2023 NFL Mock Draft: Texans Add Jalen Carter and Will Levis, Lions Trade Back, Plus a Surprise at No. 3 Overall
By Hunter Haas
11. Tennessee Titans – Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Could this be the spot where Anthony Richardson comes off the board? I wouldn’t rule it out. However, the Titans have too many holes on the roster to take the chance on Richardson.
The Titans offensive line — once a strong point of the roster — is a shell of what it once was. Broderick Jones would help, as he could start as a rookie for Tennessee at either tackle spot. Taylor Lewan has missed 19 games since 2020, and the team can clear ~$13 million in cap space by releasing him. Something to monitor.
12. Detroit Lions (via HOU) – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
If this is the outcome for Detroit in the 2023 NFL Draft, there will be a lot of high-fiving and celebrating in Motor City. Devon Witherspoon is one of the most exciting players I have ever evaluated.
The Illinois star plays much larger than he actually is, routinely laying hits that look like a train wreck. While Witherspoon’s aggressiveness can get him in trouble in coverage, he has mastered the ability to disguise his jersey tugs.
Jeffrey Okudah re-emerged at the cornerback position for Detroit in 2022. Still, due to his track record, the Lions should actively be searching for a true CB1. Witherspoon is exactly that.
13. New York Jets – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Zach Wilson’s tenure in New York can best be described as an ‘unmitigated disaster’. The Jets have a roster that is ready to compete but lacks a steady hand at the most important position. Growing pains as a rookie will happen for Anthony Richardson, but his upside is enough to put the Jets over the top if he reaches it.
The one-year starter at Florida has little on-field experience since his high school days. Richardson’s continued improvement in 2022 is why I see the quarterback as more pro-ready than most. At a minimum, Richardson is a game-changer on the ground. At most, he is the final piece to the puzzle for the roster.
In a conference full of young, talented quarterbacks, general manager Joe Douglas must take a swing at the position to break through to the postseason. In this mock draft, the Jets and Richardson get a chance to grow together on the fly.
14. New England Patriots – Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
Sometimes mock draft selections are easy. Brian Branch to the New England Patriots is a no-brainer. The Nick Saban-Bill Belichick pipeline is strong, and Branch fills a massive need for the Pats. A versatile defensive back who can impact the game by playing deep or in the box.
15. Green Bay Packers – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Packers saw positive signs from their two rookie pass catchers (Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs) in 2022. While Watson and Doubs excel working downfield and in the screen game, Green Bay desperately needs a route-running technician to move the chains.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba witnessed a hit to his draft stock in 2022. Coming off the best season in Ohio State history for a receiver, JSN failed to log an entire game from start to finish this year. Still, the Buckeye playmaker becomes the first wide receiver taken in this mock draft.
16. Washington Commanders – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Commanders have a few pressing needs on the roster, but none bigger than at cornerback. Joey Porter Jr. has top-of-the-depth-chart talent and legitimate NFL length on the outside. If he can cut out some of his penalties, JPJ will be the CB1 in DC for years to come.