If you’ve been following me at all, it’s been evident that I’m an NFL Draft guy. It’s what I love to write about and breaking down. So with that, I’ve decided to come out firing away a two-round mock draft.
1. Carolina Panthers (via Chicago) — C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
We already know that the Carolina Panthers have a quarterback at the top of their 2023 NFL Draft board. The question is which quarterback is it going to be for them? You can make the case for any of these signal callers, especially Anthony Richardson after the Scouting Combine. The same can be said for C.J. Stroud and with how it’s trending, I could see them nabbing the Ohio State quarterback as theirs for the future.
2. Houston Texans — Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Regardless of the trade, it feels like the Texans are in a great spot. They can still get their potential franchise quarterback and could pair him with an offensive weapon or some protection later in the first round. Young is my top quarterback and for good reason. He can make all the throws on the field, throws from unique arm angles and moves around the pocket like a point guard driving to the basket. This pick just makes too much sense.
3. Arizona Cardinals — Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Before we get crazy and start trading everywhere, let’s have some realism in this mock draft. Not every team trades out of their original draft spots. That’s going to be the case for the Cardinals here. They need to draft good football players and Will Anderson is the best player in the draft. While they lost J.J. Watt to retirement, Anderson can come right in and play immediately. He’s a terrific athlete with great speed-to-power.
4. Indianapolis Colts — Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
It’s possible that the Panthers or Texans take Richardson just due to his athletic ability and upside but in this case, Richardson is available for the Colts. Head coach Shane Steichen would be able to incorporate plenty of his RPO offense into the hands of Richardson. This would be a perfect landing spot for Richardson, too. He’d have an established offensive line and weapons around him such as Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr.
5. Seattle Seahawks — Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia
There’s a chance that Carter takes a tumble down the board but currently, it’s hard for me to believe that the Seahawks would. Carter is one of the drafts best players with his power and versatility but he’s got quick hands and feet for a player of his size. If the legal issues clear up, it seems likely that he would land in the lap of Seattle.
6. Detroit Lions — Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
While the Lions could be heavily interested in pass-rushers such as Nolan Smith or Tyree Wilson, I still believe that Gonzalez is a perfect fit for Detroit. He’s got fluid hips and utilizes his length to play through the catch-point consistently when targeted. At the Combine, he showed off his speed and explosiveness by vertical jumping 41.5″ and running the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds.
7. Las Vegas Raiders — Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
It’s very possible that the Raiders move up ahead of the Colts to try and get “their guy” but I have them staying put and taking Will Levis. When you talk about tools for a quarterback, Levis will be one of the first players that gets discussed. He’s got all the tools but just needs some refinement within his game from his footwork to his decision making.
8. Atlanta Falcons — Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Wilson drops just a little bit but he’s still one of the top 5 or 6 players in this draft. The Falcons brought back Lorenzo Carter but need more from their pass rushers. They’ll get that here with Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech. He’s got terrific size at 6’6″ and 271 pounds but he’s also a versatile weapon for a defensive front. He can align from a 2i-technique to a tilted 7-technique, if needed. Look for Wilson to use his length, power and high motor to load up the stat sheets.
9. Chicago Bears (via Carolina) — Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Bears make an incredible trade and still stayed in the top-10 of this years draft. The best part of their trade was that they added wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Panthers. Now they could look at Quentin Johnston or Jaxon Smith-Njigba but they need more protection for Justin Fields. They’ll look to his former college teammate, Paris Johnson Jr., to help get that done. Johnson is a tremendous athlete with great size (almost has 36″ arms) and he’s versatile. At Ohio State, he started at right guard, right tackle and left tackle. Johnson Jr., becomes a plug and play type player for the Bears offensive line.
10. Philadelphia Eagles — Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
I strongly considered a defensive back in this spot but I’ve been preaching the Eagles selecting Bijan Robinson out of Texas for quite some time. We’ll stay on that train. It doesn’t look like the Eagles are going to bring back Miles Sanders so they’ll replace him with the best running back in the draft. Robinson has great change of direction ability but he also runs through contact while showcasing burst and speed when hitting the hole. The pairing of Jalen Hurts with Bijan Robinson, Devonta Smith, A.J. Brown and Dallas Goedert is a defensive coordinators nightmare.
11. Tennessee Titans — Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Titans have moved on from offensive tackle Taylor Lewan so they’ll need to look at how to replace him. They’ll do so by taking the most consistent player in the draft with Peter Skoronski. He’s a technically sound offensive tackle that will provide a team starting tackle or guard ability. I think he can play tackle at the next level and he’s shown it over the course of his career in the Big Ten. He moves well, plays light on his feet and can anchor against the best of them.
12. Houston Texans — Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Even though the Texans just signed Robert Woods, I think it would be wise for them to add another weapon to their offense. JSN is one of the best route runners in the draft and while he might not have the desired straight-line speed, he’s got plenty of wiggle and the short area quickness needed to beat defenders.
13. New York Jets — Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
We’ll see if the Jets still have this pick after a potential trade for Aaron Rodgers. If they do, I could see them drafting to fit his needs. Whether that’s a wide receiver, tight end or an offensive lineman. Getting Rodgers protection should be key and by adding Broderick Jones they do that. Jones is an athletic freak that bulldozes defenders while getting out in space. He’s got good length and looks destined to play either tackle spot for an NFL team.
14. New England Patriots — Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
I can’t help but think that this could be the year that the Patriots finally draft a first round wide receiver. If I had to pick, I’d think it would be Zay Flowers from Boston College. In this scenario, I stay with the Patriots adding defense. They do so by adding one of my favorite players in the class with Myles Murphy from Clemson. Murphy has a great blend of power and speed but his motor really stands out. I could see Murphy having a long time career for New England and when he look back at it down the road, it wouldn’t be surprising if he was one of the best players from this class.
15. Seattle Seahawks (Mock Trade with Green Bay) — Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Surprise! We’ve got a mock trade and it’s one that makes plenty of sense. The Packers see offensive lineman and pass-rushers dropping like flies so they backpedal out of their spot and get some additional day three draft capital. The Seahawks get aggressive and go up and get a guy that makes a ton of sense for them. Banks is a physical corner with a fluid lower half and the speed to run in-stride with receivers.
Seahawks receive: 2023 First Round Pick (15th overall) and 2023 Fourth Round Pick (116th overall)
Packers receive: 2023 First Round Pick (20th overall), 2023 Third Round Pick (83rd overall) and 2024 Fourth Round Pick
16. Washington Commanders — Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Age and health is starting become a concern for the Commanders with tight end Logan Thomas so they could look to move him this off-season to clear up some cap space. If they go that route, it wouldn’t be surprising if they take the best tight end in the draft in Michael Mayer. While, he didn’t blow-up the Scouting Combine, Mayer did test well and has very consistent tape. He’s a better route runner than given credit for and he catches the ball consistently away from his frame. If the Commanders are truly committed to Sam Howell at quarterback, look for Mayer to become his best friend.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers — Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Like father, like son. We all want that feel good story and there would be nothing better than for Joey Porter Jr., to follow in his father’s footsteps and play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Porter Jr., has great length and athleticism for the cornerback position. He’ll need to clean-up on some of his “grabbiness” on receivers downfield but his physicality through the catch-point allowed him to have 15 pass deflections over the last two seasons.
18. Dallas Cowboys (Mock Trade with Detroit) — Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
There’s been rumors that the Cowboys want to be aggressive and make a splash for their offense. They might look to do that during free agency with how they’re clearing up cap space but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make a move and grab a receiver in the first round. Johnston put his explosiveness on display at the Combine with a 40.5″ vertical and a 11’2″ broad jump. That matches what we see on tape as Johnston has plenty of ability to run after the catch. Pairing him with Lamb would be great for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense.
Cowboys receive: 2023 First Round Pick (18th overall)
Lions receive: 2023 First Round Pick (26th overall) and 2023 Second Round Pick (58th overall)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Are the Bucs really going to leave their offense in the hands of quarterback Kyle Trask? We’ll see if they add a veteran this week during free agency but regardless, they’ve got to get some help on their offensive line. After they announced they’re letting left tackle Donovan Smith go, it might be more evident than ever. While they’ll move Tristan Wirfs from the right side to the left side, they can take one of the best right tackles in this years draft and start him immediately. Wright has a devastating snatch-trap technique that he uses to bury defenders into the dirt and his foot speed is underrated for a player of his size.
20. Green Bay Packers (Mock Trade with Seattle) — Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
It would be something if the Packers move Rodgers and then finally add an offensive lineman or pass-catcher. That said, I think they look to the defensive side of the football. The Packers are set to lose Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed to free agency and while they could bring them both back, they’ll view their first round pick as a way to replace them. Van Ness is a versatile chess piece for a defensive front as he played standing up and played on the interior aligned in a 2i-technique for the Hawkeyes. He’s an impressive athlete that loves to translate speed-to-power.
Seahawks receive: 2023 First Round Pick (15th overall) and 2023 Fourth Round Pick (116th overall)
Packers receive: 2023 First Round Pick (20th overall), 2023 Third Round Pick (83rd overall) and 2024 Fourth Round Pick
** Miami Dolphins: Pick is forfeited **
21. Los Angeles Chargers — Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The only reason for Witherspoon falling down the draft board is that he didn’t test at the Scouting Combine due to a hamstring injury and then he didn’t participate at the Illinois Pro Day. In a few weeks, he’ll get his own workout to showcase his talent to teams but he did check into the Combine at 5’11” and 181 pounds. When you look at the Chargers roster, there’s not a glaring need for a cornerback but when you dive deeper, you’ll realize that cornerback Michael Davis is set to become a free agent after this season and J.C. Jackson carries a massive cap hit. By adding Witherspoon, they get a top-end talent as insurance to their defensive secondary.
22. Baltimore Ravens — Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Do we really think the Ravens are going to add a pass-catcher in the draft? It’s possible but I think there’s enough free agent pass-catchers that they’ll target and that’ll allow them to focus on the defensive side of the football. Meanwhile, we’ll see what happens with Lamar Jackson. That said, Nolan Smith falls to their lap despite blowing the roof off the Combine with his 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds. Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Houston are set to hit the free agent market so they’ll look to get younger off the edge. Smith is an explosive pass-rusher that has a great motor and chooses violence on the football field.
23. Minnesota Vikings — Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
While I considered a defensive player here for the Vikings, we’ll have them select a pass-catcher. In wake of the Vikings releasing Adam Thielen, they’ll need to get a compliment to Justin Jefferson. By adding Flowers, they get an explosive receiver that can push vertically down the field but he’s also dynamic after the catch. Before the Combine, Flowers added 13 pounds of muscle to his frame and it didn’t slow him down as he was still able to a 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds. Look for Flowers to come in and play inside or outside.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars — Brian Branch, SAF, Alabama
I struggle with Brian Branch because he truly is one of the 10 or 12 best players in this draft. While he didn’t test out of this world at the Combine, he does have some of the most consistent tape of any defensive back in the class, specifically for the safety position. Branch can play as a buzz defender or in the slot and he’s super effective when blitzing.
25. New York Giants — Jordan Addison, WR, USC
While Jordan Addison is my top ranked wide receiver for the 2023 NFL Draft, he did only check into the Combine at 173 pounds. He was also expected to run a much faster 40-yard dash time but he was clocked in at 4.49 seconds and his 34″ in the vertical jump was a bit underwhelming. But on tape, Addison is fluid in the short and intermediate areas of the field and terrorize defenders in the red-zone with whip and slant routes. The Giants desperately need to surround quarterback Daniel Jones with weapons so this pick makes sense.
26. Detroit Lions (Mock Trade with Dallas) — Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh
It shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Lions move around on the opening night of the draft. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell could get aggressive or stock pile a few picks and still get a few good players out of the deal. That’s what they’ll try to do here by obtaining an additional 2nd round pick and they’ll swing big for Calijah Kancey out of Pittsburgh. Kancey ran the 40-yard dash in 4.67 seconds at the Combine and his speed shows on tape. He’s overly aggressive and explosive despite only having 30 5/8″ arms while standing 6’1″ and 281 pounds. Kancey has an NFL ready pass-rush plan despite being undersized. He’d fit along nicely with Alim McNeil and Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit.
Cowboys receive: 2023 First Round Pick (18th overall)
Lions receive: 2023 First Round Pick (26th overall) and 2023 Second Round Pick (58th overall)
27. Houston Texans (Mock Trade with Buffalo) — Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Following the plan set by the New York Jets last year, the Houston Texans move back into the first round and end up with 3 picks in the first round. One of the most underrated players in this years draft is Oklahoma offensive tackle Anton Harrison. He’s got quick feet, great length and is aggressive as can be in the run game. The Texans move up and look to make Harrison a starting tackle for their new look offense.
Bills receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (33rd overall), 2023 Fourth Round Pick (104th overall) and 2024 Third Round Pick
Texans receive: 2023 First Round Pick (27th overall)
28. Cincinnati Bengals — Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
While the Bengals found success with Hayden Hurst at tight end, he’s set to become a free agent and I could see the Bengals moving on. One of the most sure-handed pass-catchers in the draft is Dalton Kincaid. Throughout his career at Utah, he only has one drop and he’s a perfect fit for the modern day tight end in the NFL. He can run vertically up the field while consistently catching the ball away from his frame but he’s also able to play in-line or out of the slot.
29. New Orleans Saints (via San Francisco) — Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson
It wouldn’t be shocking if Bresee is already off the board but he ends up being available. Best suited to play as a 3-technique at the next level, Bresee isn’t overly athletic but he’s got the size and overall technique to hold his own against offensive lineman in the NFL. One player he reminds me of at times is former Florida defensive lineman Taven Bryan. While he’s not as explosive as him, they both are comparable in size. Oddly enough, Bryan went 29th overall in 2018 and Bresee does the same here.
30. Philadelphia Eagles — Adetomiwa Adebawore, IDL, Northwestern
Over the last few years, Howie Roseman and the Eagles have had a thing for grabbing offensive lineman and defensive lineman. We’ll follow that trend by having them select one of the most impressive performances for any player in Combine history. Adetomiwa Adebawore, a.k.a, double A, tested out of this world. He checked into Indianapolis at 6’2″ and 282 pounds while running the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds, posting 27 reps in the bench press and having a 37.5″ vertical jump. Double A was impressive at the Senior Bowl due to his explosiveness and versatility. Look for him to play anywhere and everywhere if drafted by the Eagles.
31. Kansas City Chiefs — Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
There’s a chance that the Chiefs lose both of their starting offensive tackles in free agency. Orlando Brown and Andrew Wylie are both set to hit the market and if the Chiefs lose them, there’s no bigger need than protecting Patrick Mahomes. By selecting Matthew Bergeron, they’ll look to do that. Bergeron is a lot more athletic than expected for a player that’s listed at 6’5″ and 318 pounds. He gave up five sacks this past year for Syracuse but there’s a lot to work within his game and it wouldn’t be surprising if a team views him as a borderline first round pick. He can anchor and steer defenders clear while opening up rushing lanes.
Round 2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (via Chicago) — Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
33. Buffalo Bills (Mock Trade with Houston) — Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
34. Arizona Cardinals — O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida
35. Indianapolis Colts — Will McDonald, EDGE, Iowa State
36. Los Angeles Rams — Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (FL)
37. Seattle Seahawks — John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota
38. Cleveland Browns (Mock Trade with Las Vegas) — Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Browns receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (38th overall)
Raiders receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (42nd overall) and 2023 Fourth Round Pick (111th overall)
39. Carolina Panthers — Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
40. New Orleans Saints — Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
41. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Mock Trade with Tennessee) — Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Bucs receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (41st overall)
Titans receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (50th overall), 2023 Fifth Round Pick (154th overall), 2023 Sixth Round Pick (180th overall) and 2024 Fourth Round Pick
42. Las Vegas Raiders (Mock Trade with Cleveland) — Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
43. New York Jets — Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
44. Atlanta Falcons — Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
45. Green Bay Packers — Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
46. New England Patriots — Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
47. Washington Commanders — Joe Tippmann, IOL, Wisconsin
48. Detroit Lions — Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
The Lions passed on an edge rusher in the first round but they don’t do that here by selecting Felix Anudike-Uzomah. One of my favorite players in this draft class, Anudike-Uzomah is an explosive pass-rusher with a great motor and NFL-ready hands. Putting him in the mix of Hutchinson, Houston and Paschal could lead plenty of sack production for the next several years in Detroit.
49. Los Angeles Chargers (Mock Trade with Pittsburgh) — Mazi Smith, IDL, Michigan
Chargers receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (49th overall)
Steelers receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (53rd overall) and 2023 Fourth Overall Pick (124th overall)
50. Tennessee Titans — B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
51. Seattle Seahawks — Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
52. Miami Dolphins — Luke Wypler, IOL, Ohio State
53. Pittsburgh Steelers (Mock Trade with Los Angeles Chargers) — Sydney Brown, SAF, Illinois
Chargers receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (49th overall)
Steelers receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (53rd overall) and 2023 Fourth Overall Pick (124th overall)
54. Chicago Bears — Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC
55. Detroit Lions — Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
It’s not every day that you see a 6’5″ and 250 pound linebacker move as efficient and fluid as Jack Campbell. There’s a chance he could be ranked as the top linebacker for teams. He can drop into coverage while also having a physical presence in the run game with his ability to scrape over the top or stack and shed blocks to meet running backs in the hole. Pairing Campbell with Malcolm Rodriguez feels like a match-made in heaven.
56. Jacksonville Jaguars — Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
57. New York Giants — Steve Avila, IOL, TCU
58. Kansas City Chiefs (Mock Trade with Detroit) — Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston
Chiefs receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (58th overall)
Lions receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (63rd overall), 2023 Fourth Round Pick (124th overall) and 2023 Sixth Round Pick (199th overall)
59. Buffalo Bills — Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
60. Cincinnati Bengals — Cody Mauch, IOL, North Dakota State
61. Chicago Bears — Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
62. Philadelphia Eagles — Parker Washington, WR, Penn State
63. Detroit Lions (Mock Trade with Kansas City) — Cedric Tillman Jr., WR, Tennessee
By making a move with Dallas in the first round, the Lions have an additional second round pick. They get fancy here and move down with the Chiefs to cap off the second round with a receiver. Personally, I prefer Tillman over his teammate Jalin Hyatt so it wouldn’t surprise me if Tillman is off the board much sooner than I have him mocked here. That said, he’s available and he’s a perfect fit for the Lions potential need for an ‘X’ receiver. Standing at 6’3″ and 213 pounds, Tillman is physical and consistent with 50/50 balls.
Chiefs receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (58th overall)
Lions receive: 2023 Second Round Pick (63rd overall), 2023 Fourth Round Pick (124th overall) and 2023 Sixth Round Pick (199th overall)
