2023 NFL Mock Draft: Texans Add Jalen Carter and Will Levis, Lions Trade Back, Plus a Surprise at No. 3 Overall
By Hunter Haas
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kelee Ringo, DB, Georgia
Kelee Ringo is seemingly the Will Levis of cornerbacks. Some view Ringo as the unquestioned CB1 in the 2023 NFL Draft; others see him more as a CB5, with a handful even claiming that the Georgia defensive back is better suited as a safety.
For my money, Ringo is still a top-20 talent. The concerns as a coverage defender are valid, but his athletic profile leads you to believe he can improve in that area with top-of-the-line NFL coaching. Whether Ringo sticks at cornerback or moves to safety, the Steelers need help in the secondary around Minkah Fitzpatrick.
18. Detroit Lions – Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Bryan Bresee is a top-five talent in the 2023 NFL Draft. So, why is he available at No. 18 overall? The answer is simple: injury concerns and medical red flags. Until Bresee gets examined by NFL teams and works out for them, these questions will continue to swarm him.
The former No. 1 overall recruit out of high school is a wrecking ball from the interior when healthy. He isn’t Jalen Carter, but he is the next closest thing in terms of versatility and instant impact. The Lions add a building block in the middle of the defensive line.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa
The Buccaneers might be looking for a quarterback here if Tom Brady departs, but the defense needs an infusion of youth and someone to build around on the edge. Lukas Van Ness will continue rising on draft boards during the lead-up to the 2023 NFL Draft. At No. 19, the Bucs get a physically-imposing player who fits the vibe they like in Tampa Bay.
20. Seattle Seahawks – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Seahawks added multiple starting cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft, but watching Mike Jackson on the outside made it clear that another player is needed at the position. Cam Smith has ‘that dog in him’, as many NFL fans affectionately say. Smith is the perfect foil to Tariq Woolen and would make Seattle fans start thinking about a Legion of Boom Part 2.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The Chargers need more explosiveness on offense. Zay Flowers may not run the fastest 40-yard dash, but the way he moves downfield is something to marvel at.
Flowers consistently beats his assignments downfield, exhibiting stellar ball-tracking abilities. The Boston College star also excels with the ball in his hands, adding a wrinkle to the offense that does not currently exist for the Bolts.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Quentin Johnston is the leading candidate to be the first wide receiver off the board. In this mock draft, the Packers and Chargers select receivers that fit the roster better, leaving Baltimore to snag a much-needed pass catcher. Johnston’s big play ability will give Lamar Jackson a strong stable of weapons, pairing the rookie with Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Emmanuel Forbes is one of ‘my guys’ in the 2023 NFL Draft. Forbes is the FBS record holder for pick-sixes (6) and had 13 total interceptions in his collegiate career.
Even with a phenomenal season from veteran Patrick Peterson, the Vikings were among the worst teams in the league at covering opposing wide receivers. Along with Cameron Dantzler, Minnesota pairs the two former Mississippi State Bulldogs together.