In our post-NFL Combine mock draft the Texans trade down, the Titans trade up, and several cornerbacks fly off the board on day one.
The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine took place last week in the great city of Indianapolis, Indiana. Hundreds of NFL Draft hopefuls arrived in the heart of the Midwest with the intent to boost their stock and display their talents in front of several scouts, head coaches, and general managers.
The stars of the week include a few obvious names and a few others that came — relatively — out of nowhere. CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson gave fans in attendance and watching at home a glimpse of what they could be as quarterbacks in the NFL.
The skill positions featured a few stellar workouts, including Bijan Robinson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Zay Flowers. The stacked tight end group saw Darnell Washington looking like LeBron James on the football field.
On the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line group lived up to its billing. Calijah Kancey and Adetomiwa Adebawore posted numbers that few at the position have ever put up. Add in the edge rushers, and it was hands down the most impressive group of the week for me.
My personal LB1, Jack Campbell, solidified his status atop my board during testing, interviews, and workouts at the NFL Combine. Trenton Simpson and Drew Sanders were a couple of others who made the most of their time in Indy.
My favorite position to scout is cornerback, and this class has some DUDES. Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr. improved their standing with NFL teams, acing the drills and all the team interviews. At safety, Sydney Brown and Quan Martin represented Illinois well.
Mock Draft: Texans and Seahawks Trade Down, Titans Draft Anthony Richardson
So, with Pro Days being the only thing standing between these prospects and the 2023 NFL Draft, let’s dive into a fresh, two-round, Post-Combine mock draft!
*We have a trade!*
Talk around the NFL Combine started and ended with the No. 1 overall pick and what the Bears might fetch in return. In this mock draft, the Indianapolis Colts pay a pretty penny to move up from No. 4. However, Colts fans will quickly forget about the compensation if the guy they choose becomes a franchise quarterback.
Bears Send:
•No. 1 (2023)
Colts Send:
•No. 4 (2023)
•No. 35 (2023)
•Future 1st (2024)
•Future 2nd (2024)
•Future 2nd (2025)
Ryan Poles doesn’t quite get the two extra first-rounders he is searching for, but an early day two pick and two future second-round picks on top of the 2024 first-rounder is close enough. Throwing in No. 35 overall from the Colts, allowing Indy to hold on to No. 79 this year, makes for a fair deal on all sides.
1. Indianapolis Colts (via CHI) – CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Not the quarterback you expected to see? I have Bryce Young ranked slightly ahead of CJ Stroud, but both grade out as high-end starters. Stroud brings more translatable size and pinpoint accuracy that new head coach Shane Steichen will put to great use in year one. Off the heels of an impressive NFL Combine, Stroud becomes the face of the franchise for the Colts.
*We have another trade!*
Wait, what? The Texans trading DOWN? Before you exit the article in anger, hear me out. Head coach DeMeco Ryans witnessed firsthand how to build a top-tier NFL roster during his time with San Francisco. Rather than forcing a guy at quarterback in the first year of his tenure, Ryans could elect to go the team-building route instead.
In this mock draft, the Texans opt to trade down with the Carolina Panthers, accumulating tons of future assets and giving the front office a chance to load up the rest of the roster before tabbing its man behind center.
Texans Send:
•No. 2 (2023)
Panthers Send:
•No. 9 (2023)
•No. 39 (2023)
•No. 93 (2023)
•Future 1st (2024)
•Future 2nd (2024)
•Future 3rd (2025)
2. Carolina Panthers (via HOU) – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Frank Reich era is off to a hot start in Carolina, as the former Colts’ head coach has put together an all-star coaching staff around him. Next order of business? Find a franchise quarterback.
The Panthers trade a slew of draft picks to get in position to do so. Alabama’s Bryce Young is the betting favorite to go No. 1 overall, so Reich and Co. swoop in and grab the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner as the center of the rebuild.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
No. 3 overall is a popular trade-down spot in most mock drafts. With two trades already occurring, and both being quarterbacks, Arizona elects to stay put and take the best player on its board in Alabama’s Will Anderson.
Anderson is a prototypical edge rusher and shows the agility and footwork to impact the game on multiple levels. He is refined as a pass rusher and should be a front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
4. Chicago Bears (via IND) – Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
There is a chance that Carter’s legal issues push him down the board, but until I hear otherwise, the Chicago Bears should run this card up to the podium. The Georgia superstar fits Matt Eberflus’ three-technique like a glove and is the No. 1 player on my big board.
*One more trade!*
The Seahawks re-signed Geno Smith to a three-year, $105 million contract, meaning they can pass on a quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft. Instead, they pull a patented Seattle move by trading down and accumulating more assets while letting the Tennessee Titans vault up to No. 5 overall ahead of other quarterback-needy teams.
Seahawks Send:
•No. 5 (2023)
Titans Send:
•No. 11 (2023)
•Future 1st (2024)
5. Tennessee Titans (via SEA) – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
I have read the reports saying Ryan Tannehill will start for the Titans in 2023. That’s fine and dandy, but unless the team sees Malik Willis as the answer long-term, they should go after a high-potential signal-caller that can learn behind the veteran Tannehill as a rookie.
Anthony Richardson’s upside rivals any player in the 2023 NFL Draft. He needs patience as he develops, but with his rocket launcher arm and freaky athleticism, the Florida Gator should blossom in Nashville. It is well worth the risk, as the team holds onto its day two picks to address the offensive line and receiver room.
6. Detroit Lions (via LAR) – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Lions must bolster one of the worst secondaries in the league. Christian Gonzalez sent the NFL Combine in a tizzy as he showcased elite athleticism and impressive change of direction in drills. Detroit adds an immediate starter on the boundary.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Will Levis and the Raiders have been linked together recently, but I think the veteran approach is much more likely for Vegas. Instead, how about a top-of-the-depth-chart type of player at cornerback?
Devon Witherspoon is a hard-nosed defender out of Illinois. He thrives in man coverage but is just as effective in off-coverage. With the Raiders, Witherspoon can do anything Patrick Graham asks of him — and more.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Tyree Wilson, DL, Texas Tech
Tyree Wilson could go earlier than this, but No. 8 overall should be his floor if he slips. The Falcons are abysmal at sacking the quarterback and need all the help they can get. Wilson is a long, powerful pass rusher who can transform the unit immediately upon arrival.
9. Houston Texans (via CAR) – Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
The Texans surprisingly traded back in this mock draft, acquiring droves of draft capital and still staying inside the top ten. What Calijah Kancey lacks in ideal measurables, he more than makes up for in strength, polish, and overall athleticism. The Pitt star becomes the centerpiece of DeMeco Ryans’ defense.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO) – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
I know, Eagles fans, I know. The offense was one of the top units in the league in 2023, and it doesn’t *need* a first-round running back added. However, calling Bijan Robinson a running back does his game a disservice.
Robinson is one of the best pass catchers in the 2023 NFL Draft and is the most elusive runner in the class. He exhibits elite vision, impeccable patience, and the ability to handle a full workload as a rookie. Philly adds another game-changing weapon to the fold.
11. Seattle Seahawks (via TEN) – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Last year, the Seahawks added Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant on day three of the draft. In this mock draft, after trading down, Seattle uses a premium pick to round out the cornerback room. Joey Porter Jr. boasts the length, physicality, and scheme versatility that Pete Carroll demands from his corners.
12. Houston Texans (via CLE) – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The first wide receiver off the board can replace Brandin Cooks in Houston. With Cooks expected to be moved this offseason, Zay Flowers can assume the top spot on the depth chart and give whoever lines up behind center a steady target capable of taking any touch to the house.
13. New York Jets – Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
Peter Skoronski is a top-ten player on my big board, making this value too good to pass up for New York. The Jets have struggled to stay healthy on the offensive line, and Skoronski gives the unit a guy that can play at any of the five positions when called upon.
14. New England Patriots – Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Patriots need a starting offensive tackle opposite Trent Brown. Paris Johnson Jr. is graded as a left tackle by most — myself included — but he has played on the right side of the line before at guard. Plug Johnson into right tackle and allow him to move back to the blind side if Brown moves on next offseason.
15. Green Bay Packers – Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa
Lukas Van Ness tested like an alien at the Combine, and in this mock draft, he winds up in Wisconsin with the Packers. Van Ness grew up playing hockey and is familiar with the cold of the midwest; he will line up in multiple spots on the defensive line.
16. Washington Commanders – Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The drop finally ends for Will Levis. Seemingly every season, at least one quarterback falls farther than expected. In this mock draft, Levis drew the short stick.
As an NFL prospect, Levis has room to grow, but the upside is clear to see. The Commanders have floated the idea of starting Sam Howell, but if the Kentucky signal-caller is still available at No. 16, River Boat Ron should take the shot.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Perhaps the most impressive performer at the NFL Combine was Georgia’s, Nolan Smith. Smith ran faster than most players in attendance — regardless of position. He meshes perfectly with TJ Watt and could form the most fearsome pass-rushing duo in the league.
18. Detroit Lions – Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
The Lions started fixing the defense earlier in the mock draft; now it is time for a building block in the middle. Alim McNeill is an above-average nose tackle, and drafting Bryan Bresee will make life easier for everyone. The Clemson star creates pressure from the interior and takes attention away from the edge rushers, freeing them up for more sacks and pressures.
19. Tampa Bay Bucs – Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Bucs released starting left tackle Donovan Smith this week, opening up a gargantuan hole on the left side of the offensive line. Broderick Jones is raw, but he is capable of starting as a rookie. He’s an elite run blocker and still ascending in pass protection.
20. Seattle Seahawks – Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
I’ve said a few times that “so and so” had arguably the best NFL Combine performance, but for my money, nobody changed their narrative more than Adetomiwa Adebawore. The Northwestern defender ran a sub-4.5 40-yard dash at 280+ pounds.
Even Albert Einstein would say that feat is physically impossible. Adebawore’s best football is still ahead, and he has “Seattle Seahawks” written all over him. Pete Carroll continues assembling the Legion of Boom Part Two by adding a player that can collapse pockets regularly.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
While Jaxon Smith-Njigba is not the blazer that Chargers fans are pining for, he is a terrific fit nonetheless. A player as agile as JSN will continue creating after the catch in the NFL and is the optimal replacement for Keenan Allen — whether that is in 2023 or beyond. One of my favorite prospect-team pairings in this mock draft.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Lamar Jackson’s future with Baltimore is in question, but regardless of who plays quarterback in 2023, another receiver is required. Quentin Johnston is a big play specialist that can win downfield and with the ball in his hands. Johnston-Bateman-Andrews makes for a tantalizing trio of pass catchers.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
The Vikings have Andrew Booth Jr. and Cameron Dantzler, but Minnesota cannot keep counting on Patrick Peterson to beat Father Time. Emmanuel Forbes boasts the best ball skills in the class and possesses the moxie necessary to hold up on an island. He is an immediate shot in the arm to the secondary.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
The Jaguars might look to the offensive line here, but with Brian Branch making it to No. 24 in this mock draft, the front office should waste little time sending in the card. Branch is an elite slot defender and displays the range to play deep as a safety.
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.
2023 Mock Draft: Round 2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (via CHI) – Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
33. Houston Texans – Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
34. Arizona Cardinals – DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
35. Chicago Bears (via IND) – Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
36. Los Angeles Rams – BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
37. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN) – Byron Young, EDGE, Tennessee
38. Las Vegas Raiders – Keion White, DL, Georgia Tech
39. Houston Texans (via CAR) – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
40. New Orleans Saints – Jordan Addison, WR, USC
41. Tennessee Titans – Matthew Bergeron, OL, Syracuse
42. Cleveland Browns – Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
43. New York Jets – Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
44. Atlanta Falcons – Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
45. Green Bay Packers – Sydney Brown, DB, Illinois
46. New England Patriots – Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
47. Washington Commanders – Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
48. Detroit Lions – Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M
49. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
50. Tampa Bay Bucs – Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
51. Miami Dolphins – Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
52. Seattle Seahawks – John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
53. Chicago Bears (via BAL) – Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
54. Los Angeles Chargers – Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
55. Detroit Lions (via MIN) – Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
56. Jacksonville Jaguars – Joe Tippmann, OL, Wisconsin
57. New York Giants – Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
58. Dallas Cowboys – Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
59. Buffalo Bills – Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
60. Cincinnati Bengals – Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
61. Carolina Panthers (via SF) – Derrick Hall, DL, Auburn
62. Philadelphia Eagles – Quan Martin, DB, Illinois
63. Kansas City Chiefs – Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma