2023 NFL Mock Draft: Colts Trade Up With Bears, Panthers Climb Board For Will Levis, Plus More!

18. Detroit Lions – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

The Detroit Lions finally take the shot at quarterback with Anthony Richardson at No. 18 overall. The franchise could have forced the pick earlier in the mock draft but wisely held off after Stroud, Young, and Levis were selected right in front of them.

Richardson has a higher ceiling than Levis and will not be under pressure to start in year one, making this an ideal pairing for both sides. The ascending offensive line and game-changing weapons on the roster set Richardson up to succeed whenever he overtakes Jared Goff as QB1. Ideally, Goff retains the starting gig for the 2023 season before handing the keys over to Richardson next offseason.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Bucs clinched a playoff berth, but the holes on the roster are becoming clearer with each passing week. One key area for improvement is in the secondary. Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez is a big body still learning to play with confidence on the outside. Being thrust into a unit that features Super Bowl-winning veterans will help Gonzalez believe in his ability as a shutdown corner in the league.

20. Seattle Seahawks – Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

The Seahawks added a starter on the defensive front earlier in the mock draft; this time, Seattle brings in a versatile piece for the middle level of the defense. Trenton Simpson’s athleticism and relentless motor are special. He can impact the game in coverage, run support, and even as a pass rusher. I love pairing Simpson with his college teammate Bryan Bresee.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars – O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida

The Jaguars went from No. 1 overall pick to hosting a playoff game in year two of the Trevor Lawrence era. The Bears will be looking to replicate this turnaround by following the Jacksonville blueprint.

To keep the team headed the right way, general manager Trent Baalke should look to upgrade the offensive line this offseason. At No. 21 in this mock draft, the Jaguars add a bruising lineman who flashes elite potential as a blocker in space. O’Cyrus Torrence will bolster both the running and passing game as a rookie.

22. Miami Dolphins – *FORFEITED*

23. New York Giants – Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

The Giants should scour the market for an upgrade at quarterback, but find themselves too far down the board to trade up with the Bears or Seahawks. Will Levis or Anthony Richardson becoming Brian Daboll’s “next” Josh Allen is fun on paper, but not realistic. Instead, Daniel Jones should receive an extension. This will not stop the team from looking at quarterback, but it would give them the luxury of not being forced to take one.

Rashee Rice is one of the few receivers in the class that flexes elite boundary receiver traits. Rice stands at 6-foot-2 and weighs over 200 pounds. He wins by using supreme athleticism to get open downfield, and once the ball is in tow, good luck tackling Rice without a gang of teammates around you. The Giants have fun pieces in the wide receiver room, but Rice brings a skillset that only the over-priced Kenny Golladay can match.

24. Baltimore Ravens – Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

The Ravens have failed Lamar Jackson in terms of surrounding him with impact players at skill positions. Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman are quality starters in the league, but drafting Jalin Hyatt replaces the speed vacated in the offense by trading Marquise Brown last offseason. Hyatt needs to improve as a route runner, but his speed will translate from day one.

If Jackson is traded, or allowed to walk in free agency, keep an eye on the Ravens and Bears in potential trade talks. Perhaps a deal can be worked out where Justin Fields heads to Baltimore and Jackson takes his talents to the Windy City. Just a thought!