2023 NFL Mock Draft: Final Edition

 Here is the final edition of my 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears)- Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama: This pick should be an absolute no brainer, sans the infamous Reddit post about Will Levis being picked first. Young's size may concern people, but his potential is real and is the most well rounded quarterback drafted arguably since Joe Burrow.

2. Houston Texans- Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech: It's insane to me that the Texans may pass on a quarterback yet again and it would be a massive mistake unless it's a trade down. Wilson reminds me of Travon Walker in terms of how fast he was rising in mocks which had the Jags take him first last year, but Wilson has high upside and is super athletic.

3. Arizona Cardinals- Will Anderson Jr, Edge, Alabama: The Cards got to be careful here because they could trade down too far to the point that they miss out on who could be the best player of the whole draft. Anderson is more well rounded than Tyree Wilson and has excellent technique.

4. Indianapolis Colts- Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky: They always say when there's smoke there's fire and that absolutely applies here with the Colts pick. I think Levis or Richardson would both be reaches here, but this team is desperate for stability at the position and Levis's traits could end up being the reason here.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)- Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia: This would be an excellent pick for the Seahawks, but you can make a case for a quarterback or even a trade here. Carter you can make a case is one of the best three players in this entire draft, but his off field issues can hurt his stock.

6. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams)- Devin Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois: A popular mock pick right now is Witherspoon to the Lions, which makes a lot of sense considering the need at the position. Witherspoon is super polished and super tough, but there are questions about his frame.

7. Las Vegas Raiders- Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon: The Raiders should go defense here with this selection and the secondary in particular despite rumors about them trading up for a quarterback. Gonzalez is an absolute ballhawk and he has the size and speed that would get the Raiders excited.

8. Atlanta Falcons- Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas: It would be insane if the Falcons took Robinson here not because he's so talented, but they have other glaring needs on their roster that need to be addressed. That said, Robinson is arguably the best first round running back since Saquon Barkley and he's a game changer for anybody's offense.

9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers)- Paris Johnson Jr, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: The Bears did a great job getting a nice haul for the top overall pick and the team needs protection for Justin Fields in the worst way possible and they land a stud in Johnson. His versatility would allow him to come in and start immediately.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints)- Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia: The Eagles could go anywhere really with this selection and Smith here makes some sense. They have a long term need on the edge and Smith is thought out to be the best pure pass rusher of the class sans not being as well rounded as Will Anderson.

11. Tennessee Titans- CJ Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State: No, I don't see Stroud falling I just don't project trades in mock drafts and there is a lot of smoke about the Titans trading up for a quarterback. It's crazy to think that Stroud is likely not going second in this draft since he excels from the pocket and has great accuracy.

12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns)- Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida: Sometimes we see a team need pick being a player and team that not a lot of people actually think of. Richardson, despite the high variance of what he can actually be, intrigues a ton of teams due to his raw potential and elite arm.

13. Green Bay Packers (from New York Jets)- Jaxon Smith-Ngjiba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: It would be funny if the Packers took a wide receiver in the first round after Aaron Rodgers is gone right? Well, the Packers need young talent and Smith-Ngjiba is thought out to be a better prospect than former teammates Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave were.

14. New England Patriots- Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa: The Patriots have needs all over their roster and could go in any direction. Van Ness did not start in college, but he has excellent technique and has a high ceiling.

15. New York Jets (from Green Bay Packers)- Peter Skoronski, Offensive Tackle/Guard, Northwestern: Now that Aaron Rodgers is officially a Jet, the team must go and get him some protection. Skoronski is a versatile player and could start for the Jets right away.

16. Washington Commanders- Darnell Wright, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee: The Commanders going with the lineman makes a lot of sense here since it's a long term need. Wright had a great season in college and stood out in the Pro Bowl and excels at pass blocking on either side.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Broderick Jones, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: The Steelers get a gift here with Jones falling to them. Jones was successful against strong SEC defenses in college and is super athletic.

18. Detroit Lions- Calijah Kancey, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh  It would be fun if this is where Bijan Robinson lands, but Kancey would fill a big need for the Lions in their interior of their pass rush. Kancey doesn't have the typical size, but he has blazing speed.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Anton Harrison, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma: The Bucs are now another suddenly rebuilding team and they need young talent at key positions. Harrison is good at protecting the run and could get better in pass protection too.

20. Seattle Seahawks- Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson: This would be a great pick for the Seahawks, who can use more edge rushers. Murphy was dealing with a hamstring injury, which may have teams concerned, but he has the size and speed to be an impactful pass rusher.

21. Los Angeles Chargers- Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame: It feels pretty obvious that the Chargers will take a skilled offensive player of some sort here. Mayer would come in and change this offense with his ability to block the run and he has arguably the best hands in the draft.

22. Baltimore Ravens- Emmanuel Forbes, Cornerback, Mississippi State: The Ravens pass on a receiver and take another need in cornerback. Forbes is excellent in coverage and is super fast, which bolds well for a team that has to defend good offenses in its own division.

23. Minnesota Vikings- Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland: The Vikings go with an important need pick here with Banks and they need help all over their defense. Banks put together a very solid season this past season and his physicality can match some NFL receivers.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars- Joey Porter Jr, Cornerback, Penn State: The Jaguars would be happy if Porter would fall to them and he would help them immediately. Porter does get handsy at times, which can have teams concerned.

25. New York Giants- Jordan Addison, WR, USC: The Giants want to prove that Daniel Jones is worth the big contract they gave him and Addison will help the cause. Addison is a great route runner and is mainly used in the slot and would be another weapon for Jones.

26. Dallas Cowboys- Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State: The Cowboys go with a fast rising prospect here in McDonald. McDonald is a real explosive player with a high ceiling that can get sacks consistently.

27. Buffalo Bills- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College: The idea of the Bills adding to that offense would be scary for defenses. Flowers was an electric player in college and can play outside or in the slot and he'll help stretch the field.

28. Cincinnati Bengals- Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan: The Bengals grab a fast rising interior defensive lineman here in Smith. He has an incredible skill set and would fit nicely with their current front seven.

29. New Orleans Saints- Bryan Breese, DT, Clemson: The Saints grabbing Breese here would be very enticing considering the need they have at the position. Breese dealt with a lot of off field issues, but has high upside and is excellent at stopping the run.

30. Philadelphia Eagles- Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama: The possible match of the Eagles and Gibbs feels like a match made in heaven. Gibbs would be a game changer in the Eagles offense and excels in the passing game too.

31. Kansas City Chiefs- Jaylin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee: The Chiefs grab yet another weapon for Patrick Mahomes here with Hyatt. Hyatt is coming off an awesome season in college and he can work both inside and outside and stretches the field well.

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Ninth Edition

 Here is the ninth edition of my 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears)- Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama: This pick should be an absolute no brainer, sans the infamous Reddit post about Will Levis being picked first. Young's size may concern people, but his potential is real and is the most well rounded quarterback drafted arguably since Joe Burrow.

2. Houston Texans- Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech: It's insane to me that the Texans may pass on a quarterback yet again and it would be a massive mistake unless it's a trade down. Wilson reminds me of Travon Walker in terms of how fast he was rising in mocks which had the Jags take him first last year, but Wilson has high upside and is super athletic.

3. Arizona Cardinals- Will Anderson Jr, Edge, Alabama: The Cards got to be careful here because they could trade down too far to the point that they miss out on who could be the best player of the whole draft. Anderson is more well rounded than Tyree Wilson and has excellent technique.

4. Indianapolis Colts- CJ Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State: I cannot get cute here with putting Will Levis or Anthony Richardson here and if Stroud isn't the pick here, the draft will become chaotic as the Colts get the QB1 that they needed since Andrew Luck retired. Stroud excels from the pocket and has great accuracy.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)- Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon: This would be a surprising selection for the Seahawks, since there are larger needs. Gonzalez is an absolute ballhawk and has great size and speed and would fit nicely in that secondary.

6. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams)- Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia: This would be a great selection for a Lions team that needs youth on their defense. Carter is perhaps one of the three best players in the entire draft and he has a strong on field demeanor.

7. Las Vegas Raiders- Devon Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois: The Raiders are always a media sleeper pick to draft a quarterback, but they will be happy to land Witherspoon here and it's a position of need too. Witherspoon is very polished and tough, but questions arise about his frame.

8. Atlanta Falcons- Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia: The Falcons feel like a safe bet to take a pass rusher here and Smith makes sense as they make the homecoming pick. Smith is not as well rounded as Will Anderson as some may think he's the best pure pass rusher in the draft.

9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers)- Paris Johnson Jr, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: The Bears did a great job getting a nice haul for the top overall pick and the team needs protection for Justin Fields in the worst way possible and they land a stud in Johnson. His versatility can allow him to come in and start immediately.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints)- Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson: Murphy feels like such a big Wild Card in this draft considering he can go top ten or fall out of the top twenty. Murphy was dealing with a hamstring injury, which may have teams concerned, but he has the size and speed to be an impactful pass rusher.

11. Tennessee Titans- Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida: I don't mock trades in mock drafts, but I would not be surprised if the Titans moved up to grab their quarterback of the future. Richardson is a classic boom or bust prospect, but intrigues many teams due to his raw potential and elite arm.

12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns)- Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky: I'm not completely sure if the Texans would even get Levis to fall into their laps here, but it would be something. There were rumors about Levis being told that he's going first, but I'm not buying that at all as the Texans get a guy that some feel is the best passer in the class.

13. Green Bay Packers (from New York Jets)- Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa: Now that the Packers are in a rebuild, they got to take some chances on some players. Van Ness didn't even start while in college, but he has excellent technique and has a high ceiling.

14. New England Patriots- Joey Porter Jr, Cornerback, Penn State: Who was once the super hot consensus pick two spots later, is now an interesting choice to go here. Porter Jr is a very physical player and would fit super well in today's NFL, but he gets too handsy sometimes.

15. New York Jets (from Green Bay Packers)- Darnell Wright, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee: Now that Aaron Rodgers is officially a Jet, the team must go and get him some protection. Wright had a great season in college and stood out in the Pro Bowl and excels at pass blocking on either side.

16. Washington Commanders- Broderick Jones, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: The Commanders get a gift with Jones falling to them and they should absolutely take him. Jones was successful against strong SEC defenses in college and is super athletic.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Peter Skoronski, Offensive Tackle/Guard, Northwestern: The Steelers have to be doing cartwheels with Skoronski falling to them. Skoronski is a versatile player and the team would be hoping he'd protect Kenny Pickett for the next decade.

18. Detroit Lions- Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas: This would be a super fun player/team match if it were to happen and it would change the look of the Lions offense for the better. Robinson is a top ten talent in this whole draft and would be the best first round running back since Saquon Barkley.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Anton Harrison, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma: The Buccaneers are all of a sudden rebuilding too and they need youth everywhere. Harrison excels at stopping the run and can start right away since Donovan Smith is no longer on the team.

20. Seattle Seahawks- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: It personally would be surprising if Smith-Njigba was still available into the twenties. Adding Smith-Njigba to go with a receiving group featuring Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf would make life easier for the newly paid Geno Smith.

21. Los Angeles Chargers- Jordan Addison, Wide Receiver, USC: Sans rumors about the Chargers going with a cornerback, it feels like a skilled offensive player is where the team will go. Addison is a great route runner and is mainly used in the slot and would be another weapon for Justin Herbert.

22. Baltimore Ravens- Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, TCU: Even with the addition of Odell Beckham Jr and whether Lamar Jackson is back or not, the Ravens need a wide receiver. Johnston had an excellent season in college and he has great athleticism, hands, and running routes.

23. Minnesota Vikings- Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland: The Vikings go with an important need pick here with Banks and they need help all over their defense. Banks put together a very solid season this past season and his physicality can match some NFL receivers.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars- Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama: I think it's important that the Jaguars can select someone that can help them right away since they are close to Super Bowl contention. Branch believe it or not is faster than what he showed at the combine and he excels off the edge, tackles, and is solid in coverage.

25. New York Giants- Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver, Boston College: The Giants should do everything they can to help show everyone that Daniel Jones is worth the big contract he just signed. Flowers was an electric player in college and can play outside or in the slot and he'll help stretch the field.

26. Dallas Cowboys- Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame: Jerry Jones would be dancing around the draft room if Mayer were to fall to them. Mayer would more than help replace the production Dalton Schultz left behind and he would be able to stretch the field and excels at run blocking too.

27. Buffalo Bills- Drew Sanders, Linebacker, Arkansas: The Bills could go in a numerous different directions here and linebacker makes sense since they lost Tremaine Edmunds. Sanders had a terrific season in college and he is versatile, like Edmunds.

28. Cincinnati Bengals- Dalton Kincaid, Tight End, Utah: The Bengals are tying to get back to the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons and giving Joe Burrow another weapon would help the cause. Kincaid could end up going higher than this due to his medicals being good, but his blocking still needs improvement.

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco 49ers via Miami Dolphins/Denver Broncos)- Bryan Breese, Defensive Tackle, Clemson: One of the more obvious team and positional pick is the Saints and a pass rusher. Breese had a tough few years on and off the field, but he is excellent at stopping the run and has much more potential.

30. Philadelphia Eagles- Calijah Kancey, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh: With their second first rounder, the Eagles go with a longterm pick for the interior of their defensive line. Kancey is a relentless and consistent pass rusher, but he is undersized.

31. Kansas City Chiefs- Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State: There is some chatter that the Chiefs want to move up and grab a wide receiver, but edge rusher is where there is a larger need. McDonald is a real explosive player with a high ceiling that can get sacks consistently.

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Eighth Edition

 Here is the eighth edition of my 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears)- Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama: It feels like a foregone conclusion at this point that the Panthers will be taking Young here. Young's height may have some people concerned, but we've seen shorter quarterbacks have major success before and Young has the stability to be successful.

2. Houston Texans- Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama: It's seeming very likely that the Texans will pass on a quarterback with this selection, which would be a mistake unless it is a trade down. Anderson is arguably the best player in this entire draft and he has great length and he will provide stability at the position.

3. Arizona Cardinals- Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech: With Anderson off the board, the Cardinals go with a player who's stock is rising in Wilson. There are comparisons to last years first overall pick Travon Walker in terms of his longterm upside and has a high motor in which he can take over games.

4. Indianapolis Colts- CJ Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State: The Colts are really telling some lies to people because the rumor mill changes by the day with them! It's stunning that there is talk about Stroud falling considering he is a strong pocket passer and has great accuracy.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)- Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida: The Seahawks have a golden opportunity here to take their quarterback of the future here, even after paying Geno Smith all that money. Richardson is super interesting as a prospect due to his raw potential, which has folks drawing comparisons to Lamar Jackson.

6. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams)- Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia: This would be an outstanding pick for the Lions if this is the selection, but he's falling due to off field issues. The Lions have a need on their pass rush and Carter is one of the best three players in the entire draft and has drawn comparisons to Aaron Donald due to his on field demeanor.

7. Las Vegas Raiders- Devon Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois: The Raiders have been in the quarterback rumors again, but here they get themselves a great player with Witherspoon. He is super polished and super tough, but there are questions about his frame.

8. Atlanta Falcons- Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia: There are Bijan Robinson rumors here, but there is now way the Falcons should go there and they must address other needs and on defense in particular. Some people feel that Smith is the best pure pass rusher in the draft, but not as well rounded as Will Anderson because of his energy and is advanced off the edge.

9. Chicago Bears- Paris Johnson Jr., Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: The Bears have some options here and with this selection I have them getting much needed protection for Justin Fields. Johnson is a versatile player and can come in and start right away.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints)- Peter Skoronski, Offensive Tackle/Guard, Northwestern: I absolutely love the idea of Skoronski on the Eagles and it would be a great fit. He is a versatile player and could end up being the longterm replacement for Lane Johnson.

11. Tennessee Titans- Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky: The Titans are another team that is lying to some folks whether they are going for a quarterback or if they won't and run it back with Ryan Tannehill. There was talk about the Texans taking Levis at 2 and some feel he is the best passer in the class.

12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns)- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: The Texans did a great job in the DeShaun Watson trade and it could change their franchise for the better. The Texans need a good young wide receiver to focus their offense on and Smith-Njigba (sans sitting most the year) is great in the slot.

13. Green Bay Packers (from New York Jets)- Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson: The Packers and Jets finally pulled the trigger on the trade and now the teams have swapped picks and the Packers are rebuilding. Murphy could drop further due to a hamstring injury, but he is fast and has the size to be an impactful pass rusher.

14. New England Patriots- Darnell Wright, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee: No one should be surprised about which direction the Patriots go in and offensive line is a need. Wright had a great season in college and a great Pro Day to make things better and he is an excellent pass blocker at either side of the line.

15. New York Jets (from Green Bay Packers)- Broderick Jones, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: Now that Aaron Rodgers is a Jet, they have to give him some protection. Jones is athletic and had major success against SEC defenses, which bolds well for the team drafting him.

16. Washington Commanders- Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon: This would be among the biggest steals of the entire draft if Gonzalez were to fall this far. Gonzalez should go in the top ten due to being such a ballhawk and has the size and speed to be successful.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback, Penn State: Steelers fans would love this pick considering Porter not only played college in state, but his father was a longtime Steelers player. Porter Jr is a very physical player and would fit nicely in today's league, but does get too handsy at times.

18. Detroit Lions- Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland: The third cornerback in a row comes off the board here with the Lions taking Banks with their second first rounder. He put together a really good season in college and is big and physical who can match up with NFL receivers.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama: The Buccaneers are another team in the NFC that is suddenly rebuilding and here they land a possible star safety. Branch is someone that actually didn't run as fast at the combine than he usually can, but excels off the edge, can tackle, and is solid in coverage.

20. Seattle Seahawks- Jordan Addison, Wide Receiver, USC: The Seahawks should go defense here, but they get themselves a wideout to go with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett to make that unit loaded. Addison is a great route runner and is mostly used in the slot.

21. Los Angeles Chargers- Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver, Boston College: There was a while where it felt like it was a foregone conclusion it was going to be a skilled offensive player here, but there are some rumors about a defensive player here now. Flowers was an electric player in college and he would just be another fun add to that Chargers offense.

22. Baltimore Ravens- Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, TCU: The Ravens need a wide receiver, even with the signing of Odell Beckham Jr. Johnston was perhaps the best wideout in college this past season and he has great athleticism, hands, and running routes.

23. Minnesota Vikings- Emmanuel Forbes, Cornerback, Mississippi State: Forbes has been a hot name that's been emerging toward the end of the first round. Forbes isn't the strongest in terms of play strength, has a great skill set, has really good length, and excels at breaking up passes.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars- Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa: There is a strong possibility that Van Ness will get picked higher than this and maybe even in the top ten. Van Ness did not start in college, but his technique is excellent and has a high ceiling, which would vault the Jags pass rush.

25. New York Giants- Bryan Breese, Defensive Tackle, Clemson: The Giants pass on a wide receiver and go with the interior defender in Breese. He dealt with a lot of off field issues, but has high upside and is excellent at stopping the run which the Giants can use help with.

26. Dallas Cowboys- Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame: You know Jerry Jones is dreaming about this moment. Dalton Schultz left as a free agent and Mayer would be amazing in this Cowboys offense with his ability to run block and his ability to stretch the field.

27. Buffalo Bills- Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas: This would be some selection for the Bills and it would change their offense for the better. Robinson is a top ten talent in this entire draft and he would arguably the best first round running back drafted since Saquon Barkley.

28. Cincinnati Bengals- Dalton Kincaid, Tight End, Utah: The Bengals are among the contenders to go to the Super Bowl among the AFC teams. Kincaid would make this offense more dangerous with his playmaking abilities and there's a chance he goes higher than this due to his medicals being cleared.

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco 49ers via Miami Dolphins/Denver Broncos)- Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle, Michigan: Smith is a hot name right now in terms of players who could go at the end of the first round. The Saints have a need at the position and Smith closes down running lanes and passing windows.

30. Philadelphia Eagles- Calijah Kancey, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh: This would be a nice pick for the Eagles as its a longterm position of need. Kancey has drawn unfair comps to Aaron Donald because they both went to Pitt and play the same position, but he short arms, is super fast, and the Eagles would maximize his strengths.

31. Kansas City Chiefs- Jaylin Hyatt, Wide Receiver, Tennessee: There is a ton of buzz about the Chiefs potentially trading up to the teens and getting a wide receiver. Hyatt is coming off an awesome season in college and he can work both inside and outside and stretches the field well.

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Seventh Edition

Here is the seventh edition of my 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears)- Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama: It feels like a foregone conclusion at this point that the Panthers will be taking Young here. Young's height may have some people concerned, but we've seen shorter quarterbacks have major success before and Young has the stability to be successful.

2. Houston Texans- Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky: The hot rumor as we are here at Draft Week is that the Texans like Levis more than CJ Stroud, which is insane. Some people feel that Levis is the passer among the quarterbacks in this class and he also has excellent traits.

3. Arizona Cardinals- Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama: The Cardinals get a slam dunk here with landing perhaps the best player in the draft with Anderson, sans rumors of them possibly going with Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson. With JJ Watt retired, the Cards have a need in their pass rush and they get themselves a stud that will give them stability at that position.

4. Indianapolis Colts- CJ Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State: The Colts would be doing cartwheels if Stroud fell to them here at four. It's stunning that there is talk about Stroud falling considering he is a strong pocket passer and has great accuracy.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)- Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia: This would be an excellent pick for the Seahawks, but there are some rumors out there about the team selecting Anthony Richardson here. Carter you can make a case is one of the best three players in this entire draft, but his off field issues can hurt his stock.

6. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams)- Devin Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois: A popular mock pick right now is Witherspoon to the Lions, which makes a lot of sense considering the need at the position. Witherspoon is super polished and super tough, but there are questions about his frame.

7. Las Vegas Raiders- Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon: The Raiders should go defense here with this selection and the secondary in particular. Gonzalez is an absolute ballhawk and he has the size and speed that would get the Lions excited.

8. Atlanta Falcons- Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech: Wilson falling this far would be a steal for the Falcons. Medical questions could be the reason for a possible fall for Wilson, but he's super explosive and fills an important need in the pass rush.

9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers)- Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson: The momentum feels like the Bears will go defense with their selection. Murphy may drop due to a hamstring injury, but he is fast and has the size to be an impactful pass rusher.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints)- Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa: Van Ness has been getting a ton of buzz to go in the top ten as we approach draft week. He did not start in college, but his technique is excellent and has a high ceiling.

11. Tennessee Titans- Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida: The Titans feel like the biggest Wild Card of the first round in terms of their direction they'll go. Richardson has drawn comparisons to Lamar Jackson because of the raw potential he has and it would be tough to pass up here.

12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns)- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: The Texans did a great job in the DeShaun Watson trade and it could change their franchise for the better. The Texans need a good young wide receiver to focus their offense on and Smith-Njigba (sans sitting most the year) is great in the slot.

13. New York Jets- Broderick Jones, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: It would be surprising if a tackle isn't the pick here, unless the pick is moved for Aaron Rodgers. Jones has a great history against strong SEC offensive lines, which bolds well for the Jets, who badly need a tackle.

14. New England Patriots- Paris Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: The Patriots have to be happy if Johnson is still on the board here. Johnson is a versatile player and could come in and start right away.

15. Green Bay Packers- Darnell Wright, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee: The Packers all of a sudden are in a rebuild after the Aaron Rodgers trade becomes official. Wright had a great season in college and a great Pro Day to make things better and he is an excellent pass blocker at either side of the line.

16. Washington Commanders- Joey Porter, Cornerback, Penn State: This feels like one of the more obvious picks of the first round. Porter is a very physical player and would fit nicely in today's league, but does get too handsy at times.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Peter Skoronski, Offensive Tackle, Northwestern: This would be some pick for the Steelers considering Skoronski could end up going in the top ten. He is a versatile player and would be a great asset for Kenny Pickett.

18. Detroit Lions- Calijah Kancey, Defensive Tackle, NC State: It would be fun if this is where Bijan Robinson lands, but Kancey would fill a big need for the Lions in their interior of their pass rush. Kancey doesn't have the typical size, but he has blazing speed.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Anton Harrison, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma: The Bucs are now another suddenly rebuilding team and they need young talent at key positions. Harrison is good at protecting the run and could get better in pass protection too.

20. Seattle Seahawks- Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland: The Seahawks here should go defense and Banks would be a fine pick. He put together a really good season in college and is big and physical who can match up with NFL receivers.

21. Los Angeles Chargers- Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas: It feels obvious that the Chargers will go with an offensive skill player here. Robinson makes sense with Austin Eckler's trade request and Robinson would be a game changer for anyones offense.

22. Baltimore Ravens- Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver, Boston College: Even with the signing of Odell Beckham Jr and whether Lamar Jackson is back or not, this team still needs a wide out. Flowers was an electric player in college and there is talk he'll go in the top 20.

23. Minnesota Vikings- Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, TCU: The Vikings should go defense with this pick, but wide receiver is necessary with Adam Thielen no longer around. Johnston had an excellent season in college and he has great hands and running routes.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars- Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama: I think it is important the Jaguars nail this pick since they are close to Super Bowl contention. Branch excels off the edge, can tackle, and is solid in coverage.

25. New York Giants- Jalin Hyatt, Wide Receiver, Tennessee: The Giants rewarded Daniel Jones on his career with the 160 million dollar contract and they should do everything to help him live up to it. Hyatt can work either inside or outside and can stretch the field.

26. Dallas Cowboys- Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame: You know this is the pick Jerry Jones wants to make here. Mayer would come in and change this offense with his ability to block the run and he has arguably the best hands in the draft.

27. Buffalo Bills- Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle, Michigan: Smith is the hot name right now in terms of who the Bills may select here. Smith has an incredible skill set and would fit nicely with Ed Oliver on the interior.

28. Cincinnati Bengals- Cam Smith, Cornerback, South Carolina: The Bengals have a need at the cornerback position and Smith here makes sense. Smith is a great athlete who has great technique and is super aggressive.

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco 49ers via Miami Dolphins/Denver Broncos)- Adetomiwa Adebawore, Defensive Tackle, Northwestern: I think it feels obvious that the Saints will go pass rush here. Adebawore is a versatile player who has speed and has a ton of upside.

30. Philadelphia Eagles- Kelce Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia: With their second first rounder, the Eagles go defense again and go in the secondary. Ringo has a physical presence and flashes some good ball skills.

31. Kansas City Chiefs- Jordan Addison, Wide Receiver, USC: Addison was thought out to be selected in the first half of the draft so this would be a steal for the Chiefs. Addison is mostly used in the slot and is a great route runner.

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Sixth Edition

 Here is the sixth edition of my 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears)- Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama: It feels like a foregone conclusion at this point that the Panthers will be taking Young here. Young's height may have some people concerned, but we've seen shorter quarterbacks have major success before and Young has the stability to be successful.

2. Houston Texans- CJ Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State: The Texans get the second best option in terms of quarterback prospects. Stroud is super intriguing as a prospect and actually would be a solid fit for new Texans OC Bobby Slowik due to his great accuracy and how he can layer the ball around defenders. Stroud was terrific in his Pro Day and there is some talk that the Panthers can take him at one.

3. Arizona Cardinals- Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama: The Cardinals get a slam dunk here with landing perhaps the best player in the draft with Anderson. With JJ Watt retired, the Cards have a need in their pass rush and they get themselves a stud that will give them stability at that position.

4. Indianapolis Colts- Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky: This would be crazy considering the Colts have been reportedly been in love with Anthony Richardson. I think Levis or Richardson would both be reaches here, but this team is desperate for stability at the position and Levis's traits could end up being the reason here.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)- Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia: This would be an excellent pick for the Seahawks, but you can make a case for a quarterback or even a trade here. Carter you can make a case is one of the best three players in this entire draft, but his off field issues can hurt his stock.

6. Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams)- Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon: The Lions need defensive help in the worst way possible in this draft so secondary isn't a bad idea. Gonzalez is an absolute ballhawk and he has the size and speed that would get the Lions excited.

7. Las Vegas Raiders- Paris Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: The Raiders have several needs on their roster and protecting new quarterback Jimmy Garappolo needs to be a priority. Johnson is a versatile player and could come in and start right away.

8. Atlanta Falcons- Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech: Wilson falling this far would be a major steal for the Falcons. Medical questions could be the reason for a possible fall for Wilson, but he's super explosive and fills an important need in their pass rush.

9. Chicago Bears- Peter Skoronski, Offensive Tackle, Northwestern: The Bears go with the homecoming pick here with Skoronski. The Bears have an obvious need at the tackle position and Skoronski is a versatile player too which would be great.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints)- Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama: The Eagles can go anywhere with their picks and their first one I have them going with the talented safety in Branch. He excels off the edge, tackles well, and is solid in coverage.

11. Tennessee Titans- Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida: Richardson falling down this far you can argue is a steal for the Titans, considering they may not have to trade up. Richardson has drawn comparisons to Lamar Jackson due to his raw potential.

12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns)- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: The Texans did a great job in the DeShaun Watson trade and it could change their franchise for the better. The Texans need youth everywhere and it would be fun for Stroud and Smith-Njigba to be reunited in the pros.

13. New York Jets- Broderick Jones, Offensive Tackle, Georgia: It would be surprising if a tackle isn't the pick here, unless the pick is moved for Aaron Rodgers. Jones has a great history against strong SEC offensive lines, which bolds well for the Jets, who badly need a tackle.

14. New England Patriots- Darnell Wright, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee: The Patriots have a lot of holes on their roster and that's something that usually hasn't been said over the past quarter century. Wright's stock is heavily rising to the point he can be taken in the first half of the first round due to his strong Senior Bowl.

15. Green Bay Packers- Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame: Personally, the Packers should go with a combination of need and best player available now that they are in somewhat of a rebuild since Aaron Rodgers is almost out the door. Mayer would be a great big target in Jordan Love's first full season starting due to his size and ability to stretch the field.

16. Washington Commanders- Joey Porter, Cornerback, Penn State: The Commanders are a possible dark horse candidate to possibly trade up to grab a quarterback, but I don't see it. Porter is a very physical player and would fit nicely in today's league, but does get too handsy at times.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers- Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland: It would be somewhat surprising if the Steelers pick isn't a tackle or a corner. Banks put together a really good season in college and is big and physical who can match up with NFL receivers.

18. Detroit Lions- Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas: This would be some selection for a Lions team that is poised to make a jump in the NFC North. Robinson is probably the best first round running back since Saquon Barkley and he would be a complete game changer for the Lions.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia: The Buccaneers are another team that is in a defacto rebuild too and can use youth everywhere. Smith is an absolute athletic freak and he dominated the combine, which helps his stock. He also would fit well in Todd Bowles's defense.

20. Seattle Seahawks- Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson: Murphy falling all the way down here would be a steal for the Seahawks. A hamstring injury is what can cause a fall for Murphy, but he is fast and has the size to be an impactful pass rusher.

21. Los Angeles Chargers- Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, TCU: It feels obvious that the Chargers will take a skill offensive player with this pick. Johnston had an outstanding season in college this past season and his running routes and hands are excellent.

22. Baltimore Ravens- Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver, Boston College: Whether Lamar Jackson is back, the Ravens need a receiver and that's with the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. Flowers had excellent production this past season and is an electric player to watch.

23. Minnesota Vikings- Jalin Hyatt, Wide Receiver, Tennessee: The Vikings really should go defense with this pick, but they also need a wideout with Adam Thielen not being around. Hyatt had an awesome season in college and he has the ability to stretch the field.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars- Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia: I'm in the belief that the Jags must nail this pick since they are close to Super Bowl contention. Ringo will certainly help a secondary that was last against the pass this past season with his physical presence.

25. New York Giants- Jack Campbell, Linebacker, Iowa: Some may argue passing on a wide receiver would be a mistake for the Giants, but linebacker is also a need and they can address receiver later on in the draft. Campbell has the size and athleticism to be a three down linebacker in the league.

26. Dallas Cowboys- Dalton Kincaid, Tight End, Utah: With Mayer off the board, the Cowboys grab perhaps the drafts second best tight end in Kincaid. He was a solid pass catcher in college and now the Cowboys can use his production to replace Dalton Schultz.

27. Buffalo Bills- O'Cyrus Torrence, Guard, Florida: The Bills are kind of a wild card in terms of what they can do here with their pick. Torrence could be a day one starter in the league with his size and power.

28. Cincinnati Bengals- Darnell Washington, Tight End, Georgia: The Bengals can go in any direction they'd like to and Washington here does make some sense. The team did sign Irv Smith Jr, but he's coming off a big injury and Washington here would be fun as he's a good blocker too.

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco 49ers via Miami Dolphins/Denver Broncos)- Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa: A lot of mocks are projecting Van Ness to go higher than this and that is totally reasonable. Van Ness did not start in college, but really has shown potential and the Saints badly need pass rush help.

30. Philadelphia Eagles- Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State: McDonald is a hot name that could end up going late in the first round. He is a super explosive player with a high ceiling and the Eagles can use a player like him in their pass rush.

31. Kansas City Chiefs- Anton Harrison, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma: The Chiefs can go in a numerous different directions here too and a tackle makes sense. Harrison is good at protecting the run and could get better in pass protection too.