Athlonsports.com: Updated Two-Round Mock Draft
Ready for the 2023 NFL draft?
With free agency’s big signings in the rearview mirror, the NFL now hurdles toward the draft, which is April 27 to 29 in Kansas City.
The first round could see four quarterbacks go in as many picks, something that’s never happened before. Then there are the teams with multiple first-rounders, including the Texans, Lions, Seahawks and Eagles, while the Rams, Dolphins, Browns, 49ers and Broncos don’t have selections until Day 2.
What are the biggest needs for all 32 teams?
We ran down the top three for each team.
Arizona Cardinals
Needs: Edge, CB, IOL
Fixing this roster is a major task for first-year general manager Monti Ossenfort. The Cardinals need help all over, but Ossenfort might as well start with a big need at edge after losing J.J. Watt and Chandler Jones in consecutive years. The defense also needs a top-tier corner after the secondary allowed 2,559 yards after the catch in 2022, most in the NFL.
Offensively, Arizona should look to fortify the interior of its line. The Cardinals lost center Rodney Hudson and guard Justin Pugh this offseason, giving them areas to upgrade on the interior.
Atlanta Falcons
Needs: QB, edge, CB
The Falcons need another edge rusher to pair with veteran signing Calais Campbell. The front office should rectify that early if it doesn’t select a quarterback in the first round. Atlanta ranked last in pressure rate and 31st in sacks, with only 21 last season. The Falcons have an intriguing secondary led by young corner A.J. Terrell, but a weak front doesn’t help.
Doug Engle/USA TODAY NETWORK
Still, the biggest need for Atlanta is quarterback. Marcus Mariota wasn’t the answer, and neither Taylor Heinicke nor Desmond Ridder can keep the Falcons from looking to upgrade. If Atlanta believes in a signal-caller at No. 8, it should select the player. Otherwise, the Falcons should add young talent along the defensive front to create pressure.
Baltimore Ravens
Needs: WR, OT, CB
This is a weird spot for the Ravens. Are they going with Lamar Jackson at quarterback in 2023 and beyond? If not, that’s the obvious position to fill with a treasure trove of picks. Otherwise, it’s time to target another receiver in the first two days.
If general manager Eric DeCosta goes another direction, corner makes sense. While Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters have been longtime pillars, Peters hit free agency and Humphrey is better playing in the slot. Also, adding a rookie contract at a premium position would help DeCosta after he paid major money to off-ball linebacker Roquan Smith last year.
Buffalo Bills
Needs: WR, OG, DT
After a disappointing end to their season, the Bills have holes to fill. For starters, general manager Brandon Beane could consider a receiver to pair with Stefon Diggs. Gabe Davis is talented but inconsistent, and has only one year remaining on his deal. Buffalo could also add a guard in the early rounds, needing to strengthen the line with the departure of Rodger Saffold.
Defensively, the Bills will have a need along the front, with Ed Oliver hitting free agency next year and nobody else notable alongside him. Adding another pass-rushing presence on the interior would also help Von Miller and Greg Rousseau see fewer double teams.
Carolina Panthers
Needs: QB, WR, edge
The Panthers have a new coach in Frank Reich, and, after having five different starting quarterbacks over his final five years in Indianapolis, he wants stability. Carolina traded up from the ninth pick in the first round to the top pick, giving it the option of Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud.
Beyond quarterback, Carolina can add to its young, talented roster with a receiver to pair with veteran Adam Thielen. Last year, DJ Moore was the only receiver with more than 500 yards for the Panthers, and he’s now in Chicago.
Defensively, the Panthers need someone to help sack the quarterback opposite Brian Burns. Finding an outside linebacker who can rush in the middle rounds is possible in this deep class.
Chicago Bears
Needs: OT, CB, edge
Holding ample draft capital after trading the No. 1 pick to Carolina, general manager Ryan Poles has options. He can trade back and acquire multiple selections, or stay put and target top needs such as an offensive tackle or a pass rusher. No team had fewer sacks than Chicago last season (20), and the lack of pressure bled into the rest of the defense, which finished 31st in yards per play against.
Staying with the defense, the Bears need more help in the secondary. Although Poles spent his first two selections at corner and safety last year, there are still more needs in that area, specifically at cornerback.
Cincinnati Bengals
Needs: OT, TE, RB
For the Bengals, it’s about finding the finishing touches for a championship team. The front office should consider continuing to put resources into the trenches. The offensive line was much better when healthy, but 2019 first-round left tackle Jonah Williams wants a trade after the Orlando Brown Jr. signing, putting right tackle in flux. The Bengals may also move off right tackle La’el Collins this offseason.
Cincinnati might also consider one of the top tight ends with its first-rounder. The draft is loaded with talent at the position, and the Bengals lost Hayden Hurst in free agency after a solid campaign. They did sign Irv Smith Jr., but he has missed parts of his four seasons due to injuries. Finally, with the departure of Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon having only one year left on his deal, a running back would make sense on the second day.
Cleveland Browns
Needs: Edge, CB, S
Who is playing edge across from Myles Garrett in 2023? While Ogbo Okoronkwo was a nice signing, the Browns need more. Last season, Garrett tallied 16 sacks while nobody else notched four. Cleveland is without its first-round pick due to the Deshaun Watson deal a year ago but should be looking for a pass rusher on Day 2.
The Browns need help in the secondary. Safety Juan Thornhill was a nice signing, but Grant Delpit hasn’t locked down the strong safety spot and the release of John Johnson III has Cleveland looking for depth. Finally, the Browns could use an infusion at corner alongside Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II, giving them options on the back end.
Dallas Cowboys
Needs: DT, TE, CB
The Cowboys are at an interesting crossroads. They’re good enough to contend, but Dallas could still add firepower around quarterback Dak Prescott, who lost tight end Dalton Schultz in free agency. Considering the depth of this class, the Cowboys should target a tight end over the first two days.
Dallas should also continue building the defensive line. The Cowboys have DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons on the edges, but the interior needs another weapon. Finally, the Cowboys are set at corner this year, but they have Stephon Gilmore, Jourdan Lewis and Trevon Diggs all hitting free agency in 2024.
Denver Broncos
Isaiah J. Downing/USA TODAY Sports
Needs: CB, edge, IOL
Without a first-round pick for the second consecutive year, the Broncos need to be creative in filling their multitude of needs. Come Day 2 of the draft, they’ll be in search of help along the offensive line while also trying to upgrade on the edge. The top priority is fixing quarterback Russell Wilson, and that begins with shoring up a front that allowed a league-worst 63 sacks.
After trading Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins in October, Denver is left with only Randy Gregory and second-year man Baron Browning at edge. If there’s an impact pass rusher to be had in the middle round, the Broncos should be aggressive. Lastly, a corner to pair long-term with Patrick Surtain II would be ideal.
Detroit Lions
Needs: Edge, G, TE
For the first time in years, the Lions have expectations. To fulfill them, general manager Brad Holmes needs to find a top-tier edge rusher to pair with second-year star Aidan Hutchinson. In 2022, Detroit ranked 32nd in yards per play allowed, so even after signing two corners and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency, there’s more work to be done.
Offensively, who is the long-term replacement for T.J. Hockenson at tight end? Detroit has its wideouts, but needs another target for quarterback Jared Goff across the middle and in the short-to-intermediate levels. Up front, the line is solid but guard is a place where Detroit could upgrade.
Green Bay Packers
Needs: S, edge, TE
This is a very important draft for the Packers. Facing a cap crunch and the looming trade of Aaron Rodgers to the Jets, Green Bay must find a litany of cheap players who can replace older, expensive veterans. A good place to start is safety, with Adrian Amos hitting free agency and Darnell Savage playing uneven football.
On the edge, there’s Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, but Smith is a candidate to be a post–June 1 cut or be finished in Green Bay after one more season. Offensively, the Packers have to consider tight end after losing Robert Tonyan in free agency.
Houston Texans
Needs: QB, edge, WR
The Texans are in both a tough and envious position. They have two of the top 12 picks in this year’s draft, but also have more needs than any team in the league. However, snagging a quarterback early will give them a new battery with first-year coach DeMeco Ryans.
Houston also needs to find answers on the right side of its offensive line and get a receiver to replace veteran Brandin Cooks. Last season, the Texans ranked 32nd offensively in yards per play at 4.7. While the defense needs help, Ryans will work his magic. Houston should spend its draft significantly upgrading its offense, then keep an eye on finding pass-rush help.
Indianapolis Colts
Needs: QB, OT, WR
This is simple. Start with a quarterback and go from there. Whether the Colts trade up or stay at No. 4, their first pick must be a replacement for the trio of Matt Ryan, Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger. Indianapolis has been trying to patchwork the sport’s paramount position since Andrew Luck retired in the summer of 2019. No luck.
Once the quarterback is secured, general manager Chris Ballard should begin overhauling the offensive line. The group struggled in 2022, allowing 60 sacks, second-worst behind Denver (63) last year. Left tackle is the biggest concern, but there were also issues at right guard. Finally, a receiver to play opposite of Michael Pittman Jr. would be ideal.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Needs: CB, edge, IOL
Last year, the Jaguars spent an NFL-record amount of guaranteed money—over $175 million—in free agency. Now, the Jaguars have to recalibrate and load up through the draft. Expect one position of focus to be cornerback, with Shaquill Griffin released to save $13.1 million next season. This rookie crop is deep, with perhaps 10 corners going in the top 50 picks.
General manager Trent Baalke should also be targeting an edge rusher with Josh Allen entering the final year of his deal. Even if Jacksonville retains Allen, the Jaguars ranked tied for 25th last year with 35 sacks, and only Allen had more than five. If the Jaguars can bolster their defense, they’ll be an interesting Super Bowl contender.
Kansas City Chiefs
Needs: WR, edge, OT
The Chiefs know all about the draft’s impact. They had eight rookies play significant snaps last season, and each helped raise a second Lombardi Trophy in four years. Now, general manager Brett Veach goes into another draft with a hoard of picks.
After trading away Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs didn’t have a single receiver amass 1,000 yards last season, and they lost both Mecole Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster. They could use a speedster who consistently beats man coverage. Defensively, Kansas City was tops among AFC teams in sacks (55), but with Frank Clark being a potential cap casualty, Veach could try to find a young running mate for second-year edge rusher George Karlaftis.
Las Vegas Raiders
Needs: OL, CB, LB
Last season, only the Falcons and Bears had fewer sacks than the Raiders’ 27. And save for Maxx Crosby, nobody posted more than five for Las Vegas. But with Chandler Jones still under contract for at least one more year, the Raiders’ best way to increase pressure rates could be finding an elite corner to upgrade what is a porous secondary.
Offensively, Las Vegas needs to add help up front. Outside of left tackle Kolton Miller, the Raiders could conceivably upgrade at every position, with right tackle being the most pressing. General manager Dave Ziegler will have options when the Raiders are on the clock with the No. 7 pick.
Los Angeles Chargers
Needs: RB, WR, IOL
The Chargers finally made the playoffs in Justin Herbert’s third year, and then squandered a 27–0 lead to the Jaguars in the wild-card round. Moving forward, the Chargers should look to upgrade at left guard after releasing Matt Feiler. Last year, Los Angeles ran for 3.8 yards per carry, tied for 29th in the league. And, if they plan to move or not re-sign star running back Austin Ekeler, they’ll need a replacement there as well.
Finally, longtime general manager Tom Telesco could also target a receiver, with Keenan Allen aging, Mike Williams being an annual injury risk and little depth behind them. Telesco could target a receiver on Day 2, giving him some flexibility to fill the roster’s most pressing needs earlier in the draft.
Los Angeles Rams
Needs: OL, CB, LB
No team had a more disappointing 2022 than the Rams. And after posting the worst title defense in the Super Bowl era, general manager Les Snead needs to attack the draft despite being without his first-round pick.
Come Day 2, Snead should be attempting to recalibrate his offensive line, which was both ineffective and racked by injuries last season. Defensively, the Rams need to remake their linebacker corps, especially after the release of veteran Bobby Wagner. Finally, the trade of Jalen Ramsey to the Dolphins makes corner a massive need, with very little proven depth behind him on the roster.
Miami Dolphins
Needs: OT, TE, IOL
The Dolphins made a leap in 2022, earning a wild-card spot in the crowded AFC. However, Miami still needs substantial help up front at both guard and right tackle, with coach Mike McDaniel trying to create one of the league’s best offenses.
Also, after diminishing the role of veteran tight end Mike Gesicki before allowing him to hit free agency, the Dolphins have a need at tight end. And in such a deep class, Miami should have some options on Day 2 and Day 3 to find a contributor.
Minnesota Vikings
Needs: CB, edge, OG
No team needs a bigger defensive overhaul than the Vikings, who began the demolition with the firing of coordinator Ed Donatell. Next should be a renovation of the corners, after the Vikings finished bottom five in yards per attempt against, passing yards allowed, air yards against and yards after catch permitted. Byron Murphy Jr. was a start, but more is needed.
Up front, Minnesota also needs more punch. While Danielle Hunter remains terrific, Za’Darius Smith notched only 1.5 sacks over his final nine regular-season games. At 31 years old, Smith could be an eventual cap casualty. With a deep edge class, the front office could look to reinvest that cap space elsewhere.
New England Patriots
Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports
Needs: OT, WR, DB
This is a critical draft for the Patriots. New England lost receiver Jakobi Meyers and left tackle Isaiah Wynn in free agency off what is already an underwhelming offense. Even after signing JuJu Smith-Schuster, coach Bill Belichick desperately needs to reverse his decades-long trend of missing on rookie wideouts with a receiver room lacking star power.
Belichick also must add more talent in the secondary. Longtime safety Devin McCourty retired, and the corner room is without an elite option. New England hasn’t won a playoff game since 2018, and that streak is going to continue unless the Patriots can fortify their roster around third-year quarterback Mac Jones.
New Orleans Saints
Needs: Edge, DT, WR
General manager Mickey Loomis needs talent on cheap contracts in the worst way. The Saints have a horrific cap sheet, and finding gold at premium positions would be a huge help for him. However, without an early first-round pick, the Saints have to be excellent in their predraft scouting.
New Orleans has to be thinking about an interior defensive lineman after losing David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle, even with the signing of Khalen Saunders. The Saints could also target a receiver in the middle rounds to pair with second-year star Chris Olave and the oft-injured, very costly Michael Thomas (one-year, $10 million restructure).
New York Giants
Needs: WR, CB, OG
For a team coming off a divisional-round appearance, the Giants have ample needs this offseason. None are bigger than wide receiver. The Giants have to use an early pick to bolster the talent on the perimeter, giving quarterback Daniel Jones a top option. The offense also needs to bulk up inside, finding a guard who can start.
General manager Joe Schoen must also fill in some defensive voids. After losing Julian Love in free agency, safety is a need along with cornerback. Considering corner is the more premium position, it should take precedence for New York.
New York Jets
Needs: TE, OT, S
This is a critical next few months for Jets GM Joe Douglas. Going into his fourth full offseason with Gang Green, Douglas has to eventually secure Aaron Rodgers from the Packers and then start thinking about how to build the offense around him.
The Jets have star receiver Garrett Wilson and signed Rodgers’s former teammate Allen Lazard in free agency. But the offensive line is a concern, especially at right tackle, where Mekhi Becton has struggled to stay healthy. If New York can shore up the front and land Rodgers, this offseason could vault the Jets into contender status.
Philadelphia Eagles
Needs: DT, S, LB
For the NFC-champion Eagles, their draft needs largely tie to who left in free agency. The Eagles have a litany of big names who left in the market, including defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, linebacker T.J. Edwards, running back Miles Sanders and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
GM Howie Roseman should be targeting linebackers and a defensive tackle to help maintain the NFL’s top-ranked defense from a year ago. Finding competition and depth at safety would also be wise, giving Philadelphia talent to pair with Reed Blankenship and Terrell Edmunds.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Needs: OT, DT, CB
The Steelers’ draft has to be about providing reinforcements for second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett. To that end, general manager Omar Khan has to be thinking about an offensive tackle early.
Khan also has to figure out the defensive line. The pass rush is excellent with T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith, but Pittsburgh’s 3–4 defense has been underwhelming for years against the run. It’s time for Khan to find a big body inside who can plug gaps and push the pocket on later downs. And in the defensive backfield, the signing of Patrick Peterson is fine, but the Steelers need youth for long-term help.
San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Terada/USA Today network
Needs: OT, CB, S
There’s an argument for the 49ers having the NFL’s most talented roster. Still, free agency will leave some clear issues, starting with right tackle. As Mike McGlinchey departs, San Francisco needs to fortify that area. The Niners don’t have much draft capital early, but the tackle class is deep.
Defensively, GM John Lynch should focus on the backfield. Charvarius Ward proved an excellent pickup last offseason, but corner Emmanuel Moseley left for Detroit in free agency, along with safety Jimmie Ward, who signed with the Texans. Both need to be replaced and, considering all the big contracts in San Francisco, rookie pacts would be ideal at those spots.
Seattle Seahawks
Needs: IOL, edge, LB
General manager John Schneider has major ammo in the draft, starting with the No. 5 and No. 20 picks, followed by two second-round choices. Schneider could decide to add a quarterback, but with Geno Smith coming off a Pro Bowl campaign, there are more pressing needs.
No team had a better 2022 draft than Schneider, and this year he’d be wise to invest in the offensive line’s interior after finding his tackles last spring. Seattle was often overmatched inside and in a division with Aaron Donald and Arik Armstead, that’s a pressing concern. Defensively, Seattle could add another penetrator to play with Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Needs: QB, OT, CB
The Buccaneers have lost many key pieces over the past few years, including tight end and interior offensive line, but quarterback tops the board after Tom Brady’s retirement. There’s also a problem at left tackle after the release of Donovan Smith.
Defensively, the Buccaneers have to find another corner to play with Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis. This rookie crop is full of good corners, so general manager Jason Licht can wait until the middle rounds if he chooses.
Tennessee Titans
Needs: OT, IOL, WR
The Titans fell apart down the stretch, going from 7–3 to missing the playoffs. While the defense could use upgrades on the back end, Tennessee must prioritize the offense in Ran Carthon’s first draft as general manager.
The Titans were led in receiving by Robert Woods’s 527 yards, the fewest of anybody who paced their team in 2022. Tennessee desperately needs to find a top-tier weapon, giving second-year receiver Treylon Burks a nice running mate. Carthon also needs to find help on the offensive line, first at tackle and then on the interior. The group struggled badly to hold up in pass protection last season, giving up 39 sacks.
Washington Commanders
Needs: OT, QB, CB
The Commanders had a solid defense in 2022, ranking 12th in yards per play against. Still, much of that unit’s success has been because of a terrific front. Washington could use another corner to put into a seasoned room with Benjamin St-Juste and Kendall Fuller.
Offensively, new coordinator Eric Bieniemy will want some resources used to bolster his group. Sam Howell is currently slated to be the starting quarterback, and Washington would be remiss to not provide competition. Regardless of the quarterback, the Commanders should upgrade at left tackle. Last season, Washington allowed a 24.6% pressure rate, seventh worst in the league.
