The 2023 NFL Draft is only a few months away, and while we still need to get to the NFL Combine, we're taking a look at the projected Top 10.
Left: Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Right: Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

2023 NFL Draft: A Way-Too-Early Look at the Projected Top 10 Picks

There is still plenty to be decided ahead of the first-round selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, but the first half on picks have been decided and, more importantly, the top 10 picks have been finalized. Now, of course, there could be a trade or two that could switch things up; but for now, let all the mock drafts begin to pour in as we flood the postseason and early offseason with what-if scenarios for those looking to make a dramatic change in the direction their franchises are headed. Within the top 10 picks, three teams have winning records — with two of those being playoff teams having acquired these lucrative picks via previous trades. With that being said, here is a quick look at what to expect in the first 10 picks of the 2023 NFL Draft.

1. Chicago Bears (3-14)

Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after sacking TJ Finley #1 of the Auburn Tigers during the Iron Bowl

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Offensive needs: Offensive Tackle, Wide Receiver

Defensive needs: Defensive Tackle, Edge Rusher, Linebacker

Projected draft pick: Will Anderson Jr., Edge Rusher, Alabama

There are questions about whether Justin Fields could be traded to get a slightly newer quarterback in the draft. But if that does not (and should not) happen, expect the Chicago Bears to bolster his protection or add to their defense with the first overall pick — if they do not trade it to turn the first overall pick to two first-round picks.

2. Houston Texans (3-13-1)

Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass in the fourth quarter against the Texas Longhorns

Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images

RELATED: Bryce Young was Almost a Millionaire Before He Started a Game for Alabama

Offensive needs: Quarterback, Offensive Guard, Center

Defensive needs: Defensive Lineman, Edge Rusher, Linebacker

Projected draft pick: Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama

The Texans could face some backlash for losing the first overall pick in the final week, depending on what the Bears do with that pick (trade or draft). But regardless of that, Houston will get one of the top two quarterbacks with its first overall pick, so not all is lost for a team in desperate need of a new QB 1.

3. Arizona Cardinals (4-13)

Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Tyree Wilson (#19) runs up field during the college football game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and TCU Horned Frogs

Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

 

Offensive needs: Offensive Guard, Center

Defensive needs: Linebacker, Edge Rusher, Cornerback

Projected draft pick: Tyree Wilson, Edge Rusher, Texas Tech

The Cardinals will have a whole new look in 2023 as they welcome in a new head coach; and with how much money is invested in QB 1 and WR 1, talks of a complete rebuild should hold off for another season. That being said, bolstering their offensive line or adding to their pass rush would be ideal to avoid another disappointing season.

4. Indianapolis Colts (4-12-1)

C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes after playing the Michigan State Spartans

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

RELATED: CJ Stroud's Dad Remains in Prison, But His Mom Kim Has Been His Rock

Offensive needs: Quarterback, Offensive Tackle

Defensive needs: Edge Rusher, Cornerback

Projected draft pick: C.J. Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State

The Colts took a massive step back this season and have more player personnel than they need to improve on this offseason. And while Indy could once again be in the sweepstakes for another veteran quarterback, fully expect them to get their QB 1 in the draft.

5. Seattle Seahawks (9-9) - via Trade with Broncos (5-12)

Bryan Bresee of the Clemson Tigers runs against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Offensive needs: Center, Offensive Guard, Quarterback

Defensive needs: Safety, Defensive Tackle, Linebacker

Projected draft pick: Bryan Bresee, Defensive Lineman, Clemson

Quarterback Geno Smith could return after the career-resurrecting season he just had. But if he does not, the Seahawks could find themselves searching for Drew Lock's competition. However, that pick could come later (20th overall), and we could see the Seahawks addressing almost any other position on the field outside of running back and wide receiver.

6. Detroit Lions (9-8) - via Trade with Rams (5-12)

Defensive back Christian Gonzalez #0 of the Oregon Ducks gives high fives to supporters after a game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

Offensive needs: Offensive Guard, Tight End

Defensive needs: Defensive Lineman, Cornerback

Projected draft pick: Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon

Detroit Lions fans could not be happier with the direction of their team as, after a 9-8 season, they have two picks within the first 18 picks of the draft. There is no question that their offense led the way and that getting some improvement with their defense would go along away toward taking that next step.

7. Las Vegas Raiders (6-11)

Paris Johnson Jr. #77 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Offensive needs: Offensive Tackle, Offensive Guard, Center, Quarterback

Defensive needs: Defensive Lineman, Linebacker, Safety

Projected draft pick: Paris Johnson Jr., Offensive Lineman, Ohio State

Easily the most disappointing team of 2022, the Raiders are reportedly set to move on from Derek Carr and should be in play to land a new QB 1 in free agency; but if all else fails, they might gamble on one early in the draft. If not, addressing their offensive line should be priority No. 1.

8. Atlanta Falcons (7-10)

Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) sacks Kentucky quarterback Will Levis (7) during the NCAA football game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Georgia Bulldogs

Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Offensive needs: Offensive Lineman, Running Back

Defensive needs: Cornerback, Linebacker, Safety

Projected draft pick: Jalen Carter, Defensive Lineman, Georgia

There are still questions about whether the Falcons truly think Desmond Ridder is their guy at QB; but that decision will not be made this draft, as there is too much uncertainty outside of the top two QBs. The Falcons need improvement on each line of defense and will address that early in the draft.

9. Carolina Panthers (7-10)

TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Quentin Johnston catches a pass and runs towards the end zone

Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

RELATED: Quentin Johnston's Rise from Unknown to TCU X-Factor to Top NFL Draft Prospect

Offensive needs: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Center

Defensive needs: Edge Rusher, Cornerback

Projected draft pick: Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, TCU

Despite trading away their QB 1, RB 1 and WR 2, the Panthers finished with seven wins; but there are still questions about who will be under center for them in 2023. And as mentioned before, there is a lot of uncertainty in this draft class for QBs 3 to 5. So if Carolina cannot trade up, it might be comfortable in waiting for the 2024 draft to address that issue and deal with a more concerning one with pick No. 9.

10. Philadelphia Eagles - via Trade with Saints (7-10)

oey Porter Jr. #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after a play against the Northwestern Wildcats

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

RELATED: Joey Porter Jr. is Following in His Dad's Footsteps, Destined for the NFL

Offensive needs: Offensive Lineman, Running Back

Defensive needs: Linebacker, Cornerback

Projected draft pick: Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback, Penn State

The rich get richer as the NFC's No. 1 seed this season gets a top 10 pick via a trade with the Saints. There is not much that is weak for the Eagles, but adding depth to their offensive or defensive line could be a course of action here. And with Miles Sanders and James Bradberry set to become free agents, finding their replacements if they were to leave would be vital.

MORE: