NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Picks 1-15

With the NFL taking place this week, there is still an air of mystery over the entire class. Often by now we know the number one overall pick and the top five almost falls into place from there, this year though, everything is on the table so let’s take another look at how it all might go down.

Despite Anthony Richardson and Bryce Young perhaps having higher ceilings, after trading up to number one, the Panthers need to hit with this pick, which leaves the incredibly solid CJ Stroud as the best option here. Stroud would start his NFL career surrounded by an incredible coaching staff, headed by Frank Reich, giving him the best chance at success. This just makes sense.

The Texans could well go Young here, but the chance to grab a 6’4”, 244 lbs QB with 4.44 speed seems too tempting to pass up. Demeco Ryans will have the Texans playing good defense so there is a chance to take a huge swing on a guy who may not be quite ready early, but the team can still be competitive. This is a great fit.

The Cardinals are in pretty rough shape talent wise, losing multiple young players in free agency and QB Kyler Murray’s injury concerns still lingering. For rookie Head Coach Jonathan Gannon, taking the most talented defensive player in the draft seems the obvious choice and gives the Cards something to build around for the future.

The Colts have gone out of their way to deny any rumors about who they are looking at in this draft class, but ultimately it seems they will steer away from the very undersized Young, with Levis and Richardson atop their board. With the Florida prospect gone, it leaves Levis, a player who could well become a good starting QB in the right situation.

For many, Will Anderson is the premier edge rusher in this class, but in recent months the athletic profile of Wilson has led many to edge him slightly ahead. The Seahawks should keep loading up on defensive players and Wilson could well be the guy to take them to the next level.

This mock has left Bryce Young on the board at six overall, which would certainly surprise many, including the Lions who would now be very tempted by the Alabama QB. But the size concerns remain and the Lions need help on D. There is no more fired up Head Coach than Dan Campbell who will love Witherspoon’s competitiveness, they could be two peas in a pod on the sideline.

Considered by many to not only be the best edge rusher, but also the best player in the draft, Anderson slipping to seven is a real coup for the Raiders. With good size and burst, Anderson has a mature understanding of how to get the quarterback and be disruptive. Paired alongside Maxx Crosby, he could be a force of nature from the off.

No change from the previous mock, the Falcons need blue chip players in multiple positions, but as they are seemingly committed to giving Desmond Ridder the season, protecting him at all costs should be the goal. Johnson offers size and the ability to play either tackle spot and projects to be a very good player at his position.

The Bears need help at tackle and Skoronski can give them that, despite maybe projecting inside to guard at the pros, the Northwestern prospect could certainly succeed at tackle if required. Possibly the most technically sound O lineman in the class, he could lock down the right side of the Bears’ line for years to come.

There is a huge possibility of the Eagles trading out of this spot, especially with Bryce Young still on the board, but this mock is trade-less so it will have them taking the best player left on their board. Gonzalez is arguably the best CB in the draft, offering youth to an aging, albeit talented group in Philadelphia. A high-quality player who will have a chance to learn before taking the reins himself at some point.

Young’s unexpected fall is halted by the Titans who are grateful to have such a high-quality prospect fall to them at 11. Young has everything you’d want from a QB minus good size which does affect how he plays, but the Titans are a well-coached team and should be able to adapt accordingly as they reload their roster.

Taking a second offensive player here feels inevitable, it could well be a running back, but taking a wideout to partner with your rookie QB feels like the natural option. Smith-Njigba is probably the best wide receiver in the class who should be able to get open and provide a sense of security to Anthony Richardson.

With the Aaron Rodgers trade seemingly getting closer and closer, the Jets should be doing everything they can to protect him. Wright is a great prospect but at the right tackle position, meaning Mekhi Becton will have to move to the left, but that pairing could go some way to help Rodgers stay upright in 2023.

The Pats could well go defensive back here, with some talented players available. With Mac Jones entrenched as the starter for at least one more year, taking a talented Georgia tackle to protect his blindside seems the perfect fit.

With Rodgers all but out the door, the Packers aren’t afforded the luxury of not investing in offensive playmakers any more. Jordan Love looked solid in 2022 when asked, but loading out the wide receiver room is probably the best way forward to maximise his ability.