2023 NFL Mock Draft: Falcons Draft Will Anderson, Plus A Surprise at No. 2 Overall
By Hunter Haas
16. Las Vegas Raiders: Broderick Jones, OL, Georgia
The Raiders are among the most improved rosters since the season concluded. Coming off a ten-win season, the Raiders look to make a second straight playoff appearance. They are set on many facets of the offensive, but an issue that’s going to be glaringly obvious in 2022 is the fact that they need more help in the trenches. Defense will be the trendy pick here, but with Josh McDaniels leading the way, it will be crucial for Las Vegas to assert dominance at the line of scrimmage. Dominant is a good word to describe Broderick Jones. He didn’t see the field much in 2021, but filled in admirably for left tackle Jamaree Salyer when the veteran suffered an injury. A lot of projecting is involved, and Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski might be “safer”, but you take the higher upside guy this early in the draft.
17. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Titans could use help in a few different areas, but in order to keep their run-first approach at full strength, the front office cannot neglect the offensive line. The unit is not terrible by any means, but they should continue bolstering it as their key contributors like Taylor Lewan increase in age. Peter Skoronski won’t be a favorite for those that value physical prowess over technique, but as far as the fundamentals go, nobody in the 2023 NFL Draft class is better. Skoronski can start from day one at guard or tackle, giving the Titans a valuable chess piece of sorts.
18. Arizona Cardinals: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
If the name Ojulari sounds familiar, that’s because BJ’s brother — Azeez — heard his name called by the New York Giants in the 2021 NFL Draft. BJ Ojulari is going to be headed for an entirely different climate, as the Arizona Cardinals take him here at No. 18 overall. The LSU pass rusher oozes high-end traits and I like to compare him to former third-round pick Yannick Ngakoue. Both can bend the edge as well as anyone in the sport, but it remains to be seen if either becomes a true three-down player. Chandler Jones vacated a lion share of the snaps on the edge, and even if rookie Cam Thomas steps up, they’ll need reinforcements.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Andre Carter ll, EDGE, Army
It is not often that you see a player from Army in the first round of NFL Mock Drafts, but Andre Carter is more than worthy. He posted numbers that were only rivaled by Heisman-finalist Aidan Hutchinson, causing mayhem every time he found his way to the backfield. Carter fits perfectly with the Eagles, and will give a boost to a pass rushing unit that sorely needs it. They only recorded 29 sacks as a team in 2021, ranking next-to-last in the NFL. Derek Barnett and Josh Sweat can only take you so far as a group.
20. Houston Texans (via CLE): Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Trenton Simpson is one of my favorite players in the upcoming class, and I would not be surprised to see him go much earlier than No. 20 overall. Simpson boasts a chiseled frame, incredible versatility, and supreme strength at the point of attack. He is very much in line with the “new age” linebacker archetype. For the Texans, Simpson could be a do-it-all defender. He profiles well in pass coverage, stands firm as a run defender, and is one of the best pass rushers in the class, even with his compact frame. This haul should excite Houston fans, even if they aren’t two of the “sexiest” picks.