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USATSI_20398391

Just two more weeks of waiting, NFL Draft-obsessed football fan.

For the mock drafting community, the picture appears clearer on where all of the elite talents in the 2023 draft class will land. Projections seem to have been cemented for the top quarterbacks — C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis — while a fifth QB, Hendon Hooker, is quickly gaining momentum as a fifth first-round QB.

Hooker doesn't appear in the latest canvassing of the most popular first-round forecasts, but the plug-and-play potential of the 25-year-old Tennessee star is definitely intriguing for QB-needy teams. He was thisclose to being the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' consensus selection at No. 19.

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This is the fourth installment of the NFL Mock Draft Consensus, which is a snapshot of the prevailing opinions on the 2023 draft's first 31 picks (one fewer this year due to the Miami Dolphins' forfeited first-rounder for tampering violations).

Admit it: You're starting to get NFL Draft fever. Mock drafters have been afflicted with it for months. Let's see which way the wind has been blowing for each first-round selection.

1. Carolina Panthers (from Bears)
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 C.J. STROUD QB OHIO STATE
3.0 (9th pick) Anthony Richardson QB Florida
2.0 (9th pick) Will Levis QB Kentucky
1.0 (9th pick) Anthony Richardson QB Florida

C.J. Stroud barely edges out Bryce Young here in the latest projections. Some mock drafts even have Anthony Richardson going No. 1. The Ohio State QB gives new coach Frank Reich the best chance at developing a franchise QB and building a contender in Carolina.

2. Houston Texans
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 BRYCE YOUNG QB ALABAMA
3.0 Bryce Young QB Alabama
2.0 Bryce Young QB Alabama
1.0 Bryce Young QB Alabama

As you can see, not much has changed here. The majority expects the Texans to pair their exciting young head coach, DeMeco Ryans, with the exciting young QB talent from Alabama.

3. Arizona Cardinals
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 WILL ANDERSON JR. EDGE ALABAMA
3.0 Tyree Wilson Edge Texas Tech
2.0 Will Anderson Jr. Edge Alabama
1.0 Will Anderson Jr. Edge Alabama

Will Anderson Jr. remains the popular, no-brainer pick to upgrade the Cardinals defense.

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4. Indianapolis Colts
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 ANTHONY RICHARDSON QB FLORIDA
3.0 C.J. Stroud QB Ohio State
2.0 C.J. Stroud QB Ohio State
1.0 C.J. Stroud QB Ohio State

Anthony Richardson's stock skyrocketed with his spectacular combine workout. With the Titans looking to trade up to draft one of the top QBs, some projections have the Colts moving up a spot to make sure Richardson is Indy-bound.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos)
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 JALEN CARTER DT GEORGIA
3.0 Jalen Carter DT Georgia
2.0 Tyree Wilson Edge Texas Tech
1.0 Tyree Wilson Edge Texas Tech

For months, mock drafters have had the Seahawks happily selecting the top defensive talent available. Jalen Carter, who was considered a potential No. 1 overall pick before his off-field issues arose, might have Pete Carroll doing cartwheels (yes, even at age 71).

6. Detroit Lions (from Rams)
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 DEVON WITHERSPOON CB ILLINOIS
3.0 Christian Gonzalez CB Oregon
2.0 Devon Witherspoon CB Illinois
1.0 Christian Gonzalez CB Oregon

Some forecasts have the Lions trading down and still being able to draft Devon Witherspoon or Christian Gonzalez to bolster the back end of a defense that needs impact players. Detroit could double-dip on defensive help with its second first-rounder at No. 18.

7. Las Vegas Raiders
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ CB OREGON
3.0 Will Levis QB Kentucky
2.0 Peter Skoronski OT Northwestern
1.0 Will Levis QB Kentucky

The Raiders found their QB in free agency (Jimmy Garoppolo), but they didn't do much else to address their biggest needs. That's why mock drafters have Las Vegas focusing on defense (cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon, edge rusher Tyree Wilson) and offensive tackle (Paris Johnson Jr.). Right now, Gonzalez is the consensus pick.

8. Atlanta Falcons
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 TYREE WILSON EDGE TEXAS TECH
3.0 Nolan Smith Edge Georgia
2.0 Myles Murphy Edge Clemson
1.0 Myles Murphy Edge Clemson

The consensus is that Atlanta desperately needs to upgrade a pass rush that recorded the NFL's second-fewest sacks (21.0). Tyree Wilson edges out Myles Murphy as the pick, but trading down to take Texas running back Bijan Robinson is gaining steam.

9. Chicago Bears (from Panthers)
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 DARNELL WRIGHT OT TENNESSEE
3.0 (1st pick) Will Anderson Jr. Edge Alabama
2.0 (1st pick) Jalen Carter DT Georgia
1.0 (1st pick) Jalen Carter DT Georgia

The Bears should have their pick of offensive tackles. For now, Tennessee's Darnell Wright is the projected selection over Northwestern's Peter Skoronski and Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints)
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 PETER SKORONSKI OT NORTHWESTERN
3.0 Devon Witherspoon CB Illinois
2.0 Christian Gonzalez CB Oregon
1.0 Joey Porter Jr. CB Ohio State

The Eagles could still opt for defense here (edge rushers Lukas Van Ness and Nolan Smith, defensive tackle Calijah Kancey). The popular opinion has Philly going offensive line and taking Peter Skoronski, who could play inside as well as tackle.

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11. Tennessee Titans
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 WILL LEVIS QB KENTUCKY
3.0 Peter Skoronski OT Illinois
2.0 Paris Johnson Jr. OT Ohio State
1.0 Paris Johnson Jr. OT Ohio State

The Titans appear in the most mock-draft trade scenarios, angling their way up to select any of the top quarterbacks. However, no QB is forecast more to Tennessee than Levis, who has a big arm but will need time to develop.

12. Houston Texans (from Browns)
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA WR OHIO STATE
3.0 Quentin Johnston WR TCU
2.0 Jordan Addison WR USC
1.0 Jordan Addison WR USC

Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness is also forecast as the Texans' second first-round selection. However, it makes too much sense for Houston to draft a talented wideout to grow with its new franchise QB.

13. New York Jets
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 PARIS JOHNSON JR. OT OHIO STATE
3.0 Broderick Jones OT Georgia
2.0 Broderick Jones OT Georgia
1.0 Broderick Jones OT Georgia

Mock drafters continue to deem offensive tackle as the Jets' top priority, presumably to help protect Aaron Rodgers. Peter Skoronski and Broderick Jones are listed as potential picks, but Paris Johnson Jr. is the clear consensus selection.

14. New England Patriots
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 BRODERICK JONES OT GEORGIA
3.0 Paris Johnson Jr. OT Ohio State
2.0 Quentin Johnston WR TCU
1.0 Peter Skoronski OT Northwestern

There hasn't been a clear-cut opinion on what the Patriots might do here. Cornerback, namely Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr., has been a persistent suggestion, but the mock drafting community still believes Bill Belichick will go offensive tackle over wide receiver. Either way, QB Mac Jones will benefit.

15. Green Bay Packers
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 DALTON KINCAID TE UTAH
3.0 Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame
2.0 Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame
1.0 Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame

For months, Michael Mayer, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound matchup problem, was the consensus pick. Dalton Kincaid, regarded by some as the best pass-catching tight end in the draft, is the new favorite big target for new starting QB Jordan Love.

16. Washington Commanders
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 JOEY PORTER JR. CB OHIO STATE
3.0 Joey Porter Jr. CB Ohio State
2.0 Cam Smith CB South Carolina
1.0 Cam Smith CB South Carolina

Mock drafters continue to believe the Commanders will draft a cornerback. It's just a matter of which one. Joey Porter Jr. is a physical corner who could make an immediate impact.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 MYLES MURPHY EDGE CLEMSON
3.0 Darnell Wright OT Tennessee
2.0 Joey Porter Jr. CB Penn State
1.0 Devon Witherspoon CB Illinois

Offensive tackle is the most common forecast, but in this exercise of ours, all of the top tackles are gone. Adding Clemson's Myles Murphy to the Pittsburgh pass rush isn't a bad consolation.

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Mar 5, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas running back Bijan Robinson (RB21) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

18. Detroit Lions
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 BIJAN ROBINSON RB TEXAS
3.0 Bijan Robinson RB Texas
2.0 Bryan Bresee DL Clemson
1.0 Bryan Bresee DL Clemson

It might behoove the Lions to add another defensive piece, but the game-breaking talent of Bijan Robinson, the draft's top running back, will be too irresistible, according to most mock drafters.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 LUKAS VAN NESS EDGE IOWA
3.0 Brian Branch S Alabama
2.0 Brian Branch S Alabama
1.0 Kelee Ringo CB Georgia

As mentioned above, Tennessee's Hendon Hooker has emerged in the most recent mock drafts as the Bucs' QB for the future. However, defense continues to be the popular forecast, with Iowa's Lukas Van Ness edging Georgia's Nolan Smith as the edge rusher of choice.

20. Seattle Seahawks
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 NOLAN SMITH EDGE GEORGIA
3.0 Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State
2.0 O'Cyrus Torrence OG Florida
1.0 Siaki Ika DT Baylor

With Jalen Carter in tow at No. 5, the Seahawks could go offense here, such as WR Jordan Addison or even QB Hendon Hooker, but Pete Carroll keeps the commitment to upgrading his defense with uber-athletic edge rusher Nolan Smith.

[ MIAMI DOLPHINS FORFEITED FIRST-ROUND PICK DUE TO TAMPERING VIOLATIONS ]

21. Los Angeles Chargers
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 CALIJAH KANCEY DT PITTSBURGH
3.0 Jordan Addison WR USC
2.0 Jalin Hyatt WR Tennessee
1.0 Jalin Hyatt WR Tennessee

Wideout continues to be a popular projection, namely Jordan Addison and Quentin Johnston. Calijah Kancey, an undersized game-wrecker in the mold of former Pitt great Aaron Donald, is the closest thing to a consensus pick.

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Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Christian wide receiver Quentin Johnston (WO30) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

22. Baltimore Ravens
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 QUENTIN JOHNSTON WR TCU
3.0 Zay Flowers WR Boston College
2.0 Bijan Robinson RB Texas
1.0 Quentin Johnston WR TCU

The signing of Odell Beckham Jr. shouldn't change the need for playmakers at wideout, whether Lamar Jackson is the QB or not. Johnston is the deep threat that could complement OBJ and tight end Mark Andrews.

23. Minnesota Vikings
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 JORDAN ADDISON WR USC
3.0 Deonte Banks CB Maryland
2.0 Emmanuel Forbes CB Mississippi State
1.0 Calijah Kancey DT Pittsburgh

The Vikings need to replace Adam Thielen, the veteran wideout who left for Carolina in free agency. Mock drafters prefer USC's Jordan Addison, who makes up for his lack of elite speed with elite route-running.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 BRIAN BRANCH S ALABAMA
3.0 Darnell Washington TE Georgia
2.0 Dalton Kincaid TE Utah
1.0 Darnell Washington TE Georgia

Tight end (Michael Mayer) continues to be forecast here for the Jaguars. Offensive tackle (Anton Harrison) and cornerback (Deonte Banks) are also projected. Alabama safety Brian Branch is the new consensus.

25. New York Giants
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 JOE TIPPMANN OL WISCONSIN
3.0 (No consensus) N/A N/A
2.0 Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State
2.0 Zay Flowers WR Boston College
1.0 Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State

The most popular position here is wide receiver (Jordan Addison, Jalin Hyatt). Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann is the closest thing to a consensus pick.

26. Dallas Cowboys
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 BRYAN BRESEE DT CLEMSON
4.0 SAM LAPORTA TE IOWA
3.0 Dalton Kincaid TE Utah
2.0 Drew Sanders LB Arkansas
2.0 Trenton Simpson LB Clemson
1.0 Drew Sanders LB Arkansas

Forecasts include Texas running back Bijan Robinson. Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee and Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta share the consensus honors.

27. Buffalo Bills
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 JACK CAMPBELL LB IOWA
3.0 Jalin Hyatt WR Tennessee
2.0 Jamyhr Gibbs RB Alabama
2.0 Antonio Johnson S Texas A&M
1.0 Bijan Robinson RB Texas

Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds signed a big free-agent contract with the Bears. To fill the void, mock drafters have tabbed Arkansas' Drew Sanders and Clemson's Trenton Simpson as options, but Iowa's Jack Campbell is the popular pick.

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Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer (TE10) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

28. Cincinnati Bengals
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 MICHAEL MAYER TE NOTRE DAME
3.0 Anton Harrison OT Oklahoma
2.0 (No consensus) N/A N/A
1.0 Anton Harrison OT Oklahoma

Offensive tackle (Anton Harrison, Dawand Jones) continues to be projected here, but the consensus selection is Michael Mayer, the Notre Dame tight end who could step right in and be another scary target for Joe Burrow.

29. New Orleans Saints (from 49ers, Dolphins and Broncos)
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 DARNELL WASHINGTON TE GEORGIA
3.0 Myles Murphy Edge Clemson
3.0 Calijah Kancey DT Pittsburgh
2.0 (No consensus) N/A N/A
1.0 O'Cyrus Torrence OG Florida

The mock drafting community likes the idea of giving new QB Derek Carr a giant target like the 6-foot-7, 264-pound Washington, who's also a capable blocker.

30. Philadelphia Eagles
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 JAHMYR GIBBS RB ALABAMA
3.0 O'Cyrus Torrence OG Florida
2.0 Nolan Smith Edge Georgia
1.0 Jahmyr Gibbs RB Alabama

Defense — specifically edge rusher (LSU's BJ Ojulari, Georgia Tech's Keion White) and cornerback (Kelee Ringo) — comprises most of the latest projections. Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs is the closest thing to a consensus.

31. Kansas City Chiefs
Consensus Player Pos. School
4.0 ANTON HARRISON OT OKLAHOMA
3.0 Derick Hall Edge Auburn
2.0 (No consensus) N/A N/A
1.0 Lukas Van Ness Edge Iowa

The popular opinion: The Chiefs continue to rebuild their offensive line by drafting Oklahoma tackle Anton Harrison after signing Jawaan Taylor to replace Orlando Brown Jr., who left in free agency. Some mock drafters see Andy Reid using this pick to help Chris Jones on the defensive line, choosing Michigan DT Mazi Smith or Kansas State edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

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