Mock Draft: QBs Go 1-2-3, Bijan Robinson Joins Cowboys, and Packers FINALLY Take First-Round WR in NFL Draft
By Hunter Haas
9: Houston Texans (via CLE) – Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Myles Murphy is one of the most impressive players to watch in the 2023 NFL Draft class. The Clemson standout bends the edge so well that it rivals Will Anderson’s bend. Murphy is the ideal size for an edge rusher and has shown an ability to stuff the run, helping his argument as an every-down player at the next level.
The Houston Texans are figuring it out in the secondary, led by rookies Derek Stingley and Jalen Pitre. The team desperately needs a needle mover coming off the edge, though; Myles Murphy can be that. Coming away with Bryce Young and Myles Murphy is an insane haul and will accelerate the rebuild in Houston.
10: Pittsburgh Steelers – Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The offensive line is a spot that needs an upgrade in Pittsburgh, but I would argue the biggest need on the roster is at cornerback. Nobody on the roster profiles as a No. 1 cornerback in the NFL, but guess who does? Kelee Ringo.
Ringo and the Steelers are a popular pairing in a mock draft, not only because of the obvious need but also because Ringo’s smashmouth play style, which befits the Steelers’ culture. A healthy TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick are already scary enough. Kelee Ringo joining them in this mock draft is downright frightening.
11: Detroit Lions – Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
The Detroit Lions relented from taking a quarterback at No. 8, knowing that the two teams behind them had already secured their franchise signal-caller. Here at No. 11, they tab Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker as the successor to Jared Goff.
Hooker is an older prospect, and in turn, brings less upside and room to grow than the typical first-round quarterback. That being said, Hooker’s arm talent, mobility, and experience behind center should allow him to step in and start early in his career. The Lions can ease Hooker in as a rookie, behind an ascending offensive line and an impressive arsenal of weapons.
12: Atlanta Falcons: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Despite their surprising success in 2022, the Atlanta Falcons need help all over the roster. The defense needs help pressuring opposing quarterbacks, shutting down opposing running backs, and defending pass catchers downfield. Trenton Simpson can help in all those departments.
Simpson is considered a linebacker, but it is unfair to paint him in one particular position. In my book, Simpson is simply a football player that you can deploy in a myriad of ways. His otherworldly athleticism allows for mismatches on all levels. Similar to taking Kyle Pitts at No. 4 overall, sometimes you just take the best player and figure out how to use him later. (Still waiting on that with Pitts).
13: Arizona Cardinals – Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Arizona Cardinals rank toward the bottom of the NFL in team sacks, mainly due to the loss of Chandler Jones to the Raiders. Hall of Famer JJ Watt is doing his best to hold down the fort, but he needs help disrupting the passer.
Georgia’s Nolan Smith is still scratching the surface of the player he can be. Smith passes the eye test with flying colors, jumping off the screen every time I turn the Georgia Bulldogs on. He stands at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, and wins with a blend of burst and strength at the point of contact. Smith is a potential franchise centerpiece on the edge and might go earlier than this mock draft indicates.