2023 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Bijan Robinson Cracks Top-Ten
In this story:
The NFL Draft is right around the corner.
The hay is almost in the barn as teams will begin to set their boards accordingly to reveal all the preparation that has gone into the draft process.
It's a love affair of aggravation putting together a mock draft. What appears obvious never happens and what seems outrageous becomes reality. The ability to recognize a need is usually very clear and easy to address, but not in the world of mock drafts.
Up is down. Black is white. Nothing makes sense and we are very comfortable throughout it all.
The hardest part of this mock was putting together landing spots for Will Levis, Anthony Richardson, and Hendon Hooker. I would not select Levis in the top ten. Personally feel it’s going to be a stretch for both Richardson and Hooker to be day one guys.
Last year I had my critics since I never included Malik Willis in round one. He ended up going in the third round to the Tennessee Titans and was benched for Joshua Dobbs after Ryan Tannehill was hurt. I mentioned this to allow you to think outside the box.
Many of you will read mock and mock and anything outside the ordinary sounds crazy when crazy, in fact, is exactly how the draft unfolds. However, it will be nearly impossible to predict the madness that will unfold on April 27th in Kansas City on day one of the NFL Draft.
Enjoy the second mock of the draft season.
1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago)
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer was in his second season in Seattle as their Director of College Scouting for the Seahawks when the team drafted undersized Russell Wilson in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Fitterer will not have a problem handing the first draft card in with Young’s name written on it. Young weighed in at 204 pounds at 5-foot-10 during the NFL Combine and elected not to get on the scales during his recent Pro Day, suggesting that a 200-pound plus combine weigh-in masked his real weight. Wilson measured in with nearly identical numbers during the 2012 NFL Combine at 5’10 5/8 at 204 pounds. Recently No.1 overall pick Kyler Murray tipped the scales at 207-pounds at 5’10 for his combine measurements in 2019. His impression on NFL personnel from the standpoint of mental brilliance and understanding of the execution of an offense supplanted him as the No. 1 prospect.
2. Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
It’s not so much a question of who is going second overall. The question is - Can Stroud exonerate himself from the long list of recent quarterback flops from Ohio State? That is the biggest question in my mind about this super-talented passer out of Ohio State. Stroud is 6’3 and 214 pounds and has demonstrated all the traits that helped other Buckeyes emerge as No. 1 picks over the last six years. Dwayne Haskins was the 15th overall pick in 2018, and sadly his career never materialized. Justin Fields enters his third season in Chicago after providing the Bears with little prowess in their passing attack. Stroud’s play against Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinals was nothing short of brilliant. The Bulldogs' defense had no answers on how to defend Stroud and he took advantage of it, completing 23-of-34 of his passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions. The talent exists in Stroud but so does a recent history of Buckeyes’ flopping at the position in the NFL.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
Johnathan Gannon takes over as the Cardinals' new head coach after his two-year stint as the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive coordinator. The Cardinals lost JJ Watt to retirement and Zach Allen to the Denver Broncos via free agency. Arizona signed Carlos Watkins and L.J. Collier via free agency to one year deals this spring. Carter can provide Gannon with his next Javon Hargrave, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers for a four-year contract for $84 million with $40 million guaranteed. Obviously, the issues over the last few months surrounding Carter are well documented. Placing him third overall, I feel he has weathered the storm and will go accordingly with his original draft projections.
4. Indianapolis Colts
Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
Chaos ensues as the Colts shock the draft universe by bypassing both rookie quarterbacks in prospects Will Levis and Anthony Richardson. The Colts allowed 60 sacks last season, only the Houston Texans (63) allowed more takedowns on their quarterbacks. Gardner Minshew will be hard pressed to remain upright with the current status of their offensive line unit. Indianapolis struck gold in 2018, drafting Quenton Nelson sixth overall, which leaves hope Skoronski is the pick. During Frank Reich’s tenure as head coach, a long list of veterans were signed up to play quarterback. A couple of months into his new job as head coach for the Carolina Panthers, Reich and company moved up to the No. 1 pick in the draft to draft a quarterback, most likely. This begs the question - Is Colts GM Chris Ballard against drafting a rookie quarterback? One talented veteran remains in Lamar Jackson. If that unfolds, then this pick will belong to the Baltimore Ravens.
5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)
Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
Uchenna Nwosu, the Seahawks' second round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, had a breakout season in 2022 with a career-high and team leading 9.5 sacks. If he continues that trajectory, it might be hard to keep him signed after his contract expires in 2024. Anderson provides another bookend rusher to their 3-4 defensive scheme and insurance if Nwosu continues to grow his game out of the pocketbooks of the Seahawks. Seattle has added Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed in free agency, but that doesn’t change the pick.
6. Detroit Lions (from L.A. Rams)
Devon Witherspoon, DB, Illinois
Witherspoon’s demeanor is a match made in Heaven in unison with Lions head coach Dan Campbell. A feisty corner who thrived at shutting down opponents’ top pass catchers this past season puts Witherspoon in an ideal spot to leap over Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez as the top defensive back drafted in 2023. The Lions are going to be tempted to add pieces up front with so much talent on the draft board in terms of edge rushers. The signing of Cam Sutton doesn’t take the focus off a player like Witherspoon. The Lions traded Jeff Okudah, the third overall pick in 2020, to the Falcons for a fifth round pick on April 11th, which should bolster the team's view to grab a defensive back.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
Another gasp from the crowd as the Raiders elect not to select a quarterback. The Eagles led the league in sacks last season with 70. The Raiders finished third from the very bottom with 27 sacks. Wilson recorded 27.5 sacks over his last 23 games with the Red Raiders. Las Vegas lacks the ability to punish the pocket and their only impact rush defender is Maxx Crosby. The addition of Wilson is an immediate upgrade to a unit desperate for talent.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Falcons drafted Kyle Pitts and Drake London over the last two years in round one. First year head coach Arthur Smith opted to operate a heavily influenced run base offense in Atlanta. They led the league in rushing attempts (559) with a trio led by rookie Tyler Allgeier, receiver turned running back Cordarrelle Patterson and ex-Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota. Robinson is another level of talent at the position. It might seem like an eternity since a running back cracked the top ten, but remember, Saquon Barkley went second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. Robinson, along with Pitts and London, creates a dynamic young core of offensive weapons for second year quarterback Desmond Ridder to thrive.
9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina)
Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
San Francisco 49ers Nick Bosa led the entire NFL with 18.5 sacks last season. The Bears' entire team accounted for just 20. It is essential Chicago adds substantial assets to address their dire pass rush. The 6-foot-5 and 268-pound possess the type of frame to allow Chicago to use him in a variety of ways to fast track his way to the quarterback. A disruptive behind the line of scrimmage defender, Murphy amassed 36.5 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks during his three seasons at Clemson.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans)
Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
It’s no secret the Eagles lost a lot of talented players in free agency. Plenty of positions that boasted depth and talent now need attention. Philadelphia lost two of their three starting linebackers, with T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White leaving free agency. Hasson Reddick and his 16 sacks from last year remain. Sanders is a unique talent, and his versatility will help Philly in multiple ways to mask the deficiencies the Eagles' defense now faces after the exodus of talent from last year's defense.
11. Tennessee Titans
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Tennessee is rumored to be hot on the trail of selecting Levis or Anthony Richardson. Ryan Tannehill has regressed since being named the NFL AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2019. He followed that award up with a fine 2020 season that included a career high 33 touchdown passes, one less than his total (34) over the last two years. The Titans' third-round pick Malik Willis was the 2022 NFL Draft’s undersized version of Richardson. Tennessee then witnesses the struggles of Willis and him being benched for Josh Dobbs after Tannehill went on the IR. Titans go with a safer pocket passing presence under center. Still not convinced that Tennessee is on the verge of becoming a bad football team. A lot needs to go right in 2023 for them to remain a playoff team.
12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland)
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Iowa’s edge rusher Lukas Van Ness is going to be so tempting for the Texans, who pick twelve. Brandin Cooks was traded to the Dallas Cowboys and uncertainty around John Metchie III, who is making steady progress in his recovery from leukemia, has Houston in need of wideouts. With a rookie quarterback at the helm, the Texans must add a massive influx of pieces to make life easier on Stroud.
13. New York Jets
Christian Gonzalez, DB, Oregon
The tape is the reason he was invited to Indianapolis and his 4.3 forty confirmed his athleticism. The opportunity to pair Gonzalez with the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner is a defensive game changer for the Jets. New York has a platoon of top options at this pick. Utah’s tight end Dalton Kincaid remains available and serves as a valuable addition to the team. The unpredictable nature of the draft presents the Jets with a magnificent dilemma. New York emerges with an elite secondary.
14. New England Patriots
Paris Johnson, OL, Ohio State
The Patriots could also eye a top tight end here, but the quality and depth of the position make it a manageable task on day one of the NFL Draft. Johnson is a massive obstacle to get around, with some athletic ability to back him up. Rhamondre Stevenson’s workload should only increase this season and Johnson will be a perfect road grader for him to excel as we await the verdict on Mac Jones in year three.
15. Green Bay Packers
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
When conducting a mock draft, the hardest tendency to avoid is when identifying an apparent need with an obvious solution. In this case, Kincaid is that solution to a need left by the departure of Robert Tonyan, who signed with the Chicago Bears. Another critical factor is Kincaid is considered a top-ten overall talent. His value, along with the Packers' need for a tight end, make this selection a no brainer.
16. Washington Commanders
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Honestly, I’m torn on even putting Richardson this high. Last year at the NFL Combine, I asked several NFL personnel people what is the biggest deterrent when evaluating the quarterback position. Andy Reid replied by pointing directly at me from two feet away and said, “If they can’t throw the ball from me to you. Accuracy becomes a big thing, and then if they’re not smart.” Accuracy was the No. 1 word mentioned time and time again. Richardson’s ideal size and immense athleticism tantalize the possibilities of his greatness. Washington signed journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett after the start of free agency and has a limited sample size of last year’s fifth round pick Sam Howell. Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will have an opportunity to mold one hell of a freakishly gifted prospect.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Broderick Jones, OL, Georgia
David DeCastro was the last first round selection dedicated to improving the offensive line. Two years prior to that, it was center Maurkice Pouncey. With both players several years into retirement, the Steelers must begin revamping a unit that has lacked upper echelon talent via the NFL Draft for nearly a decade. Pittsburgh currently has no lineman drafted in the first-round on their roster, well, until they draft Jones. A mountain of a man at 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, who blazed a 4.97 forty at the NFL Combine. Najee Harris will enjoy getting behind him as his lead blocker.
18. Detroit Lions
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Lions had no issues scoring points last season and that was without coveted rookie Jameson Williams playing in only six games while recovering from his leg injury. Smith-Njigba, Williams, and Amon-Ra St. Brown create a mighty offensive unit. Sprinkle in their open space juggernaut D’Andre Swift and newly signed former Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery and the Lions are going to be downright scary.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Darnell Wright, OL, Tennessee
Tom Brady knew when to leave as this aging Super Bowl team from a few years ago began the process of rebuilding. Wright or just about anyone who plays offensive line with above average ability will be welcomed to Tampa Bay. Fortunately for the Buccaneers, Wright is near the top of the list amongst this rookie class at his position. He’ll be a fixture on day one as Tampa Bay begins life without Brady.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan
Seattle hit free agency early, signing Dre’Mont Jones from the Denver Broncos to fortify the defensive front. In addition to Jones, the Seahawks also have Jarran Reid, who spent his first five seasons in the NFL with Seattle prior to his two hiatuses in Kansas City and Green Bay. Smith is a thick athletic nose tackle who can collapse the pocket and bring a pass rushing presence from 0 to 1 technique. A unique skill set resonates in Smith which could provide Seattle with a "steal of the draft" type prospect.
21. Los Angeles Chargers
Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
With Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, the Chargers appear set with some of the league’s best pass rush artists. Bosa missed 12 games last year and despite his ability to be one of the best in the game, Los Angeles knows expecting 17 games out of their four-time Pro Bowler is a stretch. Mack is 32 years old. So, adding a youthful addition like Van Ness might not be a real surprise. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 272 pounds, he is ideal for the defensive scheme in Los Angeles and his 4.58 speed only boosts his draft stock.
22. Baltimore Ravens
Joey Porter Jr., DB, Penn State
The Ravens used to have a pair of first round defensive backs in Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. Peters is now a free agent leaving the Ravens to add help. Baltimore invested in the secondary last year in round one, selecting safety Kyle Hamilton and adding Porter Jr. to their defensive backs this year. A personality that should mesh quite nicely alongside Humphrey, who can help mentor this former Nittany Lion into a top caliber cornerback.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Minnesota's defense ranked 31st in the league, allowing 388.7 yards per game. The amazing statistic for the Vikings is they scored 424 points and allowed 427 points (27th in the NFL). One would think they go defense with this pick, but with Kirk Cousins hitting free agency next year leaves the team vulnerable. Hooker is 25 years old and coming off an ACL injury which makes this scenario odd but once again, the market for quarterbacks is at a premium. Truth be told, it is difficult to have both Hooker and Richardson and round one. The risk-reward seems to heavily outweigh the positives.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
Jaguars rookie Trevon Walker never materialized playing the outside linebacker position and Jacksonville hopes year two brings a big change. The loss of Arden Key is significant and replacing him will fall on the shoulders of Smith. The NFL Combine darling and well deserved after running a stunning 4.39 forty at 238 pounds. A bit undersized at 6’2, Smith brings an entirely different dynamic to pair alongside Walker.
25. New York Giants
Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The Giants have done everything to keep the Cinderella season intact by signing Daniel Jones long-term and placing the franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley. Flowers would provide Jones with his first real vertical weapon. Flowers is a mixture of Antonio Brown and Stefon Diggs. Flowers will also be the first East West Shrine Bowl player selected, something I predicted during the week of the Shrine Bowl. Hooray for something finally right, lol.
26. Dallas Cowboys
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Dallas Cowboys have selected two tight ends in the first-round in their history. The first was Billy Joe Dupree in 1973 and the last was David LaFluer in 1997. The offense is in a huge transition period. Zeke Elliott was released. Dalton Schultz left free agency, and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was relieved of his duties. Mayer is smaller than Cowboys legend Jason Witten, but similarities do exist. Julius Jones, Felix Jones, and Zeke Elliott all were taken in the first round, so do not rule out Jahmyr Gibbs out of Alabama. Tony Pollard must get a long-term deal done because the team will not tag him twice.
27. Buffalo Bills
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Wanted to put Jahmyr Gibbs in this spot, but Buffalo signing Damien Harris should squash that idea. The selection of Johnston gives another top-notch vertical weapon for Josh Allen. That said, both Stefon Diggs and Johnston would pose as an intimating match-up for defensive coordinators. Diggs is the burner, while Johnston is a big physical target at 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds.
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The big need heading into the draft was tackle until the team signed Orlando Brown. The moves will shift Jonah Williams to right tackle and Brown occupying the other bookend. The secondary now becomes the point of emphasis in Cincinnati’s war room. Safeties Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell both left in free agency and starting defensive back Chidobe Awuzie tore his ACL on Halloween night in 2022. Banks posted superb numbers at the NFL Combine, running a 4.35 forty, 42-inch vertical and 11’4’ broad jump.
29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver)
Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Ex-Saints Shy Tuttle and Marcus Davenport exited New Orleans via free agency. The team did sign Nathan Shepard from the New York Jets and ex-Kansas City Chief Khalen Saunders. Kancey is being labeled as Aaron Donald 2.0 due to his similar size and numbers from the NFL Combine. Not to mention both played their collegiate football at Pitt. Kancey is a pint size powerhouse at 6-foot-1 and 281 pounds. His impressive 4.67 forty at the combine turned plenty of heads.
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Hard not to get noticed when you are 6-foot-5 ½ at 298-pounds and run a 4.86 forty at the NFL Combine. Philadelphia retained Fletcher Cox but lost Javon Hargrove to the 49ers with a four-year $84,000,000 dollar contract on the eve of free agency. Other Eagles defensive linemen Robert Quinn, Ndamukong Suh, and Linval Joseph, remained unsigned. The trio is all in the twilights of their careers and, if resigned, offer little impact.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State
The departure of Orlando Brown leaves a massive void at left tackle. Mauch will be tasked with one of the most important jobs his rookie year and throughout his NFL career by protecting two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The team's other tackle Andrew Wylie also, is no longer with the Chiefs after signing a new deal with the Commanders. Kansas City did sign ex-Jaguars tackle Jawaan Taylor to a four-year $80,000,00 contract. A lot of work for Kansas City from now until the opening kickoff in 2023 to get their offensive line up to snuff.
