2023 NFL Draft: MOCK DRAFT
2023 MOCK DRAFT
Round
1
1. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Bryce Young-QB-Alabama
5’10”/204
NFL Comparison: Russell Wilson/Doug Flutie
Stats: 2-year
Average:
4100 passing yards
43 total touchdowns
6 Interceptions
65.7 completion percentage
165.4 QB Rating
The question marks will always be in regards to his height and frame. The game has changed and Young will be given the chance to silence the critics. Young’s combination of passing, playmaking, football IQ and experience make this a good pick here.
2. HOUSTON TEXANS
Tyree Wilson-EDGE-Texas Tech
6’6”/271/84.5’
wingspan
NFL Comp: Chandler Jones/Carlos Dunlap
PFF Grade: 75.1
7 sacks and 14 TFL
The Texans have done
an excellent job concealing their plans for this draft. Wilson is a freakishly
long defensive end that can rush the passer and set the edge. He has the
potential to be an All Pro like Chandler Jones in the right system. He is also
a very safe prospect that would be an elite base end like Carlos Dunlap even if
he does not turn into a double-digit sack producer. New coach DeMeco Ryans and
new coordinator Matt Burke both come from heavy four-man front systems and
Wilson is a better fit as a true defensive end than Will Anderson.
Many speculate that
the Texans must take a quarterback here. This reminds me of the 2006 draft where
the Texans took big base end Mario Williams over the college superstars in Reggie
Bush and Vince Young. The Texans could still go quarterback here but the hit
rate on quarterbacks being drafted number two overall is not great. Donovan McNabb
drafted in 1999 is the only star taken in the spot in the last forty years. The
mystery continues, that’s why we love draft day.
3. ARIZONA CARDINALS
Will Anderson-EDGE/LB-Alabama
6’3”/253/33.88 arm
length/4.6 40 time
NFL Comp: Derrick Thomas/TJ Watt
PFF Grade: 83.6
17.5 sacks and 31
tackles for loss in 2021
10 sacks and 17
tackles for loss in 2022
Anderson is the best all-around player in this draft. He would give new coach Jonathan
Gannon the type of versatile player he covets. Gannon was able to get the most
out of Hasson Reddick last year in Philadelphia and should be able to use
Anderson the same way. Anderson has everything one looks for in a prospect and
has a Hall of Fame ceiling like Derrick Thomas and TJ Watt. He is as close to a
sure thing as any in this draft.
The Cardinals will
certainly look to trade this pick for a team looking to draft a quarterback. If
they are unable to make a deal, then they will likely target a top defender. They
may have their choice of Wilson, Anderson or a top corner.
4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
CJ Stroud-QB-Ohio St
6’3”/214
NFL Comparison: Troy Aikman/Teddy Bridgewater
Stats: 2-year Average:
4062 passing yards
42.5 passing
touchdowns
6 Interceptions
69.3 completion
percentage
182 QB Rating
In this scenario the Colts have their choice of Stroud, Will Levis and Anthony
Richardson. Stroud is the safe option of this year's quarterback class. He
plays the game with a maturity and smoothness that is beyond his year's. He has
shown the ability to make passing plays into all three levels of a defense. His
tape against a loaded Georgia defense solidified him as a top pick in the
draft. Stroud's accuracy and awareness are his best traits as a signal caller.
Stroud is the
classical pocket passer that does little when the play breaks down. This can be
seen as both a negative and positive. Negative in that he lacks the athletic
ability and confidence to extend plays, but positive in that he rarely forces
bad plays. The Colts have relied on running back Jonathan Taylor too much and when
he was injured the offense as a whole tanked. Stroud should be able to get the
pass game better from day one.
5. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Anthony Richardson-QB-Florida
6’4”/244/4.43/40.5 vert
NFL Comparison: Daunte Culpepper/Cam
Newton/Josh McCown
2549 passing yards
26 total touchdowns
9 Interceptions
53.8 completion percentage
131 QB Rating
654 rushing yards
Richardson has the best combination of size, athletic ability and arm strength
that we have ever seen in a quarterback prospect. If one was molding the
perfect football player, it would likely look exactly like Richardson. He set
combine records in the vertical and broad jump and oh by the way also ran 4.43
at 244 pounds. Now here are the red flags. He only started one season at
Florida and to say he was wildly inconsistent is an understatement. He
completion percentage was very poor and he missed reads at a very high rate.
The physical gifts are similar to Daunte Culpepper who was drafted in 1999 by
the Vikings after Randall Cunningham had an All Pro season. Culpepper was able
to sit and learn his rookie year. The Seahawks have the luxury of sitting Richardson
a year or two under Geno Smith. They got this pick in the Russell Wilson trade
so basically this is house money for them and they can pick the player with the
highest upside of any player in the draft here.
6. DETROIT LIONS
Devon
Witherspoon-CB-Illinois
5'10"/181
NFL Comp: Terence Newman/AJ Bouye
PFF Grade: 92.1
The term “pure cover
corner” is the best way to describe Witherspoon. His technique is that of a
seasoned pro. Despite his 181-pound frame, he is one of the most physical
players in the draft and plays the game with immense passion.
Lion's defensive
coordinator Aaron Glenn is a former cornerback that was a 3-time Pro Bowler
despite being very undersized. He will see a lot of himself in Witherspoon. The Lions continue to rebuild their defense after taking defensive end Aidan Hutchinson last year.
7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Christian
Gonzalez-CB-Oregon
6'3"/197/4.41/41.5”
vertical
NFL Comp: Byron Jones/Carlos Rodgers
PFF Grade: 81.2
Gonzalez has the best
combination of length and athletic ability of any defensive back in this class.
He is a smooth player that uses his elite athletic tools to mirror receivers.
He can play man or zone and is big enough to cover tight ends as well
The Raiders have a history of long athletic corners from Nnamdi Asomugha, Charles Woodson all the way back to Mike Haynes, Lester Hayes and Willie Brown. Gonzalez would continue that trend and would instantly be the most talented corner on the roster.
8. ATLANTA FALCONS
Bijan Robinson-RB-Texas
5'11"/215/4.46/37’ vert
NFL Comp: LaDanian Tomlinson/Marshall
Faulk
1894 Total Yards
20 Touchdowns
19 receptions
Running Backs are no longer valued as high as receivers or even tight ends but
Robinson is an outlier that is more than just a traditional running back. He
can be lined up nearly anywhere in a formation. As a back, he is an elite
downhill runner with excellent vison and balance. In the passing game he is
good as both a receiver and in pass protection. We are talking about the total
package as modern day running back.
The Falcons need to take the pressure off of second year quarterback Malik
Willis and drafting a weapon like Robinson would do exactly that. Robinson is also
the type of superstar that can sellout the Mercedes Benz Stadium. Even if
Willis isn’t the long term answer at quarterback, Robinson can give the next
quarterback a star to rely on.
9. CHICAGO BEARS
Jalen Carter-DL3T-Georgia
6'3"/314
NFL Comp: Warren Sapp/Nick Fairley/Jerome Brown
PFF Grade: 92.3
7 TFL
The Bears trade down and still get arguably the most talented player in the
draft. At pick nine this is a very good calculated risk. He plays with the physicality
and nastiness that will remind Bears fans of the Richard Dent and Dan Hampton
days.
Carter is the most
polarizing prospect in this year’s draft. He was the best player on the best
defense in college football last year. He is a pure disruptive force that is
almost unblockable in one on one situations. The questions for Carter concern
his maturity off the field and focus on his craft. The red flags are there, but
the talent is undeniable.
10. PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
Paris Johnson-OT-Ohio St
6'6"/313/36.13/29
reps
NFL Comp: Ronnie Stanley/D’Brickashaw
Ferguson
PFF Grade: 83.1
Starts: 25 (13 at Left Tackle and 12 at Right Guard)
Johnson has the
physical traits one looks for in a franchise tackle. He was a five-star
prospect that more than met the high expectations at Ohio St. He has elite
length plus a great blend of athletic ability and power.
Johnson’s versatility
would fit perfect in Philly. He could come in and play swing tackle, start at
guard and eventually be a starting tackle when Jordan Mailata hits free agency
in 2024. Lane Johnson is the best right tackle in the NFL but he will turn 33 and
has battled injury issues.
11. TENNESSEE TITANS
Jaxon
Smith-Njigba-WR-Ohio St
6’0”/196
NFL Comp: Greg
Jennings/Julian Edelman
2021 Stats (injured in 2022)
95 receptions
1606 total yards
9 TD
The Titans could go with a quarterback here
but will likely take a receiver or offensive lineman. JSN is the perfect
modern-day receiver that can get open in space and beat defenders down the
field. He battled thorough injuries in 2022 after a stellar 2021 season. His
short area quickness was displayed at the combine where he was in the top five
percentile of both the 3 cone and short shuttle drills. JSN would be an ideal
chess piece to pair with 2022 first round pick Treylon Burks.
12. HOUSTON TEXANS
Will Levis-QB-Kentucky
6’4”/229
NFL Comparison: Jay Cutler/Jeff George
Stats: 2-year Average:
2616 passing yards
27 total touchdowns
11.5 Interceptions
65.7 completion percentage
150.1 QB Rating
ROCKET ARM. ROCKET ARM, ROCKET ARM
I don't know if you have heard but Mr. Levis
has an absolute cannon for an arm. Levis brings his elite size, great athletic
ability and aforementioned insane arm strength. Levis has similar accuracy and
inconsistency question marks Anthony Richardson. If Levis falls here, I doubt
they pass him up. In fact, they may need to trade up a few spots to get him.
Drafting him at number two would be a huge mistake and a huge reach in my opinion.
13. GREEN BAY PACKERS
Peter
Skoronski-G/RT-Northwestern
6'4"/313/32.25
arm length/30 reps
NFL Comparison: Steve Hutchinson/Zack Martin
PFF Grade: 89.5
Starts: 33 (every game of his career) all at Left Tackle
The Packers get the
big man from Northwestern after his home state Bears pass on him. Skrononski has
the traits to be an All Pro at guard. However, his lack of length may limit him
if he has to play tackle. For the Packers this would be just fine as they have
an All Pro in David Bakhtiari at left tackle. At guard a right tackle they
could use some help in protecting new starting quarterback Jordan Love. The Pack
may also go receiver or tight end here.
14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Broderick Jones-OT-Georgia
6'5"/311/32.75
NFL Comp: Jack Conklin/DJ Humphries
PFF Grade: 83.1
Starts: 15 all at Left Tackle
The board falls
perfectly for the Patriots as they get the best player available at a position
of need. Jones is the best all-around athlete in this class. There aren’t many
players his size that can run a sub 5 forty and broad jump 30 inches. He’s
still very young and should get even better at the pro level. He can play a
year or two as swing tackle under veterans Trent Brown and Riley Reiff (both
over 30) before taking over as a starter.
15. NEW YORK JETS
Darnell
Wright-OT-Tennessee
6'5"/333/82.38
NFL Comp: Ja'Wuan James/Vlad
Ducasse
PFF Grade: 71.4
Starts: 42, 27 at Right Tackle, 13 at Left Tackle, 2 at Right Guard
The run on offensive
lineman continues as the Jets get added protection for newly acquired Aaron
Rodgers. Wright was a four year starter yet is still only 21 years old. He is
similar to another former Tennessee lineman Ja’Wuan James. He has moved up
boards in the draft process and would be a smart pick at number fifteen.
16. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Deonte Banks-CB-Maryland
6'0"/197/4.35
NFL Comp: Vontae Davis/Ronald Darby
PFF Grade: 71.9
With the offensive
tackles off the board, Washington stays local and drafts a cornerback. Banks is an experienced and physical corner
from Maryland. His physicality and ball skills are very similar Vontae Davis. His
length and athletic ability are similar to another Maryland native in Ronald
Darby. He has flown up draft boards and may go even higher than his current
late first round projection.
17. PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
Joey Porter Jr-CB-Penn St
6'3"/193/4.46
NFL Comp: Carlton Davis/Josh Norman
PFF Grade: 81.2
The native son comes
home as the Steeler get the son of former Steeler Joey Porter. The younger Porter
has ideal size for a perimeter corner. He is not as athletic as Gonzalez but is
more physical and has just as much upside. Porter would also have the perfect
mentor in recently signed former All Pro Patrick Peterson.
18. DETROIT LIONS
Quentin
Johnston-WR-TCU
6’3”/208/40.5 vert
NFL Comp: Dez
Bryant/Braylon Edwards
60 receptions
1069 total yards
6 TD
Amon-Ra Brown is the perfect shifty receiver
in space but they still need a big receiver to make plays over the top. In a
class filled with smaller shifty receiver, Johnston is the one big and physical
threat that will be drafted early. He plays to his big frame and has the skill
set to separate from quicker corners. On the right team I see him able to produce
similar to Dez and Braylon in their respective primes.
19. TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
Myles Murphy-EDGE-Clemson
6’5”/258/33.75/25 reps
NFL Comp: Bradley Chubb/Justin Tuck
PFF Grade: 79.1
6.5 sacks and 11 TFL
Murphy is not as
polished as Will Anderson and Tyree Wilson but offers versatility to play end
or linebacker. Murphy was a sure fire top ten prospect early in the draft
process but now is 14th on the composite big board rankings. At 19
this is great value for Tampa as they clearly need an edge pass rusher. Last
year their leaders in sacks were nose tackle Vita Vea. Recent first high draft
picks Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Logan Hall have yet to pan out as pass rushers.
20. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Lukas Van Ness-EDGE-Iowa
6'5"/273/34.0/4.58
NFL Comp: Sam Hubbard/Josh Sweat
PFF Grade: 80.2
6 sacks and 10.5 TFL
Van Ness gets the nod
over Nolan Smith due to his versatility to play inside or outside in Seattle’s
defensive line. Van Ness has been among the biggest risers during the draft
season. He showed impressive speed and quickness at the combine for his massive
frame. He is very raw as he didn’t start at Iowa. He played as a situational
pass rusher on both the edge and at the five technique. He will get drafted
early but the team picking him will need to be patient in his development. This
is the ideal spot for him as he can learn under newly acquired Dre’Mont Jones
and provide insurance in case Darrell Taylor leaves in free agency in 2024.
21. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Michael Mayer-TE-Notre Dame
6'5"/249
NFL Comp: Mark Andrews/Dalton Schultz
67 receptions
809 total yards
9 TD
New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s
scheme is heavily predicated on 12 personnel meaning he loves to use two tight
end looks. Mayer has the best combination of size, hands, quickness and IQ of
any in the class. He should start from day one and is among the safest picks of
any player in the draft. Mayer was an instant impact player at Notre Dame even
as a true freshman and should be able to contribute from day one in the NFL.
22. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Zay Flowers-WR-Boston College
5'10"/195/4.41
NFL Comp: Santonio Holmes/Hunter Renfrow
44 receptions
815 total yards
5 TD
Flowers is a South Florida native that is
equally good as a deep threat and in the short passing game. In my opinion
there is little to no difference in skill set between him, JSN and Addison. He
was not highly recruited but found a great spot at BC where he was the best
player on the team the past 3 seasons. He is very experienced and productive.
Given those traits, he is one of the safer options in this draft class. Flowers
would be an ideal fit in Baltimore and provide them everything Hollywood Brown
gave them from 2019-2021.
23. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Hendon Hooker-QB-Tennessee
6’3”/217
NFL Comparison: Dak Prescott/Geno Smith
2022 Stats
3135 passing yards
27 total touchdowns
2 Interceptions
69.6 completion percentage
175.5 QB Rating
430 rushing yards
Hooker was on pace to win this Heisman before
an ACL injury ended his great season. He profiles as a solid option with
limited upside. He is also the oldest QB in the class at 25 years old. He has
very good running ability and a very good frame. The Vikings are clearly
looking for the eventual successor to Kirk Cousins as Cousins will be 35 at the
start of next season.
24. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Brian Branch-SS/Slot DB-Alabama
6'0"/190
NFL Comp: Minkah Fitzpatrick/Jimmie Ward
PFF Grade: 89.5
Branch may be the most
complete football player in the entire draft regardless of position. He plays a
smart and physical brand of football. Due to the positional value safety not
being as high as corner, there is chance that Branch may slip to 24. He would
come in and start in the slot from day one. He would be another welcome
addition to an ever improving young defense in DUUUUUUUUVAAAL.
25. NEW YORK GIANTS
O'Cyrus Torrence-G-Florida
6'5"/330/33.88/23
reps
NFL Comp: Carl Nicks/Kelechi
Osemele
PFF Grade: 88.1
Starts: 46, all at Florida were at Right Guard
Torrence is a monster
in the run game that can also protect the quarterback. He reminds me of Nicks
and Osemele who were both physical guards and elite in the run game. The Giants
are set at tackle for the future. Andrew Thomas had breakout year in 2022
earning All Pro honors. Evan Neal had some struggles as a rookie but looks to
be the right tackle of the future. The Giants must improve on the interior and
should draft a guard or center early on.
26. DALLAS COWBOYS
Nolan Smith-EDGE/SLB-Georgia
6'2"/238/4.39/41.5 vert, 128” broad jump
NFL Comp: Bruce Irvin/Vic Beasley
PFF Grade: 83.8
4.5 sacks and 8 TFL in
2021
Smith was the
defensive star of the combine. He is an elite athlete that was number one
player in the 2019 high school class. He only had 12.5 sacks in his four years
in college. He is as athletic as any defender but will need to be more
consistent at the next level. This would be a great spot for Smith as defensive
coordinator Dan Quinn has worked with both Vic Beasley and Bruce Irvin. With
both of them having their best seasons under Quinn.
27. BUFFALO BILLS
Jahmyr
Gibbs-RB-Alabama
5'9"/199/4.32
NFL Comp: LeSean McCoy/Andre
Ellington
1370 Total Yards
10 Touchdowns
44 receptions
Gibbs appeal in the passing game was evident
last year. He has an incredible combination of breakaway speed and
explosiveness. His upside is based on how he will be used in the offense that
he lands. The Bills let Devin Singletary leave in free agency so they clearly
are eyeing a running back early in this draft.
28. CINCINNATI BENGALS
Emmanuel Forbes-DB-Miss. St
6'1"/166/4.35
NFL Comp: Merton Hanks/Demarcus Van Dyke
PFF Grade: 87.2
Forbes is the all-time
college leader in interceptions returned for touchdowns and his ball skills are
second to none. It was hard to find an accurate comparison for someone as long
and slender as Forbes. The team that drafts him will hope he can turn into
Merton Hanks. Hanks was a 4 time All Pro player that had 33 interceptions in
his 9-year career in San Francisco. He was also very tall and slender but was
still able to be productive. However, the weight concerns are real for Forbes
as there are no current starting corners in the NFL that are over 6 feet and
under 180 pounds. David Onyemata
29. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Calijah Kancey-DL3T1T-Pittsburgh
6’1”/281/4.67
NFL Comp: Geno Atkins/Ed Oliver
PFF Grade: 91.8
7.5 sacks and 14.5 TFL
Kancey was the combine
stud with his 40 record. He uses his lower center of gravity and elite speed to
get off the line as well as anyone. He is obviously very small for the position
at only 281 pounds so he will need to play next to an elite space eating nose
tackle for ideal results. After losing David Onyemata to the rival Falcons, the
Saints need a lot of help on the inside and Kancey would be a great fit playing
alongside star end Cameron Jordan.
30. PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
Bryan Bresee-DE/DL5T3T-Clemson
6’5”/298/78.13/22 reps
NFL Comp: Dean Lowry/Darnell Dockett
PFF Grade: 73.5
5.5 TFL
Bresee was the number
one player coming out of high school in his 2020 class. Bresee also did not
have elite and consistent production in his three years at Clemson. He has
overcome a lot of adversity dealing with injuries and tragedy (his sister lost
her battle to cancer). His best trait on the next level may be his versatility
as he can play anywhere from a 4-3 base end to nose tackle. The Eagles lost Javon
Hargrave in free agency and Fletcher Cox is 32. Bresee has the ability to fit
nice with the Eagles who run a mix of defensive fronts.
31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Jordan Addison-WR-USC
5'11"/173/4.49
NFL Comp: Antonio Bryant/Tyler Lockett
2021 Stats
100 receptions
1593 total yards
18 TD
Addison won the Biletnikoff Award at Oklahoma
then transferred to USC where he didn’t put up the same numbers but did help
Caleb Williams win the Heisman Trophy. His route running is elite as is his
ability to operate in space. The production is there, the only question marks
are in regard to his size. The Chiefs don’t have reservations about receivers that
are small as long as they can get open and make plays for Patrick Mahomes.
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