The top four QB prospects have headlined the 2023 NFL Draft cycle -- and deservingly so --  but in this mock draft, a current top NFL QB is involved in a trade. What if I told you that the San Francisco 49ers traded for Lamar Jackson? In return, the Baltimore Ravens get former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance, this year's third-round pick (No. 99) and first-rounders in 2024 and 2025.

In my first mock draft of the year, I tried to make it as realistic as possible with unexpected surprises and impactful trades. After the Carolina Panthers take Bryce Young at No. 1, my mock heats up with the Houston Texans taking a player no one would have expected weeks ago and the Indianapolis Colts giving their fans either an "oh no" or "oh yes" moment. And what about the move the Arizona Cardinals made? See, I have you intrigued already. 

My mock is filled with realistic actions we've all witnessed with past drafts that will keep you locked in until the final selection of the first round. Thanks for checking my mock out. Now let's get to it!

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For more extensive draft content, check out our latest prospect rankings and mock drafts, as well as our NFL Draft podcast, "With the First Pick," featuring former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.

NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Alabama • Soph • 5'10" / 204 lbs

Projected Team

Carolina

PROSPECT RNK

2nd

POSITION RNK

1st
The Panthers all along felt Young was the best QB in the draft.
Round 1 - Pick 2
Kentucky • Soph • 6'4" / 229 lbs

Projected Team

Houston

PROSPECT RNK

18th

POSITION RNK

4th
Houston decides to surprise us all by selecting Will Levis. No one saw this happening two weeks ago.
Round 1 - Pick 3
Texas Tech • Soph • 6'6" / 275 lbs

Projected Team

Arizona

PROSPECT RNK

8th

POSITION RNK

2nd
The Cardinals believe Wilson is better suited for their new defensive scheme. This was the first surprise in my mock after Levis at No. 2, but it won't be the last.
Round 1 - Pick 4
Ohio State • Soph • 6'3" / 218 lbs

Projected Team

Indianapolis

PROSPECT RNK

4th

POSITION RNK

2nd
Arguably the second-best QB was available at four. There was nothing to think about for Indy.
Round 1 - Pick 5
Georgia • Soph • 6'3" / 314 lbs

Projected Team

Seattle

PROSPECT RNK

3rd

POSITION RNK

1st
The Seahawks get arguably the best player in the draft at five. If he's dialed in and focused, this move could create a new Legion of Boom.
Round 1 - Pick 6
Alabama • Soph • 6'4" / 243 lbs

Projected Team

Detroit

PROSPECT RNK

1st

POSITION RNK

1st
This might be the easiest pick ever for the Lions.
Round 1 - Pick 7
Oregon • Soph • 6'1" / 205 lbs

Projected Team

Las Vegas

PROSPECT RNK

7th

POSITION RNK

1st
The top CB in the draft goes to a place where he's needed big time.
  Mock Trade from Atlanta Falcons
Round 1 - Pick 8
Florida • Soph • 6'4" / 244 lbs

Projected Team

Tennessee

PROSPECT RNK

11th

POSITION RNK

3rd
It's trade time! Atlanta trades the eighth pick to Tennessee. In return, the Falcons get No. 11 and a 2024 second-round pick. The Titans get their future QB, and he has the luxury of learning while watching the Ryan Tannehill farewell tour.
Round 1 - Pick 9
Ohio State • Soph • 6'6" / 313 lbs

Projected Team

Chicago

PROSPECT RNK

13th

POSITION RNK

2nd
I love this pick. It fills a need, and with Teven Jenkins the Bears now have two bookend tackles.
Round 1 - Pick 10
Iowa • Soph • 6'5" / 272 lbs

Projected Team

Philadelphia

PROSPECT RNK

16th

POSITION RNK

3rd
The Eagles need to add depth on the defensive front, and that's what they do in selecting Van Ness. He didn't start one game over the past two seasons but combined for double-digit sacks, so clearly his future is bright.
  Mock Trade from Tennessee Titans
Round 1 - Pick 11
Illinois • Soph • 6'0" / 185 lbs

Projected Team

Atlanta

PROSPECT RNK

9th

POSITION RNK

2nd
I love this move. Even with the Falcons trading for Jeff Okudah, who could depart after one year if the team doesn't pick up his fifth-year option, this selection makes sense.
Round 1 - Pick 12
Ohio State • Soph • 6'0" / 197 lbs

Projected Team

Houston

PROSPECT RNK

19th

POSITION RNK

2nd
Houston drafts the replacement for Brandin Cooks, and he'll be catching passes from Levis.
Round 1 - Pick 13
Georgia • Soph • 6'5" / 311 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Jets

PROSPECT RNK

23rd

POSITION RNK

3rd
Mekhi Becton hasn't shown the ability to stay healthy, so it's smart to prepare for another injury with a potential future Pro Bowler.
Round 1 - Pick 14
Tennessee • Soph • 6'6" / 333 lbs

Projected Team

New England

PROSPECT RNK

26th

POSITION RNK

4th
With Riley Reiff turning 35 this year, the Patriots grab the best RT in the draft.
  Mock Trade from Green Bay Packers
Round 1 - Pick 15
Northwestern • Soph • 6'4" / 313 lbs

Projected Team

Tampa Bay

PROSPECT RNK

6th

POSITION RNK

1st
The Buccaneers swap first-round picks and send a third-rounder this year to the Packers to move up four spots to select Skoronski. With the departure of Donovan Smith, the Bucs draft his replacement while keeping Tristan Wirfs on the right side.
Round 1 - Pick 16
Penn State • Soph • 6'2" / 194 lbs

Projected Team

Washington

PROSPECT RNK

12th

POSITION RNK

4th
The NFC East is loaded with WRs, so Porter is a necessity for the Commanders.
Round 1 - Pick 17
Maryland • Soph • 6'2" / 200 lbs

Projected Team

Pittsburgh

PROSPECT RNK

10th

POSITION RNK

3rd
Mike Tomlin loves athletic CBs with swag, and Banks has that.
  Mock Trade from Detroit Lions
Round 1 - Pick 18
Texas • Soph • 5'11" / 215 lbs

Projected Team

L.A. Chargers

PROSPECT RNK

20th

POSITION RNK

4th
The teams swap first-round picks with the Lions getting a third-rounder and the Chargers adding a fifth and a sixth. Austin Ekeler is mad, wants a new contract and asked to be traded. The Chargers answer his requests by selecting the most talented RB since Saquon Barkley.
  Mock Trade from Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 1 - Pick 19
TCU • Soph • 6'4" / 215 lbs

Projected Team

Green Bay

PROSPECT RNK

15th

POSITION RNK

1st
Another weapon for Jordan Love.
Round 1 - Pick 20
USC • Soph • 5'11" / 175 lbs

Projected Team

Seattle

PROSPECT RNK

25th

POSITION RNK

4th
The former Biletnikoff Award winner would fit in nicely with Seattle's balanced offense.
  Mock Trade from Los Angeles Chargers
Round 1 - Pick 21
Mississippi State • Soph • 6'0" / 180 lbs

Projected Team

Detroit

PROSPECT RNK

21st

POSITION RNK

1st
Forbes is the best ball-hawking DB in the draft, with 18 interceptions and six pick-sixes in the three years at Mississippi State. Detroit is winning in my mock draft.
Round 1 - Pick 22
Georgia • Soph • 6'2" / 238 lbs

Projected Team

Baltimore

PROSPECT RNK

22nd

POSITION RNK

5th
The Ravens really value edge rushers. If Smith can refine his pass-rushing skills, look out!
Round 1 - Pick 23
Boston College • Soph • 5'9" / 175 lbs

Projected Team

Minnesota

PROSPECT RNK

24th

POSITION RNK

3rd
The Vikings lost Adam Thielen, so WR depth is needed.
Round 1 - Pick 24
Georgia • Soph • 6'2" / 207 lbs

Projected Team

Jacksonville

PROSPECT RNK

48th

POSITION RNK

7th
A secondary that was last in the NFL in pass defense last year desperately needs an upgrade. Ringo is a prototypical CB who could become a better pro than college player.
Round 1 - Pick 25
South Carolina • Soph • 6'1" / 186 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Giants

PROSPECT RNK

32nd

POSITION RNK

5th
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson. Need I say more?
Round 1 - Pick 26
Notre Dame • Soph • 6'4" / 265 lbs

Projected Team

Dallas

PROSPECT RNK

21st

POSITION RNK

1st
The best TE in the draft will fit in nicely with Dak Prescott.
Round 1 - Pick 27
Florida • Soph • 6'5" / 347 lbs

Projected Team

Buffalo

PROSPECT RNK

33rd

POSITION RNK

1st
The best guard in the draft will provide an attitude of toughness for the Bills.
Round 1 - Pick 28
Utah • Soph • 6'4" / 240 lbs

Projected Team

Cincinnati

PROSPECT RNK

31st

POSITION RNK

2nd
Joe Burrow gets another weapon to throw to. Kincaid is a mixture of Zach Ertz and Todd Heap.
Round 1 - Pick 29
Pittsburgh • Soph • 6'0" / 280 lbs

Projected Team

New Orleans

PROSPECT RNK

30th

POSITION RNK

3rd
Defensive interior help is the biggest defensive need for the Saints, and they answer that need with Kancey.
Round 1 - Pick 30
Alabama • Soph • 6'0" / 203 lbs

Projected Team

Philadelphia

PROSPECT RNK

17th

POSITION RNK

1st
The Eagles lost their Swiss Army knife, C.J. Gardner Johnson, via free agency, but by adding Branch, they add a younger Swiss Army knife.
Round 1 - Pick 31
Oklahoma • Soph • 6'5" / 315 lbs

Projected Team

Kansas City

PROSPECT RNK

28th

POSITION RNK

5th
The two starting offensive tackles from last year's team are gone, so solidifying protection for Patrick Mahomes is a priority.