2023 NFL Draft: 3 QBs Go Top 5, Eagles Make A Trade, And Chiefs Take Surprise Player In Latest Mock Draft
By Hunter Haas
9. Philadelphia Eagles (via CAR) – Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
The Philadelphia Eagles have an embarrassment of riches after trading back with the Carolina Panthers and adding an additional 2024 first-round pick to their extra 2024 second-round pick (via NO). On top of that, the Eagles do not have many pressing needs on the roster. Philly wisely trades down from No. 5 and still lands a defensive end that the front office would have been thrilled to land if they stood pat.
Myles Murphy is not quite the prospect that Will Anderson is, but his natural bend rivals anyone that has come through the NFL Draft in recent years. The Clemson game-wrecker uses his NFL frame and otherworldly athleticism to haunt opposing quarterbacks, and he will be a welcomed piece to an already-stacked Eagles defense.
10. Atlanta Falcons – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Quentin Johnston is the heavy favorite to be the first wide receiver taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, but do not forget about Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. JSN was the leader in the clubhouse to be WR1 entering the season, but the star pass catcher has dealt with a lingering hamstring issue that effectively ended his collegiate career.
Not to worry though, JSN is said to be on the mend and preparing for the pre-draft workouts. Assuming he can remain healthy and put on a show at his Pro Day and the Scouting Combine, JSN will challenge for a top 10 slot in the 2023 NFL Draft. His efficient route running and deceptive YAC ability would be a perfect match with Drake London and Kyle Pitts’ play styles.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars – Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to continue adding players with superstar potential to their roster. With Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne leading the way on offense, the coast is clear to bring in Bryan Bresee and place him between Josh Allen and Travon Walker. Tyson Campbell’s life at cornerback will get even easier with the constant pressure this trio can put on the pocket.
12. Houston Texans (via CLE) – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
All signs point to a divorce between Brandin Cooks and the Houston Texans this offseason. As mentioned earlier, the offense is close to being a productive unit. With the addition of Bryce Young and now Quentin Johnston, Houston will be cooking. Johnston is a big play specialist with an underrated route tree and impressive straight-line speed.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers – Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Steelers drafted what they believe to be a franchise quarterback in Kenny Pickett at last year’s NFL Draft. If they want to squeeze the most they can out of Pickett’s talents, the offensive line needs to give him more time to operate. The unit has improved this season, but Paris Johnson Jr. has the size and agility to be a cornerstone at left tackle. An A+ pick for general manager Omar Khan in this mock draft.
14. Green Bay Packers – Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Packers have dealt with a myriad of injuries in 2022 and will likely be on the outside looking in when playoff time comes around. Rashan Gary tore his ACL earlier in the season, and since then, Green Bay has struggled to generate pressure off the edge. Adding Texas Tech pass rusher Tyree Wilson gives the Packers another big, energetic player to pair with Gary when he returns from injury sometime in 2023.