2023 Mock Draft: Bryce Young to Lions, CJ Stroud to Panthers, and a Shocking Duo Joins the Texans
By Hunter Haas
6. Jacksonville Jaguars – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Things are slowly coming together in Jacksonville, but the improvement on the roster hasn’t resulted in much success in the win column. As impressive as Christian Kirk has been at wide receiver, Trevor Lawrence needs a high-end No. 1 target to reach his otherworldly potential.
Quentin Johnston of TCU is not the first guy that typically comes off the board at wide receiver in a mock draft, but do not be surprised if this ends up coming to fruition. The big-play specialist would add a dynamic to the offense that they currently lack. At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, and rumored to have 4.3 speed, Johnston is ascending.
7. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) – Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
The Seattle Seahawks are in the midst of a rebuild in the wake of the Russell Wilson trade this past March. That being said, you wouldn’t know it by looking at the NFL standings. The top-ten pick here is not Seattle’s pick… it is actually Denver’s from the aforementioned Wilson trade.
Geno Smith is playing well in 2022, and the roster needs a little more talent before I am ready to insert a rookie into the fold. The offensive line is established; it is time to do the same on the defensive trenches. Clemson’s Bryan Bresee profiles as a top option in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Bresee is versatile enough to line up anywhere on Seattle’s defensive front. Bresee is a phenomenal run stuffer and uses his deceptive athleticism to harass the opponents’ backfield. The Seahawks built their last championship run off the strength of a stacked defense; they will look to do the same this time around.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Nothing new here. I have had Joey Porter Jr. linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the past few weeks. And no, it is not just because his father is a Steelers legend. The defense is sturdy, but there is a noticeable lack of playmakers in the secondary aside from Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Porter Jr. brings the intensity that matches what the Steelers unit is known for. He is a willing tackler and thrives on laying down big hits. Porter Jr. is also top-tier in man coverage. If the zone fundamentals keep improving, the Steelers will get a potential All-Pro at cornerback at No. 8 overall in this mock draft.
9. Chicago Bears – Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Northwestern offensive lineman becomes the first player taken on that side of the trenches. Peter Skoronski lacks ideal measurements for an offensive tackle, mainly due to his shorter arms, but if you recall back to the 2021 NFL Draft, the same concern was levied on Rashawn Slater as well. The Wildcat alum became a superstar in the NFL at left tackle.
While Peter Skoronski does not quite possess the upside of Slater, he is worth a top-ten pick. Skoronski profiles as a starting offensive lineman in the NFL for the next decade+, whether it is on the outside or the inside. The Bears need help all down the line, so they should take the local product and not look back.
10. Las Vegas Raiders – Paris Johnson Jr., OL, Ohio State
A mini-run on offensive linemen continues with the left tackle prospect from Ohio State, Paris Johnson Jr. After spending the 2021 season inside at guard, Johnson Jr. made the shift to left tackle and has performed admirably in his new spot.
Johnson Jr. routinely keeps the blindside clean for quarterback CJ Stroud and is equally as effective in the run game. Johnson Jr. is a good enough athlete to serve as a swing blocker and has very little trouble getting to the second level. He is exactly what the Raiders’ league-worst offensive line needs.