We are just over two weeks from the 2023 NFL Draft, so a fresh two-round mock draft is in order! In this edition, the Titans trade up to No. 5, and the Giants fly up the board to select a game-changing pass catcher.
2-Round NFL Mock Draft: Seahawks Trade Down Twice, Titans Land Will Levis, And More!
1. Carolina Panthers – CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Frank Reich and the Panthers opt for the precise signal-caller out of Ohio State at No. 1 overall. CJ Stroud is the most accurate quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft and possesses the size Reich looks for in a starter behind center. The NFC South should take notice, with Stroud profiling as an immediate difference-maker for the franchise.
2. Houston Texans – Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Bryce Young landing in Houston and changing the franchise’s trajectory is well within the realm of possibility, as the Alabama superstar boasts a rare leadership quality few on this planet can match. Young’s arm talent and mental makeup give new head coach DeMeco Ryans a leader for the offense.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
Jonathan Gannon took over as head coach after an uneventful stint by the previous regime. The defense features a few impact players but is severely lacking in the pass-rushing department. Will Anderson is a productive, twitchy, and reliable pass rusher who should challenge for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
4. Indianapolis Colts – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Colts have been searching for an Andrew Luck replacement since the former No. 1 overall pick surprisingly retired before the 2019 season. Anthony Richardson is not the same kind of prospect as Luck, but his upside is on the same tier. Richardson is a one-of-one athlete at quarterback and has the arm talent necessary to be a top-five player at the position.
A Trade!
Seahawks Send:
•No. 5 overall (1st)
Titans Send:
•No. 11 overall (1st)
•No. 72 overall (3rd)
•Future first-round pick (2024)
5. Tennessee Titans (via SEA) – Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Titans vault up the draft board and snag the final of the ‘big four’ quarterbacks. Will Levis displays awe-inspiring arm strength and creates plays with his legs when necessary. Tennessee sends a few extra picks in return, but Levis gives the franchise what it hoped to find in Malik Willis 12 months ago — optimism.
6. Detroit Lions – Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Even after some shroud signings in free agency, the Lions still need one more piece to finish off the cornerback room. Enter Oregon alum, Christian Gonzalez. The Duck defender oozes potential and owns a physical and athletic profile that could turn him into a lockdown corner as early as year one.
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.
16. Washington Commanders – Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The Commanders need cornerbacks the way peanut butter needs jelly. Deonte Banks is from the area and would not have to move far to join the franchise. Banks reads and reacts well, giving him the ability to stamp his fingerprints all over the game. He must put more consistency on tape, but Banks would start immediately for Ron Rivera’s defense.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The Steelers really hoped one of the top cornerbacks would make it to them, but they cannot force a need here at No. 17. With No. 32 and No. 49 later in the mock draft, Pittsburgh can afford to fill a different need at No. 17 by going with its best available player — Darnell Wright. He can start on either side of the line, so let him compete and see how it shakes out.
18. Detroit Lions – Keion White, DL, Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech’s Keion White carries the label of ‘tweener’, but I think the more appropriate title would be ‘versatile’. White moves seamlessly from the interior all the way to the edge of the line. He is a freaky athlete who gains natural leverage when working blocks, and paired with White’s relentless motor, it results in a first-round prospect.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Paris Johnson Jr., OL, Ohio State
Weird things happen in the NFL Draft every year, and in this mock draft, the Buccaneers benefit from it by seeing Paris Johnson Jr. still available. Tampa Bay released its starting left tackle, Donovan Smith, and has yet to find his successor. Johnson is a superb pass protector who grades out well as a run blocker and should continue improving with more experience.
One More Trade!
Seahawks Send:
•No. 20 overall (1st)
Giants Send:
•No. 25 overall (1st)
•No. 89 overall (3rd)
•Future fourth-round pick (2024)
20. New York Giants (via SEA) – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Giants trade up in front of a few quarterback-needy teams to secure the talents of Jaxon Smith-Njigba. JSN is arguably the best route runner in the class, using suddenness through routes to shake free from defenders and create after the catch. Smith-Njigba gives Brian Daboll a bonafide No. 1 target for Danny Dimes.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Full disclosure, I expect Bijan Robinson to go earlier than this. However, in this mock draft, no one pulled the trigger, resulting in an ideal outcome for Justin Herbert and Co. Austin Ekeler is seeking a trade, but even if the two sides make amends, Robinson possesses an upside that Ekeler lacks. He can catch passes at the same rate while being an infinitely more effective runner. Lock it in if Robinson is available at No. 21 overall.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
After signing Odell Beckham Jr., the Baltimore front office continues adding pieces for whoever its quarterback will be in 2023. Quentin Johnston joins a quartet of Mark Andrews, OBJ, and Rashod Bateman, giving the offense four high-upside pass catchers who complement each other perfectly.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The run on skill positions continues with Jordan Addison coming off the board at No. 23 in this mock draft. The Vikings lost long-time starter Adam Thielen this offseason, and although KJ Osborn shows promise, another pass catcher is needed. Addison is a crafty route runner, winning with subtleness and a deceptive top gear with the ball in his hands.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
The Jaguars need help in a few spots on defense, but perhaps the most glaring hole on that side of the ball is a slot defender. Brian Branch plays the nickel role at an elite level and profiles as a chess piece in the secondary, giving Jacksonville the freedom to deploy him in several ways. The Crimson Tide star is a nice addition to Tyson Campbell and Andre Cisco.
25. Seattle Seahawks (via NYG) – Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Nolan Smith dropping to this point of the mock draft is surprising but not impossible given his lack of size and injury history. However, the Seahawks do what the Seahawks do best by selecting the most talented player on the board and trusting their developmental team in getting the most out of Smith. He is a plus-run defender from day one and has all the traits to be a menace to opposing quarterbacks.
26. Dallas Cowboys – Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Cowboys lost Dalton Schultz via free agency, and lucky for them, the top tight end prospect is still on the board. Michael Mayer is as well-rounded as they come, grading out as a solid blocker and an elite pass catcher during his collegiate career. Another weapon for Dak Prescott.
27. Buffalo Bills – O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida
The Bills must establish a reliable running game soon. The quickest way to do that is by drafting a people-mover on the offensive line. O’Cyrus Torrence possesses exceptional lower-body strength, allowing him to anchor in as a pass protector and bulldoze his assignment as a run blocker.
28. Cincinnati Bengals – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
The defense needs another star cornerback to pair with Cam Taylor-Britt. Emmanuel Forbes can be that star. He exhibits the best ball skills at the position, and although smaller in stature, Forbes rarely looked overmatched in the vaunted SEC. The Mississippi State alum should claim a starting role in training camp.
29. New Orleans Saints – Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
Adetomiwa Adebawore is coming off the board on day one of the 2023 NFL Draft, but the question is: where? In this mock draft, the NFL Combine standout lasts until No. 29 overall before the Saints scoop him up. Keion White brings juice to the defensive front, giving New Orleans a coveted pocket-collapsing pass rusher capable of lining up inside and out.
30. Philadelphia Eagles – Kelee Ringo, DB, Georgia
What a fall from grace for Georgia’s Kelee Ringo. The polarizing defensive back was once considered an early day-one selection, but in this mock draft, he is taken at No. 30 overall by the Eagles. With Philly, Ringo can serve the recently-vacated CJ Gardner-Johnson role as a rookie. His viability as a boundary corner is in question, but as a slot defender, few in the class bring this upside.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh
Another player that has gone as early as No. 10 and as low as mid-second round in mock draft exercises. Calijah Kancey dropped jaws at the NFL Combine, posting speed and explosion numbers that players half his size couldn’t produce. Kancey fits perfectly with the Chiefs and will have the chance to learn under Chris Jones before taking over his role on the line when the veteran decides to hang it up.
NFL Mock Draft: Round 2
32. Steelers – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
33. Texans – Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
34. Cardinals – Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
35. Colts – Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
36. Rams – Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
37. Seahawks – Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
38. Raiders – Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
39. Panthers – Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
40. Saints – Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
41. Titans – Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota St
42. Jets – Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
43. Jets – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, KState
44. Falcons – Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington St
45. Packers – Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
46. Patriots – Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
47. Commanders – Byron Young, EDGE, Tennessee
48. Lions – BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
49. Steelers – Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
50. Buccaneers – Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
51. Dolphins – Steve Avila, G/C, TCU
52. Seahawks – Joe Tippmann, G/C, Wisconsin
53. Bears – Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
54. Chargers – Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
55. Lions – Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
56. Jaguars – Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
57. Giants – Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
58. Cowboys – Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
59. Bills – Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
60. Bengals – Sydney Brown, DB, Illinois
61. Bears – John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
62. Eagles – Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa St
63. Chiefs – Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson