2023 NFL Mock Draft: Seahawks take top-5 QB after re-signing Geno Smith; Texans trade up ahead of rival Colts

Trade! Houston receives No. 1 overall pick. Chicago receives No. 2 overall pick, No. 66 overall pick and 2024 first-rounder. The Texans trade up to ensure the division-rival Colts do not take their potential franchise quarterback. Chicago moves back for some much-needed additional draft capital.

Trade! Indianapolis receives No. 2 overall pick. Chicago receives No. 4 overall, No. 79 overall pick and 2024 first-rounder. Chicago trades back a second time as Indianapolis secures another of the perceived top quarterback prospects.

After losing Chandler Jones and J.J. Watt over the past calendar year, Arizona begins reconstructing its defensive front with an eye toward potentially adding an edge rusher later.

Chicago adds two additional first-round picks and two additional third-round picks to trade back and select a player it may have potentially taken at No. 1 overall. The NFL’s bottom-ranked pass rush receives a significant boost from the addition of Will Anderson Jr.

Full details of Geno Smith’s contract have not come to light but it sounds as though it is front-loaded, which should allow Seattle long-term flexibility. Will Levis has experience playing in the same system that the Seahawks run and a lot of the verbiage should be the same. With Smith’s presence, he will not be thrust onto the field.

Trade! Carolina receives No. 6 overall, No. 93 overall. Detroit receives No. 9 overall, No. 39 overall I think Carolina would prefer Will Levis but with the decision taken out of their hands, the Panthers select Anthony Richardson — a player who shredded the NFL Combine and left coaches fantasizing about the possibilities.

Las Vegas missed on a top quarterback prospect and the offensive linemen may not warrant a selection this early. Christian Gonzalez is a player with the potential to warrant the use of a top-10 selection.

Tyree Wilson is a lengthy, quick twitch athlete who has immense potential as a pass rusher. He is not as polished as Will Anderson Jr. but his ceiling is higher. The Falcons have a young quality duo rushing the passer with Arnold Ebiketie and Wilson.

Detroit slid back and acquired a player who embodies the play style of that Lions program. He is a well-coached, feisty boundary cornerback with a pre-existing relationship with safety Kerby Joseph.

Philadelphia has a well-documented tendency to take offensive or defensive linemen in the first round. Lukas Van Ness is a player built on power but he showed off his athleticism at the NFL Combine.

Tennessee needed a right tackle and and now it needs a left tackle after moving on from Taylor Lewan. Peter Skoronski fills one side of the line.

Quentin Johnston is a big, fast target for new quarterback Bryce Young. Johnston had some monster games in his final season with the Horned Frogs but needs to find consistency on the next level.

Broderick Jones is a young player who takes over the left tackle role that Mekhi Becton has left vacant for the better part of three years.

New England could be in a position to lose both starting offensive tackles this offseason so the selection of Paris Johnson Jr. is a way to combat that possibility.

It sounds as though Aaron Rodgers’ career in Green Bay is coming to an end. While Rodgers was able to do more with less, Jordan Love needs a full complement of pass-catching weapons at his disposal. Dalton Kincaid is a fluid moving tight end capable of eluding defenders post-catch.

The offensive tackle run is essentially over so Washington addresses another primary position of need. Joey Porter Jr. significantly upgrades the outlook at that position for the Commanders.

To keep with the theme, Pittsburgh snags a cornerback off the board. The Steelers also need offensive tackle help but a run on the position has already occurred.

It was wise for Detroit to snag a cornerback early because it may not get a chance to land one of the top options based on this scenario. The Lions were still able to land two very talented players on their defense.

Cam Smith is a volatile prospect among talent evaluators, but I hold him in high regard. If Tampa Bay allows one or both of Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean to leave in free agency, then Smith steps right in to play immediately.

Seattle has locked in its quarterback for a few more years but Tyler Lockett is not going to be around forever. The Seahawks bring in a polished route-runner to operate underneath as DK Metcalf clears out defenders over the top.

For a third consecutive year, Los Angeles addresses its offensive line in the first round. If all three pan out, then the Chargers could be faced with difficult cap choices down the line.

Baltimore is a team that appreciates a good deal and Bijan Robinson is the best value on the board. Ravens running backs have been unable to stay healthy and Robinson offers a bit of consistency to the role.

Adam Thielen will turn 33 years old this upcoming season so Minnesota would be wise to plan a passing of the torch. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison could be a sensational duo for quite some time.

Mission accomplished for Bryan Bresee in Indianapolis. He tested the way many thought him capable. If he plays up to his potential, then Jacksonville has built a formidable front with Travon Walker, Josh Allen and now Bresee.

It is now known that Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley are returning next season — so what is one selection that would benefit both? Offensive line. O’Cyrus Torrence is physical at the point of attack and has been coached by former Giants offensive line coach Rob Sale for the past year.

Dalton Schultz has played out the franchise tag and is now scheduled to become a free agent next week. Mike McCarthy’s comments about wanting a more explosive, high-scoring offense leads me to believe he probably wants to grind out games with his run game. Adding a tight end capable of serving as an extra blocker on the boundary while also impacting the pass game is an easy addition.

Brian Branch had a pretty modest workout in Indianapolis but that is just his style as a player. He is not flashy, but he is well prepared, instinctive. Branch is a home run replacement for Jordan Poyer.

A third tight end comes off the board as the Bengals add Darnell Washington. Washington is a complement in the run game while also serving as a massive chain mover downfield.

Folks are still higher on Calijah Kancey than I am because he is a bit too one-dimensional for the first round, but this is the buzz. New Orleans adds a bit of pass rush ability up the middle.

Trade! Arizona receives No. 31 overall. Philadelphia receives No. 35 overall and No. 103 overall General manager Howie Roseman loves a good deal and this is an opportunity for former Eagles assistant Jonathan Gannon to land his version of Haason Reddick in Arizona.

Kansas City has wealth of underneath options but no long-term vision of deep speed. Jalin Hyatt allows the Chiefs to shed more expensive contracts and redistribute that cap space to more vital positions on the roster.