2023 NFL Mock Draft: A Shocking Run on QBs, Four Georgia Bulldogs, and Many More Surprises

28. Detroit Lions (via LAR) – Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M

After landing a franchise quarterback at No. 8 overall earlier in the mock draft, the Lions address their biggest need on the defensive side of the ball — the secondary. Antonio Johnson has played primarily as a slot defender at Texas A&M. He is a thumper that loves delivering pain to a running back when lined up in the box, and he pesters targets downfield when on an assignment. His tenacious attitude is something that defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will covet.

29. Kansas City Chiefs – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

This is another player that might not get drafted this high, but he should be. The Kansas City Chiefs will be looking to add more to their wide receiver room in the 2023 NFL Draft. Boston College’s Zay Flowers isn’t quite as fast as Tyreek Hill (who is?), but he can bring the game-breaking ability to Andy Reid’s offense that has been missing in 2022.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Kirk Cousins has the Minnesota Vikings at 3-1 after their first four games, and maybe Kevin O’Connell is dedicated to his quarterback. However, the smart thing to do would be to plan for life after Cousins. Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is an older prospect and he profiles as a higher upside version of Cousins.

Hooker is becoming more decisive as a passer, and it hasn’t hurt his completion percentage or interception numbers whatsoever. He’s got a big arm, is risk-averse when dropping back, and even adds another wrinkle to the offense with his rushing chops. This potential pairing makes a lot of sense.

31. Miami Dolphins – FORFEITED

*The Miami Dolphins were stripped of their first-round pick*

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

The Philadelphia Eagles had the luxury of adding to their league-best offensive line earlier in the mock draft, and now they add another building block at a premium position. Georgia’s Nolan Smith gets lost in the shuffle at times when the Bulldogs are brought up due to a lack of production, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Smith may not always bring the QB down, but he is almost always in the vicinity when the play ends. The tape shows him constantly getting into the backfield and affecting the offense’s approach. Smith is a great athlete that is described as a tweener by some, but in this mock draft we add him to a defense with his former college teammates — Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean — and let him find his way.