2023 Live Mock Draft - Round 3

Zacch Pickens is the newest member of the Chicago Bears as they take a third consecutive defensive player. Pickens is a former top-10 recruit who has yet to fulfill his immense potential. If the South Carolina DT can improve his technique, and more regularly flash his athleticism, this could be a high-value pick.

- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Grade: B

With the defensive front sufficently stocked the Philadelphia switches to the offensive side to add Alabama's Tyler Steen. Steen was announced as a gaurd and that is likely his best position as a pro, but he played Tackle in college and has enough length and athleticism to at least get you through a game if not more on the outside.

Grade: B+

After losing both starting safeties to free agency the Eagles were always likely to address the position in the draft (even with the addition of Terrell Edmonds and Justin Evans.) Sydney Brown is an undersized but well built Safety who flies to the football and excels at reading the defense and breaking up plays in the backfield. A great addition to the group and can make an immediate impact.

Grade: B+

I didn't expect Marvin Mims to fall to 63, but to say I'm shocked that Sanders fell to the third round is an understatement. This guy screams versatility, and I'm not sure we've seen his best football yet. Vance Joseph has worked with versatile playmakers like this before, most recently Isaiah Simmons and Zaven Collins in Arizona, and you can bet he will look to move Sanders around to make the most of his skillset. There is some risk factor based on his lack of play time prior to last year, but you have to think that it's worth it at 67. Grade A

~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst

The Lions' meandering trip through the 2023 Draft took another turn after a few trades up and down and a few head-scratching picks with an upgrade to their backup QB position in the person of Hendon Hooker of Tennessee. An accurate passer who looked like a first-rounder until he tore his ACL, Hooker is well into his rehab and figures to be ready to back up Jared Goff this fall. Grade: B

Nathaniel "Tank" Dell has been a highly productive WR for Houston and has consistently seen his production increase over time.

Dell finished with more than 100 receptions, 1300 yards, and 15 touchdowns in the 2022 season and projects as an explosive playmaking receiver prospect that can be used as a versatile offensive weapon. Though slight of frame at 5-8 and 165 pounds, Tank is a vertical big-play threat who also has value as a special teams returner. Dell takes the majority of his snaps from the slot, but has shown the ability to line up as an outside WR, line up in the backfield, or be in motion to have free access releases when the ball is snapped!

- Cody Lachney, Texans Analyst

Successful teams are built through the trenches, and that's a philosophy McDaniels and Ziegler have clearly bought into in Vegas. Six of the duo's nine draft picks since taking the helm of the franchise have been linemen, and Byron Young should provide some depth along the defensive front. Still, he's a big reach - our Board had him at #145 - and he's essentially a big body with some versatility and middling athleticism. He's a dime-a-dozen type prospect who is eerily similar to the team's Matthew Butler selection last year. With prospects like Kelee Ringo and Trenton Simpson still available, this is a poor selection.

Grade: D+

I assume that Kendre Miller's pass catching ability pushed him above other RBs for this choice. Miller has good vision and carried the rock well for TCU. He averaged over 7 yards per carry in his first two years, before breaking out in 2022 with 1,399 rushing yards and 17 TD runs in 14 games. The Saints need an RB to spell Alvin Kamara, but this is a bit of a surprise. There are several RBs that DraftTek had ranked above him that seemed better fits, including Roschon Johnson, Eric Gray, and Kenny McIntosh. Grade: D+

~DatBudMan, Saints Analyst

Arizona has focused on the offensive and defensive lines with the first two picks so far and has now addressed the back line of the defense. Syracuse's Garrett Williams is an instinctual off-ball player who shows polished technique with nice ball production in his three years with the Orange. Williams should be able to step in as a plus starter in a very thin Arizona secondary.

The Giants get the ultimate deep threat in this class in Hyatt. For a team that wants to run the football well, Hyatt is a guy that will give defensive coordinators nightmares. Do you drop a safety into the box to top the run and risk Hyatt attacking a single-high safety? That conundrum is going to make New York's play-action game explode in 2023. I thought he might slide into the end of the first-round for a team that wanted to stretch the field. Grade A-

~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst

During our mock drafts leading up to the draft, I stated that Cleveland would certainly look to find some offensive playmakers. Tillman is a quality selection at 74, though was overlooked by some because it didn't appear he was over the ankle injury during the pre-draft process. Still, he's a physical receiver with sneaky athleticism that can stretch the field and make contested catches. That should fit well with a superb route-runner in Amari Cooper and natural slot like Elijah Moore. DeShaun Watson gets another weapon. Grade B+

~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Ryan Nielsen looks to be moving Atlanta to a more 4-3 base defense and that requires a "Big End." Zach Harrison is that "Big End" who can learn for a year behind Calais Campbell. He has admirable physical traits in terms of size, power and length, but he lacks a certain explosiveness. Still, as Campbell's understudy, he could look to become an integral part of the 4-3 DE group. A steady player, rather than an upside pick. B+

Here's the typical Belichick pick. Marte Mapu is a 217-pound linebacker from Sacramento State. He has no pro day stats. So he's an undersized LB, I have to assume he's a great athlete but I have nothing to back that up. He's a tweener between the LB and S position. He did play QB in the past and Belichick loves converted QBs. I'm not so sure about this pick, where does Belichick plan on playing him? We'll all find out when Bill is ready to let us know.

Jonah Anderson, Senior Drafttek Analyst

Grade: C+

The Rams find a replacement for Leonard Floyd, but Byron Young doesn't have the length of his predecessor. Young does, however, have elite athleticism and burst. The former Tennessee star had an interesting path to the NFL and will be a 25-year old rookie. This is an upside pick at a position of need.

- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Grade: A-

After adding Tucker Kraft, Green Bay has transformed its TE room on Day 2. Kraft is another decorated athlete with a 9.68 RAS, but he has a better resume than Musgrave as a run blocker. Kraft still offers a lot as a pass catcher with 2.32 yard/route run and 7.7 YAC/reception. The Packers needed to add weapons for Jordan Love, and they can rest easy tonight knowing they accomplished that goal.

Grade: A

Chris Ballard gets his newly drafted quarterback another weapon. To go along with 2021 rushing leader Jonathan Taylor and receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who has crossed 900 yards the last two seasons, Indianapolis brings in a true deep threat in Josh Downs. Exceptionally athletic to elude defenders, Downs is elite in tracking the ball all over the field and possesses reliable hands with smart route running to stretch the field and make explosive plays.

DJ Johnson has outstanding size and is an excellent overall athlete. Johnson lined up as a 3-4 OLB in Oregon's defense and was asked to do quite a bit in that role. As a pass rusher, Johnson flashes an explosive first step and can consistently win edges against opposing OT's. DJ pairs a quick-twitch get off with more than enough length to squeeze the pocket and make life really hard on the opposing QB. Though, he will need more refinement before he becomes a reliable threat for the Panthers defense.

- Cody Lachney, Panthers Analyst

Tyjae Spears is a tough, fast runner who is solid in the receiving game. If the Titans really are looking at moving on from Derrick Henry, Spears could be an every-down back. Worst case scenario, Spears can provide badly needed help in the passing game. Don't forget, the backup RB in Tennessee was one of the top receivers last year. The ideal scenario would be Henry sticking around at least one more year while Spears adjusts to the NFL game.

Jonah Anderson Senior Drafttek Analyst

Grade: A-

Another pick in the trenches for Tampa Bay, and Diaby is a good one. Like Kancey, Diaby is going to give a spark to this pass rush, and a much needed one after Shaq Barrett missed half the season with injuries last year. This team has clearly committed to improving in the trenches as the roster goes through a bit of an overhaul. In Diaby, they are getting an explosive player off the edge with the ability to develop into a future starter. Grade B

~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst

I like this fit for Denver, partially because we know the player that lines up across from Patrick Surtain is going to be tested frequently. Moss had 11 career interceptions and 26 pass break-ups across 43 games. Simply put, he gets his hands on the ball. He may not be the most physical player, but teams will be concerned with his tremendous recovery speed and ball skills. Grade B+

~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst

The Dolphins add more speed to the speediest offense in the NFL. Texas A&M's Devon Achane, at 5'8" and 188 Lb, has elite quicks. Achane can hold up as an inside runner, but we should expect Mike McDaniel to find ways to get him out in space. Durability is a concern, but the pick is great value at #84. Does this mean the Fins will not pursue Dalvin Cook?

- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Grade: A

The Chargers added hustle and athleticism to their defense with Washington State's unpolished Daiyan Henley. Henley is a good athlete with speed but his technique is raw as he has played several positions through his football career. With development his athletic talents will add depth to the Chargers LB room. Grade: C

Trent Simpson was a lot higher on most people's boards. The Ravens had bigger needs, but go for the BPA. Simpson joins a linebacker corps already featuring Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith. The former Clemson defender can line up in multiple spots, but will forge a role that makes the most of his athletic skills.

- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Grade: A-

With plenty of picks to spare this year, the Niners swap 102, 164 and 222 for pick 87 and snag Penn State Safety Ji'ayir Brown. Some less than ideal athletic testing at the combine hurt Brown's draft stock, but the tape back up that he is a gamer. Instinctive safety with high football IQ, Brown is the perfect player to pair with Talanoa Hufanga and lock up both safety spots for the long term.

Grade: A

Jacksonville needed a Tank. Etienne and Hasty provide plenty of speed, but Tank Bigsby can move the pile. However, Bigsby did run a 4.45 at his pro day. The biggest questions about Bigsby are his hands. He's not great in the passing game and he fumbles a little more than one would like to see. Still, he should be a solid compliment to the speedy backs that are in Jacksonville.

Jonah Anderson Senior Drafttek Analyst

Grade: B

The Rams know a good DT when they see one. Kobie Turner has physical limitations, but he's a good football player. Despite lacking the ideal size, the former Wake Forest star has great strength. Turner will be given time to develop his skills on a team going through a defensive rebuild.

- David Payne, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Grade: B

This is a Dan Quinn pick. Quinn exploits hybrid players as well as any defensive coach in the league and Overshown has position versatility. He played safety before moving to linebacker, and there is something exciting about him jumping into the spot vacated by Anthony Barr. He is still a work-in-progress when it comes to his eyes at in the box. Still, once he locates the ball, it's fun to watch him fly around in pursuit. This offense needed to get better, but the board has consistently screamed defense at them. They listened here. Grade A-

~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst

Dorian Williams will look to fill in for the departing Tremaine Edwards. Williams is an excellent athlete who may have fallen because of a wrist injury. It looks like Buffalo might have picked up a steal here. Williams has big shoes to fill in replacing Edwards, but he looks like he could have the talent to do so. He should fit in well next to Matt Milano.

Jonah Anderson, Senior Drafttek Analyst

Grade: A

This is one of my faves of the draft! Morris boasts positional versatility. He has played every position (except center) on the O-line during his college career. He has great pass protection skills, nice arm length (35.5), plus quick feet and leverage to pave lanes for the run. I wanted KC to take an OT in RD1, Morris will immediately challenge for the RT starting position and can fill for LT when needed. Grade: A

~KCBudMan, Chiefs Analyst

The Steelers pick a long tight end to add some competition to that group. Returning to the front office's overt emphasis on the run game, Washington is a long bodied, powerful physical blocker with a big catch radius should help this team improve the run game and also give Pickett a safety valve in 12 formation. Picking him up at 93 is a nice value.

Monti Ossenfort gets Kyler Murray another weapon. Michael Wilson possesses an elite motor with above-average run blocking and solid hands. His route running needs some work, and he missed the second half of the 2022 season with injury, but if he can stay on the field and develop chemistry with Murray among the other offensive firepower, he could be a reliable target for years to come.

With Bates and Bell leaving a hole at Safety, the Bengals finally pivot to addressing needs on the roster. Battle is a heady player who is rarely out of position and should be able to contribute quickly. He's a dependable high floor / low ceiling player who was productive for the Tide with 71 tackles and 2 INTs in 2022. His lack of speed and physicality might limit his career arc.

At long last, the wait for a big guy came to an end for the Detroit Lions, as they grabbed Western Kentucky DT Rodric Martin with their sixth selection of the draft. A huge man at 337 pounds, Martin shapes up as a developmental prospect and a 100-pick reach by the Lions in this draft. Maybe they know something we don't. Grade: D

The Commanders add an athletic center with good positional intelligence. At worst, he will provide competition for Chase Roullier who is trying to return from his injury. Whether he starts or develops as a replacement, there have been quite a few centers taken in this draft class.

After making Dalvin Tomlinson their top priority in free agency, Cleveland doubles down on stopping the run with Ika here. At one point, I thought Ika would be a top 50 pick, but his 2023 was pretty inconsistent from a pad-level and effort standpoint. Still, manage his reps in rotation and light a fire under him, and the Browns will like what this guy does against the run. Ika can also keep Tomlinson fresh for passing downs, which is something that hasn't always been the case for him. Grade B

~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst

After moving on from Robbie Gould the drafting of Jake Moody felt inevitable. Taking a kicker in the top 100 is a bit rich, but the 49ers put a huge emphasis on special teams, so this pick speaks to how highly they think of Moody. All he did at Michigan was nail clutch kicks, best kicker in the draft.

Grade: B

In what might be the biggest reach of the Draft, the Raiders select a Tre Tucker of Cincinnati - a fast but small receiver to compete with DeAndre Carter and Hunter Renfrow. Our Board had him in the UDFA range, and nothing about him screams "Day 2 worthy." After opening the Draft with two excellent, high value selections, the Raiders have followed up with headscratchers while ignoring glaring needs.

Grade: F

The 49ers are always looking to add talent at the TE position. This year it felt like they really wanted to add an athletic TE2 to compliment George Kittle and let Kyle Shanahan sketch out a few more nightmares for opposing defenses. Latu has a great feel for finding the open space especially in the red zones, has strong hands, and isn't afraid to get dirty as a blocker. He should be an easy fit in the offense an play a pivitol if reduced role as a rookie.

Grade: B+

The Vikings traded down from 87 with the 49ers getting back 102, 164, and 222 which were sorely needed to get possible depth. The best part of the trade was no Cornerbacks went off the board. The team still had the chance to pick the Cornerback that they would have had they stayed at 87. Unfortunately, the picke Mekhi Blackmon from USC. Kelee Ringo, Darius Rush, Clark Phillips III, Cory Trice, and several others were ranked higher on the big board. Blackmon is 5'11" 178 and ran a 4.47 forty. He does have speed. Grade - D