2023 NFL Mock Draft: Colts trade up for Bryce Young; Raiders reload at QB with Will Levis

I’m kicking off the first stage of draft season with a trade involving the No. 1 overall pick. Bears GM Chris Ballard can’t wait around anymore. I don’t think Colts owner Jim Irsay wants another experience with a veteran passer either. Colts move up to get an athletic, super-poised passer in Young.

The Texans have a long history of picking edge rushers near or at the top of the draft. Anderson is a high-floor, All-Pro-upside type at the defensive end spot.

Carter is the ideal replacement for the retiring J.J. Watt. He’s a long, hyper-athletic interior rusher who disruptive on three downs.

In the slide back, the Bears get this pick — the Colts’ second and third-round picks in 2023 and a first and second and fifth in 2024. Skoronski isn’t a Tristan Wirfs-esque tackle, but has quality athleticism and tremendous pass-protection film in 2022.

The Seahawks have to add more athleticism and beef to the interior of their defensive line. Bresee is a specimen who can wreak havoc at any position up front.

Jared Goff was fantastic down the stretch in 2022, but the Lions pick Stroud, believing they won’t be picking this high again for a while. Stroud has major upside.

At this point, I can’t envision Tom Brady joining Josh McDaniels with the Raiders in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. Vegas will be deeply involved in the draft class of quarterbacks, and Levis has a big-time skill set.

The Falcons defense has a giant void on the outside rusher position, and Wilson is a huge, athletic specimen with serious pass-rush ability.

The Panthers need to look to the draft for their next quarterback. Richardson can sit for a little behind Sam Darnold before eventually taking over. He’s a monstrous talent.

A big, long edge-setting specialist with pass-rushing upside. That’s who Murphy is, and it’s the prototype the Eagles like at the defensive end spot.

The Titans need to bolster the offensive line, and Torrence looks like the physical specimen at guard who could ultimately land this high. His run-blocking prowess will pique the interest of Tennessee’s coaching staff.

Johnston is a major vertical threat given his size and build-up speed. The Texans have to get better in the receiver room, especially if Brandin Cooks is moved in the offseason.

Could the Jets be major players on the veteran QB market? I think they will. So for the draft, they build the offensive line with Johnson, a super-steady tackle prospect.

Hunter Henry has been a favorite target of Mac Jones, but that shouldn’t stop Bill Belichick from targeting Mayer in Round 1. Mayer is such a talented receiving weapon at tight end.

More receiving help for Aaron Rodgers with Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb set for free agency. Addison is a dynamic route runner with a high floor.

The Commanders could use more high-end talent at the outside cornerback position, and Porter is a long, disruptive defender.

Smith’s tenacity as an outside press corner fits what the Steelers want out of their defensive backs.

Simpson is a highly athletic, three-down linebacker with some outside pass-rushing juice. He’d be a fun addition to the Lions defense, a unit that played better down the stretch.

The Buccaneers continue to fortify the blocking contingent with the pass-pro specialist from Oklahoma.

The Seahawks get a high-energy, bendy outside rusher who knows how to use his hands to beat blockers.

Branch is a do-everything defensive back who’d give the Jaguars more game-changing ability on the back end.

The Giants are glad to stop Smith-Njigba’s fall here to give Daniel Jones another receiving weapon.

The Ravens get a lengthy, athletic perimeter corner for their already stout defense.

He’s coming off an injury, but the Chargers bet on his athleticism and impressive size at the tight-end spot.

Sanders is a long and physical, off-ball/edge-rusher hybrid. He can help replace Anthony Barr and/or Leighton Vander Esch if the latter isn’t re-signed.

More secondary talent for the Bengals with Ringo, who’s best in a Cover 3 role where he can focus on playing the football in the air.

The Vikings add youth to the outside pass-rushing group with the feisty and athletic Ojulari.

Torrence was a brick wall in pass protection in 2022 for the Gators and will aid in fortifying the interior of Denver’s offensive line.

This strays from the “type” the Bills have liked at receiver of late, but Washington would provide Buffalo with serious YAC capabilities because of his strength and unshaken equilibrium through contact.

The Chiefs get a menacing, wide-bodied interior rusher to pair with Chris Jones.

Robinson running behind the league’s best offensive line? Sounds like a blast for Philadelphia. Not so much for Eagles opponents.