First-round NFL mock draft: Four QBs in the top 10

The No. 1 overall pick is all but secured by the Texans, and quarterback is heavily on their minds with Davis Mills’ struggles this season. Young failed to repeat as a Heisman winner due in part to injury, but he remained terrific with over 3,000 yards passing and 31 touchdowns in 11 games. He’s a pure playmaker, with the only major concern being his lack of size leading to durability issues.

With Justin Fields establishing himself this season, Chicago can fill their other many areas of need. Carter has a chance to be an elite interior pass rusher at the next level and recorded three sacks and 29 tackles in 11 games for the Bulldogs during the regular season.

Seattle could look at a quarterback, but Geno Smith has likely played well enough to keep the job. An elite pass rusher is a good alternative, and Anderson appears to be a generational prospect with 27.5 sacks over the last two seasons.

Arizona could blow up the roster in the offseason with Kyler Murray possibly unable to start 2023 healthy, so many positions are in play. Ringo has plenty of size at 6-foot-2 and has been a playmaker for Georgia over the last two seasons.

The Lions addressed the defensive line in the 2022 draft, but they clearly need help on the interior. Bresee has limited games over the last two seasons due to injury and personal tragedy, but he has big upside as an interior pass rusher.

Levis had accuracy interception issues in college, but he also didn’t have the level of talent around him as the other first-round quarterback prospects. He has the physical tools to shoot up the draft following workouts, and the Colts seem desperate to address their quarterback issues once and for all, finally.

Atlanta is giving rookie Desmond Ridder a try at quarterback, but his first start didn’t go well. Stroud showed a bit of regression with his accuracy and benefitted from the elite talent around him. Still, he also threw for 81 touchdowns over the last two seasons with very good accuracy and ample mobility.

Richardson will need time, but there isn’t a more physically gifted quarterback in the draft class. He completed fewer than 54% of his passes this season but could develop into a star with the right coaching.

Philly hit a home run swapping their 2022 pick for New Orleans’ 2023 selection and could be set to strengthen their front seven. Murphy has the size to play 4-3 defensive end and recorded 18.5 sacks in three seasons for the Tigers.

It’s unclear if Aaron Rodgers will still be around, but the Packers need more receiving weapons in any case. Mayer had back-to-back seasons with more than 800 yards receiving and recorded nine touchdowns in 12 games during 2022.

The Raiders’ offensive line has been a weakness for much of the year, particularly in pass blocking. Skoronski has the potential to shore up the left side of the line for years to come.

Jacksonville acquired Calvin Ridley at the trade deadline but could still use more help for Trevor Lawrence. Johnston is a blue-chip deep threat, averaging 18.7 yards per reception during his career with his 6-foot-4 length.

Houston needs help in all areas and would do well to add Wilson. He has great size as a 4-3 defensive end and recorded seven sacks in each of the last two seasons for the Red Raiders.

The Steelers’ offensive line continues to struggle this season. They clearly need to do a better job protecting Kenny Pickett, and Johnson is a possible answer after strong play for the Buckeyes.

Seattle is getting adequate play from their pair of rookie tackles but could add more depth. Jones has played multiple positions at Georgia and could move inside at 6-foot-4.

The Pats’ defense has performed well this season but could still have a need at linebacker. Simpson is a big, sideline-to-sideline playmaker who recorded 72 tackles and 2.5 sacks during the regular season.

The inability of Mekhi Becton to stay healthy could force the Jets to address tackle again. Torrence is a mammoth transfer from Louisiana who could be perfect for a team looking to run the ball more with a wealth of backs.

Detroit’s defense has struggled for much of the season and need to shore up their secondary. Smith has plenty of size and good ball skills, recording six picks over the last three seasons.

The Bucs defensive line is getting long in the tooth, and Verse could be a solution. He’s had a strong season for the Seminoles, with 7.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss.

The Titans have had glaring issues at wideout after trading A.J. Brown in the offseason. First-round pick Treylon Burks has shown flashes, but this is still an area the team needs to address. Smith-Njigba has played only three games due to injuries this season but had over 1,600 yards last year.

Washington needs more depth in the secondary, and Gonzalez is a fine option. He recorded four interceptions and 50 tackles during the season for the Ducks.

With Keenan Allen beginning to break down, the Chargers could look at wideout. Addison’s numbers declined with the move from Pitt to USC this season, but he’s still put up huge numbers in college, with 29 touchdowns in three seasons.

Saquon Barkley is having a huge year but has regressed late in the season and is headed for free agency. Robinson could boost the Giants offense with a similar skillset and huge college production. He had nearly 1,900 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns during the regular season.

After addressing safety last offseason, the Ravens could look to cornerback. Porter Jr. has an NFL pedigree and has been a lockdown corner for the last three seasons for Penn State.

The losses of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb have created a need for Denver. Foskey recorded 20.5 sacks over the last two seasons and has plenty of size at 6-foot-4.

Cincinnati addressed the secondary in last year’s draft but still needs more cornerback depth. Branch has been an excellent performer at Alabama, including 78 tackles and one pick this season.

Dallas is young at cornerback with Trevon Diggs and Kelvin Joseph but have some depth issues. Johnson is a huge corner at 6-foot-3 and a sure tackle, with 71 tackles in only nine games this season.

Minnesota has stopped the bleeding at cornerback compared to last season, but it remains a weakness. Witherspoon built first-round stock after a great season for the Illini, with 41 tackles and three picks, along with 14 passes defensed.

Kansas City’s pass rush on the edges has been sub-par, and they could potentially lose Frank Clark and Carlos Dunlap this offseason. Carter has plenty of size for the 4-3 defense at 6-foot-7, and has recorded 24 sacks in two seasons. It’s worth noting his status for the draft is clouded by a bill in Congress.

Devin Singletary has finally started to build some momentum this season, but the possibility of adding the speedy Gibbs could be too tempting. He’s recorded over 1,200 yards from scrimmage in consecutive seasons and is a burst of energy comparable to Tony Pollard.

With James Bradberry possibly going back into the free agency pool in the offseason, Philly could look at cornerback. Phillips III is slightly undersized but makes up for it with his ball skills, recording six interceptions this season.