2023 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders Trade Up To No. 1, Lions Move Back
9. Detroit Lions (via CAR): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
After a move back, the Detroit Lions pick up some extra draft capital and still land a player they could select at pick six. Christian Gonzalez could shore up a secondary full of young talent, and potentially push either Jerry Jacobs or Jeff Okudah inside permanently. Gonzalez’s fluid movement skills in coverage and impressive ball skills could create a secondary of ballhawks in Detroit.
10. Philadelphia Eagles: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Philadelphia Eagles sit in the Super Bowl with a loaded roster, but there are a couple free agents to watch. One of them is James Bradberry, who could stick around long-term. If not, the corner class in the 2023 NFL Draft looks great. Devon Witherspoon can thrive in off or man coverage, and plays a physical brand of football that would be great opposite Darius Slay.
11. Tennessee Titans: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Titans look like they’ll continue with the “all-in” approach, so that means fixing the offensive line has to be the top priority. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they get a great fit in the run game in Broderick Jones. Jones’ athleticism and ability in space will help the screen game and zone runs, and his functional strength will be helpful with power football. He has a little bit to iron out in terms of pass protection, but he’s still a quality player in that area with foot speed and hand placement.
12. Houston Texans: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Texans are back up again in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and again it’s the offensive side of the ball. Brandin Cooks could be on the move in the offseason, so getting a new number one at the position is important for Richardson. Jordan Addison is a natural separator who uses his speed well to open up windows. His usage of his head and shoulders to be a great route salesman is evident on film, and he’ll be a big-play threat and a reliable chain-mover.
13. New York Jets: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The New York Jets will almost assuredly have a veteran quarterback for 2023. If that means this pick is going elsewhere, so be it. For now, in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, it’s time to fill the final pieces along the offensive line. Paris Johnson has the top-shelf athleticism to play left tackle, and his linear explosiveness will help seal off lanes at the second level. He’s got fleet feet in pass protection too.
14. New England Patriots: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
What will Bill Belichick do in the draft? We rarely know. But, if the Patriots are to be complete on defense, getting erasers in man coverage is the way. Cam Smith’s 2021 film was electric, and he can be a lockdown corner on the perimeter.
15. Green Bay Packers: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
The Green Bay Packers could lose both Adrian Amos and Rudy Ford at safety, and Darnell Savage has been better as a nickel than a safety. Brian Branch might have to make a transition to the roof, but his instincts, tackling skills, and ball skills will translate in a Joe Barry defense.
16. Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The fourth corner off the board in eight picks, Joey Porter Jr. can bring the physicality on the perimeter the Commanders need. He can afford to be more efficient in transition, but his recognition skills and closing speed is impressive. He’ll also stick his nose in the run game.