2023 Mock Draft: Bryce Young to Lions, CJ Stroud to Panthers, and a Shocking Duo Joins the Texans
By Hunter Haas
27. Minnesota Vikings – Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Admittedly, there are some bigger needs on the roster than wide receiver, but the Vikings should not pass up on adding another LSU wide receiver to the position group. Kayshon Boutte will serve as a partner in crime for Justin Jefferson, with the two bonding over their days in Baton Rouge.
Boutte will add another home run hitter to an offensive that already features JJetta and Dalvin Cook. Kirk Cousins gets another season under center with more weapons in the arsenal.
28. Kansas City Chiefs – Blake Freeland, OL, BYU
Starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. will hit free agency after playing on the franchise tag in 2022. The Chiefs could tag him again, but that becomes a pricier endeavor each time. If the team and Brown fail to agree on an extension, Kansas City will have to address the blindside this offseason.
BYU’s Blake Freeland has some work to do, mainly his bad habit of playing too tall and failing to get leverage on his assignment. It is a glaring issue on tape, but that is virtually the only one I have found.
The 6-foot-8, 307-pound offensive tackle moves impressively for his size and is only scratching the surface of what he can eventually become. Leave it to the Chiefs to land a potential franchise left tackle at the end of round one in our mock draft.
29. New York Giants – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Yes, I still believe in Anthony Richardson’s talent, despite a tumultuous 2022 season with the Florida Gators. We must remember that this is the first season Richardson has served as the full-time starter.
As raw as Richardson is, the rough patches were expected. The problem is, after his opening week performance against Utah, many thought the Florida signal-caller had already put it all together.
Subsequent poor performances determined otherwise and even cast doubt on whether or not Richardson will declare for the 2023 NFL Draft. Let’s assume that he does enter his name; I have a great idea of who might be interested in the Gator quarterback.
Head coach Brian Daboll helped a once-raw Josh Allen put the pieces together to become a top quarterback in the NFL. I am not saying Anthony Richardson will be Josh Allen, but I am saying that no one is better suited to develop the youngster than Brian Daboll. Will he strike gold twice if this mock draft comes true?
30. Buffalo Bills – Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
The Buffalo Bills claim one of the best defenses in the league. With how stacked the offenses are in the AFC, the front office shouldn’t rest on their laurels. The Bills would benefit by adding the versatility of Drew Sanders.
The jack-of-all-trades defender holds up well as a run stuffer and profiles as a plus pass rusher if given the opportunity to get after the quarterback. He would fit nicely in Western New York.
31. Philadelphia Eagles – Jaelyn Duncan, OL, Maryland
The Philadelphia Eagles addressed the defense earlier in the draft; now it is time to add to their league-best offensive line. The Eagles unit is as good as they come, but you can never have too much talent on the line, especially for a team who runs the ball as effectively as Philly.
Maryland’s Jaelyn Duncan is an ideal fit for the Eagles’ diverse rushing attack. Duncan can utilize his athleticism by stretching the defense and punishing defenders at the second level. Some sexier picks are available here but bolstering the offensive line feels like a Howie Roseman move.
Pick No. 31 caps off this week’s mock draft! Do you love or hate the draft pick(s) for your team? Let me know below!