2023 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders Trade Up To No. 1, Lions Move Back
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
The Pittsburgh Steelers could stop a slide at corner, but offensive line is a necessary position to address in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Let’s roll with the big riser from Senior Bowl week in Dawand Jones, who can be a mauler and finisher in the run game, while also proving that his skills as a pass protector are much improved from a year ago.
18. Detroit Lions: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
The Lions are back up in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and after adding to the secondary, they grab help for the defensive line. Aidan Hutchinson is locked in as their rush end, and Myles Murphy can be the true defensive end, with the power, length, and ability to set a strong edge against the run.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
The Buccaneers have plenty of needs. With a few corners gone, they go best player available. Bryan Bresee is a true interior disruptor who can thrive next to Vita Vea along the defensive line.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
The Seattle Seahawks really fortified the offensive line in the 2022 draft, and now they draft two potential cornerstones on the defensive line in this draft. Lukas Van Ness has seen his stock go up after declaring. His ability to convert speed to power on the edge was devastating in the Big Ten, and he’ll get to do it alongside Jalen Carter in 2023.
21. Miami Dolphins: **FORFEITED**
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Chargers shouldn’t get locked in to drafting speed at receiver early, especially if they like a player like Bijan Robinson or Dalton Kincaid. But, if Quentin Johnston falls to here, it’s tough to pass. Johnston’s ability to accelerate and decelerate is insane, and his work post-catch will make him dangerous in a Kellen Moore offense. He can win down the field vertically and in the air too.
23. Baltimore Ravens: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Baltimore Ravens anchored their defense by extending Roquan Smith, who quickly gelled in Baltimore to create a juggernaut. They’ve got some pass rushers up front, and a strong safety duo. Corner is the one area that needs more help. Deonte Banks is steadily rising, and his athleticism and speed will be coveted earlier than expected.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The problem for the Vikings at the end of the 2022 season was answering the question, “What happens if teams contain Justin Jefferson?” In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they get Jefferson a running mate in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who, like Jefferson, was productive in the slot in college. His route running skills and ability to create post-catch will make him an elite WR2 in Minnesota.