The 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Combine is just around the corner: every year the event leads teams and evaluators to ride the hype generated by big-time performers and change their evaluations, rankings and perception. Here’s my second Mock Draft of the offseason:
1. Chicago Bears
Will Anderson Jr
Edge rusher, Alabama
The Bears, not having a quarterback as the priority, will probably test the market and deal this pick to receive a solid haul and rebuild the roster by adding multiple pieces. As they have a defensive-minded head coach in Matt Eberflus should they keep the pick, I’m expecting them to add a defensive playmaker like Will Anderson Jr. He’s a tremendous athlete with well above-average technical refinement, and he’s a leader. He would be a cornerstone piece right out of the gate.
2. Houston Texans
Bryce Young
Quarterback, Alabama
Despite adding a defensive-minded head coach in DeMeco Ryans, I’m expecting the Texans to go through their rebuilding process by adding to the mix a potential franchise quarterback. Bryce Young is far from an elite prospect body-wise, but on the field he has very few weaknesses as a big-time processor who’s a magician in the pocket with tremendous ball placement and ability to throw in rhythm. He could be the long-term answer for Houston.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Jalen Carter
Defensive tackle, Georgia
Jalen Carter is in a bit of a tough spot after receiving a warrant of arrest for his alleged role in a fatal car crash. So while his current position it’s unclear, I’m still considering his status as a top-5 pick until firm legal action happens. In this case, while the Cardinals could easily trade down and gain a haul, Arizona could use some help along the defensive line, and securing a top-tier talent in Carter could turn things around.
4. Indianapolis Colts
C.J. Stroud
Quarterback, Ohio State
The Colts are entering a new era: they have a new head coach in Shane Steichen, and they’ll probably add a new signal-caller too. C.J. Stroud checks all the boxes of a potential franchise quarterback: he’s a master within the structure, he’s accurate, has a solid arm, and has displayed potential out of structure. He has everything to be the man the Colts extremely need.
5. Seattle Seahawks
Tyree Wilson
Edge rusher, Texas Tech
The Seahawks need to add talent along the defensive line, and while Tyree Wilson is far from a finished product, he possesses big-time potential in the Travon Walker mold. Wilson has to refine his technique and hand usage, as he mainly wins by taking advantage of his impressive athleticism and unreal power. He’ll need some time before emerging as a top-tier player, but he possesses every tool needed in order to become one.
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6. Detroit Lions
Christian Gonzalez
Cornerback, Oregon
Detroit displayed one of the most effective and innovative offenses in 2022, and in what looks like an extremely promising process, they need some help in the secondary. The cornerback class is tremendously talented, but the Lions could start the race at the position by taking Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez has rare athleticism, impressive instincts, and the potential to become an absolute star.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Anthony Richardson
Quarterback, Florida
The Derek Carr era is now over in Las Vegas, and while the franchise could opt for a veteran signal-caller. But considering how their roster is built, the idea of securing a toolsy and high-potential quarterback could be too tempting. With Will Levis and Richardson both on the board, I can see the Raiders investing in Richardson’s rare physical tools. He isn’t as raw as many think, and he has the potential to be one of the best dual-threats in the NFL right off the gate.
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8. Atlanta Falcons
Lukas Van Ness
Edge rusher, Iowa
The Falcons have many needs, they are going through a rebuilding process, and they are looking to add talent pretty much everywhere. Lukas Van Ness is a player who has risen quite a lot on draft boards throughout his process, and the reason why is clear. He’s a well-refined pass rusher with solid athleticism and great hand usage while also being a considerable factor against the run. He has the talent to be a cornerstone player.
9. Carolina Panthers
Will Levis
Quarterback, Kentucky
Carolina is another franchise that has turned the page, ready to start a new era. Frank Reich is in as the new head coach, and the reaches for a new quarterback have already started. I can see the Panthers targeting a specific prospect and move up, but in this case, I see them staying in their position and still landing Will Levis. Levis needs to improve as a decision-maker and at throwing in rhythm, but he has the raw talent and physical tools to become a reliable starter.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Myles Murphy
Edge rusher, Clemson
I’m still surprised by how Myles Murphy doesn’t get the recognition he deserves as a prospect, as he possesses tremendous athleticism, and he’s already advanced with his technique. One big reason for the Eagles’ success in 2022 was how consistent and solid the defense was. Adding more talent and preventing future issues could be the move. Murphy has everything to become both a rock-solid pass rusher and run-stopper.
11. Tennessee Titans
Peter Skoronski
Offensive lineman, Northwestern
Skoronski is the most technically advanced offensive lineman in the draft, and the Titans need to add some anchors in the trenches. While his length could give him some issues as a tackle, Skoronski still has the experience and the talent to make both on the outside and as a guard.
12. Houston Texans
Jordan Addison
Wide receiver, USC
It’s hard to see the Texans go back-to-back on offensive prospects with DeMeco Ryans at the helm, but I think it would be fair to say that Houston is the NFL franchise with the least talent on offense. Young will need a go-to target, and Jordan Addison, despite being undersized in comparison to most WR1s, could still be a massive factor, given his route running, athleticism, and natural talent.
13. New York Jets
Paris Johnson Jr.
Offensive tackle, Ohio State
The Jets are probably a quarterback away from being a true contender, as they’ll probably assess that via trade. I’ve got them taking a tackle to protect whoever they add via free agency or trade. Paris Johnson Jr. is a rock-solid prospect with great athleticism and solid technique. He can easily end up being a phenomenal long-term option for the Jets.
14. New England Patriots
Brian Branch
Safety, Alabama
I don’t think there’s a more Patriots-type player than Brian Branch in this draft. He’s a tremendous talent and do-it-all defensive back that just perfectly fits Bill Belichick’s system. He would have an immediate impact and be a cornerstone player for a long time.
15. Green Bay Packers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Wide receiver, Ohio State
The Packers are still in an extremely unclear territory as the Aaron Rodgers saga goes on. While a tight end could also be helpful, considering how deep the tight class is, it would make sense to add a true playmaker like Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba combines well with Christian Watson’s and Romeo Doubs’ skillsets, and trio could emerge as one of the best young cores in the league.
https://twitter.com/SartiranaLuca/status/1613929600396017670
16. Washington Commanders
Joey Porter Jr.
Cornerback, Penn State
Washington has multiple needs, but landing a potential shutdown cornerback in Joey Porter Jr. could help turn things around for the Commanders on defense. Porter Jr. is an aggressive and physical corner with great athleticism who could easily step in and take on the opposing primary receivers.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Broderick Jones
Offensive tackle, Georgia
Kenny Pickett displayed some flashes in his rookie season, but the lack of offensive line help was clear. Broderick Jones would be a no-brainer pick in this range. He’s a people’s mover in the run game and a rock-solid pass protector who also possesses pristine technique and athleticism.
18. Detroit Lions
Quentin Johnston
Wide receiver, TCU
Detroit needs help on defense, but after adding Christian Gonzalez in the top-10 in my mock draft, they should go offense with their second pick in the first round. And luckily for them, still on the board is a potential true alpha receiver in Quentin Johnston. Amon-Ra St.Brown is a go-to playmaker in the short and intermediate areas of the field, but Johnston could be the elite deep threat and yards-after-the-catch monster that the Lions need.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bryan Bresee
Defensive tackle, Clemson
With Tom Brady’s retirement, the Buccaneers are entering a new era with a few question marks at the quarterback position. Considering the direction the roster is leaning toward, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Tampa Bay add a veteran starter. Bryan Bresee, though, could be a long-term high-end starter who really has the potential to take control of the trenches against the run while being a massive weapon in pass rush.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Michael Mayer
Tight end, Notre Dame
The Seahawks are working on bringing Geno Smith back, and after adding Tyree Wilson earlier in the draft, tight end Michael Mayer is a great fit at the 20th pick. The big tight end could fit well alongside DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, giving Seattle multiple dangerous weapons in the passing game. Mayer is a reliable pass catcher in the short and intermediate areas of the field who could quickly become a go-to target.
21. Miami Dolphins
Forfeited pick
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Trenton Simpson
Linebacker, Clemson
Justin Herbert desperately needs some new weapons on offense, but with an early run at wide receivers, focusing on other positions would make sense. Trenton Simpson is another prospect I think doesn’t get the recognition he deserves: he’s a tremendous athlete with big-time instincts who also has the tools to be a do-it-all swiss army knife in the NFL. I expect Simpson to be a big-time performer right off the gate at the next level who could flourish under Staley.
23. Baltimore Ravens
Devon Witherspoon
Cornerback, Illinois
Marlon Humphrey on one side, Devon Witherspoon on the other one. It doesn’t look like a bad scenario for the Ravens. Witherspoon is a phenomenal athlete with solid technique and ball skills who would be a no-brainer value-wise for Baltimore. He has everything needed to be a true top cornerback in the NFL.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Siaki Ika
Defensive tackle, Baylor
The Vikings need to improve their game against the run, and Siaki Ika would be an immediate impact player in that area. Ika has tremendous power, and he truly is a tone-setter in the run game. He could easily fill the need the Vikings have for quite some time.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
Darnell Washington
Tight end, Georgia
Darnell Washington brings to the table a truly rare skillset as a pass catcher while also being a tremendous blocker. Trevor Lawrence would then have a new unicorn to throw to who can both dominate at the catch point and create chaos with the ball in his hands. Despite Kincaid and Musgrave still being available, I’m leaning toward the prospect of adding a tight end with rare tools and upside.
https://twitter.com/SartiranaLuca/status/1623055373602295810
26. New York Giants
Kayshon Boutte
Wide receiver, LSU
This is far from a popular pick, but I still think that Boutte has the talent to turn into an absolute star receiver. The Giants need a playmaker in their receiving corps, and Boutte is the only one still available with the tools to become a primary wide receiver in the NFL. With the injury behind him and his explosiveness back, Boutte could end up being a steal,
27. Dallas Cowboys
Drew Sanders
Linebacker, Arkansas
The Cowboys could use a wide receiver in this range, but the possibility of having Drew Sanders and Micah Parsons playing together is too much to pass up. Sanders is a hybrid, just like Parsons, who can play both as an interior linebacker or as a pure edge rusher. Dallas needs help in their linebacker corps, but Sanders is still much more than that as a tremendous athlete who could thrive under DC Dan Quinn.
28. Buffalo Bills
Bijan Robinson
Running back, Texas
Mock drafting a running back early to the Bills has been a common tendency in the last few years, but it has never happened in actuality. Now, if Bijan Robinson falls to them, it could finally be time for it to come to fruition. Robinson is an all-around game-changer who would add a new dimension to the Bills’ vertical offense, and it could be a match made in football heaven.
29. Cincinnati Bengals
Keion White
Defensive lineman, Georgia Tech
Keion White is a versatile defensive lineman who can be an impact player at the next level both as an edge rusher and defensive tackle. He’s an incredibly athletic and powerful chess piece who will immediately contribute to the Bengals, who will contend once again in 2023.
30. New Orleans Saints
Kelee Ringo
Cornerback, Georgia
Ringo is a rare athlete at the position who still has room to improve from a technical standpoint but has big-time upside. The Saints need help in the secondary, and while Ringo is a prospect who needs some work, under the right coaching staff, he truly has the potential to become a star player.
31. Philadelphia Eagles
Deonte Banks
Cornerback, Maryland
This cornerback class is tremendously talented, and the Eagles could upgrade at the position by putting Deonte Banks opposite Darius Slay. As I assessed in theie previous pick, the Eagles have to prevent a potential decline at the position by continuing to invest on the defensive side of the ball, and leaving the first round with Myles Murphy and Deonte Banks would be perfect.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Nolan Smith
Edge rusher, Georgia
The Chiefs have been in this range for quite some time, and I like their position because it gives them the opportunity to sit back and snag some valuable prospects who fall on draft night. The Chiefs already invested an high pick for George Karlaftis last year, but Smith brings to the table a different skillset and size as a phenomenal athlete with big-time explosiveness.
