2023 NFL Draft: Texans Land Bryce Young, Seahawks Stack Defensive Line In Updated Mock Draft

26. Tennessee Titans – Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

The Tennessee Titans win in the ugliest fashion, but they win nonetheless. When the team has a healthy duo of Bud Dupree and Harold Landry, they are nearly unbeatable. The problem? The pair have only started six games together in the last two seasons. Even with such big money invested in the position, the Titans cannot afford to squander their contending window.

Georgia’s Nolan Smith not only adds insurance to the group, but he also brings elite potential as a defender. Smith’s production doesn’t jump off the stat sheet at you, but one look at his tape will leave a lasting impression. In Mike Vrabel’s defense, Smith can use his uber-athleticism to terrorize the backfield, while also aiding the team by dropping into coverage. The Titans get the steal of the mock draft at No. 26 overall.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

I have connected the Dallas Cowboys and Bijan Robinson for months now and nothing is changing in this mock draft. The Cowboys’ tandem at running back has been the strength of the unit in 2022. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard provide a one-two punch that breaks defenses down the later the game gets. That being said, Dallas can get out of the big money they owe to Zeke, and Pollard is an unrestricted free agent himself.

Assuming the Cowboys move on from Ezekiel Elliott to create valuable cap space, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will need a replacement, even if Pollard is re-signed. Enter Bijan Robinson. The Longhorn superstar would break records for rookie jersey sales, and the amount of money Jerry Jones will make off the merchandise will pay for Robinson’s rookie deal itself. The Cowboys have other needs, but Robinson’s blend of patience, explosiveness, and versatility as a pass catcher/blocker is too much to pass up.

28. Buffalo Bills – Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

It is no secret that the Buffalo Bills are one of the most loaded rosters in the NFL. Without a genuine, pressing need anywhere on the roster, the Bills have the luxury of adding to their offensive weaponry in this mock draft. The Bills have been searching for a full-time slot receiver since moving on from Cole Beasley, and while Isaiah McKenzie does well, Kayshon Boutte would elevate the unit substantially.

Boutte is not the typical slot receiver. He would be considered more of a “big slot”, similar to how the Steelers deployed Chase Claypool before trading him away. Boutte passes the eye test with flying colors, using his size and burst to make defenders look silly in a myriad of ways. Boutte’s lack of consistent separation is the biggest weakness on his resume, but if he only spends time in the slot, this issue is easier to look past. Stefon Diggs-Gabe Davis-Kayshon Boutte in three wide receiver sets would be thrilling to watch.

29. Miami Dolphins – *Forfeited Pick*

30. Minnesota Vikings – Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Minnesota Vikings are one of the best teams in the NFL in 2022, but that doesn’t mean they are set at every position. The options at wide receiver and cornerback are intriguing, but not as much as Tyree Wilson is. Wilson is a long, disruptive pass rusher that loves to flex his strength in pursuit of the quarterback.

Wilson’s long arms help him corral ball carriers too, as the Texas Tech defensive standout does well getting off blocks and filling the gap. Danielle Hunter is performing well in his age-28 season, but the long-term depth behind him is nonexistent. Late in the mock draft, the Vikings add a pass rusher that should probably not make it to No. 30.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

Continuing the point made for the Vikings, the Chiefs also own one of the best records in the league but lack help on the edge beyond 2022. Rookie George Karlaftis is improving each week and should be more productive in year two, but after Chris Jones, the production falls off a cliff. In fact, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is third on the team in sacks. That is unacceptable.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah has an upside that matches Karlaftis, and at a young 20 years of age, his best football is still firmly ahead of him. Anudike-Uzomah burst onto the national scene last season with an 11-sack campaign. So far in 2022, Anudike-Uzomah looks more efficient as a pass rusher. He has eliminated most of the wasted motions that haunted his 2021 tape, showing how quickly he can improve his shortcomings. Where is a better place to land and grow into your own than Kansas City?

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

One SEC defensive back is not enough for Howie Roseman and Co. The versatile Alabama defensive back, Brian Branch, can line up in several spots in Jonathan Gannon’s system. With the Tide, Branch fills the ROVER position, which essentially asks him to shadow the opposing offense’s best player all game. On top of his playmaking duties, Branch also profiles well as a deep safety. The Eagles’ safety group leaves much to be desired, as does the slot position with Avonte Maddox’s future uncertain beyond 2023. Branch goes down as the final first-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.