2023 Mock Draft: Four Teams Land New QBs in the Top 10, Bijan Robinson Takes Talents to Detroit, and More!
By Hunter Haas
14. New England Patriots – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Patriots have taken one wide receiver on the opening day of the NFL Draft during Bill Belichick’s tenure. This should change if the draft unfolds similarly to this mock draft. The best wide receiver in the class falls to No. 14 overall, and of course, it is New England that benefits from it. Quentin Johnston gives the Pats a consistent, game-breaking wide receiver that opens up the passing game and allows the offense to be less predictable. Unprecedented? Sure. But trends are made to be broken!
15. New York Jets – Broderick Jones, OL, Georgia
The third Georgia player in the top 15 of this mock draft heads to the Big Apple, as Broderick Jones looks to shore up the Jets’ offensive line. Veterans Duane Brown and George Fant are not in the future plans, and Mekhi Becton is a question mark considering his injury history. Jones excels as a run blocker by using his natural strength and deceptive agility to create running lanes. Still improving in pass protection, Jones might face a learning curve as a rookie, but he profiles as a long-term starting option at either tackle position.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Pittsburgh Steelers have turned their 2022 season around, once being in the Jalen Carter-Will Anderson Sweepstakes and now finding themselves on the fringe of playoff contention. General manager Omar Khan should take a long look at South Carolina’s Cam Smith with neither defensive lineman available.
At No. 16 overall in this mock draft, Smith brings CB1 traits to the table. Much like Porter Jr., Smith thrives in mono-e-mono situations, and he loves to spew venom at his assignments after breaking up a pass. His mentality will quickly mesh with the personality of the Steel City.
17. Green Bay Packers – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Packers could undergo major changes this offseason, even if they sneak into the postseason. The trenches on each side of the football need an influx of talent but would be a reach this stage of the mock draft. Rather, Green Bay should do something they have never done for Aaron Rodgers: use a first-round pick on a wide receiver.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba entered his junior campaign as the front-runner for WR1 in the 2023 NFL Draft. JSN broke records alongside Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson last season, but a lingering hamstring issue prevented the star receiver from building his resume in 2022. An impressive pre-draft process might boost JSN back into the top 10, but the value is too great to pass on at No. 17.
18. Detroit Lions – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
D’Andre Swift’s NFL future is clouded, to say the least. Jamaal Williams, while serviceable in 2022, is old in running back years. The Lions still land a franchise player behind center in this mock draft; it just so happens to be a running back instead of a quarterback. Bijan Robinson is a special talent who can impact the passing game just as much as the run game. Detroit is at its best when they establish the ground attack early, and Robinson can step in to give the offensive some stability at running back.
19. Jacksonville Jaguars – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Jaguars are making a charge for the playoffs as the season draws to an end. Whether or not Jacksonville earns a postseason berth, the positive strides made in 2022 are impossible to ignore. As an offense, Trevor Lawrence has found his identity, playing like a top-10 quarterback for much of the past two months. The defense, although possessing ascending young talent, needs another difference-maker at cornerback.
Tyson Campbell has seized the top spot on the depth chart and is unlikely to relinquish it anytime soon. Drafting Christian Gonzalez gives the Jaguars a lethal duo to build around at cornerback. Gonzalez is a big body that moves well for his size and is still learning to play with confidence consistently. A juggernaut is under construction in Duval, and it is closer to being completed than you think.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – John Michael Schmitz, OL, Minnesota
This is a slight reach, but after watching a makeshift offensive line all season, I doubt Bucs’ fans will mind. John Michael Schmitz is a center prospect but has the potential to play anywhere on the interior. Schmitz is nasty as a run blocker, never scared to get his nose dirty. Impressively, the Gopher standout is equally as great in space at the second level. Who knows what happens with Tom Brady, but the offensive line will be better regardless.