2023 NFL Mock Draft: Falcons Draft Will Anderson, Plus A Surprise at No. 2 Overall
By Hunter Haas
11. Pittsburgh Steelers: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
The Steelers are ushering in a new era of football in Pittsburgh. Franchise icon, Ben Roethlisberger, rode off into the sunset following the 2021 season. The team used their first-round pick on quarterback Kenny Pickett, and their next selection was used on wide receiver George Pickens. Offensive line is a strong consideration here, but the value that Bryan Bresee provides if he falls outside the top ten is too much to deny. The Steelers have arguably the best defense in the league, and while they could use help at cornerback, Bresee is a player that would upgrade the defensive line instantly. He is a former No. 1 overall recruit out of high school, and his blend of strength and athleticism for his size is a lethal combination if he can stay healthy. Risk is well worth the reward if this pick hits.
12. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The Eagles signed veteran James Bradberry to serve as the starting cornerback opposite Darius Slay. This will provide the Eagles with a strong duo for 2022, but considering Bradberry is approaching 30 years of age, and only signed a one-year deal, that leaves a long-term void behind Slay. Georgia’s Keelee Ringo is positioned well to be the first cornerback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. Ringo is a ballhawk and plays with a physicality that should translate well to Sundays. He proved that he can single-handily change a game when he housed a pick-six in the National Championship Game versus Alabama. Ringo not only will be an ideal No. 2 to Slay, he can also serve as the replacement atop the depth chart in due time.
13. New England Patriots: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
The Patriots lost cornerback JC Jackson to the Los Angeles Chargers this off-season, and did not do much to replace him. They selected Marcus Jones and Jack Jones in the draft, and both will likely see a lot of playing time in 2022. Even if they show starter potential, the unit will still need a true lockdown type of cornerback to build the secondary around. Eli Ricks is an Alabama player, so you can bet that he’s already on Bill Belichick’s radar. Ricks transferred from LSU, and must earn his role on the defense, but his talent speaks for itself. Under the guidance of Nick Saban, look for Ricks to return to his freshman year form.
14. Miami Dolphins: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Miami Dolphins might be in the hunt for quarterback here, and as fun as it would be to pencil in Tyler Van Dyke at No. 14 overall, I’m going to relent. Tua Tagovailoa is far from a perfect quarterback, but his skillset is a perfect fit for new head coach Mike McDaniel. After adding premier talent on offense, the Dolphins are going to look to the defensive side of the ball this time. Pass rusher Jaelan Phillips had an impressive rookie season, and veteran Emmanuel Ogbah was brought back on a multi-year pact. If we have learned anything, you can never put enough pressure on a quarterback in the NFL. Smith was one of the most impressive pass rushers on Georgia last season, and he makes for a third Bulldog off the board already.
15. Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Minnesota Vikings are going to surprise some people this season, and a large part of the reason for it is due to their new hire at head coach. Kevin O’Connell served as Sean McVay’s right hand man during his time in LA, and he will look to bring over that same philosophy to Minnesota. Justin Jefferson is a superstar, but Adam Thielen has began showing signs of age. In order to run the offense that O’Connell wants to run, the Vikings must have a capable No. 2 wide receiver. Jordan Addison won the Biletnikoff Award as the nations best receiver in 2021, and following his transfer to the USC Trojans, his stock should continue to climb. Jefferson and Addison could serve as O’Connell’s version of Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods/Odell Beckham Jr.