Many pro prospects are settling into a familiarity with NFL Draft pundits, however, there are several less heralded players moving rapidly up many mock boards.
Last season, Travon Walker's meteoric rise from a Day 2 selection to first-overall draft pick, exemplified how quickly opinions and evaluations change.
Which relatively unknown player possibly makes a similar ascension in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft? Follow our weekly mock drafts and you'll have a good idea which athlete could be the next Travon Walker.
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And we're using Tankathon.com's NFL Draft order.
1. Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Texans struggle in a lot of areas mainly due to a significant lack of talent on their roster. The coaching staff is competent and the players compete in earnest, but Houston's inability to produce wins likely means more wide sweeping changes are imminent. Completely aware of incumbent quarterback Davis Mills' limitations; Houston's decision makers may ultimately be intrigued by C.J. Stroud's potential and untapped high ceiling.
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2. Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
I wouldn't be surprised if the Carolina coaching staff blindfold themselves, then throw darts at quarterbacks' names on the locker room wall. There is talent on both sides of the ball in Carolina, but the Panthers are in serious need of a franchise signal caller. Young is a natural born leader who plays with cool patience and unflappable determination. His skill and leadership is a big reason why Alabama's win/loss record is 7-2 instead of 5-4 on the season.
3. Raiders: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Georgia
Four times this season, the Raiders crafted at least a 17 point lead only to eventually lose to their opponent. Las Vegas generates quarterback pressures approximately 17.7 percent of the time which is sixth worse in the NFL. In addition, their total of nine team sacks is a league worst. Las Vegas' inability to sustain leads and close out games makes drafting Anderson a no brainer, should he be available by the third pick. Yes, Anderson is that good.
4. Steelers: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
The Steelers' interior defensive line's average age is approximately 29.5 years, with their youngest player (Carlos Davis) having logged a total of 12 snaps on the season. Although preseason All-American and Outland Trophy nominee Jalen Carter was sidelined for a few games, he returned in time to help soundly defeat formerly top ranked Tennessee (College Football Playoff rankings). Pittsburgh scouts may be watching to assess whether or not Carter can reassert his stature as the nation's best interior defender.
5. Lions: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Offensively, the Lions keep pace with most teams in the league averaging 23.5 points a game. Unfortunately, Detroit allows 29.3 points a contest which ranks dead last in the NFL. The need for a versatile inside/outside pass rushing, run stuffing talent is exactly what Murphy embodies. Freakishly fast (4.57 40-time), Murphy's explosive first step and forceful pass rushing prowess create interior mismatches in his favor. The Lions need to do themselves a "favor" and target Murphy during the draft.
6. Eagles (via NO): Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
There isn't a pressing need on Philadelphia's roster, but astute evaluators may notice aging at the perimeter of the defensive line. Wilson possesses enough anatomical versatility to play within the interior of the defensive line, or produce as an edge rusher. Length and athleticism are two key traits that fuel his effectiveness as pass rushing pro prospect, having tallied 27.5 tackles for loss in his last 22 games played.
7. Cardinals: Paris Johnson, OL, Ohio State
Arizona's eight unrestricted free agent offensive linemen strongly suggests the team requires depth and quality within its blocking unit. Johnson may not be the highest rated offensive line prospect, however, he might just possess greater potential than his noteworthy peers. Well balanced with quick feet, Johnson displays above average athleticism on combination blocks into the defense's second level. As a blind side pass protector his lateral agility sufficiently matches up with speed rushing attackers.
8. Jaguars: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
The Jaguars are struggling to produce sacks, especially from the interior of their defensive front. Bresee is an instinctive player who plays with leverage and above average strength. He is adept at slipping blocks and pursuing ball carriers with an unsuspecting burst and sustained lateral quickness. Bresee's ability to align as either a three-technique or five-technique defender, attests to the type of versatility he possesses and what many NFL coordinators likely covet.
9. Bears: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Bears offensive line shows promise producing consistently as a strong rush oriented unit. Currently, Chicago leads the league in rushing yards per game (195.4); yet, is last in the NFL at protecting its quarterback, who is sacked 14.9 percent of the time. Skoronski is arguably the best offensive lineman in this draft class and he routinely produces highly rated performances on a weekly basis. His athleticism and polished techniques as a pass protector make him a day one starter.
10. Packers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Apparently, the loss of All-Pro receiver Davante Adams completely unbalanced the flow and synergy between Green Bay's receivers and its star signal caller, Aaron Rodgers. Addison is a Biletnikoff Award winner who fearlessly changed schools, learned a new offensive system while succeeding with an entirely different set of teammates. If Addison is available, Rodgers may react more favorably to this Jordan being chosen than the Jordan (Love) selected in the first round of the 2020 draft meant to replace him.
11. Seahawks (via DEN): Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Simpson is a do-it-all defender with elite athleticism and a versatile toolbox which allows him to dominate games. He's a special player with the ability to blitz off the edge, shed blocks to stuff ball carriers, or glide into space and eliminate underneath passing lanes. Simpson is the type of three-down linebacker that lines up anywhere on the field, adding to a diverse an improving physical Seattle defense.
12. Lions (via LAR): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Detroit may use all eight of its draft picks on defensive players. Six defensive backs are unrestricted free agents and the struggling Amani Oruwariye may not be retained going forward. Ringo is a physical specimen (6'2, 210 lbs) blessed with 10.43 speed (100 meters) and NFL level agility to stay glued to receivers. Last weekend versus Tennessee's number one ranked scoring offense, he utilized multiple facets of his abilities to shut down the vaunted Volunteer receiving unit. Ringo beats to his own drum and is a future star in the making at the next level.
13. Texans (via CLE): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Johnston is a legit aerial weapon with long striding acceleration, above average leaping ability and an impressive catching radius. As a boundary receiver, Johnston possesses NFL caliber size (6'4", 212 lbs) and speed (4.4 40-time) that should threaten opposing teams' coverage schemes. Houston may soon need a primary receiver, especially if productive wideout, Brandin Cooks remains disgruntled as a Texan.
14. Colts: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Seriously? Really? Five consecutive seasons starting five different quarterbacks, and somehow the Colts expected sustained success? Andrew Luck, Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan were quarterbacking parts of an ongoing, head scratching "plan" to win games and ascend to the Super Bowl. Indianapolis clearly waved its symbolic white flag by hiring TV analyst and former Colts' great, Jeff Saturday. Maybe by draft day this organization can relaunch a plan to rebuild with Heisman hopeful, Hendon Hooker.
15. Falcons: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Arguably the best receiver entering the 2023 draft class, Smith-Njiba finished last season tabulating five consecutive games over 100 plus yards, culminating with an electric performance in the 2022 Rose Bowl (15 receptions / 347 yards / 3 touchdowns). Having recently traded suspended wideout Calvin Ridley, targeting Smith-Njigba even though he's missed several games due to injury, is an intriguing option going forward.
16. Commanders: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Carson Wentz is not the answer at quarterback for Washington, and fortunately for the Commanders they have a potential out clause in his contract at season's end. Wentz will receive a little over 106 million dollars in guaranteed money, but the Commanders will have zero dollars in dead cap space if he's released in 2023. Levis offers a higher upside without the inconsistent production and lapse in leadership that seemingly haunt Wentz throughout his career.
17. Patriots: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Porter Jr. sports prototypical size for a corner (6'2, 191 lbs) and enjoys mixing it up physically on the gridiron. Combative with receivers, Porter forced 19 pass breakups over the last 30 games played. An ardent supporter against the run, he's totaled 112 career tackles with an acceptable miss tackle rate of approximately 10.0 percent.
18. Bengals: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Witherspoon performs on the field like a seasoned professional pass defender, playing with savvy aggressiveness and honed instincts. Assessing with patience and confidence, he is never in a hurry and almost always is in position to make plays. Currently, he's tied with Joey Porter Jr. for the most passes defended (11) in the Big Ten conference. His closing speed, high football I.Q. and concept visualization skills make him an intriguing prospect to NFL evaluators.
19. Buccaneers: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Aside from four-time Pro Bowler, Mike Evans, the Bucs' receiving corps is either aging or constantly dealing with injury and missed games. Finding a receiving partner to spell some of the double teams Evans contends with, the Bucs may target an elusive pass catching talent like Boutte, who could positively impact Tampa's passing game. An excellent pass catcher, Boutte's blend of speed, quickness and elusiveness make him a perfect complement to Evans' skill set.
20. Broncos (via SF): Isiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Foskey's suddenness off the edge makes him a special talent that commands respect from offensive tackles. His ability to chase down ball carriers for backside stops, plus his improved awareness in thwarting trap runs and screen passes, makes him extremely difficult to scheme against. Denver's subsequent trading of edge specialist Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins, essentially created a glaring need for an effective pass rusher.
21. Chargers: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
A true game changer, Phillips returned at least one pick each of the last three seasons for a score. Possessing cat quick feet, his ability to fluidly shift and change direction help him mirror receivers almost effortlessly across the field. The Chargers current nickel back Bryce Callahan is an unrestricted free agent; so, it's possible Phillips becomes the perfect slot corner/nickel back defender for Los Angeles in a wild AFC West division.
22. Titans: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
How inept is the Titans' passing game you ask? So impudent, that All-Pro running back Derrick Henry's 890 rushing gains almost matches the entire team's 1090 passing yards. Inconsistent quarterback play is part of the problem, but poorly run routes and numerous dropped passes are greater contributors to the team's offensive woes. Downs is a dazzling receiver with elite quickness, uncommon toughness and an adamant focus when pass catching. Over the past 20 games he's tabulated 164 receptions for 2028 yards and 16 aerial score.
23. Seahawks: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Sewell is a powerfully sculpted interior linebacker, whose size (6'3", 250 lbs) and strength enables him to ward off blockers while making bone-jarring tackles. He possesses the size and athleticism to man the inside and thrive in the middle of a crowded melee. This versatile hybrid defender is scheme friendly, and presents defensive coordinators with a plethora of formation options that would create mismatches in Seattle's favor.
24. Dolphins: FORFEITED
The Miami Dolphins forfeited one of their two first-round picks (plus a third-round pick in 2024) for tampering surrounding Tom Brady.
25. Ravens: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
A former Big-12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Anudike-Uzomah is a long-limbed and lean edge rusher, whose length capably staves off blockers until he leverages his strength past them. Effectively versatile, he can either play with his hands down on the ground, or standing in space before rushing the passer. Anudike-Uzomah plays with anticipation, methodically changing direction especially when reversing course on screen plays. Intelligent and instinctive, Anudike-Uzomah is a rising talent with a very high ceiling.
26. Jets: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
A physical blocker and adept pass catcher, Mayer could be the missing piece to a burgeoning Jets' offense. His ability to stay on the field regardless the down and distance, adds an element of "surprise" for teams uncertain of whether New York is passing or running. He's strong enough to hold a block in order to fake a run play, then swiftly release into the open for a downfield pass reception. Mayer's mid-level field versatility should immediately improve the inconsistent play of the Jets' young quarterback, Zach Wilson.
27. Cowboys: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Cowboys are a dominating defense, but free agency may strip Dallas' depth and cumulative team speed. Despite his tweener size (6'3", 235 lbs) and season ending injury (torn pectoral muscle), Smith is a tenacious run defender who attacks blockers and ball carriers with equal ferocity. If Smith is available when Dallas picks, he would fit in nicely into the Cowboys' varied defensive schemes.
28. Giants: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Currently, the Giants' leader in receptions is running back Saquon Barkley (28), while the yardage front runner is receiver Darius Slay with 232 yards in eight games played. In the span of just three games against several formidable SEC opponents (Florida, LSU and Alabama), Hyatt hauled in 15 receptions for 328 yards and seven touchdowns. Draw your own conclusions, mine strongly suggest the Giants target this explosive playmaker.
29. Chiefs: Broderick Jones, OL, Georgia
Chiefs' right tackle Andrew Wylie is struggling this season, having committed seven penalties while surrendering six sacks over the course of 562 snaps executed. Factoring Wylie's unrestricted free agent status, it's possible Kansas City may replace the embattled veteran. Jones' size (6'4", 315 lbs) and impressive arm length allow him to sting and stymie aggressive power rushers. His dominating physical attributes are suited to playing either tackle position at the next level.
30. Vikings: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Minnesota's best pass defender will be 33 years old next season and is joined by two other corner backs into free agency. Addressing such a crucial position heading into the 2023 campaign is practical and financially prudent. Gonzalez's defensive techniques are irksome to pass catchers, typically frustrating them into incomplete routes and dropped passes. Economically, Gonzalez shifts his hips and weight smoothly with a balanced ease that receivers are unable to separate from downfield.
31. Bills: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Robinson's slip-n-slide, jump cutting prowess is so smooth and succinct, his efficient running style has many scouts salivating about his potential at the pro level. The Longhorn star running back is currently on a streak of seven consecutive 100 yard plus games. This past week Robinson embarrassed Kansas State's defense when he rushed for 209 yards on 30 carries (7.0 yards per carry) for an important Texas victory.
32. Eagles: Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
Joseph is a playmaking safety with ball hawkish skills, having picked off 10 passes in his last 29 games played. Adept in run support, Joseph's 152 tackles over the same span of games illustrate his multifaceted contributions on defense. He can operate effectively in the deep middle portions of the field, or match up individually with move tight ends. His intelligence, athleticism, versatility and leadership qualities make him an ideal choice for any defense.