Mock Draft: QBs Go 1-2-3, Bijan Robinson Joins Cowboys, and Packers FINALLY Take First-Round WR in NFL Draft
By Hunter Haas
21: New England Patriots – Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The New England Patriots have swung and missed on several wide receivers in both the NFL Draft and free agency. Rookie Tyquan Thornton looks like the real deal, but higher-upside players are needed elsewhere on the depth chart.
Jordan Addison is the No. 1 receiver in a Lincoln Riley system, showcasing his ability as a route runner and playmaker after the catch. The 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner will not blow you away with his measurements or testing numbers, but he is always open — that counts for something.
22: Seattle Seahawks – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
The Seahawks’ front office should take advantage of such a talent-rich defensive line group. Not only does John Schneider nab Bryan Bresee in this mock draft, but he also lands a star pass rusher to join Boye Mafe and Uchenna Nwosu in terrorizing opposing signal-callers. This haul is a good start to repeating their performance at the 2022 NFL Draft.
23: New York Jets – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Olumuyiwa Fashanu is one of the fastest-rising players in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has been dominant as the starter at left tackle for the Nittany Lions. At the ripe age of 20 years old, Fashanu is still learning the ropes but uses his eye-popping athleticism to make up for any lapses in technique. He is flying up every mock draft.
The New York Jets lost Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker to injury in 2022 and have been relying on veterans Duane Brown and George Fant to hold down the tackle positions. Whether or not Becton comes back as the starter at left tackle, Fashanu should be the pick here. At worst, he forms a fearsome bookend on the offensive line with Becton.
24: Buffalo Bills – Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Jack Campbell is not a first-round prospect on most Big Boards right now, but I would feel comfortable taking him this late on day one, especially for the Buffalo Bills. Campbell is the quarterback of the defense for Iowa and would be able to fill the same role in Western New York. He is a committed tackler, a difference-maker in the run game, and an intelligent defender who diagnoses plays pre-snap at a high rate. The Bills use this mock draft to add a starter to their defense.
25: Baltimore Ravens – Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
The Ravens traded away Marquise “Hollywood” Brown this past offseason, leaving Rashod Bateman and a bevy of unproven pass catchers on the outside. Thanks to an injury to Bateman, Lamar Jackson is looking at Devin Duvernay as his WR1. No shade to Duvernay, but he should not even be a No. 1 on a college team.
Jackson has yet to sign an extension, but assuming he does, it makes sense for Baltimore to add more big-play potential at wide receiver. Kayshon Boutte has operated primarily in the slot this season for LSU, leading many to believe a career as a big slot in the NFL is in his future. Regardless of where Boutte lines up, Jackson would happily welcome his game-breaking ability to the offense at No. 25 in this mock draft.
26: Tennessee Titans – Jaelyn Duncan, OL, Maryland
There are some prospects with higher grades still available, but Jaelyn Duncan’s fit with the Tennessee Titans is a hand-in-glove pairing. Duncan loves bullying defenders in the run game, and his tenacity would be greeted nicely by Titans fans. He has room to grow in pass protection, especially his balance, but he will be a plus-run blocker from the moment he is taken.