PSF Mock Draft 1.0

By KC Sports Commision

Kansas City, Missouri (PSF) — The Draft represents a turning point for virtually every team in the league. For bad teams, one pick can alter the future of their franchise for 15 years or more. For good teams, it represents a chance to retool, fill roster holes, and get better. Fans of every team look forward to the draft, and everyone loves to try to predict the moves their team will make. At PSF, we did the same. Below is the first version of round one of our 2023 NFL Draft. 

This article was created collaboratively by PSF Interns Isaac Nielsen, Jack Sullivan, and Marcus Lortie.

(PSF Mock Draft 1.0 contains no hypothetical trades.)

1. Chicago Bears 

Pick: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

Talk of a Justin Fields trade has been plentiful all offseason, but all signs point to the Bears building around their young star QB, meaning the front office will likely be shopping trade offers. In the 1.0 version of this mock, however, the Bears grab the best player from the best defense in college football. For a team that recorded the least sacks and allowed the second-most rushing yardage last season, Carter provides much-needed interior penetration and destructive run-stopping ability. - Isaac Nielsen

2. Houston Texans 

Pick: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Texans should consider themselves lucky after how the end of the season played out. The Bears, who leapfrogged them to get the first overall pick, did not take a quarterback. That means they have their choice in which young slinger they want to lead their franchise. The best overall quarterback in this draft will vary depending on which team you ask, but after a miraculous Fiesta Bowl performance against one of the top college football defenses, the Houston brass make Stroud their guy.  - Jack Sullivan

3. Arizona Cardinals 

Pick: Will Anderson, DE, Alabama

A team like the Cardinals can use almost anybody on defense, so they’ll take Will Anderson from Alabama. A hard worker, never quits on the play, and also both good on the run and the pass, he will make the opposing tackle work to stop him. The only question for him is that without the explosiveness and the lack of “bend” that the top NFL edge-rushers possess, can he eventually be a 12-15 sack-per-year type of guy that every team is looking for? Throughout his three seasons at Alabama, Anderson recorded 207 total pressures compared to Aidan Hutchinson’s 128 through four seasons at Michigan, who was the second overall pick in last year’s draft. - Marcus Lortie

4. Indianapolis Colts 

Pick: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The Colts are perhaps the most likely candidate to move up to take a QB, given their recent woes with various veterans at the helm. With CJ Stroud off the table, GM Chris Ballard, known mostly for his drafting prowess, will have a decision to make between Bryce Young and Will Levis if he drafts from the fourth slot. With a roster just a few players away from tangible success, look for the Colts to take the most game-ready option. Despite concerns about his size, the 2021 Heisman winner possesses playmaking ability, leadership, arm talent, and just about every other quality Indy can ask for out of the face of their franchise. - Isaac Nielsen

5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) 

Pick: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech

Geno Smith was somewhat of a revelation for the Seahawks this past season, though there was some drop off in productivity towards the end of the season for him. Regardless, he got the Seahawks to the playoffs, and resigning him is probably the way to go. With that said, the NFC is quarterback hungry right now, and if the ‘Hawks think they got their guy, they will be all in next year. Seattle always seems to get a little risky in their first-round selections, so taking a guy that has been climbing draft boards is right up their alley. Not to mention, adding perhaps the best true edge rusher in the draft never hurts. - Jack Sullivan
6. Detroit Lions (via LAR) 

Pick: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

With his great size, the Clemson prospect checks all of the boxes that the NFL scouts want to see. Has a good motor with quickness, especially on the first step. On the other hand, Murphy isn’t explosive nor twitchy and lacks pass-rush moves since his primary move is a long-arm bull-rush technique, which is effective, but his skills need some work to reach his high ceiling. When looking at his film, often he doesn’t pass the eye test and his partner, Bryan Bresee (DT) stands out even more. Bresee is also projected highly in this year’s NFL draft.  In terms of fit with the team, the Lions drafted two quality edge rushers in last year’s draft Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston, so why not add another quality player?  - Marcus Lortie

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

With the departure of Derek Carr looming, it’s time for the Raiders to dip into this year’s QB class. GM Dave Ziegler was reportedly “intrigued” by Richardson throughout this past college football season, and one doesn’t have to be an NFL scout to see why. Despite questions about his decision-making and experience, the Florida prospect displays impressive size, speed, mobility as a passer, and a rocket arm. He may be labeled as a “project” QB for now, but with the right development, the Raiders could eventually have the best passer in the draft.  - Isaac Nielsen

8. Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Let’s just assume that the Falcons have a high draft grade on Kentucky quarterback Will Levis. The Falcons, with the eight overall pick, still see Levis sitting in the green room behind the stage. Last year the Falcons spent a third round pick on quarterback Desmond Ridder, who played the last four games of the year, and looked…ehhh? A third round pick is a sizable investment, but not a roadblock from taking a quarterback in the first round of this draft. Ridder and Levis will battle it out for the starting job this offseason, and the loser will make a fine backupp. - Jack Sullivan

9. Carolina Panthers 

Pick: Peter Skoronski, OG/OT, Northwestern

Regardless of their quarterback situation, the Panthers' offense isn’t going anywhere without dominance from their offensive line. Skoronski’s arms might be small for an NFL tackle, so he will likely switch to guard, which makes him the best guard in this draft class by far. With his strength and technique on top of his solid consistency, he can easily be the day-one guard for Carolina. Ideally, Skoronski can be a guard next to Ikem Ekwonu (OT), who was the Panthers’ first-round pick last year and had a rather disappointing rookie season. Skoronski can hopefully bring back Ekwonu’s dominance by playing next to him. - Marcus Lortie

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) 

Pick: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

An Eagles defense that ranked first in yards/game and fourth in points allowed per game last season will be looking to retool and pick up where they left off. Cornerback James Bradberry is scheduled to hit free agency, and Darius Slay could lose a few steps during his age-32 season. “Spoon” is an athletic corner with good speed and physicality, and possesses every trait GM Howie Roseman could ask for out of the first corner taken in this year’s draft. - Isaac Nielsen

11. Tennessee Titans 

Pick: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

In what has been a fairly weak AFC South division for years, the Jaguars have found their quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, and the Texans and Colts may have found their guy in this draft as well. Unfortunately for the Titans, taking a quarterback like Tanner McKee here would be a huge reach to say the least. So, all they can do is to continue building the weapons around current quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Grabbing the top receiver in the draft to team with RB Derrick Henry and WR Treylon Burks, will help open the field some. Pair this with an already good defense, the Titans are really just a future quarterback away from being a top AFC team. - Jack Sullivan

12. Houston Texans (via CLE) 

Pick: Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

To protect CJ Stroud’s blindside, the Houston Texans will take the left tackle, Paris Johnson. Rumors suggest the Texans are considering trading their franchise left tackle, Laremy Tunsil, due to salary cap issues. The word “pure” comes to mind when looking at Paris Johnson, with decent power, NFL-level technique, and experience against high competition. He can also play both tackle positions, which helps the Texans if they trade away Laremy Tunsil. - Marcus Lortie

13. New York Jets

Pick: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

The Jets’ WR corps, which was expected last year to be an embarrassment of riches, has turned into a giant question mark. While Garrett Wilson took over the WR1 role, the rest of the position floundered, with guys like Corey Davis, Denzel Mims, and Elijah Moore all having trouble getting going. Enter Johnston, a big 6’4” receiver with 4.4-speed, who can play at the X and pair perfectly with Wilson. - Isaac Nielsen

14. New England Patriots

Pick: Broderick Jones, LT, Georgia

The Patriots are in desperate need of an offensive tackle, as injuries and inconsistencies have plagued them all year at the position. Jones is a guy who will jump up mock draft big boards after the combine and free agency, as he probably should. This player was an absolute stud for a high powered Georgia offense. It never hurts grabbing a premier player who played against the best talent in college. Jones can be a day-one starter at left tackle for New England. - Jack Sullivan

15. Green Bay Packers 

Pick: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

The Packers, who missed on the top receivers in the draft, now take a guy with star potential at the tight end position in Michael Mayer from Notre Dame. Mayer brings many desirable traits to the table, he’s both great at run blocking and pass-catching and that makes him similar to Gronk, which is high praise. Mayer can immediately contribute to whoever’s in the QB position for Green Bay in the upcoming season, and can potentially replace their current TE1, Robert Tonyan, in a couple of seasons. - Marcus Lortie

16. Washington Commanders 

Pick: Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Production early in a player’s college career is usually a good indicator that the player has the natural talent necessary to make him NFL-ready, and Branch produced for the Crimson Tide immediately upon his arrival in 2020. His physical skill set is among the best in his class, boasting a dangerous combination of explosiveness, quick acceleration, and long speed for deeper routes. Despite his lack of game-breaking size, the Alabama prospect would be a great fit for a Commanders team that lacks secondary depth, and would pair well with young star Kamren Curl. - Isaac Nielsen

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

No matter the pick here, Pittsburgh will still be hampered by their quarterback, as both Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky are not the answer. But in order to build the team, they pride themselves on a physical and dominant defense. Adding a top tier pass rusher will help them stay close in games, and lock down a long term co-rusher next to defensive player of the year TJ Watt. Ojulari might need a year or two before he finds his grove, but they will now have bookends on their defense for years to come. - Jack Sullivan

18. Detroit Lions 

Pick: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

It’s never a bad thing to add depth to the cornerback position. Gonzalez, a Colorado transfer, has size, speed, and strength that can all match up with NFL talent. With Gonzalez’s athleticism and ball skills, he has Jaire Alexander written all over him. His run support has some questions but he is still young and has a very high ceiling at the CB position. - Marcus Lortie

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Pick: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida

Tampa Bay is expected to be one of the biggest question marks in the months leading up to the draft. An unknown quarterback situation adds to the uncertainty of whether unrestricted free agents Lavonte David, Jamel Dean, Sean Murphy-Bunting and more will return for the 2023 campaign. Nevertheless, the Buccaneers always need solid offensive line play, and they get their guy in the first round. Torrence’s mass and quick first step make him a good fit for what will certainly be an interesting team this year. - Isaac Nielsen

20. Seattle Seahawks 

Pick: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

Seattle found two rookie tackles in the draft last year in Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, which was a huge position of need for them for years. You could argue that the one positon on offense that needs an upgrade the most is tight end, and they already have a few guys in that room that can play. Washington can come in and be a third offensive tackle right away, and also create a receiving role for himself in the red zone. Not to mention, he can help clear the way for rookie of the year runner-up Kenneth Walker for years to come.  - Jack Sullivan

21. Los Angeles Chargers 

Pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Considering the talks of the Chargers shipping away their star WR Keenan Allen due to a cap hit, it might be a good chance to help out their franchise quarterback, Justin Herbert. Smith-Njigba has not been on the football field in 2022, but his 2021 tape is good enough for him to get drafted in the first round. He’s great against zone coverage and able to find holes within the zone to get open. - Marcus Lortie

22. Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

With the top three receivers off the board, the Ravens will look to grab the best available player. The defensive lineman out of Clemson falls into their laps in this mock. Formerly the top overall prospect in the country out of high school, Bresee possesses elite strength (435-pound bench press), length, agility, and instincts that can’t be ignored. Baltimore boasts a defensive unit with many familiar names, but who are also aging and aiming for bigger salaries. Bresee will look to be part of the next generation of strong Ravens defenders. - Isaac Nielsen

23. Minnesota Vikings 

Pick: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

In the NFC Wild Card game against the Giants, the Vikings got run over by running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones early in the game, which really opened the passing game up for the Giants later on. The Vikings did not have an answer, and watched their aging secondary get picked apart. It is time to insert some youth into this group, and lucky for them, possibly the best cornerback in the draft fell right into their hands. - Jack Sullivan

24. Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt

Recently, a guy whose draft stock is skyrocketing is the defensive tackle from Pitt, Calijah Kancey. Even though the Jaguars had a solid rotation at the D-tackle position last season, none of them were big-name players, which is where Kancey comes into play. He’s a defensive playmaker and his strength and quickness are top-tier at his position. Kancey is a bit undersized but that makes his player profile similar to Aaron Donald, and if he pans out, he can be their anchor on defense for the next five to seven seasons. - Marcus Lortie

25. New York Giants

Pick: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

The Giants haven’t had a true number one receiver in several years, but this roster is looking only to get better. Plans to resign both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley have been made, so New York will look to fill the position that was played by the likes of Darius Slayton and Richie James last year. Flowers is a bit undersized for a WR1 role, but his speed and elusiveness in the open field allow him to break games wide open.  - Isaac Nielsen

26. Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

The free agent receiver market is very thin this year, so teams that want to upgrade the positon will most likely need to do so in the draft or through trades. This should force a few teams to take a receiver higher than they may have liked, but regardless, the Cowboys get a true pro receiver here in Rice. If the Cowboys are going to move forward with quarterback Dak Prescott, then they need to make sure they do everything they can to build around him. - Jack Sullivan 

27. Buffalo Bills

Pick: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State 

Whether you know it or not, the Buffalo Bills quietly need some tackle help for their franchise quarterback Josh Allen. Dawand Jones from Ohio State is listed as 6’8” with good strength, but he lacks athleticism, which impacted his consistency. Jones picks his matchups and he doesn't play well against athletic edge rushers, so the scheme needs to be tailored to his strengths to cover his weaknesses. Jones is very much a work in progress with the many holes that he has, but he should be the right tackle for the Bills if he can maintain his weight as well.  - Marcus Lortie

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

It’s no secret that teams have hesitated to take star collegiate running backs in the first round. The value of the pick, coupled with the amount of questions that are left unanswered, such as longevity, transition to the NFL, and misleading statistics, mean that legendary backs in the NCAA sometimes fall lower than their past performance suggests. Robinson, who will go down as one of the greats in Texas football history, should be an exception to this rule. His astounding success for the Longhorns coupled with an ideal athletic skill set and versatility make him a first-round lock. Meanwhile, the Bengals find themselves in a situation where they need the services of a player like Robinson. At a stage in the draft where best-player-available is still a popular drafting process, they also may be replacing one of the league’s premier rushers. Joe Mixon, after losing the majority of his touches to Samaje Perine toward the end of last season, could find himself being a cap casualty, as his earnings are currently among the upper echelon of RBs. - Isaac Nielsen
29. New Orleans Saints (via DEN, via SF)

Pick: Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford

As the Saints enter a new era of sorts, it is time for them to try and lock down a quarterback that can make them more competitive. McKee might not be a franchise quarterback like some other players taken in this draft, but he’s got the size, the IQ, the experience, and promise. New Orleans needs to break away from the Jameis Winston era and keep Taysom Hill as a role player. This team is ready to win now, especially in a very weak NFC South. - Jack Sullivan

30. Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson 

With two starting linebackers for the Eagles set to hit free agency, Trenton Simpson can be a perfect replacement and start right away. Both his cover skills and run-stopping ability will be a big help for the Eagles. However, he possesses average play recognition, a lack of patience which is consistent with many young linebackers, andneeds to pursue better angles to the ball. Nevertheless, with his speed and experience, he should be a day-one starter for the Eagles. - Marcus Lortie 

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

The reigning Super Bowl champs may have a problem on their hands: both starting offensive tackles, from the unit that allowed zero sacks to the best pass rush in the league in the big game, will be unrestricted free agents. Both Andrew Wylie and Orlando Brown could require higher salaries than the Chiefs can afford, so instead, they look to the final pick in the first round to plug the hole. This hole plug comes in at 6’5”, 342 lbs., and while his technique can be somewhat spotty at times, he makes up for it with sheer power. Kansas City takes Wright with the pick, hoping that their coaching staff can fix what he lacks technically, while taking advantage of his uncoachable strengths.  - Isaac Nielsen