Welcome to my second 2023 NFL Mock Draft of the offseason. With the Super Bowl behind us, the offseason is officially in full swing. There will be a lot of discussions and debates surrounding the NFL Draft this year thanks in part to a unique quarterback class that will keep everyone talking for the next couple of months.
This mock draft will not feature any trades. However, it will be the last of the draft process with no trades. Without further ado, here is Mock Draft 2.0.
Writers note: There are only 31 first-round picks due to the Miami Dolphins forfeiting their first-round selection in part of the discipline handed down by the NFL for violating their tampering policy.
1) Chicago Bears – Alabama EDGE Will Anderson
Chicago is in a position this offseason to make some serious noise in free agency and the draft with Justin Fields being the franchise quarterback to build around. In this mock draft, general manager Ryan Poles selects a potential franchise pass rusher in Will Anderson, a game wrecker who is a dominant pass rusher and run defender with his top-tier athleticism, explosiveness and football IQ.
2) Houston Texans – Kentucky QB Will Levis
Interestingly enough, I like the idea of Will Levis in a Texans uniform with Bobby Slowik as his offensive coordinator. The Kentucky Wildcat QB has played in a Shanahan-like offense, and the combination of scheme familiarity, size, arm talent and mobility would allow Levis to develop with patience from the organization in a full-blown rebuild.
3) Arizona Cardinals – Georgia iDL Jalen Carter
Building this roster around QB Kyler Murray is a priority, and I like the idea of trading back or taking the “best player available” here. We will go with the BPA route, as Jalen Carter looks like a potential star in the middle of someone’s defense. The Georgia Bulldog is probably the best penetrating interior defensive lineman I’ve evaluated since 2018 and would be the perfect successor to J.J. Watt.
4) Indianapolis Colts – Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud
With Shane Steichen in as head coach, Anthony Richardson would be an enticing option here. Alas, I think they would be attracted to the idea of C.J. Stroud. There is a level of difficulty finding a serious flaw in his game, even if he hasn’t flashed his out-of-structure ability as consistently as you would like. The Colts have a great offensive structure that would allow Stroud to thrive early on in his career.
5) Seattle Seahawks (via Broncos) – Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson
Defense, defense, defense. That is something the Seattle Seahawks must address in the upcoming free agent market and NFL Draft. I like the idea of the ‘Hawks adding more young, explosive talent in the trenches with their first Round No. 1 selection in the draft. Tyree Wilson would be a good fit here, adding that explosive and speed-to-power element to their front seven.
6) Detroit Lions (via Rams) – Florida QB Anthony Richardson
The Detroit Lions seem like a team that is destined for a playoff run this coming league year. Jared Goff is firmly set as their starter, but drafting the future at the position would be important for Dan Campbell & Co. I like the fit here for Anthony Richardson. While he has all of the talent in the world, he may need a season or less to become more consistent with his throwing mechanics and footwork.
7) Las Vegas Raiders – Ohio State OT Dawand Jones
In this scenario, the Raiders already have a new starting QB, Jimmy Garoppolo. With Kolton Miller locked up on the left side, shoring up the right side of the offensive line should be a priority. Dawand Jones is the best right tackle in the draft and there is a scenario like this where a team, maybe Las Vegas, that falls in love with his rare frame, movement skills and raw power.
The Falcons have some intriguing talent on the defensive side of the ball such as A.J. Terrell and Arnold Ebiketie. Adding another pass-rushing element from up I-85 in Clemson would be a good step in the right direction for Atlanta to have a formidable and young pass-rush duo. Murphy is a refined and very athletic pass rusher who offers the prototypical size for his position.
9) Carolina Panthers – Alabama QB Bryce Young
The fall ends here for Bryce Young, the best quarterback in the NFL Draft. This mock draft presents a scenario where Young falls due to size concerns. The Panthers, with a terrific coaching staff and offensive structure in place, would allow the Heisman Trophy winner to start and succeed early as a rookie while finally resolving Carolina’s QB mishaps once and for all.
10) Philadelphia Eagles (via Saints) – Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon
With James Bradberry a free agent, the Super Bowl runner-ups are in a great position to get younger at the position. As the offseason moves along, it will become quite apparent that Devon Witherspoon is the best cornerback in the draft. He was part of a top-ranked Illinois defense where he displayed a physical and aggressive game with superb ball production and man cover skills.
11) Tennessee Titans – Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr.
Whether Taylor Lewan retires or not, his release is certainly a possibility. I like the idea of adding arguably the best pure pass protector in the draft. Paris Johnson Jr. offers prototypical size, length and lateral mobility that gives me hope he can be a great run blocker in the coming years. His game is similar to that of Seahawks left tackle Charles Cross.
12) Houston Texans (via Browns) – TCU WR Quentin Johnston
Houston is going through a full rebuild. Drafting Will Levis in this mock draft makes that more evident. Patience is key, but you would also like to see Houston add a potential No. 1 receiver for Levis. Johnston, currently my top-ranked player at his position, would be a great option thanks to his combination of height, weight and speed to go along with his RAC skills and sky-high potential as a receiver.
13) New York Jets – Alabama S Brian Branch
Whoever the quarterback will be for the Jets in 2023, they’ll be walking into a great situation from a roster structure and coaching standpoint. However, adding another playmaking defensive back would be nice. Brian Branch is one of my favorite players in this upcoming draft. He’s incredibly intelligent as a player with terrific closing speed, range, ball skills and coverage skills that Joe Douglas would be head over heels for.
Alabama safety Brian Branch is impressive. Primarily playing nickel, he’s a great fit in today’s NFL. Savvy in zone, reliable in man, and physical as a tackler/blitzer/run defender. pic.twitter.com/EqIoqOGqgs
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 27, 2022
One thing that I will not count out with the Patriots is that their defense will forever be tough, physical, competitive and disciplined as long as Bill Belichick is still coaching. I think the perfect player for this defense would be Joey Porter Jr., a cornerback with tree trunks for arms and a physical press-man defender who will consistently reroute receivers in the contact window.
15) Green Bay Packers – USC WR Jordan Addison
Christian Watson being your No. 1 guy could work out in the long run, but I’d rather have someone that can be a true, effective “X” receiver. Jordan Addison can be that as his game reminds me so much of Calvin Ridley’s. Addison is a terrific route runner who can create yards after the catch and has reliable hands in the passing game.
16) Washington Commanders – Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
Eric Bieniemy is the new offensive coordinator in Washington. With the offense likely taking a step forward in 2023, their defense will need to do the same. I like Christian Gonzalez here to be the Commanders’ new No. 1 cornerback. The former Oregon Duck has awesome fluidity in the hips that allow him to have smooth transitions in man and zone coverage while offering superb technique and ball skills.
17) Pittsburgh Steelers – Northwestern OT Peter Skoronski
I am big on protecting your quarterback, especially one that is on a rookie contract like Kenny Pickett, and the Steelers have a chance to do so here in a solid offensive line class. Peter Skoronski’s fall ends here, as he could be Pittsburgh’s future at left tackle or left guard. His arm length will be a talking point for the next two and a half months, but his technique in pass protection overshadows those concerns.
18) Detroit Lions – Clemson iDL Bryan Bresee
After adding the future of the franchise at 6th overall, the Lions have a chance to add to their young, yet talented defensive line that features Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston. Clemson’s Bryan Bresee will have to answer questions when it comes to his medicals and consistency, but he is a quick and powerful defensive lineman who can be a terrific penetrator in the middle of the Lions’ defense.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Iowa EDGE Lukas Van Ness
Shaq Barrett is coming off a torn Achilles, and there is some unknown as to whether or not he will be the same player he was pre-injury. I like the idea of Lukas Van Ness here. He’s a talented pass rusher who has yet to touch the surface of what he can become. The amount of power he brings is impressive to go along with good functional athleticism.
20) Seattle Seahawks – South Carolina CB Cam Smith
After adding Tyree Wilson with the No. 5 overall pick, the Seahawks are on the right track defensively by providing more explosiveness in the trenches. By selecting Cam Smith, the ‘Hawks would add another physical corner opposite of rookie sensation Tariq Woolen.
South Carolina CB Cam Smith is the most aggressive defender in this cornerback class. Some ridiculous tackles, click-and-close, and hustle on his film. pic.twitter.com/isRMTGXypD
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) February 10, 2023
One of the things I kept hearing about the Chargers was their lack of speed on offense. Justin Herbert is likely getting a monster contract extension, and I would think he would like a receiver who can counter-balance Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. I would love to see Jalin Hyatt in Kell Moore’s offense, a speedy receiver who breaks pursuit and tackle angles in the open field.
22) Baltimore Ravens – Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Todd Monken is now the offensive coordinator in Baltimore, and that makes me very excited for what this offense can become in 2023 with Lamar Jackson at the helm. Rashod Bateman is likely WR1 for the Ravens, but adding a skill set like Jaxon Smith-Njigba would make Jackson very happy. J.S.N. is a natural at the position and can be a potential perimeter receiver though he will likely start in the slot early in his career.
23) Minnesota Vikings – Georgia CB Kelee Ringo
Brian Flores is now the defensive coordinator in Minnesota, which makes me very excited for everyone on that side of the ball. One player I would love to see with Flores in Minnesota is Georgia’s, Kelee Ringo. He’s a corner who’s likely a scheme-specific player. However, I think Flores will work to his strengths, allowing Ringo to play on a vertical plane where he can work at the hip pocket of the receiver in man coverage.
24) Jacksonville Jaguars – Utah CB Clark Phillips
A tight end is an intriguing option here for the Jaguars should they move on from starter Evan Engram. In this mock draft, Trent Baalke addresses the defense with the selection of Clark Phillips. The All-American cornerback has terrific ball skills and fluidity in coverage despite coming into the draft with size concerns.
25) New York Giants – Clemson LB Trenton Simpson
Bravo to Brian Daboll, who took this Giants team to the playoffs and won a playoff game. Their linebacker situation was not ideal whatsoever throughout the season and addressing the position will be a top priority. A step in doing that would be drafting the incredibly athletic Trenton Simpson, whose versatility and range will make him an immediate impact second-level defender for Wink Martindale’s defense.
26) Dallas Cowboys – Texas RB Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson might be one of the 10 best prospects in the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, his position value could drop him out of the first round entirely. Either way, the Cowboys could need a new running back with Tony Pollard set to be a free agent. Robinson is a highly-skilled back that would be a wonderful addition to the Cowboys.
27) Buffalo Bills – Florida iOL O’Cyrus Torrence
I’m not sure if Roger Saffold returns with the Bills this offseason. If he doesn’t, Brandon Beane will be looking for a new starter within the interior offensive line. O’Cyrus Torrence displayed great film for Florida and Louisiana, displaying tenacity, power and technique in the trenches at both stops. Torrence looks like a plug-in-play guard at the next level.
Oh, man. I would be head-over-heels for the Bengals if they were able to add a true security blanket for Joe Burrow. Especially if it’s Michael Mayer, the best tight end in the NFL Draft. Mayer is a complete tight end with great in-line blocking skills and overall pass-catching skills that make him a handful in all facets of his game.
29) New Orleans Saints (via Broncos) – UNC WR Josh Downs
I have no idea what the future holds for Michael Thomas and the quarterback situation in New Orleans. For scenario’s sake, let’s go under the assumption that Derek Carr signs with the team and MT13 is looking for a new home. I’m not sure if Josh Downs can be a consistent perimeter receiver, but he is a natural playmaker in the slot with good route running skills and RAC ability to give Carr a valuable target in the passing game.
30) Philadelphia Eagles – Notre Dame EDGE Isaiah Foskey
With Brandon Graham and Robert Quinn looking to test free agency, keeping EDGE depth potentially will be necessary. Isaiah Foskey has plenty of room for growth. However, what he offers now will allow him to make an immediate impact alongside Hasson Reddick and Josh Sweat. Fosky is a great athlete in space with sufficient explosiveness, power and quickness to be impactful in the run and passing game.
31) Kansas City Chiefs – Georgia OT Broderick Jones
Part of the Chiefs’ reason for their Super Bowl run this season is thanks to a great rookie draft class on the defensive side of the ball. In this scenario, Orlando Brown Jr. tests free agency as general manager Brett Veach drafts his replacement on the backend of the first round with Broderick Jones. The former five-star recruit showcases ample size and easy movement skills that could allow him to be the Chiefs starting left tackle.
