Mock Draft: QBs Go 1-2-3, Bijan Robinson Joins Cowboys, and Packers FINALLY Take First-Round WR in NFL Draft
By Hunter Haas
27: Dallas Cowboys – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Some things are just meant to be. Bijan Robinson starring for the Texas Longhorns and then going to the Dallas Cowboys in round one of the 2023 NFL Draft is a Hollywood story. Is it logical? Probably not. The Cowboys will likely move on from Ezekiel Elliot to conserve cap space, and Tony Pollard will be a free agent, so the need is there. Jerry Jones loves himself some Bijan! Mock draft madness!
28: New York Giants – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Maybe Daniel Jones earns another contract from the Giants, but judging from the fact they declined his fifth-year option, conventional wisdom leads one to believe that Brian Daboll wants his own guy behind center.
Anthony Richardson is rawer than a rare steak, and it is unfair to compare any quarterback to Josh Allen, but the comparison is easier to justify when you have Allen’s old play-caller taking Richardson. The Gator quarterback is a dual-threat player with a cannon for an arm. We will see if Daboll can work his magic twice if this mock draft comes to fruition.
29: *Miami Dolphins Forfeit NFL Draft Pick*
*The Dolphins forfeit first round NFL Draft pick in mock draft due to tampering violations*
30: Minnesota Vikings – Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Jalin Hyatt is in the midst of a breakout season in Knoxville. He is not the biggest receiver in the world, so the slot is an ideal spot at the next level, but the Volunteer wideout would thrive anywhere in the Kevin O’Connell offense. Justin Jefferson is the man in Minnesota, but Hyatt could serve as the perfect foil to JJetta. Hyatt succeeds as a deep threat and with the ball in his hands, something that Vikings fans will welcome in this mock draft.
31: Kansas City Chiefs – Tyree Wilson, EDGE, NC State
The Chiefs picked George Karlaftis in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he looks like the future on the left side of the defensive front. Frank Clark, on the other hand, is on borrowed time in Kansas City. The 29-year-old’s production has declined each season with the Chiefs and there is a $9 million buyout in his contract this offseason.
Tyree Wilson fits the mold of Frank Clark and would serve as a perfect replacement for the Chiefs. Wilson is a big pass rusher that thrives with his strength and elite hand usage. He has a quick first step that allows him to mix in finesse moves with his trademark power moves. Look for NFL Draft analysts to fall in love with Wilson’s profile.
32: Philadelphia Eagles – Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
The Philadelphia Eagles already added one Alabama player to the defense, and they do it again here to wrap up the mock draft with Brian Branch. Branch is a rover for the Crimson Tide defense, utilizing his athleticism and instincts to impact the game as a run stuffer and a defender in coverage.
Branch can serve as the nickel back, a box safety, or even a free safety with the Eagles. For a roster as loaded as the Eagles’ roster is, versatility is the name of the game to earn playing time. Branch can do that as a rookie with the last pick on day one of the 2023 NFL Draft.