2-Round NFL Mock Draft: Seahawks Trade Down Twice, Titans Land Will Levis, And More!
By Hunter Haas
Another Trade!
Raiders Send:
•No. 7 overall (1st)
Texans Send:
•No. 12 overall (1st)
•No. 65 (3rd)
•No. 73 (3rd)
7. Houston Texans (via LV) – Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
The Texans already landed Bryce Young in this mock draft, and now, DeMeco Ryans and Co. climb back up the board to snag the best defensive player in the 2023 NFL Draft. Carter’s off-the-field issues are valid, but he is the most physically dominant defensive tackle available this year. Carter slots in as the all-impotent 3-tech in Ryans’ newly formed defense.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Tyree Wilson, DL, Texas Tech
A run of quarterbacks resulted in Tyree Wilson falling further than expected. There are no complaints from the Falcons fan base, as Wilson provides the pass-rushing boost the roster is begging for. The Texas Tech lineman is powerful and profiles as a high-end run defender from day one, but is still scratching the surface as a pass rusher.
9. Chicago Bears – Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa
The Bears could reasonably look at the other side of the trenches, but Lukas Van Ness presents a perfect fit for the Matt Eberflus system. Van Ness wins by converting his absurd speed into power, resulting in the best bull rush in the class. The Iowa star can play multiple positions on the defensive front as a rookie.
10. Philadelphia Eagles – Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Eagles’ offensive line helped propel the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance. Well, they are another year older now, and even with a few promising players waiting in the wings, Philly could use another versatile chess piece. Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski can play any position on the offensive line and showcases the best technique from the lineman group.
11. Seattle Seahawks (via TEN) – Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
The Seahawks have more pressing needs than cornerback, but pairing Joey Porter Jr. with Tariq Woolen on the outside would have Seattle set up for years to come. Both possess exceptional length and will push each other to improve every practice.
12. Las Vegas Raiders (via HOU) – Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Raiders miss out on a slew of front seven defenders, and with Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr. off the board, the fan base may start sweating. But have no fear… Devon Witherspoon is here! The thumper at cornerback serves as a stout defender vs. the run and a sticky cover when following receivers downfield. The perfect infusion of energy for a cornerback room lacking it.
13. New York Jets – Broderick Jones, OL, Georgia
When Aaron Rodgers officially joins the Jets, it will become the team’s top priority to protect its investment at quarterback. Broderick Jones would serve as a fearsome tackle duo with Mekhi Becton, providing Rodgers an ample amount of time to work downfield.
14. New England Patriots – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Lately, the Patriots have been more willing to bet on high-end traits, even if they come in smaller packages. Boston College’s Zay Flowers played football in the same region and is set to become the first BC receiver to go in the first two days of the NFL Draft. Flowers is an elite deep-ball threat that creates after the catch and mixes up his route tree well.
15. Green Bay Packers – Myles Murphy, DL, Clemson
Myles Murphy tested magnificently at his Pro Day, causing a stir around social media. The Clemson pass rusher was a mainstay for the Tiger defense, serving as the most effective sack artist on the roster. Murphy’s blend of size, strength, agility, and smarts make him a high-floor option that also owns a sky-high ceiling.