Daniel Jeremiah’s inaugural 2023 NFL mock draft
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah Releases First Simulation Draft of 2023
While Senior Bowl practices are officially underway, pre-draft festivities are in full swing. Many draft experts have released their projections for the 2023 NFL Draft, and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah is one of the latest to do so.
He detailed his picks for the top 31 names on the board, including the Giants’ first-round pick at No. 25.
Pick for No. 25: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Analysis: “The Giants need to add more firepower on the outside, and Addison is the best road runner in the 2023 draft. The former Trojan has excellent game speed, which will add another dimension to Brian Daboll’s attack.” –Jeremiah
Addison played 11 games for the Trojans in 2022, missing games against Arizona and California with a leg injury. Addison became a top target for 2022 Heisman Trophy-winning QB Caleb Williams after he transferred from the University of Pittsburgh. In his second season with the Panthers, Addison eclipsed 1,593 receiving yards, earning him the Biletnikoff Award – given annually to the top receiver in the nation.
Height/Weight: 6 foot 0, 175 pounds
2022 stats: 11 games, 59 receptions for 875 yards (14.8 yards average), 8 touchdowns
Below are Daniel Jeremiah’s projections for the top five players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, along with analysis from NFL.com’s draft expert.
5. Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech; Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)
Analysis: “Pete Carroll admitted after the season that the Seahawks needed more difference factors in their first seven. Wilson is a tall, long, lanky pass thrower. He can also provide physical advantage against the run.” –Jeremiah
Wilson played a year at Texas A&M (2019) before transferring to Texas Tech. As a senior in 2022, he led the Big 12 with 14.5 tackles for loss and was second in the division with 7.0 sacks.
Height/Weight: 6 feet 6 inches, 275 pounds
2022 stats: 10 games, 61 tackles (25 solo), 7.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Honors: AP Second-team All-American (2022), AP First-team All-Big 12 (2022), AutoZone Liberty Bowl Defensive MVP (2021), AP All-Bowl Team (2021), All-Big 12 honorable mention (2021)
4. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky; Indianapolis Colts
Analysis: “The strip for Lévis is a roller coaster ride. The strong-armed passer has shown flashes of genius and the ability to avoid pressure and create; he has also shown a penchant for returning the ball (23 caps over his last two seasons). Colts general manager Chris Ballard has always valued traits and advantages. This pick seems like a good bet for Indianapolis.” –Jeremiah
Levis played two seasons for the Nittany Lions before moving to Kentucky, where he significantly increased his draft stock. He posted impressive stats in 2021 and had the most passing touchdowns (24) for Kentucky in a single season since Andre Woodson in 2007.
Height/Weight: 6 feet 3 inches, 232 pounds
2022 stats: 11 games, 2,406 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 72 rushing attempts, -107 yards, 2 touchdowns
Awards: Two-time Manning Award Quarterback of the Week (2021), two-time FBS National Offensive Player of the Week (2021)
3. Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama; Arizona Cardinals
Analysis: “The Cardinals desperately need top talent, and Anderson is clearly the best in this class. He can win with speed and power.” –Jeremiah
In three years at Alabama, Anderson’s 62 tackles for loss and 34.5 sacks rank second in school history. He finished fifth in voting for the 2021 Heisman Trophy at the end of his best college season.
Height/Weight: 6 feet 4 inches, 243 pounds
2022 stats: 13 games, 51 tackles (24 solo), 10.0 sacks, 1 interception, 1 touchdown and 1 pass defensed
Honors: Chuck Bednarik Award (2022), Lott IMPACT Trophy (2022), Rotary Lombardi Award (2022), Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP (2021), five-time SEC Defensive Player of the Week (2021), Football Writers Association of America National Student of freshman of the year (2020), SEC All-Freshman Team (2020), AP Second-team All-SEC (2020)
2. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama; Houston Texans
Analysis: “Young is a very instinctive player with excellent precision and decision-making. However, his lack of volume is a major concern and that makes his assessment very difficult. If he can hold his own physically, I think he would fit in perfectly with some of the Texans’ talented young plays.” –Jeremiah
In three years in Alabama, Young broke numerous school records. He had a game-high five touchdowns (5) and was second all-time with 8,356 passing yards. During his sophomore season, Young also set school records in a single season with 4,872 passing yards and 47 touchdowns.
Height/Weight: 6 feet, 194 pounds
2022 stats: 12 games, 3,328 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 49 rushing attempts, 185 yards, 4 touchdowns
Honors: Heisman Trophy Finalist (2021, 2022), Sugar Bowl MVP (2022), AP College Football Player of the Year (2021), Consensus All-American (2021), CFP National Champion (2021)
1. Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia; Chicago Bears
Analysis: “I’m sure the Bears would like to trade on that pick. If that option isn’t available — or if offers fail to meet their asking price — Carter would be an immediate difference-maker on all three downs.” –Jeremiah
Carter is a back-to-back CFP national champion who has played in all but two games in three seasons at Georgia. According to CBS Sports and TruMedia, Carter created pressure on 13% of his passing rushes last season and amassed a tackle on 17.1% of run defense snaps.
Height/Weight: 6 feet 3 inches, 310 pounds
2022 stats: 13 games, 32 tackles (16 solo), 3.0 sacks, 3 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles
Honours: CFP National Champion (2021, 2022), AP First Team All-American (2022), AP All-SEC First Team Coaches (2022), All-SEC Second Team Coaches (2021)