The NFL Draft is less than 48 hours away. As in most drafts, we know a quarterback will be the first man off the board. But who that’ll be and who comes next remain unknowns.
Unlike past years where we’ve known roughly how the top of the draft will shake out — think Andrew Luck in 2012 or Trevor Lawrence in 2021 — intrigue rules in 2023. The first quarterback selected appears to be a race between Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, but Anthony Richardson or possibly even Will Levis could sneak in. The Houston Texans sure could use a quarterback at No. 2, but there’s no guarantee that’s where they’ll land or if they’ll keep the keep. The Arizona Cardinals are in prime position to trade back from third overall, but who they get to fill out their dance card is a mystery.
That makes this year’s mock draft, like all mock drafts, a scattered cannon blast into the ether. Some bits will hit a target, though exactly which ones are unclear. Most picks, however, will wind up woefully out of touch with the actual result thanks to top secret draft boards and the trades that make the NFL Draft so exciting that it had to be stretched out to a three-day affair.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at my final 2023 NFL mock draft, covering the first three rounds and 102 picks. And yes, I too couldn’t resist the lure of making Bijan Robinson a Philadelphia Eagle … just not at 10th overall.
1
Carolina Panthers: QB CJ Stroud, Ohio State
There’s intrigue surrounding this pick, fueled by reports the Panthers didn’t have a specific player in mind when they traded up from No. 9. There appear to be two candidates, however; Stroud and Bryce Young. Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, had the more decorated career — albeit not by much — and showed more utility with his legs against FBS opponents. Stroud was bigger, more accurate and extremely good in his own right, though he benefitted from some of the best receiving corps in college football history at Ohio State.
Ultimately, Stroud’s production from the pocket gives him the edge. His game tape shows a composed passer to slices through traffic with clean strikes into tight windows downfield. He understands where to put the ball so only his guys can get it and gets through his reads quickly and correctly. Now he gets to pair with Frank Reich and a Carolina team with a real opportunity to win the disheveled NFC South in his rookie year.
2
Indianapolis Colts* via projected trade with the Houston Texans: QB Bryce Young, Alabama
- The Texans send: their second overall pick and a 2024 fifth round selection
- The Colts send: their fourth overall pick, a second round pick (35th overall), a fourth round pick (106th overall) and a 2024 third round selection
The Colts have stumbled through the wilderness following Andrew Luck’s retirement. Their track record of being too good to tank but not good enough to win meaningful playoff games left them mired in the NFL’s middle class with little chance of upward mobility. Firing Reich and hiring Jeff Saturday was one way to fix that, but his one win was enough to keep Indy away from the juiciest quarterback prospects this spring.
A pricy trade-up fixes that. Instead of potentially being forced into the fourth-best passer, the Colts move to No. 2 to snag Young. He’d be a significant upgrade to a quarterback room currently headlined by Gardner Minshew and Nick Foles, though Minshew’s presence would allow space to bring him along slowly. Young will be the lightest quarterback in the league and his size could limit the scope of his throws, but it wasn’t a deterrent at Alabama. His ability to rise to the moment and spin hay into gold isn’t quantifiable, but it’s the trait every head coach wants from his quarterback. It wasn’t cheap, but Indianapolis finally has a proper successor to Luck.
3
Las Vegas Raiders** via projected trade with the Arizona Cardinals: QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
- The Cardinals send: their third overall pick
- The Raiders send: their seventh overall pick, a second round pick (38th overall), a fourth round pick (109th overall) and a 2024 second round selection
Jimmy Garoppolo is a nice enough addition, but he doesn’t really change much for the Raiders. Richardson would. The Florida product has all the high-ceiling attributes of Josh Allen. He’s big, fast and capable of throwing a football over the horizon.
Of course, Allen’s ascendance from low-accuracy bull loosed in a China shop to MVP candidate was a long and unlikely road. Las Vegas would have to take similar precautions with Richardson. Letting him learn behind Garoppolo and pairing him with Davante Adams is a strong start. The Raiders straddle the line between contention and a rebuild here, keeping a veteran quarterback intact while planning for their future. It’s a big gamble, but one befitting a team in Las Vegas.
4
Houston Texans* via projected trade with the Indianapolis Colts: DL Jalen Carter, Georgia
Carter’s JJ Watt-style upside proves too much for the Texans to pass up. Houston badly needs a quarterback, but one passer won’t be the difference between failure and success in 2023. With DeMeco Ryans in place, the franchise settles in for one more year of rebuilding while picking up draft assets capable of setting a foundation in the fetid swamp land that’s been this team’s last three years.
Carter can crumple pockets from a spot over center or move outside to create mismatches. The concern is how he’s handling things off the field after pleading no contest to two misdemeanors related to the night a teammate and a UGA staffer lost their lives in a car accident.
5
Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
This pick is house money from the Russell Wilson trade and it pays off in a huge way. Anderson had 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 13 games last season and those numbers *kinda stink* compared to his enormous 2021 (31 TFLs, 17.5 sacks). Now he joins a defense that generated a lot of sacks (51) despite a middling pressure rate.
The Alabama product can turn up that heat and create more drive-killing opportunities up front. He’d pair with Uchenna Nwosa and Boye Mafe to provide a young, athletic and explosive pass rushing rotation capable of forcing bad throws into a secondary capable of turning mistakes into turnovers. Carroll wants to get back to his mid-2010s Seattle ways; landing Anderson is a terrific next step.
6
Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Detroit has done work to revamp its secondary this offseason. Jeff Okudah was traded to the Falcons. Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley arrived in free agency. That’s a great start for the league’s 28th-ranked defense, but there’s more work to be done.
The Lions’ draft spot at No. 6, thanks to the lingering effects of the Matthew Stafford trade, allows Dan Campbell his pick of this year’s solid cornerback crop. Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez has better measurables, but Witherspoon has true Sauce Gardner vibes. Like Gardner, he was a shutdown machine who erased opposing wideouts from the box score. He can be physical at the line of scrimmage but his fluid hips makes him sticky downfield. Factor in the closing speed to clamp off out-routes and you’ve got a player with All-Pro potential joining the early NFC North favorites.
Devon Witherspoon: 24.6 Passer Rating Allowed
1st among Power 5 CBs🔒 pic.twitter.com/4v3AFOmA7Y
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 1, 2022
7
Arizona Cardinals** via projected trade with the Raiders: CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Gonzalez is an easy sell for a defense whose 98.2 passer rating allowed was second-worst in the NFL. The big (6-foot-1, 197 pounds) cornerback was solid at Colorado and incredible at Oregon (four interceptions, seven passes defensed). He can be left on an island outside to cover everyone from big possession receivers to speedy straight-line deep threats. He’s displayed the talent to excel in either man or zone coverage.
Christian Gonzalez read this play like a BOOK 😳
Several NFL scouts believe Gonzalez is a “sure shot” Top-10 pick in the Draft.
The Oregon CB has instincts for DAYS. pic.twitter.com/LIFI7t72PP
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) March 27, 2023
Arizona’s not in a place to be picky about positions; this is a total teardown. In this case, the best player available happens to fill a need. The Cardinals slide back and cost themselves the chance to add a top-three defensive talent. Even so, getting Gonzalez along with additional draft assets is an easy win for a rebuilding club.
8
Atlanta Falcons: DL Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
Wilson missed the back end of the Red Raiders’ season due to injury, but has steadily risen up draft boards thanks to his combination of NFL size (6-foot-6, 271 pounds), strength and college production. The former blue chip recruit has 27.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks over his final two seasons — 23 games — at Texas Tech.
Texas Tech DE Tyree Wilson (6’55/271) escorts TCU LT into the backfield to disrupt Max Duggan’s throw
The QBs frustration was palpable, so the next play Wilson is keyed on, leaving the rest of the DL singled up to flush Duggan for an incompletion
He then destroys IOL for a Stop pic.twitter.com/finSzdLors
— Eric Froton (@CFFroton) March 27, 2023
That puts him right in the Falcons’ wheelhouse. Atlanta has spent its offseason beefing up its defense, particularly up front. While additions like David Onyemata, Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree will help, they aren’t building blocks for the future. Wilson is. He’d provide a much-needed infusion of youth to a veteran front and provide a consistent pass rushing, run-stuffing threat for a team intent on a winning the NFC South behind a rising defense and a grind-em-out gameplan.
9
Chicago Bears: OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
The Bears need to beef up their blocking. Justin Fields has been sacked on more than 13 percent of his dropbacks as a pro. Some of that is thanks to his scramble-heavy playing style and a depleted receiving corps, but it’s in no way conducive to winning football games. Skoronski can immediately help with that.
Northwestern OT Peter Skoronski recorded the 2nd-best vertical (34.5") and broad jump (9'7") of the OL group at the 2023 NFL Combine, earning an 83 athleticism score.
Skoronski is the top ranked offensive lineman on @MoveTheSticks' latest top 50 big board (7th overall). pic.twitter.com/qVpsHVW9vh
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 5, 2023
The Northwestern blocker got the call to replace Rashawn Slater in 2021 and handled left tackle duties with aplomb. While concerns about his arm length linger, he’s got the footwork and leverage to mirror edge rushers and recover well to keep his pockets clean. His worst case scenario appears to be a Pro Bowl caliber guard. At best, he’s the guy who can keep Fields upright long enough to drive Chicago to the playoffs. There’s an opportunity in the NFC North at the moment; drafting the highest-floor offensive lineman ensures the Bears can be part of it.
10
Detroit Lions*** via projected trade with the Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints): WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
- The Eagles send: their 10th overall pick, a seventh round pick (219th overall)
- The Lions send: their 18th overall pick, a second round pick (55th overall)
Detroit’s depth at wideout was shredded by gambling suspensions and the Lions have a bunch of draft assets to throw at the wall this spring thanks to their Matthew Stafford and T.J. Hockenson trades. Moving up eight spots allows the pick of this year’s pass-catching crop, and that looks a lot like Smith-Njigba’s spot.
Smith-Njigba is a bit of a wild card after playing in only five games last season due to a hamstring injury. But in workouts this spring he looked very much like the guy who averaged nearly 200 receiving yards per game over the final five weeks of the Buckeyes’ season. His routes snap like power lines in an ice storm and his body control near the sideline is eye-opening. His ability to get open and diverse route tree could give the Lions, with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Garrett Wilson (once he returns from suspension), the league’s best young receiving corps.
11
New Orleans Saints**** via projected trade with the Tennessee Titans : EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
- The Titans send: their 11th overall pick
- The Saints send: their 29th overall pick, a fourth round pick (115th overall) and a 2024 first round selection
New Orleans clearly sees an opportunity to win a depleted NFC South — it wouldn’t have signed Derek Carr to a nine-figure contract otherwise. But while there are holes across the roster that need to be fixed, head coach Dennis Allen desperately needs a tone-setting edge rusher to get his defense back on track. The Saints’ 14.6 percent pressure rate in 2023 was fourth-worst in the NFL and lost veterans like Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata and Kentavious Street this offseason.
That necessitates an expensive trade up the draft board, but one that fits with general manager Mickey Loomis’s modus operandi. He opted to deal a first round pick for a high-ceiling pass rusher five years ago when he traded up to select Davenport. Now he gets Van Ness, who looks every bit an impact player after tallying seven sacks each of the past two seasons despite coming off the bench for the Hawkeyes.
12
Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns): QB Will Levis, Kentucky
Well, look at that. The Texans traded back from the second overall pick and opted to focus on defense with the fourth selection, then still wind up with a potential franchise quarterback. No prospect’s draft stock has been more volatile than Levis’s. He’s gone from high potential passer to just-OK combine participant to guy flunking his team interviews because he’s too jacked (??) to having the top odds to be the No. 2 pick. Wild.
Deep down, Levis is the guy whose efficiency improved in 2022 despite losing vitally important supporting cast members and dealing with injury throughout the back half of the season. He’s got a high ceiling and the floor to be, at the very least, better than Davis Mills was last fall. Houston has meandered around the bottom of the NFL standings while executing a blatantly obvious rebuild before hiring a serious head coach this winter. Now DeMeco Ryans gets a potential All-Pro defensive lineman and the guy who could be his franchise quarterback in his first two draft picks with the Texans.
13
Green Bay Packers (via New York Jets): WR Zay Flowers, Boston College
After Smith-Njigba, there’s no wideout in this year’s draft class that wins one-on-one matchups as often and impressively as Flowers. He overcame shaky quarterback play and the fact opponents had no one else to gameplan around at Boston College to consistently torch defenses. He had 1,117 yards from scrimmage last season; no one else on the Eagles roster had more than 643.
That makes him a wonderful fit in Green Bay, who snap a two-decade streak of not selecting a first round wideout in hopes of boosting Jordan Love’s stock. Flowers’ ability to play inside or out allows Christian Watson to build his resume as a deep threat while Romeo Doubs continues to work as a mid-range threat. That’s not an intimidating big three at wideout, but it’s three players with the skillset to get there.
14
Minnesota Vikings***** via projected trade with the New England Patriots: CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
- The Patriots send: their 14th overall pick
- The Vikings send: their 23rd overall pick, a third round pick (87th overall) and a 2024 second round selection
The Vikings need a Kirk Cousins exit strategy and Hendon Hooker has been a popular mock draft pick for them. But Cousins’ contract effectively ties him to the team through 2024. Hooker will be 27 years old in what would be his first season as an unquestioned starter. He’s a very good quarterback, but he’s not quite the developmental prospect who’d make sense as a growing understudy for a year or more.
Instead, Minnesota leaps up the draft board to pick up the last elite cornerback in this year’s stacked crop. Porter is a physical, rangy defensive back who can excel in press coverage and be left to his own devices on an island without getting burned. He’d pair with Byron Murphy to give the Vikes a different kind of Cousins contingency plan; a rising defense that can force opponents into more rock fights.
15
New York Jets (via Green Bay Packers): OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
If Mekhi Becton comes back at full strength and regains the form that made him a stud as a rookie, that’s wonderful. Johnson can be a proper bookend on the other side of the line. If he can’t, Johnson can slide into his role as this team’s now and future blindside protector. While he’s not a polished product, Johnson may have the biggest potential among all blockers in this year’s draft.
𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 😮💨#DevelopedHere | #ProDay2023 pic.twitter.com/ztH8dGkPZA
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 22, 2023
Not only is he a player who can contribute immediately and grow into a larger role, but he’s a vanity addition for a vain quarterback. Aaron Rodgers is 40 years old and the mobility that helped make him great is waning. His 13 scrambles in 2022 were a career low as a full-time starter. A Becton-Johnson pairing would give him more time and space in the pocket as he writes the next chapter of his career.
16
Washington Commanders: EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia
Both Chase Young and Montez Sweat are pending free agents in 2024. Adding Smith wouldn’t just provide depth for 2023, but a potential in-house replacement with all the tools to be a perennial Pro Bowler. The UGA product’s stats don’t jump out at you thanks to his place on a loaded defense, but his combine numbers do. Smith was an absolute marvel, running a 4.39-second 40 at nearly 240 pounds and showcasing the explosion to leave opposing blockers swatting at air.
The Commanders already have strength in their pass rush, but with an unsettled quarterback situation there’s no harm in beefing up the defense. Smith’s draft stock is fluid thanks to his combination of limited college resume (he also missed the back half of his senior season with a torn pectoral muscle) and incredible physical traits. He could go higher, he could go lower, but 16 feels like the right spot for him.
17
Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Broderick Jones, Georgia
The Steelers need to coax the most from Kenny Pickett. The best way to do that is to not only keep him protected, but also Najee Harris the room to gash defenses and maintain a balanced offense. Pittsburgh’s offensive line is in a better place than it was after acquiring James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo the past two offseasons, but there’s still room for improvement, particularly at tackle.
Jones can be that guy, now and well into the future. He spent the last two seasons clearing room for Stetson Bennett to thrive on a pair of national title teams. He’s an elite athlete on the edges who moves well laterally and changes direction with few wasted movements. He’s still got room to grow as a blocker, but he’s in the running to be the first offensive lineman selected this spring. Instead, the Steelers pick up a potential bargain at No. 17.
Look at Georgia LT Broderick Jones get out in space and get the kill shot on the DB. Bulldogs aren’t messing around on either side of the ball today. pic.twitter.com/Z9GblTFTVm
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) November 5, 2022
18
Philadelphia Eagles*** via projected trade with the Lions: RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
Rashaad Penny is a great addition to the Eagles’ tailback platoon, but he’s averaged just 67 carries per season due to injury. While No. 10 may have been too high to draft a running back, No. 18 is a much more comfortable spot for Howie Roseman to make a luxury pick and take one of this year’s most complete prospects.
Just a reminder of how silly of a prospect Bijan Robinson is. pic.twitter.com/M5YlVGqaWg
— Jake Anderson (@JakeAndersonPGA) March 26, 2023
Robinson is an absolute monster. He’s power, balance and speed poured in equal parts to the brim of a stick of dynamite. He’s a disaster to bring down in the open field, sees the field well and adds value in the passing game. He’s a three-down back for a team with depth at the position but a lingering need following Miles Sanders’ move to Carolina. Tailback isn’t Philadelphia’s biggest need, but Robinson’s value and the added benefit of trading back and amassing additional assets makes him too tempting to pass up.
19
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Tampa’s offensive line was a disaster last year. While Ryan Jensen’s return from injury will help, Donovan Smith’s departure (via release) will not. Wright could be an immediate upgrade at tackle with the chops to grow into much more.
Darnell Wright vs Will Anderson Jr. pic.twitter.com/yDxz2PvB75
— John Brennan (@jbrens20) March 26, 2023
A former blue chip recruit, Wright’s blend of size and athleticism gives him All-Pro potential despite the fact he’ll need to refine his game. He’s got quick feet to shadow edge rushers and long arms to keep them at bay. He’s also capable of getting upfield on running plays and ruining linebackers’ days. That’s vitally important; the Buccaneers’ 2.1 yards before contact on running plays and their 2.2 seconds of pocket time on each passing play? Each was the worst in the NFL.
20
Seattle Seahawks: DL Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
Pete Carroll’s efforts to create a sequel to his Legion of Boom defense gets a boost here another front seven addition. Kancey may lack the size to be a true nose tackle up front, but his power and explosiveness would give him the edge over Jarran Reed to earn a starting spot wreaking havoc alongside free agent addition Dre’Mont Jones.
Carroll has seen first hand how destructive an Aaron Donald-type presence can be in the middle of the line. Now he gets a Donald clone, right down to the undersized frame, incredible workout numbers and alma mater. Kancey had 14.5 sacks the last two seasons by consistently winning inside and roasting gaps with a blazing first step. If even 80 percent of that can translate to the bigger, faster offensive lines of the pros he’s a worthy gamble at No. 20.
21
Miami Dolphins: Pick forfeited
The NFL docked Miami this pick and a 2023 third rounder and fined team owner $1.5 million for violating “the integrity of the game” as it pertained to tampering with then-Saints head coach Sean Payton and Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady.
22
Los Angeles Chargers: TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
Washington, unsurprisingly, has shot up draft boards despite not even being the top tight end on his own college team. That’s the result of playing alongside potential 2024 top-10 pick Brock Bowers and being built like a Street Fighter character. The 6-foot-7, 265-pound monster of a target only had 45 catches at Georgia but averaged better than 17 yards per reception thanks to his run-after-catch capabilities.
TE Darnell Washington (6'6" 264 pounds) visited with the Steelers on Tuesday. His 11" hands are the 2nd largest a TE has ever recorded at the NFL combine, he ran a 4.64 40 yard dash, and his wingspan (83 3/4) is the largest ever measured by a TE at the combine. pic.twitter.com/ff8HcXJ3V2
— Billy Hartford (@BudDupreeFan) April 20, 2023
The Chargers have a handful of needs, and foremost among them is creating an environment for Justin Herbert to reach his potential. Injuries along his offensive line derailed that in 2022, so it’s possible Los Angeles opts for a blocker here, though with four linemen off the board there isn’t a great fit. Instead, the team helps its rising star by offering a tight end who can contribute by clearing space in the run game and rumble downfield to be a valuable, chain-moving safety net through the air. He’s not as sure a thing as Michael Mayer or Dalton Kincaid, but his physical attributes suggest Washington could be special.
23
Baltimore Ravens: WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
Johnston’s draft stock has fluctuated through the pre-draft process. He’s smaller than expected (listed at 6-foot-4, measured out at 6-foot-2) and doesn’t have burner speed after running a 4.5-second 40 at TCU’s pro day. Even so, his game tape from the Horned Frogs’ magical 2022 season paints him as a difference maker who can devastate defenses from anywhere on the field.
Quentin Johnston was tied for 11th in the NCAA with 19 missed tackles forced and 20th in average YAC.
Not hard to see why. Elusiveness and explosive speed at this size is NFL-calibre stuff. pic.twitter.com/6Zvx1ZpWPH
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) March 27, 2023
Signing Odell Beckham Jr. was a start, but he’s 30 years old and coming off a serious knee injury. The Ravens badly need targets, especially since Rashod Bateman, who is capable of greatness, as spent significant time on the injured list in each of his two NFL seasons. Johnston is capable of scoring on screen passes or deep throws and would be an asset to Lamar Jackson or whomever is throwing the ball in Baltimore in 2023 and beyond.
24
New England Patriots***** via projected trade with the Vikings: CB Deonte Banks, Maryland
Trading back cost Bill Belichick the opportunity to draft Porter Jr., but he still gets a top flight cornerback nine picks later in Banks. The Maryland product is an elite athlete (4.35-second 40 time) with good size (6-foot, 197 pounds) capable of being a reliable outside presence in man coverage on Sundays.
The Patriots loaded up with two solid mid-draft defensive backs in Marcus Jones and Jack Jones last year. Additional help is a worthwhile endeavor; even after a soon-to-be 30-year-old Jonathan Jones re-signed with the club. Banks is a high-upside pick who can jam wideouts at the line of scrimmage, then effortlessly turn and run with even the fastest deep threats the league has to offer.
25
Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
Like the Chargers, Jacksonville could bolster a young quarterback’s protection with offensive line help here should the right player slide. But that’s not the case, so the Jags turn to the other side of the ball and get a player who is pure electricity on the field. Forbes is likely to be the lightest player drafted at 166 pounds (and 6-feet), but his ball skills are impeccable; he had 14 interceptions in three seasons at Mississippi State and 20 passes defensed.
— FBVids (@vids_fb) January 9, 2023
Even if he gets out-muscled by bigger wideouts he finds his way back to the ball to punish quarterbacks who think they see a mismatch. He’s also wildly productive once he has the ball in his hands; only one other player in modern Division I-A history can match his six interception return touchdowns. Jacksonville cut Shaquill Griffin loose this offseason; Forbes has the potential to be so much more than the veteran he’d replace.
26
New York Giants: OG O'Cyrus Torrence, Florida
New York could opt to bolster Daniel Jones’ passing attack with a wideout like Jordan Additson or Jalin Hyatt here. Instead, the team leans into Brian Daboll’s run-heavy philosophy with a much-needed upgrade along the inside of the offensive line. A near 50/50 split of run and pass plays last season helped paint over Jones’ more unfortunate passing tendencies and allowed Saquon Barkley to re-enter the conversation as a top five running back.
o'cyrus torrence (RG, #54) is one of my favorite players in this years class. tank on the interior, think he's a plug and play guy from day 1. explosiveness/torque through first contact is one of the first things i look for in all trench prospects and he's got it man pic.twitter.com/A4XTXNFGEa
— charles (“you look good” – andy reid) mcdonald (@FourVerts) April 7, 2023
Torrence would pave the way for an even better 2023. The Louisiana transfer wasn’t daunted by the jump from the Sun Belt to the SEC, flattening NFL prospects with aplomb behind a 340-pound frame. He’s tough to move and capable of sealing off running lanes, which would chart a path for Barkley to continue taking the pressure from Jones’ shoulders.
27
Dallas Cowboys: TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
There’d be plenty of temptation to take a wideout like Jordan Addison or running back like Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 26. Each would be proper additions to a talented offense, even if they don’t fill glaring needs. But Mayer would be a useful playmaker who could step into the void Dalton Schultz leaves behind to play an immediate role in Dak Prescott’s offense.
Michael Mayer with more Green Bay buzz, you say? pic.twitter.com/aNquiEaem6
— Kyle Fellows (@Packer_Pundit) April 24, 2023
Mayer’s stock has been in flux because his testing numbers don’t reflect the impact he has on the field. He’s a complete tight end, capable of sealing corners on running plays or escaping upfield for big gains. He sees the field clearly to exploit holes in coverage and maximize his yards-after-catch. Now he’ll go to a team where he’ll immediately face Jason Witten comparisons — and he might just live up to them.
28
Buffalo Bills: WR Jordan Addison, USC
The Bills are in search of a proper WR2 to play alongside Stefon Diggs and take some pressure off the team’s passing attack. In the process, they may have found the 2023 Draft’s WR1. Addison was a bonafide monster alongside Kenny Pickett at Pittsburgh in 2021, roasting defenses with aplomb en route to 100 catches, nearly 1,600 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. But those numbers dipped at USC in 2022, leaving him to fall to the fourth spot among wideouts.
That’s great news for Buffalo, which could opt for a defensive lineman or a defensive back here but instead infuse its offense with a young playmaker who can thrive in the space Diggs creates. Josh Allen told press this spring that he’s likely to run a little less often and slide more thanks to the noticeable toll those hits are taking on his body. That’ll shift an added focus on his passing game, and stocking the cupboard with Diggs, Addison, Gabriel Davis, Dawson Knox and perhaps a Day 2 tight end would go a long way in boosting that.
29
Cincinnati Bengals: S/CB Brian Branch, Alabama
Cincinnati lost both starting safeties to free agency this spring. Fortunately for them, the Bengals still get the opportunity to draft 2023’s top prospect at the position at No. 29. Branch isn’t a pure safety, but a versatile do-everything presence who can slide into the slot and provide coverage and even track wideouts along the sideline. That’s useful, considering Eli Apple remains unsigned after two years of uneven play in Cincy.
I don’t care how. Get Brian Branch in a #Packers jersey asap. pic.twitter.com/Q48ZLkNPis
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) January 23, 2023
Branch’s flexibility helps convince Cincy not to splurge on another pass catcher for Joe Burrow … yet. 2023’s deep crop of tight ends means the Bengals can wait until Day 2 to find someone to pair with Irv Smith up front. A tackle like Oklahoma’s Anton Harrison could be in play as well, especially if the team honors Jonah Williams’ trade request.
30
Tennessee Titans**** via projected trade with the New Orleans Saints (via Denver Broncos in trade for Sean Payton, via Miami Dolphins, via San Francisco 49ers):QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Another year, another local(ish) mid-tier quarterback prospect for the Titans. Unlike the Vikings and their commitment to Kirk Cousins, Tennessee can part ways with Ryan Tannehill in 2024 with as little as $4.6 million lingering in dead cap space. Tannehill wasn’t the problem in his team’s seven-game losing streak (through he didn’t exactly help) but he’s also about to turn 35 years old and significantly less efficient than he was in his 2019-20 peak in Nashville.
Hooker is a gamble. He’s already 25 years old, coming off a significant knee injury and didn’t break out as a college quarterback until he took over Josh Heupel’s super spread offense at Tennessee. The Titans have, for the past few years, been the opposite of that, a throwback grind-em-out offense made possible by Derrick Henry’s bruising runs. He may or may not remain with the team much longer, but even if he does it’s fair to wonder how much longer he can tote the ball 300 times per season. Hooker is the catalyst to an exit strategy, a rocket into an uncertain future that could carry the team to new galaxies or explode on the launch pad. Either way, it’ll probably be exciting.
I am absolutely Team Hendon Hooker, but the thing about his college offense creating ridiculous openings does show up as a negative in that Hooker freezes too often when the openings aren't quite as obvious. He'll need to work on getting ahead of press and switch coverages. pic.twitter.com/moTwXzCBRR
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) April 18, 2023
31
Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson
Brandon Graham re-signed this offseason, but he’s 35 years old. Robert Quinn is a free agent. Kentavius Street is signed to a one-year deal. Philly doesn’t just need more bodies in its pass rush; it needs a young guy who can carry the team well into the future.
Murphy is the surest thing among the available options. The blue chip recruit and Clemson star hit double-digit tackles for loss in each of this three seasons as a Tiger and has 18.5 sacks in 35 career games despite playing for a roster loaded with talent. He can be a Day 1 starter who consistently threatens the NFC East with double-digit sack totals for years to come.
32
Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
I want this not just because McDonald is a legit prospect who fills a position of need for the Chiefs, but also because it would give the Cyclones their first first round draft pick in 50 years. McDonald would be a more-than-worthy successor to George Amundson; he’s a well-developed edge threat capable of bending around offensive tackles along the outside or punching them backward and slicing inside to introduce chaos to the pocket.
Iowa State put 6-foot-4, 239-pound Will McDonald IV inside the tackles on 20% of his snaps in their three-man fronts, and probably wondered why he got washed out. You put him outside the tackles, and it's just one big splash reel. Could have a Haason Reddick-level impact. pic.twitter.com/X44hxsXXQl
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 25, 2023
Kansas City needs pass rushers, even after a solid rookie campaign from George Karlaftis. Frank Clark was a cap casualty and Charles Omenihu, solid as he is, has never played more than 54 percent of his team’s defensive snaps. McDonald can be an immediate rotational presence and, while older, still has room to grow into an absolute force on Sundays.
33
Round 2 -- Pittsburgh Steelers: DL Bryan Bresee, Clemson
34
Houston Texans: LB Jack Campbell, Iowa
35
Arizona Cardinals: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
36
Houston Texans* via projected trade with the Colts: CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia
37
Los Angeles Rams: CB Cam Smith, South Carolina
38
Seattle Seahawks: LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas
39
Arizona Cardinals** via projected trade with the Raiders: CB Julius Brents, Kansas State
40
Green Bay Packers****** via projected trade with the Carolina Panthers: TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah
- The Panthers send: their 39th overall pick, a third round pick (93rd overall)
- The Packers send: their 42nd overall pick, a third round pick (78th overall)
Kincaid’s slide convinces the Packers to overpay and add a top flight tight end prospect to Jordan Love’s stable.
41
New Orleans Saints: WR Josh Downs, North Carolina
42
Tennessee Titans: OT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma
43
Carolina Panthers****** via projected trade with the Packers: EDGE Keion White, Georgia Tech
44
New York Jets: TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
45
Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern
46
Green Bay Packers: OT Dawand Jones, Ohio State
47
New England Patriots: DT Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
48
Washington Commanders: EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State
49
Detroit Lions: DL Mazi Smith, Michigan
50
Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Trenton Simpson, Clemson
51
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: IOL Steve Avila, TCU
52
Miami Dolphins: EDGE BJ Ojulari, LSU
53
Seattle Seahawks: IOL Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin
54
Chicago Bears: IOL John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota
55
Los Angeles Chargers: WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
56
Philadelphia Eagles*** via projected trade with the Lions: IOL Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
57
Jacksonville Jaguars: DL Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
58
New York Giants: CB D.J. Turner II, Michigan
59
Dallas Cowboys: DL Siaki Ika, Baylor
60
Buffalo Bills: S Sydney Brown, Illinois
61
Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Derick Hall, Auburn
62
Chicago Bears: OT Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
63
Philadelphia Eagles: S Jartavius Martin, Illinois
64
Kansas City Chiefs: WR Rashee Rice, SMU
65
Round three -- Chicago Bears: CB Tyrique Stevenson, Miami
66
Houston Texans: WR Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss
67
Arizona Cardinals: LB Daiyan Henley, Washington State
68
Denver Broncos: EDGE Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
69
Denver Broncos: CB Riley Moss, Iowa
70
Los Angeles Rams: S Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
71
Las Vegas Raiders: OT Tyler Steen, Alabama
72
New Orleans Saints: DL Gervon Dexter, Florida
73
Tennessee Titans: WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
74
Houston Texans: LB Henry To'oto'o, Alabama
75
Cleveland Browns: WR Jayden Reed, Michigan State
76
Atlanta Falcons: CB Clark Phillips III, Utah
77
New England Patriots: WR A.T. Perry, Wake Forest
78
Los Angeles Rams: RB Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
79
Carolina Panthers****** via projected trade with the Packers: WR Cedric Tillman, Tennessee
80
Indianapolis Colts: CB Terrell Smith, Minnesota
81
Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Nathaniel Dell, Houston
82
Detroit Lions: TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa
83
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE Brenton Strange, Penn State
84
Seattle Seahawks: TE Tucker Craft, South Dakota State
85
Miami Dolphins: RB Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh
86
Los Angeles Chargers: S Jordan Battle, Alabama
87
Baltimore Ravens: DT Zacch Pickens, South Carolina
88
New England Patriots***** via projected trade with the Vikings: OT Blake Freeland, BYU
89
Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion
90
New York Giants: EDGE YaYa Diaby, Louisville
91
Dallas Cowboys: RB Devon Achane, Texas A&M
92
Buffalo Bills: IOL Emil Ekiyor Jr., Alabama
93
Cincinnati Bengals: OT Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland
94
Green Bay Packers****** via projected trade with the Panthers: EDGE Byron Young, Tennessee
95
Philadelphia Eagles: CB Darius Rush, South Carolina
96
Kansas City Chiefs: RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane
97
Arizona Cardinals: S Ji'Ayir Brown, Penn State
98
Washington Commanders: QB Jake Haener, Fresno State
99
Cleveland Browns: EDGE Tavius Robinson, Ole Miss
100
San Francisco 49ers: WR Tyler Scott, Cincinnati
101
Las Vegas Raiders: CB Eli Ricks, Alabama
