2023 NFL Mock Draft-Final One 2.0
So, I had this mock draft all done, all I had to do was finish the editing and post it. Then the Jets and Packers decided to get their shit together and actually make the Rodgers trade. I had a trade in mind for it but the Jets gave up WAY more than I thought they would for Rodgers. So here is my Final Mock Draft…the 2.0 version of the final draft.
I really don’t like this draft class. It’s full of outliers who are really small like Bryce Young at QB, Nolan Smith as an edge rusher, almost all of the WRs, safety/nickel corner Brian Branch and Peter Skoronski’s arms. Or guys who are simply limited where they play; Darnell Wright and Dawand Jones are right tackles only, the LB group isn’t overly versatile outside maybe Drew Sanders and the WRs are mostly slot guys (yes, that’s two shots at the WR class). There are also positions that are limited; the defensive tackle group is Jalen Carter and not much else towards the top, the safety group is Brian Branch and then wait until round three if you’re smart, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are difference makers at RB but then there’s a group of about 5-7 guys you could choose from. There are four QBs, Jalen Carter, Will Anderson, and CBs Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon, that teams might actually want to draft, after those eight no one really inspires confidence (and confidence in Anthony Richardson and Will Levis at QB could be problematic).
The general consensus right now is that the Carolina Panthers are settling in on Bryce Young at #1 overall, I just can’t get there. I smell a smoke screen. I think they are hyping up their interest in Young to get Houston to make an offer to move up from #2 to #1 and so far, Houston isn’t biting. I’m sure they don’t believe Carolina right now either. It gets weird if Young goes first and Houston passes on a QB at #2 so I have a solution for that, let’s get to it.
(Just a quick note, I went a little trade crazy with this mock, it just seemed to make more sense that way.)
1. Houston Texans (TRADE with Carolina): Bryce Young QB Alabama
Houston bites the bullet and Carolina doesn’t get overly greedy and they find a solution where Houston gives up a less than premium pick to move up one spot and Carolina will still get their QB at #2. The Texans are said to be sold on Young and Young alone at QB and considering the culture change they are trying to pull off, that’s understandable. Young is a great teammate and he has talent but I struggle with taking him as my franchise QB. His size scares me, not that he can’t play at his size but that he just won’t last. If you take a QB at #1 you want him to be your guy for 10-12 years at least, I’m not sure Young sees year six. Smaller QBs are outliers and Young is the smallest of the small. The NFL protects QBs as much as possible but they still get hit and the hits will add up faster on him than on others. If he helps DeMeco Ryans set a new culture in Houston moving forward, then maybe he’s worth it even if they are looking for a new QB in five years. It feels awfully risky.
2. Carolina Panthers (TRADE with Houston): CJ Stroud QB Ohio St.
I may be completely wrong and Carolina may actually love Young so much they just take him first but he just doesn’t feel like a Frank Reich type of QB. On the other hand, Stroud is straight off the Reich assembly line. He’s a big, strong pocket passer with elite throwing mechanics and impeccable accuracy. Putting him in Carolina behind and pretty solid offensive line with some veteran WRs like Adam Thielen and DJ Chark, Stroud could do some damage. He has mobility no one seems to want to give him credit for and he can adjust his game to do what is necessary. Everyone points to the Georgia game where he showed off his running ability but also watch the Northwestern game last year when they were playing against 70 mph winds all day. He made the offense work when throwing the ball was almost impossible. I think Stroud would be very good, very quickly in Carolina and that is what the owner wants.
3. Arizona Cardinals (4-13): Will Anderson Edge Alabama
The Cardinals should be fielding every call waiting for the best offer from a team looking to move up for a QB. They need players, many, many new players. They are essentially going to punt this season because Kyler Murray will not play for a lot of it coming off a torn ACL. If they can’t get a solid package of picks, taking Will Anderson is a good consolation prize. They desperately need an edge rusher and Anderson is the best in the draft. New head coach Jonathan Gannon is coming over from Philly where he had Hassan Reddick. Reddick isn’t a traditional DE or a traditional pass rushing OLB. Anderson can fit a similar profile, Gannon can find the most effective ways to use him, and he’s would be a foundational piece to build the defense around.
4. Indianapolis Colts (4-12-1): Anthony Richardson QB Florida
This draft is a crapshoot and if the Colts don’t make a major move for Lamar Jackson before the draft, then the likelihood is they will draft a QB. Richardson isn’t a total project but he’s got some work to do. He gets what he’s supposed to do with the football he just can’t always pull it off. New Colts coach Shane Steichen had Jalen Hurts for the last two years and he made him a much better passer and Philly got to the Super Bowl. Richardson wouldn’t have AJ Brown and Devonta Smith to throw to but Michael Pittman Jr is a solid start at WR and with a new coach and Richardson, the expectations for the Colts would be low. Richardson should be able to make an offense effective simply by being a great athlete, if Steichen can harness all his potential, he can be an elite QB in the NFL.
5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Jalen Carter DT Georgia
The character concerns with Carter are the only thing that could stop him from being a top five pick. He’s simply too good of a player and a unique talent to drop unless teams think he can’t mature and become a better version of himself. The criminal case against him from a fatal auto accident earlier this year has been settled with a plea bargain and he faces no jail time. If he has convinced teams it was an isolated incident, that he sincerely regrets his actions, and it won’t happen again, he’s fine, if not, he could tumble down the board. Carter is far and away the best DT in this draft and he has the scheme versatility to fit any style. The Seahawks could really remake their d-line with Carter and free agent Dre’Mont Jones up front. I don’t think Pete Carroll and John Schneider will be scared off by Carter’s issues, they will take the chance on him.
6. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams): Christian Gonzalez CB Oregon
The Lions are in a great position here because they can go in a lot of directions but they don’t have to fill any specific needs. This pick is from the Matthew Stafford trade and they can get a real difference maker here. Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon are the top two CBs and while it has been said that the Lions like Witherspoon a lot, I have Gonzalez here. The Lions signed Emmanuel Moseley and Cam Sutton in free agency and they also have Jerry Jacobs at CB and one thing those guys all have in common, they are under 6’0 tall. Witherspoon measured in at 6’0 exactly but he’s under 190 lbs. which makes him a very slim CB. Gonzalez is 6’2 and has size, length, and athleticism and I think the Lions would be better off supplementing their shorter CBs with a guy who can matchup with some of the bigger, taller WRs in the league.
7. Tennessee Titans (TRADE with Las Vegas): Will Levis QB Kentucky
The Raiders could take Levis if they really like him but Josh McDaniels knows he has to win now and a first-round QB isn’t helping that cause. McDaniels is going to war with Jimmy G at QB and he needs multiple picks to help fix his o-line and defense, he trades down and gets extra picks. The Titans have Ryan Tannehill making a boatload of money and they could save half of his salary off the cap by cutting him. They can reset their cap and their timetable with a rookie QB and Levis might be just the guy to convince Mike Vrabel to go with a rookie QB. Vrabel is an old-school football guy and Levis is the same type. Tennessee needs a reset and Levis could be the key. If they drop Tannehill, they could also drop Derrick Henry and really reset or they can afford to keep Henry for the year and let him carry the offense while the rookie QB figures it out. They may be some other teams looking to trade up here but Tennessee would give them a solid return and the Raiders would only have to drop down to 11th overall, they still get a good player.
8. Atlanta Falcons (7-10): Tyree Wilson DE Texas Tech
The Falcons need help on the front line which is why they signed Calais Campbell and David Onyemata. However, Campbell will be 37 next season and Onyemata is 30. Grady Jarrett, their best holdover up front will also be 30 and their backups leave a lot to be desired. Wilson is a long, angular pass rusher with size and leverage and the versatility to play multiple fronts which makes he a great match with these guys. He can spend the year learning from Campbell and Jarrett on the outside and being a subpackage guy and eventually take over as a starter. He can learn a lot from those two and give them the rest they need as a rotational guy so they stay fresh. The Falcons have addressed other needs like the secondary with the Jeff Okudah trade and signing Jessie Bates III. They signed LBs like Kaden Ellis and Bud Dupree but they still need help up front if they want their defense to be better, and they need their defense to be better. This is also the first spot where RB Bijan Robinson becomes an actual possibility, they could use a playmaker at RB, Robinson is a stud.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (TRADE with Chicago): Paris Johnson Jr. OT Ohio St.
It may seem strange for the Bears to trade out of this spot to allow the Steelers to move up and take an OT the Bears could use but the Steelers need help on the offensive line if they want to protect Kenny Pickett and give him any chance to succeed at QB. Dan Moore just isn’t cutting it and while they have spent money on interior offensive linemen in free agency the last couple of years, they are still pretty bad at OT. Johnson is generally considered the top LT prospect in the draft, but there is no actual consensus. I don’t think Johnson is going to be some regular Pro Bowl type of player, but he’s a legitimate NFL starter for the next decade and that puts him light years ahead of what they have now. The Bears may try to extract a premium pick for moving down so far.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): Lukas Van Ness DL Iowa
The Eagles have one of the better rosters in the league but they have some aging players and GM Howie Roseman loves linemen. He could take an OT to hedge against Lane Johnson’s age but the defensive line is a more pressing need. Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox are aging players and Derek Barnett is coming off an ACL injury. Josh Sweat could use some help off the edge and Van Ness can be that guy without the pressure of having to be the guy. Van Ness can also play inside with Cox on passing downs or give him some rest and play next to Jordan Davis on running downs. Van Ness needs to learn some pass rushing moves and the Eagles have the veterans and coaching to get the best out of him.
11. Las Vegas Raiders (TRADE from Tennessee): Devon Witherspoon CB Illinois
The Raiders have to fix the right side of their offensive line and they have to fix their secondary. If they move down and still end up getting Witherspoon here, that’s a gigantic win. In a division that has Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Sean Payton (see what I did there), they have to get better on the back end. Witherspoon has a shot to be a top 10 pick but I’m just not finding a spot for him. It’s completely possible he goes to Detroit at six and Gonzalez falls here. Witherspoon isn’t the biggest CB out there but don’t tell him that. He plays with the recklessness and intensity of a guy 20 lbs. bigger. He can set the tone for the Raiders underwhelming secondary, they could use some of that.
12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland): Myles Murphy DE Clemson
Their edge players are a little rough at the moment, Jerry Hughes will be 35 next season, Jonathan Greenard missed half of last year with an injury, and they signed Chase Winovich in free agency, he has 12 whole sacks in his four-year career. Murphy isn’t a finished product, he’s only 21 years old, but he’s 6’5 270 lbs. and a really good athlete. He needs to work on finishing his pass rush and getting the QB down but that is something Jerry Hughes has been good at for a long time and he could teach him a few things. The Texans aren’t looking to be great next season, they just want to take a step forward, they can wait for Murphy to get better.
13. Green Bay Packers (from NY Jets): Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio St.
It would be fitting for the Packers to finally trade Aaron Rodgers and then promptly draft a WR in round one. One has nothing to do with the other except for the fact that without Rodgers to elevate the play of the WRs on the team, the Packers need better WRs to elevate Jordan Love at QB. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are a solid duo on the outside but this team needs a legit slot receiver who can make Love’s job easier. Smith-Njigba is almost exclusively a slot guy and that’s fine because he’s excellent at it. He has the change of direction skills and route running mastery to be a devastating inside receiver. Smith-Njigba doesn’t win on the outside because he lacks speed and he’s not an overwhelming athlete, but he gets how to set his defender up and roast him inside. The Packers could take a TE here but Smith-Njigba is the best WR in this draft and he’s too perfect of a fit for what they need.
14. New England Patriots (8-9): Deonte Banks CB Maryland
My sincere hope is that the Patriots don’t draft a WR here, I just don’t like anyone outside of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and he’s gone and they don’t need another slot receiver who can’t help them outside anyway. Also, Belichick is a WR jinx, if he drafts Quentin Johnston I’ll throw up. I would love for them to draft Broderick Jones at OT, he’s my favorite OT in the draft. However, they have Trent Brown, they re-signed Yodny Cajuste and Conor McDermott, and brought in Riley Reiff and Calvin Anderson, that’s a lot of bodies at tackle. At CB, they re-signed Jonathan Jones to a two-year deal but he’s going to be 30. They drafted Marcus Jones and Jack Jones last year and Jack is already in Belichick’s doghouse. Marcus should replace Myles Bryant as the nickel corner after Bryant had a rough year. Also, all of these guys are short, smaller CBs. Banks is 6’1 and over 200 lbs. so he would give them a bigger CB to match up on some of the bigger WRs in the league. He has scheme versatility so he can play however the Patriots want to line up in coverage. He would allow Jonathan Jones to take on the smaller, shiftier WRs and not have to be the CB1. Banks has been moving up the board after missing a lot of last season with an injury.
15. New York Jets (from Green Bay): Broderick Jones OT Georgia
The Jets move down two spots but finally get their QB in Aaron Rodgers. They picked up some pieces at WR to go with Garrett Wilson (Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman, Randall Cobb should be along shortly). If they want Rodgers at his best, they need to give him better protection up front and it’s hard to rely on Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown. Becton has been injury prone and Brown is 38 years old. Broderick Jones has started for Georgia’s back-to-back national championship teams, and while he’s still a little raw, he’s got everything you want in a LT. He is probably the most physically gifted tackle in this draft and this one hurts me because he’s my favorite tackle and I wish the Patriots would draft him, instead he goes to their hated rival.
16. Washington Commanders (8-8-1): Joey Porter Jr. CB Penn St.
The Commanders are on their way to a total reset as they are in the process of being sold. Once Josh Harris and his group take charge things could change dramatically. The franchise needs new blood and that could mean a new GM, head coach, and almost certainly a new QB, but that won’t happen in 2023 so here we go. This team has players to build around; a really good d-line, some new blood on the offensive line, a good WR group, and a good RB. They aren’t in a position to get a new QB so it’s Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett this year. One place they have to address for this year and moving forward is CB. Kendall Fuller, Benjamin St-Juste, and Cam Dantzler aren’t scaring anyone. Porter Jr is the son of former Steelers great Joey Porter and he is a big, physical CB, with long arms and bloodlines to play in the NFL for a long time. This defense could be good if they get better play in the secondary and Porter gets them moving in that direction.
17. Chicago Bears (TRADE with Pittsburgh): Darnell Wright OT Tennessee
The Bears drafted Braxton Jones last year and gave him the LT spot, he had his issues, but he showed enough that I think they stick with him on the left side. They have options at RT, Teven Jenkins, Larry Borom, and even Alex Leatherwood, but none of them have proven to be great options. Wright is seen as a RT only prospect but he’s going to be a hell of a RT. He’s big, powerful, and he would lock down the position for the next 7-10 years at a high level. Fixing the o-line should be a priority and Wright would do that as he would allow Jenkins and Borom to compete at OG or become trade bait. If the Bears aren’t convinced Braxton Jones is truly a LT and want to move him to the right side, they could draft Peter Skoronski and let him try to win the LT job instead.
18. Detroit Lions (9-8): Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame
The Lions got their CB with the sixth pick, now they fill the only real hole on the offense (unless you count QB, and they don’t count QB). They traded TJ Hockenson last year because they didn’t want to have to pay him next year as a free agent. Dan Campbell is the type of coach to like a guy who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and that’s Mayer. Dalton Kincaid is the more productive pass catcher but Mayer is the all-around guy. He can run routes and he’s a contested catch monster, but he’s also not afraid to stick his nose in for a block. He’s not the devastating blocker some would have you believe (despite the nickname, he’s not baby Gronk), but he is a functional and willing blocker. He can be a major red zone weapon for Jared Goff and he would complement Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, just as soon as Williams gets back from his gambling suspension. Mayer feels like a Dan Campbell player.
19. Los Angeles Chargers (TRADE with Tampa Bay): Bijan Robinson RB Texas
Trading up for a RB seems like a weird thing to do but the Chargers are in a unique position. The team is built to compete now; however, Austin Ekeler (their most effective playmaker) wants a new contract but they don’t want to pay him. They have a gigantic Justin Herbert extension on the horizon and paying a RB would not be wise. Robinson is the ultimate Ekeler replacement. He’s the all-everything back Ekeler is except he’s bigger and more athletic. The Chargers pay the price in draft capital to move up a few spots because other teams may be ready to pounce if they don’t. There is a lot of talk in the NFL about resetting your QB spot with a rookie QB contract and while the savings isn’t as much, paying a rookie RB at this spot is a whole lot cheaper than paying Ekeler his market value. Robinson is the total package at RB and he would be a fantastic addition as Herbert’s backfield partner for the next five years.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (TRADE with Seattle): Dalton Kincaid TE Utah
The Jaguars have Evan Engram at TE but he’s the only real TE they have and he’s on a one-year deal. Also, their WR group has quite a few small guys and the only taller WR is Zay Jones and he doesn’t play like a big guy. Engram could be even more deadly if he had a two-TE set with Dalton Kincaid as the other TE. Kincaid is really just a big WR, he’s not a blocker, he’s a pass catcher. He can line up at different positions inside or out and he would be a deadly weapon down the seam for Trevor Lawrence. Adding him to Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk and Evan Engram would give Lawrence a real chance to shine.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TRADE with LA Chargers): Peter Skoronski OT Northwestern
The Buccaneers cut Donovan Smith for salary cap purposes and now they are need of another tackle. The thought has been that they might move RT Tristan Wirfs to LT and find a new guy on the right side. If Skoronski is still here, they could draft him and see where he works best for them. He could compete at LT or he could end up being a good guard replacement after they traded Shaq Mason in the off season. Either way, Skoronski is an immediate starter somewhere (it could even be RT with Wirfs still moving to the left side) and he’s great value here. The Buccaneers are in a weird place, they have Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask at QB but they aren’t in a position to get a replacement. Taking Hendon Hooker is possible but it seems unlikely.
22. Baltimore Ravens (10-7): Nolan Smith OLB Georgia
Assuming the Ravens get the Lamar Jackson situation handled they can move forward trying to be a contender in the AFC. They are trying to address their WR situation with signing Odell Beckham Jr and Nelson Agholor to go with a healthy Rashod Bateman, that’s the best WR corps they have had in Jackson’s career. On the defensive side of the ball, they have lost several edge players; Calais Campbell, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Justin Houston. All of those guys are aging so it makes sense to pivot. Nolan Smith is a very athletic edge player they can use in a lot of different ways and he gives them some extra pass rushing to go with Tyus Bowser, Odafe Oweh and they hope David Ojabo. If one of the top CBs falls here, they should jump on them but for now they can wait until day two to grab a CB.
23. Minnesota Vikings (13-4): Drew Sanders LB Arkansas
Generally, it seems like the Vikings need a CB or a WR here but I just don’t see the value here. They don’t need a small WR who plays the slot, they already have KJ Osborn, Jalen Reagor, and Justin Jefferson can play inside too. Quentin Johnston doesn’t feel like the big WR fit here. They can wait on CB because the value is in rounds 2-4. Drew Sanders played LB at Arkansas last year after being an edge rusher at Alabama previously. That makes for an interesting set of skills in a guy who is 6’5 235 lbs. and very athletic. That’s exactly the type of guy I think new defensive coordinator Brian Flores would love to work with. Flores came up under Bill Belichick who loves big LBs who do a lot of different things in their defense. Sanders could step in immediately at ILB and be used in a pass rusher role when appropriate.
24. Seattle Seahawks (TRADE with Jacksonville): Steve Avila C/G TCU
Well, there always has to be that one guy who gets drafted in round one that no one is talking about as first round guy and the Seahawks are a good bet to be the team that takes that guy. They need interior offensive line help and while Avila isn’t the first name people usually talk about at guard or center, he’s a really good player. He played guard this last year but he actually has more starts at center in his career. The Seahawks need a new center and Avila is the type of big, mauling player they love inside. He’s 6’4 and over 330 lbs. and he’s not exactly a smooth mover but on the inside, he is a dominant force. Once he locks on, the play is over. If the Seahawks plan to rely on the run game and not ask too much of Geno Smith, Avila would be a massive upgrade at either center or RG. My guess is he’s their starting center in week one.
25. New York Giants (9-7-1): John Michael Schmitz C Minnesota
The Giants need help at WR and CB but the value really isn’t there right now. So many of the WRs are the smaller, shifty guys; Zay Flowers, Jordan Addison, Jalin Hyatt, or Josh Downs, they already have that covered, and then some. They could go with Kelee Ringo or Cam Smith at CB but there is good depth there too. Building up the line in front of Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley isn’t a sexy thing to do but it’s probably the right thing to do. They have their tackles but the inside of the line is a problem. Ben Bredeson is penciled in at center with either Joshua Ezeudu or Shane Lemieux at LG, that’s not ideal. Schmitz is a beast at center, he has years of experience, and he’s an immediate starter. He makes life easier on Jones because he won’t be overwhelmed with playing center and he’ll open running lanes for Barkley. He also creates competition by kicking Bredeson back out to compete at guard.
26. Dallas Cowboys (12-5): Brian Branch S Alabama
The Cowboys have addressed some of their needs in free agency with re-signing guys or trading for WR Brandin Cooks and CB Stephon Gilmore. They could look to address the interior of the offensive line, especially the center position. If Steve Avila or John Michael Schmitz make it this far, those would be smart additions. Since they don’t make it in this mock draft, and Drew Sanders (a Cowboys mock draft favorite) is also gone, I’m going with Branch. He’s not your typical safety prospect, he’s probably best as a nickel corner but he has versatility. The Cowboys have Jourdan Lewis coming off an injury and DaRon Bland played well last year but Branch is an upgrade. Also, their safety spots aren’t settled long-term so Branch could be used there. Dan Quinn is an excellent defensive mind and he would find smart ways to deploy a guy like Branch.
27. Buffalo Bills (13-3): Jordan Addison WR USC
The Bills are trying to make sure the offense is stacked for Josh Allen which is why they went after Odell Beckham Jr and other WRs in the off season. Stefon Diggs is a true #1 WR and they still like Gabe Davis at this point, but they let Isaiah McKenzie walk in free agency and Cole Beasley should retire again and stay that way. They have Khalil Shakir but if they really trusted Shakir to be the slot guy they probably wouldn’t have dusted off Beasley last season when McKenzie wasn’t working out. Addison is undersized and he can play in the slot to start his career, it’s probably best for him. Addison does have the potential to be even more, if he reaches his full potential, he could actually be a Diggs-like WR. Diggs is an undersized guy who is a true WR1. Diggs will also turn 30 this next season and he’s been complaining about his contract. They could go for a RB but the only RB worth taking here is Jahmyr Gibbs and he’s redundant with James Cook and Naheim Hines on the roster.
28. Cincinnati Bengals (12-4): Jahmyr Gibbs RB Alabama
There has been a lot of smoke coming from Cincinnati about moving on from Joe Mixon. He’s been a big part of the offense but the team can’t pay all their offensive stars and Mixon comes in behind Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins for sure and they would probably rather spend money to keep Tyler Boyd over paying a RB too much. Gibbs is a good all-around back who can excel in the pass game, gives them plenty in the run game and will come quite cheap for the next five years as a late first-round player. If they get Gibbs here, they may look to deal Mixon for a late draft pick just to see if they can get any value from him instead of cutting him. The popular mock draft pick is a TE but they can get a very good TE on day two.
29. New Orleans (from Denver/Mia/SF): Bryan Bresee DT Clemson
The Saints have this pick from trading Sean Payton to the Broncos. They should be looking at best player available and that might just be Bresee. They signed Khalen Saunders and Nathan Sheppard at DT to replace guys they lost in free agency but neither of those two has ever been great. Bresee has the potential to be a beast up front. He had a tough year personally this last year at Clemson and it clearly affected his play but he’s a talented guy. The Saints could look to an edge player if they like Derick Hall or Keion White more than Bresee but they need help on the defensive line and they have to hope former first rounder Payton Turner can give them something at DE. They could go WR but as I’ve said before, the value isn’t there right now.
30. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3): Emmanuel Forbes CB Mississippi St.
The consensus is the top four CBs are Christian Gonzalez, Devon Witherspoon, Deonte Banks, and Joey Porter Jr, there is no consensus on the fifth CB. Forbes is a playmaking machine, he gets interceptions at a high rate and he had three pick sixes this last season, he knows what to do once he has them. The knock on Forbes is he is super skinny. He’s 6’1 and came in at 166 lbs. at the combine, that’s incredibly thin. Keep in mind the Eagles are the team that drafted Devonta Smith in the top 10 and he was super skinny and he’s been just fine. Forbes will have the opportunity in Philly to try to fill out a bit before he’s thrown in the fire. Darius Slay, James Bradberry, and Avonte Maddux are established as the top three CBs. Forbes is never going to be a big CB, but he doesn’t let that stop him. He plays with the confidence you want in a CB and while he’s really light, he’s never let that stop him from coming up to tackle a guy.
31. Kansas City Chiefs (14-3): Anton Harrison OT Oklahoma
The Chiefs let both Orlando Brown Jr and Andrew Wylie, their starting OTs last year, walk in free agency. They signed Jawaan Taylor to be their LT after he started his entire career in Jacksonville at RT. I’m not totally convinced Taylor is a LT and Harrison would be a hedge against that. Harrison has moved up into the fifth OT spot on the board and tackles get moved up the draft board regularly. He has the physical tools and the length and athleticism of a LT. Harrison has some work to do on his technique but with Andy Reid and offensive line coach Andy Heck around to develop him, he could be the best OT out of this class. The Chiefs need to protect Patrick Mahomes and relying on Lucas Niang to finally step up as a starting tackle would be a foolish mistake.
Round 2
32. Chicago: Will McDonald IV Edge Iowa St.
I think if Pittsburgh wants to move up to get the Bears 9th pick, the Bears are going to insist on getting this pick back after they traded it for Chase Claypool. With an OT on board, they look to the defensive side. They need pass rushers badly. McDonald is small but he’s fast off the edge with a killer spin move.
33. Houston: Keion White DL Georgia Tech
Houston needs help on defense and DeMeco Ryans comes from San Francisco where they built their defense around their elite line. They could easily double up with White joining Myles Murphy on the edge. White also has the versatility to kick inside when needed and Ryans will like that.
34. Arizona: Cam Smith CB South Carolina
Marco Wilson, Rashad Fenton, Antonio Hamilton Sr, Nate Hairston, Christian Matthew; those are the top five CBs on the Cardinals roster. Cam Smith would be the CB1 from day one and they shouldn’t stop with him. Smith gets a bit handsy and could be a penalty monster in the NFL but hopefully Jonathan Gannon and his defensive staff can coach that out of him.
35. Indianapolis: Kelee Ringo CB Georgia
The Colts best CB is Kenny Moore and he’s a slot guy. They need outside CBs badly. Gus Bradley has evolved to use a cover-3 scheme and Ringo fits that style. Ringo is a fantastic athlete with elite size but doesn’t change direction well. The Colts defense would allow him to do what he does well and they get a big CB who can match up with big, physical WRs.
36. Los Angeles Rams (5-12): Adetomiwa Adebawore DL Northwestern
The Rams were a mess last season. The offense could at least be functional if they get guys healthy. Matt Stafford and Cooper Kupp are the biggest names they need back but their offensive line was a total disaster and they need them all back. That said, at least the offense has guys if they are healthy. The defense is Aaron Donald and ten guys you’re never heard of. Their pass rush is non-existent and they have to start somewhere. Adebawore is a unique player who is shorter and lighter than you expect out of a guy who lined up inside a lot but also doesn’t really have the length like a DE prospect should. However, he’s extremely effective as a pass rusher and gives you everything he’s got. If anyone knows how to use a small interior rusher, it’s the Rams. To be clear, nothing is off the table. Stafford is 35 and coming off a missed season due to a serious injury, Cooper Kupp will be 30 next year and also coming off an injury, and Aaron Donald could retire any time. Kupp and Donald also simply need more help at the positions they play. The Rams won a Super Bowl by going all-in, this roster is the price they are paying for it.
37. Seattle: Zay Flowers WR Boston College
Many people think Flowers will be first round pick, maybe he will, but he falls here. The Seahawks have DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett at WR and not much else. Flowers would be an instant starter in the slot and give them a guy to mix and match with Lockett because Flowers can move outside when needed.
38. Las Vegas: Dawand Jones OT Ohio St.
After getting a much-needed CB in round one the Raiders can address their offensive line in round two. Jones is a RT only player but they have Kolten Miller at LT and they desperately need a legitimate RT. Jones comes in as one of the biggest players in the league, and he’s actually pretty good.
39. Carolina: BJ Ojulari OLB LSU
Ojulari is an undersized pass rusher who would be best used rushing from space. New defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero will likely be using a 3-4 defense and he needs someone to take some pressure off of Brian Burns. Ojulari isn’t a finished product but he’s got potential.
40. New Orleans: Quentin Johnston WR TCU
This would seem like a fall for Johnston but this is where he should go. He’s a big-bodied WR who doesn’t play to his size with the ball in the air. He’s a monster once he has it but he isn’t the contested catch guy you want. He could learn some tricks of the trade from Michael Thomas while complementing Thomas and Chris Olave, assuming Thomas plays.
41. Tennessee: Darnell Washington TE Georgia
This is a team that likes to run the ball and here they get the best blocking TE in the draft. Washington’s blocking has been so hyped up it might be a little overkill but he’s really good. He also has the possibility of becoming a much more useful pass catcher without Brock Bowers sucking up all the TE targets. A rookie QB would like a target Washington’s size.
42. Green Bay: Luke Musgrave TE Oregon St.
Brian Gutekunst uses the Packers second straight pick on another pass catcher and it’s another one he gets for Aaron Rodgers (that’s like two thumbs up to Rodgers on his way out the door except those aren’t thumbs). Musgrave is a 6’6 253 lbs. freak athlete who needs to stay healthy. If he does, he’s a great pick up for a first year QB like Jordan Love, the ultimate safety valve.
43. New York Jets: Joe Tippmann C Wisconsin
One offensive lineman is not enough. They need center help as much as they need OT help unless they really think Wes Schweitzer can handle it (he’s better as the backup interior guy). Tippman would solidify the line in front of Rodgers and give the offense a chance.
44. Atlanta: Calijah Kancey DL Pittsburgh
The Falcons pass rush has been bad for quite some time and this is just taking a shot on a guy who can add some juice there. Kancey is an extreme outlier because he’s such a small DT with short arms. He needs to be used in specific ways and Atlanta is so desperate for pass rush help maybe they can find creative ways to use him with big DEs like Calais Campbell and first rounder Tyree Wilson.
45. Green Bay: Felix Anudike-Uzomah DE Kansas St.
Preston Smith will be 31 this year and Rashan Gary is heading towards free agency next year. They don’t have much else at pass rusher. Anudike-Uzomah is the best pass rusher left on the board. He’s one of the most natural edge rushers in the class and he paired it with actually being productive in his college career (19.5 sacks in the last two years).
46. New England: Jack Campbell LB Iowa
There is no one who loves a big ass LB with questionable coverage skills like Bill Belichick. Campbell’s not terrible in coverage it’s just not where he excels. Coming downhill, running down the play is him at his best, Belichick will love this guy. As a Patriots fan, anyone replacing Bentley at ILB would be great. I would love to see them consider taking WR Cedric Tillman here, they need a true X receiver, DeVante Parker has been impersonating one for years.
47. Washington: Tucker Craft TE South Dakota St.
The fifth TE off the board is a fight between Tucker Craft and Sam LaPorta and I’m giving Washington Craft because he’s slightly bigger and I think he fits their profile to replace Logan Thomas eventually. Craft will take a minute to adjust from playing at the FCS level to the NFL but the Commanders aren’t poised to be all that competitive with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett at QB.
48. Detroit: Hendon Hooker QB Tennessee
Detroit waits around and Hooker falls in their lap. I think the talk around Hooker in round one is just noise. He’s already 25 years old and he’s coming off an ACL injury. He will need this next year to rehab and get used to an NFL offense. The Lions have Jared Goff, they can wait.
49. Houston: Trenton Simpson LB Clemson
The Texans have some aging LBs and DeMeco Ryans knows the value of a great LB. For one, he was one when he played, and he witnessed numerous ones during his time coaching the 49ers, including Fred Warner. Simpson is a very good coverage LB which is where Warner separates himself too. Simpson isn’t Warner but I’m sure Ryan can find useful ways to use him.
50. Tampa Bay: Sam LaPorta TE Iowa
They still have Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Russell Gage at WR but their top TEs are Cade Otten and Ko Kieft, not ideal. LaPorta would give them a weapon they can use down the seam and he can block. He helps whichever terrible QB they pick to start to be a little less terrible.
51. Miami Dolphins (9-8): Cody Mauch C/G North Dakota St.
The Dolphins have spent money on the offensive line (Terron Armstead, Connor Williams) and many draft picks (Liam Eichenberg, Austin Jackson, Robert Hunt) and yet their line still leaves a lot to be desired. Mauch was a LT at North Dakota St. but he lacks the length to play tackle in the NFL and will move inside. He worked at both guard and center at the Senior Bowl and held up just fine. He isn’t the biggest or most powerful player but he’s athletic and agile which is perfect for the Dolphins offense. He should come in and work at guard and he can challenge Eichenberg and Hunt but it’s also possible he gets a shot at center and they move Connor Williams to guard. Either way, he’s an upgrade and a great fit for the Dolphins.
52. Seattle: O’Cyrus Torrence OG Florida
Seattle could really set up their offensive line for long-term success if they get Avila to play center and Torrence to play guard. Added to second-year OTs Charles Cross and Abe Lucas and their “grizzled veteran” fourth-year guard Damien Lewis, that’s a good starting five. Torrence shouldn’t fall this far but guards have to fit or have versatility for teams to really take them higher, Torrence is only a guard. He’s a road grader that Ken Walker will love to run behind.
53. Chicago: Julius Brents CB Kansas St.
Ryan Poles proved last year he’ll go for the guys he likes regardless of need and even though he drafted defensive backs last year, he could do it again. Jaylon Johnson could be headed towards free agency and the Bears have a bunch of smaller CBs. Brents is legitimately 6’3 and could be a great addition on the outside.
54. Los Angeles Chargers: Jalin Hyatt WR Tennessee
Even after moving up for Bijan Robinson in round one, they should double down on offense and take Hyatt. I mocked him a few times in round one to the Chargers because he just makes sense. They have the two big, tough WRs, they need the speed guy. Hyatt is all speed. He needs a team that can make use of what he does exceptionally well, go deep, and can let him develop the rest of his game over the next few years. It’s a perfect match and Justin Herbert has the arm to use him.
55. Detroit: Matt Bergeron OL Syracuse
Surprisingly Detroit’s roster is in a place where they aren’t looking to fill a ton of holes. If they get a CB and TE early, they can look for value. Bergeron played LT at Syracuse and can develop into one if needed but he could also slide inside. They had some injuries at RG last year and Jonah Jackson is heading towards free agency at LG. Bergeron is a pick for depth now and development moving forward.
56. Jacksonville: DJ Turner CB Michigan
The Jaguars cut Shaq Griffin and they could use an outside CB to start opposite Tyson Campbell so Darious Williams can be the nickel corner and Tre Herndon is a bench guy. Turner is a speed demon and he could step in right away.
57. New York Giants: Kyu Blu Kelly CB Stanford
The Giants need some size at CB, they have entirely too many CBs under 6’0. Adoree’ Jackson, Darnay Holmes, and Aaron Robinson, and of those three only Jackson can really play outside. Kelly has played a lot of games at Stanford and even though he has had struggles at times, he has the size, athleticism, and experience worth betting on.
58. Dallas: Zach Charbonnet RB UCLA
Dallas finally cut the cord on Ezekiel Elliott after they franchise tagged Tony Pollard. Pollard is coming off an injury and really isn’t the guy you want running head first into a wall trying to break through, that was Zeke’s job. Charbonnet can be that guy now. He’s a big back who isn’t flashy he’s just effective. He can take the beating so Pollard can be the homerun hitter.
59. Buffalo: Jaelyn Duncan OT Maryland
Duncan doesn’t rate as high as many linemen in this draft but he’s long, athletic and a gifted pass blocker. The Bills don’t need an OT right now but LT Dion Dawkins is 29, he only really has two years left on his deal and if they don’t want to pay him when he’s in his 30s, here’s a guy who might step in. When you’re as good as the Bills has been, you can make this move.
60. Cincinnati: Antonio Johnson S Texas A&M
The Bengals lost both starting safeties off of last year’s team. They drafted Dax Hill last year in anticipation of that and signed Nick Scott in free agency, but both those guys are smaller safeties. Johnson has size at 6’2 and yet he’s a good athlete who can cover a little. This isn’t a great safety class but Johnson is a guy worth having.
61. Chicago: Devon Achane RB Texas A&M
The Bears are trying to build out their offense to give Justin Fields a chance to develop. DJ Moore at WR was a nice start and getting a new RT in round one helps a lot. D’Onta Foreman and Khalil Herbert are good backs, but they’re grinders. The offense needs more gamebreakers. Achane is a gamebreaker, he’s a blur on the field. He gives them a dimension they don’t have and Foreman and Herbert insure he won’t be used to grind out yards, just bust big runs.
62. Philadelphia: Nick Saldiveri OL Old Dominion
I can’t let the Eagles get out of round two without an offensive lineman. Howie Roseman loves big guys and he’s always trying to be a step ahead on the line. Saldiveri played RT at Old Dominion and dominated and then went to the Senior Bowl, moved inside to guard and played quite well. He wouldn’t start this year unless there’s an injury but Jason Kelce is year-to-year for retirement now, Cam Jurgens will play RG until he moves inside to replace Kelce. Saldiveri is also a hedge against Lane Johnson’s age and injury history at RT.
63. Kansas City: Cedric Tillman WR Tennessee
If there was a true pass rushing threat here on the board I would go with him, but there isn’t. Tillman is the one true X receiver in this class, he plays the position the way it should be played and uses his size to his advantage. Tillman isn’t a true burner but he’s fast enough and just knows how to play WR. The Chiefs only size at WR is Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Justin Watson, Tillman can be better than both.
The Hott Read 