MOCK DRAFT / 23
R1
1
Bryce Young
After much anticipation, the Panthers rightfully select Bryce Young. Young has an elite IQ, intangibles, and awareness, making him an easy projection in the NFL. Carolina will instantly become relevant after this move.
QB / Alabama / 5'11 / 194
2
Will Anderson Jr.
Although many expect the Texans to go QB here, Demeco Ryans is here for six years, and Nick Caserio assured fans he’s here to stay. Houston’s brass decides to continue building before they land their future signal caller. Expect Will Anderson or Tyree Wilson here
EDGE / Alabama / 6'4 / 243
3
CJ Stroud
After much anticipation, the Panthers rightfully select Bryce Young. Young has an elite IQ, intangibles, and awareness, making him an easy projection in the NFL. Carolina will instantly become relevant after this move.
QB / Ohio State / 6'3 / 215
4
Will Levis
In terms of scheme, personality, and culture, this fit makes too much sense. It may take a different turn if Stroud is on the board, but we expect the Colts to go quarterback, and everything suggests that QB is Levis.
QB / Kentucky / 6'3 / 232
Carolina Panthers
5
Jalen Carter
Sometimes you need to value logic over reports. Despite Todd McShay’s sources telling him Carter is not the pick, we’re not sold. DT is there biggest need and Carter is the best player on the board. This selection will instantly transform the Seattle defence
DL / Georgia / 6'3 / 300
6
Tyree Wilson
After trading down, the Cardinals get the player they likely would have taken at 3. With a new defensive coach and a desperate need for franchise building blocks, Tyree Wilson makes too much sense. He is an ultra-powerful and long defender with immense upside.
EDGE / Texas Tech / 6'5 / 275
7
Devon Witherspoon
This pick is likely between Paris Johnson Jr. and a cornerback. While we initially believed it had to be a tackle, our thought process changed. If the Raiders want to win games in the AFC West, they simply cannot do so with their current CB room.
CB / Illinois / 5'11 / 181
8
Christian Gonzalez
Bijan Robinson could be the pick here, but with the release of Hayward and multiple defensive line additions, the Falcons add the long and fast Christian Gonzalez. This selection instantly makes the Atlanta secondary a strength.
CB / Oregon / 6'1 / 197
9
Paris Johnson Jr.
This is a match made in heaven. With a desperate need at tackle, and a keen desire to make Justin Fields succeed, this is a perfect fit. Johnson Jr. comes from the same alma mater as Fields and provides a schematically compatible skill set.
OT / Ohio State / 6'6 / 310
10
Peter Skoronski
While the Eagles could easily opt for Bijan Robinson, Howie Roseman’s emphasis on the trenches would indicate they either go OL or DL with this pick. Skoronski is a tough and physical tackle with the IQ to contribute on day one.
OT / Northwestern / 6'4 / 315
11
Anthony Richardson
With Tannehill’s time expiring and Malik Willis already out the door, the Titans look to find their next signal caller. While I don’t believe in Richardon’s ultimate success, his work ethic and character will give him a strong chance to prove me wrong.
QB / Florida / 6'4 / 236
12
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
With a lack of talent at the WR position, the Texans add a blue-chip prospect who can be the centrepiece of their offence. JSN is a highly talented football player with the nuance and skills to produce for a long time.
WR / Ohio State / 6'1 / 200
13
Luke Van Ness
Many expect this to be a pass-catcher, but unless JSN is on the board, we see them going EDGE. Van Ness is a strong and athletic defender with a ton of room to grow. In the post-Aaron Rodgers era, Green Bay goes back to their defensive roots.
EDGE / Iowa / 6'5 / 275
14
Nolan Smith
New England will hope coaching and free-agent acquisitions can move the needle on offence, as Smith is a can’t-miss player. His freakish physicality coupled with versatility in all facets, screams Patriots prospect. Belichick will help him add to his repertoire, so he can lead their defence for years.
EDGE / Georgia / 6'3 / 235
15
Darnell Wright
Rodgers is like Kawhi. Do everything to keep him happy and maybe you have a shot at winning. Wright is a pro-ready tackle who is experienced at both positions. He should be able to contribute immediately in both the run game and pass game for a team with super bowl aspirations.
OT / Tennessee / 6'6 / 342
16
Deonte Banks
Although they went .500, Washington has a weak roster and could use reinforcements in multiple areas. If they don’t trade down, Banks would be a good option due to his size, strength and athleticism. He will be versatile from day one and has a high ceiling in the long term.
CB / Maryland / 6'2 / 205
17
Broderick Jones
Despite his elite athletic profile, Broderick is pretty raw for a first-round tackle. The Steelers have their franchise QB but shouldn’t plan on being competitive in the AFC for at least the time being. Jones could easily become the best tackle in the class.
OT / Georgia / 6'4 / 310
18
Calijah Kancey
After securing their QB of the future, the Lions add to an already promising front. Pairing Kancey with Hutchinson and Houston would strike fear into every offence they face. Calijah is ridiculously quick for his position and possesses an assortment of technical moves that’ll baffle O-lines.
DL / Pittsburgh / 6'0 / 280
19
Zay Flowers
The Chiefs trading up for Zay is the league’s worst nightmare, and something opposing GMs should try and prevent. His YAC ability is game-changing, and his separation in route running is effortless. Nobody at #31 could approximate the value Flowers would bring to KC.
WR / Boston College / 5'9 / 182
20
Joey Porter Jr.
Tariq Woolen might go down as the best value pick of the decade. However, Seattle is not very deep at the position. Porter is another strong corner with great length. The deficiencies in his game would be less apparent playing opposite of Woolen and learning from Carroll.
CB / Penn State / 6'2 / 193
21
Jordan Addison
It’s an arms race in the AFC with all the elite QBs. You would rather have too many weapons than too few. Addison’s elite route running and body control make him a potential #1 receiver for Herbert.
WR / USC / 6'0 / 175
22
Quentin Johnston
Lamar’s main contractual argument should be; the front office has been incapable of giving him the quality weapons that Mahomes and Burrow enjoyed in their careers. Quentin would make an imposing trio with Mark Andrews and OBJ
WR / TCU / 6'4 / 215
23
Bijan Robinson
Eagles move up from #30 with the Vikings. No player-team fit has more upside than this in the entire draft. Bijan’s O-line wasn’t great at Texas, the Eagles possibly have the best one in the world. Teams would still need to respect the QB run threat.
RB / Texas / 6'0 / 220
24
Myles Murphy
The Jaguars will get Ridley to bolster an offence that made strides last season. The appeal to Murphy is his tremendous upside, as he is a downright physical freak. With the proper coaching, Jacksonville will get a high level performer on their defensive line for years to come.
EDGE / Clemson / 6'4 / 268
25
Brian Branch
With Julian Love gone and a lack of playmakers in the secondary, the Giants should look to Brian Branch. An Alabama safety duo of Branch and McKinney drastically improves the back end of their defence. Branch is a high-character player who can contribute immediately.
SAF / Alabama / 6'0 / 190
26
Michael Mayer
For Dallas to have success, they must continue dominant defensive play and add skill to the offensive side. It is evident that Dak needs multiple high-level weapons to thrive. Mayer is both an elite pass catcher and blocker, which bodes well for the comments made by Stephen Jones
TE / Notre Dame / 6'4 / 265
27
Drew Sanders
The Bills look to replace Tremaine Edmunds by adding the versatile and athletic linebacker, Drew Sanders. Sanders has an exciting ability to rush the passer and will be able to make big plays in big games.
LB / Arkansas / 6'4 / 235
28
Dalton Kincaid
The Bengals look to make their already explosive offence even more explosive by adding one of the best TE in this class, Dalton Kincaid. Kincaid is one of the best natural pass-catchers we’ve seen at the position and will create a fearsome attack in Cincinnati.
TE / Utah / 6'4 / 240
29
Keion White
With the Sean Payton era behind them, the Saints look to bolster their defence in an attempt to win the weak NFC South. White may be a work in progress, but his upside is as high as any for the position. The Saints love this type of player, and with Davenport gone, they find a quick replacement.
EDGE / Georgia Tech / 6'4 / 285
30
Hendon Hooker
With Kirk Cousins's contract expiring next season, and no indication that Minnesota will re-sign him, the Vikings snag their QB of the future and draft Hendon Hooker. While Hooker is older and plagued by an ACL tear, his leadership and IQ will make him a successful QB in the NFL.
QB / Tennessee / 6'4 / 218
31
Anton Harrison
Although Tristan Wirfs is outstanding, the Buccaneers still need another tackle to shore up their offensive line. Anton Harrison is a great pass protector and fills a big hole for the Buccaneers. With no direction in sight, this pick makes a lot of sense.
OT / Oklahoma / 6'5 / 309
R2
32
Kelee Ringo
With Cam Sutton leaving for Detroit, and an already lacklustre position group, the Steelers are left with a question at cornerback. Here, they elect to draft Kelee Ringo, a physical corner with good size, speed, and an experienced resume.
CB / Georgia / 6'2 / 205
33
Emmanuel Forbes
After selecting Derek Stingley last year, Nick Caserio and the Texans double down and pick up Emmanuel Forbes. Forbes is an extremely talented cover corner who has an innate ability to make big plays and provide a spark. Exactly what the Texans need.
CB / Mississippi St. / 6'1 / 166
34
Bryan Bresee
With Zach Allen gone, JJ Watt retired, and a new defensive coach, the Cardinals look to fill a big need here by selecting Bryan Breese. Although Bresee has had a hard time staying on the field, his value at this pick could be hard to pass up for Arizona.
DT / Clemson / 6'5 / 300
35
Cam Smith
After trading Stephon Gilmore to the Cowboys this offseason, look for the Colts look to find some secondary help early. Cam Smith is a talented and tough cornerback who has extremely impressive man-coverage skills. If he can clean up the penalties, watch out.
CB / South Carolina / 6'0 / 180
36
Adetomiwa Adebawore
The Rams have several needs heading into the draft ,but perhaps their biggest need is for an edge rusher. The Rams take the smart approach and start their probable rebuild through the trenches. Adebawore is an intriguing player who will learn from Aaron Donald.
DL / Northwestern / 6'1 / 284
37
O'Cyrus Torrence
After drafting two defensive players in the first round, Seattle opts for an offensive player here, selecting O’Cyrus Torrence. After hitting on Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, Seattle hopes to continue that success and shore up its interior.
OG / Florida / 6'5 / 33
38
Dawand Jones
After electing to go corner at 7, the Raiders now address their next biggest need at offensive tackle. Jones provides a generational frame and outstanding length. This pick should provide some upside to an underperforming unit.
OT / Ohio State / 6'8 / 375
39
Jahmyr Gibbs
Similar to what the Jaguars did a few years ago, the Panthers will follow suit; pairing up Bryce Young and Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs will replace CMC and bring back excitement to the position for the Panthers.
RB / Alabama / 5'11 / 200
40
Darnell Washington
With one of the most talented tight-end classes in recent history and a glaring hole at the position, New Orleans selects Darnell Washington, to give their newly signed QB a weapon.
TE / Georgia / 6'7 / 270
41
Jalin Hyatt
After securing their QB of the future, the Titans further address their WR need by pairing up Treylon Burks with the speedy Jalin Hyatt. Hyatt provides a much-needed spark to this offence.
WR / Tennessee / 6'0 / 185
42
Luke Musgrave
With the departure of Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay will look to do everything it can to alleviate Love’s game in his first season starting. Look no further than the high-upside tight end out of Oregon State, Luke Musgrave.
TE / Oregon St. / 6'6 / 255
1
Position Rank: 1
Bryce Young
QB | ALABAMA
43
Joe Tippman
With the arrival of Aaron Rodgers, New York will look to do everything in its power to keep its aging superstar upright. In doing so, New York doubles down on offensive linemen and lands Joe Tippmann out of Wisconsin.
C / Wisconsin / 6'6 / 317
44
Steve Avila
With a roster full of holes, the Falcons look to continue the slow progress of plugging them all. The interior offensive line is a need, and Atlanta is able to fill that need with Steve Avila, a dependable lineman with high-character.
C / TCU / 6'4 / 332
45
Josh Downs
Continuing on the theme of helping Jordan Love in any way possible, why not go get him another weapon Josh Downs is an excellent fit for this young WR corps building in Green Bay and will provide a consistent slot target.
WR / North Carolina / 5'10 / 175
46
DJ Turner II
Belichick loves his Michigan men, and DJ Turner might be amongst the more talented ones New England has selected - and definitely the fastest. The Patriots' defence is getting a whole lot more dynamic with this selection.
CB / Michigan / 5'11 / 178
47
Cody Mauch
Amongst the uncertainty of the Commander's off-season, selecting Cody Mauch might be the only safe, and sure-fire move this front office can make. Plug him anywhere on the line, and he’ll make an immediate impact.
OT / NDSU / 6'6 / 305
48
Jonathan Mingo
With the likely departure of DeAndre Hopkins, the Cardinals need to replace him with another weapon. Mingo slides nicely into Kyler’s weaponry as an excellent fit alongside Hollywood.
WR / Ole Miss / 6'2 / 225
49
Mazi Smith
Pittsburgh for the past decade has stayed competitive through a terrifying defence beginning at the front 4. However, their current stars aren’t getting younger and who better to learn under Cameron Heyward than Mazi Smith?
DT / Michigan / 6'3 / 337
50
Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Felix Anudike-Uzomah is a game-wrecker and a steal for the Buccaneers at 50. A still very talented roster gets stronger in the weakest division in football. With aging players up-front, the Bucs look to infuse some youth.
EDGE / Kansas State / 6'4 / 255
51
Sam LaPorta
In Miami’s unique and dynamic scheme, they are looking for a replacement and better fit than Gesick. LaPorta is an excellent fit that will immediately make this offence much more dynamic. McDaniel can use him anywhere and allow him to feast.
TE / Iowa / 6'4 / 249
52
Trenton Simpson
The Seahawks have added to their linebacker room this offseason with the additions of Devin Bush and Bobby Wagner, but Trenton Simpson is simply too good to pass up here for Pete Carroll’s defence. Simpson is a unique prospect that would be fun to watch in Seattle.
LB / Clemson / 6'2 / 235
53
Isaiah Foskey
Isaiah Foskey is an A+ guy with tons of production and explosiveness to prove his worth as a top draft selection. The Chicago Bears are a team that is currently lacking talent on their roster, but the addition of Foskey as the new captain of their defensive line helps change that.
EDGE / Notre Dame / 6'5 / 265
54
Will McDonald IV
The Chargers seem to always be adding to their defensive line - and for good reason as this unit has struggled in years past. Will McDonald IV will be a welcomed addition to a unit that is already sporting some of the biggest stars in the league in Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
EDGE / Iowa State / 6'3 / 236
55
Jack Campbell
Jack Campbell seems like the perfect prospect for Dan Campbell - a tough linebacker who can immediately become a leader of the team. Malcolm Rodriguez over-performed his draft position last year - and Campbell, Rodriguez, and newly signed Alex Anzalone will form a great LB room.
LB / Iowa / 6'4 / 249
56
Julius Brents
The Jaguars are trending upwards after a playoff win last season and sporting the best roster in their division. However, the secondary could still use some work and Julius Brents would be a welcomed addition. Brents has been a hot name as of late and could go higher than expected this weekend.
CB / Kansas St. / 6'3 / 198
57
John Michael Schmitz
The Giants outperformed expectations last season in the first year of the Schoen-Daboll era, but the roster is still littered with holes. Perhaps the largest area of weakness is the center position with no true player under contract. John Michael-Schmitz will slide in as their day 1 guy.
C / Minnesota / 6'4 / 320
58
Keeanu Benton
The Dallas Cowboys defence is one of the most impressive units in the league with stars like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence, yet there is still a need on the interior defensive line. Keeanu Benton will immediately act as a big help in the run game.
DT / Wisconsin / 6'4 / 315
59
Cedrick Tillman
The Bills are one of the best teams in the league and WR is one of their largest positional needs. Cedric Tillman is an impact player who will be a huge help for the Bills to finally get over that hump and potentially make the Super Bowl. Josh Allen will be a big fan of this selection.
WR / Tennessee / 6'3 / 215
60
Derick Hall
Derrick Hall is a slight project, but he possesses a large frame and tons of explosiveness. The Bengals are one of the league’s best teams, and Hall’s potential can bolster a unit that is already sporting Trey Hendrickson, BJ Hill, Sam Hubbard, and DJ Reader.
EDGE / Auburn / 6'3 / 256
61
Zach Charbonnet
Bijan Robinson has been a name linked to the Bears, but that may be a bit early for a team with this many holes to select a running back. With one of their second-round picks, the Bears select Zach Charbonnet - a bruiser with pass-catching upside - to help their run game.
RB / UCLA / 6'1 / 220
62
Antonio Johnson Jr.
CJ Gardner-Johnson was one of the best safeties in the league last season, but left for the Detroit Lions this off-season. Antonio Johnson is a great fit for this defence and can help fill the void left by Gardner-Johnson. The Eagles will love his versatility.
SAF / Texas A&M / 6'2 / 198
63
Tyrique Stevenson
Tyrique Stevenson has been a hot name recently and has all of the tools to succeed. He loves to go for the big play and talk trash, making him a potential fan favourite. The Bucs re-signed Carlton Davis, but could still use another corner which is where Stevenson comes into play.