2023 NFL Mock Draft: C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young Number One?
By Evan Bachman
22. Seattle Seahawks: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Seahawks cornerback situation is pretty promising as they have some young talent in the group. Tariq Woolen was a hidden gem in last year’s draft, rookie Coby Bryant has shown some promise as a slot corner, and Michael Jackson has stepped into a starting corner role in this and has been viable.
However, in today’s NFL it’s important to have depth at cornerback, so with second of two first round picks in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft they select Joey Porter Jr. Porter Jr. has been a three year starter for the Nittany Lions. He has been lockdown this season as he’s allowed more than 25 yards in just one game so far.
Teams largely have just avoided throwing at him this season which is a good testament to his abilities. When he is targeted he’s showed good closing speed to make plays on the ball, this was on display in the Purdue game this year as he had five PBUs.
23. New York Jets: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
The Jets are in an interesting spot this offseason as they have the talent to compete for a super bowl, however former number two overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft Zach Wilson is holding them back.
This puts them in a tough spot because the odds of drafting a quarterback who is going to be ready to help this team win right out the gate are low. Thus, I think they’ll choose to give Wilson another year and surround him with as much talent as they can on offense.
Garrett Wilson and Corey Davis provide a solid first and second option at wide receiver, but Elijah Moore’s trade request this offense could use a third receiver. So, in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft they select Kayshon Boutte.
Boutte hasn’t produced as much as expected this season. This will hurt his draft stock however I still see him as a first round talent so he goes in the first round of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
He has the makings of an excellent route runner in the NFL as his quickness and explosiveness are exceptional. He’s also very dynamic with the ball in his hands as his short area explosion, elusiveness, and burst make him very hard to take down in the open field. It wouldn’t shock me with Boutte fell out of the first round due to his lack of production this season, however if he gets in the right situation in the NFL he can be a very productive receiver.
24. Buffalo Bills: Antonio Johnson, CB/S, Texas A&M
The Bills used their first round pick last year on a corner, but in today’s NFL it’s important to load up on as many good coverage defenders as possible. Texas A&M’s Antonio Johnson would provide them with excellent versatility in their secondary.
Johnson is an excellent example of a hybrid type of defender that’s becoming more and more popular in football nowadays. He’s listed as a safety but he primarily plays a slot corner role with rotational snaps in the box or at free safety.
He has phenomenal coverage ability and projects well to match up against slot receivers and tight ends in the NFL with his size at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds and speed. Johnson also projects as a good run defender. He has very good closing speed, takes good angles on tackles, and lays good hits.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Isaiah Foskey, Edge, Notre Dame
With Justin Houston and Jason Pierre-Paul both getting significant snaps at edge this season it’s important the Ravens get younger at the position. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft they add an edge rusher in Notre Dame’s Isaiah Foskey.
Isaiah Foskey’s pass rushing ability projects well to the NFL as he has very good power and explosiveness and consistently wins with both. He’s also a good run defender as he leverages his size at 6-foot-5, 265 pounds and power to his advantage.
Foskey has been a game wrecker at Notre Dame as he tied for the lead in the FBS last season with six forced fumbles.