2023 Mock Draft: Four Teams Land New QBs in the Top 10, Bijan Robinson Takes Talents to Detroit, and More!
By Hunter Haas
21. Washington Commanders – Jaelyn Duncan, OL, Maryland
The Maryland Terrapin offensive lineman stays in the area by heading to the Nation’s Capital at No. 21 in this mock draft. Only seven teams have allowed more sacks in 2022 than the Commanders. The shaky play at quarterback deserves some blame, but Jaelyn Duncan can protect whoever takes the snaps in 2023. Duncan is best in the run game, but his length and strong hands provide optimism as a pass protector.
22. Miami Dolphins – *forfeited pick*
23. New York Giants – Cam Ward, QB, Washington State
You will see a lot of Anthony Richardson-Giants hype in NFL Draft communities, but the Florida signal-caller is an afterthought in this mock draft. Instead, head coach Brian Daboll tabs Cam Ward as his quarterback going forward. Ward isn’t the athlete that Richardson is, but his arm talent rivals anyone in this NFL Draft class. With the Giants, Ward would join a play caller that helped transform Josh Allen into a top player in the league. He is raw, but the upside is worth it late in the first round.
24. Los Angeles Chargers – Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Jalin Hyatt over the hometown boy, Jordan Addison? Let me explain. I have Jordan Addison graded higher than Hyatt, but in terms of the best fit for the Chargers? It is the guy with 4.3 speed. Addison is by no means too slow to succeed in the NFL, but Los Angeles employs a skill position group that doesn’t feature a single player with sub-4.4 speed — and you can tell by watching them.
Jalin Hyatt has a long way to go as a receiver, but his ability to create with the ball in his hands and leave defenders in the dust is an added wrinkle for Justin Herbert. Keenan Allen can continue being the chain mover, and Mike Williams can keep his job as the “go up and get it” receiver, giving Hyatt the freedom to break the top off the defense vertically.
25. Baltimore Ravens – Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Speaking of Jordan Addison, the 2021 Biletnikoff winner finally comes off the board in this mock draft. Lamar Jackson deserves better than what the Ravens have given him at wide receiver. Rashod Bateman is a fine player, but Baltimore’s passing game cannot be so reliant on one player. Addison is a pass catcher that creates separation and is underrated after the catch. Back to the east coast you go, Mr. Addison.
26. Denver Broncos (via MIA via SF) – Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Denver Broncos owe the No. 3 overall pick to Seattle, but following an in-season trade with Miami, the franchise finds itself with a day-one draft choice anyway. The aforementioned trade sent Bradley Chubb, the team’s best pass rusher, to the Dolphins, leaving a void in the group.
Jared Verse is one of the fastest-rising players in the 2023 NFL Draft. Verse looks like he is chiseled from stone and flashed immense potential in his lone season with Florida State. The Broncos’ third-round pick, Nik Bonitto, should leap in year two, clearing the way for Verse to step in and clean up several sacks as a rookie.