2023 NFL Mock Draft: Aaron Rodgers On The Move, Texans Move To No. 1
25. New York Giants: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
It seems likely that the New York Giants are going to be sticking with Daniel Jones at quarterback, even with him scheduled to hit free agency at this point. If they do, they would be wise to give him another dynamic target to work with.
The Giants already re-signed Isaiah Hodgins and drafted Wan’Dale Robinson just last year, but Zay Flowers is just too good to pass up. With his size, many will pin him as a slot receiver who would likely play the same role that Robinson would in an offense, but I believe Flowers is much more than that.
Lined up in the slot, Flowers is shifty off the line and with the ball in his hand, and tough as nails to fight for extra yards and make contested catches over the middle. Out wide, he has homerun speed that can burn any defender and take the top off of any defense. His versatility should be utilized well by head coach Brian Daboll. If and when the team moves on from any combination of Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Kenny Golladay and Richie James, Hodgins, Robinson and Flowers will be very fun to watch.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
After watching their division rival snag a playmaking wide receiver, the Dallas Cowboys do the same. Michael Gallup was very disappointing last season, as was third-round pick, Jalen Tolbert, who practically never saw the field as a rookie.
After moving Amari Cooper last offseason, it is abundantly clear that the Cowboys need to add another receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb. Lamb was sensational this year, but he, and Dak Prescott, need help if they want to elevate this offense.
Jalin Hyatt is the definition of a homerun threat. He blew by top defender after top defender in the SEC on his way to a Biletnikoff Award in 2022. He is incredibly effective tracking the ball and adjusting his body down the field, but also uses his speed at all levels of the field to make big plays. Both Lamb and Prescott would love to see Hyatt in the new Mike McCarthy-led offense.
27. Buffalo Bills: Brian Branch, SAF, Alabama
It was once again apparent in the playoffs that the Buffalo Bills need to bolster their secondary if they want to compete in the AFC. I believe that they have equally pressing needs on their offensive line in they want to get over the hump and beat teams like the Chiefs and Bengals. But, with Jordan Poyer set to hit free agency, they go secondary in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Brian Branch is the top safety prospect in the class and is too good to pass up at this point. He can really do it all, ballhawking from centerfield, manning up tight ends and receivers and coming into the box to support in the run game. He would be a great piece for Sean McDermott’s defense.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
The Cincinnati Bengals had a near complete overhaul of their offensive line last offseason. It is incredible, but they may need to do it again. Injuries hurt them greatly down the stretch in the playoffs, but the line play did not improve nearly as much as they surely hoped.
Jonah Williams has been serviceable at left tackle for years now, but he has never really moved the needle in the right direction. Anton Harrison can come in and potentially elevate the position and provide Joe Burrow and the Bengals the stability they need for the years to come.