2023 NFL Mock Draft #2
January 26, 2023 2:00 AM EST
- Bears sit at #1, Select DT Carter
- Lions spiff up defense with two RD1 picks
- Bills get WR help for Josh Allen with another Josh
- Jags losing all TEs to free agency, select Luke Musgrave
- Projected compensatory picks included
- The Trade Value Chart updated with 2023 projected draft order for Mock Draft #2.
- The next 2023 Mock Draft (#3) will be available prior to the Super Bowl (Thur Feb 9)
| 1 |
Chicago
|
Jalen Carter
Georgia
DL3T
Reach/Value:
-3
|
Height:
6'3"
Weight:
310
|
|
The Bears are on the clock and in an enviable position. It's rare that a team picking #1 doesn't need an upgrade at QB. Yes, there's the smallest of chances that Chicago could move on from Justin Fields, but this isn't a year where there appears to be a generational, can't-miss QB prospect. Ryan Poles will already be fielding calls from QB-needy teams. A trade down seems almost inevitable but, if it doesn't happen, it's a straight choice between Will Anderson Jr and Jalen Carter with the first pick.
Georgia DT, Jalen Carter, would be my choice over Alabama EDGE, Will Anderson Jr. The Bears undoubtedly need to improve their pass rush, but their inability to stop the run was more glaring in 2022. Carter is a dynamic force who has only scratched the surface of his potential so far. At 6'3" and 310lbs, Carter dominated opponents at Georgia; he can take on double teams and get into the backfield to wreak havoc. Carter's PFF grade of 92.3 was third amongst qualifying interior defenders. More than anything, Carter will provide the Bears' young defense with much-needed leadership.
Chicago has a ridiculous amount of cap space with which to build the team ahead of the 2023 season (the most in the league by well over $50m.) David Montgomery headlines the list of free agents, but he could be allowed to leave with Khalil Herbert waiting for his opportunity to take over the lead role. With so much to spend, Poles needs to be more active in free agency this offseason than he was last. If solid decisions are made, it doesn't seem such a big leap to consider that the Bears will challenge for a divisional title, in the wide-open NFC North, in 2023.
- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst
Please visit our Bears Team Page where you can see all the team's picks in the 7-round mock and more.
Georgia DT, Jalen Carter, would be my choice over Alabama EDGE, Will Anderson Jr. The Bears undoubtedly need to improve their pass rush, but their inability to stop the run was more glaring in 2022. Carter is a dynamic force who has only scratched the surface of his potential so far. At 6'3" and 310lbs, Carter dominated opponents at Georgia; he can take on double teams and get into the backfield to wreak havoc. Carter's PFF grade of 92.3 was third amongst qualifying interior defenders. More than anything, Carter will provide the Bears' young defense with much-needed leadership.
Chicago has a ridiculous amount of cap space with which to build the team ahead of the 2023 season (the most in the league by well over $50m.) David Montgomery headlines the list of free agents, but he could be allowed to leave with Khalil Herbert waiting for his opportunity to take over the lead role. With so much to spend, Poles needs to be more active in free agency this offseason than he was last. If solid decisions are made, it doesn't seem such a big leap to consider that the Bears will challenge for a divisional title, in the wide-open NFC North, in 2023.
- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst
Please visit our Bears Team Page where you can see all the team's picks in the 7-round mock and more.
| 2 |
Houston
|
Bryce Young
Alabama
QB
Reach/Value:
-1
|
Height:
6'0"
Weight:
194
|
|
The search for the next Houston Texans' HC is heating up!
Though it has now been confirmed that both Mike Kafka and Ejiro Evero have both secured 2nd interviews with the Texans, former Texans LB DeMeco Ryans, still seems to be the clear leader in the clubhouse to land the position. At least, it's certainly that way in the heart of Texan fans. It also helps when recently retired Texan legend JJ Watt, gives his seal of approval to Ryans as well! Who could blame him for feeling that way? Ryans has not only coached the 49er defense into being the best in the NFL this year, but he is also getting ready to coach in the NFC Championship game against the Eagles. Whoever the next HC for the Houston Texans ends up being, it will be best to help him hit the ground running by drafting the best QB college has to offer in the form of Alabama QB, Bryce Young!
- Cody Lachney, Texans Analyst
Though it has now been confirmed that both Mike Kafka and Ejiro Evero have both secured 2nd interviews with the Texans, former Texans LB DeMeco Ryans, still seems to be the clear leader in the clubhouse to land the position. At least, it's certainly that way in the heart of Texan fans. It also helps when recently retired Texan legend JJ Watt, gives his seal of approval to Ryans as well! Who could blame him for feeling that way? Ryans has not only coached the 49er defense into being the best in the NFL this year, but he is also getting ready to coach in the NFC Championship game against the Eagles. Whoever the next HC for the Houston Texans ends up being, it will be best to help him hit the ground running by drafting the best QB college has to offer in the form of Alabama QB, Bryce Young!
Will Alabama ever field another player as clutch as Bryce Young in the 2 minute drill? pic.twitter.com/225gLYnGhI
— Sidelines - Bama (@SSN_Alabama) January 25, 2023
- Cody Lachney, Texans Analyst
| 3 |
Arizona (Trade)
|
Will Anderson Jr.
Alabama
EDGE
Reach/Value:
+2
|
Height:
6'4"
Weight:
243
|
|
For the fifth time in its franchise history, the Arizona Cardinals will pick third overall in the NFL draft. Their past #3 overall picks have netted mostly good results, including Simeon Rice in 1996, Andre Wadsworth in 1998, and Larry Fitzgerald in 2004. The Cardinals will search for their next legend in the 2023 draft as they say goodbye to another one. Their new pick will likely be J.J. Watt's replacement on the defensive line, with big shoes to fill almost immediately. Either Will Anderson or Jalen Carter, the likely candidates, will be compared ad nauseam to Watt after he seemingly left the game with still a lot left in the tank, starting all 16 games and securing the sixth season of his career with 10+ sacks.
The one making the final decision on that pick will be newly hired General Manager, Monti Ossenfort, who made headlines in his first press conference, sternly declaring that "ego will not be tolerated in this organization." We'll see.
Ossenfort is the franchise's first outside hire for General Manager in nearly three decades, working as director of player personnel for the Titans since 2020. Before that, he worked with the New England Patriots starting in 2006, starting as an area scout before moving up to assistant director of college scouting and finally a director of college scouting before moving to Tennessee. With Ossenfort, Arizona also hired new Assistant GM Dave Sears, the Detroit Lions' Director of College Scouting. With these additions, the franchise has emphasized scouting and obtaining the right players as they begin their rebuild from a highly disappointing season to round off an extremely frustrating era of football.
New faces for a new era. The first pick of many is likely to be an easy one. But the Cardinals have a lot of holes to fill on both the offensive and defensive lines as well as deciding whether to replace an aging and expensive core. It's a baptism by fire for the new front office while the hunt for the head coach to replace the Thailand-bound Kliff Kingsbury continues.
The one making the final decision on that pick will be newly hired General Manager, Monti Ossenfort, who made headlines in his first press conference, sternly declaring that "ego will not be tolerated in this organization." We'll see.
Ossenfort is the franchise's first outside hire for General Manager in nearly three decades, working as director of player personnel for the Titans since 2020. Before that, he worked with the New England Patriots starting in 2006, starting as an area scout before moving up to assistant director of college scouting and finally a director of college scouting before moving to Tennessee. With Ossenfort, Arizona also hired new Assistant GM Dave Sears, the Detroit Lions' Director of College Scouting. With these additions, the franchise has emphasized scouting and obtaining the right players as they begin their rebuild from a highly disappointing season to round off an extremely frustrating era of football.
New faces for a new era. The first pick of many is likely to be an easy one. But the Cardinals have a lot of holes to fill on both the offensive and defensive lines as well as deciding whether to replace an aging and expensive core. It's a baptism by fire for the new front office while the hunt for the head coach to replace the Thailand-bound Kliff Kingsbury continues.
| 4 |
Indianapolis
|
C.J. Stroud
Ohio State
QB
Reach/Value:
+2
|
Height:
6'3"
Weight:
218
|
|
Indianapolis is one of five teams currently looking for the next head coach of their franchise as the search around the league ramps up. So far, Owner Jim Irsay and the front office have completed interviews with 14 candidates, including highly touted coaches like DeMeco Ryans and Raheem Morris. Along with them, the Colts also held a second interview with interim coach Jeff Saturday, officially leaving the "Courtesy of a Colts Legend" phase to the "Concerning" phase of this entire process as begins to feel more real Saturday could be the full-time replacement. Saturday started his NFL coaching career well with a surprising win over the floundering Raiders before finishing the season on a seven-game losing streak, including embarrassing losses to the Cowboys and Vikings. Still, Irsay remains fixated on the former ESPN analyst-turned-coach and reportedly is banging the drum to hire him full-time, much to the dismay of almost everyone else.
The Colts have also been linked to a trade with future-hall-of-fame Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has made his unhappiness in Green Bay known to all who will hear him. Rodgers, if signed, would signify the third-straight year Indianapolis would begin the season with a different veteran quarterback. The cost would likely be high and include the #4 overall pick, again much to the dismay of many after the failed experiments of Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan. Should they choose to holdfast on another veteran QB, a more likely trade with the Chicago Bears, currently holding the first overall pick, could be made to leap over the Houston Texans and other QB-needy teams. From there, the Colts will have fresh pickings on the young quarterbacks available and start young and brimming with potential.
Decisions remain, and the coming weeks will likely sway the result one way or another. A young, energized head coach might walk in the building wanting to begin his career with a young QB who he can mold. Or a more experienced coach might desire a signal caller who knows the league and can hit the ground running. Until then, the dominoes remain upright. For now.
The Colts have also been linked to a trade with future-hall-of-fame Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has made his unhappiness in Green Bay known to all who will hear him. Rodgers, if signed, would signify the third-straight year Indianapolis would begin the season with a different veteran quarterback. The cost would likely be high and include the #4 overall pick, again much to the dismay of many after the failed experiments of Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan. Should they choose to holdfast on another veteran QB, a more likely trade with the Chicago Bears, currently holding the first overall pick, could be made to leap over the Houston Texans and other QB-needy teams. From there, the Colts will have fresh pickings on the young quarterbacks available and start young and brimming with potential.
Decisions remain, and the coming weeks will likely sway the result one way or another. A young, energized head coach might walk in the building wanting to begin his career with a young QB who he can mold. Or a more experienced coach might desire a signal caller who knows the league and can hit the ground running. Until then, the dominoes remain upright. For now.
| 5 |
Seattle (Trade)
|
Myles Murphy
Clemson
EDGE
Reach/Value:
-1
|
Height:
6'5"
Weight:
275
|
|
Welp a clearly successful 2022 season and with the wildcard loss to the division rival Niners. The Seahawks' defensive performance in the 41-23 loss is a perfect mirror into the teams' 2023 Draft needs. Seattle allowed 505 total yards, with 324 coming through the air against not-so-irrelevant QB Brock Purdy. And 181 yards on the ground, shredded at a 5.5 yards rushing per attempt. The defense could get to Purdy just once.
On the season, the Seahawks allowed 369.7 yards per game, good for 28th in the NFL. They'll select the top Defensive line prospect avalaible to them.
There doesn't seem to be a path for the team to get to the Draft's top-2 defenders Jalen Carter and Will Anderson without giving up some draft capital to do so. Instead, GM John Schneider and HC Pete Carroll will pay close attention to the Combine and Senior Bowl to identify a Tier-1A prospect who is worthy of their #5 pick. In this week's mock, It's Clemson Edge defender Myles Murphy. Keep an eye on Bryan Bresee and Tyree Wilson, however. It's even possible that a guy like Siaki Ika could move up big with outstanding workouts.
On the season, the Seahawks allowed 369.7 yards per game, good for 28th in the NFL. They'll select the top Defensive line prospect avalaible to them.
There doesn't seem to be a path for the team to get to the Draft's top-2 defenders Jalen Carter and Will Anderson without giving up some draft capital to do so. Instead, GM John Schneider and HC Pete Carroll will pay close attention to the Combine and Senior Bowl to identify a Tier-1A prospect who is worthy of their #5 pick. In this week's mock, It's Clemson Edge defender Myles Murphy. Keep an eye on Bryan Bresee and Tyree Wilson, however. It's even possible that a guy like Siaki Ika could move up big with outstanding workouts.
| 6 |
Detroit (Trade)
|
Joey Porter Jr.
Penn State
CB
Reach/Value:
-3
|
Height:
####
Weight:
192
|
|
After the Lions' lauded young Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson spurned head coaching opportunities and decided to spend another year in Detroit, it's all systems go on getting the defense tweaked up to match the surprisingly potent offense. And with five of the first 82 picks, the team is in position to overhaul the roster. While the Lions' top pick, #6 from the Rams, seems destined to fall just outside the impact-player zone, there will still be plenty of star talent available. And with needs on all three levels of the defense, the Lions can be flexible.
So with Jalen Carter and Will Anderson off the board, the Lions can shift back to the secondary to begin their shopping spree. After all, the Lions' coverage rating of 48.8 was the lowest in the entire NFL according to PFF.
Enter Joey Porter Jr. An NFL legacy with longer arms than any NFL CB, Porter plays a physical style that suggests CB1 island in the near future. His impact on the Lions' roster would be immediate, getting the draft off to a great start.
Check out the full list of the Lions' draft haul at the Lions Team Draft Page.
--Jud Branam, Lions Analyst
So with Jalen Carter and Will Anderson off the board, the Lions can shift back to the secondary to begin their shopping spree. After all, the Lions' coverage rating of 48.8 was the lowest in the entire NFL according to PFF.
Could Joey Porter Jr. be the first cornerback off the board?
— With the First Pick Podcast (@NFLDraftCBS) January 19, 2023
???: @ryanwilsonCBS pic.twitter.com/55zLLYDyKn
Enter Joey Porter Jr. An NFL legacy with longer arms than any NFL CB, Porter plays a physical style that suggests CB1 island in the near future. His impact on the Lions' roster would be immediate, getting the draft off to a great start.
Check out the full list of the Lions' draft haul at the Lions Team Draft Page.
--Jud Branam, Lions Analyst
| 7 |
Las Vegas
|
Will Levis
Kentucky
QB
Reach/Value:
-3
|
Height:
6'3"
Weight:
232
|
|
How can the Raiders get better at QB? That's the question ahead for the franchise after moving on from a 9-year run with a slightly-above-average-yet-not-quite-good-enough signal caller in Derek Carr. Does a 46 year-old Tom Brady compare favorably to a 32 year old Derek Carr? That's debatable, but, at best, that's a stop gap. Jimmy G certainly isn't better. With stars like Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby in their primes and locked in to the franchise, it'd be ridiculous for a regime that needs to show improvement to opt for a journeyman like Jacoby Brissett. So, what should the Silve & Black, sitting at a less-than-ideal #7 spot, do in a draft low on "sure thing" QB targets.
Trading up should be an option, but it's a difficult one for a team with few assets and many holes. It's also a risky proposition. Two years ago, ESPN reviewed the 29 times a team traded up for a QB. While Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes are among the "rewards" of such boldness, players like Josh Rosen, Mitchell Trubisky, Carson Wentz, RG3, Mark Sanchez and others serve as an overwhelming number of cautionary tales. Staying at #7 leaves the Raiders to roll with Stidham, sign or trade for another QB, or take a leap of faith and draft either Will Levis or Anthony Richardson (#3 and #4 in interceptions in the SEC, respectively).
Trading up should be an option, but it's a difficult one for a team with few assets and many holes. It's also a risky proposition. Two years ago, ESPN reviewed the 29 times a team traded up for a QB. While Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes are among the "rewards" of such boldness, players like Josh Rosen, Mitchell Trubisky, Carson Wentz, RG3, Mark Sanchez and others serve as an overwhelming number of cautionary tales. Staying at #7 leaves the Raiders to roll with Stidham, sign or trade for another QB, or take a leap of faith and draft either Will Levis or Anthony Richardson (#3 and #4 in interceptions in the SEC, respectively).
| 8 |
Atlanta
|
Tyree Wilson
Texas Tech
EDGE
Reach/Value:
-15
|
Height:
6'6"
Weight:
275
|
|
In order to carry dead cap space equal to the GDP of a small country, Atlanta filled out its roster with a lot of cheap 1-year deals. As a result, while they have somewhere around $70 million in cap space (after they inevitably jettison Marcus Mariota) they will also have a LOT of holes to fill before the draft.
High on their list of internal re-signings and perhaps extensions include the right side of the offensive line, where Kaleb McGary - who posted a career best PFF grade of 86.6, including an elite 91.6 grade as a run blocker - is a free agent and Pro-Bowler Chris Lindstrom will need an extension. Whether they bring back one-year players like Rashaan Evans or Lorenzo Carter will likely depend on who they hire to replace Dean Pees. As it is, they will need to re-sign or replace McGary, Evans, Carter, Olamide Zaccheus at WR2, Isaiah Oliver at the slot corner, Erik Harris at safety, Elijah Wilkinson at LG, MyCole Pruitt at TE2 and even Bradley Pinion at P. That cap space will disappear fairly quickly.
Ideally, a March spending spree will allow Atlanta to focus on Best Player Available in April, but there is also no denying the need to add talent to the NFL's worst pass rush of the past 6-7 years. Tyree Wilson is a supremely athletic defensive lineman who will need to demonstrate enough quickness and athleticism to prove he can dominate the edge. Or perhaps Atlanta should just give up trying to find a pass rusher in the first round and go CB here. At this point, you could give Atlanta's edge rushers chainsaws and jet packs, and they still wouldn't be able to get to the quarterback.
High on their list of internal re-signings and perhaps extensions include the right side of the offensive line, where Kaleb McGary - who posted a career best PFF grade of 86.6, including an elite 91.6 grade as a run blocker - is a free agent and Pro-Bowler Chris Lindstrom will need an extension. Whether they bring back one-year players like Rashaan Evans or Lorenzo Carter will likely depend on who they hire to replace Dean Pees. As it is, they will need to re-sign or replace McGary, Evans, Carter, Olamide Zaccheus at WR2, Isaiah Oliver at the slot corner, Erik Harris at safety, Elijah Wilkinson at LG, MyCole Pruitt at TE2 and even Bradley Pinion at P. That cap space will disappear fairly quickly.
Ideally, a March spending spree will allow Atlanta to focus on Best Player Available in April, but there is also no denying the need to add talent to the NFL's worst pass rush of the past 6-7 years. Tyree Wilson is a supremely athletic defensive lineman who will need to demonstrate enough quickness and athleticism to prove he can dominate the edge. Or perhaps Atlanta should just give up trying to find a pass rusher in the first round and go CB here. At this point, you could give Atlanta's edge rushers chainsaws and jet packs, and they still wouldn't be able to get to the quarterback.
| 9 |
Carolina
|
Michael Mayer
Notre Dame
TE
Reach/Value:
-5
|
Height:
6'5"
Weight:
251
|
|
The quest for the next Carolina Panthers HC seems to be nearing its end!
At first, it seemed as though Carolina was doing everything in his power to attempt to land former New Orleans Saints HC, Sean Payton. After that seemingly flamed out, Carolina turned their attentions to younger more dynamic offensive candidates like the Lions OC Ben Johnson, and Eagles OC Shane Steichen. But Ben Johnson decided to return to Detroit, and interviews with Shane Steichen reportedly didn't go well according to Benjamin Albright. This leaves none other than chiseled veterans like Steve Wilks and Frank Reich as the current leaders in the clubhouse.
With the top QB prospects gone before Carolina picks at #9, the Panthers go BPA and draft Notre Dame TE, Michael Mayer!
Don't forget to check out the C3 Panthers Podcast Tuesday nights at 9 PM and 30 minutes after every game to hear us discuss all the latest in Panther Nation!
- Cody Lachney, Panthers Analyst
At first, it seemed as though Carolina was doing everything in his power to attempt to land former New Orleans Saints HC, Sean Payton. After that seemingly flamed out, Carolina turned their attentions to younger more dynamic offensive candidates like the Lions OC Ben Johnson, and Eagles OC Shane Steichen. But Ben Johnson decided to return to Detroit, and interviews with Shane Steichen reportedly didn't go well according to Benjamin Albright. This leaves none other than chiseled veterans like Steve Wilks and Frank Reich as the current leaders in the clubhouse.
With the top QB prospects gone before Carolina picks at #9, the Panthers go BPA and draft Notre Dame TE, Michael Mayer!
Michael Mayer is just silly pic.twitter.com/YBr0z5BQF7
— Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) January 16, 2023
Don't forget to check out the C3 Panthers Podcast Tuesday nights at 9 PM and 30 minutes after every game to hear us discuss all the latest in Panther Nation!
- Cody Lachney, Panthers Analyst
| 10 |
Philadelphia (Trade)
|
Bryan Bresee
Clemson
DL3T
Reach/Value:
+3
|
Height:
6'5"
Weight:
300
|
|
The 2022 Eagles set the franchise single-season sack record; breezing past the previous mark set in 1989 (62) on their way to a whopping 70 QB takedowns. A big part of this record-setting season was the ability to create pressure inside as well as on the edges. DTs accounted for 24.5 of Philly's 70 sacks, with 11 of those belonging to Javon Hargrave. After posting a then career-high 7.5 sacks in 2021, Hargrave is establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with on the interior. Unfortunately for the Eagles he is also expected to be one of the most sought after free agents this offseason, and could price himself out of Philadelphia.
With several key free agents and a massive extension for QB Jalen Hurts pending, where the Eagles decide to spend their money could reveal a lot about their plans with the 10th overall pick. Here they find Clemson DT Bryan Bresee falling into their lap and instantly replenishing their interior rush.
The 6'5, 315 lb Bresee is a supremely athletic prospect with the type of versatility the Eagles covet, but where he will thrive is undoubtedly inside on passing downs. There are some injury concerns that could make teams hesitate, but the possibility of Bresee playing alongside last year's RD 1 pick Jordan Davis could prove too tempting to pass up.
With several key free agents and a massive extension for QB Jalen Hurts pending, where the Eagles decide to spend their money could reveal a lot about their plans with the 10th overall pick. Here they find Clemson DT Bryan Bresee falling into their lap and instantly replenishing their interior rush.
The 6'5, 315 lb Bresee is a supremely athletic prospect with the type of versatility the Eagles covet, but where he will thrive is undoubtedly inside on passing downs. There are some injury concerns that could make teams hesitate, but the possibility of Bresee playing alongside last year's RD 1 pick Jordan Davis could prove too tempting to pass up.
| 11 |
Tennessee
|
Jordan Addison
USC
WR
Reach/Value:
+0
|
Height:
6'0"
Weight:
175
|
|
The Titans' need a WR. I don't like being repetitive, but is there really any other position they look at in RD 1? I could see Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer being a potential pick since his nickname is "Baby Gronk". He's at least a playmaking pass catcher, and that's what Tennessee desperately needs. So, what WR do the Titans prefer? Personally, Jordan Addison is my WR1.
Addison is an athletic, playmaking WR with good hands. He's strong at the fundamentals, but he also will put up chunk plays. Quentin Johnston from TCU is a much bigger WR who still has elite athletic traits. In my opinion, he's a little bit more of a risk than Addison. Then, there's Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State. He's around the same size as Addison, but he's got five catches on the season. This is because he was hurt early on. If he's healthy, is he the guy to gamble on? I said that I prefer Addison from USC over the other WR in the class. I believe he's the safest pick, but he's still got a big upside. The Titans can't afford to miss on a WR. It's a glaring hole.
Poll: Assuming all the prospects are available at the Titans' #11 pick, who should the team select?
Addison is an athletic, playmaking WR with good hands. He's strong at the fundamentals, but he also will put up chunk plays. Quentin Johnston from TCU is a much bigger WR who still has elite athletic traits. In my opinion, he's a little bit more of a risk than Addison. Then, there's Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State. He's around the same size as Addison, but he's got five catches on the season. This is because he was hurt early on. If he's healthy, is he the guy to gamble on? I said that I prefer Addison from USC over the other WR in the class. I believe he's the safest pick, but he's still got a big upside. The Titans can't afford to miss on a WR. It's a glaring hole.
Poll: Assuming all the prospects are available at the Titans' #11 pick, who should the team select?
| 12 |
Houston (Trade)
|
Quentin Johnston
TCU
WR
Reach/Value:
-4
|
Height:
6'3"
Weight:
201
|
|
I just can't resist the urge to draft a WR at 12 for Houston!
If you're going to add a dynamic QB prospect to your offense with the 2nd overall pick, why not give him an elite playmaker at 12? Look at how dynamic the Cincinnati Bengals offense has been with the combination of Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase! There is no reason why Houston couldn't replicate this same scenario. So, with that said, enter Quentin Johnston, the 6'4" WR out of TCU!
- Cody Lachney, Texans Analyst
If you're going to add a dynamic QB prospect to your offense with the 2nd overall pick, why not give him an elite playmaker at 12? Look at how dynamic the Cincinnati Bengals offense has been with the combination of Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase! There is no reason why Houston couldn't replicate this same scenario. So, with that said, enter Quentin Johnston, the 6'4" WR out of TCU!
6'4" TCU WR Quentin Johnston out here shaking the pants off every single DB in the Big 12
— JetPack Galileo (@JetPackGalileo) January 23, 2023
Insane post-catch quickness for a man this size pic.twitter.com/RP4AQW3UNo
- Cody Lachney, Texans Analyst
| 13 |
NY Jets
|
Peter Skoronski
Northwestern
OT
Reach/Value:
+5
|
Height:
6'4"
Weight:
294
|
|
The Jets will be whacked pretty hard with free agent losses in March when existing contracts all expire. A glance at the FA table shows a significant percentage of 2022 snaps all hitting the streets:
What's your call? Who do you think the Jets will select with their RD1 pick?
- Offensive Line - loses starters Connor McGovern, George Fant, Nate Herbig, along with key reserves Dan Feeney, Mike Remmers and Cedric Ogbuehi. This is without mentioning Mekhi Becton's complete lack of contribution in his two seasons.
- Defensive Line - Solomon Thomas, Sheldon Rankins and Nathan Shepherd will seek new employment.
- Linebacker - Kwon Alexander and Quincey Williams leave with significant starting snaps, leaving an aging (and expensive) $17M man CJ Mosley looking for help.
- Safety - Lamarcus Joyner departs in March, but the rest of the gang (Jordan Whitehead, Will Parks, Ashtyn Davis) have just one year remaining.
What's your call? Who do you think the Jets will select with their RD1 pick?
| 14 |
New England
|
Cam Smith
South Carolina
CB
Reach/Value:
+2
|
Height:
6'1"
Weight:
187
|
|
How does the AFC East look just days before Championship weekend, 2023? Well, the Bills, are out of the dance, perhaps shockingly, perhaps not. Miami is interviewing Defensive Coordinators as they try to reload after a 2022 campaign marred by Tua's numerous concussions. And the Jets ... are going after Aaron Rodgers?
One thing is for certain:
While AFC East teams withered a bit as the season droned on, it's looking like it will reprise it's role as one of the most competitive divisions in football in 2023. The Patriots have certainly not stood idle through the first few weeks of the new year. Bill O'Brien will officially return as Offensive Coordinator, which brings an experienced veteran with a track record of success to an offense that needs a spark. Matt Patricia appears to be on his way out, so the changes along the offensive side of the ball.
There have also been rumblings, per Jeremy Fowler, that the Patriots have kicked the tires on a potential trade for Cardinals star receiver Deandre Hopkins. Whether or not this actually happens, we will have to wait and see, but the fact the Pats are even interested in trading for a veteran receiver tells us that they may be looking for experience at the position, rather than raw upside. This approach makes sense: Mac Jones' rookie contract isn't going to last forever, and bringing in a player like Hopkins would help the Patriots evaluate whether or not he is their long term answer.
This brings us to the Defense, which lost a bit of solidity later in the year, and a secondary that could use an infusion of talent. South Carolina's Cam Smith has been a popular choice for New England in the early mocks, and for good reason. He is the total package. An instinctual player who is great in coverage and not afraid to make a play on the ball.
With the change at offensive coordinator and the potential to bring in experienced players on the offensive side of the ball, the Patriots would be smart to invest early picks on reloading an already talented defense with young talent.
One thing is for certain:
While AFC East teams withered a bit as the season droned on, it's looking like it will reprise it's role as one of the most competitive divisions in football in 2023. The Patriots have certainly not stood idle through the first few weeks of the new year. Bill O'Brien will officially return as Offensive Coordinator, which brings an experienced veteran with a track record of success to an offense that needs a spark. Matt Patricia appears to be on his way out, so the changes along the offensive side of the ball.
There have also been rumblings, per Jeremy Fowler, that the Patriots have kicked the tires on a potential trade for Cardinals star receiver Deandre Hopkins. Whether or not this actually happens, we will have to wait and see, but the fact the Pats are even interested in trading for a veteran receiver tells us that they may be looking for experience at the position, rather than raw upside. This approach makes sense: Mac Jones' rookie contract isn't going to last forever, and bringing in a player like Hopkins would help the Patriots evaluate whether or not he is their long term answer.
This brings us to the Defense, which lost a bit of solidity later in the year, and a secondary that could use an infusion of talent. South Carolina's Cam Smith has been a popular choice for New England in the early mocks, and for good reason. He is the total package. An instinctual player who is great in coverage and not afraid to make a play on the ball.
With the change at offensive coordinator and the potential to bring in experienced players on the offensive side of the ball, the Patriots would be smart to invest early picks on reloading an already talented defense with young talent.
| 15 |
Green Bay
|
Brian Branch
Alabama
S
Reach/Value:
-10
|
Height:
5'11"
Weight:
190
|
|
While many of the Packers' decisions will hinge on Aaron Rodgers' future, one thing is certain. Green Bay needs to overhaul their options at safety. Heading into 2022, safety seemed like a position of strength with established starters in Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage. However, each fell short of lofty expectations while simultaneously earning the worst PFF grades of their careers. Savage, who whiffed on 18.8% of his tackle attempts and allowed a passer rating of 100.7 in coverage, was benched for a five-game stretch before reappearing in the slot down the stretch. Amos allowed a passer rating of 121.9, a jump of 35.8 over his highest passer rating from 2017-2021, while also allowing 6 TDs. To make matters worse, Amos' dead cap hit and Savage's guaranteed fifth-year option will combine to count nearly $16 million against the cap in 2023.
- James Siebers, Packers Analyst (Twitter@jsieb_)
The rare 3 play, 3 stop sequence from a defensive back.
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) January 18, 2023
Brian Branch showing off the play recognition, ability to evade blockers and superb tackling ability in space.
The dude just doesn't miss tackles and that's very valuable for any defense. pic.twitter.com/mvFwu9rAaq
- James Siebers, Packers Analyst (Twitter@jsieb_)
| 16 |
Washington
|
Paris Johnson Jr.
Ohio State
OT
Reach/Value:
+3
|
Height:
6'6"
Weight:
315
|
|
A very confident Ron Rivera did not inspire confidence in his end-of-year presser. The Commanders' head coach repeated over and over again that their formula for winning is to be a run-heavy team. You know, like most offenses in the NFL! I know, I know...Jalen Hurts has his team rocketing skyward just one game from the Super Bowl...but this team doesn't have Jalen Hurts.
A run-heavy scheme hasn't won the Super Bowl in some time, and while these teams have had success in the regular-season, it isn't often a recipe for success in the postseason, even with a special player at quarterback (which, if you haven't noticed, Washington doesn't have).
If Ron truly wants to stick with Howell and go run-heavy, the offensive line needs at least two upgrades. Sam Cosmi can slide in to guard, and if Chase Roullier comes back healthy, he has the center position locked down. Both tackle spots and LG are still in question and need to be upgraded quickly. A corner opposite Benjamin St. Juste is also needed.
At 16, however, a perfect prospect for a run-heavy scheme, Anthony Richardson, might fall into their lap, and that would be my choice moving forward. If Howell hits, let him play and develop the raw but toolsy former Gator. Having two franchise quarterbacks would be a problem this organization would welcome after over 30 years of a revolving door at quarterback.
In any case, this team will only elevate from hovering around .500 with an improved offensive output. It would be a shame to watch another great defensive team fall short of the playoffs because of another putrid offense in 2023.
-Kennedy Paynter, Senior Draft Analyst (@Kennedy_Paynter on Twitter)
A run-heavy scheme hasn't won the Super Bowl in some time, and while these teams have had success in the regular-season, it isn't often a recipe for success in the postseason, even with a special player at quarterback (which, if you haven't noticed, Washington doesn't have).
If Ron truly wants to stick with Howell and go run-heavy, the offensive line needs at least two upgrades. Sam Cosmi can slide in to guard, and if Chase Roullier comes back healthy, he has the center position locked down. Both tackle spots and LG are still in question and need to be upgraded quickly. A corner opposite Benjamin St. Juste is also needed.
At 16, however, a perfect prospect for a run-heavy scheme, Anthony Richardson, might fall into their lap, and that would be my choice moving forward. If Howell hits, let him play and develop the raw but toolsy former Gator. Having two franchise quarterbacks would be a problem this organization would welcome after over 30 years of a revolving door at quarterback.
In any case, this team will only elevate from hovering around .500 with an improved offensive output. It would be a shame to watch another great defensive team fall short of the playoffs because of another putrid offense in 2023.
-Kennedy Paynter, Senior Draft Analyst (@Kennedy_Paynter on Twitter)
