2023 3 Round Mock Draft
Its here. The NFL draft. One of my favorite sporting events in the calendar year. And listen I know that its kind of a stupid thing to watch. See Bill Burr draft joke.
(Bill Burr Draft Joke)
None the less I watch every pick every year. Most years I even go to said event.
So here is my official 2023 Mock draft.
DISCLAIMER: My official mock draft is based off who I would pick if I was the GM. It is not based off who I think they are going to pick or who the media says they are going to pick. I look at their roster. I look at their yearly salary breakdown. I look at how the player fits into the roster. And finally I take the guy who I would want. Also no trades in this mock draft because those are impossible to predict and could literally happen at any pick.
1) Carolina Panthers- Bryce Young QB, Alabama
Pick one is chalk. Hes been my number one player in this draft class since he won the Heisman. He plays the most important position in football. I think he is legitimately a combination of Russell Wilson and Drew Brees. I saw on “the Rich Eisen Show” his QB coach, John Beck, talking about him, and he says that his IQ is on the same level as a veteran NFL QB. He scored a 98 on the NFL cognitive test. He is literally a genius. His one knock is that he is smaller. Let me tell you why that is not as big of an issue as everyone is saying. Here is his starting offensive line heights from LT to RT: LT 6’6”- LG 6’4”- C 6’4”- RG 6’5”- RT 6’5”. Now lets do his projected starting offensive line height with the Panthers: LT 6’4”, LG 6’6”, C 6’5”, RG 6’4”- RT 6’5”. I dont think that having a tall offensive line in college hurt him and I dont think its going to hurt him in the pros. If he plays around 200 pounds sure maybe he might be more susceptible to injury, and the Kyler Murray comparison is thrown out there, but he does not play like Kyler. Kyler loves to run. Bryce runs if he has to and gets out of bounds. Play style matters (see Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts).
2) Houston Texans- Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech
Pick number two and we have our first bit of controversy. Not only do I think the Texans shouldnt go QB, but I also dont think Will Anderson is the number one EDGE prospect. Lets start with why they shouldnt go QB. Demeco Ryans is a defensive coach and the Texans have a bad defense. If I am the Texans GM I am telling Demeco hes our longterm guy. Dont worry about the record. Just worry about developing players. Theres a few QBs coming out next year, and I think AT LEAST 3 of them (Caleb Williams USC, Drake Maye UNC, Quinn Ewers Texas) would be considered better players then CJ Stroud and probably even Bryce Young. So, if I am the Texans I am going to kick the can down the road for one more year and build the defense.
Why Tyree Wilson over Will Anderson? Well Tyree Wilson has the higher ceiling, hes got very long arms, and he looks better on tape then Will Anderson. I think both will be good players, but for Demeco Ryans defense Tyree Wilson will be a better fit, and the possibility of being the better player in the longterm. Demeco gets his Nick Bosa.
3) Arizona Cardinals- Will Anderson Jr. EDGE, Alabama
I would like to start this pick by saying that I hate everything the Cardinals have done over the past couple of years, and I think this is one of the worst overall rosters. Its pretty clear Kyler Murray isnt the guy, but they are married to him for the foreseeable future. Throw in the fact that their new head coach is an actual alien and front runner for the “Nathaniel Hackett of the Year Award”, given to the first head coach fired of the season, and you got yourself a classic dumpster fire situation.
The best thing I think we can do here is draft Will Anderson who will be a leader in the locker room for the defense. Hes gonna come into work and be an EDGE for you for the next 10+ years. Hes going to be productive. Hopefully Isaiah Simmons, Zaven Collins, and himself can give the Cardinals something to build on in the front seven. This is the best case scenario for the Cardinals, but I cant say that its going to help them very much because I think things are going to get even worse then this before they get better.
4) Indianapolis Colts- CJ Stroud QB, Ohio State
If I am the Colts I am pumped about getting Stroud here. A lot of people have Anthony Richardson going here, but if you take Richardson here I think youre going to be here again next year. If you are going to be picking in the top 5 again next year why not go get one of those more polished QBs next year and build the roster up this year. Luckily I have Stroud falling here, and he would likely be the starting QB by week 4 at the latest. The Colts dont have a bad roster and they have pretty good weapons on offense. I think Stroud could have a Justin Herbert-esque rookie season with the Colts.
5) Seattle Seahawks- Jalen Carter DL, Georgia
Lets start with the positives here. Carter is one of the best interior defensive line prospects… ever. Legitimately when hes playing full speed, he is borderline unstoppable. Hes got prototypical size, hes violent, he rushes the passer well, and he defends the run well.
The negatives unfortunately are more complicated. Everyone talks about the street racing thing which led to a teammate and recruiting staffer dying, but Im not worried about that. Hes young, they won the national championship, they were having fun, its an unfortunate thing that happened, but its not his fault. What does worry me are things like him taking plays off, reports about bad practice habits, and the fact that he showed up to his pro day 10 pounds heavier then he was at the combine and then couldnt finish the workout. We have seen this happen before and if he doesnt fix it I can see a potential Albert Haynesworth like career trajectory. Haynesworth had a nice career, but was very hit and miss, and struggled with his weight and conditioning. When your 315 pounds and have bad habits its easier to cover those up at 21 years old then it is at 27.
With all of that being said I think if anyone can get the best out of him its Pete Carroll. I just dont see the Seahawks letting a guy like this get past them. The Seahawks are building a monster in Seattle, but theyre only going to go as far as Geno takes them.
6) Detroit Lions- Devon Witherspoon CB, Illinois
Alright my Lions are on the clock and in this situation I would love a trade down. Its not a reality in my mock draft, so I took a player that I think would help the most. Witherspoon is a dawg. Dan Campbell loves dawgs. Brad Holmes loves dawgs. Witherspoon is going to bring a prime Josh Norman-esque attitude. To all the Lions fans who are going to be like “but we signed Moseley and Sutton” well one of those guys is on a one year deal and coming off an ACL. The Lions have one corner signed for more then just this year (Sutton). Witherspoon is a physically imposing corner and while corner would not be my first choice for my Lions, it is (in my opinion) the best decision in this scenario.
7) Las Vegas Raiders- Anthony Richardson QB, Florida
Is there a more Raiders pick then this? Its just like the old days when the Raiders just take whatever freak athlete is there. The only difference is that I think Richardson has a better chance of panning out then their other blunders. Without a doubt he is going to have to sit for at least a year, probably more. Jimmy G will give them a chance to do that. Will he pan out? Im not sure. He has a long way to go, but he is probably the most impressive QB prospect physically… ever.
8) Atlanta Falcons- Nolan Smith EDGE, Georgia
The Falcons finished 31st in sacks last year. They have added inside guys and guys in the secondary in the offseason. If Nolan Smith can reach his ceiling as a pass rusher, the Falcons could have a pretty solid defense this year. I may be higher on Smith then some people, but hes an athletic freak and was the best pass rusher on the best defense last year until he got hurt.
9) Chicago Bears- Peter Skoronski T/G, Northwestern
Bears fans crack me up. They really do. I think they may be the most unrealistic fans about what their franchise is in the whole league. All year I heard about how good Fields would be if only he had an offensive line and weapons. I have never seen such delusion about a guy who threw over 200 yards the same amount of times he threw for under 100 (2). The only thing they added was DJ Moore and now suddenly he has a potent offense to work with? He also has former 1,000 yard receiver Darnell Mooney, former 2nd round pick Chase Claypool, former 2nd round pick Cole Kmet, and former 3rd round pick Velus Jones coming back.
Oh and how could Justin Fields do anything with his awful offensive line. It was only an offensive line that averaged the most yards per rush in the league. He only had two very good running backs averaging over 4 yards per carry to help him. So, lets give him some more help and give the Bears the best offensive linemen in the draft. Hes even a Chicago guy that went to Northwestern. Just promise me that if Fields doesnt perform this year that we all admit he just isnt that good at throwing the ball (12 out of 15 games with 15 completions or less).
10) Philadelphia Eagles- Bijan Robinson RB, Texas
When youre a franchise that puts yourself in good situations you can just take the best player. Bijan and Jalen Hurts is a deadly combo. This takes some of the pressure for Jalen Hurts to run the ball which in turn will keep him healthy longer. Thats a good thing considering the contract he just signed. Per PFF Bijan is the best running back since Adrian Peterson. He may be better then Peterson too because he can catch the ball. Also this is a great offensive line to run behind. Offensive weapons everywhere. Look out for the Eagles.
11) Tennessee Titans- Broderick Jones T, Georgia
I have Broderick Jones as the top LT in this draft. He has the size. He has the athleticism. He played basketball at a high level as well. He started at LT for the best team in college football and won a National Championship. Throughout the season he gave up 0 sacks and had 0 holding calls.
12) Houston Texans- Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon
Back to back years going corner I know. The Texans dont have a corner, besides Derek Stingley, under contract after this year. Demecos going to build his defense around pass rush and corners. Why not form one of the best young corner duos in the league.
13) Green Bay Packers- Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State
Were going to load up this Packers offense. Kind of similar to my Justin Fields rant, lets make no excuses for Jordan Love. I love the possibility of this offense being Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs on the outside with JSN catching 100+ catches out of the slot. If Jordan Love cant make it happen this year, next year is a good year to look for a QB.
14) New England Patriots- Lukas Van Ness EDGE, Iowa
Im not sure there is a more Bill Belichick player in this draft then Van Ness. Hes nicknamed “Hercules” and compared to former San Francisco 49er and Cincinnati Bengal, Justin Smith. Im not saying he is Justin Smith. I am saying he could be though. I think Van Ness could be New Englands best defensive lineman day one.
15) New York Jets- Paris Johnson Jr. T, Ohio State
Ok we got Aaron Rogers… now what? Lets keep him upright. Saleh will have the defense rolling. Breece Hall and Michael Carter will have the run game running. The Jets are officially for real.
16) Washington Commanders- Will Levis QB, Kentucky
This was a tough decision for me, but Washington is just a mess. I honestly dont know what theyre going to do here, and Im not sure if it matters. I dont Levis here but he could win the QB job for the Commanders day one. At pick 16 thats not too bad. I think his ceiling is Alex Smith, which at this pick would be great value. I also think his floor is Blake Bortles though, so its a gamble, but its the Commanders. Ron “Jeff Fisher” Rivera needs to move on and get a nice cushy TV job. This team just truly has no identity.
17) Pittsburgh Steelers- Darnell Wright T, Tennessee
The Steelers have traditionally been built in the trenches. Over the last couple of years they have not looked good and have not invested in their lines sufficiently. Im not sure if Wright starts at left or right tackle, but he starts. I personally dont believe in Kenny Pickett, but this is a good offense otherwise.
18) Detroit Lions- Calijah Kancey DL, Pitt
The Lions miss out on one of the top three defensive players at pick 6, but get what could end up being a steal of a pick here. This could be redemption for the “Brand New Lions” and they make up for the “Same Old Lions” who took Eric Ebron over Aaron Donald in 2014. Im not saying Kancey is Donald but they have a lot of similarities. Kancey fits perfectly in the defense though as a guy that can play outside on early downs and rush from the interior on passing downs.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson
Myles Murphy may be a bit of a gamble as a player, but I think this is one of his best landing spots. He can be more of a role player in year one and fits very nicely into Todd Bowles defense. Im interested to see what the Bucs look like post Brady, they could be the Seahawks of 2023 or the Raiders of 2023. Who knows? Murphy will give them a piece on the defensive line down the road.
20) Seattle Seahawks- O’Cyrus Torrence G, Florida
Earlier I said the Seahawks will go as far as Geno Smith takes them. Its going to make it a hell of a lot easier if they have an elite offensive line. They get my top ranked interior defensive lineman at 5 overall, now they get my top ranked interior offensive lineman at 20.
21) Los Angeles Chargers- Zay Flowers WR, Boston College
The Chargers are very close to sending their roster into the abyss. I though last season was their chance to make a run and like every season they blew it. Ekelers probably gone. Keenan Allen looks like he doesnt have a lot left. Mike Williams is ok when he is healthy. Zay will be a star for the Chargers. I think his ceiling is prime Antonio Brown (on the field only of course). I think his floor is Tyler Lockett. I think you take that at 21.
22) Baltimore Ravens- Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State
Every year it seems like the Ravens just sit at whatever pick they have and somehow get draft a guy that perfectly fits their team identity. Well… there may not be a more Raven player then Joey Porter Jr. (despite his dad playing for the Steelers). Ravens love to bring a pass rush and play press man coverage. Joey Porter is pretty good at that. I think penalties could be an issue for him early, but I think by midseason he’ll be a very solid compliment on the outside to Marlon Humphrey.
23) Minnesota Vikings- Hendon Hooker QB, Tennessee
Woah. Pretty crazy right. Hendon Hooker in the first round?!?!? Heres the thing. If he was 22 years old and didnt tear his ACL at the end of the year would we not be talking about Hooker going in the top 5? Hes an athletic quarterback who is accurate and doesnt turn the ball over.
Kirk Cousins I dont think has many more blown primetime games in him in Minneapolis. Not to mention this is his last year under contract. Dare I say that its possible Hooker could be the starter in Minnesota before the end of the year? Dare I say? I think hes going to need some time to learn a pro system, but thats why you have Kirk. I actually really like this pick.
24) Jacksonville Jaguars- DJ Turner CB, Michigan
Possibly another shocker here. Some people are going to say that its just because Im a Michigan fan. I think its possible DJ even goes before Joey Porter. He is the fastest player in this draft. He had the highest press man coverage grade per PFF. He tackles very well. This could be a very dangerous Jacksonville team.
25) New York Giants- Joe Tippmann C, Wisconsin
I just dont see a world where the Giants dont take a C here. They literally dont have one. I go back in fourth with him and JMS from Minnesota. JMS might be the better option right now technically, but Tippmann is younger, more athletic, and bigger. Day one starter.
26) Dallas Cowboys- Drew Sanders LB, Arkansas
Im not sure what Cowboys fans are going to think about this. I think Jerry Jones would love to do this. Texas kid, a five star recruit, went to Arkansas. Checks all of Jerrys boxes. I think a Dallas defense where Sanders and Micah Parsons are rushing the passer is dangerous especially with the ball hawks they have in the secondary.
27) Buffalo Bills- Brian Branch S, Alabama
Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are on the wrong side of 30. I am very confident that Branch can fill one of the holes and possibly Damar Hamlin can fill the other. Branch thrives in the slot, and thats probably where hes going to start day one. In todays NFL getting a starting nickel is pretty good. Branch is also a good locker room guy. Great fit for Buffalo.
28) Cincinnati Bengals- Dalton Kincaid TE, Utah
Is there a better fit? Maybe the Bengals wont have to play defense this year because theyll just score so many points. Joe Burrow is already a premier QB in the league. Kincaid gives him a Travis Kelce like weapon. If ownership keeps these guys paid, we are looking at an offensive arms race in the AFC. Also Kincaid went to the same high school as me. Go Cougs.
29) New Orleans Saints- Quentin Johnston WR, TCU
Chris Olave… that is about all the Saints as far as proven commodities at receiver. To all the retards yelling about Michael Thomas right now, Ill believe it when I see it. If Thomas gives you a full healthy season I think thats a good bonus, but I wouldnt depend on it. If he does though Johnston would be a perfect fit anyways. A receiver core of Thomas and Johnston on the outside with Chris Olave in the slot could be dangerous with Derek Carr throwing to them.
30) Philadelphia Eagles- Steve Avila G, TCU
We get Bijan earlier in the draft now lets shore up that offensive line. This teams identity has been running the ball since they won the Super Bowl. They lose Isaac Seumalo, no problemo. The Eagles were so close to winning the Super Bowl this year, and I think adding firepower to the offense is the way to take the next step. Avila is a big body thats gonna move people.
31) Kansas City Chiefs- Will McDonald IV EDGE, Iowa State
The Chiefs crush the draft every year. Thats why I think theyre going to stay at the top of the league as long as Mahomes is there. Frank Clark is out, Will McDonald is in. Every picks a luxury pick when your team can win the Super Bowl before the draft even starts. McDonald is a top tier pass rusher in this draft, and I think he fills the exact spot Clark left. Chiefs dont miss a step.
RECAP
Round 2
32) Pittsburgh Steelers- Jack Campbell LB, Iowa
33) Houston Texans- Jordan Addison WR, USC
34) Arizona Cardinals- Mazi Smith DL, Michigan
35) Indianapolis Colts- Anton Harrison T, Oklahoma
36) Los Angeles Rams- Trenton Simpson LB, Clemson
37) Seattle Seahawks- Deonte Banks CB, Maryland
38) Las Vegas Raiders- Kelee Ringo CB, Georgia
39) Carolina Panthers- Bryan Bresee DL, Clemson
40) New Orleans Saints- Adetomiwa Adebawore DL, Northwestern
41) Tennessee Titans- Jahmyr Gibbs RB, Alabama
42) Green Bay Packers- Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame
43) New York Jets- Daiyan Henley LB, Washington State
44) Atlanta Falcons- Jalin Hyatt WR, Tennessee
45) Green Bay Packers- Keion White EDGE, Georgia Tech
46) New England Patriots- Dawand Jones T, Ohio State
47) Washington Commanders- Cam Smith CB, South Carolina
48) Detroit Lions- Darnell Washington TE, Georgia
49) Pittsburgh Steelers- Emmanuel Forbes CB, Mississippi State
50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Zach Charbonnet RB, UCLA
51) Miami Dolphins- Sam Laporta TE, Iowa
52) Seattle Seahawks- Josh Downs WR, North Carolina
53) Chicago Bears- John Michael Schmitz C, Minnesota
54) Los Angeles Chargers- Devon Achane RB, Texas A&M
55) Detroit Lions- Cedric Tillman WR, Tennessee
56) Jacksonville Jaguars- Cody Mauch T/G, North Dakota State
57) New York Giants- Rashee Rice WR, SMU
58) Dallas Cowboys- Siaki Ika DL, Baylor
59) Buffalo Bills- Luke Musgrave TE, Oregon State
60) Cincinnati Bengals- Tyrique Stevenson CB, Miami
61) Chicago Bears- Keeanu Benton DL, Wisconsin
62) Philadelphia Eagles- Felix Anudike-Uzomah EDGE, Kansas State
63) Kansas City Chiefs- Matthew Bergeron T, Syracuse
Round 3
64) Chicago Bears- BJ Ojulari EDGE, LSU
65) Houston Texans- Luke Wypler C, Ohio State
66) Arizona Cardinals- Julius Brents CB, Kansas State
67) Denver Broncos- Clark Phillips CB, Utah
68) Denver Broncos- Tuli Tuipulotu EDGE, USC
69) Los Angeles Rams- Chandler Zavala G, North Carolina State
70) Las Vegas Raiders- Tucker Kraft TE, South Dakota State
71) New Orleans Saints- Kobie Turner DL, Wake Forest
72) Tennessee Titans- AT Perry WR, Wake Forest
73) Houston Texans- Demarvion Overshown LB, Texas
74) Cleveland Browns- Tyjae Spears RB, Tulane
75) Atlanta Falcons- Isaiah Foskey EDGE, Notre Dame
76) New England Patriots- Michael Wilson WR, Stanford
77) Los Angeles Rams- Tank Bigsby RB, Auburn
78) Green Bay Packers- Jartavius “Quan” Martin S, Illinois
79) Indianapolis Colts- Charlie “Chuck Sizzle” Jones WR, Purdue
80) Pittsburgh Steelers- Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson CB, TCU
81) Detroit Lions- Noah Sewell LB, Oregon
82) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Antonio Johnson S, Texas A&M
83) Seattle Seahawks- Roschon Johnson RB, Texas
84) Miami Dolphins- Israel Abanikanda RB, Pitt
85) Los Angeles Rams- Jordan Battle S, Alabama
86) Baltimore Ravens- Jayden Reed WR, Michigan State
87) Minnesota Vikings- Marvin Mims WR, Oklahoma
88) Jacksonville Jaguars- Blake Freeland T, BYU
89) New York Giants- Henry To’o To’o LB, Alabama
90) Dallas Cowboys- Kendre Miller RB, TCU
91) Buffalo Bills- Gervon Dexter Sr. DL, Florida
92) Cincinnati Bengals- Kayshon Boutte WR, LSU
93) Carolina Panthers- Dewayne McBride HB, UAB
94) Philadelphia Eagles- Sydney Brown S, Illinois
95) Kansas City Chiefs- Jonathan Mingo WR, Ole Miss
96) Arizona Cardinals- Eli Ricks CB, Alabama
97) Washington Commanders- Andrew Voorhees G, USC
98) Cleveland Browns- Jammie Robinson S, Florida State
99) San Francisco 49ers- Karl Brooks DL, Bowling Green
100)Las Vegas Raiders- Moro Ojomo DL, Texas
101) San Francisco 49ers- Luke Schoonmaker TE, Michigan
102) San Francisco 49ers- Riley Moss CB, Iowa