Post-Aaron Rodgers trade NFL mock draft: More shocking QB moves coming
Following the Aaron Rodgers trade between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets, the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft takes on a new complexion. With the draft now just hours away, we make our final 2023 NFL mock draft predictions and take a look at the madness that could go down on Thursday night.
2023 NFL mock draft: Post-Aaron Rodgers trade madness
2023 NFL Mock Draft, Bryce Young. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
1
Bryce Young
Quarterback, Carolina Panthers
Debates have been flourishing since the day Carolina traded for this pick. It was C.J. Stroud for a bit, a few people thought it could be Anthony Richardson and thanks to a recent Reddit poster, Will Levis has now entered the conversation, but I’m sticking with my top guy in this class and going with Bryce Young here.
2
Tyree Wilson
Edge Rusher, Houston Texans
Rumors have been flying about the Texans passing on a QB at this spot in favor of a defender, which I think is a pretty feasible outcome seeing as first-time head coach and defensive specialist DeMeco Ryans could want to leave his mark as fast as possible. Tyree Wilson is an excellent pass-rusher who possesses excellent size at 6’6″ 275 pounds, as well as freakish 86-inch arms. Wilson wins with his athleticism, as he has the size and speed combination to play all over the defensive line, or to drop back into coverage if you need him to. He was also highly productive in 2022 as he finished the season with 37 tackles, 15 assists, 32 stops and QB hits, and 8 sacks.
3
Will Levis
Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
(Projected Trade via AZ)
It’s no secret that the Colts love Will Levis, and in this scenario I have them jumping up one spot to ensure they get their QB of choice.
4
Will Anderson Jr.
Edge Rusher, Arizona Cardinals
(Projected Trade Via IND)
Arizona trades back and still lands my top edge rusher in this class in Will Anderson Jr. There has been some recent debate about how well his frame will translate to the NFL, as he stands at 6’4 243 lbs, but just like his other size-challenged college teammate in Bryce Young, the production far outweighs any size concerns I would have. During his career, Anderson reached remarkable heights, as he finished 2nd in Alabama history for career sacks (34.5), single-season tackles for loss (34.5), and 3rd in single-season sacks (17.5). Anderson Jr comes into an Arizona team desperate for help along the defensive line and immediately produces at a high level as I see him making a Pro Bowl in his first NFL season
