2023 NFL Mock Draft #5
September 21, 2022 2:00 AM EST
- Lions draft QB3 Will Levis despite dropping out of the Top-10
- Giants sticking with Daniel Jones? 2-0 start leaves them out of the Stroud/Young pool
- Seahawks look to replace Geno Smith with Bryce Young
- The Trade Value Chart updated with 2023 projected draft order from this Mock Draft #5.
- The next 2023 Mock Draft (#6) will be available after NFL Week 4 (Oct 5)
| 1 |
Houston
|
C.J. Stroud
Ohio State
QB
Reach/Value:
+0
|
Height:
6'3"
Weight:
218
|
|
It's been a mixed bag for the scrappy Houston Texans football team!
Any realistic person could have told you this was a rebuilding football team, and it shows. Rookie 1st RD pick Derek Stingley has had some impressive moments, and Jonathan Greennard continues to prove why he is the best player on the defense. It also looks as though GM Nick Caserio has found a true gem in the form of rookie LG Kenyon Green, who took 43 pass-blocking snaps in his first NFL start and only allowed one pressure!
The problem is, Davis Mills has already started to show some concerning inconsistencies at QB. Mills is currently 29th in the NFL in terms of QB ranking at 30.0 and missed too many easy layups against the Colts and Broncos. Granted, 2 games is a pretty small sample size when determining if a player is indeed a franchise QB. However, should Houston find themselves looking at picking number 1 overall and 2023, you should ABSOLUTELY take the odds-on Heisman favorite in CJ Stroud! In his Week 3 performance against Toledo, Stroud posted an 81% completion percentage while tallying 367 yards and 5 touchdowns! CJ is already showing all the traits worthy of making him the most coveted player in the 2023 NFL Draft!
- Cody Lachney, Texans Analyst
CJ Stroud placed this ball PERFECTLY ?? (via @SwaptySports) pic.twitter.com/uJ5tmXSkDe
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) September 17, 2022
Any realistic person could have told you this was a rebuilding football team, and it shows. Rookie 1st RD pick Derek Stingley has had some impressive moments, and Jonathan Greennard continues to prove why he is the best player on the defense. It also looks as though GM Nick Caserio has found a true gem in the form of rookie LG Kenyon Green, who took 43 pass-blocking snaps in his first NFL start and only allowed one pressure!
The problem is, Davis Mills has already started to show some concerning inconsistencies at QB. Mills is currently 29th in the NFL in terms of QB ranking at 30.0 and missed too many easy layups against the Colts and Broncos. Granted, 2 games is a pretty small sample size when determining if a player is indeed a franchise QB. However, should Houston find themselves looking at picking number 1 overall and 2023, you should ABSOLUTELY take the odds-on Heisman favorite in CJ Stroud! In his Week 3 performance against Toledo, Stroud posted an 81% completion percentage while tallying 367 yards and 5 touchdowns! CJ is already showing all the traits worthy of making him the most coveted player in the 2023 NFL Draft!
- Cody Lachney, Texans Analyst
| 2 |
Chicago
|
Will Anderson Jr.
Alabama
EDGE
Reach/Value:
-1
|
Height:
6'4"
Weight:
243
|
|
Matt Eberflus has this Bears' team playing about as well as we could have hoped for through two weeks. In other words, it's not as bad as expected. A confidence boosting, rainy win versus the 49ers, followed by a predictable loss in Green Bay, leaves everybody in the NFC North tied at 1-1. However, this is not a team that will make the playoffs in 2022. Every win from here on should simply be viewed as a step in the right direction for a young, developing team. Eberflus will hunt the victories, but the owners will have both eyes on the Draft.
With Chicago's limited receiving corps, defenses will key in on stopping David Montgomery. Even with the box stacked, the 4th-year runner averaged 8.1 YPC vs Green Bay. No WR had more than 2 catches whilst Fields only completed 7 passes on 11 attempts. Forget Fields' ugly passing stats in Lambeau, this needs to be a run-first (and often) team in the next 16 weeks. On a related note, if anyone spots Cole Kmet, could you ask him to turn up for game days?
The defense is playing hard, but lacks quality in a number of areas. The run defense is struggling and opponents will continue to take advantage. Chicago has given up a league worst 24 rushing first downs. If, as looks likely, The Bears pick near the top of next year's draft, there's not going to be value in taking a run-stuffing D-lineman, or receiver. Ryan Poles won't be able to look past Will Anderson Jr as a replacement for the aging Robert Quinn.
- 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.
With Chicago's limited receiving corps, defenses will key in on stopping David Montgomery. Even with the box stacked, the 4th-year runner averaged 8.1 YPC vs Green Bay. No WR had more than 2 catches whilst Fields only completed 7 passes on 11 attempts. Forget Fields' ugly passing stats in Lambeau, this needs to be a run-first (and often) team in the next 16 weeks. On a related note, if anyone spots Cole Kmet, could you ask him to turn up for game days?
The defense is playing hard, but lacks quality in a number of areas. The run defense is struggling and opponents will continue to take advantage. Chicago has given up a league worst 24 rushing first downs. If, as looks likely, The Bears pick near the top of next year's draft, there's not going to be value in taking a run-stuffing D-lineman, or receiver. Ryan Poles won't be able to look past Will Anderson Jr as a replacement for the aging Robert Quinn.
- 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.
| 3 |
Atlanta
|
Jalen Carter
Georgia
DL3T
Reach/Value:
-2
|
Height:
6'3"
Weight:
310
|
|
Arthur Smith is not a man for moral victories, so the fact that the Falcons have covered the spread in both losses against playoff caliber teams is not something that he's happy about. Still, it does suggest that a team routinely picked to be among the worst in football could be competitive, even with the staggering cap limitations that they are laboring under this season.
There is no doubt that the dispiriting last minute loss to archrival New Orleans brought back a flood of painful memories for Falcons' fans, but there was some decent football played before then. While the exact opposite was true in Los Angeles (a failed but furious comeback attempt), in both cases two things are clear: Atlanta has shown some fight and ability, but an overall lack of elite talent and depth are going to limit this team.
It will be important for Smith to make sure that Atlanta wins games against weaker opponents in order to "change the culture" before next season. Smith may not like calling this season a rebuilding one, but it self-evidently is, and these results are...kinda OK for a rebuilding team. A talent infusion on defense, especially in the trenches , could be the priority in next spring's draft.
There is no doubt that the dispiriting last minute loss to archrival New Orleans brought back a flood of painful memories for Falcons' fans, but there was some decent football played before then. While the exact opposite was true in Los Angeles (a failed but furious comeback attempt), in both cases two things are clear: Atlanta has shown some fight and ability, but an overall lack of elite talent and depth are going to limit this team.
It will be important for Smith to make sure that Atlanta wins games against weaker opponents in order to "change the culture" before next season. Smith may not like calling this season a rebuilding one, but it self-evidently is, and these results are...kinda OK for a rebuilding team. A talent infusion on defense, especially in the trenches , could be the priority in next spring's draft.
| 4 |
Seattle
|
Bryce Young
Alabama
QB
Reach/Value:
+2
|
Height:
6'0"
Weight:
194
|
|
Beating Russell Wilson and his new compatriots on Monday Night Football was likely the only result that Seattle fans truly hoped for this season. Geno Smith and the offense came out swinging and put on a virtuoso performance in the first half culminating in two touchdowns and a field goal for good measure. The next six total quarters of football however, rendered zero points scored by the offense - the lone score in San Francisco coming on a special teams play. The offense's true talent likely lies somewhere in between the two games.
Somehow, Geno Smith has managed to be graded as the 10th best QB in the NFL per PFF's grading system through two weeks. It's surprising considering thst, outside of the first half against Denver, Geno has been forced to checkdown almost exclusively. Both the Broncos and Niners are very good defenses, which may point to the next slate of games (Atlanta and Detroit) as being a better matchup for the Seahawks.
As stated last mock, getting tunnel vision on one signal-caller at this point in the draft process is folly. So far both C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young have had their share of surprising results and poor play while still managing to flash their potential. For now, the mock creates a possibility for Young to be a Seahawk. Despite being a QB on the short side, Young is not a Wilson clone. He's closer to Drew Brees with his footwork and quick passing. A combination that could benefit in a Pete Carroll-Shane Waldron scheme.
~Jeff Chapman, Seahawks Analyst
Somehow, Geno Smith has managed to be graded as the 10th best QB in the NFL per PFF's grading system through two weeks. It's surprising considering thst, outside of the first half against Denver, Geno has been forced to checkdown almost exclusively. Both the Broncos and Niners are very good defenses, which may point to the next slate of games (Atlanta and Detroit) as being a better matchup for the Seahawks.
As stated last mock, getting tunnel vision on one signal-caller at this point in the draft process is folly. So far both C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young have had their share of surprising results and poor play while still managing to flash their potential. For now, the mock creates a possibility for Young to be a Seahawk. Despite being a QB on the short side, Young is not a Wilson clone. He's closer to Drew Brees with his footwork and quick passing. A combination that could benefit in a Pete Carroll-Shane Waldron scheme.
~Jeff Chapman, Seahawks Analyst
| 5 |
Carolina
|
Myles Murphy
Clemson
EDGE
Reach/Value:
+1
|
Height:
6'5"
Weight:
275
|
|
Things are going pretty bad for the Carolina Panthers. How bad you ask? How about Matt Rhule being the odds-on favorite to be the first HC fired, kind of bad...
In the meantime, Brian Burns looks to be the only consistent pass-rusher on the D line. So if the Panthers are picking this high, it would behoove them to get a dominant pass rusher to bookend Burns. A do-it-all EDGE prospect like Myles Murphy Is just what the doctor ordered for the Carolina Panthers. Set a physical edge, explosive, and a dynamite first step that is amongst the best in the class! Don't forget to check out the C3 Carolina Cat Chronicles 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
Out of all the insane stats about how bad Matt Rhule is...I keep coming back to this one. pic.twitter.com/9EMneB3DAn
— The Crown Club ???????? (@CrownClubCLT) September 19, 2022
In the meantime, Brian Burns looks to be the only consistent pass-rusher on the D line. So if the Panthers are picking this high, it would behoove them to get a dominant pass rusher to bookend Burns. A do-it-all EDGE prospect like Myles Murphy Is just what the doctor ordered for the Carolina Panthers. Set a physical edge, explosive, and a dynamite first step that is amongst the best in the class! Don't forget to check out the C3 Carolina Cat Chronicles 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
| 6 |
NY Jets
|
Peter Skoronski
Northwestern
OT
Reach/Value:
-3
|
Height:
6'4"
Weight:
294
|
|
Through two weeks of the 2022 NFL season, backup castoff QB Joe Flacco surprisingly sits among the league leader in passing yards with 616, accompanied by 5 TD against just 1 INT!
Though sacked "just" 5 times, Flacco also leads the NFL in QB pressures, having felt the heat 40 times, 5 more than runner-up Daniel Jones. Tackles George Fant and Max Mitchell are among the leagues worst with PFF ratings at 49.3 and 52.7, respectively. Yes when Myles Garrett represents 50% of your sample size, numbers can get skewed. But with 2020 RD1 pick Mekhi Becton unable to stay healthy and looking like a bust, and Fant a free agent next March, GM Joe Douglas may be wishing he used one of his early RD1 picks on one of those top OTs in the 2023 Draft.
Here the Jets seek to remedy the weakness at OT by selecting a guy with a name made for football, Northwestern's Peter Skoronski!
Though sacked "just" 5 times, Flacco also leads the NFL in QB pressures, having felt the heat 40 times, 5 more than runner-up Daniel Jones. Tackles George Fant and Max Mitchell are among the leagues worst with PFF ratings at 49.3 and 52.7, respectively. Yes when Myles Garrett represents 50% of your sample size, numbers can get skewed. But with 2020 RD1 pick Mekhi Becton unable to stay healthy and looking like a bust, and Fant a free agent next March, GM Joe Douglas may be wishing he used one of his early RD1 picks on one of those top OTs in the 2023 Draft.
Here the Jets seek to remedy the weakness at OT by selecting a guy with a name made for football, Northwestern's Peter Skoronski!
| 7 |
Washington
|
Kelee Ringo
Georgia
CB
Reach/Value:
+0
|
Height:
6'2"
Weight:
205
|
|
In August 2021, if I had told you that the Washington offense was going to be explosive and the defense was going to be a major problem, you would've looked at me like I had three heads. Fast-forward to now? Carson Wentz is leading the most exciting offense this city has seen since 2017 and the defense remains dreadful both against the run and the pass!
Jack Del Rio's seat is getting hot, and the frustration at pressers is palpable. Rivera and Del Rio have both called out second-year disappointment Jamin Davis while they have repeated that the problem is not the coaching or the scheme, but on 'individuals' not doing what they're supposed to do. Whatever the case, it needs to be fixed. There's simply too much talent on the field to play as disjointedly as this defense does.
The offense-while falling asleep for a quarter (or two)-is fun to watch. Curtis Samuel is a true weapon, and if he can stay healthy, Scott Turner can create mismatches all over the field with motions and various formations. Jahan Dotson seems like the real deal, so much so that you almost forget about Scary Terry on the other side of the field. You know, a top-15 WR that just got paid more than $20m per season this summer?
The O and D in W-Land are headed in different directions, and as long as that continues, the B&G are headed for another middling season.
-Kennedy Paynter, Senior Draft Analyst (@Kennedy_Paynter on Twitter)
Jack Del Rio's seat is getting hot, and the frustration at pressers is palpable. Rivera and Del Rio have both called out second-year disappointment Jamin Davis while they have repeated that the problem is not the coaching or the scheme, but on 'individuals' not doing what they're supposed to do. Whatever the case, it needs to be fixed. There's simply too much talent on the field to play as disjointedly as this defense does.
The offense-while falling asleep for a quarter (or two)-is fun to watch. Curtis Samuel is a true weapon, and if he can stay healthy, Scott Turner can create mismatches all over the field with motions and various formations. Jahan Dotson seems like the real deal, so much so that you almost forget about Scary Terry on the other side of the field. You know, a top-15 WR that just got paid more than $20m per season this summer?
The O and D in W-Land are headed in different directions, and as long as that continues, the B&G are headed for another middling season.
-Kennedy Paynter, Senior Draft Analyst (@Kennedy_Paynter on Twitter)
| 8 |
Jacksonville
|
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Ohio State
WR
Reach/Value:
+2
|
Height:
6'0"
Weight:
198
|
|
Over the past few Draft's the Jaguars have largely focused on beefing up the defense, though admittedly many of those picks have not panned out. Though we fans clamored for protection and targets for Trevor Lawrence this past April, GM Trent Baalke stuck to his defensive-minded approach with picks of DL Travon Walker and LB Devin Lloyd. Both have become full-time starters; in fact only two other Jag front-7 defenders have garnered +100 snaps through two games (Josh Allen, Foye Oluokun), and both the rookies have played well. Walker has a PFF grade of 68.7, and Lloyd a 69.0. Heady stuff for two rookie defenders in their first two games!
The focus has culminated in a shutout win against division rival Indianapolis in Week 2, and bodes well for the future.
It may be true that the team overpaid for Christian Kirk in free agency, but Kirk has developed into the team's leading receiver (as he should be), with 2 TD and 12 catches on 16 targets (thru 2 games), while working out of the slot 82% of the time. Aside from the fact that outside receivers Zay and Marvin Jones don't scare anybody, Marvin will be a free agent next March.
Adding one of the 2023 Draft's top target will boost Lawrence's effectiveness. This being said, don't be surprised if Baalke adds another defender!
The focus has culminated in a shutout win against division rival Indianapolis in Week 2, and bodes well for the future.
It may be true that the team overpaid for Christian Kirk in free agency, but Kirk has developed into the team's leading receiver (as he should be), with 2 TD and 12 catches on 16 targets (thru 2 games), while working out of the slot 82% of the time. Aside from the fact that outside receivers Zay and Marvin Jones don't scare anybody, Marvin will be a free agent next March.
Adding one of the 2023 Draft's top target will boost Lawrence's effectiveness. This being said, don't be surprised if Baalke adds another defender!
| 9 |
Houston (Trade)
|
Kayshon Boutte
LSU
WR
Reach/Value:
+1
|
Height:
6'0"
Weight:
185
|
|
The Houston Texans are working with two RD1 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft! Perfect for a team looking to rebuild with superstars!
- Cody Lachney, Texans Analyst
Kayshon Boutte really employs a "less is more" approach to his route running. He just knows how to get open in the most efficient way possible.
— Ben Glassmire (@BenGlassmireNFL) June 19, 2022
He's extremely effective manipulating defenders with his head and body! pic.twitter.com/LodHVrySpw
- Cody Lachney, Texans Analyst
| 10 |
Indianapolis
|
Michael Mayer
Notre Dame
TE
Reach/Value:
-7
|
Height:
6'5"
Weight:
251
|
|
There are plenty of excuses as to why the Indianapolis Colts have gotten off to the start they have. Whether it be key injuries on both sides of the ball or some new pieces like Matt Ryan still getting acclimated to a new scheme, the fact of the matter is this is still a bad football team.
Indianapolis has gotten off to horrible starts to begin both their games, trailing by at least 17 points heading into the fourth quarter against both the Texans and Jaguars. The Colts were able to stage an improbable comeback to tie with Houston after a seemingly winning effort was thwarted by a bad missed field goal by Rodrigo Blankenship, who was waived shortly after the game. Against Jacksonville, there was no such comeback. Indianapolis once again came out the gates limping - throwing an interception in the opening drive before following that up with three-straight three-and-outs - and never recovered, allowing quarterback Trevor Lawrence to pick apart the defense underneath the Colts' zone defense. The Colts averaged just 4.5 yards per play on just 48 total plays on offense and lost the time-of-possession battle by a wide margin.
There are plenty of positions we could have gone for this mock but decided to get another weapon for Ryan, who is currently without Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce with seemingly no one else to throw to. Michael Mayer is a productive, matchup-beating nightmare for defenses and is a weapon in the redzone. He could certainly be helpful this week as Indianapolis welcomes the Chiefs as nearly a touchdown (-6.5) home underdog, according to SI SportsBook.
Indianapolis has gotten off to horrible starts to begin both their games, trailing by at least 17 points heading into the fourth quarter against both the Texans and Jaguars. The Colts were able to stage an improbable comeback to tie with Houston after a seemingly winning effort was thwarted by a bad missed field goal by Rodrigo Blankenship, who was waived shortly after the game. Against Jacksonville, there was no such comeback. Indianapolis once again came out the gates limping - throwing an interception in the opening drive before following that up with three-straight three-and-outs - and never recovered, allowing quarterback Trevor Lawrence to pick apart the defense underneath the Colts' zone defense. The Colts averaged just 4.5 yards per play on just 48 total plays on offense and lost the time-of-possession battle by a wide margin.
There are plenty of positions we could have gone for this mock but decided to get another weapon for Ryan, who is currently without Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce with seemingly no one else to throw to. Michael Mayer is a productive, matchup-beating nightmare for defenses and is a weapon in the redzone. He could certainly be helpful this week as Indianapolis welcomes the Chiefs as nearly a touchdown (-6.5) home underdog, according to SI SportsBook.
| 11 |
NY Giants
|
Jordan Addison
USC
WR
Reach/Value:
-7
|
Height:
6'0"
Weight:
175
|
|
Despite all the uncertainty surrounding the Giants' offense, the fact is that the G-men are sitting at 2-0. and it feels damn good!!! Take a look around, people are walking around with straight spines and the feeling of optimism is palpable That Monday morning production meeting is actually a joy to attend!
How HC Brian Daboll did this with Daniel Jones at QB, and a WR corps featuring castoff Richie James and 3-year practice squadder David Sills is remarkable. The previous regime's big-money free agent Kenny Golladay was awarded only two snaps in the Panthers' game, and 2021 RD1 pick Kadarius Toney still hasn't shown anything other than potential.
AII this winning comes at a price: the Giants will no longer have access to the top QBs in the 2023 draft. This being said, could Daniel Jones actually be the dual-threat QB that Daboll can mold? Either way, the draft stock for WR is now on rapid ascent as the primary 2023 Draft target.
How HC Brian Daboll did this with Daniel Jones at QB, and a WR corps featuring castoff Richie James and 3-year practice squadder David Sills is remarkable. The previous regime's big-money free agent Kenny Golladay was awarded only two snaps in the Panthers' game, and 2021 RD1 pick Kadarius Toney still hasn't shown anything other than potential.
AII this winning comes at a price: the Giants will no longer have access to the top QBs in the 2023 draft. This being said, could Daniel Jones actually be the dual-threat QB that Daboll can mold? Either way, the draft stock for WR is now on rapid ascent as the primary 2023 Draft target.
| 12 |
New England
|
Cam Smith
South Carolina
CB
Reach/Value:
+1
|
Height:
6'1"
Weight:
187
|
|
After the week 1 debacle against the Dolphins, the Pats got back on track with a 17-14 win at Pittsburgh. Most criticism so far this season has been directed toward the Offense, which has bordered on the conservative and scored only 24 points through two contests. No one is debating that New England lacks star power on the offensive side of the ball, but a solid Defense may not be enough to compete in the AFC East.
The Bills' 41-7 drubbing of the Titans, Tua looking electric with Hill and Waddle, and Garrett Wilson emerging as a potential star for the Jets all spell trouble for an aging Patriot's secondary that could see Jonathan Jones hit free agency next year. While the Patriots offense will need help in order to keep up with the emergent offenses in the division, and the conference at large, corner is definitely a need.
Cam Smith is a top tier man coverage corner for the Gamecocks who also plays with the requisite smarts to survive on a Belichick Defense. If he can iron out some issues with his tackling during his final year at South Carolina, he will be a steal at this point in the draft for the Pats.
The Bills' 41-7 drubbing of the Titans, Tua looking electric with Hill and Waddle, and Garrett Wilson emerging as a potential star for the Jets all spell trouble for an aging Patriot's secondary that could see Jonathan Jones hit free agency next year. While the Patriots offense will need help in order to keep up with the emergent offenses in the division, and the conference at large, corner is definitely a need.
Cam Smith is a top tier man coverage corner for the Gamecocks who also plays with the requisite smarts to survive on a Belichick Defense. If he can iron out some issues with his tackling during his final year at South Carolina, he will be a steal at this point in the draft for the Pats.
| 13 |
Philadelphia (Trade)
|
Bijan Robinson
Texas
RB
Reach/Value:
+3
|
Height:
6'0"
Weight:
221
|
|
Through the first two weeks of the season the Eagles have rolled up 62 points, and haven't trailed in a game since QB Jalen Hurts scampered into the end zone for Philly's first TD of the season, drawing even with Detroit early in the second quarter of what would be a 38-35 week 1 win. While a late push by the Lions may have made that week 1 victory a bit close for comfort; a dominant win over the Vikings on Monday Night Football has the Eagles looking like a force to be reckoned with in the NFC. In fact, Philadelphia joins just the Giants and Buccaneers as one of three NFC teams to start the season 2-0.
While just a two game sample size leaves plenty of room for future variance the Eagles offense has been very efficient moving the ball well through the air and on the ground as QB Jalen Hurts continues to grow more comfortable in year two of Nick Sirianni's offense. Lead RB Miles Sanders has dominated the backfield touches (30 carries 5 receptions) and should continue to do so as long as he remains healthy.
While the Eagles may like their other RBs if Sanders winds up playing his way out of Philly, Texas' Bijan Robinson could be an extremely tempting piece to add to an already loaded offense. It may be unlikely, but Robinson's performance against Alabama makes a strong case that he is an exception to the idea that you shouldn't draft a RB in RD 1.
While just a two game sample size leaves plenty of room for future variance the Eagles offense has been very efficient moving the ball well through the air and on the ground as QB Jalen Hurts continues to grow more comfortable in year two of Nick Sirianni's offense. Lead RB Miles Sanders has dominated the backfield touches (30 carries 5 receptions) and should continue to do so as long as he remains healthy.
While the Eagles may like their other RBs if Sanders winds up playing his way out of Philly, Texas' Bijan Robinson could be an extremely tempting piece to add to an already loaded offense. It may be unlikely, but Robinson's performance against Alabama makes a strong case that he is an exception to the idea that you shouldn't draft a RB in RD 1.
| 14 |
Pittsburgh
|
Paris Johnson Jr.
Ohio State
OT
Reach/Value:
+0
|
Height:
6'6"
Weight:
315
|
|
The Steelers lackluster starting tackle group looked rough in Week 1 with some marginal improvements in Week 2. The team continues to dink and dunk offensively, lacking the confidence to run longer developing concepts further downfield. This "prevent offense" is averaging an anemic 1 TD per game and required an epic defensive effort to eke out a week 1 victory. With TJ Watt sidelined for a half season, the offense is going to need to pull its own weight.
Upgrading at Tackle is going to improve all phases of a Steelers offense that is struggling to grab second gear. Improved running lanes and better passing protection are needed as this team moves forward.
Paris Johnson is a versatile player who kicked inside for the Buckeyes last season. He's now starting at left tackle and able to showcase his elite movement skills. Johnson excels at hitting blocks in space. Johnson's combination of agility, technique, quality coaching, prototypical size, elite competition, and versatility should land him high on the Steelers' draft board.
Upgrading at Tackle is going to improve all phases of a Steelers offense that is struggling to grab second gear. Improved running lanes and better passing protection are needed as this team moves forward.
Paris Johnson is a versatile player who kicked inside for the Buckeyes last season. He's now starting at left tackle and able to showcase his elite movement skills. Johnson excels at hitting blocks in space. Johnson's combination of agility, technique, quality coaching, prototypical size, elite competition, and versatility should land him high on the Steelers' draft board.
| 15 |
Las Vegas
|
Malachi Moore
Alabama
S
Reach/Value:
+0
|
Height:
6'0"
Weight:
190
|
|
It wasn't supposed to be like this. The Josh McDaniel Era has gotten off to a bumpy start thanks to a patchwork OL, some odd coaching strategy (seriously, how do you have 3 players with more targets than Davante Adams - just for starters), a complete breakdown of execution by the team, and the league's 5th worst pass defense. When it comes draft time, I expect the Raiders to maneuver for the best value at OL, but the secondary could be a prime target as well. Gruden Era 2nd rounder Trayvon Mullen is now gone, and Gruden Era 1st rounder Jonathan Abram is likely in another uniform next season.
Along the OL, Kolton Miller will remain at LT, and Dylan Parham has one of the 3 interior spots locked up for 2023. It's possible the Raiders found something in Thayer Munford, but the team would do well to avoid a repeat of this offseason's "cross our fingers" strategy for the line. They need to get intentional about adding some talent and some real competition or this "Super Bowl window" that they created with the acquisition of the game's best receiver, trade for one of football's top pass rushers, and retention of homegrown talent is going to close really, really fast.
Along the OL, Kolton Miller will remain at LT, and Dylan Parham has one of the 3 interior spots locked up for 2023. It's possible the Raiders found something in Thayer Munford, but the team would do well to avoid a repeat of this offseason's "cross our fingers" strategy for the line. They need to get intentional about adding some talent and some real competition or this "Super Bowl window" that they created with the acquisition of the game's best receiver, trade for one of football's top pass rushers, and retention of homegrown talent is going to close really, really fast.
| 16 |
Detroit
|
Will Levis
Kentucky
QB
Reach/Value:
-6
|
Height:
6'3"
Weight:
232
|
|
A 1-1 record with a win over the Commanders may not leap off the page, but Lions Nation is feeling the spark and daring to dream of outperforming expectations. The running game is clicking, Dan Campbell has people running through walls and Jared Goff looks more like the playoff winner of his early years than the battered shell who got dealt to Detroit. But even if Goff plays well and the Lions' perpetual rebuild moves in a positive direction, they still need options that don't involve paying Goff $30 million-plus a year.
Kentucky's Will Levis looks like a solid QB3 in this draft class, and he's a tough, quirky guy who figures to thrive under the tutelage of the Hulk Hogan of head coaches.
Check out the Lions' full draft haul at the Lions Team Draft Page.
--Jud Branam, Lions Analyst
Kentucky's Will Levis looks like a solid QB3 in this draft class, and he's a tough, quirky guy who figures to thrive under the tutelage of the Hulk Hogan of head coaches.
Just spoke with an NFL scout about #Kentucky QB Will Levis: "He showed me a lot tonight. His arm is big, even by NFL standards. Powerful athlete with a nasty streak I like. Florida has some dudes on their defensive line and his release is very fast."
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 11, 2022
Check out the Lions' full draft haul at the Lions Team Draft Page.
--Jud Branam, Lions Analyst
