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2023 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Projections After Dolphins Lose Pick

By Jacob Schyvinck

Jan 1, 2022; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs in the second quarter against the Utah Utes during the 2022 Rose Bowl college football game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2022; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs in the second quarter against the Utah Utes during the 2022 Rose Bowl college football game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) pressures Georgia Tech freshman Jordan Yates (13) during the third quarter in Clemson, S.C., September 18, 2021.Ncaa Football Georgia Tech At Clemson
Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) pressures Georgia Tech freshman Jordan Yates (13) during the third quarter in Clemson, S.C., September 18, 2021.Ncaa Football Georgia Tech At Clemson /

5. New York Jets: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

The Mekhi Becton injury puts some stress on the future of the offensive line for the New York Jets, and that definitely factors into the decision here. However, at this point, the tackle class doesn’t inspire confidence. Instead, they’ll go to the defensive side of the ball and select Bryan Bresee. Bresee has the length, strength, and explosiveness to be a versatile piece on Robert Saleh’s defense.

6. Detroit Lions: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

The Detroit Lions could easily play themselves out of getting one of the top two quarterbacks, and that’s the case in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Their focus turns to the defensive side of the ball, where the back seven needs some work. If Jeffrey Okudah doesn’t find it in year three, corner will be topping the list. Cam Smith is another South Carolina corner with the technique and competitive toughness to be a lockdown corner.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The Jacksonville Jaguars should be improved on offense in 2022, as Trevor Lawrence will have legit receivers in Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. Still, it leaves an opening to find a true WR1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has flashed the ability to vary up his release to handle press, and has impressive feel to dominate after the catch. He should put up ridiculous numbers as the WR1 in Columbus this season.

8. Carolina Panthers: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

The Panthers are another team that could quickly be in the quarterback market if the Baker Mayfield and Matt Corral experiments don’t work. Corral will likely get more than one year if Matt Rhule stays, but that’s the kicker.

In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, we’ll give Rhule the benefit of the doubt. The defense could use another stud opposite Brian Burns after losing Haason Reddick to the Eagles. Myles Murphy brings the contrasting style of a bigger, stronger edge rusher who can convert explosion to power and generate pressure as a one-trick pony.

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