3-Round 2023 Mock Draft: Shocking Trades, Multiple QBs Go Early, and Ravens Select Bijan Robinson

After a very impressive season from the New York Jets, who were clearly held back by their quarterback play, that position will undoubtedly be the focus from both the team and the media. The team seems to be in position to go after a veteran signal caller, so the 2023 NFL Draft may not be the answer, but stay tuned to see what direction I do have them going in this three-round mock draft.

Instead of going with another young, unproven quarterback, the New York Jets opt for a proven and impactful offensive lineman to help whoever is under center for the team in 2023. Despite his “short arms”, Peter Skoronski proved in the Big Ten at Northwestern that he has what it takes to play left tackle at a high level. He is a solid pass protector and a dominant run blocker, who can move to guard if the team wants to keep Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker at tackle.

Another disappointing team in 2022 was the Bill Belichick-led New England Patriots. Yet another team that can address some needs all across the roster decides to go with a very talented and reliable cornerback from the SEC.

Cam Smith, with the South Carolina connection, could remind the New England coaching staff of a younger Stephon Gilmore, who had a ton of success with the team after a long stint in Buffalo. Smith is extremely sticky in man coverage, and has the physicality and ball skills to break up any pass to any receiver that comes his way. The Patriots have gotten some solid play from some deeper corners on their roster, but the opportunity to land some top talent here should not be overlooked.

Will Aaron Rodgers be back with the Green Bay Packers in 2023? No one seems to know. In this mock draft, we are going to give the offense some help either way. Whether it is Rodgers or the young Jordan Love, any quarterback would love to have a receiver like Jordan Addison.

2022 draft pick, Christian Watson, came on in the second half of the year as a dominant force in the league, with his size and speed. Romeo Doubs showed flashes as well, but a player like Jordan Addison is the perfect addition and complement to Watson.

Addison has produced both at Pittsburgh and USC in the NCAA, utilizing his route running, shiftiness and hands to dominate his opponents. Addison is not just a gadget receiver. He has the speed, big-play ability and enough physicality to win against any defender at any level of the field.

This might be my favorite player in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft that I have watched to this point in my evaluation. Also, the fit is nearly perfect for the Washington Commanders here. Devon Witherspoon anchored the impressive Illinois defense this season, shutting down a side of the field with his length and physicality.

Former Cincinnati cornerback, Sauce Gardner, went to the New York Jets and was named an All-Pro as a rookie. While those are incredibly lofty — and likely unrealistic — expectations, Witherspoon has a similar style of play and similar upside. The Washington front four has been impressive for years now, but building the secondary should be a priority for Ron Rivera and his defense.