2023 Mock Draft: Four Teams Land New QBs in the Top 10, Bijan Robinson Takes Talents to Detroit, and More!

27. Dallas Cowboys – Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

While not the same player, I have compared Trenton Simpson’s versatility to Micah Parsons coming out of Penn State. In college, Parsons was asked to do a lot, and Simpson is asked to do the same for his Clemson Tigers. What intrigues me the most about Simpson, similar to my evaluation with Parsons, is the untapped potential as a pass rusher. With Dallas, the do-it-all defender can provide the perfect foil to Parsons, giving Dan Quinn an embarrassment of riches on defense.

28. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Michael Mayer is likely to go higher than this by the time of the 2023 NFL Draft, but the mock draft plays right into Cincinnati’s hands at No. 28 overall. Mayer is a franchise player at tight end. The Notre Dame leader can block, run routes, and catch passes at an above-average level from the jump. In an offense led by Joe Burrow, Mayer could become a star in short order.

29. Kansas City Chiefs – Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

Nolan Smith was well on his way to being selected in the top half of the 2023 NFL Draft before injury struck. Smith tore his pectoral, ending his Bulldog career. On the field, Smith looks the part. He has a sturdy build and is one of the best athletes in the draft class. A combination of the most recent injury, and some off-the-field concerns, pushes Smith down the board in this mock draft. The Chiefs, who can never have enough help on the edge, scoop up the Georgia defender at No. 29 overall.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

The Vikings sit as the No. 2 seed in the NFC, thanks to an astonishing 11 one-possession victories. One thing Minnesota currently lacks is a player with superstar potential at cornerback. Patrick Peterson’s best days are behind him, and the Vikings as a team give up the most passing yards in the league.

Devon Witherspoon, a smashmouth cornerback from Illinois, can change the trajectory of the secondary early in his career. Witherspoon must do better at controlling his aggression, both as a tackler and in coverage, but if he can do that, the traits are there to be a stud in the NFL.

31. Buffalo Bills – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

The Buffalo Bills take the best player available approach at the end of this mock draft, which also happens to be a position of need. As is apparent by the onslaught of injuries and the desperation signing of Cole Beasley, Ken Dorsey’s offense needs a consistent presence in the slot. Zay Flowers is versatile enough to hold up on the boundary, but the Boston College receiver would absolutely shred defenses from the slot. His ability to win downfield and with the ball in his hands will make Josh Allen even more difficult to stop.

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M

The Eagles continue stacking the secondary with the final pick of this mock draft. Antonio Johnson, the best slot defender in the 2023 NFL Draft, brings even more versatility to the Philly defense. Johnson is a tall defensive back that uses his physicality to affect the opponent’s run game. Additionally, Johnson is fleet of foot and has closing speed that helps keep him from getting burnt. Profiling as a starter at either safety spot, as well as in the slot, the Eagles’ defense becomes more well-rounded with the selection of Antonio Johnson.