Mock Draft: Texans and Seahawks Trade Down, Titans Draft Anthony Richardson
By Hunter Haas
25. New York Giants – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Michael Mayer come off the board much earlier, but he made it to No. 25 in this mock draft. The Giants drafted Daniel Bellinger last year, and I am on the record as a big fan.
Still, bringing in Mayer would allow Brian Daboll to utilize two tight ends more often, as Mayer and Bellinger both are willing blockers and make a difference in the passing game.
26. Dallas Cowboys – Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
More than a few people at the NFL Combine entertained the idea of Dallas taking a tight end early in the 2023 NFL Draft. Dalton Schultz will depart in free agency, and Dalton Kincaid is a plug-and-play replacement. Kincaid is the best pass-catching tight end in the class.
27. Buffalo Bills – O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida
The Bills must establish an efficient ground game while Josh Allen is still in one piece. Rather than burning an early pick on a running back again, let’s beef up the interior of the offensive line with O’Cyrus Torrence. The Florida bruiser will make his impact felt from day one.
28. Cincinnati Bengals – Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Bengals hit a home run with the Cam Taylor-Britt selection, but the former Nebraska Cornhusker needs a running mate in the cornerback room. Deonte Banks is the perfect fit, as the Maryland product can match the physicality that CTB brings to the table.
29. New Orleans Saints (via SF) – Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Myles Murphy was once a lock for the top half of the first round, but his stock has dipped in recent months. Still, Murphy’s blend of power and natural bend gives the Saints what they were searching for in Payton Turner at the 2021 NFL Draft.
30. Philadelphia Eagles – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
After taking a luxury pick earlier in the mock draft, the Eagles address a need here at No. 30. Cam Smith is a smash-mouth, uber-confident cornerback who embodies the vibe of Philadelphia and can play on the boundary and inside at the slot.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
The Chiefs did not slap the franchise tag on Orlando Brown Jr., and Andrew Wylie is headed to free agency, leaving a void on both sides of the offensive line. Anton Harrison is a natural left tackle and can use his elite pass protection to keep Patrick Mahomes clean.