I understand the scuttlebutt surrounding Justin Fields' future with the Chicago Bears.
Former general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy — the principals responsible for drafting Fields — are no longer in the Windy City and there are at least two premier prospects at the position worthy of being selected first overall (a pick that landed in the Bears' lap thanks to former head coach Lovie Smith leading the Texans to victory in the final week of the season).
Current GM Ryan Poles should certainly do his due diligence regarding Alabama's Bryce Young and Ohio State's CJ Stroud, but only to build value in an already valuable draft pick.
The last team to trade the first pick of the draft was the Tennessee Titans in 2016. The Rams partnered with the Titans in order to acquire Cal quarterback Jared Goff. Tennessee received six total picks in the deal (two first-rounders, two second-rounders and two third-rounders).
First, Fields would not net that type of haul in a trade if Poles decided to move him and select either Young or Stroud.
Second, Fields has done nothing to change my mind in believing he is still capable of fulfilling the vast potential he showcased in college.
In fact, his current trajectory is along the same lines as Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts. Both had breakthroughs in their third season (primarily because the Bills and Eagles traded for a top-tier No. 1 wide receiver).
The top priority for Poles this offseason should be to trade for a top-tier No. 1 wide receiver to further Fields' development — Tee Higgins and Brandon Aiyuk are a few names that come to mind — and the best way to accomplish this is to trade the No. 1 overall pick to a quarterback-desperate team.
MOCK PREAMBLE
This is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season's draft class, and which teams they'd match up well with considering the current draft order courtesy of NFL.com. The closer we get to draft day, the more I'll attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.
Last season, I tied for the most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print, according to The Huddle Report. I was also tied for ninth overall (out of 158) for 2022. I'm fourth overall (out of 159) over the past five years.
The draft has become the Super Bowl of the NFL's second season — the NFL doesn't have an offseason — and a mock version of said draft is meant to educate, perhaps even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown so we can continue the conversation.
Here's an updated version of my 2023 NFL mock draft:
FIRST ROUND
— 1. Chicago (3-14) — Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama, Jr.
General manager Ryan Poles wouldn't hesitate to take the explosive pass rusher after trading away Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn this year. I understand the Bears doing their due diligence with the quarterbacks in this class, but that will be more about driving the price tag of this pick up, not the future of Justin Fields. Some scouts will say Anderson is a bit undersized for an NFL edge rusher, but there are shades of Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas and future Hall of Famer Von Miller in his pass-rush approach — 34.5 sacks in three seasons with the Crimson Tide. Plus, he is equally adept at defending the run. I'd have no qualms with him going first overall. Top needs: WR, DL, LB
— 2. Houston (3-13-1) — Bryce Young, QB, Alabama, Jr.
Coming from the Patriots, GM Nick Caserio never experienced what it was like to have the top overall pick, or need a quarterback really, but the position has to be at the top of his offseason list of priorities. Young has showcased an elite level skill set for two straight seasons, this year with fewer playmakers surrounding him. One of those playmakers was John Metchie, who missed his rookie season for the Texans while being treated for leukemia. Metchie caught 96 balls for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns his junior year at Alabama with Young under center. Of course, Young's size (6-foot, 195 pounds) will be debated, but barring the Chicago Bears staying put to select one of the elite defenders, he is the odds-on favorite to be chosen with the first pick after throwing for 321 yards and five touchdowns in a 45-20 Sugar Bowl victory over Kansas State. Top needs: QB, WR, DL
— 3. Arizona (4-13) — Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia, Jr.
The offensive and defensive lines are both very problematic, but with JJ Watt retiring and Zach Allen facing free agency, the Cardinals will need to replenish the pass rush immediately. Carter, arguably the most talented player on a historically-great Bulldogs defense that saw five prospects selected in the first round last year, is a scheme-wrecker and can attack an offense from any position on the defensive line. Top needs: OL, Edge, DB
— 4. Indianapolis (4-12-1) — CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio St., Jr.
GM Chris Ballard has tried to address the quarterback position through the trade market. There will be some options in free agency, but he'll likely have to draft one regardless. Despite dealing with several injuries at wide receiver, Stroud didn't miss a beat this season — he was second in touchdown passes (41) and QBR (88.9) in 2022 — and nearly beat the defending national champions with 348 yards and four TDs, while showcasing his scrambling ability (he's a traditional pocket passer). Top needs: QB, WR, CB
— 5. Seattle from Denver (5-12) — Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson, So.
The Seahawks run defense has been a glaring weakness and will need to be addressed if they plan on challenging the 49ers in the NFC West — defensive tackle Poona Ford will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. Bresee was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2020 recruiting class. He showed flashes of dominance as a true freshman in 2020, but only played 152 snaps in 2021 before tearing his ACL. It appears he regained his explosiveness and remains one of the most versatile defensive lineman in this class. Top needs: Edge, DT, QB
— 6. Detroit from L.A. Rams (5-12) — Will Levis, QB, Kentucky, Sr.
I won't besmirch Jared Goff too much here, he has had a fine season, but I'm still not convinced he's the long-term answer at quarterback for a promising young Lions team and they might not be picking this high again for a while. Levis' senior season was a mixed bag compared to his impressive 2021 campaign — he lost his top receiver (Wan'Dale Robinson) and offensive coordinator to the NFL — but he features the combination of arm talent, size (6-foot-3, 232 pounds) and mobility that usually sparks the imagination of an offensive coordinator. Top needs: QB, LB, DB
— 7. Las Vegas (6-11) — Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern, Jr.
The Raiders are a darkhorse in a potential QB derby for this draft — I believe they'll target the position in free agency with Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo potentially searching for new homes — but regardless of who's under center, the protection will have to improve. Skoronski took over for Rashawn Slater as a true freshman in 2020 and the offense didn't miss a beat. Some scouts may say his size better suits him to play guard, but they also said that about Slater. Top needs: OL, DL, QB
— 8. Atlanta (7-10) — Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson, Jr.
The Falcons simply can't pressure the quarterback. Murphy features very similar dimensions/traits to 2022 No. 1 overall draft pick Travon Walker, and could potentially crack the top-five. Top needs: Edge, WR, DB
— 9. Carolina (7-10) — Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn St., Jr.
An attempt to trade for Deshaun Watson failed. Recycling Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield failed too so the Panthers will once again be in the market for a signal-caller, but the board doesn't fall their way here. Cornerback was such an issue, Carolina signed Josh Norman near the end of the season. The son of former All-Pro linebacker Joey Porter checks the size (6-2, 198) and physicality boxes. Plus, Junior's athleticism and talent pops when you watch him, but he'll need to refine his technique and develop more consistency to pay off his potential — his aggressive nature is a gift and a curse, but he'd pair nicely with Jaycee Horn. Top needs: QB, OL, CB
— 10. Philadelphia from New Orleans (7-10) — Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech, Sr.
GM Howie Roseman added former All-Pros Robert Quinn (via trade) and Ndamukong Suh as stop gaps on the defensive line. Wilson was one of nine players in the FBS to produce 60 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and six sacks before suffering a season-ending broken foot against Kansas. He's a physically gifted, ascending pass rusher who is explosive off the ball and powerful enough to make an immediate impact at the next level. Top needs: DT, DB, Edge
— 11. Tennessee (7-10) — Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio St., Jr.
The Titans recently fired GM Jon Robinson, so I'll have to re-calibrate my approach once they find a long-term replacement, but the new hire will have to address a porous pass defense, a lack of offensive weapons and a brittle offensive line. Johnson could very well end up in the top-10 depending on how the draft order shakes out. He was the nation's top-ranked offensive tackle prospect in the 2020 recruiting class and has thrived at both left tackle and right guard for the Buckeyes. Top needs: OL, CB, WR
— 12. Houston from Cleveland (7-10) — Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU, Jr.
The Texans have needs everywhere, but adding Johnston to a young offensive core that includes Young, Metchie, Dameon Pierce and Nico Collins would form a solid foundation. He does Deebo Samuel-like things, forcing missed tackles when he has the ball in his hands, but he's 6-foot-4, 215 pounds — Samuel is four inches shorter. Top needs: QB, WR, DL
— 13. N.Y. Jets (7-10) — Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia, So.
The Jets' best two offensive lineman (Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker) have been hurt and the rest are facing free agency after the season. Jones doesn't have the experience other prospects possess in this class — he's only started 19 games for the Bulldogs — but his athleticism, intelligence and footwork pops when you watch him. Top needs: QB, LB, OL
— 14. New England (8-9) — Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina, Jr.
Jonathan Jones will be a free agent and is deserving of a raise, which usually means the Patriots will let him walk. Smith was Jaycee Horn's successor and maintained Horn's excellence for the Gamecocks. So much so, quarterbacks essentially avoided him this season. Top needs: WR, OL, CB
— 15. Green Bay (8-9) — Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame, Jr.
The further we get outside of the top-10, the harder it will be to pass on Mayer. The Irish pipeline at tight end to the NFL continues to flourish. Mayer isn't as explosive as Kyle Pitts, but his receiving acumen, size (6-foot-4, 265 pounds) and toughness put him just a tick below Pitts as a prospect. Both Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis will be free agents. Top needs: DL, S, TE
— 16. Washington (8-8-1) — Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida, So.
Taylor Heinicke, Carson Wentz and Sam Howell (he was solid versus the Cowboys) won't prohibit the Commanders from seeking a quarterback. Especially one that might remind coach Ron Rivera of Cam Newton — not necessarily his fashion sense — his former MVP signal-caller in Carolina. Richardson is the wild-card in this QB class. His range is anywhere from first overall pick — I expect scouts and coaches/coordinators to fall in love with his traits (i.e. ceiling) — to a Day 2 selection. Top needs: CB, OL, QB
— 17. Pittsburgh (9-8) — Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma, Jr.
Uncharacteristically, the Steelers have had a problematic offensive line for a few years now. Harrison features the prototypical size and movement skills of starting left tackle in the NFL. He'll need to polish his technique (but he's already very good in pass protection) and buy-in to an NFL strength program in order to unlock the next level. Top needs: OT, DB, WR
— 18. Detroit (9-8) — Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia, So.
The former five-star recruit would pair with former top-three pick Jeff Okudah and hopefully address a leaky pass defense for the Lions. As a red-shirt sophomore, Ringo's size/speed combination is still developing, but parts of his game are already NFL-ready and he will compete to be the first cornerback selected solely based on his talent and potential. Top needs: QB, LB, DB
— 19. Tampa Bay (8-9) — Brian Branch, DB, Alabama, Jr.
Four of the Buccaneers top-six defensive backs will be free agents. Branch isn't a "freakish" athlete, but can play anywhere in the secondary and is one of the surest tacklers you will find in a defensive backfield. Searching for a weakness here is a little like trying to find Waldo. Top needs: QB, DL, DB
— 20. Seattle (9-8) — Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor, Jr.
The Seahawks double-down on their defensive line. Any team struggling to stop the run will be in on the 6-foot-4, 358 pound Ika. Of course, he plugs up the middle of the field, but he's also athletic enough to pressure the quarterback. Top needs: DT, QB, S
— 21. Jacksonville (9-8) — Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon, So.
The Jaguars' defense has had its moments this season, but is still short a few pieces. Gonzalez has the size (6-2, 200) and physical traits that make most scouts salivate, and the Colorado transfer has answered all questions regarding ball production (four interceptions). Top needs: DL, CB, WR
— 22. N.Y. Giants (9-7-1) — Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio St., Jr.
The G-Men have dealt with many injuries and much disappointment at wide receiver since they traded Odell Beckham Jr. The Buckeyes had two receivers drafted in the first 11 picks last April and Smith-Njigba out-produced both as a sophomore. An injury-riddled season has dampened his draft stock, but if he checks out during the draft process, he likely won't have to wait too long to hear his name called. Top needs: WR, QB, OL
— 23. L.A. Chargers (10-7) — O'Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida, Jr.
The Chargers defense has improved the last month, but still can't stop the run and GM Tom Telesco likes to collect linebackers (making Oregon's Noah Sewell an option here), but the offensive line could be a more pressing need. Right tackle Trey Pipkins could leave in free agency, facilitating a move by Jamaree Salyer to the right side once Rashawn Slater is healthy — something the Chargers might want to consider regardless — which would create an opening on the interior after Matt Feiler struggled through his most difficult season as a pro. Torrence was an elite prospect at Louisiana, and he didn't miss a beat after transferring into the SEC, becoming a consensus All-American. Top needs: DL, LB, OL
— 24. Baltimore (10-7) — Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah, Jr.
The Ravens biggest priority this offseason will be to extend Lamar Jackson and potentially add more weapons on offense so he doesn't have to break his back (or overwhelm is legs) carrying the team going forward. Next in line might be replacing Marcus Peters if he walks in free agency. Phillips features a smaller frame, but his ability to mirror and match routes, plus his explosive athleticism and ball skills (nine career interceptions with four pick-sixes) more than make up for it. Top needs: CB, WR, Edge
— 25. Dallas (12-5) — Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas, Jr.
The Cowboys have a choice to make at running back in the offseason with Tony Pollard facing free agency. Pollard is due a significant raise and they're already paying Ezekiel Elliot handsomely. Something has to give. Few things are certain at this point, but I'm fairly positive the Doak Walker Award-winning Robinson will be the first running back selected in late April (he's currently No. 7 on my overall Big Board). He's an all-around threat who is light on his feet considering his size (6-foot, 215 pounds) and features home-run ability. Top needs: DB, WR, OL
— 26. Cincinnati (12-4) — Jordan Battle, S, Alabama, Sr.
Both starting safeties (Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates III) for the Bengals will face free agency. Battle was considered a potential first-rounder last year had he left school early, but he used his senior season to become a better tackler and more reliable run supporter (he was already dynamic in coverage). Top needs: T, DB, DL
— 27. Denver from San Francisco (13-4) — Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame, Jr.
The Broncos will seek a replacement for Von Miller and Bradley Chubb this offseason. Foskey's versatile skill set, size and power would have likely made him a Day 2 selection had he entered the draft last season. He's worthy of a first-round pick this time around. Top needs: OL, Edge, WR
— 28. Minnesota (13-4) — Jordan Addison, WR, USC, Jr.
Adam Thielen will be 33 next season and the Vikings have a potential out in his contract after this season. Addison would pair nicely with Justin Jefferson. The 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner (with Pittsburgh) is a silky smooth route runner and has the speed to challenge a defense at every level with inside/outside versatility. Top needs: DB, WR, OL
— 29. Buffalo (13-3) — Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M, Jr.
Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are aging gracefully, but aging nonetheless. Poyer is a free agent after this season with Hyde's contract expiring after the 2023 season. Johnson is a rangy, versatile impact tackler whose size (6-3,195) and athleticism will allow defensive coordinators to get creative. Top needs: WR, S, LB
— 30. Kansas City (14-3) — Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa St., Sr.
Chris Jones is essentially the Chiefs' pass rush. McDonald has been highly productive for the Cyclones — he has at least five sacks in four straight seasons and double-digit sacks in two of the last three — despite playing out of position for most of his collegiate career. He's an explosive, instinctive pass rusher, who I anticipate will see a boost in his draft stock after the Senior Bowl. Top needs: T, WR, DL
— 31. Philadelphia (14-3) — Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama, Jr.
Miles Sanders is set to test free agency and could command a significant investment after his breakthrough 2022 season. There's bell-cow, dual-threat potential with Gibbs. He features electric speed with pass-catching ability and an advanced route tree. Top needs: DT, DB, Edge
— NOTE: The NFL announced in August that the Miami Dolphins will forfeit their 2023 first-round pick and 2024 third-round pick following an investigation into whether the team violated league policies pertaining to the integrity of the game.
