2023 NFL Mock Draft: D.J. Uiagalelei a name to remember

2023 NFL Mock Draft | Round 1, Picks 17-32

Without further ado, here is the final half of the 2023 first round.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

Honestly, with Justin Herbert at quarterback, the Chargers should be hedonists when adding weapons on offense. Herbert can engineer an explosive offense, and Kayshon Boutte is about as explosive as they come. The LSU wide receiver figures to be the next product of the school’s receiver factory with his quickness, separation, and slippery YAC ability.

18. New England Patriots: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

The days of first-round running backs are fading, but as long as Bijan Robinson keeps producing, he won’t be a victim of changing times. Robinson is a beast, no cap. At 6-foot-0 and 222 pounds, he has incredible size. Robinson couples that with elite explosiveness, contact balance, elusiveness, and tenacity. He’s also incredibly intuitive when following holes, and he can freeze the entire field with subtle movements.

19. Dallas Cowboys: Malachi Moore, DB, Alabama

In a perfect world, Trevon Diggs, Kelvin Joseph, and Nahshon Wright form a new, exciting young core in Dallas’ secondary. Yet, we don’t live in a perfect world, and it won’t be perfect in 2023. At the very least, the Cowboys may need more high-upside talent and versatility, and that’s what Malachi Moore provides. Moore can play cornerback and safety, and he has the ball skills to contribute wherever he plays.

20. Miami Dolphins: Jadon Haselwood, WR, Oklahoma

The Dolphins will have two first-round picks in 2023 after trading the No. 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers. Thus, they’ll have some flexibility regarding how they use these picks. At this point, Jaylen Waddle will probably be drawing the defense’s attention, so another young receiver could help alleviate that pressure and free up the field. With his dynamic ability and zeal, Jadon Haselwood serves this purpose well.

21. Tennessee Titans: Trey Wedig, OT, Wisconsin

The Titans are scheduled to lose both starting guards Rodger Saffold and Nate Davis in free agency of 2023. Even if they bring one back, they’ll still have a hole on the line and need to do some shuffling. By adding Trey Wedig in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Tennessee brings more starting upside at tackle. Additionally, the move could allow Dillon Radunz to move to guard, where he projects well.

22. Indianapolis Colts: George Pickens, WR, Georgia

When healthy, George Pickens has all the talent necessary to be WR1 in whichever NFL Draft class he joins. He’s an athletic, acrobatic receiver with plenty of raw playmaking capacity. That said, the ACL tear he suffered earlier this year could delay his timeline a bit. If so, Pickens could be a welcome addition for a team like the Colts in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

23. Seattle Seahawks: Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida

The Seahawks have almost nothing on their interior line, and they can’t afford another reach in Round 1. With any luck, Florida’s Gervon Dexter won’t be a reach at this point. At 6-foot-6, 308 pounds, Dexter is an impressive physical specimen, and he should translate well into a three-technique role at the NFL level.

24. New Orleans Saints: Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan

The Saints love athleticism in their secondary, and they could have some spots to fill in 2023. Daxton Hill could very well be one of the most athletic players in the draft pipeline. As a high school recruit, he tested with a 4.30 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical at 6-foot-1, 187 pounds. Given Michigan’s tendency to misuse top-end talent, his buy-low appeal will be great at this point, and his versatility adds value.

25. Cleveland Browns: Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland

He was once pegged to be a part of LSU’s receiver pipeline. But 2020 top-25 recruit Rakim Jarrett would flip his commitment to Maryland, and he proceeded to drop jaws in his four games as a starter, amassing 17 catches for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jarrett is an incredibly dynamic receiver, but at 6-foot-0, 200 pounds, he also offers good size and density. He can be an offensive catalyst for Cleveland.

26. Miami Dolphins (via SF): Jordan Burch, DL, South Carolina

A top-five recruit in the 2020  class, Jordan Burch was sought after by teams like Alabama, Clemson, and LSU. Instead, he signed with the Gamecocks, hoping to be the next in a descendent line that includes first-round picks Javon Kinlaw and Jadeveon Clowney. At 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, Burch has the athletic profile to fit nicely into Miami’s scheme as a long, disruptive end.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

As Pat Freiermuth leaves to join the Steelers in the NFL, he passes the “Baby Gronk” baton on to Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer. Only this time, Mayer might better match the moniker. As a true freshman in 2020, Mayer logged 42 catches for 450 yards and 2 scores. He’s big, physical, and relentless after the catch. His multi-phase playmaking ability makes him an ideal successor to Mark Andrews.

28. Detroit Lions (via LAR): Troy Omeire, WR, Texas

A lot depends on Troy Omeire’s return from injury, but the young receiver is undoubtedly an elite athletic specimen. Standing at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, he has the size to be a dominant boundary threat. He also has the explosiveness and body control to make plays beyond his raw traits. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, he’s a bit of a wild card, but he no doubt has Round 1 upside.

29. Green Bay Packers: Drew Sanders, LB, Alabama

The Packers could be without Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith by 2023, so they’ll eventually need to recoup their value on the edge. Drew Sanders is a bit of a linebacker/edge hybrid, but he provides oodles of potential here. He’s essentially a do-it-all defender whose physicality and explosiveness could make him a menace in the box, wherever he lines up. He needs to develop, but the upside is sky-high.

30. Buffalo Bills: Marcel Brooks, S, TCU

This is admittedly a bit of a projection — but what isn’t for 2023? Marcel Brooks was one of the top safety prospects in 2019, showing promise early at LSU. But already, he’s transferred to TCU, where he struggled to find a consistent role in 2020. Nevertheless, Brooks is athletic and well-sized, and he could wind up being the right piece in 2023, as the Bills eventually move on from Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jeff Sims, QB, Georgia Tech

As of now, Tom Brady’s current deal is set to expire in 2023. Brady might ultimately unlock the secrets of cryogenic technology by that point, but 2023 can be marked as a solid spot to add a potential successor until he does. Jeff Sims isn’t yet a Round 1 prospect. Regardless, with his elite athleticism and live arm, the former Florida State commit has many necessary traits.