Pre-Super Bowl Mock Draft: Texans and Raiders Trade Up for Quarterbacks of the Future
By Hunter Haas
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
I love the idea of Zay Flowers to the Chargers, but having gone earlier in the mock draft, the front office pivots to the tight end position. Dalton Kincaid holds the TE1 mantle for more than a few folks in the NFL Draft community, with his superb hands and elite body control when working downfield. Herbert needs more verticality in the offense; Kincaid brings that.
23. Baltimore Ravens – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Quentin Johnston and the Ravens make a picture-perfect fit in this mock draft. I expect Lamar Jackson to be back in Baltimore for 2023, but the front office can no longer neglect the skill positions regardless of who is playing quarterback. Johnston’s physical prowess and game-breaking ability will mesh well with Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews.
24. Minnesota Vikings – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
One of my favorite prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft is cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. The Mississippi State alum holds the FBS record for pick-6s (six) and boasts an astonishing 14 career interceptions in only three seasons on campus. The Vikings were among the worst teams in the league at defending the pass; Forbes will change that upon arrival.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Another cornerback comes off the board at No. 25 in this mock draft. The Jaguars have built an impressive roster but lack top-end talent at cornerback opposite budding star Tyson Campbell. Cam Smith’s relentless work ethic and confident demeanor are exactly what the Jacksonville defense needs.
26. New York Giants – Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Head coach Brian Daboll won Coach of the Year after a successful rookie stint in New York. Although Daboll made the most of his receiving corps in 2022, drafting Jordan Addison would make life substantially easier for the Giants.
Addison is shiftier than given credit for and is a polished route runner who consistently creates separation. He is slender and is susceptible to getting jammed by bigger cornerbacks, but Daboll will put his new pass catcher in positions to succeed.
27. Dallas Cowboys – Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Another Clemson player that is seeing his stock dwindle is Bryan Bresee. The injury history, accompanied by his personal tragedy in 2022, led to some less than stellar play on tape. For Bresee, it all comes down to the medicals.
The Cowboys have been willing to look past these types of red flags in the past, with it resulting in some NFL Draft steals. Bresee could be yet another.