the editorial choices for the 1st round 2023

A few days before the event, We Sport offers you its mock draft of the first round of the NFL Draft 2023. Who will succeed Travon Walker, chosen in first position by the Jaguars in 2022?

They will be 31 to hear their name called by commissioner Roger Goodell this Thursday, April 27, 2023. 31 and not 32, because Miami lost its first-round pick after violating league regulations. A first round where several quarterbacks are expected and which could give pride of place to receivers.

1. Carolina Panthers (via Chicago Bears)

Pick: CJ Stroud [QB, Ohio State]

If Carolina dropped DJ Moore to move up eight places, it was to afford a quarterback franchise. The Panthers have the choice of the king and could move towards CJ Stroud, a mobile pitcher who has proven his reliability in the pass.

2.Houston Texans

Choice: Bryce Young [QB, Alabama]

Long considered the future first pick, Bryce Young raises some doubts because of his height. Not enough to bring him down too much or discourage Houston, who needs a quarterback.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Choice: Will Anderson [Edge, Alabama]

With Kyler Murray on the roster, Arizona doesn’t need to draft a quarterback. If the Cardinals keep this choice, Will Anderson seems to be the fit Perfect. #1 of many big boardsthe former Alabama would fill a certain need on the pass rush for the new head coach Jonathan Gannon.

4. Indianapolis Colts

Choice : Anthony Richardson [QB, Florida]

For the start of the Shane Steichen era, Indianapolis would be inspired to pick a quarterback. Anthony Richardson is a risky bet, but his athletic abilities and the impression left on the Combined make him a possible selection for the Colts.

5. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos)

Pick: Tyree Wilson [Edge, Texas Tech]

Seattle needs a player to chase the quarterback, and Tyree Wilson has the profile for it. Tall and athletic, he is the prototype of the pass rusher that Pete Carroll appreciates.

6. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)

Pick: Jalen Carter [DT, Georgia]

Bothered by justice during the offseason, Jalen Carter remains an extraordinary player on the ground. Detroit needs a solid player in the middle of its defensive line to help Levi Onwuzurike, and the Georgia star would fit the bill perfectly.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Will Levis [QB, Kentucky]

Sign Jimmy Garoppolo is not a solution for the future for the Raiders, who seem seduced by Anthony Richardson. If their target is already taken, Will Levis seems obvious and even represents more guarantees in the short term, despite his failed 2022 season.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Choice : Christian González [CB, Oregon]

The Falcons already have AJ Terrell in the backfield defensive, but selecting Christian Gonzalez would allow Atlanta to have one of the most physical cornerback duos in the league. A real plus for one of the worst franchises on 3rd down last season.

9. Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers)

Choice: Peter Skoronski [OL, Northwestern]

Having a quarterback is good, protect himit’s better. If Chicago wants to hope to turn a corner in 2023, it will be necessary avoid that Justin Fields be as sacked as last season. Peter Skoronski is one of the best tackles in this vintage and would help the Bears on pass protection and in the running game.

10.Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints)

Pick: Devon Witherspoon [CB, Illinois]

James Brabderry is about to turn 30; Darius Slay is 32 and has already announced he will retire at the end of his contract – which ends in 2025. Preparing for the future would be wise, and Devon Witherspoon has the talent to cover the go to guy opponent.

11. Tennessee Titans

Choice: Paris Johnson Jr. [OT, Ohio State]

After a very difficult season offensively, Tennessee must rebuild. And this reconstruction requires a solidification of his line, which would give time to Ryan Tannehilll – or Malik Willis – and open up gaps for Derrick Henry. Announced very high for several years, Paris Johnson Jr. would be an ideal counterpart to Andre Dillard on the outside of the line.

12. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns)

Pick: Jordan Addison [WR, USC]

After choosing his quarterback of the future, Houston will have to offer him targets. Nico Collins and Robert Woods won’t be enough, and Jordan Addison would bring a deep threat to the Texans offense.

13. New York Jets

Pick: Broderick Jones [OT, Georgia]

Regardless of who will be behind center in 2023, the Jets need to strengthen their offensive line. Broderick Jones would bring density on the outside, where Duane Brown is aging and Mekhi Becton is injured too often.

14. New England Patriots

Choice: Joey Porter Jr. [CB, Penn State]

The Patriots extended Jonathan Jones this offseason, but the franchise needs to inject new blood into its secondary. Big and fast, Joey Porter Jr. would enter the recent tradition of good cornerbacks who have passed through New England.

15. Green Bay Packers

Pick: Michael Mayer [TE, Notre Dame]

Whether Aaron Rodgers stays or not, Green Bay needs to offer targets for its quarterback. Michael Mayer would be a prime target at tight-end, he is also a very good blocker in the running game. A significant piece of data, on whether the Jordan Love mobile holds in 2023.

16. Washington Commanders

Pick: O’Cyrus Torrence [OG, Florida]

Dominating in the NCAA, O’Cyrus Torrence would allow the Commanders’ running game to be even more effective. Improving the offensive line would also be a positive signal sent to Sam Howell, probable future starter from Washington.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Darnell Wright [OT, Tennessee]

Pittsburgh needs to improve its offensive line and can see Darnell Wright as a player with great potential to strengthen its right side. A logical choice for a franchise that meets a need.

18. Detroit Lions

Pick: Quentin Johnson [WR, TCU]

To surround Amon-Ra St-Brown in the slot and Jameson Williams on the outside, Detroit might be tempted to go for a physical receiver. This would be done by selecting Quentin Johnson, renowned as a robust player.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Anton Harrison [OT, Oklahoma]

Maybe a reach, but Tampa Bay needs to strengthen its offensive line on the outside. Expected at the end of the first round, Anton Harrison could be a good shot at the end of the first round.

20.Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Jaylin Hyatt [WR, Tennessee]

Around DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, Jaylin Hyatt would bring depth to Seattle’s aerial attack. A great help for Geno Smith

21. Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Jaxson Smith-Njigba [WR, Ohio State]

End of the fall for Jaxson Smith-Njigba. The former Ohio State player can play on the outside or in the slot and would bring a significant density alongside Keenan Allen or Mike Williams.

22. Baltimore Ravens

Choice: Emmanuel Forbes [CB, Mississippi State]

Baltimore strengthened at receiver during the free agency and could prioritize a cornerback. If he needs to build muscle and improve against the run, Emmanuel Forbes has an excellent reading on the passes and seems to have the potential to be one of the best of this vintage in his position.

23. Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Zay Flowers [WR, Boston College]

Minnesota filled two important needs during the offseason (cornerback & edge rusher) and could offer a new target to Kirk Cousins. Adam Thielen’s cut freed up a spot for Zay Flowers, who would form an explosive duo with Justin Jefferson.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars

Choice : Deonte Banks [CB, Maryland]

Jacksonville needs to find a cornerback to put against Tyson Campbell, and that could be Deonte Banks. Excellent when Combinedhe would be an improvement from his first steps among the professionals.

25. New York Giants

Pick: Brian Branch (S, Alabama)

Receiver and cornerback are also needs, but New York needs to compensate for the departure of Julian Love as safety. On the position, Brian Branch is the only one who seems able to be chosen in the first round.

26. Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Lukas Van Ness [Edge, Iowa]

Dallas needs players to hunt the opposing quarterback with DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons. Lukas Van Ness responds to this need and sticks to the profile of pass rushers enjoyed by defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

27.Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bijan Robinson [RB, Texas]

It’s not the most urgent need, but how can you not want to give Bijan Robinson a try? Best runner of this vintage, the prodigy of Texas would make the attack of the Bills even more terrifying.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Dalton Kincaid [TE, Utah]

Cincinnati needs a tight end to bring danger from anywhere on offense. Dalton Kincaid is excellent on the receiving end, which would make Joe Burrow extremely happy.

29. New Orleans Saints (via San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins And Denver Broncos)

Pick: Myles Murphy [Edge, Clemson]

Marcus Davenport left for Minnesota, the Saints need to find a new holder opposite Cameron Jordan. If Myles Murphy is still available, New Orleans shouldn’t think long.

30.Philadelphia Eagles

Choice: Calijah Kancey [DL, Pittsburgh]

The Eagles never have enough players on the defensive line and could be tempted by Calijah Kancey. Having filled their main need earlier, they can afford to densify a position where Javon Hargrave has gone and Fletcher Cox is aging.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Nolan Smith [Edge, Georgia]

Kansas City parted ways with Frank Clark during the offseason and must find a new strongman on his pass rush. Expected above, Nolan Smith would respond to an obvious need.

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Louis Rousseau

The words « Minnesota Miracle » and « No-Call » are scratched from my vocabulary. My heart mourns the retirement of Drew Brees and the loneliness of RJ Barrett in Madison Square Garden.