Mel Kiper latest mock draft: Who lands Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud?

Mel Kiper is best known for his annual mock drafts leading up to the real NFL draft. His wildly popular tradition features several different versions of his predictions about who each team will select in the draft. This is based on their position in the order as well as their team needs.

Kiper updates his predictions as the NFL offseason plays out, adjusting for factors such as free agency signings, draft news, and breaking trades.

The third official version of Mel Kiper's mock draft was recently released, just over five weeks before the 2023 NFL draft. It should come as no surprise that the quarterback position is featuring heavily at the top of his mock draft. The 2023 NFL draft class is considered by many to be one of the most loaded group quarterback groups ever.

Two of the best prospects in this year's draft class are Anthony Richardson of the Florida Gators and C.J. Stroud of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Mel Kiper predicts that both of them will be selected in the first five picks of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Mel Kiper predicts a quarterback frenzy at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft

Mel Kiper at the NFL Draft

Mel Kiper believes that quarterbacks will be at an absolute premium at the top of the 2023 NFL draft. He expects four of the first five picks to be quarterbacks, with Bryce Young of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Will Levis of the Kentucky Wildcats joining Richardson and Stroud.

Here's what his projected top five picks currently look like:

1. QB C.J. Stroud to the Carolina Panthers
2. QB Bryce Young to the Houston Texans
3. QB Will Levis to the Indianapolis Colts
4. EDGE Will Anderson Jr. to the Arizona Cardinals
5. QB Anthony Richardson to the Seattle Seahawks

The Carolina Panthers traded with the Chicago Bears to acquire the number one overall pick. Kiper believes they will use it to select C.J. Stroud, pairing him with new head coach Frank Reich. He then expects the Houston Texans to select Bryce Young followed by the Indianapolis Colts choosing Will Levis. Will Anderson Jr. is mocked to the Arizona Cardinals as the only non-quarterback in the top five.

Kiper then predicts the Seattle Seahawks will select Anthony Richardson, despite them recently signing Geno Smith to a contract extension. The idea is that Richardson can develop his game as a backup first behind Smith before eventually replacing him down the road. Richardson is loaded with talent but lacks some experience, so this thought makes sense.