2023 Mock Draft: Bryce Young to Lions, CJ Stroud to Panthers, and a Shocking Duo Joins the Texans
By Hunter Haas
11. Atlanta Falcons – Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Trenton Simpson is one of my personal favorites in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Clemson do-it-all linebacker is the prototype for a new-age defender in the NFL. He is a freaky athlete, perhaps the best in the entire draft, and it is apparent the minute you turn on his tape.
Simpson is a big hitter as a downhill defender but is fleet of foot enough to stick with assignments downfield. The most intriguing part of Simpson’s game is his untapped potential as a pass rusher. The Falcons drafted a gem in the second round with Arnold Ebiketie; let us get them a replacement for Deion Jones in the middle of the defense in our latest mock draft.
12. Miami Dolphins (via SF) – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Alright… go ahead and get out the pitchforks Miami fans. Running back is a position that rarely goes this early in a draft, but Bijan Robinson is not the average running back prospect. The Texas Longhorn legend utilizes superb vision, an insane motor that never quits, and is a weapon as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
Why do the Dolphins need him? Well, have you watched them in 2022? Mike McDaniel has implemented his scheme already, and while Raheem Mostert does fine as the lead back, his injury history and age do not inspire confidence going forward. Robinson takes over the backfield and will be the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
13. Arizona Cardinals – Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
When you think of a picturesque pass rusher, Myles Murphy is the exact build that comes to mind. He stands at an impressive 6-foot-5, 275 pounds, and moves incredibly well for a player of this size. Murphy’s bend around the edge is as good as any that I have evaluated, and he is solid as a run defender. All he needs to do is add more consistency to his game.
This offseason, the Arizona Cardinals lost their long-time stalwart on the defense, Chandler Jones. JJ Watt still anchors the defensive line in Arizona, but his best days are undoubtedly behind him. The Cardinals are tied for the third-fewest sacks as a team in the NFL; Myles Murphy will improve that instantly.
14. Green Bay Packers – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The third Ohio State player of the first round comes off the board here to the Green Bay Packers. I know, I know… the Packers never take first-round wide receivers. I get it. That does not mean they shouldn’t, though. Rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs have provided turbulent play in 2022, so a No. 1 option on the boundary is necessary — no matter who the QB is.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba entered the 2022 season as the heavy favorite to be the first wide receiver taken in the 2023 NFL Draft. Thanks to lingering injuries and a wide receiver class that is getting stronger and stronger each week, JSN sees two pass catchers go ahead of him. Not to fret, the Buckeye superstar will have a long, bountiful career in Green Bay.
15. Washington Commanders – Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
The Washington Commanders tried the Carson Wentz experiment out, but there is a chance his time as a starter in DC is already over. Wentz landed on the IR following an injury suffered in week six. The team won their week seven game against the Packers without Wentz, signaling that his days are numbered.
The coaching staff likes fifth-round pick Sam Howell as a developmental piece, but the regime is running out of time to put together a winner, so I have them taking a swing on Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker in this mock draft. Hooker is a pro-ready signal-caller that is skyrocketing in NFL Draft discussions.
The Vols leader is an extremely old prospect, as he will be 25 years old during the 2023 NFL Draft. Hooker would be only the ninth QB drafted at that age or older, and only the fourth to go inside the first two days. The Commanders require quick success behind center, and Hooker’s experience can fill the void. He brings a risk-averse mindset, strong arm, and dual-threat capabilities to the Nation’s Capitol.