This is Yacs and it is draft season, again, and the sports news has been non-stop coverage of the NFL Draft. It is always an exciting time for fans of the NFL to come together and see who their next faces of the franchise will be. We’ve seen a lot of the players tear up the college game and now they will get their chance to make it big. Each year, the draft is different and the teams drafting will always have a different strategy. Will they draft on a need basis or do they have some trades cooking up? You never can tell and that is the beauty of it. Some of us at The Sports Chief will break down the first round and give our predictions for the first round. To be fair, this is probably the only mock draft you will have to look at. In all seriousness, it isn't about accuracy, we just like to have fun and see how many we get right. It is also fun to look back and wonder what could’ve been if certain teams would’ve taken a shot on some of these players. I’ll not waste any more time though. Let’s jump into our NFL First Round Mock.

1. Carolina Panthers: QB, Bryce Young, Alabama

Our hometown Carolina Panthers are on the clock first after trading with the Chicago Bears to get the pick. They must knock this pick out of the park. Obviously, they are taking a QB and the favored QB has changed a couple times, but in the week leading into the draft, it appears that Bryce Young is going to be their guy. It will be exciting to see how he develops in Carolina. It would be cool to see the Panthers be relevant again.

Garett: QB, Bryce Young, Alabama

Austyn: QB, Bryce Young, Alabama. This is the only "logical selection. I do not like any of the QB's this year, but Young has proven he is the most well-rounded prospect. If the Panthers select Levis…they better get used to selecting first.

2. Houston Texans: QB, CJ Stroud, Ohio State

Here’s where things get questionable. The Texans are holding it very close to the vest with their number 2 pick, but their recent rumblings suggest that they’re not taking a QB. It appears that they are content with Davis Mills running their offense. As a Titans fan, I am OK with that, but I think that they’re bluffing. I think they will go with CJ Stroud. Davis Mills just isn't going to cut it and I think Stroud will immediately set them up for more success. If they don’t go with a QB, I expect them to either go with Will Anderson or Tyree Wilson

Garett: DE/OLB, Will Anderson, Alabama

Austyn: QB, CJ Stroud, Ohio State

3. Arizona Cardinals: DE/OLB, Will Anderson, Alabama

As it stands, the Cardinals are still on the board with the 3rd pick. I would assume that the Cards will be looking to move down, but if they don’t, they will likely go defense. I’m bringing JJ Watt back up, but the Cardinals recently lost him due to his retirement. Anderson fills that void. He is the best defensive prospect in the draft other than possibly Jalen Carter.

Garett: DE/DT, Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

Austyn: DE/OLB, Will Anderson, Alabama

4. Indianapolis Colts: QB, Will Levis, Kentucky

If Stroud is available at 4, the Colts will take him. I think there is very little doubt in that. Gardner Minshew is the current QB in Indy and I think they will give him a little time to prove himself, but they will likely draft a QB here. Levis gives them a top QB with the ability to sit for a little while. Some think Levis is ready right now, but I don’t think so. Maybe that’s why I’m not a scout. Anyway, things will look different in the draft if Stroud isn't taken by the Texans.

Garett: QB, CJ Stroud, Ohio State

Austyn: QB, Anthony Richardson, Florida. I think a trade is likely here. Colts need to stock up on draft capital and a few teams need QB's down the board…if the Colts keep it, Richardson goes here. Head Coach Shane Steichen developed Jalen Hurts and they'll need a weapon on offense to help Jonathan Taylor.

5. Seattle Seahawks: DT/IDL, Jalen Carter, Georgia

Assuming that everything stays the same, I think Seattle will take Jalen Carter. They don’t need a QB, they don’t really need O-Line, but they could use a D-Lineman. Seattle was the surprise team of last season and it looks like they’re not planning on falling back. Jalen Carter immediately helps their defense.

Garett: CB, Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

Austyn: IDL, Jalen Carter, Georgia. Off-field issues are a concern, but that has never scared Pete Carroll…they get arguably the best player in the draft.

6. Detroit Lions: CB, Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

Detroit is another team that feels like it is one superstar away from making a big splash. Devon Witherspoon could be that guy. I would have to assume that they go with defense in the very least because their defense was at the bottom of the league, but more specifically, secondary. Witherspoon is another guy that will fit right in immediately. His NFL comp is Jaire Alexander, if he lives up to that, the Lions have a superstar that could fall into their lap, because none of the 5 teams above will go secondary. Christian Gonzalez could also go here.

Garett: IDL, Jalen Carter, Georgia

Austyn: DE/DT, Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech. Selecting Wilson will give the Lions a great pass-rush presence to pair with Hutchinson…especially in a division lacking great QB play.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: OT, Broderick Jones, Georgia

The Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a big deal, so drafting a QB doesn’t quite make sense. Sure, they could provide a safety option in case Jimmy G doesn’t do what they want, but they wouldn't have signed him to a $68 Million deal if they didn’t believe in him. I have seen crazier things, especially considering that they are the Raiders. Jones gives him extra security on the O-Line. They could decide to go with Paris Johnson, Peter Skoronski, or Darnell Wright also. The Raiders still need quite a bit of help in other places.

Garett: QB, Anthony Richardson, Florida

Austyn: OT, Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

8. Atlanta Falcons: OLB, Nolan Smith, Georgia

The Falcons could use a little bit of everything to be perfectly honest, but Nolan Smith could be an immediate fit. It would also be cool to see them draft a player that was born and raised in Savannah get drafted by the hometown team. They could take OL, CB, or even Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Garett: OT, Broderick Jones, Georgia

Austyn: CB, Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

9. Chicago Bears: OT, Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

I have gone back and forth with this pick probably a dozen times. I think the most logical position for the Bears to pick is OL. I think they will likely do that, but part of me thinks that they want to recreate that Ohio State magic with Fields and Smith-Njigba. Teams are seeing the success of Joe Burrow and Jamarr Chase, also Tua and Waddle, and they want to pair up QBs and WRs from the same school. Sure, the Bears could go OL in the second round, but they will get the cream of the crop in the first round, especially the Top 10. Skoronski is the top OL prospect on most boards, look for him to be picked here.

Garett: OT, Darnell Wright, Tennessee

Austyn: OT, Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State

10. Philadelphia Eagles: RB, Bijan Robinson, Texas

The Eagles do not need a lot, but they could use a RB. Robinson is the top guy on boards and he would fit right into the Super Bowl contending offense. Rashaad Penny is their top RB option at the moment and he has never had a healthy season despite being a really good runner. I know teams don’t really pick RBs high in the draft anymore, but Robinson’s play speaks for itself. 1,894 scrimmage yards at Texas and 20 TDs to go along with it last season.

Garett: RB, Bijan Robinson, Texas

Austyn: DE, Myles Murphy, Clemson. The Eagles will either trade or take best available.

11. Tennessee Titans: OT, Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State

Many think the Titans will take a QB with the 11th pick and that may be true, but I don’t think it will happen. I still think that the Titans could be a winning team. They just need to fix the cracks in the foundation, by that I mean they need help on the O-Line. Their offense runs through Derrick Henry and Paris Johnson gives them an immediate need. Even though the Titans have struggled in the draft lately, I think this is a home run pick if he is available. They could go with Jaxon Smith-Njigba as well and I’ve gone back and forth on that, but I think they will play it safe and get OL. If not, I think Anthony Richardson is their pick, if he’s there.

Garett: QB, Will Levis, Kentucky

Austyn: OT, Darnell Wright, Tennessee

12. Houston Texans: WR, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

As I said earlier, I think the Texans are bluffing. I predict that they will pick a new QB and new WR in the first round. I mentioned this earlier with the Bears pick, but having a QB/WR combo that played at the same school is a popular trend. The Texans are naturally set up for this to happen. Smith-Njigba may not fall this far down, but I don’t think it is too far-fetched. Stroud and Smith-Njigba could be tearing it up in the AFC South for many years.

Garett: CB, Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

Austyn: DE, Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

13. Green Bay Packers: DE/DT, Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech

I don’t think Wilson will fall this far, but he definitely will not fall any further than this. Green Bay just lost their QB, but I think they will ride it out with Jordan Love this season. I would be a little surprised if they draft a QB. Other than that, they don’t draft WRs, so they likely won’t pick one here. They could go with Dalton Kincaid or Michael Mayer, but I think both of those are a little bit of a reach at 13. We’ll see. The Packers are usually a complete toss-up in the draft.

Garett: OT, Peter Skoronki, Northwestern

Austyn: WR, Quentin Johnson, TCU. I have no idea what the identity of the Packers will be going forward, but they get Jordan Love some help here.

14. New England Patriots: DE/OLB, Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

The Pats could do a couple of things here. I think they will address their defense though. A lot of people think Van Ness could go to the Eagles at 10, but I think he will fall to the Patriots at 14. They could also decide to go with CB or OL here. They have options. Calijah Kancey, and Myles Murphy will likely be available as well.

Garett: OT, Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State

Austyn: CB, Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

15. New York Jets: OT, Darnell Wright, Tennessee

Aaron Rodgers is a Jet and they need to protect him at all costs. Wright is probably going to be the choice if he is available. Wright didn’t allow one sack last season in Tennessee. I don’t think he will drop any lower than 15.

Garett: OT, Anton Harrison, Oklahoma

Austyn: OT, Broderick Jones, Georgia

16. Washington Commanders: CB, Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

It would surprise me a little bit to see Gonzalez fall this far, but somebody is going to fall a little bit. The Commanders don’t necessarily need a CB, but they could use one. They really need a steady QB, but I doubt that will happen. I still have Anthony Richardson available, but I think one of those QBs will drop a little bit.

Garett: CB, Deonte Banks, Maryland

Austyn: CB, Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB, Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

This feels right. Joey Porter Sr. had a wonderful career in Pittsburgh and his son could be drafted by the same team. Porter Jr. plays a different position than his father and is a higher rated prospect than his father was while getting drafted. I think the Steelers will go defense here though even if they don’t decide to go with Porter.

Garett: CB, Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

Austyn: OG/C, John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota

18. Detroit Lions: TE, Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

The Lions already had a pick earlier in the draft and they need to fill a void they left at the trade deadline last season. They traded TJ Hockenson to the Viking and now they need another good TE. They have a couple options here, but I think they go with the one that most closely resembles TJ Hockenson’s play style.

Garett: WR, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

Austyn: CB, Cam Smith, South Carolina

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB, Anthony Richardson, Florida

If Richardson is available here, I don’t think he will fall any further. He was born and raised in Florida, played for the Gators and I think Tampa will bring him in. Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are currently their QB options now that Tom Brady retired officially. They will likely look at drafting a QB. It honestly would surprise me to see them trade up to get a QB, potentially to the number 3 spot. I don’t believe Richardson will be an option at 19, but he could be and if so, he will be quickly drafted by the Bucs. They could decide to go with a TE as well if Kincaid or Mayer are there.

Garett: DE, Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

Austyn: QB, Will Levis, Kentucky. The Bucs are destined to be the worst team in football next year…they need to trade to move up, or they'll wait until next year to go high in the draft.

20. Seattle Seahawks: DE/OLB, Myles Murphy, Clemson

It wouldn't surprise me to see Seattle get 2 D-Line picks in the first round. If Murphy falls this far, it would be a great get for the Seahawks.

Garett: S, Brian Branch, Alabama

Austyn: LB, Jack. Campbell, Iowa

21. Los Angeles Chargers: RB, Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

The Dolphins have their pick taken away, so the Chargers will pick in their absence. The Chargers could do a bunch of stuff, but with Austin Ekeler requesting a trade, I’d say they will be looking for another RB. Jahmyr Gibbs is a great option to replace him.

Garett: WR, Zay Flowers, Boston College

Austyn: RB, Bijan Robinson, Texas. The Austin Ekeler leaving hype proves true with this selection.

22. Baltimore Ravens: WR, Zay Flowers, Boston College

It is still not clear if Lamar Jackson will be returning to Baltimore, but with the OBJ signing, I’d say it will be just enough to get him to return. If they draft Flowers, it may be another good reason for him to stay.

Garett: OLB, Nolan Smith, Georgia

Austyn: WR, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State

23. Minnesota Vikings: CB, Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State

I think they will address their secondary need with this pick, but don’t be surprised if they draft a QB if a good one is there. Kirk Cousins isn't getting any younger and his contract is set to expire after the 2023 season. Hendon Hooker could be chosen here, but I don’t think he will go in the first round due to his injury.

Garett: CB, Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State

Austyn: CB, DJ Turner, Michigan

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT, Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh

If Kancey falls down to Jacksonville, that would be a big get for them. Even though the Jags made the playoffs and won the division last year, there are some positions that they need to work on. D-Line is one of them and Kancey should fit right into this Jags D.

Garett: OG, O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida

Austyn: IDL, Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh. The Jags only have to worry about one thing in the AFC South…Derrick Henry in Tennessee…Selecting the 2022 ACC Defensive Player of the Year helps their odds of winning the division.

25. New York Giants: WR, Jordan Addison, USC

The Giants need WR help. They are a pretty well-rounded team at the moment, but there are still some things to improve upon. Adding Darren Waller addressed a need this offseason, but Isaiah Hodgins, Parris Campbell and Darius Slayton aren't going to cut it. They need to add another weapon.

Garett: CB, Julius Brents, Kansas State

Austyn: CB, Kelee Ringo, Georgia

26. Dallas Cowboys: TE, Dalton Kincaid, Utah

The Cowboys lost Dalton Schultz this offseason and I think if Dalton Kincaid is available, they will add him. One Dalton goes out, another goes in.

Garett: TE, Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Austyn: OT, Dawand Jones, Ohio State. Everything is bigger in Texas and the Cowboys like the 6'8" Offensive lineman.

27. Buffalo Bills: OG, O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida

I didn’t even have to look it up to tell you that O’Cyrus Torrence was born in Cajun country, with that being said look out for him to potentially fall to the Saints at 29. The Bills don’t really need anything urgently, but adding depth to that O-Line can always help.

Garett: WR, Jordan Addison, USC

Austyn: WR, Jordan Addison, USC. They need WR depth and Addison is a big play threat that can be lethal paired with Josh Allen.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: CB, Deonte Banks, Maryland

If Banks falls this far, the Bengals, it will be a big steal. I don’t anticipate he will fall this far, but it will fill an immediate need for the Bengals.

Garett: TE, Dalton Kincaid, Utah

Austyn: TE, Dalton Kincaid, Utah

29. New Orleans Saints: C, John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota

Schmitz has a very high PFF score and the Saints could get a real steal here at number 29.

Garett: LB, Jack Campbell, Iowa

Austyn: S, Brian Branch, Alabama

30. Philadelphia Eagles: S, Brian Branch, Alabama

If Branch falls this far, then it would be a big steal for the Eagles. Branch had a great tenure at Alabama and could have a lot of success with the Eagles.

Garett: DE, Myles Murphy, Clemson

Austyn: CB, Clark Phillips III, Utah. The Eagles get an undersized corner who falls just because of that. He had 6 interceptions last season…Phillips will be a great corner for years to come.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: LB, Jack Campbell, Iowa

The Super Bowl winning Chiefs don’t really need anything at the moment, but they could use another LB to add some depth. Jack Campbell is considered one of the most reliable players in the draft.

Garett: IDL, Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh

Austyn: WR, Josh Downs, North Carolina

Yacs

The Sport Chief's 2023 NFL Mock Draft (1st Round)