CLEVELAND — With the NFL Scouting Combine and the first two weeks of free agency in the books, the 2023 NFL Draft is nearly a month away.
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With that in mind, let's project all 31 first-round picks for the 2023 NFL Draft, which will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, April 27, 2023.
1. Carolina Panthers (via Bears) - C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Panthers traded up form the No. 9 pick to No. 1 with the clear intention of taking a quarterback. While Ohio State's C.J. Stroud hasn't emerged as the definitive top choice, he's the clear frontrunner at this point.
2. Houston Texans - Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
While the Texans won't get the top choice of quarterbacks, that shouldn't dissuade them from locking in their new franchise signal-caller. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Bryce Young could provide the spark that Houston's offense has lacked for the last two seasons.
3. Arizona Cardinals - Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama
With Kyler Murray recovering from a torn ACL, the Cardinals are entering an apparent rebuild. Assuming Arizona doesn't trade back, it would make sense to select the top pass-rusher in this year's draft, Alabama's Will Anderson Jr., to be a building block of new head coach Jonathan Gannon's defense.
4. Indianapolis Colts - Will Levis Jr., QB, Kentucky
Unless they're planning on entering the 2024 Caleb Williams sweepstakes -- a real possibility -- the Colts need to make a move at quarterback. Florida's Anthony Richardson might have the higher upside, but Kentucky's Will Levis is more likely to be an immediate contributor, and has plenty of promise of his own.
5. Seattle Seahawks (via Broncos) - Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The early run on quarterbacks continues as Seattle takes its signal-caller of the future. The Seahawks re-signed Geno Smith, but that shouldn't prevent them -- and may even encourage them -- to take Richardson, who has arguably the highest ceiling of any quarterback in this class, but would likely be better served to begin his career on the sideline.
6. Detroit Lions (via Rams) - Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Jalen Carter entered the draft process as arguably the top overall prospect, but legal problems have muddied his draft stock. Still, it's hard to imagine the talented Georgia defensive tackle sliding too far and the Lions would likely jump at the chance to add new focal point to their defense.
7. Las Vegas Raiders - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
To this point in the offseason, the Raiders still have glaring needs in their secondary. After a strong showing at the NFL scouting combine, it's hard to imagine Christian Gonzalez falling out of the top 10.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
The Falcons entered this offseason with plenty of needs, but chief among them was their pass rush. After signing Kaden Elliss to a three-year deal in free agency, adding a top prospect like Tyree Wilson could give Atlanta a formidable duo.
9. Chicago Bears (via Panthers) - Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt
Despite being one of the biggest spenders in free agency, the Bears still have a need at defensive tackle. After an impressive combine, Calijah Kancey has emerged as one of the biggest risers in this year's draft.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via Saints) - Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Eagles have built their roster from the inside out and Paris Johnson Jr. may very well be the best offensive lineman in this year's class. The former 5-star prospect could start immediately at right guard for Philadelphia before eventually becoming a long-term fixture at offensive tackle.
11. Tennessee Titans - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Even after using a first-round pick on Treylon Burks last year, the Titans' receiving corps is still lacking. Despite sitting out most of last season due to injury, Jaxon Smith-Njigba still appears to be the top wideout in this year's class.
12. Houston Texans (via Browns) - Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
After getting its franchise quarterback with its first pick, Houston turns its attention to the defensive side of the ball. Having emerged as one of the top edge defenders in this year's draft, Lukas Van Ness could serve as a cornerstone of DeMeco Ryan's defense.
13. New York Jets - Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Assuming the Jets are still the team making this pick and not the Packers, it would make sense for New York to use this pick on its offensive line. Northwestern's Peter Skoronski has the versatility to play tackle or guard and might be the most pro-ready offensive lineman in this year's draft.
14. New England Patriots - Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Patriots signed JuJu Smith-Schuster but lost Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor in free agency. Quentin Johnston would add a new dynamic that New England's wide receiving corps otherwise lacks and give quarterback Mac Jones another weapon heading into a critical third season.
15. Green Bay Packers - Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Packers haven't selected a skill position player in the first round since 2002 but that approach will likely have to change in the post-Aaron Rodgers era. The best tight end in this year's draft, Michael Mayer could quickly become Jordan Love's top weapon.
16. Washington Commanders - Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Commanders' front-seven is strong, but their secondary is in need of difference makers. Having tallied 14 pass defenses and three interceptions in 2022, Devon Witherspoon qualifies as just that.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Pittsburgh lost Cam Sutton in free agency and remains in need of a cornerback. The son of a former Steelers linebacker who spent his college career at Penn State, Joey Porter Jr. makes a lot of sense.
18. Detroit Lions - Nolan Smith, Edge/LB, Georgia
Considering the state of the unit, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Lions use both of their first-round picks on the defensive side of the ball. One of the standout performers at the NFL Scouting Combine, Nolan Smith would bring versatility and athleticism to Detroit's defense.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
After releasing Donovan Smith, the Buccaneers are in need of a new left tackle. Broderick Jones could fill the void and pair with Tristan Wirfs to give Tampa Bay two of the most athletic offensive tackles in the league as it enters the post-Tom Brady era.
20. Seattle Seahawks - Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
After taking a project at quarterback with its first pick, Seattle turns its attention to its defense. Having tallied 18.5 sacks and 36 tackles for a loss in his three seasons at Clemson, Myles Murphy could make an instant impact on the Seahawks' pass rush.
21. Los Angeles Chargers - Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
You can never give a quarterback like Justin Herbert too many weapons. Zay Flowers would pair with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to give the Chargers one of the league's most dynamic receiving corps.
22. Baltimore Ravens - Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
All of the attention this offseason has been on the Ravens' offense, but Baltimore's secondary could use some retooling. In Maryland's Deonte Banks, the Ravens grab an in-state star.
23. Minnesota Vikings - Bryan Breese, DL, Clemson
The Vikings lost defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson to the Cleveland Browns in free agency. A former No. 1 overall recruit, Bryan Breese possesses the type of pass-rush prowess Minnesota covets at the position.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars - Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State
The Jaguars have two starting edge defenders in Josh Allen and Travon Walker, but lost a key rotation piece when Arden Key signed with the Tennessee Titans. Will McDonald IV could fill that void and potentially replace Allen, who is entering the final year of his contract in Jacksonville.
25. New York Giants - Brian Branch, S, Alabama
After re-signing Daniel Jones, franchise-tagging Saquon Barkley, and trading for Darren Waller, the Giants turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. The best safety in this year's class, Brian Branch has the versatility to play multiple positions, including nickel back.
26. Dallas Cowboys -
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The Cowboys lost a key offensive piece when Dalton Schultz signed with the Texans. A dynamic receiver, Dalton Kincaid could fill that void.
27. Buffalo Bills - Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
The free agency departures of Jamison Crowder and Isaiah McKenzie has left the Bills in need of a slot receiver. While Buffalo signed Trent Sherfield, Josh Downs' speed would be a welcome addition and there are plenty of passes to go around in the Bills' offense.
28. Cincinnati Bengals - Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Bengals haven't cut Joe Mixon yet, but his days appear to be numbered in Cincinnati. In Bijan Robinson, the Bengals would be adding the best running back in this year's draft.
29. New Orleans Saints (via Broncos via Dolphins via 49ers) - BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU
The Saints lost Marcus Davenport to the Vikings in free agency. An in-state product, BJ Ojulari could find an immediate role in New Orleans' pass rush rotation.
30. Philadelphia Eagles - Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State
After using its first pick on the offensive line, the Eagles turn their attention to their defensive line. Philadelphia likes to rotate its pass rushers often and Felix Anudike-Uzomah could make an immediate impact.
31. Kansas City Chiefs - Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
After losing JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman in free agency, the Chiefs will be in the market for a wide receiver. This might be a reach, but it's easy to see Kansas City falling in love with Jalin Hyatt's speed.