Mock Draft: QBs Go 1-2-3, Bijan Robinson Joins Cowboys, and Packers FINALLY Take First-Round WR in NFL Draft
By Hunter Haas
14: Green Bay Packers – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
I know… the Green Bay Packers never take a wide receiver in round one, so I am probably wasting my time with this one. I am begging general manager Brian Gutekunst to deviate from the franchise’s game plan just one time. Once! Please!
If by some miracle, the Packers do take a first-round wide receiver, Quentin Johnston should be the man. Johnston is a big play specialist from TCU, but he is a much better route runner and chain mover than given credit for. Quentin Johnston, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs would be a massive overhaul at the position.
15: Washington Commanders – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Washington Commanders are sitting at a respectable 5-5, but still last place in their own division. Head coach Ron Rivera is keeping the riverboat rolling with Taylor Heinicke at quarterback. A run on QBs dissuades the front office from reaching here. Instead, they address the biggest need on their defense.
After trading away the underperforming William Jackson III, the Commanders’ top options at cornerback are Benjamin St-Juste and Kendall Fuller. Christian Gonzalez shares a similar build as St-Juste — both big-bodied corners — and is better today than Kendall Fuller is. Gonzalez transferred to Oregon last offseason and is the best player on the Duck defense in 2022.
16: Indianapolis Colts – Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Quarterback is the go-to selection for the Indianapolis Colts in mock drafts. Due to some unexpected victories, the team finds themselves outside of the range to acquire one. A trade-up is possible, but there are no trades in this mock draft, so Indy instead takes advantage of a drop at a major position of need.
Paris Johnson Jr. has a good chance to go within the first ten picks of the 2023 NFL Draft, with his elite tape at multiple positions on the offensive line during his time in Columbus. Johnson Jr. holds up well as a blindside protector and continues to improve as a run blocker. It may not be an Andrew Luck replacement, but the Colts would finally get their Anthony Casonzo replacement in this mock draft.
17: Los Angeles Chargers – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
It is easy to forget how awe-inspiring JSN was in 2021 for Ohio State. The shifty wide receiver is a maestro as a route runner and looks like Bo Jackson in the Tecmo Bowl with the ball in his hands. Injuries have derailed his (likely) final season with the Buckeyes, a narrative that fits a certain NFL team perfectly.
The Los Angeles Chargers have dealt with debilitating injuries across their roster, but none more so than the wide receiver position. Veteran Keenan Allen is finally showing his age, and his best days are behind him. Mike Williams has never been the most consistent guy on the outside, even after a big 2021. This all adds up to a massive need at wide receiver.
Josh Palmer and DeAndre Carter have performed well with their increased opportunities, but the Chargers have Justin Herbert and should do what they can to make the most of it. Jaxon Smith-Njigba isn’t the burner that Chargers fans have been chiming for, but he is the Keenan Allen replacement that they didn’t know they needed.
18: Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Bengals rebounded from a slow start to the season, but still find themselves just outside the playoff picture. The reason for that is mostly centered around a lack of protection for Joe Burrow (shocker) and uninspired playcalling.
The team already threw millions of dollars at the offensive line, and it is unlikely that Zac Taylor is fired after his Cinderella run to the Super Bowl last season. So the best way to help Cincinnati in this mock draft is by adding Michael Mayer from Notre Dame.
Mayer adds diversity to the playbook in a couple of ways. As a blocker, Mayer will free up more running lanes for Joe Mixon. As a pass catcher, he gives Burrow and Taylor another piece to the puzzle. Mayer consistently moves the chain, and although his physical upside will limit his potential, he is still a day-one starter in the league.
19: Tampa Bay Bucs – Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State
I will be the first to admit that there is projecting involved in having Cody Mauch taken in the first round of this mock draft. Mauch has starred at left tackle during his time with the Bison, but I have him graded as an interior lineman, the best one in the class at that.
The Bucs’ offensive line group has been decimated by injuries this season, and it is anyone’s best guess as to what the status will be for the key players along the line. Adding Cody Mauch does two things; it helps protect Tom Brady and provides a high-end insurance option even if the line returns to 100% in 2023.
20: Denver Broncos (Via MIA via SF) – Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Denver Broncos would have the No. 7 overall pick if not for the Russell Wilson trade, but thanks to a Bradley Chubb move, the team still owns a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
To make the most of the Wilson addition, the Broncos need to take better care of him from a protection standpoint. Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones owns the highest potential in this class at the position. Denver takes the swing here at No. 20 in the mock draft, hoping to land a player that helps the team win in 2023 and beyond.