2023 NFL Mock Draft: Colts Trade Up With Bears, Panthers Climb Board For Will Levis, Plus More!
By Hunter Haas
11. Tennessee Titans – Paris Johnson Jr., OL, Ohio State
The Titans are a team to watch in quarterback conversations this offseason. In this mock draft, a rookie is unrealistic after Stroud, Young, and Levis come off the board in the top five selections. Instead, Tennessee addresses the aging (and expensive) offensive line. Paris Johnson Jr. is an elite blocker in space but has the mean streak to hold up against more physical assignments. If Tom Brady or Lamar Jackson is in play, the offensive line needs youth added to it.
12. Houston Texans (via CLE) – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Texans added a franchise quarterback at No. 2 overall, and they get Bryce Young a weapon at No. 12. Quentin Johnston is the best wide receiver in a class full of starting-caliber wide receivers. Only a couple of prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft bring WR1 potential to the table, but Johnston’s size, speed, and big-play ability make him one of the few. The Texans may lose Brandin Cooks this offseason, which would make the Johnston addition all the more crucial.
13. New York Jets – Broderick Jones, OL, Georgia
The Jets have too many question marks at offensive tackle in 2023 and beyond. Adding Georgia’s Broderick Jones gives them an instant starter with the potential to become a top player at his position in the NFL. I am not sure who the quarterback will be in 2023 for the Jets, but I am sure that bolstering the offensive line will be welcomed by whoever it ends up being.
14. New England Patriots – Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Jordan Addison is one of the best wide receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft, so landing him at No. 14 is a home run for New England. The Patriots have long lacked a difference-maker on the outside, and it has never been more apparent than in 2022. Only one pass catcher eclipsed the 500-yard mark on the year; Mac Jones needs more to work with than that.
15. Green Bay Packers – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The emergence of Christian Watson helps quell some concerns at wide receiver, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba brings something to the group that it currently lacks. JSN is a chain-moving possession receiver, akin to a souped-up Randall Cobb. Putting the Ohio State pass catcher in the slot between Watson and fellow rookie Romeo Doubs sets the franchise up for life after Aaron Rodgers — whenever that may be.
16. Washington Commanders – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Commanders might trade up for a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, but with an early run in this mock draft, Washington is left with an elite cornerback on the board. Joey Porter Jr. is not Sauce Gardner, but they do mirror each other quite a bit. JPJ steps in as the top cornerback on the roster immediately and brings a swagger to the position that instills confidence in the entire unit.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The Steelers are happy with what they got from Kenny Pickett as a rookie, but keeping the defense firing on all cylinders is the best way to ensure the team remains competitive going forward. In this mock draft, Kelee Ringo arrives in the Steel City at No. 17 overall. Ringo can play corner or safety for Pittsburgh and will be flanked by Minkah Fitzpatrick to alleviate any growing pains.