We’re inching ever so closer to the 2023 NFL draft, and with it, there continues to be some movement of players based on what the word on the street is. Two guys that are more plugged in than almost anyone out there are ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr.
And while the two of them normally compose their own separate mock drafts, they recently teamed up to compile a three-round version just over a week out from what we’ll see in Kansas City.
It wasn’t that long ago that Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud was the odds-on favorite to be selected No. 1 overall by the Carolina Panthers, but that seems to have changed now with Alabama’s Bryce Young now being the betting man’s pick.
That’s reflected in the McShay/Kiper mock as well with Stroud dropping a wee bit, but he’s not the only Ohio State player included in the three-round projection. Here’s what the dynamic NFL draft duo says about Stroud and each OSU player they think will go in the first three rounds.
C.J. Stroud, Quarterback (First Round)
The Pick
No. 2 overall to the Houston Texans
What McShay Says
“I really wouldn’t be surprised if Houston jumps at the chance to draft a dominant defender like Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr., but I’m making the pick here, and there’s no way I’m passing up one of the top two quarterbacks in the class with that glaring need. Stroud is extremely accurate and would give the Texans’ offense a franchise passer to build around.”
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver (First Round)
The Pick
No. 12 overall to the Houston Texans
What McShay Says
“I landed both of the Texans’ picks in Round 1, and I’m keeping the pairing of C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba together after they piled up 1,606 receiving yards and nine TDs in 2021 at Ohio State (before a hamstring injury limited Smith-Njigba last year). The wideout is a super smooth route runner and could be a star in the NFL.”
Paris Johnson Jr., Offensive Tackle (First Round)
The Pick
No. 12 overall to the New England Patriots
What McShay Says
“Man, I thought about tight end Dalton Kincaid here. Patriots coach Bill Belichick loves two-TE sets, and Kincaid would be great with Hunter Henry. But quarterback Mac Jones also needs protection after struggles under pressure last season, and Johnson has the size, power and awareness to hold down left tackle. (Johnson also is versatile enough to play elsewhere along the line while Trent Brown is still under contract.)”
Dawand Jones, Offensive Tackle (Second Round)
The Pick
No. 50 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What McShay Says
“At 6-foot-8 and 374 pounds, Jones is massive and could be the answer opposite Tristan Wirfs on an offensive line that needs support. The Bucs cut Donovan Smith and no longer have Tom Brady getting the ball out quickly. If Tampa Bay doesn’t go tackle in Round 1, it will likely take the best one on the board here in Round 2.”
Zach Harrison, Defensive End (Round Three)
The Pick
No. 88 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars
What McShay Says
“Harrison didn’t have a ton of sack production in college (12 sacks over four years), but he has a quick first step and can set the edge against the run. And his versatility would be welcome on the Jags’ defensive front.”
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