2023 NFL Mock Draft: A Shocking Run on QBs, Four Georgia Bulldogs, and Many More Surprises
By Hunter Haas
18. Chicago Bears – Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
LSU’s Kayshon Boutte hasn’t had a great 2022 season, to say the least. Still, the talent is undeniable with him if a team can get him to stay locked in. The Chicago Bears will hopefully address the offensive line in free agency and later in the draft, but they get quarterback Justin Fields a partner in crime for Darnell Mooney.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Quarterback will be in play assuming that 2022 is, indeed, Tom Brady’s final season in the NFL. For the sake of this mock draft, let’s just assume they sign a veteran instead. In that scenario, they need to sure up the secondary if a major setback is to be avoided. Cam Smith is one of the best cover corners in the country and his demeanor fits well with the veteran defensive unit in Tampa Bay.
20. Baltimore Ravens – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Baltimore Ravens hope to have Lamar Jackson locked into a contract extension next offseason, so getting him another weapon on the outside should be a priority. Quentin Johnston is a big-play specialist that will give Jackson a safety valve as he extends plays. Johnston is capable of going up and getting anything thrown his way, something that Baltimore only gets from Rashod Bateman, albeit on an inconsistent basis.
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Broderick Jones, OL, Georgia
It sounds like a broken record at this point, and even though the team spent heavily on the offensive line in the offseason, it hasn’t resulted in much of an improvement. Broderick Jones will become competition for the starters on the offensive line and doesn’t have to start immediately, as he still has some things to clean up on the technical side. His traits are that of an All-Pro left tackle if he hammers down the fundamentals.
22. Tennessee Titans – Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Drew Sanders is a former five-star Alabama recruit that is breaking out in 2022 after transferring to Arkansas. He is versatile, but the most enticing parts of his game are how productive he is as a pass rusher and his willingness to stuff running lanes from the linebacker position. The Tennessee Titans desperately need help in both areas, making this a match made in Heaven.