2023 NFL mock draft: Updated projections 2 weeks out

The 2023 NFL Draft is only two weeks away.

Our latest first-round projections feature another change at the top of the draft, and a few of the marquee quarterbacks wait a little longer than expected to hear their names called.

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The buzz continues to build for Young to Carolina with the Alabama star overtaking C.J. Stroud as the betting favorite to go No. 1. The only knock on Young is his size, but the 2022 Heisman winner has shown throughout his career that his 5-foot-10, 203-pound frame holds up to contact. Young's tape is filled with endless highlights - the type of talent that will make him an instant fan favorite for the Panthers.

Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

Nobody seems to know what the Texans are going to do at No. 2, and recent smoke about a surprise pick intensified when ESPN's Adam Schefter said he wasn't convinced Houston would take a quarterback. That seems unlikely to us, but let's entertain the possibility. Selecting the best defensive player in the draft and circling back on a quarterback later could be a savvy move if the board falls perfectly.

Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Texas Tech standout continues to rise up the draft boards. Wilson has ideal size and physical traits for an NFL edge rusher and uses his explosiveness to attack the quarterback. While he needs to work on his performance in the run game, Wilson is the type of defensive difference-maker the Cardinals desperately need.

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Texans not taking a quarterback indirectly benefits their AFC South rivals. Instead of the top passers flying off the board early, the Colts are able to sit tight and land Stroud. This would be a dream scenario for Indy.

Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

Carter's drop doesn't last long with the Seahawks taking the Georgia star at No. 5. While his charges for reckless driving and racing in connection with a fatal crash in January will keep him off some draft boards, Seattle has shown in the past that it's willing to take some chances. There's no question Carter is among the most talented players in this class and could be a menace on the interior for Pete Carroll.

Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

This pick feels like something of a lock after Detroit traded former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to Atlanta. Landing Witherspoon after adding several free agents at cornerback would be a heck of a way to overhaul a major position of need.

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Don't be fooled by the Jimmy Garoppolo signing - the Raiders are still in the market for a quarterback. However, the former 49ers passer gives Las Vegas the flexibility to take Richardson and keep him sidelined for the season as he adjusts to the professional game. The former Florida quarterback has all the physical tools to be a star in the league, but he remains a work in progress with fewer than 400 career passes in college.

Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

The Falcons have quietly done some nice work overhauling the roster this offseason, most recently acquiring Okudah from the Lions. Adding a starter opposite A.J. Terrell at corner should clear the way for Atlanta to address its other glaring need on defense. Smith is an athletic freak who should be drafted much higher than people think.

Darnell Wright, RT, Tennessee

The Bears need a massive upgrade on the offensive line to keep Justin Fields healthy this year. Wright certainly checks off the "massive" part; the 6-foot-5, 333-pounder is an absolute mauler at the right tackle position. While he doesn't feature the elite athleticism most teams crave in a top-10 lineman, his physicality more than makes up for it.

Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

Philly can likely be expected to focus on building in the trenches with their first-round picks, regardless of whether there's an immediate need. Van Ness is an versatile rusher whose ability to get after the quarterback both from the edge and on the interior could help him earn a spot in the Eagles' defensive line rotation right away.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The 2022 offensive rookie of the year, Garrett Wilson, is on record saying his collegiate teammate Smith-Njigba is better than both Wilson and Chris Olave. That's incredibly high praise for the latest product of the Ohio State receiver factory. Smith-Njigba is an incredibly polished route-runner who should partner with Treylon Burks to give the Titans a talented set of young receivers.

Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

The Texans' gamble of passing on a quarterback at No. 2 pays off in this scenario as the last of the consensus top-four passers falls to them at No. 12. Levis needs time to develop, but it's worth taking a swing on a QB with his rare physical tools in this spot.

Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

It feels as though Skoronski is among the safest picks in the draft. The Northwestern star doesn't have the desired length for a top-end tackle but does possess ideal size for the position. His awareness as a lineman is off the charts and he should immediately address the Jets' offensive line issues.

Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

Making a change at coordinator was the first step on the Patriots' path back to NFL-caliber offensive football. Step two is addressing their need on the offensive line. Johnson would take care of that as a Day 1 starter and long-term impact player at tackle.

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

The best all-around prospect in a very strong tight end class lands in Green Bay. Mayer uses his body as well as anybody in the draft, boxing out defenders to present very clear targets for his quarterback. Jordan Love looks like the new quarterback for the Packers, and a reliable tight end like Mayer should be a huge benefit to him.

Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Gonzalez has a chance to be drafted much earlier, but you won't hear any complaints from the Commanders if the board shakes out like this. Washington would be thrilled to add a defensive back with his natural cover skills at this point in the first round.

Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Steelers need significant changes to their offensive line, and Jones being available at No. 17 is great value for Pittsburgh. The Georgia standout is far from a finished product but possesses the power and physicality to be a starter from Week 1.

Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

The Lions continue to build up the defense with their second of two first-round picks, this time making an important addition up front. Bresee could be the perfect interior complement to 2022 first-rounder Aidan Hutchinson on the edge.

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

The Bucs have needs all over the field, but Porter Jr. should help shore up the secondary immediately. The Penn State star and son of the former Steelers star would be a Week 1 starter for a defensive backfield that ranked 28th in the league last year in passer rating allowed.

Jordan Addison, WR, USC

Finding a slot receiver to round out an otherwise excellent group of pass-catchers should be a priority for Seattle after making a splash on defense early. Addison would be a perfect fit alongside DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and Carroll's USC connections might make this an even more sensible match.

*Miami Dolphins forfeit 1st-round selection (No. 21) as punishment for multiple violations of the NFL's anti-tampering policy

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

The Chargers ignore the "don't take a running back in the first round" maxim and grab the uber-talented Robinson out of Texas. After Austin Ekeler requested a trade if his contract demands aren't met, this pick makes too much sense for Los Angeles.

Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

The Ravens won't have to force a receiver pick after paying up to bring in Odell Beckham Jr. as a free agent. Banks could be the starting cornerback opposite Marlon Humphrey as a rookie.

Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

The Vikings opt for a big target to replace Adam Thielen alongside Justin Jefferson. At 6-foot-3 with a 40.5-inch vertical, the TCU star gives Kirk Cousins a huge catch radius to look for in the red zone.

Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

Jacksonville's offense is pretty much set. The other side of the ball is a completely different story. Branch is a do-it-all defensive back who could make an impact either as a traditional safety or, as he was so often deployed at Alabama, in a slot corner role.

Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin

The Giants continue building a young, talented offensive line by adding a foundational piece for the future. Tippmann is a tall, athletic center who should bring stability in protecting Daniel Jones.

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Kincaid is a dynamic tight end. After the free-agency departure of Dalton Schultz, he could be the final piece of the puzzle for the Cowboys' new-look passing attack.

Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

One of the league's best offensive units gets even better with the incredibly quick receiver from Boston College. Flowers has played both outside and in the slot and should shine immediately with Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs.

Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

The Bengals fill their massive hole at tight end with a massive human being. An incredible athlete for his size, Washington could contribute both as an in-line blocker and as an imposing complement to Cincinnati's already outstanding receiving corps.

Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

Murphy is the type of super-athletic edge-rusher that can help fill the void left by the departure of Marcus Davenport. The Clemson star put up 14.5 sacks over his final two collegiate seasons while also posting double-digit tackles for loss.

Calijah Kancey, DL, Pitt

Kancey's size will limit his effectiveness in the run game, but there's no denying the juice he brings as a pass-rusher. The Eagles can justify doubling down on defensive linemen in the first round for a talent like this.

Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State

The Chiefs add another talented pass-rusher to the fold with McDonald. Not only does the Cyclones star get to the passer, but he also capitalizes on his opportunities, with 10 forced fumbles in his collegiate career.

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