2023 NFL Mock Draft: 1st-Round Predictions and Overlooked Prospects to Watch

The 2023 NFL draft cycle is in full swing, and we're all (understandably) obsessed with the top quarterbacks in this class.

Between Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Alabama's Bryce Young and Florida's Anthony Richardson, the league's marquee position should be prominently featured atop April's talent grab.

Those aren't the only prospects who should have our attention, though. After running through a mock first round, we'll spotlight a pair of prospects who aren't yet getting the buzz they deserve.

Mock First Round

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Anthony Richardson of Florida fist bumps CJ Stroud of Ohio State during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

1. Carolina Panthers (via CHI): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama

4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

6. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

8. Atlanta Falcons: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

9. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia

11. Tennessee Titans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

12. Houston Texans (via CLE): Jordan Addison, WR, USC

13. New York Jets: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

14. New England Patriots: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

15. Green Bay Packers: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa

16. Washington Commanders: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

18. Detroit Lions: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

20. Seattle Seahawks: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

23. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson

25. New York Giants: Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State

26. Dallas Cowboys: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh

27. Buffalo Bills: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

29. New Orleans Saints (via SF): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Utah Utes tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) on the sideline during the Rose Bowl game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Utah Utes on January 2, 2023 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Dalton Kincaid has a basketball background, just like Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham and Tony Gonzalez did. Kincaid could be a dynamic playmaker at the tight end position, just like those hoopers-turned-tight-ends were.

He is a fluid athlete with the speed and explosiveness to make huge plays in the passing game. This past season, he had 70 receptions for 890 yards and eight scores. He had 16 touchdowns in 25 games over the past two seasons.

"He moves like he's 205, not 245, and he's got excellent ball skills," one coach told The Athletic's Bruce Feldman. "You can see the basketball background coming through. He was a matchup nightmare."

Kincaid isn't a great blocker, but if he functions as a featured option in the passing game, he doesn't need to be one.

Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State

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AMES, IA - OCTOBER 8: Defensive end Will McDonald IV #9 of the Iowa State Cyclones celebrates after sacking quarterback Adrian Martinez #9 of the Kansas State Wildcats as offensive lineman Christian Duffie #73 of the Kansas State Wildcats watches on in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 8, 2022 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)

The NFL world revolves around the quarterback spot. That's why so many draft picks are tied directly to it.

And it's not just the signal-callers themselves. It's also the players who keep them upright, catch their passes, defend their passes and put pressure on them.

Will McDonald IV falls into that final bucket. Iowa State's all-time sack leader is explosive off the edge and lives in the opponent's backfield. Over the last three seasons, he had 27 sacks, 35 tackles for loss and eight forced fumbles.

He could be a bit heavier (6'4", 239 lbs) and isn't super stout against the run yet, but again, it's all about quarterbacks in this game, and he can be a constant nuisance to them.