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2023 DRAFT
Ryan Day, head coach at The Ohio State University, defends the cognitive abilities of his QB C.J. STROUD.
Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch was able to get Ohio State head coach on the record with his reaction to the recent reports, and Day came to his quarterback’s defense and said that he was “very surprised” by what he’s hearing.
“Of all the things, I just feel like (his cognitive ability) is one that I’ve always felt was what makes him special,” Day told the Dispatch. “For this to be something that’s a topic of conversation right now is catching me off guard.”
Day was concerned that so much was being put into a test and not what Stroud has seen and done on the field.
“For as much as people are talking about this, I hope it actually translates to on the field because it seems like a pretty heavily spoken-about topic right now. For folks to be talking about a test that may or may not have something to do with football – I don’t know – I just hope whatever they’re testing really translates to on the field.”
You don’t have to turn on the tape and see Stroud’s quick thinking and playmaking ability against some pretty superior defenses. He carved up a very good Georgia defense, and it’s mindboggling to believe that the NFL suits have reservations about a cognitive test that may or may not translate to real results vs. — well, real results. Day went on to make a pretty substantial claim about Stroud that should put it all to rest, but likely won’t.
“I can tell you that when it comes to seeing the field – vision, spatial awareness – he’s one of the best I’ve ever been around,” Day continued. “He can see the field. He knows exactly what he saw and can tell you exactly what happened. And not just where he’s looking. He can see the entire field. He can verbalize what he saw on the last play, why he did what he did.”
We won’t have to wait long to see how this all translates to draft day because someone is going to rip up those test results and take Stroud most likely in the top five of the draft.
We think they’ll feel just fine about the pick.
And Dan Orlovsky is in love with his passing ability. Matt Harrison of USAToday:
It’s that time of year when we start to hear some questionable comments about some of the players eligible for the NFL draft. We never know if it is leaked smokescreens, or analysts simply not doing their homework, but it seems to be an annual thing — especially when it comes to Ohio State quarterbacks.
You don’t have to go far to see examples. Justin Fields was unjustly criticized for his work ethic in 2021 (as if), and now it seems the media has created something out of nothing with C.J. Stroud. And of all people, attacking the character of a guy like Stroud is a hill I would never want to die on. He’s about as genuine and humble as anyone you will ever meet.
But hey — Fields’ firestorm was started by a guy that’s singing the praises of this year’s Ohio State quarterback. Enter Dan Orlovsky, who was the guy to bring up potential questions about Fields’ leading up to the 2021 draft. He’s singing a different song with Stroud, calling him the “best pure passer of the football in this year’s draft.”
Orlovsky doesn’t stop there though. He discusses his mobility and rhythm as traits that should translate well to the NFL.
Stroud was the betting man’s favorite to go first overall to the Carolina Panthers, but that seems to have waned a bit. He could still be the top pick in the NFL draft, it just depends on where the Panthers stand. If not, we’re sure he’ll go shortly after.
We only have one week to find out so get your scarlet and gray popcorn ready.
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The day before the draft Mock Draft comes from the beat writers of The Athletic:
Here are how things played out:
1. Carolina Panthers (from CHI): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
C.J. Stroud was at the top of this mock a month ago. So what changed? Well, Young crushed his interviews with the Panthers at his pro day and his top-30 visit to Carolina, and perhaps the media (raises hand) made too much of the Frank Reich-loves-big-quarterbacks storyline. Young also scored in the 98th percentile on the S2 Cognition test, which Panthers owner David Tepper is said to put a lot of faith in. There will continue to be concerns about whether the slightly built Young can endure the pounding of the NFL, but the Panthers believe he’s the player and leader to become the next face of the franchise. — Joe Person
2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Despite reports of an extremely low S2 score, a number of NFL talent evaluators still hold Stroud in high regard, even keeping him atop their quarterback boards. Could the Texans elect to pass over the Ohio State product and client of David Mulugheta (the same agent who reps Deshaun Watson) and go with another position of need to kick off the DeMeco Ryans era? Certainly. But there are a lot of smokescreens this time of year, and the Texans do need a quarterback. And so they go with Stroud and fill a gaping hole in their franchise. — Mike Jones
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, edge, Alabama
Prior to this mock, I had made it known the Cardinals were willing to trade down in case Anderson was not available. But with Carolina and Houston sticking with QBs, Arizona needs to take the best football player in the draft — which coincides with its biggest need — and make the obvious decision. With trades involving receiver DeAndre Hopkins and/or safety Budda Baker possibly coming, the Cardinals should have opportunities to add draft picks soon enough. Anderson gives first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon a defensive pillar, a playmaker he can build around. If he’s on the board, this is an easy choice. — Doug Haller
4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
After the smoke cleared with Houston at No. 2 and Arizona at No. 3, the Colts’ decision came down to Kentucky’s Will Levis or Florida’s Anthony Richardson. They chose the latter, with Richardson having the most upside of any player in this year’s class. New coach Shane Steichen’s track record with QBs — most recently Eagles dual-threat superstar Jalen Hurts — gives the team confidence that he can help develop Richardson the same way. Gardner Minshew will likely start the season, but Indy believes its patience will pay off after potentially landing its first franchise quarterback since Andrew Luck retired in 2019. — James Boyd
5. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Carter fills an urgent need at a position of value that pushes the Seahawks closer to title contention. There are few concerns about him as a player. He might very well be the best full-time interior defensive lineman the Seahawks have had under coach Pete Carroll. The issues, of course, are the off-field concerns regarding work ethic and decision-making. Those questions lead me to believe Seattle will attempt to trade back Thursday. When they don’t find any suitors, they’ll roll the dice on Carter. — Michael-Shawn Dugar
6. Detroit Lions (from LAR): Tyree Wilson, edge, Texas Tech
Come draft day, the Lions will be watching and waiting as the top five unfolds. Plenty of options, including a trade-back if a QB-needy team is hoping to move up for Levis. But in this scenario, Wilson is the pick. He’s one of the best defenders in the draft, at a premium position, and he’s a really nice fit opposite Aidan Hutchinson as a long-term edge. No need to overthink it. Detroit’s defense improves with a move like this. — Colton Pouncy
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Raiders fielded a call from the Titans about trading down to No. 11, but a deal ultimately didn’t materialize. Instead, they stayed put and took the best defensive player available. Gonzalez has ideal size at 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds, ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, has explosive athleticism, displayed inside-outside versatility, has experience playing various man and zone coverages, is a willing tackler and has refined fundamentals. He’ll be a Year 1 starter and has plenty of upside at just 20 years old. — Tashan Reed
8. Atlanta Falcons: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Falcons had to take a long look at Northwestern offensive lineman Peter Skoronski here. Skoronski is considered one of the best, if not the best, offensive linemen in this class, and he would fill an immediate need for Atlanta at left guard. In the end, though, the team that just gave right guard Chris Lindstrom a $105 million extension decides that using a top 10 pick on another guard — even though Skoronski might be able to play tackle down the road — is a bridge too far in terms of positional value.
There’s a need at cornerback in Atlanta, too. The Falcons added Jeff Okudah in a trade, but they just cut veteran Casey Hayward. They had their eye on Gonzalez for a while because of his traits, but Witherspoon might fit better anyway. The 5-foot-11, 181-pounder “competes with the tenacity of a junkyard dog,” The Athletic draft analyst Dane Brugler wrote in “The Beast” draft guide. Head coach Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen will take that. — Josh Kendall
9. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern
If Levis is available, the Bears should have trade talks with QB-needy teams. I tried to for this exercise. But if not, taking the best offensive lineman on the board is the correct move. Teams have concerns about Skoronski’s arm length, but some around the league will tell you his footwork and sound fundamentals more than make up for it. He was a unanimous All-American at left tackle and has earned the right to start his NFL career there or, at the very least, as a right tackle. If not, the Bears just selected an All-Pro guard in the making to protect QB Justin Fields. There’s nothing wrong with that. Skoronski could be that for a decade. — Adam Jahns
10. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Nolan Smith, edge, Georgia
The Eagles prioritize the lines of scrimmage, and Smith’s unique athletic traits, including a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and 41.5-inch vertical jump, are hard for GM Howie Roseman to ignore. His 238-pound frame might be a concern — so was Haason Reddick’s, and that turned out OK — and the Eagles would need to rationalize the lack of prolific pass-rush production, but the upside is clear. This would be the third consecutive year the Eagles used their first-round pick on a player from the national champions. Paris Johnson Jr. was also under heavy consideration at this spot considering the way the Eagles value offensive linemen. A trade-up for Jalen Carter would have been enticing had he slipped a bit. — Zach Berman
11. Tennessee Titans: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Titans looked into moving up to take Levis with Seattle’s pick at No. 5 and Las Vegas’ pick at No. 7 but ultimately balked at Seattle’s price and bailed out of talks with the Raiders, gambling that no one would jump in front of them to take Levis. That paid off with no draft capital lost to acquire the gifted yet inconsistent Levis, a clear object of interest for the Titans throughout the pre-draft process. Levis struggled in 2022 with a new offensive coordinator, lackluster support from his O-line and receivers, plus his own injuries. But his 2021 season under Liam Coen was that of a top-five-caliber player. Now he can sit for a year behind Ryan Tannehill before assuming control in 2024. — Joe Rexrode
12. Houston Texans (from CLE): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
After getting their quarterback with the No. 2 pick, the Texans give Stroud a familiar face for a weapon. Smith-Njigba is a crafty and precise route runner and highly productive pass catcher who should help boost the Texans’ offense. — Jones
13. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ): Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
The Packers jumped the Patriots with a Round 1 pick swap being part of the trade that sent Aaron Rodgers to the Jets in hopes of snagging Smith-Njigba before Bill Belichick. Then the Texans foiled that plan by turning in their draft card at No. 12 with the Ohio State receiver’s name on it, so Green Bay settles for another former Buckeyes star. In drafting Johnson, the Packers don’t fill an immediate need, but they secure their left tackle of the future. Keeping new starting quarterback Jordan Love upright is paramount, and five-time All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari might be in his last season with the Packers because cutting him next offseason would free up $21.5 million in cap space. General manager Brian Gutekunst hopes Johnson is for Love what Bakhtiari was for Rodgers. — Matt Schneidman
14. New England Patriots: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Patriots’ worst-case scenario nearly came to fruition with no trade partner to move back, the top two cornerbacks off the board and nearly the top three offensive linemen gone (thank you, Texans, for choosing Smith-Njigba instead of an offensive lineman to protect Stroud). Instead, Jones fell to the Pats. Jones has so many of the traits teams want in a modern offensive tackle, but there’s one concern: He played in only 19 collegiate games, the least of any lineman in the class. But the Pats badly need an offensive tackle of the future, and they get one in Jones, who is only 21 and should have a lengthy career in front of him. — Chad Graff
15. New York Jets (from GB): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
This wound up being close to a worst-case scenario at No. 15. All three top offensive tackles were picked, plus other potential targets such as Smith-Njigba. There were no takers for a trade back — which is understandable because all the top QBs had already been taken, too. So I settled for the next best offensive tackle prospect, addressing arguably the biggest need the Jets have right now.
The Jets are locked in at left tackle (Duane Brown), left guard (Laken Tomlinson) and right guard (Alijah Vera-Tucker), with Connor McGovern likely starting again at center. That leaves right tackle, which is Wright’s best position and a spot he’s suited to play right away. He’ll get pushed by Mekhi Becton and Max Mitchell in training camp, but the Jets aren’t drafting someone at No. 15 — in a year when they’re all-in with Aaron Rodgers — unless they plan to play him as a rookie. I also considered Calijah Kancey, Jordan Addison, Lukas Van Ness, Brian Branch and Dalton Kincaid at this spot. — Zack Rosenblatt
16. Washington Commanders: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
This is a brutal scenario with offensive linemen going back-to-back-to-back in front of Washington. Signing free agents Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates helps with depth, but the group lacks upside. We tried trading down because O-line and cornerback options exist later in the first, but with no luck. So we considered RB Bijan Robinson and really considered Iowa DE Lukas Van Ness, knowing 2024 uncertainty exists with Chase Young and Montez Sweat.
There are solid DB options here, though, including safety/slot CB Brian Branch … and Forbes, a rail-thin playmaker who holds the FBS record with six interceptions returned for touchdowns. I would have preferred to make this choice a few slots lower, which is something real-life general managers will be saying this year. — Ben Standig
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
If a certain player is hanging around longer than expected (ahem, an offensive tackle), the Steelers wouldn’t hesitate to move up and get him. But with the cornerback position being so deep this year, they will let that position find them. And perhaps nobody is a better fit than Porter Jr., whose dad played for the Steelers for nine seasons in the 1990s and into the 2000s. Incidentally, one of the first things Mike Tomlin did as head coach in 2007 was to release Porter. The elder Porter ended up coaching with the Steelers and brought his son around as a teenager to work out before practices with the likes of Antonio Brown.
Relationship aside, the Steelers need a physical and talented cornerback who can play man coverage. Porter is just that, and he is being slotted in the territory where the Steelers make their first-round pick. Porter wasn’t blazing at the combine, but his 4.46 40 is fast enough to go along with a 6-foot-2 1/2, 193-pound frame. He fits what the Steelers want to do. — Mark Kaboly
18. Detroit Lions: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
I have a hard time believing Robinson will fall this far Thursday, but if he does, he’d be an excellent selection. Robinson is a top-five prospect in this class. Lions GM Brad Holmes said he understands the narratives about first-round RB value and countered with this: “I kind of just look at it as they’re all football players. If they can help you, they can help you.”
Yes, the Lions signed David Montgomery, but D’Andre Swift is a free agent next year, and Holmes doesn’t draft with a depth chart in mind. If Detroit is riding with Jared Goff at quarterback a little longer, it would make sense to surround him with as much talent as possible. Getting a blue-chip prospect such as Robinson at 18 was too good to pass up, and Detroit still has three Day 2 picks and four Day 3 picks to use on other future needs. — Pouncy
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Bucs are positioned well because they can go a number of different ways in the first round. If an offensive tackle fell to them, that would probably be the ideal scenario, but that did not happen here. With the way this mock played out, they had three intriguing possibilities: Banks, Lukas Van Ness and Brian Branch. Banks is a high-end talent at a position of need and a value at 19, so he makes sense. — Dan Pompei
20. Seattle Seahawks: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The Seahawks would like to trade down here as well, and they might have better luck finding a partner at this point in the draft. If they don’t, Flowers fills another need. Seattle hasn’t had any luck finding a serviceable WR3 to put next to Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. Flowers is a big-play threat who can work the middle of the field and generate yards after the catch. Those traits mesh well with what Lockett and Metcalf already provide. — Dugar
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Lukas Van Ness, edge, Iowa
Van Ness is the No. 10 player on Dane Brugler’s big board, and the Chargers get him at 21, filling a pretty pressing need in the process. This would be fantastic value for GM Tom Telesco and head coach Brandon Staley if the first round unfolds this way Thursday night. Passing on an offensive weapon to aid QB Justin Herbert and new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore would be tough, but the Chargers need a capable edge rusher to provide depth behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Van Ness is young and relatively raw, but he is athletic with tremendous upside as a versatile front player who can rush from the edge or inside. — Daniel Popper
22. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Cornerback would have been the preference here, but none of the first-round cornerbacks are left. There were no trade offers to move back, either. Getting one of the draft’s better receivers will suffice for the Ravens, who now have a high-quality group of targets for (presumably) Lamar Jackson to throw to in 2023. A Maryland native, Addison is a good route runner with the speed to get behind a defense. With newcomers Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor and Addison joining returners Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay, GM Eric DeCosta has delivered on his vow to upgrade at receiver. Now about the quarterback situation … — Jeff Zrebiec
23. Minnesota Vikings: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pitt
Kancey made the most sense here. He is undersized for a defensive tackle, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing only 281 pounds, but Brugler did not rank him as the 26th-best player in this class for no reason. Kancey is violent and explosive. Kancey uses his hands effectively and wreaked constant havoc on quarterbacks this past season. Comparisons to Aaron Donald have and will always be unfair, but they exist for a Pittsburgh product at his size. It would be a major swing, but the Vikings’ defense could make a leap under Brian Flores with a player capable of applying interior pressure. — Alec Lewis
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
The Jaguars have worked to improve their secondary this offseason, and that effort continued here with the best safety in the draft. Branch is Brugler’s 14th-ranked prospect, so there’s strong value. He had four interceptions and 27 pass defenses in three seasons at Alabama, and Branch can also play downhill, recording four sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. He should start immediately in Jacksonville. — Jeff Howe
25. New York Giants: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
This was a tough decision. I’ve been weighing the wide receiver vs. cornerback debate for a long time, and as we inch closer to the draft, I’m leaning toward cornerback given the Giants’ offseason additions. New York could definitely still use a top wide receiver, and I was tempted to go with TCU’s Quentin Johnston. There was even a part of me that wanted to go with defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, someone who would enhance the line for years to come. Instead, I went with Ringo because I just think he’s so intriguing as a prospect because of his age and size. — Charlotte Carroll
26. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Dallas hasn’t drafted a tight end in the first round since picking David LaFleur 22nd in 1997. But in this mock draft scenario, Mayer was just too good to pass up. He’s a complete tight end who could immediately replace Dalton Schultz, who signed with the Texans last month. The Packers never drafted a TE in the first two rounds during Mike McCarthy’s 13 seasons in Green Bay, but he didn’t sound opposed to the idea when asked about it Monday, mentioning that he believes tight end value has increased in today’s game. The Cowboys would be in excellent shape at the position with Mayer, Jake Ferguson, Peyton Hendershot and Sean McKeon. — Jon Machota
27. Buffalo Bills: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
With Addison and Flowers off the board, the Bills tried to get a deal done with the Raiders to land Nos. 38 and 70, but the clock nearly ran out. Jalin Hyatt was tempting, but his fit as a slot receiver in Buffalo’s offense is more of a projection and not as clean a fit in the Bills’ 11 personnel-heavy offense as Josh Downs. In Downs, the Bills get a locked-in slot receiver who can make an impact in 2023 by manipulating defenders over the middle and hauling in tough, contested catches. In the past, having that go-to slot receiver was a critical element when the Bills were at their best offensively. — Joe Buscaglia
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Myles Murphy, edge, Clemson
It’s as though Murphy was created in a lab solely for the purpose of playing for the Bengals, who covet character, consistency and effort as much as they do size and production. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo also loves versatility, and Murphy has the ability to kick inside on third downs to add some needed juice to the pass rush when he’s not spelling Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard on the edge.
Cincinnati D-line coach and Clemson grad Marion Hobby ran the D-line drills at his alma mater’s pro day, adding just one more reason why the Bengals would be thrilled to have to pick between Murphy and Bryan Bresee at 28. They have more immediate needs at running back and tight end, so Dalton Kincaid would be tough to pass on here, but ultimately they stand firm on their conviction to not use a premium pick on a non-premium position. — Jay Morrison
29. New Orleans Saints (from SF via MIA, DEN): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
New Orleans lost both of its starting defensive tackles this offseason with David Onyemata (Falcons) and Shy Tuttle (Panthers) off to NFC South rivals. The Saints added Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd through free agency, but the team could use an impact player up the middle. Bresee (6-foot-5, 298 pounds) played primarily as a three-technique defensive tackle for Clemson and picked up nine sacks in his three seasons. Some of his medical history could be a concern, including a torn ACL in the 2021 season and a kidney infection last season. But he ranks No. 23 on Brugler’s big board and No. 2 among defensive tackles. The value works. The fit works. — Larry Holder
30. Las Vegas Raiders (from PHI): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Trade details: Eagles trade No. 30 to the Raiders for Nos. 38 and 70
With only six picks in their holster and none in Rounds 4, 5 and 6, the Eagles are happy to move back a few spots and pick up an extra third-rounder. Had they been forced to pick here, Northwestern’s Adetomiwa Adebawore and Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs would have been atop their board. — Bo Wulf
The Raiders get their QB of the future thanks to a trade-up. We gave the Eagles pick Nos. 38 and 70 for a chance to get a QB who is 25 and coming off ACL surgery. It was a no-brainer, actually, thanks to Hooker’s accuracy, athletic ability and strong leadership traits, plus he gets a “redshirt” year to learn Josh McDaniels’ complex offense and watch Jimmy Garoppolo strut his stuff. The Raiders gave Garoppolo $33 million guaranteed, but they wanted to come out of this draft with a young QB. Mission accomplished. — Vic Tafur
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
Adding another defensive lineman is more of a need for the Chiefs than a receiver. Since the combine, the Chiefs have been interested in Smith. Not only is he projected to be a starter, but his talents and role should also excite defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones. As the No. 1 player on Bruce Feldman’s 2022 Freaks List, Smith has a rare combination of power and athleticism to take on double teams. That should help free up Jones, the league’s best interior pass rusher, to win one-on-one matchups and pressure the quarterback.
Smith also fits the Chiefs’ timeline when it comes to adding depth at the position because Derrick Nnadi and Tershawn Wharton are set to be unrestricted free agents next spring. — Nate Taylor
– – –
We also have a Mock from Jonathan Jones of CBSSports.com:
It’s the day before the start of the 2023 NFL Draft and no one knows anything after pick No. 1.
I had one GM tell me he has fewer than 10 prospects with first-round grades on his “personal” board. A majority of NFL teams picking in the first round are going to knowingly select someone they have a second-round grade on.
Draft-day trades are going to be fascinating. Once we get past the midway point in the draft, will teams be willing to trade up/back into the first round? Or will they wait and not “waste” current or future draft capital for a player they don’t believe is a first-rounder?
My last mock had four trades and this one only has one. We will very likely have more trades than represented below, but by the end I was trying to match up players to teams without guessing at so many unknown variables.
To the mock!
1 – CAROLINA (from Chicago)
Bryce Young QB ALABAMA • JR • 5’10” / 204 LBS
He’s going to be the pick. He’s about the only thing we know for certain in this year’s draft.
2 – HOUSTON
Will Anderson Jr. EDGE ALABAMA • JR • 6’4″ / 253 LBS
I wasn’t sure of it last week but it seems clear the Texans aren’t interested in going QB at No. 2. Anderson is the safest defensive player in the draft.
3 – ARIZONA
Paris Johnson Jr. OT OHIO STATE • JR • 6’6″ / 313 LBS
We all know the Cardinals want to trade back but in this mock, they don’t find a dance partner. Arizona goes here with the offensive tackle with the best feet to help protect Kyler Murray for the foreseeable future.
4 – INDIANAPOLIS
Will Levis QB KENTUCKY • SR • 6’4″ / 229 LBS
We had Levis mocked to Indy last week and he sticks there in this one. Lot of noise around him going to Houston at No. 2, and that’s possible.
5 – SEATTLE (from Denver)
Jalen Carter DL GEORGIA • JR • 6’3″ / 314 LBS
John Schneider has no fear. He’s missed on some defensive linemen in the draft before, but that won’t stop him here. This pick could well be Anthony Richardson if they pass on Carter.
6 – DETROIT (from LA Rams)
Devon Witherspoon CB ILLINOIS • JR • 6’0″ / 181 LBS
If Jalen Carter is off the board, I think Detroit doesn’t think twice about taking Witherspoon here.
7 – LAS VEGAS
Christian Gonzalez CB OREGON • SOPH • 6’1″ / 197 LBS
The Raiders have to add on defense here. It’s possible they don’t let Stroud pass by, but after all the misses from the previous regime, it’s time to get some draft picks who are ready to play and contribute now.
8 – ATLANTA
Bijan Robinson RB TEXAS • JR • 5’11” / 215 LBS
The Falcons have told everyone they’re sticking with Desmond Ridder as their guy, and they continue to add weapons around him with Robinson at No. 8.
9 – CHICAGO (from Carolina)
Peter Skoronski OT NORTHWESTERN • JR • 6’4″ / 313 LBS
The Bears take the kid out of their backyard and can start him at guard or tackle once they get him in camp and decide what he is.
10 – PHILADELPHIA (from New Orleans)
Lukas Van Ness EDGE IOWA • SOPH • 6’5″ / 272 LBS
With the top two tackles off the board, I like the Eagles to go pass rusher here and get younger along their front.
11 – TENNESSEE
C.J. Stroud QB OHIO STATE • JR • 6’3″ / 214 LBS
Bad news for C.J. Stroud is the fall will cost him money. Good news is he goes to a great situation with Mike Vrabel and the Titans. It’s really hard to believe Stroud falls this far.
12 – HOUSTON (from Cleveland)
Anthony Richardson QB FLORIDA • SOPH • 6’4″ / 244 LBS
If the Texans pass on a QB at No. 2, they have to find one somewhere. Richardson isn’t ready to start, but I truly feel in my bones the Texans have to take a quarterback with one of their top picks.
13 – GREEN BAY (from NY Jets)
Tyree Wilson EDGE TEXAS TECH • SR • 6’6″ / 271 LBS
A fall for one of the draft’s top players but he winds up in an incredible situation in Green Bay.
14 – NEW ENGLAND
Broderick Jones OT GEORGIA • SOPH • 6’5″ / 311 LBS
Bill Belichick goes back to Athens, where he’s plenty familiar, to get an offensive tackle.
15 – NY JETS (from Green Bay)
Darnell Wright OT TENNESSEE • SR • 6’5″ / 333 LBS
There will be some OT-thirsty teams that may trade up ahead of the Jets, who have to add some protection for Aaron Rodgers.
16 – DETROIT (Mock Trade from Washington)
Nolan Smith EDGE GEORGIA • SR • 6’2″ / 238 LBS
Smith could well go to Philly, Green Bay or New England ahead of this pick. But in this mock where he’s “falling” slightly, I think Detroit trades up to get a pass rusher.
17 – PITTSBURGH
Joey Porter Jr. CB PENN STATE • JR • 6’3″ / 193 LBS
Unless the Steelers move up for an offensive tackle, they stay put and get a very familiar face in Porter Jr.
18 – WASHINGTON (Mock Trade from Detroit)
Deonte Banks CB MARYLAND • JR • 6’0″ / 197 LBS
With the top tackles and corners gone, Washington trades down to get a very good corner in Banks.
19 – TAMPA BAY
Dalton Kincaid TE UTAH • SR • 6’4″ / 246 LBS
Another team that wants an offensive tackle but there just aren’t enough. The Bucs fill a need at tight end instead.
20 – SEATTLE
Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR OHIO STATE • JR • 6’1″ / 196 LBS
The first receiver is finally off the board! JSN heads to Seattle as its third receiver.
21 – LA CHARGERS
Zay Flowers WR BOSTON COLLEGE • SR • 5’9″ / 182 LBS
The run on wideouts begins here. The Chargers could go tight end but they need speed more than anything else on offense.
22 – BALTIMORE
Jordan Addison WR USC • JR • 5’11” / 173 LBS
The Ravens added OBJ earlier this month and they aren’t done yet. A trade back could well be in the cards for Baltimore.
23 – MINNNESOTA
Hendon Hooker QB TENNESSEE • SR • 6’3″ / 217 LBS
I can see GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah going with the Tennessee QB here and letting him learn more complex NFL offenses for a year behind Kirk Cousins I could also see him taking CB Emmanuel Forbes and adding 10 pounds to him over the year.
24 – JACKSONVILLE
Myles Murphy EDGE CLEMSON • JR • 6’5″ / 268 LBS
Every team I talk to keeps mocking defensive linemen to Jacksonville, so I send them the best one available.
25 – NY GIANTS
O’Cyrus Torrence IOL FLORIDA • JR • 6’5″ / 330 LBS
Big Blue can still find value at wide receiver while sticking to their board and getting their best player available.
26 – DALLAS
Jahmyr Gibbs RB ALABAMA • JR • 5’9″ / 199 LBS
Tony Pollard didn’t wait to sign his franchise tag and that was a smart thing. The Cowboys taking Gibbs here would officially close the door on a Zeke Elliott return.
27 – BUFFALO
Jack Campbell LB IOWA • SR • 6’5″ / 249 LBS
An obvious need for Buffalo gets filled with Campbell, who’s the first linebacker off the board.
28 – CINCINNATI
Michael Mayer TE NOTRE DAME • JR • 6’5″ / 249 LBS
I won’t be surprised if Mayer is the first tight end off the board much higher. In this case, the Bengals run the card up to get him.
29 – NEW ORLEANS (from San Francisco)
Calijah Kancey DL PITTSBURGH • JR • 6’1″ / 281 LBS
The Saints pounce on a fantastic defensive tackle with short arms but loaded with everything else.
30 – PHILADELPHIA
Will McDonald IV EDGE IOWA STATE • SR • 6’4″ / 239 LBS
The Eagles take care of their need at young pass rusher by getting McDonald here. Look for a trade-out here too.
31 – KANSAS CITY
Quentin Johnston WR TCU • JR • 6’3″ / 208 LBS
He worked out earlier this month with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will always look to add around the best quarterback in the league. |
