Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)
With the first two waves of free agency behind us, we take a look at an updated two-round mock for the 2023 NFL Draft.
As the first few waves of the 2023 NFL free agency period came and went, the eyes of the NFL world now shift to the 2023 NFL Draft. There has already been movement in the first round, with Carolina trading up for the No. 1 overall pick, and you can expect a lot more before all is said and done.
Here, we take a look at an updated two-round mock for the 2023 NFL Draft after the first few waves of free agency.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
CJ Stroud
QB, Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after trading with the Chicago Bears, and they are likely to add a franchise quarterback with the pick. You do not give up the number of assets they did to get the pick without someone in mind, and that someone should be C.J. Stroud from Ohio State.
Not only can Stroud make moves with his feet, but he also has pinpoint accuracy, as shown by the display he put on at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. He has the size, speed, and arm to be a real playmaker at the next level, and the Panthers finally get out of quarterback hell with this selection.
Anthony Richardson
QB, Houston Texans
Here is where the draft is starting to get interesting, as many have Stroud and Bryce Young as the clear 1A and 1B in this class at the quarterback position. However, Anthony Richardson has been rocketing up draft boards since the Combine, and we have him landing in Houston at pick No. 2 overall.
Richardson has the arm and maneuverability to be a legitimate QB1 at the NFL level, and despite a lack of experience in college, he has scouts very intrigued. In Houston, he allows the franchise to hit the reset button at a position group that has not been strong since Deshaun Watson was at the helm.
