 2021, producing a superb season for Texas. The sophomore averaged 5.8 yards per carry that season for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also took 26 receptions for 295 yards and four scores. In 2020, Robinson flashed his big-time skill set with 703 yards on only 86 carries – 8.2 average – and four touchdowns. He notched 15 catches for 196 yards and two scores that season. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Robinson has power, speed, cutting ability, and natural instincts as a runner. Team sources also say he possesses outstanding character.
Click links to see the Falcons' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Falcons' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 12 | Rd: 4 Pk: 8 | Rd: 4 Pk: 11 | Rd: 7 Pk: 7 | Rd: 7 Pk: 8
The Bears would probably be thrilled to land Wilson with the ninth pick. Wilson could slide to late in the top 10 because some teams have serious medical concerns with him. Chicago badly needs a difference maker for its defense line, and Wilson is a good scheme fit for the team.
Wilson recorded 61 tackles, one forced fumble and seven sacks in 2022. He did not do much in 2020 and 2019, racking up 22 tackles and three sacks over that time, but he broke out with an impressive 2021 season. The junior recorded 37 tackles, seven sacks and a pass defended in 2021. The 6-foot-6, 271-pounder has the size, length, speed, bending ability, and strength to be a tough edge defender at the next level. Wilson could go as high as the second-overall pick, but he also has the potential to slide because teams are spooked by him not working out at all prior to the 2023 NFL Draft while dealing with a foot injury and a back injury. Wilson is viewed as a project who needs some development as well.
Click links to see the Bears' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Bears' first second-round pick. | Rd: 2 Pk: 30 | Rd: 3 Pk: 1 | Rd: 4 Pk: 1 | Rd: 4 Pk: 31 | Rd: 5 Pk: 1 | Rd: 5 Pk: 22 | Rd: 7 Pk: 1 | Rd: 7 Pk: 41
There is talk among teams that the Eagles are very high on Nolan Smith. He could be a dynamic edge rusher across from Haason Reddick.
While Smith never played like a first-round pick in college, he has a shot at going in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft because of his tremendous combine workout where he had an amazing 40 time. Smith recorded 18 tackles and three sacks in 2022 while dealing with some injuries. He was a contributing edge rusher for Georgia in 2021, playing hard and totaling 55 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles. In 2020, Smith had 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks. The 6-foot-2, 238-pounder is lightning fast off the edge, but he lacks size and length. Smith is strong and tough for his size, but has natural size limitations that he will have to overcome.
Click links to see the Eagles' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 30 | Click here to jump to the Eagles' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 31 | Rd: 7 Pk: 2 | Rd: 7 Pk: 31
The Titans grab their future quarterback. Richardson is a good fit for Tennessee, and he could develop behind Ryan Tannehill for a year before taking over as the starter.
In 2022, Richardson completed only 54 percent of his passes for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. On the ground, he put up 629 yards and nine touchdowns. He was excellent against Utah in the season opener, leading Florida to a comeback win, but he was horrible against Kentucky, costing the Gators a win due to horrible accuracy and turnovers. After playing poorly versus South Florida, Richardson had a huge day taking on Tennessee. Late in the season, Richardson struggled against Georgia and Florida State. Thus, he is far too raw and inconsistent to be a viable NFL starter immediately. Richardson definitely needed to return to school for 2023 to improve before going pro, but he decided to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Right now, Richardson is a bad quarterback, but he has an amazing skill set and incredible upside. As a pocket passer, Richardson is currently not good. He is extremely inaccurate, especially in the short to intermediate part of the field. While Richardson has a cannon for an arm, he often throws flat passes and fastballs that are not catchable for his receivers. Richardson struggles with his field vision, decision-making and processing coverage post-snap, plus he has very streaky confidence. As one source said, “He has no idea how to play the position right now.”
On the positive side, the 6-foot-4, 244-pound Richardson has rare physical talent with great size, a howitzer for an arm, and crazy speed and athleticism as a runner. In some ways, Richardson is like a shorter Cam Newton. Richardson’s supporters will point to Josh Allen as an example of a similar quarterback working out, but there have been many other first-round talents with good skill sets who never developed into accurate, effective quarterbacks, like Mitch Trubisky, Blake Bortles, E.J. Manuel, Marcus Mariota, Robert Griffin III, etc. Thus, Richardson is a very risky pick because he is a pure boom-or-bust prospect.
Click links to see the Titans' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Titans' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 9 | Rd: 5 Pk: 12 | Rd: 6 Pk: 9 | Rd: 7 Pk: 11
Houston could be off of C.J. Stroud because of his personality, and that would indicate more comfort with Will Levis, who is known to be a smart, tough, hard-working prospect who possesses leadership potential. The Texans clearly need a franchise quarterback, and Levis could be their guy with the 12th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. The New England philosophy that Nick Caserio is trying to mimic in Houston places an emphasis on toughness and competitiveness, which causes the franchise to have an inclination toward Levis.
Levis completed 65 percent of his passes in 2022 for 2,406 yards, 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has a good skill set, but he has a lot of problems with interceptions, bad decision-making, taking bad sacks, and holding the ball too long. The 6-foot-4, 229-pounder has a cannon for an arm and easy velocity to push the ball downfield. Levis thrived running the Kentucky offense during 2021, completing 66 percent of his passes for 2,826 yards, 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also had nine rushing touchdowns that season. For the NFL, Levis projects as a big-armed pocket passer, but he needs to cut down on the interceptions and become much faster at getting the ball out.
Click links to see the Texans' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 2 | Click here to jump to the Texans' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 2 | Rd: 3 Pk: 10 | Rd: 4 Pk: 2 | Rd: 5 Pk: 26 | Rd: 6 Pk: 11 | Rd: 6 Pk: 24 | Rd: 6 Pk: 26 | Rd: 7 Pk: 13 | Rd: 7 Pk: 42
Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst will end up getting fired if Jordan Love doesn’t pan out. To help Love, the Packers need more weapons on offense. Here’s a route-runner and mismatch receiver for Love to work with.
The Utes entered the 2022 season with two quality tight end prospects in Kincaid and Brant Kuithe. After a strong start to the year, Kuithe went out for the season with an injury, and Kincaid picked up the slack with an excellent senior year. In 2022, Kincaid totaled 70 catches for 890 yards and eight touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 246-pounder is a dangerous receiver with quickness, route-running, good hands, and athleticism.
Click links to see the Packers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Packers' first second-round pick. | Rd: 2 Pk: 14 | Rd: 3 Pk: 15 | Rd: 4 Pk: 14 | Rd: 5 Pk: 14 | Rd: 6 Pk: 30 | Rd: 7 Pk: 15 | Rd: 7 Pk: 18 | Rd: 7 Pk: 25 | Rd: 7 Pk: 39
The Patriots take the best player available and grab more offensive line help. They have been willing to draft short-armed undersized tackles, and Skoronski is a versatile blocker who could help them at a variety of spots.
Skoronski impressed as Northwestern’s replacement for Rashawn Slater. “[Skoronski]’s athletic, moves well, and is smooth,” said an AFC Director of player personnel. “He has very short arms, like 32 inches – he plays with better length than he has – but he doesn’t have a tackle body and looks more like a guard. Some guys I have spoken with compare him to Jonah Williams and some others have said Jonah Jackson.” Some teams will project the 6-foot-4, 313-pound Skoronski to guard, although others might think he can remain at tackle at the next level.
Skoronski was dominant in 2022, allowing one sack all season and very little pressure. He was also showed improved strength and power as a run blocker. Skoronski could be a plug-and-play starter at guard or right tackle in the NFL. He might prove to be a starting left tackle.
Click links to see the Patriots' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Patriots' second-round pick. | Rd: 3 Pk: 13 | Rd: 4 Pk: 5 | Rd: 4 Pk: 15 | Rd: 4 Pk: 33 | Rd: 6 Pk: 7 | Rd: 6 Pk: 10 | Rd: 6 Pk: 15 | Rd: 6 Pk: 33 | Rd: 7 Pk: 28
The Jets could use an offensive tackle to pair with Mekhi Becton. Here’s a plug-and-play starter for New York.
Wright (6-5, 333) was Tennessee’s starting right tackle in 2022, and he had an excellent season, not allowing a sack of quarterback Hendon Hooker. Wright has good size to him and has some strength as a run blocker. At the Senior Bowl, he did well in the pass-rushing one-on-ones and looked pro-ready. With his size, experience, and mean streak, Wright has been a riser throughout the draft process. Wright could be a very good starting right tackle in the NFL.
Click links to see the Jets' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Jets' second-round pick. | Rd: 4 Pk: 10 | Rd: 5 Pk: 8 | Rd: 5 Pk: 35
Washington has a huge hole at cornerback, and Forbes would be a good scheme fit for Jack Del Rio.
Forbes recorded 46 tackles, six interceptions and 10 passes defended during 2022. The 6-foot-1, 166-pounder is an interesting corner who produced a lot of splash plays for the Bulldogs. He needs to grow more consistent on a down-by-down basis and be less of a feast-or-famine player. In 2021, Forbes collected 59 tackles, three interceptions and five passes broken up. The previous season, he had 44 tackles, five interceptions – three returned for touchdowns -, and six passes broken up. Forbes needs to fill out his frame for the NFL because he is dangerously thin and lacking in weight.
