2023 NFL Mock Draft: Colts Trade Up With Bears, Panthers Climb Board For Will Levis, Plus More!
By Hunter Haas
25. Los Angeles Chargers – Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor
The Chargers must improve the rush defense this offseason. At this point in the mock draft, Siaki Ika is one of the best remaining players and fills the need in the middle of the defensive line. Ika is a freaky athlete for his size, using his agility to create mismatches all down the line. The Bolts would no longer be a laughingstock of a run defense.
26. Dallas Cowboys – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
The Cowboys employ one of the best defensive backs in the NFL with third-year player Trevon Diggs. Diggs boasts some of the best ball skills in the league; by adding Emmanuel Forbes to the starting lineup, no NFL team will have better hands at cornerback. Forbes intercepted 14 passes in only three seasons with the Bulldogs, returning six for touchdowns, setting the FBS record for such plays in a career.
27. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Michael Mayer deserves to come off the board earlier than No. 27, but in this mock draft, he lands in the perfect situation for a rookie tight end. Hayden Hurst is witnessing a breakout season with the Bengals, and I expect the two sides to agree to a new deal this offseason. Still, Mayer gives the team insurance if they cannot come to an agreement, and a long-term replacement even if Hurst is retained.
28. Minnesota Vikings – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Devon Witherspoon is not a perfect cornerback prospect, but what he lacks in technique, he more than makes up for with the intensity he brings to the position. Witherspoon would change the landscape in the secondary for Minnesota by giving the unit a player that will hold others accountable and constantly strive to improve. The Bears and Lions are headed the right way in the NFC North, so Minnesota cannot become complacent.
29. Denver Broncos (via MIA) – Anton Harrison, OL, Oklahoma
As of this writing, the Broncos have not yet traded the No. 29 overall selection for Sean Payton. If Denver holds on to this pick, they must add a starting-caliber player to the offensive line. Anton Harrison is an easy-moving lineman who leverages his strength well at the point of impact. Harrison is polished and can start at right tackle in week one for the Broncos.
30. Buffalo Bills – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
I know Bills fans, you do not NEED a first-round running back, but at No. 30 in the mock draft, Buffalo cannot pass on a top-ten talent. Bijan Robinson is more than just a running back, anyway. Robinson is one of the better pass catchers — regardless of position — and he is a threat to take any touch to the house. Josh Allen is not getting any younger, and the Bills need to add a stable running game to protect the longevity of their star quarterback.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Jaelyn Duncan, OL, Maryland
Orlando Brown Jr. is an impending free agent, and the Chiefs cannot afford to leave Patrick Mahomes’ blindside vacant. Jaelyn Duncan is a steal at No. 31 overall in the mock draft. He is explosive in run-blocking sets and uses his impressive lateral agility to stonewall pass rushers. You can never have too much protection for the $450 million man behind center.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
The Eagles added a young cornerback earlier in the mock draft; now, they add another member of the secondary in Alabama’s Brian Branch. Branch is the best safety in the 2023 NFL Draft and would rejuvenate the safety group in a major way as a rookie. He plays at 100 mph every snap and is one of the better athletes in the class, giving him the range to play anywhere in the secondary. The Bears win this mock draft, but the Eagles are not too far behind.