(Audacy Sports) -- There is such great intrigue that arrives each April with the NFL Draft. This year, that is especially so.
Four quarterbacks could be selected within the first 10 picks of this draft, including the likelihood of three going in the top four picks. It creates a fascinating dynamic for the top of this draft and an expected trickle-down effect to follow in the first round.
The Bears already shook up this draft by making their anticipated move and trading down from the No. 1 overall pick, setting up the Panthers in the first overall slot. Carolina now has the right to choose the first quarterback off the board – a selection with significant ramifications in Houston, Indianapolis and other NFL cities.
The Ravens could see a fascinating decision ahead in this draft as they face a potential future without star quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Packers are preparing for life without future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers while the Jets look to bolster their roster around him. The Patriots are hoping to return as a playoff team while the Cowboys and Bills are aiming to make a deep run in the postseason.
Four teams are set to make a pair of selections in the first round – the Texans, Seahawks, Lions and Eagles. Meanwhile, the Rams, Dolphins, Browns, Broncos and 49ers are without a selection in the top 31 picks.
With less than four weeks until the Panthers are set to go on the clock with the top pick, here is how this NFL Draft could take shape.
Be sure to follow along with Audacy Sports' coverage of the NFL Draft.
Note: For the purposes of clarity, this mock draft does not include any trades.
1. Carolina Panthers – Quarterback C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
C.J. Stroud threw 85 touchdown passes in two years as the Buckeyes' starting quarterback.
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It was a bit curious that the Panthers were willing to make the trade up to the top pick without a clear-cut choice. But Carolina's brass wanted to see through a careful process in exploring the options at quarterback in this draft class. Stroud emerged as the choice for the Panthers over Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis. He's a two-time All-Big Ten quarterback and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy last season – a proven quarterback prospect with plenty to offer in Carolina.
2. Houston Texans – Quarterback Bryce Young, Alabama
If the Texans had the first overall pick, would Young be their choice? Houston is positioned to come away with one of the more complete quarterback prospects you'll find in the draft – a Heisman Trophy winner in 2021 and a gifted player whose only concern is in size. But even despite his 5-foor-10 frame, Young is a natural fit for the NFL.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Linebacker Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
Will Anderson tallied 34.5 career sacks in three years with the Crimson Tide.
USA Today
When there are teams in need of a quarterback, the best player in the draft often falls from the top pick. That player is Anderson, a dynamic defender who can play all over the field and transform a defense. The Cardinals could conceivably trade down from the No. 3 overall pick if a team was looking to jump the Colts in line for the third quarterback off the board. But Anderson's talent is too good to pass up.
4. Indianapolis Colts – Quarterback Anthony Richardson, Florida
Anthony Richardson threw for 17 touchdowns and ran for nine more in 2022.
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Richardson is one of the most fascinating quarterback prospects in years, a seemingly polarizing player whose potential either has teams enamored or not at all interested. He's built at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds while boasting a 4.43 40-yard dash time and a rocket arm. Richardson could very well go to the Panthers with the No. 1 pick – and if the Colts make a bold move for Lamar Jackson, he could fall further. But Indianapolis could finally find its next franchise quarterback in Richardson.
5. Seattle Seahawks – Defensive Tackle Jalen Carter, Georgia
Jalen Carter was a unanimous All-American in his final season with the Bulldogs.
USA Today
Ever since Carter was charged with reckless driving and drag racing involved in a fatal January crash, he went from one of the most coveted players available to a seemingly toxic prospect. Carter then arrived at his pro day in Athens nine pounds overweight and unable to complete drills. But head coach Pete Carroll and the Seahawks have a culture in place that will lead them to believe Carter can fit in Seattle.
6. Detroit Lions – Cornerback Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
The Lions would've been playing in the postseason if not for a porous pass defense that ranked 30th in yards surrendered – a defense as a whole that was dead last in the NFL. Detroit needs talent in the secondary and that's what it would get with Witherspoon, a consensus All-American cornerback at Illinois.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Quarterback Will Levis, Kentucky
Will Levis played for Penn State for two years before transferring to Kentucky ahead of the 2021 season.
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The Raiders elected to part ways with nine-year starter Derek Carr and seek a new future at quarterback. That future is not Jimmy Garoppolo, who signed a three-year deal in Las Vegas but likely will only be a bridge quarterback to the team's next young arm. Levis has a cannon and prototypical size that can make him a franchise quarterback in the NFL. The fourth quarterback off the board has potential to become the best in this class.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Wide Receiver Quentin Johnston, TCU
Quentin Johnston averaged 19 yards per catch in three seasons with the Horned Frogs.
USA Today
After passing on quarterbacks available this offseason, the Falcons are moving forward with second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder. Now, they must make a keen investment in his future. That player is Johnston, a game-changing target with size and speed who can help Ridder make key strides moving forward.
9. Chicago Bears – Tackle Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
There are several blue-chip prospects for general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears, players who can step in as rookies and become key starters in Chicago. Johnson is a natural fit in rejoining former Ohio State teammate Justin Fields and filling a key need on the Bears' offensive line at tackle. As Poles works to overhaul the roster he inherited, Johnson has potential to become a mainstay.
10. Philadelphia Eagles – Defensive End Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
Tyree Wilson recorded 14 sacks with the Red Raiders in 2022.
USA Today
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has done an excellent job keeping Philadelphia's defensive front loaded with talent. While there certainly isn't an obvious need there, Wilson is the best player available and allows Philadelphia's defense to remain dominant.
11. Tennessee Titans – Offensive Lineman Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
Peter Skoronski was a three-year starter for the Wildcats.
USA Today
The Titans are the team to watch for a potential trade up into the top 10 for a quarterback. Tennessee seems to be noncommittal on the future of veteran Ryan Tannehill. But if the decision is to move forward with him, the Titans must invest around their quarterback on offense. There's a good argument to be made that Skoronski has the highest floor of any prospect in the first round. The only knock on his draft stock is that scouts see Skoronski's arm length forcing him inside to guard, even despite being an All-American at tackle in college.
12. Houston Texans – Defensive Tackle Calijah Kancey, Texans
Calijah Kancey recorded 34.5 tackles for loss in 37 career college games.
USA Today
It's probably not fair but Kancey is going to arrive into the NFL with hopes that he can become the next Aaron Donald, this for an undersized defensive tackle prospect out of Pittsburgh. After landing Bryce Young with the second pick, the Texans add a promising defensive lineman for the new defense of head coach DeMeco Ryans.
13. New York Jets – Tackle Broderick Jones, Georgia
Broderick Jones was an All-SEC First Team selection for the 2022 national title winning-Bulldogs.
USA Today
For the first time in many, many years, the Jets have hope at quarterback with the incoming arrival of Aaron Rodgers. New York has a quality core around Rodgers but there's still a need to fill at tackle. The Georgia product Jones will arrive into the NFL as a Day 1 starter.
14. New England Patriots – Edge Rusher Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
Why the Hawkeyes never once started Van Ness is a strange subject for draft circles, but there's plenty of belief in the future of Van Ness. The great Bill Belichick knows defensive talent when he sees it and Van Ness can impact New England's defense moving forward.
15. Green Bay Packers – Tight End Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Michael Mayer reeled in 180 receptions in three seasons with the Fighting Irish.
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The Jordan Love era is underway in Green Bay and now the Packers must supply him with playmakers on offense – something they struggled to do during recent years with Rodgers. Mayer is the top tight end available in this class and an ideal complement on offense for the Packers' core with Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon and Christian Watson.
16. Washington Commanders – Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Christian Gonzalez notched four interceptions with the Ducks in 2022.
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Gonzalez is talented enough to be drafted in the top 10, and could land with the Lions over Witherspoon. But he also is positioned to fall here to the Commanders in the lower half of the first round. Gonzalez had the size and athleticism to be a longtime starter at cornerback for the Commanders.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Cornerback Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
Joey Porter Jr. knocked down 11 passes in his senior year with the Nittany Lions.
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It would only be right for the Steelers to select the son of four-time Pro Bowl linebacker and Super Bowl champion Joey Porter. But this isn't just a legacy pick for Pittsburgh. Porter Jr. is a one of the premier prospects in this draft class and fills a need for the Steelers' defensive backfield.
18. Detroit Lions – Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
The Lions love what they have found in quarterback Jared Goff and have provided him an arsenal on offense. Add Smith-Njigba to a group that features Amon-Ra St. Brown, Marvin Jones and Jameson Williams, yet another difference-making target in Detroit.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Safety Brian Branch, Alabama
Brian Branch (No. 14) recorded 14 tackles for loss and two interceptions in his final season with the Crimson Tide.
USA Today
Coach Todd Bowles knows what he wants on defense and Branch is the right fit for the Buccaneers, a fast and fluid safety capable of making plays. Branch had 90 tackles last season, plus 14 tackles for a loss, three sacks and two interceptions over 13 games for the Crimson Tide.
20. Seattle Seahawks – Wide Receiver Zay Flowers, Boston College
Zay Flowers averaged 15.3 yards per catch in four seasons at Boston College.
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The Seahawks might be tempted for another standout defender but Flowers is the type of target who can elevate everybody in Seattle's offense. He posted 78 receptions for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Flowers is even more dangerous playing alongside DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – Wide Receiver Jordan Addison, USC
Jordan Addison notched 29 touchdown catches in 35 career college games.
USA Today
The Chargers have one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL in Justin Herbert and know they must do better by his potential. Los Angeles gets that with the selection of Addison, the USC product who gets to stay put. He posted 29 touchdowns over three seasons in college, including two years at Pittsburgh.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Running Back Bijan Robinson, Texas
Bijan Robinson found the end zone 41 times in his three-year career in Austin.
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Robinson is arguably the most talented offensive player in this entire draft class, but running backs simply aren't valued like premium positions. An All-American with the Longhorns, Robinson is an explosive running back who can impact the Ravens' offense.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Defensive Lineman Bryan Bresee, Clemson
Bryan Bresee had 15 tackles for loss, including nine sacks, in 25 career games with Clemson.
USA Today
The Vikings are working to upgrade a bottom-tier defense that struggled to complement a top-10 offense. In selecting Bresee, Minnesota's defense gets a lot better. He's a relentless presence on the defensive line with prototypical size for the NFL.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Edge Rusher Nolan Smith, Georgia
Nolan Smith registered 20 tackles for loss in 48 career games as a Bulldog.
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At 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, Smith logged a 4.39 time on the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. It reminded the league that he is a gifted athlete and could become an elite edge rusher. The Jaguars have built a stout defensive front in recent years and Smith would be an excellent addition.
25. New York Giants – Wide Receiver Josh Downs, North Carolina
Josh Downs had 22 touchdown catches in 28 career games with the Tar Heels.
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The Giants are bringing in a talented target for quarterback Daniel Jones by selecting the wide receiver Downs out of North Carolina. He's undersized at 5-foot-9 and 171 pounds but has proven himself as a playmaker, hauling in 94 receptions for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns last season with the Tar Heels.
26. Dallas Cowboys – Tight End Dalton Kincaid, Utah
Dalton Kincaid was named First Team All-Pac 12 in 2022.
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The Cowboys can bring in another key target for their offense in Kincaid, a gifted route runner and smooth operator downfield. He hauled in 12.7 yards per receptions and eight scores last season at Utah. Kincaid can be a multiplier for the rest of Dallas' offensive core.
27. Buffalo Bills – Cornerback Deonte Banks, Maryland
Deonte Banks batted down eight passes in his senior season with the Terrapins.
USA Today
Buffalo can claim one of the top defenses in the NFL but must continue to find young talent to compete with the elite quarterbacks in the AFC. Banks is strong match for the Bills late in the first round, an athletic cornerback with 4.35 speed and a 42-inch vertical.
28. Cincinnati Bengals – Tackle Anton Harrison, Oklahoma
Anton Harrison was named First-Team All-Big 12 in 2022.
USA today
Veteran tackle Jonah Williams requested a trade from the Bengals after the arrival of four-time Pro Bowl selection Orlando Brown Jr. It would leave Cincinnati with a void to fill at right tackle. Enter Harrison, an All-Big 12 tackle and three-year starter with the Sooners.
29. New Orleans Saints – Edge Rusher Myles Murphy, Clemson
Myles Murphy recorded 18.5 sacks in 35 career games with the Tigers.
USA Today
The Saints collected the No. 29 overall pick from the Broncos as part of the compensation package for Sean Payton's arrival in Denver. In Murphy, New Orleans would be adding a talented but raw pass rusher who could emerge into a star with the right development.
30. Philadelphia Eagles – Guard O'Cyrus Torrence, Florida
O'Cyrus Torrence transferred to Florida after three seasons with Louisiana-Lafayette.
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It doesn't seem fair that a defending conference champion can have a pair of first-round picks, but that's the case with the Eagles. After going with the pass rusher Wilson with the 10th overall pick, Philadelphia will add to its offensive line with the All-SEC guard Torrence.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Edge Rusher Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern
Adetomiwa Adebawore (right) is the second Northwestern player off the board in this mock.
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The Chiefs are reigning Super Bowl champions once again and have sustained success over the years not just because of the great Patrick Mahomes. Credit to general manager Brett Veach, who has built a rounded roster and hit with draft picks. Adebawore has the potential to become a star in the NFL and Kansas City completes this draft with an intriguing pick.
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