2023 NFL Draft: 3 QBs Go Top 5, Eagles Make A Trade, And Chiefs Take Surprise Player In Latest Mock Draft
By Hunter Haas
15. Detroit Lions – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Lions drafted a signal-caller with the Rams’ pick at No. 4 overall, giving them the freedom to attack the biggest need on defense with their second pick of the mock draft. Jeffrey Okudah is witnessing a career renaissance in year three as a pro, but the rest of the secondary is an objective mess.
Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez is a hot name in NFL Draft circles. He is tall at 6-foot-2 and features a wide frame that allows him to manipulate receivers when working downfield against them. Once Gonzalez realizes how talented he is, he will blossom into a long-time starter in the NFL.
16. New England Patriots – Braxton Jones, OT, Georgia
The Patriots are experiencing a down year by their standards, but that just speaks to how high of standards they have. New England is 6-6 heading into MNF against the Arizona Cardinals, and one position that could use a complete overhaul is the offensive tackle group.
Drafting another Georgia lineman may raise red flags for Pats fans, but Braxton Jones profiles as an upper-echelon run blocker immediately, with the traits to be an above-average pass protector. Depending on what happens with Trent Brown in the offseason, Jones can replace him at left tackle or slot in opposite Brown at right tackle.
17. Seattle Seahawks – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Seahawks passed on an opportunity to take a quarterback earlier in the mock draft, but the wait is over for the Seattle fan base. Anthony Richardson’s ceiling is higher than anyone else’s in this NFL Draft class, but it will take time and development for this to come to fruition. Thankfully, the Seahawks can give that to Richardson as a rookie.
Current starter Geno Smith is playing well enough to warrant a short-term extension. A two-year pact would suit both parties well, as Smith can continue getting starter reps while mentoring Anthony Richardson. The Seahawks can develop his physical package in the background in 2023, and if he is ready, Pete Carroll can unleash his new weapon in 2024.
18. New York Jets – Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Trenton Simpson is the third Clemson player taken in the top 18 picks of this mock draft. Simpson is arguably the single most athletic prospect in the entire 2023 NFL Draft class. He impacts the game at all three levels, routinely tracking down ball carriers on the complete other side of the gridiron.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh lives and dies by the defense, so adding a jack-of-all-trades linebacker to the equation makes all the sense in the world. Simpson plays such an exciting brand of football, and seeing him on defense with Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner is too thrilling to pass on.
19. Tampa Bay Bucs – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
A popular mock draft selection will be a quarterback for the Tampa Bay Bucs, but four signal-callers are off the board, so there is no need to force things. The Bucs’ defense is their calling card, but something is missing. Cam Smith from South Carolina might be that piece. Smith fits the philosophy of the Todd Bowles defense, winning with physicality and wearing his assignments down as the game grows old.
20. Los Angeles Chargers – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
As much as I would like to add speed to an offense severely lacking it, Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer makes too much sense for the Los Angeles Chargers. Mayer may not possess 4.3 speed, but he brings elite blocking and is another chain mover for Justin Herbert. Veteran Gerald Everett has played well, but it is time for a change of the guard at tight end.
21. Tennessee Titans – Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
The Titans recently fired general manager Jon Robinson, signaling a potential whirlwind offseason on the horizon in Nashville. One thing for certain, the roster needs some youthful energy, especially on the offensive line. Derrick Henry will not last forever, but while he is still at his peak, the Titans must take advantage of it. Jaelyn Duncan possesses a mean streak that will fit well in the team’s power-run scheme.
22. Washington Commanders – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
The Washington Commanders are surprisingly in playoff contention, but one position that will hold them back during their postseason run is cornerback. Benjamin St-Juste is playing well in his second year in the league, but he needs a partner in crime.
Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbes brings a confident demeanor and unrivaled ball skills to the 2023 NFL Draft. Forbes has an SEC record six pick-6s and 14 total INTs to his name. The Commanders would instantly gain a starter on the outside by taking Forbes in this mock draft.