Steelers trade up for their draft crush in final first-round 2023 NFL mock draft

Certainly, there are bound to be a few trades in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, in preparing a mock draft, it’s hard to predict what trades might occur, the teams involved, and if players will be sent packing as occurred in the 2022 draft.

In this draft, one trade occurred, one we know has been rumored for a few weeks now, and that is the Steelers trading up to the 9th pick to get the guy they want. So without further ado, let's dive in to see how the NFL’s first round of the draft may play out.

1 Carolina Panthers: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

It seems in most mock drafts this year, everyone wants to show they are the smartest guy in the room, predicting which quarterbacks go where. Don’t overthink it; Stroud should be the first guy off the board. At worst, the second.

2 Houston Texans: Bryce Young QB, Alabama

The first or second highest-rated quarterback out there, depending on which analyst you listen to. He should not remain on the board after the 2nd selection. Davis Mills and Case Keenum are not long-term answers for the Texans at quarterback; they will take a quarterback with their first pick. They have Dameon Pierce in the backfield, and if they take a wide receiver with their second first-round pick courtesy of Cleveland, they may no longer dwell in the Cellar in the AFC South.

3 Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama

Perhaps the most chalked pick out there this year. Arizona has Kyler Murry, so they do not need a quarterback. They do need defensive help, so why not get another J.J. Watt prototype? If Arizona does not draft Anderson with the third pick, they could trade back with the Colts so they can secure the 3rd selection. Either way, Anderson will be the first non-quarterback off the board.