FINAL 2023 MOCK DRAFT - rounds one and two
Today is draft day and here is my final mock draft - the first two rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft:
TODAY IS DRAFT DAY!
Firstly, I would just like to say thank you to everyone who read or subscribed to my draft guide because this will be my last pre-draft post. It was a lot of fun watching film, breaking down players, and then sharing my thoughts with you guys. Thank you guys for reading my posts every week it really means a lot.
Going forward, I will be posting a piece that will recap the first round of the draft as I will be giving out draft grades to all 31 teams that pick in the first round. After the entire draft concludes I will post my final two pieces where for one I will talk about which player’s landing spots I am excited about and which player’s landing spots I hate. Then to end off the draft process, I will post a piece on the candidates for the end of year rookie awards.
One quick thing I want to address is where Lamar Jackson will be playing; I think Lamar Jackson stays with the Ravens because of the Odell Beckham Jr. signing. So for this mock draft, Lamar Jackson stays with the Ravens.
Also this will be a mock draft of the first 2 rounds. For the first round I will be discussing and providing explanation for each pick, but for the second round I will just be listing players and saying what team drafts them.
Finally for trades, I am using Calculator Soup's Draft Pick Calculator to judge the value of picks, and to make the trades balanced because they could change the order of the second round.
NOTE: some players I have getting draft aren’t included in my draft guide but I have watched some of their tape and understand what they bring to the table as a player.
Now let’s get to the draft:
MOCK DRAFT:
1st Pick - Carolina Panthers
PANTHERS SELECT: BRYCE YOUNG - Alabama
Bryce Young is the favorite, by a large margin, to be the first pick in the draft. There isn’t one mock draft that has anything else right now, and so I am going chalk here for the first pick. Young is the most NFL-ready QB and will be a great QB for Carolina right away. Size and durability are the issues for Young, but his ability outside the pocket and his processing abilities are what make him special.
2nd Pick - Houston Texans
TEXANS SELECT: WILL ANDERSON JR. - Alabama
In an interview this week, Will Anderson told Good Morning Football that during his meeting with the Texans, Demeco Ryans told him “You’re a special player and we will use you in a special way.” Seems like the Texans are interested in him. The Texans also finished bottom 10 in sacks and were the worst team against the run last year. Will Anderson fills a desperate need for Houston and has the ability to have a 10+ sack season as a rookie and will be a dynamic edge rusher for the next decade.
3rd Pick - TRADE: Arizona Cardinals —> Indianapolis Colts
Colts send picks #4, #79, 2024 3rd round pick for the #3 pick
COLTS SELECT: CJ STROUD - Ohio State
I think a lot of teams will be calling the Arizona Cardinals in order to jump in front of the Colts and take a QB before the they do. However, I don’t think the Colts let this happen. The Colts have had 6 different QBs start their season over the past 6 years! The Colts have been desperate for a QB ever since Andrew Luck left and I don’t think the Colts will let anyone steal a QB from them. CJ Stroud can become the face of the Colt’s franchise for the next 10+ years. Stroud has a beautiful deep ball with great accuracy, and in the Peach Bowl against Georgia, Stroud operated out of the pocket and extended plays very nicely. Safest QB in this class.
4th Pick - TRADE: Arizona Cardinals —> Tennessee Titans
Titans send picks #11, #41, 2024 3rd round pick for the #4 pick and a 2024 5th round pick
TITANS SELECT: WILL LEVIS - Kentucky
As I am writing this on Tuesday April 25th, there was a major shakeup with Will Levis. His odds to be the first overall pick, shifted from 50-1 on Monday night to 4-1 on Tuesday night. I think that people started to find out that teams loved Levis during their meetings with him because of his personality, leadership skills, and football IQ. I don’t think he goes first overall, but I think the NFL draft media just found out that NFL teams love Will Levis. To me, Tennessee is a perfect fit for Will Levis because it allows him to develop behind Ryan Tannehill (which is almost a necessity for him), and also is an offense that doesn’t need perfect play from the QB because of Derrick Henry’s usage.
5th Pick - Seattle Seahawks
SEAHAWKS SELECT: TYREE WILSON - Texas Tech
The Seahawks were 3rd worst against the run last year and are in need of strengthening their defensive line. Tyree Wilson will need developing but has the abilities to be an All-Pro level player. Wilson’s speed, strength, and athleticism for his size is remarkable and will provide a spark to this Seahawks defense.
6th Pick - Detroit Lions
LIONS SELECT: DEVON WITHERSPOON - Illinois
The Lions have to fix their defense, and so they get a player in Witherspoon who embodies the Dan Campbell spirit of “bitting kneecaps.” Witherspoon is a physical, game-wrecking player who was a lock down corner last year. Lions are in need of a corner after trading away Jeff Okudah for a fifth round pick. Witherspoon is a great player who will add a massive spark right away to this Lions defense.
7th Pick - Las Vegas Raiders
RAIDERS SELECT: CHRISTIAN GONZALEZ - Oregon
The Raiders allowed the 4th most passing yards last year and were tied for the least amount of interceptions last year as well. The Raiders have to add pieces to their secondary and Christian Gonzalez has the abilities to become a shutdown cornerback for them. Gonzalez is super fluid and is an incredible athlete with great technique out on the outside. Gonzalez will make a huge impact right away from this currently lack luster secondary in Vegas.
8th Pick - TRADE: Atlanta Falcons —>Houston Texans
Texans send the #12 pick and the #73 pick for the #8 pick
TEXANS SELECT: ANTHONY RICHARDSON - Florida
The Texans use some of their immense draft capital they received in the Deshaun Watson trade to trade up and hopefully draft their new franchise QB in Anthony Richardson. Richardson has the abilities, traits, and athleticism to become one of the best QBs in the league. He will need to develop and become a more consistent passer, but the upside is definitely worth the draft capital the Texans will spend when they trade up.
9th Pick - Chicago Bears
BEARS SELECT: JALEN CARTER - Georgia
After getting DJ Moore via the trade with Carolina, I think the Bears try and boost their defense. The Bears were dead last in sacks last year and the Bears defense as a whole was abysmal. The Bears sack leader last year was a rookie safety with 4! Jalen Carter was considered the best player in this class, but after having off the field issues, and struggling to finish his pro day workout because he was out of shape, his stock has lowered massively. However, Carter would be an instant impact maker on the Bears defense and has the strength, size, and quickness to dominate in the NFL.
10th Pick - Philadelphia Eagles
EAGLES SELECT: BIJAN ROBINSON - Texas
The league will be doomed if this happens. Simply I think the Eagles, who likely have the most well rounded team in the NFL already, draft the best player on the board. Bijan Robinson is a consensus top 5 player in this draft and is a “can’t miss” prospect. Miles Sanders left during free agency and the Eagles could use a big time back that is able to carry the load of their potent rushing attack. Also, Bijan behind this offensive line would be unreal. He would dominate the second he enters the league and would be the heavy favorite to win offensive rookie of the year.
11th pick - Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals receive picks #4, #79, and a 2024 3rd round pick from the Indianapolis Colts for the #3 pick
Cardinals receive picks #11, #41, and a 2024 3rd round pick from the Tennessee Titans for the #4 pick and a 2024 5th round pick
CARDINALS SELECT: PARIS JOHNSON JR. - Ohio State
There are several reports that Kyler Murray has made it clear that he wants Paris Johnson Jr. The Cardinals need an offensive tackle badly, and in addition, taking Johnson third overall is a major reach, so trading back, picking up a ton of draft capital makes a lot of sense for Arizona who are in the rebuilding process. I think Kyler’s voice will be heard because he wanted Tristian Wirfs and Creed Humphrey the last two years, and they both turned out to be great players.
12th pick - Atlanta Falcons
Falcons receive the #12 pick and the #73 pick from the Houston Texans for the #8 pick
FALCONS SELECT: NOLAN SMITH - Georgia
Very simple pick, the Falcons have the least amount of sacks the last two years, and after taking two offensive players with their last two first round picks, they need to get some young defensive talent. Nolan Smith was one of the stars at the Combine because of his absurd 4.39sec. 40-yard dash for a defensive end. Smith can become a dynamic player and a cornerstone piece for the next 10+ years in Atlanta.
13th pick - Green Bay Packers
PACKERS SELECT: JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA - Ohio State
After trading away Aaron Rodgers, the Packers swap picks with the Jets and get their new quarterback, Jordan Love, a new star target. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had injury issues last year, but in his last 5 fully healthy games Smith-Njigba has 60 receptions, 958 yards, and 6 TD!!! Smith-Njigba would be an immediate producer for Green Bay and could become one of the top receivers in the league.
14th pick - New England Patriots
PATRIOTS SELECT: BRODERICK JONES - Georgia
Offensive line is a major issue for the New England Patriots and they have to be able to protect their immobile quarterback, Mac Jones. Trent Brown and Isaiah Wynn both missed 8 games last year and neither of them looked good when they did play. Broderick Jones is young, strong, and bullies defenders as a left tackle. He will need some developing so sitting behind either tackle would be beneficial. Why not replace older Georgia alumni with a new one?
15th pick - New York Jets
JETS SELECT: PETER SKORONSKI - Northwestern
After trading for Aaron Rodgers and swapping first round picks with the Packers, I think the Jets will take an offensive player to help their new QB. Mekhi Becton was injured all of the last year, and the last time he payed in 2021, he wasn’t even that good. Peter Skoronski is undersized for an offensive tackle, but he was really good in college, and will provide a lot of versatility for the Jets because they are in need for an interior offensive linemen as well. I think they move Skoronski to offensive guard, but however, if Mekhi Becton struggles coming back from injury, Skoronski could replace him and be a solid protector for Aaron Rodgers.
16th pick - Washington Commanders
COMMANDERS SELECT: DALTON KINCAID - Utah
Eric Bieniemy is the offensive coordinator for the Commanders and as the team tries to find their starting QB, why not make their eventual starter’s life a lot easier and surround them with incredible talent. Bieniemy called the system that led to Travis Kelce becoming arguably the best tight end of all time. Logan Thomas is no Travis Kelce, but Dalton Kincaid… is pretty reminiscent of Kelce. Kincaid is incredible at getting open. He uses speed, strength, and agility to constantly create separation from the defender. Kincaid is a scheme fit player that will blossom into a star under Bieniemy.
17th pick - Pittsburg Steelers
STEELERS SELECT: DARNELL WRIGHT - Tennessee
The Steelers offensive line has been horrific for the past 3 or so years. In order to protect Kenny Pickett, they will have to bolster the group. Darnell Wright is an incredible pass protector and he didn’t allow a single sack last year at Tennessee. Wright doesn’t have any major flaws with his game and would have an instant impact for Pittsburg.
18th pick - TRADE: Detroit Lions —> Baltimore Ravens
Ravens send the #22 pick and #86 pick for the #18 pick and #152 pick
RAVENS SELECT: JOEY PORTER JR. - Penn State
The Ravens see a star player that fills a desperate need for them slip later into the draft, and they decided to pull the string and take him. The Ravens secondary gave up the 5th most passing yards last year and Marcus Peters signed with the Raiders during the off season. Joey Porter Jr. has rare length as he was in the 95th percentile for both arm length and wingspan for cornerbacks. Jory Porter Jr. also has elite level technique that could make him a lock down corner in the league for decades. Also, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as Joey Porter Jr. would be playing on the same team that his father did for 13 years.
19th pick - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
BUCCANEERS SLECT: ANTON HARRISON - Oklahoma
With Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask being the starting QB for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they will need to protect one of them and allow them to be comfortable in the pocket. Donovan Smith, the Buccaneers former left tackle, left during free agency. As a result, there is a major hole in the Buccaneers offense, and so they draft Anton Harrison who is an NFL-ready left tackle. Harrison has great hand technique and is able to dismantle any edge rusher. Very straightforward pick.
20th pick - Seattle Seahawks
SEAHAWKS SELECT: CALIJAH KANCEY - Pittsburg
The interior defensive line for Seattle was pretty bad as Bryon Mone and Jarran Reed were major liabilities. As a result, Seattle also allowed the 3rd most rushing yards last year, and so Seattle is in desperate need for an interior defensive tackle. Calijah Kancey was another star at the Combine and has rare quickness and speed. Kancey is undersized but his athleticism, technique, and production all point to him being a star player in the NFL.
MIAMI DOLPHINS PICK: VOIDED
If you want to find out why read this article: https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/dolphins-lose-first-round-pick-owner-suspended-for-tom-brady-tampering
21st pick - Los Angeles Chargers
CHARGERS SELECT: ZAY FLOWERS - Boston College
Justin Herbert ranked 20th in aDOT (average depth of target) last year compared to Dak Prescott who ranked 7th. With Kellen Moore (Dak’s old offensive coordinator) coming to Los Angeles, the Chargers offense will use Herbert’s great arm and stretch the field more than they did last year with Joe Lombardi calling the offense. Zay Flowers gives them a vertical threat but also a crafty route runner that could work out of the slot and create constant separation. In addition, the Chargers can’t rely on Kennan Allen and Mike Williams to stay healthy.
22nd pick - Detroit Lions
Lions receive the #22 pick and #86 pick from the Baltimore Ravens for the #18 pick and #152 pick
LIONS SELECT: MYLES MURPHY - Clemson
The Lions drafted Aidan Hutchinson 2nd overall last year and he was one of the only bright spots on the horrid Detroit defense. The Lions allowed the 4th most amount of rushing yards last year and were bottom 10 in sacks as well. They need more players on the defensive line, and so they get an extremely athletic and quick edge rusher in Myles Murphy. Murphy does need to develop a little bit, but his burst and agility off the line could provide an immediate spark for the Lions.
23rd pick - Minnesota Vikings
VIKINGS SELECT: BRIAN BRANCH - Alabama
The Vikings need to add more depth in the secondary as Harrison Smith continues to age, Patrick Peterson left during free agency, and because their only cornerback who is on their active is Cameron Dantzler Sr. Brian Branch is a very versatile player because he is able to stuff the run while playing on the line of scrimmage, play man coverage in the slot, and finally drop back into deep zone coverage and be a ballhawk. Branch would be a fun player for, the Viking’s newly hired defensive coordinator, Brain Flores.
24th pick - Jacksonville Jaguars
JAGUARS SELECT: DEONTE BANKS - Maryland
Another slam dunk pick: The Jaguars gave up the 6th most amount of passing yards last year and Deonte Banks will provide immediate help in the secondary. Banks scored a perfect 10.00 RAS score and ran a 4.36 second 40-yard dash at 6’1, 200lbs. Banks also has great technique and bullies receivers in press coverage. Great player going to a team that needs him badly.
25th pick - New York Giants
GAINTS SELECT: JORDAN ADDISON - USC
The Giants wide receiver room last year was a mess as Isaiah Hodgins became their top target. Kenny Golladay was cut and Richie James was signed by the Chiefs. Jordan Addison will be an instant spark for New York and will round out an under the radar offense that is filled with talent.
26th pick - TRADE: Dallas Cowboys —> Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals send the #28 pick and #163 pick for the #26 pick
BENGALS SELECT: DAWAND JONES - Ohio State
Worried that the Bills might fill their right tackle needs, the Bengals jump them and pick up a great player that fills a need in Dawand Jones. La’el Collins was a massive disappointment last year for the Bengals and is now coming off an ACL tear. Dawand Jones is massive right tackle that is sneaky athletic and very strong. Jones bullied edge rusher last year at Ohio State as he didn’t allow a single sack and only allowed 5 pressures through 12 games. Jones wouldn’t be a day 1 starter for Cincinnati but would be a great backup for their struggling right tackle.
27th pick - Buffalo Bills
BILLS SELECT: LUKAS VAN NESS - Iowa
As Von Miller rehabs from his torn ACL, the Bills don’t have any outside edge rushers. Lukas Van Ness is a great athlete with incredible strength, but he is very raw and will need to be developed in order to become a dynamic pass rusher for the Bills. However, Van Ness’ snaps were limited at Iowa because the team plays people in terms of seniority, and so it’s possible Van Ness couldn’t fully show off who he was as a player. In Buffalo, he would be a day 1 starter with the upside to become one of the most dominate pass rushers in the NFL.
28th pick - Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys receive the #28 pick and #163 pick from the Cincinnati Bengals for the #26 pick
COWBOYS SELECT: JAHMYR GIBBS - Alabama
The Cowboys have traded back a lot the past couple of years and by trading two fifth round picks for Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks, the Cowboys replenish some of their expended draft capital. Tony Pollard is rehabbing from an injury he got during the playoffs in the Divisional Round, and Ezekiel Elliott was cut by the team. The Cowboys need another running back and Jahmyr Gibbs would provide another explosive option to this team. Gibbs is super quick and shifty while being balanced and strong at the point of contact. Big play waiting to happen.
29th pick - New Orleans Saints
SAINTS SELECT: O’CYRUS TORRENCE - Florida
The Saints, as much as their signings might suggest, are not in win-now mode. They need to rebuild this team and so they should build this team from the trenches. O’Cyrus Torrence is a big and physical guard who pummeled defenders last year in the SEC. He is one of the safest picks in the draft and will be a difference maker for the Saints over the next decade.
30th pick - TRADE: Philadelphia Eagles —> Green Bay Packers
Packers send the #42 pick, #116 pick, a 2024 4th round pick for the #30 pick
PACKERS SELECT: HENDON HOOKER - Tennessee
Jordan Love has one more year left on his contract and nobody knows if he is good or not. I think the Packers trade up here because they just received an extra 2nd round pick from the Jets, and so they can give up the #42nd pick because they still have the #45th pick. Hendon Hooker had a 58-3 TD-INT ratio over the past 2 years in the SEC. Hooker is able to create outside the pocket and has a great arm. He could be a solid quarterback for the Packers if Jordan Love where to fail which could easily happen.
31st pick - Kansas City Chiefs
CHIEFS SELECT: QUENTIN JOHNSTON - TCU
Last pick in the first round - The Chiefs get a great playmaker in Quentin Johnston who will provide a lot of value to the Chiefs’ offense as the Chiefs’ receiving core is a bunch of small, speedsters like Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Skyy Moore. Johnston would become an immediate playmaker for the Chiefs because of his big frame and ability to stretch the field as well.
HERE IS THE ENTIRE FIRST ROUND SO YOU CAN SEE IT ALL TOGETHER:
Note: the second round is below the photo
Now for the second round of my mock draft, I am going to just be listing teams and what players I think they draft:
NOTE: some players I have getting draft aren’t included in my draft guide but I have watched some of their tape and understand what they bring to the table as a player.
Pittsburg Steelers - Emmanuel Forbes - Mississippi State
Houston Texans - Michael Mayer - Notre Dame
Arizona Cardinals - Mazi Smith - Michigan
Indianapolis Colts - Josh Downs - North Carolina
Los Angeles Rams - Bryan Bresee - Clemson
Seattle Seahawks - John Michael Schmitz - Minnesota
Las Vegas Raiders - Steve Avila - TCU
Carolina Panthers - BJ Ojulari - LSU
New Orleans Saints - Will McDonald IV - Iowa State
Arizona Cardinals - Cam Smith - South Carolina
Prior Trade with Green Bay Packers: Packers send the #42 pick, #116 pick, a 2024 4th round pick for the #30 pick - Philadelphia Eagles - Darnell Washington - Georgia
New York Jets - Drew Sanders - Arkansas
Atlanta Falcons - Marvin Mims - Oklahoma
Green Bay Packers - Keeanu Benton - Wisconsin
New England Patriots - Adetomiwa Adebawore - Northwestern
Washington Commanders - Luke Wypler - Ohio State
Detroit Lions - Luke Musgrave - Oregon State
Pittsburg Steelers - Cody Mauch - North Dakota State
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Keion White - Georgia Tech
Miami Dolphins - Zach Charbonnet - UCLA
Seattle Seahawks - Felix Anudike-Uzomah - Kansas State
Chicago Bears - Rashee Rice - SMU
Los Angeles Chargers - Kelee Ringo - Georgia
Detroit Lions - Jack Campbell - Iowa
Jacksonville Jaguars - Tuli Tuipulotu - USC
New York Giants - Julius Brents - Kansas State
Dallas Cowboys - Trenton Simpson - Clemson
Buffalo Bills - Tyrique Stevenson - Miami
Cincinatti Bengals - Nathaniel Dell - Houston
Chicago Bears - DJ Turner - Michigan
Philadelphia Eagles - Antonio Johnson - Texas A&M
Kansas City Chiefs - Jalin Hyatt - Tennessee
This concludes my pre-draft posts, so thank you all for the support.
Again going forward, I will be posting a piece tomorrow, so Friday 4/28, that will recap the first round of the draft, and I will be giving out draft grades to all 31 teams that pick in the first round.
The after the entire draft concludes I will post my final two pieces where for one of them I will talk about which player’s landing spots I am excited about and which player’s landing spots I hate. Then to end off the draft process, I will post a piece on the candidates for the end of year rookie awards.
This year’s draft is going to be really exciting because there is much uncertainty, so make sure to tune at 8:00pm tonight.
Welp after Lamar signed a 5 year 260 million dollar deal with the Ravens, you can disregard the section about him being a Raven this year. Perfectly timed