3-Round 2023 Mock Draft: Shocking Trades, Multiple QBs Go Early, and Ravens Select Bijan Robinson
123. Scouting Report. Defensive Back. Alabama. Brian Branch. 25. player. Pick Analysis
The Dallas Cowboys have a very well-rounded roster. They may need to prioritize another wide receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb, but I don’t think the value is there at this point in the 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Instead they go with a talented and versatile defensive back who can play wherever Dan Quinn, or whoever the defensive coordinator is next season, asks him too. He is physical, athletic and makes plays all across the football field.
26. player. Pick Analysis. Notre Dame. Michael Mayer. 56. Scouting Report. Tight End
The Cincinnati Bengals can still improve their offensive line to keep Joe Burrow upright. Without the value here at this point in the 2023 NFL Mock Draft, giving him another top weapon isn’t bad, either.
Hayden Hurst has been solid with Cincinnati, but Michael Mayer is a next level, every-down player, who can be viewed as an added lineman in the run game and an extra receiver when going out on routes.
Clark Phillips III. 27. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Cornerback. Utah. 60
The Minnesota Vikings need the defense to keep up with the offense if they want to stay atop the NFC North. Veterans like Patrick Peterson stepped up this season, but the team will need to find a long-term answer to sustain that success. They have tried in seemingly every draft in recent years to find a reliable corner, with little proven success. Clark Phillips III could be that answer.
Notre Dame. Isaiah Foskey. player. Scouting Report. EDGE. 45. Pick Analysis. 28
The Denver Broncos drafted an edge rusher in Nik Bonitto early last year in the NFL Draft. But after trading away Bradley Chubb at the deadline last season, and letting Von Miller go multiple years ago, the team still needs to bolster its pass rush. Foskey has great talent, size and upside to complement Bonitto and Baron Browning.
Antonio Johnson. 29. Scouting Report. Defensive Back. Texas A&M. player. 16. Pick Analysis
The Buffalo Bills are a very talented team that can truly add the best player available here in the 2023 NFL Mock Draft. With Jordan Poyer set to hit free agency, they could use a versatile player like Antonio Johnson. He can play in the slot, in the box, or even deep in the defensive backfield. Sean McDermott will love this guy and can find a role for him whether Poyer moves on or comes back.
Nolan Smith. player. 124. Georgia. 30. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. EDGE
If you watched the College Football Playoffs, you certainly heard about how influential Nolan Smith was on the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs team — without even being on the field. He is a fiery leader, who isn’t half bad in pads and cleats as well. He has great length, bend and burst around the edge for a team that can still use some help with the pass rush.
Scouting Report. Running Back. Jahmyr Gibbs. player. Pick Analysis. Alabama. 31. 54
The Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the best rushing teams in the NFL over the past few seasons, and the current starting running back is set to hit free agency. They certainly could bring back Miles Sanders, or grab another back in a stacked free agent market, but Jahmyr Gibbs is too talented to pass up. He is incredibly productive and effective in the pass game, providing him an opportunity to make an impact early and often in his NFL career, regardless of who else is in the running back room.