It’s almost time for the NFL Draft!
Check out Jason Pombo & Dylan Saraiva’s Mock Draft!
Jason Pombo
1. Carolina Panthers: QB Bryce Young Alabama
After the Panthers acquired the first-overall pick from the Bears, they elect to go with QB Bryce Young. Despite some questions about his size and frame, Young’s processing skills, accuracy, and quick release set him apart from the rest of this quarterback class. Frank Reich and the new coaching staff in Carolina should be able to set Bryce Young up for success.
2. Houston Texans: DE Will Anderson Jr. Alabama
This pick may come as a surprise, but I think the Texans pass on drafting a quarterback second-overall. Houston grabs the highest rated pass-rusher in the draft to anchor their defense for years to come. While they could look to move this pick, I think they sit back and take the best available player, which will certainly make Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans happy. The Texans pass on a quarterback, which provides plenty of risk…
3. ***TRADE - Las Vegas Raiders: QB CJ Stroud Ohio State
With the Texans passing on a quarterback, the Raiders trade up and acquire this pick from the Arizona Cardinals. The Raiders land a quarterback who was the betting favorite to be the first-pick of the Draft less than a month ago. Stroud’s accuracy and decision-making make him a fit in Josh McDaniels’ offense. While Jimmy Garoppolo is the clear starter in 2023, Stroud will get a chance to grow and develop in an appropriate pace.
4. Indianapolis Colts: QB Anthony Richardson Florida
With some debate about trading up, the Colts elect to sit tight and draft Anthony Richardson at four-overall. Richardson’s athleticism is truly off the charts, making him a prime candidate to be an electric dual-threat quarterback at the next level. Richardson is a perfect fit for new Head Coach Shane Steichen’s offense. He certainly is raw and will need some time, but the Colts grab the quarterback with arguably the highest upside in this Draft.
5. Seattle Seahawks: DE Tyree Wilson Texas Tech
The Seahawks could be a wildcard to draft a quarterback, but I have them landing a dynamic pass-rusher with the fifth-overall pick. His versatility will allow Seattle to mix up their defense, specifically in the front-seven. In a competitive division filled with dynamic players on offense, Wilson will help take the Seahawks defense to the next level.
6. Detroit Lions: CB Devon Witherspoon Illinois
The Lions defense was historically bad in the early part of the 2022 season. But, they were able to turn some of it around in their pursuit of a late push for the playoffs. The Lions ranked 29th in the NFL last season in passing yards, and in points allowed. It’s clear that defense is a priority, even after the selection of Aidan Hutchinson last Draft. The Lions are primed to take arguably the highest-rated cornerback in this Draft class. Devon Witherspoon has a knack for making big plays, despite being slightly undersized for the position. Witherspoon has a high motor and plays with a high intensity level, which will make Head Coach Dan Campbell thrilled.
7. *** TRADE - Arizona Cardinals: CB Christian Gonzalez Oregon
After the Cardinals elected to trade down with the Raiders, they’ll have the seventh selection of this Draft. With holes all over their defense, they go with CB Christian Gonzalez, out of Oregon. Gonzalez is bigger and arguably more athletic than Devon Witherspoon, who was selected one-pick prior. Gonzalez has some high upside, and will give new Head Coach Jonathan Gannon a ball-hawk in the secondary. The Cardinals allowed the most yards after the catch in the NFL in 2022, adding Gonzalez helps the cause in 2023.
8. Atlanta Falcons: DT Jalen Carter Georgia
The off-the-field concerns about Jalen Carter have been a huge story surrounding his draft stock. Carter is arguably the most talented defensive player in this Draft, but he will likely fall to the bottom of the top-ten. The Falcons take a chance and add Carter to their defensive line. Carter is dynamic, and can help Atlanta in both the pass and the run game.
9. Chicago Bears: OT Peter Skoronski Northwestern
The Bears have been busy this offseason as they have been active in both the trade and free agent market. Protecting Justin Fields is a priority, and the Bears elect to go with Peter Skoronski from Northwestern. Fields was sacked 55 times last season, which led the league. Skoronski likely translates as a day-one starter at right tackle, and should project as an anchor for the Bears offensive line for years to come.
10. *** TRADE - Houston Texans: QB Will Levis Kentucky
After passing on a quarterback with the second-overall pick, the Texans move up two draft spots by acquiring this pick from the Eagles. The Texans land their quarterback of the future in Will Levis. The Texans will certainly be scrutinized for passing on both CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson, but they are taking a chance. Levis’ decision-making his certainly a question mark, but Levis has all the physical tools to be a dual-threat quarterback in this league.
11. Tennessee Titans: OT Paris Johnson Jr. Ohio State
As a run-first team, the Titans need to solidify their offensive line unit. Their offensive line was underwhelming in 2022, and is certainly a positional group that could be due for an upgrade. The Titans allowed 39 sacks in 2022. Paris Johnson Jr. projects to be an offensive lineman that could be suitable for the left or right side. While the Titans could look at a quarterback if one were to fall to them, but, going offensive tackle seems like the likelier outcome. I wouldn’t tule out the Titans trading up if someone they like slips.
12. ***TRADE - Philadelphia Eagles: DE Lukas Van Ness Iowa
After the Eagles elected to trade down two spots, they go with the versatile Lukas Van Ness from Iowa. Van Ness can play all over the Eagles defense, which would give them flexibility with some older veterans on the defensive line. The Eagles defense was arguably the league’s best unit in 2022, and adding Van Ness to the mix would only enhance their chances of replicating their 2022 performance.
13. Green Bay Packers: DE Nolan Smith Georgia
With the Packers heading into the season without Aaron Rodgers, there are plenty of question marks about how the offense will look. But, I think the Packers look to add to their defense, after they underachieved in 2022. Smith could ultimately end up being the most explosive pass-rusher in this Draft. The only reason why the Packers could have shot at Smith would be due to injury concerns from other teams. Smith missed the end of the 2022 season with a pec injury. However, the Packers could look to upgrade at offensive line or receiver, but adding Smith here feels like an option that would be too good to pass up.
14. New England Patriots: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Ohio State
The Patriots zig when everyone zags, and I think this will be the case in round one. Their seems to be a lot of question marks and a lot of hesitation about the receivers in this Draft class, but the Patriots strike first and select Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State. Smith-Njigba is a shifty route-runner, who most believe is the highest rated receiver in this Draft. While a lot of analysts project the Patriots to go with an offensive tackle, I think they pass and give Mac Jones another pass-catcher.
15. New York Jets: OT Darnell Wright Tennessee
The Jets could go a number of directions with this pick, but I have them addressing their offensive line. Their offensive line has not been able to stay healthy, but adding Wright to the mix gives them depth. With Aaron Rodgers on his way to New York, keeping him upright is crucial. Wright’s role would be up in the air in 2023, but he certainly could slot in as a future tackle for this team going forward in years to come
16. Washington Commanders: CB Joey Porter Jr. Penn State
Joey Porter Jr. feels like a player that Head Coach Ron Rivera would lust over. Porter Jr. would give Washington an outside corner that plays with a high motor in both the pass and the run. The NFC East is littered with dynamic offenses, and adding Porter Jr. would give Washington some major relief in the secondary. There was a time where Porter Jr. was the likely option to be the first cornerback selected in this Draft.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Broderick Jones Georgia
Broderick Jones falling to the Steelers would be a huge win for Pittsburgh. Protecting Kenny Pickett is important, and adding Jones would be an immense help. Despite being considered to still be raw at the position, Jones could grow and develop quickly. The Steelers could look to add a cornerback here, but with Porter Jr. being off the board, Broderick Jones feels like the no-brainer selection.
18. Detroit Lions: TE Dalton Kincaid Utah
After trading TJ Hockenson at the trade deadline, the Lions take the first tight end off the board in Dalton Kincaid from Utah. Kincaid isn’t unanimously considered to be the first tight end taken, but he has all the tools to really take off at the next level. While he needs to improve as a blocker, he really acts as a big receiver that will prove to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Myles Murphy Clemson
The Bucs are clearly in rebuilding mode after Tom Brady’s retirement. They have holes in a number of different positions, but I think they may look to add some help to their aging front-seven. While drafting an offensive tackle could present as an option, Murphy’s talent and upside would entice the Bucs,
20. ***TRADE - Dallas Cowboys: RB Bijan Robinson Texas
The Cowboys move up six-spots and pick the sliding running back, Bijan Robinson. The Cowboys move up and the Seahawks move down. Bijan Robinson is the best running back in this draft class, with loads of upside as both a runner and a pass-catcher. But, with the position not being as valuable as it once was, I could see Robinson being the biggest faller in this draft. Everyone knows that Jerry Jones and the Cowboys aren’t afraid to make a splash, or to take a chance. Robinson and Tony Pollard would constitute as arguably the best backfield in the NFL. If Robinson slides, don’t be surprised if Jerry Jones and the Cowboys look to make a move.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Jordan Addison USC
The Chargers have some needs on both sides of the ball, but I think they go with adding to the receiver position. Keenan Allen is aging and Mike Williams isn’t dependable. The Chargers need to put up points in the AFC West, and adding Jordan Addison would give the Chargers another dynamic weapon. Addison is playmaker that would give the Chargers a down field threat. If the Chargers want to maximize Justin Herbert while he’s still on his rookie deal, surrounding him with playmakers is important.
22. Baltimore Ravens: CB Deonte Banks Maryland
The Ravens could go in a couple of different directions here, but I have them electing to bolster their secondary with their first-round pick. Marcus Peters is a free agent, and likely will not return to Baltimore, so replacing him with Banks makes sense. Banks is a physical cornerback, who likely projects as a day one starter for the Ravens defense. Going with a wide receiver here is tempting, but I think the Ravens look to hold out until day two of the NFL Draft.
23. Minnesota Vikings: S Brian Branch Alabama
The Vikings could be a candidate to trade out of this pick, but I have them selecting the first safety off the board, Brian Branch. His versatility sets him apart, as he is equally lethal in the pass and in the run game. The Vikings would be thrilled if Branch falls this far into the first-round. New Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores would utilize Branch in a number of different ways. Some believe that the Vikings could be sleepers to take a quarterback early on, as Kirk Cousins is entering the final season of his current contract. But, I just can’t envision the Vikings taking a quarterback at the end of the first-round, especially coming off of a 13-4 season.
24. TRADE*** - Kansas City Chiefs: WR Zay Flowers Boston College
The Chiefs move up from #31 to select WR Zay Flowers, and the Jaguars collect draft capital and move down to pick #31. The Chiefs have been linked to numerous veterans at the wide receiver position, but haven’t been able to truly upgrade. Flowers and the Chiefs are a perfect match. His quickness and versatility make him a perfect fit for the Chiefs offense. Last week Flowers had a private throwing session with Patrick Mahomes, so I’m banking on the Chiefs trading him up to get their guy.
25. New York Giants: CB Emmanuel Forbes Mississippi State
The Giants could look to target a wide receiver or a tight end here, but I think they ultimately look for a defensive back in the first-round. Emmanuel Forbes has a knack for finding the football as he had six interceptions last season. There are some question marks about his frame, but he would quickly help a Giants secondary that will need to deal with Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott four-time next season.
26. ***TRADE - Seattle Seahawks: QB Hendon Hooker Tennessee
After trading down with the Cowboys, the Seahawks roll the dice and go with Hendon Hooker. Despite Geno Smith agreeing to a contract extension, the selection of Hooker makes sense. He’s currently rehabbing an ACL injury, and could miss the early-part of the 2023 next season. Hooker could grow, rehab, and develop while Geno Smith handles the reigns in 2023. Hooker’s draft status has been all over the board, but if he still is sitting there in the latter part of the first-round, a team like the Seahawks would be a perfect match.
27. Buffalo Bills: WR Quentin Johnston TCU
Similar to the Chiefs, the Bills have been in the wide receiver market all offseason. They could be a candidate for a trade-up, but if Quentin Johnston is their at pick #27, I think they’ll take him. Johnson would give the Bills a vertical threat go compliment guys like Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. The Bills need some more firepower have back-to-back disappointing finishes, Johnston fits the bill.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Michael Mayer Notre Dame
The Bengals take arguably the highest-rated tight end in Michael Mayer. I could see him falling to the Bengals, giving Joe Burrow another offensive weapon. Mayer is a solid-blocker, and plays with a high motor on every single play. It’s unclear if the Bengals will be able to retain Tee Higgins next offseason, so adding another pass-catcher for Joe Burrow makes a lot of sense.
29. New Orleans Saints: DT Calijah Kancey Pittsburgh
The Saints should be in prime position to address their defensive line with their first-round pick. Replacing Marcus Davenport will take a group effort, but adding Calijah Kancey to the mix is a good first step. Along with being a run-stuffer, Kancey should be able to help the Saints in the pass-game as a pass-rusher. He’s a little undersized, but I could see Dennis Allen adding Kancey to the mix if he’s there at #29.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: RB Jahmyr Gibbs Alabama
After adding a versatile pass-rusher, the Eagles add a dynamic ball-carrier in Jahmyr Gibbs. The Eagles are getting a running back who many believe is one of the most underrated players in the Draft. The Eagles exit the first-round landing two players that should be impact players on day one of the 2023 season,
31. *** TRADE - Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Will McDonald IV Iowa State
After trading down with the Chiefs, the Jaguars elect to address their pass-rush with their first-pick. Will McDonald IV should be a pass-rusher that helps the Jaguars on day-one. They struggled against the pass last season, so enhancing their pass-rush seems like a logical decision. The Jaguars could look to target some help with their secondary, but ultimately they elect to target some help with their front-seven.