2023 Mock Draft 3.0: HUGE Fallout from Panthers' Trade and Combine!

 Well the NFL world certainly got some shocking news on Friday. The Bears have long been known to be considering moving the no. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and they have now actually done it. The Carolina Panthers gave Chicago a KING'S RANSOM to move up from pick 9 to 1 and have a chance to take whoever they want. The Panthers gave their 2023 first (the 9th pick), a 2024 first, a 2023 second, a 2024 second, AND WR DJ Moore to the Bears for the singular pick. What a HAUL. I think Bear GM Ryan Poles pulled off a masterclass but that is a different story for a different day. With the combine also in the rearview mirror, this mock will have a lot of changes to my 2.0. one and will be the last one before NFL FA opens which will shake things up as well! Lets get into it.

1. Carolina Panthers (via CHI) select: CJ Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State

Let me start out by saying these mock drafts are supposed to be a prediction more than anything, not necessarily what I personally would do. With the Panthers moving up from 9 to 1 and giving up the farm to do so, I would definitely take Alabama QB Bryce Young in a heartbeat. However, I am hearing strong rumors that Stroud from Ohio State is currently the Panthers' guy right now. CJ Stroud tore up the combine in the throwing session, having one of the best ones I've seen in awhile from a QB, displaying accuracy and arm strength. New Panther HC Frank Reich has an interesting trend. He has only started bigger QBs in his career. Carson Wentz, Nick Foles, Matt Ryan, Phillip Rivers, Andrew Luck, Jacoby Brissett, they all have been 6'3 and above. While Bryce Young might be the favorite to go no. 1, he has major size concerns. Stroud is the more prototypical prospect and could be the safe option Carolina banks on. There will be a lot of talk surrounding this pick in the coming weeks, but as of now, I think the Panthers moved up in hopes that Stroud can FINALLY be their QB of the future, which they have been searching to find forever.

2. Houston Texans select: Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama

The Texans thank their lucky stars here that the Panthers took CJ Stroud. While I'm sure Houston would be fine with Stroud, Bryce Young feels like the apple of their eye. Young is my current top QB prospect in the draft as well. Despite being pretty undersized at 5'10, he has everything else you could want. He has a strong arm, great accuracy, leadership, can make off-script plays and off-schedule throws, and is fast. He is exactly what teams look for in an NFL QB these days minus the size. Houston is starting a new era with HC DeMeco Ryans and a stockpile of draft picks. They get Young to be their next franchise QB that they can build around. 

3. Arizona Cardinals select: Will Anderson Jr., Edge Rusher, Alabama

Arizona could certainly be a trade down spot (if they get a good enough offer), but at this moment, I don't think there is anyone that would pay the price needed to come up. The Raiders feel like the one team that would consider it as they could try and jump the Colts for their pick of the available QBs, but I just don't see it. Staying put, the Cardinals get arguably the best player in the draft to help their retool. Will Anderson is one of the best pure pass rushing prospects we've seen since like Myles Garrett, and he is also a force in run defense as well. With JJ Watt retiring and the release of Markus Golden, the Cardinals have virtually NOTHING on the edge. This is a perfect pick for this team.

4. Indianapolis Colts select: Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida

While I do think the Colts were probably trying to move up to no. 1 for Young, they can't be too mad to wind up still getting Anthony Richardson at 4 in this new reality. In case you haven't heard, Richardson was the STAR of the combine. He was simply ridiculous and proved he was probably the best athlete in the class, and I don't mean just out of the QBs. At 6'4 and 245 pounds, Richardson raced to a 4.43 forty, a 40.5" vert (QB record), and showed off his insane arm strength with simple flicks of the wrist. No one helped their draft stock more than Richardson in Indy last weekend, and now he heads TO Indy to be their franchise QB of the future. Shane Steichen made it work beautifully with Jalen Hurts, and now he is thrilled to have an even more freaky prospect than Hurts in Richardson.

5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) select: Jalen Carter, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

The Panther trade really helped Seattle out. With the Bears out of the top 5, it makes it very likely that AT LEAST 3/4 teams ahead of Seattle will go QB which would ensure either Will Anderson or Jalen Carter fell to the 'Hawks at 5. With Geno Smith re-signed, Seattle is looking to contend this season. Their biggest weak spot on the team right now is the defensive line. It was putrid in pass rush, and even WORSE against the run. Insert Jalen Carter. The 6'4, 300 pound unicorn DT prospect can do both, at a high level. It is so rare that you see a DT prospect this talented. Seattle lucks out into this one, although QB is STILL in play.

6. Detroit Lions (via LAR) select: Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon

Here is a changed pick due to combine performance. Barring other moves before the draft, CB is easily the most glaring need for Detroit. The Lions got absolutely toasted on the outside all of last season and simply need reinforcements on the boundary. Christian Gonzalez showed out at the combine and likely took hold of the CB1 title in the class. The 6'2 ballhawking DB also ran a 4.34 forty. He is an elite athlete with elite tape to back it up. The Lions pair him with Jeff Okudah and suddenly things don't look so grim anymore at that important spot on Aaron Glenn's defense.

7. Las Vegas Raiders select: Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky

The accuracy of these mock drafts will become much clearer in the coming weeks once we know which teams actually sign or trade for veterans, and won't be needing to pick a guy in the 2023 draft. With the uncertainty at the current moment of what the Raiders will do at QB, and Will Levis sitting there at 7, I have to make the pick right now. Levis is quite an intriguing prospect. He stands 6'4, 230 pounds, and has an insane arm. He is also quite agile and tough for a QB. A lot of people like to compare him to a younger Josh Allen. The problem is, while he has all the physical tools to be great, he has not really shown us much yet while at Kentucky. This is a guy who will have to be developed, but if done right, could be a superstar in the league in due time. The Raiders need a QB.

8. Atlanta Falcons select: Tyree Wilson, Edge Rusher, Texas Tech

What a break the Falcons get here in this mock. Tyree Wilson who is arguably a top 3-5 prospect in the class falls to 8 for the birds to snatch up. The Falcons have tons of holes, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and Wilson is the best possible available prospect to fill multiple of those with just one pick. Wilson is a freaky athlete off the edge but can also play on the inside of the DL if needed. He brings elite speed and bend to the table along with exciting pass rushing moves and great run defense. This is all music to Atlanta's ears as they get an absolute STEAL here with Tyree Wilson, who I could see going as high as no. 3 overall to Arizona.

9. Chicago Bears (via CAR) select: Paris Johnson Jr., Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

With their new pick from the blockbuster trade, the Bears instantly turn to continuing helping protect their franchise QB Justin Fields by getting his potential LT of the future. Paris Johnson Jr. is narrowly my top OT in the class just due to his sky-high potential and what he has already shown us on tape. He has multi-position versatility along the OL as well, which only helps. And, Johnson was teammates with Fields at one point at Ohio State! This pick seems like a match made in heaven. 

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) select: Devon Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois

I have no doubt the Eagles will take CB here at 10. With James Bradberry as good as gone in FA and Darius Slay potentially being a cap casualty or trade candidate, this position is Philly's top need. Devon Witherspoon is an elite prospect at the position. Witherspoon led a lockdown Illinois defense with his sticky man coverage and great instincts. While he may not be as freaky of an athlete as Oregon's Gonzalez, he has the best CB tape in the class. Philly may have their new CB1 of the future!

11. Tennessee Titans select: Broderick Jones, Offensive Tackle, Georgia

It seems as if the Titans are tearing it all down. Having the 11th pick in the draft is a great way to start building for the future. Their biggest need was and still is OT, and they luck out with a really good prospect falling right into their laps that completely fits their style of play. The monster of a man that is Broderick Jones is a straight up mauler. He gets guys on the ground. That is exactly how HC Mike Vrabel likes it. Jones played in the SEC at Georgia where he also played the best of the best on a weekly basis in terms of pass rush competition. He is the real deal. It is great to start the rebuild with a pillar at OT who can be around for the next decade.
 

12. Houston Texans (via CLE) select: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Shocker?! The Texans DO end up going WR at 12, but it may not be the guy most expect. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was impressive at the combine, showing off his overall athleticism and silky smooth route running. People seem to forget that Smith-Njigba was considered by far and away the best WR in college in 2021 when he racked up 1,500+ yards. In 2022 he was oft injured and so we did not see much of him. With Bryce Young now in the fold as their QB of the future, DeMeco Ryans and co. make sure he gets a shiny new target to grow with. JSN has probably the highest ceiling of any wideout in this draft and is an ELITE separator.

13. New York Jets select: Peter Skoronski, Offensive Tackle, Northwestern

It is the worst kept secret in the world that the Jets will be targeting an OT at 13. Whether it is Aaron Rodgers...or anyone else under center in 2023, OT is a need. Mekhi Becton is a walking injury and can't be relied on and George Fant is an impending FA. There are 3 elite OT prospects in this class, and the Jets are thrilled that they are able to snatch up the last remaining one at 13. While Skoronski is knocked for his short arms, there is no denying his polished tape at Northwestern along with his multi-position versatility. If Becton becomes less injury prone, the Jets could always slide Skoronski inside. This is a great match. 

MOCK TRADE: New England Patriots send pick #14 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for pick #17, pick #80 (round 3), and a 2024 third rounder

14. Pittsburgh Steelers (via MOCK TRADE w/NE) select: Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback, Penn State

The first mock trade of this mock draft! The Patriots are always looking to trade down and acquire value, and the Steelers fall right into their trap as I think they are led to believe that NE might select their guy, prompting a trade-up. 2 third rounders is a decently sized haul to move to go up 3 spots, but the Steelers are sold on Joey Porter Jr. as their guy, so they do it. Joey Porter Sr. was a great player for Pittsburgh years ago, and they want his son. The Steelers are extremely thin at corner and might lose their CB1 in Cam Sutton to FA. Porter is a consensus top 3 player at the position in the class with his great press coverage along with elite length and athleticism. If the Steelers can help him clean up his grabbyness, boy this is going to be a worthy trade up selection. 

15. Green Bay Packers select: Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame

While the Packers continue their streak of passing on WR in the first round, they DO take a pass catcher this time around, but he's a TE. This is not just any TE prospect though, this is one of the rare elite ones that seem to come around only every couple of seasons. Mayer simply gets it DONE. He is a steady pair of hands in the middle of the field and can bowl over anyone in space. He reminds me a little bit of Rob Gronkowski. The Packers love their blocking TEs too, and Mayer is a more than capable blocker at the position which will be music to Matt LaFleur's ears. I can see the Packers being all over Mayer to add to a promising young pass catching group with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs (whether its Rodgers OR Love under center next season). Mayer didn't go crazy at the combine, but he is a known entity, and would be a huge addition to the potentially new look Packer O.

16. Washington Commanders select: Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia

The Commanders are livid about the Steelers trading ahead of them for Joey Porter. Washington is in dire need of CB help and Porter Jr. is the third of the three true elite seeming prospects at that position in this draft. I had Washington looking for a trade down but finding no partners here, so they stick and pick and reach slightly on Kelee Ringo of Georgia. Ringo is an elite athlete who is still developing at the actual CB spot. Ringo has elite length at 6'1 with long arms and ran a great forty time, but he doesn't have the best ball skills and has had some rough games in college. The Commanders take a flier on him and hope he can turn into their CB1 of the future.

17. New England Patriots (via MOCK TRADE w/PIT) select: Calijah Kancey, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh

After trading down (like they always do), the Patriots take a bit of a flier on an underrated player (like they always do). Calijah Kancey is a guy I see getting some first round hype, but not a lot. Still, he is a really great prospect who has a chance to be a superstar at the next level. Kancey was one of the few ELITE pass rushers from the DT spot in the nation this season. With 7 sacks in each of the last two seasons at Pitt, he has proven that. PFF also gave him a 92.4 pass rushing grade which is the best in this class. The problem with Kancey is he is a bit undersized for the position, at 6'0, 280 pounds, but the absolute juice and athleticism he plays with should translate to the next level. This is a classic Patriots pick here, and its a good one. Kancey just blew up the combine with the freaky traits he possesses, he could go a lot higher than this even.

18. Detroit Lions select: Lukas Van Ness, Edge Rusher, Iowa

This is a fun spot for the Lions, and was a tough decision. I considered upwards of 4 different players here, but ultimately landed on Van Ness. LVN was one of the stars of the combine, we all knew he was strong and a great athlete, but he truly proved that in Indianapolis. Van Ness will be a great power rusher off the edge if nothing else, but is also big and strong enough to move inside if needed at times. The Lions' DL is pretty lackluster but pairing Van Ness with Aidan Hutchinson gives them two elite building blocks for the future. This is a true Dan Campbell grinder in Lukas Van Ness.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Brian Branch, Defensive Back, Alabama

I strongly considered elite RB prospect Bijan Robinson here, but teams just don't value RB like they used to, even if they are as good as Robinson. Another thing that factored in here was just the fall of Brian Branch. Branch is a top 10 player in this class in my opinion but as a Safety/undersized CB prospect, he won't go that high. Still, Branch as a pure player is elite. He is one of the best tackling DBs I've ever seen and has tremendous instincts and ball-hawking ability. The Buccaneers may lose two starting DBs in Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting in this FA period so adding Branch to replace 1 or both of them would make a ton of sense. Despite a below average combine showing from Branch, this is a steal for a retooling Tampa team.

20. Seattle Seahawks select: Nolan Smith, Edge Rusher, Georiga

This could certainly be a trade down spot, or even a WR or IOL spot, but I think the 'Hawks stick with the pick here and go best player available in Nolan Smith. Smith was arguably the MVP of the combine, showing off his crazy speed and vertical. He ran a 4.39 forty at 235 pounds off the edge! You simply do not see athletes like that very often from that position. Smith had his flashes of elite rush production in college but was banged up a lot too. If healthy, Smith is going to be great in the NFL. There are rumors of major mutual interest between Smith and the Seahawks as well coming out of the combine, so it could be a match made in heaven. Seahawks bolster their DL in this R1 with two elite Georgia D-lineman.

21. Los Angeles Chargers select: Jordan Addison, Wide Receiver, USC

This pick almost feels unfair. While he didn't have the best combine, Jordan Addison, who is the WR1 on a lot of boards, falls all the way to 21 to the waiting arms of Justin Herbert. This feels a lot like when CeeDee Lamb fell all the way down to the Cowboys in the mid-first a few years back. While Addison is certainly a completely different player than Lamb, he is very good in his own right. While slender, Addison is blazing fast and is the best route runner in this draft class. With Mike Williams always injured and Keenan Allen potentially being cut, the Chargers NEED another WR for Herbert. This is a dream scenario for both Addison and the Chargers.

22. Baltimore Ravens select: Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, TCU

This would be a steal for the Ravens. I assume they will eventually figure it all out with QB Lamar Jackson, and when they do, getting him some better pass catchers is a must. They start out by getting (potentially) WR1 in the class is Quentin Johnston. While he has some refining to do to his game, there is no doubt that Johnston is the freakiest WR prospect in this class. He's 6'4, 215 pounds, and runs with 4.3 speed. Johnston also showed out in the catching portion of the combine. With Jackson's big arm, Johnston is the perfect deep ball, go-up-and-get-it threat. This is a match made in heaven as back to back WRs go off the board. 

23. Minnesota Vikings select: Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland

The Vikings are definitely not thrilled that so many corners went so early in this mock, but they thank their lucky stars that major combine riser Deonte Banks is available for them at 23. No team in the league may have a bigger hole at the CB position other than Minnesota. They simply have no one. Brian Flores has been tasked with fixing this defense, and the first step to doing that is figuring out the CB position. Banks has elite length at 6'2 and ran a blazing 4.35 forty time. His tape was also outstanding for the 'Terps. Plug and play CB1 for Minnesota at 23.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas

Someone had to do it. I don't care if the Jags already have Travis Etienne, Bijan Robinson is an INSANE RB prospect. For a team as upstart as the Jaguars, it is quite surprising that they don't have many holes. This 24th pick could be somewhat of a luxury pick as they continue to build for the future. With that said, they go best player available in Robinson. All the Jags can do now is surround Trevor Lawrence with as much elite talent as possible. Robinson and Etienne would make for an unfair RB duo in Duval and this could make more sense than one might think as Etienne has been injury prone. Good luck stopping a Doug Pederson/Trevor Lawrence led offense with Robinson, Etienne, Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, Evan Engram, and MORE. This is a sneaky elite landing spot for the best RB prospect since Saquon and Zeke. 

25. New York Giants select: Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver, Boston College

In my last mock draft I had the Giants moving up 5 spots to 20 to snag Zay Flowers. In this one, they stay put and still get their guy. Zay Flowers was probably the best WR at the combine. He showed off his unreal athleticism for a smaller wideout. Flowers was a menace last year at BC. His RAC ability is off the charts. He gets a lot of Deebo Samuel comparisons and for damn good reason. The Giants just paid Daniel Jones an arm and a leg to be their franchise QB of the future, and now they MUST surround him with better WR talent. Stealing Flowers at 25 is a really good way to start doing so.

26. Dallas Cowboys select: Darnell Washington, Tight End, Georgia

While this definitely could be Utah TE Dalton Kincaid, I'm giving Dallas one of the overall combine MVPs that is Darnell Washington. The 6'7, 265 pound BEAST of a Tight End would be right at home with the Cowboys mauling offense. Washington ran a blazing 4.65 forty given his huge height/weight and made the catch OF the combine, a back-shoulder one handed grab. Washington also dominated the sled drills that O-linemen usually participate in. Dallas is in clear search of more pass catchers, and with Dalton Schultz likely moving on in FA, TE becomes a huge need. The run-heavy Cowboys get Washington to fill the Schultz receiving role AND be an elite blocker for their RB duo. This is an elite pick/fit. 

MOCK TRADE: Buffalo Bills trade pick #27 to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for pick #30, pick #220, and a 2024 fifth rounder

27. Philadelphia Eagles (via MOCK TRADE w/BUF) select: Adetomiwa Adebawore, Defensive Tackle, Northwestern

With a roster already so good, if the Eagles see a guy that they feel like they WANT, they will give up pennies on the dollar to move up and get the said player. AA (I will call him for convenience) TORE UP the combine. At 280 pounds he ran a freakin' 4.49 forty. Like how. He might be the best athlete in the class, outside of Anthony Richardson. AA also jumped 10 feet on the broad jump and pumped up 27 reps on the bench. Philly is always looking to add to their aging DL and they get another freak in the mix with Adebawore. Some teams were even having him participate in LB drills...at 6'2, 280 pounds. FREAKY! The rich get richer. 

28. Cincinnati Bengals select: Darnell Wright, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee

We thought Cinncy might have solved their OL problems in the 2022 off-season when they added La'El Collins to be the big time new RT for Joe Burrow. Wrong. Collins was awful in his first and probably only season in Cincinnati. While there was thought to be really only 3 elite, sure-fire first round worthy OTs in the class, a 4th has entered the discussion. A recent riser has been Darnell Wright from Tennessee. He has elite tape in the SEC from the right side, and is a tremendous mauler in the run game. While he still has a lot of room for improvement, he is a plug and play starter who can be a plus starter in week 1. I would consider this a bit of a steal for the Bengals as Wright might keep on rising up the boards in coming weeks. 

29. New Orleans Saints (via DEN) select: Bryan Bresee, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

Bryan Bresee is one of the more polarizing names in the class. Some people will call him a top 10 pick/talent while others won't even include him in their first rounds. I am sort of in the middle right now, but am having Bresee return to my mock after dropping out of my 2.0 edition. The Saints are potentially set to lose 2 starting DTs to FA in Shy Tuttle and David Onyemata. They have sat back and watched in horror as Calijah Kancey went early on and then the Eagles stunned them by getting ahead to snag AA. In this mock, the Saints 'settle' for a really good athlete who tested well at the combine in Bresee. Bresee has a lot of upside but does not possess the elite tape yet of some of these other DL prospects. If he can develop into a pass rusher, this is going to be a Pro Bowl or better level player in the NFL!

30. Buffalo Bills (via MOCK TRADE w/PHI) select: O'Cyrus Torrence, Offensive Guard, Florida

With no one that they REALLY wanted at 27, the Bills smartly moved back 3 spots and added some additional picks. At 30, I was deciding between a lot of guys, but wound up snagging IOL1 in O'Cyrus Torrence. I could not see 0 interior OL going in round 1. The Bills offensive front has been serviceable, but nothing insane of late. Torrence will change that as a day 1 starter who will overpower anyone. 

MOCK TRADE: Kansas City Chiefs trade pick #31 to the Houston Texans in exchange for pick #33, pick #178, and a 2024 7th rounder

31. Houston Texans (via MOCK TRADE w/KC) select: Myles Murphy, Edge Rusher, Clemson

Just like his Clemson teammate Bryan Bresee, people cannot seem to come to a consensus on where Myles Murphy is valued. Some people have him as high as pick #5 while others like me have him barely sneaking into R1. In this case, the Texans see him falling and like his value too much to sit back and hope he falls to them a few picks away. They are a rebuilding team with tons of capital and so they make the move to acquire the final first rounder of the 2023 draft for Murphy (and get the 5th year option that comes with it). Murphy is already an elite run defender but has the athleticism and potential to become a great pass rusher at the next level. Houston gets their franchise QB, potential WR1 of the future, and now a potential All-Pro rusher with THREE first rounders. Not a bad start to the DeMeco Ryans experience in Spacetown.