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2023 NFL Mock Draft: Aaron Rodgers On The Move, Texans Move To No. 1

By A.J. Fagerlin

Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) leaves the field after defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 55-3. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) leaves the field after defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 55-3. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /
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Myles Murphy, 2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL Mock Draft, Myles Murphy. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Arizona Cardinals: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

After trading down from pick three, and passing on Will Anderson Jr., the Arizona Cardinals still have a top edge defender on the board in Myles Murphy. However, in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, I think the team, and new head coach Jonathan Gannon, go in a different direction.

Gannon’s defense led the league by a wide margin in sacks last year, which may lead people to think that Gannon will value a pass rusher over anything else. But to me, I think he will look at replicating his cornerback tandem before his defensive line that he had in Philadelphia.

Christian Gonzalez is one of the most impressive defensive playmakers in the draft. Even at corner, Gonzalez just always seems to be around the ball and making big plays. In Philadelphia, Gannon had Darius “Big Play” Slay, James Bradberry, Avonte Maddox and C.J. Gardner-Johnson locking down opposing receivers and taking the ball away from the secondary. Gonzalez can fill any of those roles and will be an important piece to build around for a promising young defense, led by a promising young coach.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

Ironically, in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles await the decision by the team led by their former defensive coordinator. I believe their focus will be on the defensive side of the ball as well, so whoever the Cardinals don’t take, the Eagles will, here.

With many potential free agent departures littered throughout the defense, Philly may have to reload a bit on that side of the ball. Both the secondary and the defensive front could be affected, but with Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave and Robert Quinn all scheduled to hit free agency, a player like Myles Murphy would be a welcomed addition.

At Clemson, Murphy played with the size and power that the Eagles will be looking to complement Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat. He may not be as dynamic (or as productive) as Tyree Wilson, but Murphy is battle-tested and will prove to be a three-down contributor at the next level.

11. Tennesse Titans: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

With the Tennessee Titans expected to move on from left tackle Taylor Lewan this offseason, finding a new blindside protector for whoever ends up playing quarterback long-term should be a priority. Tennessee could be in the market for a quarterback in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, but where they are drafting I’m not sure a top prospect will be available.

Paris Johnson Jr. is widely regarded as the top tackle prospect in the draft and will fill the biggest need on the Titans roster. I’d expect Ryan Tannehill to start the season, but the team needs to see what they have in Malik Willis before next offseason, when they will have another decision to make. Protecting their quarterback will give them a fair chance to evaluate them, and will be key to their success in the future no matter the direction that they go.

12. Houston Texans: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

After moving up to get their quarterback in Bryce Young, the Houston Texans take advantage of their second first-rounder to give him a dynamic weapon. I can’t imagine that Brandin Cooks will be in the fold much longer, so Jordan Addison seems to be the perfect replacement.

Addison, despite his slender frame, is silky smooth. He understands how to dissect a defense and has the athletic capability to beat man and zone coverage. He was incredibly productive at Pittsburgh and already learned and adapted to a new offense after transferring to USC, leading me to believe that his transition to the NFL will be nearly seamless.

Some regard TCU’s Quentin Johnston as the top receiver in the draft, but I think Addison is the better fit for the Texans in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. With Cooks nearly in the rearview, Houston will look to build around promising, young wideout, Nico Collins, and whoever else they add. Johnston and Collins have similar games, so Addison gives them that added dimension that could help round out their offense. Potentially throw in John Metchie (who played with Bryce Young at Alabama) and you have yourself a nice, young passing attack.

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