2023 NFL Mock Draft: C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young Number One?
By Evan Bachman
16. Washington Commanders: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Tight ends aren’t a position we see go in the first round every year, however with what Michael Mayer brings to the table as a weapon in the passing game he fits the bill of a first round caliber tight end.
At 6-foot-5, 251 pounds with his speed and athleticism he’s an automatic mismatch. He’s bigger than almost every LB or DB and faster than a lot of linebackers. With his size and catch radius he is excellent in contested catch situations and he’s killed defenses with that ability throughout his career at Notre Dame.
He’s also deadly on crossing routes where linebackers are forced to run with him across the field and through traffic. This is an ability that is highly valued for tight ends in the NFL right now and he has the speed to do that at the next level as well.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Chargers linebacker play has not been up to par this season. Thus, that makes finding one via free agency or the draft a top priority.
Trenton Simpson brings a unique skillset to the table as a linebacker. His biggest contributions come as a pass rusher. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds with long arms he can line up on the edge and take on offensive tackles and he’s done that quite a bit at Clemson and has had a lot of success.
He also has solid instincts in the run game, he’s a good tackler, and can contribute as a coverage defender as he even has experience lining up in the slot as he had 225 snaps in the slot last season. In today’s NFL versatility is more valued than it’s ever been, so Simpson’s skillset is going to be highly coveted.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Even after revamping the offensive line with offseason acquisitions the offensive line for the Bengals is still pretty bad.
At left tackle, Jonah Williams had a lot of promise coming into the league, however he’s taken a big step back this season. On top of that, at right tackle La’el Collins has struggled after joining the team in free agency. Thus, bringing in a tackle this offseason will likely be a priority for them.
Broderick Jones is another highly recruited player as he was a five star in the 2020 class. He certainly has all the tools to develop into a high-level offensive tackle in the NFL.
At Georgia he is a very reliable presence on the offensive line. He may not have as many super dominant reps that you may see from other first round tackles, however he consistently just does his job. This season through nine games he’s allowed just four pressures and no sacks, which is phenomenal.