The college football season is about to start, but it isn’t too early to look ahead. Here is the 2023 NFL Mock Draft August 26.
Note: Draft order decided by Super Bowl odds.
1. Houston Texans- C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State Buckeyes
If the Texans are selecting first overall, then they need to take their quarterback of the future. Stroud had a great 2021 season for the Buckeyes and showed great touch.
2. Atlanta Falcons- Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama Crimson Tide
Anderson may be the best prospect in this class when all is said and done. After drafting Desmond Ridder, the Falcons may elect to go on the defensive side of the ball with a great pass rusher available.
3. Seattle Seahawks- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Right now the Seahawks are deciding between Drew Lock and Geno Smith to be the starting quarterback. They need to upgrade. Pete Carroll showed he doesn’t care about a quarterback’s height after drafting and working with Russell Wilson. Young plays similarly to Wilson.
4. Chicago Bears- Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU Tigers
It is almost criminal how much the Bears haven’t helped Justin Fields develop by not investing in talent at receiver or the offensive line. Boutte is very athletic, but needs to stay on the field this season in order to prove he is the top receiver in the class.
5. New York Jets- Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia Bulldogs
The Jets have invested a lot into their offense in the last few drafts. By picking Carter, they can get a very disruptive defensive line. He would pair well with Quinnen Williams to wreak havoc. Carter is one of the best and most impactful players in college football.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars- Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia Bulldogs
Jacksonville spent a lot of money on their offense in the offseason, even if it wasn’t all well spent. Getting a shut-down corner across from Shaq Griffin could vastly improve the defense.
7. Detroit Lions- Devin Leary, QB, NC State Wolfpack
The Lions have built up the offensive line and if they are picking in the top 10 again, they may move on from Jared Goff. Leary has a solid arm and protects the football well. Another big year could see him get drafted early in the 2023 NFL Draft.
8. Carolina Panthers- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson Tigers
Getting an edge rusher to pair with Brian Burns could improve their defense. They just traded for Baker Mayfield, so going with a quarterback is no longer likely.
9. New York Giants- Tyle Van Dyke, QB, Miami Hurricanes
This season is Daniel Jones’s last chance to prove he can be the starter. If he can’t the Giants will be in the market for a new quarterback. Van Dyke burst onto the scene last year in the absence of D’Eriq King and now has some higher expectations at Miami.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers- Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State Buckeyes
Pittsburgh improved the offensive line slightly this offseason, but more work needs to be done. Johnson played guard early in his Ohio State career, but is a more natural tackle and is moving there this season.
11. Washington Commanders- Phil Jurkovec, QB, Boston College Eagles
Carson Wentz was acquired to play quarterback, but is unlikely to be the long-term answer. Jurkovec could’ve turned pro last season, but injured his hand then decided to return to school. Another good season could move him back up draft boards.
12. Miami Dolphins- Forfeited Pick due to tampering.
13. Minnesota Vikings- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia Bulldogs
The Vikings signed Za’Darius Smith this offseason. He has a back issue and may not be as productive. Smith will be one of the more impactful pass rushers in college football for 2022.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)- Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M Aggies
Johnson lines up everywhere in the defensive backfield for the Aggies. He can bring that same versatility to the Eagles, who may be in the market for a safety next offseason.
15. New England Patriots- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes
New England has neglected the wide receiver position for far too long. Smith-Jigba has mostly operated out of the slot, but can be successful on the outside as well.
16. Tennessee Titans- Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson Tigers
The Titans can improve their defensive line with the addition of Bresee. Bresee had a good freshman season, but battled injuries last season.
17. Arizona Cardinals- Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Getting a corner across Byron Murphy is a must. Ricks played well at LSU and now joins Alabama for the 2022 college football season.
18. Las Vegas Raiders- Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern Wildcats
The Raiders made a splash by acquiring Davante Adams, but need a better offensive line for the future.
19. Philadelphia Eagles- B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU Tigers
Philadelphia won a Super Bowl with a talented defensive line, but needs to add to it to get back to that point.
20. Indianapolis Colts- Clark Phillips, CB, Utah Utes
Stephon Gilmore is a good outside corner and Kenny Moore is a good slot corner. The Colts need another outside corner like Phillips.
21. Houston Texans (via CLE)- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Mayer is one of the best all-around tight end prospects in recent memory. He can be a good target for Stroud and be a great player for a long time.
22. Baltimore Ravens- Jordan Addison, WR, USC Trojans
Addison won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver last season. The Ravens need to keep investing in receivers after trading away Marquise Brown.
23. Cincinnati Bengals- Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Cincinnati has a solid roster, but no one can have enough pass rushers. Foskey had a breakout season in 2021 with 9.5 sacks and should be a first-round pick if he can replicate that season.
24. Dallas Cowboys- Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan Wolverines
Tyron Smith just injured his hamstring and can’t seem to stay healthy. The Cowboys drafted Tyler Smith last season, but might need more by the time next offseason comes around.
25. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)- Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina Gamecocks
The Seahawks are far from the Legion of Boom defense and need to start acquiring cornerbacks.
26. Miami Dolphins (via SF)- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas Longhorns
Miami could use a workhorse running back and Robinson can be that player. He just needs to work on his pass protection.
27. Los Angeles Chargers- Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon Ducks
Los Angeles acquired Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson this offseason, but could have better linebacker play. Sewell is a great run-stopping linebacker, which could help them improve on a weakness.
28. Detroit Lions (via LAR)- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU Horned Frogs
The Lions can get a big receiver to pair with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams in Johnston.
29. Kansas City Chiefs- Jalen Catalon, S, Arkansas Razorbacks
Justin Reid was signed to replace Tyrann Mathieu, but the Chiefs could look at safety again next offseason. Catalon made an impact last year for Arkansas and could’ve declared for the 2022 NFL Draft as a mid-round selection.
30. Green Bay Packers- Dontay Demus, WR, Maryland Terrapins
The Packers drafted Christian Watson in the second round. They can still add more weapons for Aaron Rodgers as he ages. Demus has been a big-play threat for Maryland over the last several years.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Brennan Armstrong, QB, Virginia Cavaliers
If the Buccaneers have any hesitations about Kyle Trask, they can get a new quarterback to back up Tom Brady until he retires. Armstrong is a left-handed quarterback who has solid mobility.
32. Buffalo Bills- Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama
The Bills have the luxury of taking whoever they want because they have built their team up well. Henry To’o To’o is all over the field making plays for the Crimson Tide.
Make sure to check out our brand new NFL Draft page for more content like 2023 NFL Mock Draft August 26!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!