Post-Super Bowl Mock Draft: SEA Trades Up for Bryce Young, TB Replaces Tom Brady with Anthony Richardson
By Peter Jurich
After adding an elite defensive talent in the top five of the mock draft, the Chicago Bears address another need with Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, the former Buckeye is fast enough, quick enough, and big enough to create separation in a number of ways at the next level. Injuries derailed his season in 2022, but on a team like the Bears, who could rely on him as a No. 1 receiver, he could end up as the most productive receiver in this class.
The Los Angeles Chargers continue to build around franchise quarterback Justin Herbert with the addition of USC’s Jordan Addison. With Mike Williams under contract and Keenan Allen a potential cap casualty, adding a quicker receiver such as Addison could be exactly what this offense needs. Addison took a little bit of a step back production wise in 2022, but he has the traits to win on the inside and outside at the next level and could become a reliable target in LA.
Finishing up a run at the wide receiver position, the Baltimore Ravens add Boston College’s Zay Flowers. Whether or not Lamar Jackson is back in Baltimore next season, the team needs to improve at receiver, and a dynamic player like Flowers could be the answer. Flowers has elite speed, and is a problem for any defense with the ball in his hands. Flowers isn’t just a gadget guy, however, as he possesses the ability to create separation on the outside down the field.
The Minnesota Vikings bolster a secondary that let down its offense throughout 2022 with Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon. A hair on the lighter side, Witherspoon nonetheless possesses the length and speed to succeed on the perimeter in the NFL. The Illinois product has some work to do in zone coverage, but could join the Vikings as a day one starter, immediately improving the secondary.