2-Round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers Trade Up With Seahawks
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
It’s long been a popular pairing in mock drafts, and it is once again here. Joey Porter Jr. is the physical corner the Steelers could covet, and it’s a great story. Porter’s length gives him an advantage in press coverage, and he has great instincts in zone.
18. Detroit Lions: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The Lions don’t have to do this, but why not when the best player available is Bijan Robinson? Robinson’s an elite talent at running back that could continue to stress defenses. His ability to slalom and string cuts together is impressive, he runs with ample power, and his creativity in space creates numerous missed tackles. He’s also a tremendous pass catcher with impressive routes and packs a punch in pass pro.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh
Another surprise here in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, but the Buccaneers are in an interesting spot. There’s no need to reach at quarterback, and with the top three tackles off the board, they turn to defense. Pairing a pass rushing defensive tackle with rare quicks and powerful strikes in Calijah Kancey with a space eater in Vita Vea is a pairing worth watching on Sundays.
20. Green Bay Packers: Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan
Get ready for the Packers backlash from this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. But, one thing is clear with them: they’ve gone off-book under Brian Gutekunst. So, in that spirit, it’s defensive tackle Mazi Smith here. Smith was the top player on Bruce Feldman’s freak list, and his combine testing could vault him into round one. A strong nose tackle is also something the Packers could use to shore up the run defenses and allow Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt to get after quarterbacks.
Miami Dolphins: ***FORFEITED***
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
It may not be the field-tilting speed that Chargers fans want at receiver, but Jordan Addison would be a great add to this offense. He still brings a vertical element with him, and his usage of another gear creates space for him as a route runner. He sinks his hips extremely well and has crisp route breaks, and will offer some wiggle after the catch.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Flanking Rashod Bateman with Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a great move for the Ravens in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Smith-Njigba’s production was impressive in 2021, and he offers success in all three phases. His explosiveness is lacking, but that’s where Bateman comes in. Lamar Jackson could return to MVP form with this duo.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
It’s no secret that the Brian Flores hire will tilt the Vikings back to the secondary in the 2023 NFL Draft. If they get Cam Smith, look out. Smith’s impressive in press looks and would form a scary duo with potential year two leap candidate in Andrew Booth.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Kelee Ringo has fallen out of favor in mock drafts as of late, but there’s no way a player with his size, speed, and combine testing falls out of round one. The Jaguars take a shot on Ringo here to improve his cover skills, knowing he’ll be tough to beat down the field.