2023 NFL Mock Draft Predictions: Rumours Move Will Levis’ Odds

The draft is only a couple of days away as of this writing. This NFL offseason has already experienced high drama as far as trades are concerned. Check out our Aaron Rodgers coverage here. But even with regards to the draft itself, there have been backroom dealings, such as when the Panthers traded up with the Chicago Bears to get the number one overall pick.

Don’t forget to check out our NFL Futures for all the NFL Draft excitement!

As with every year, there are certain names on everyone’s lips, and 2023 is no different. So who are the top prospects of the 2023 draft class and who might draft them? Let’s get our mini mock draft underway!

NFL Draft Odds and Betting Picks

1. Carolina Panthers : Bryce Young

For months the conversation has begun and ended with quarterback Bryce Young, hence the – 833 price tag on him being taken number one overall at the time of writing. That means he’d be wearing Carolina Panthers colours this season. It’s been some time since the Panthers have had a great player under center. Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Teddy Bridgewater, late-career Cam Newton. Things have been pretty dire at that position, but with the Alabama stud seemingly heading to Charlotte, the Panthers faithful have reason to be optimistic.

2. Houston Texans: Will Levis

The Kentucky QB places second on the NFL Futures odds at +399. Not bad numbers at all, although far behind Bryce Young. Even so, as reported by ESPN and other news outlets this week, a curious, anonymous post on Reddit about the young man telling his friends and family that Carolina would call his name has seen his odds of being picked first improve (it was at +509 on Tuesday morning). The Houston Texans, another franchise in a desperate search for positivity, have the second overall selection. The wide receiver corps isn’t anything special, but a good QB can change that quickly.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson

The Cardinals are third in line, but they have Kyler Murray. Yes, he is injury prone and the past 12 months were somewhat controversial, but this is no time to draft at the QB position, so CJ Stroud seems unlikely. What they are definitely not very good at is putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They ranked 24th in sacks with 36 for the entire season. As such, Will Anderson, outside linebacker for the Alabama Crimson Tide, is a likely choice. If the Cardinals’ defence can do its job better, there will be less pressure on Murray.

4. Indianapolis Colts: CJ Stroud

Another quarterback ranks highly in this year’s draft class. CJ Stroud (+1696) made a name for himself as an Ohio State Buckeye. After breaking a number of Ohio State records, we shall see if he can do the same for whichever NFL squad he suits up for in September. The Indianapolis Colts will be on the clock this stage. Wouldn’t that be something? Payton Manning, Andrew Luck, and another potential star in CJ Stroud. If he does go to Indy and earns his spurs it’ll just go to show that certain franchises have a special skill at alluring great QBs.

5. Seattle Seahawks: Tyree Wilson

The Seattle Seahawks are picking fifth as a result of last year’s massive Russell Wilson deal with Denver. Amazing how that provided the Seahawks with such a high spot in the first round. The Seahawks were also weak on the defensive side of the ball last season, with some of the stats regarding run defence looking rather gross. Giving up 150 yards every week is not going to help a team win many football games. Outside Linebacker Tyree Wilson, assuming he’s still on the board, will be a logical pick.

6. Detroit Lions: Devon Witherspoon

The offence was not an issue last season in the Motor City. Defence? That was a different story. Although it did show improvement as the season went along, there is little doubt that that’s what the Lions will look to improve. Getting off the field when the opposition threw the ball often resulted in disaster. Detroit’s pass defence was third worst in the NFL, allowing a gargantuan 245.8 yards per outing. Devon Witherspoon is the highest-ranked cornerback and the Lions could use the help in their secondary.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Anthony Richardson

Now things have the potential to get really interesting. The Raiders have the seventh choice and have been mediocre to bad on defence for years. Other than Maxx Crosby, the team put virtually no pressure on opposing QBs in 2022. Jalen Wilson, an outside linebacker seems like the logical choice here. But these are the Raiders, notorious for making moves that surprise for both the right and wrong reasons. One assumes the Jimmy Garoppolo acquisition is not intended to be a long-term thing (a three-year deal for a player who is frequently injured). Las Vegas starts prepping long-term under center and takes QB Anthony Richardson.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Carter

The Falcons were one of the least interesting teams in 2022. Other than rushing the ball, they didn’t excel at anything. The passing wasn’t anything special, but they just drafted a QB (Desmond Ridder) in 2022 and a TE (Kyle Pitts) in 2021. They should start thinking about what to do on the defensive side of the ball to support their still relatively new offensive weapons. With that in mind, Atlanta can take Georgia Bulldog linebacker Jalen Carter. Atlanta was second-worst in sacks last season.

9. Chicago Bears: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

One doesn’t think “offence” when the Chicago Bears are mentioned, but these days things have looked ugly on the attack. The Bears are ninth in line and one would think they want to provide Justin Fields as many weapons as possible. Yes, the man can run like wild, blowing past defenders for scores from 50 yards out, but he needs people to whom he can throw the ball. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State should still be available at this stage and be a strong fit in the Windy City.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: Paris Johnson

It seems a little unfair that a Super Bowl runner-up should draft as high as 10th, but these are the benefits for franchises who make smart trades and then play their tails off. The Eagles had almost no weaknesses in 2022. Almost. If there is one thing they could use some work on, it’s protecting Jalen Hurts. Philly’s offensive line gave up 44 sacks. That’s not an atrocious figure (Chicago gave up 58!) but also nothing to write home about. With that in mind, we think they’ll go for the highest-ranked offensive lineman, Paris Johnson of the Ohio State Buckeyes.