Halfway through the college football and NFL seasons, the time is ripe for another 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Countless changes have occurred at both the collegiate and professional levels, and our perception of the 2023 NFL Draft and what it can be has changed with them. If the draft were to happen today, how might the board fall into place?
2023 3-Round NFL Mock Draft | Round 1
A tier of blue-chip talent is starting to separate itself at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft group. But which draft prospects make their way into the top 10? After reading this mock draft, be sure to fill out your own using the PFN Mock Draft Simulator.
Note: This draft order is current as of Saturday, Nov. 6.
1) Detroit Lions: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
When two quarterbacks are as close as C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young for QB1, sometimes size can be the deciding factor. Stroud’s frame gives him more security, but he’s also a very exciting prospect in his own right.
No quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft operates better within structure than Stroud, but he also has enough athleticism to work the pocket and the arm talent to layer throws into microscopic windows. Stroud, with Detroit’s weapons and blocking, could grow to be an elite NFL QB.
2) Houston Texans: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The numbers are better than they were. They’re still not quite at a top-three-pick level on the surface. But if Quentin Johnston continues to produce and grow in 2022, this is how high he can go off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Johnston has an exceedingly uncommon blend of physical tools. At 6’4″, 215 pounds, he has the size, length, and catch-point authority of a posterizing alpha receiver, but also the explosiveness, sudden twitch, and agility of a player at least four inches shorter. This is the kind of dominating physical profile you bet on early — very early.
3) Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The size concern will hang over Bryce Young‘s head throughout the draft process — and it does have some merit. It’s fair to wonder if a 5’11”, 185-pound signal-caller might struggle to hold up against constant contact at the NFL level.
All this being said, Young doesn’t have an extensive injury history with his frame. And under pressure, he’s consistently shown a steely, undying resolve that few QBs have — both at the collegiate and NFL levels. Add in his elite creation capacity and instincts in high-pressure situations, and Young indeed has franchise potential.
4) Pittsburgh Steelers: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
People will nitpick the production dip in 2022. And in fairness, this season has been a good reminder that Will Anderson Jr. isn’t quite a generational prospect. But very few ever reach that threshold. What Anderson remains is a blue-chip EDGE prospect, with enticing NFL potential.
Anderson doesn’t have great mass, but his blend of elite explosiveness, lateral agility, and unnatural play strength for his size allows him to consistently wreak havoc on the edge. He’s a pass-rushing catalyst from two-point stances and an absolute menace in pursuit with his turbocharged motor.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive line has been impressive at times this season. But multiple key pieces like Arden Key and Dawuane Smoot will be free agents in 2023, and Roy Robertson-Harris is scheduled to hit free agency the following cycle.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Big Board
Jacksonville may need to re-invest on the interior alongside DaVon Hamilton and Folorunso Fatukasi. So why not add Travon Walker’s college teammate, who boasts similarly-exciting top-end tools? With his explosiveness, power, agility, and natural leverage, Jalen Carter can be a wrecking ball alongside the Jaguars’ other defenders.
6) Las Vegas Raiders: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Raiders have a lot of fine tuning to do this coming offseason, and much of it starts in the trenches. The offensive line has been especially underwhelming this year. Injuries have played a hand in that, but more talent is also needed. With Olumuyiwa Fashanu, they get the best of the best.
Until December, Fashanu is just 19 years old. But already, he’s a blue-chip OT prospect — a high-level two-phase blocker with explosiveness, stellar corrective athleticism, and foot speed, length, power, and natural leverage. He may need to transition to right tackle in this scenario, but Kolton Miller also has the RT experience to keep Fashanu on the left side.
7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
No one truly knows what to expect with the Buccaneers right now. Tom Brady has been invincible for over two decades. But this slump feels a little different — like it might be the beginning of the end. Whether Brady leaves or returns for another year, Tampa Bay has to have an eye on QB talent, especially if they’re picking this early.
As a prospect, Will Levis still has a lot to clean up. Ideally, Brady does re-sign for another season, so Levis can learn under him. But when a QB comes around with Levis’ athleticism and size, elite arm strength, and resilient play style, it’s a perfect combination to earn a chance from an NFL team.
8) Philadelphia Eagles (From NO): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
A running back in the top 10 of any 2023 NFL Mock Draft feels like an absurdity at this point — a relic of the past. But this year, it might not be. The Eagles are one team who can afford to take this luxury. And Bijan Robinson is one RB prospect who’s worth the price.
We can start with Robinson’s near-generational creative instincts and elite short-area fluidity at 6’0″, 220 pounds. But elite running ability aside, Robinson is also an able pass blocker and a high-level receiving threat with a defined route tree and legitimate extension ability at the catch point. He’s the blue-chip RB who makes this pick reasonable.
9) Houston Texans (From CLE): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
The Texans have very little in the way of true security on the edge. Jerry Hughes has been solid, but he’s a veteran whose days are numbered. Houston needs to use the early-round capital they have to add a blue-chip EDGE player. Myles Murphy is that guy in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft.
Murphy stands at 6’5″, 275 pounds, with a truly uncommon blend of burst, power, and foot speed. Some athletes just move different at their size, and Murphy is one of those players. His tools can be overwhelming, but he’s also shown TO stack moves off long arms and bull rushes on the outside.
10) Seattle Seahawks (From DEN): Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Seahawks have a key piece at linebacker in Jordyn Brooks. Alongside him, however, there’s not a stable piece to join him at the second level. Trenton Simpson gives Seattle another high-end LB talent and provides exciting schematic flexibility for a young, up-and-coming defense.
At 6’3″, 230 pounds, Simpson has good size and length, to couple with exceptional range at the second level. Yet, he’s also fluid, agile, and quick enough as a processor to play at a vast allotment of different positions, and his flexibility can free up other defenders to play fast and make plays.
11) Arizona Cardinals: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
To this point, 2022 hasn’t been the dominating season that some expected from Kelee Ringo. The Bulldogs defender has just 17 tackles, two tackles for loss, and three deflections through eight games. But the passive tape is promising, and the traits remain of the highest echelon.
On many reps, Ringo’s size and smooth athleticism combine to close off windows entirely on the boundary. For a rocked-up 6’2″, 210-pound cornerback, he’s fluid and free as an accelerator. His blend of tools, combined with his physicality in press, can be nightmare fuel for WRs at the next level.
12) Chicago Bears: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
The trade of Roquan Smith to the Ravens was a necessary move for the Bears, who aren’t in position to compete just yet. However, that move, while it earned them vital draft capital, also left them with a notable void at linebacker. They can fill it in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft by taking Noah Sewell.
Sewell doesn’t quite have the elite range that Smith does, and he’s not as natural in coverage. But Sewell is a rare size-speed player at 6’3″, 250 pounds. He’s explosive at the second level, both laterally and coming downhill. With his size and strength, he can stack and shed in space, and envelop ball carriers as a tackler.
13) Green Bay Packers: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
It doesn’t always get its due, but the interior defensive line is one of the most important position groups in football. Kenny Clark does his part for the Packers, but Devonte Wyatt has gotten off to a slow start. Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed, meanwhile, are both scheduled to hit the open market after this year.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Shrine Bowl Prospect Roundup
There’s a case for Green Bay to keep investing on the interior. And in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Bryan Bresee provides great value. Bresee brings the same elite explosiveness and lateral agility that Wyatt brought, but he does it at 6’5″, 305 pounds, with intimidating length and play strength.
14) Detroit Lions (From LAR): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Now that the Detroit Lions have traded T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings, they’re essentially the floor for Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer at 14th overall. Detroit’s early-round résumé at TE isn’t great outside of Hockenson, but Mayer has the tools to be a terrific investment.
Mayer doesn’t have the flash of Kyle Pitts or future prospect Brock Bowers. But his athleticism and foot speed are definite strengths. Beyond that, he’s an exceedingly well-rounded player with the feel as a route runner, high-end catching instincts and hand strength, and reliability in clutch moments.
15) Indianapolis Colts: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
There are several quarterbacks worth considering on the board here for Indianapolis. But none of them match the caliber of prospect that Paris Johnson Jr. is. Quarterback is the most important position, no doubt, but tackle is one of those premier spots where blue-chip talent can be hard to pass up.
In his first season as a collegiate OT, Johnson has expectedly shown flashes of dominance. With his explosiveness and power, he’s a road-grader on the ground, with the high-end physical tools to erase edge rushers in pass protection. Add in his versatility, and he’d be invaluable to the Colts and whoever their QB ends up being.
16) Cincinnati Bengals: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Chidobe Awuzie is out for the season with a torn ACL, and Eli Apple will be a free agent in 2023. The latter stages of the 2022 season may unearth a familiar need at cornerback for the Bengals. Luckily, they’re entering a 2023 NFL Draft cycle that’s flush with CB talent.
Midway through Round 1 in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Joey Porter Jr. stands out as an optimal value addition. At 6’2″, Porter has smothering length and physicality at the line, but he’s also impressively fluid for his size and is an elite producer at the catch point.
17) New England Patriots: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
As much as the contrary feels reasonable, Devin McCourty won’t be around forever. When he leaves, the Patriots will need another versatile defensive back alongside Kyle Dugger to take his place. Few prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft have a better chance at filling those shoes than Brian Branch.
Branch excels as the slot defender in Alabama’s defense. In the box, he’s an urgent player who explodes downhill upon seeing plays, and he has the twitch and agility to match in coverage as well. Beyond that, Branch plays in space and keeps a steady backpedal. His energy is a fusing element for a secondary.
18) Washington Commanders: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
The Commanders have enjoyed the breakout of Benjamin St-Juste this season. The Minnesota product has been quietly exceptional and has the ability to play in the slot and on the boundary. That said, Washington could use another versatile CB to pair with him.
Clark Phillips III doesn’t have the same size that St-Juste does, and that’ll be his biggest knock. It’s also one of his only knocks. Phillips is a sticky athlete with a dog mentality in coverage. He’ll plaster himself to receivers wherever he lines up and contest at the catch point with grating physicality and elite playmaking instincts.
19) Atlanta Falcons: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
The Falcons were able to get Arnold Ebiketie in Round 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft. But there’s still room for them to add more talent in their edge-rushing rotation. At 19 overall in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Isaiah Foskey is a tough talent to pass up.
Foskey hasn’t been quite as consistent this season, both as a pass rusher and a run defender. He still possesses a high-end combination of explosiveness, twitch, length, and functional strength. Foskey’s motor always runs hot, and with his hyperactive brand of athleticism, he’s meant to attack from two-point stances.
20) Denver Broncos (From SF Via MIA): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
We’ll talk about the Let’s Ride era later. At some point, the Broncos might need to have a conversation at quarterback. But no matter what happens to them at QB, the man under center will need improved play from the offensive tackles. At 20, it makes sense to invest in upside with Broderick Jones.
Jones still sometimes struggles with leverage, and he can be a bit over-reliant on two-hand extensions as a pass protector. But overall, he’s been very good in 2022. He’s an elite athlete with high-end power and proportional length, and his mauler mentality helps him set the tone each week.
21) Los Angeles Chargers: Tyree Wilson, DL, Texas Tech
Some fits are just fun to think about, even if they might not ultimately come to fruition. This is one of them. Tyree Wilson might not seem like a true scheme fit on the surface for the Chargers. But get a little creative, and you realize you can do a lot of things with the tools he provides.
At 6’6″, 275 pounds, with arms near 36″, Wilson has absolutely absurd power capacity, and he’s a phenomenal athlete to boot. He’s explosive, has shown more agility this year, and even has some torso bend. Line him up inside, or stand him up as an edge rusher. Either way, Wilson’s power and violent style can break offensive lines in half.
22) Seattle Seahawks: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
I’d like to issue an apology to Geno Smith. In my last 2023 NFL Mock Draft, I didn’t afford him the respect he deserved. We’ve seen enough football in 2022 to know that Smith isn’t just a flash in the pan — he’s a legitimately good NFL QB. And now, it’s time to let him cook.
MORE: Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft
Speed is always a massive accelerant for 2023 NFL Draft prospects who have it. Jalin Hyatt has speed in truly elite quantities. He’s a true field-stretcher who can carve up defenses with his explosive athleticism and throttle freedom, and he has the ball-tracking ability to convert as well.
23) New York Jets: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
If the Jets are going to compete this year, they likely won’t be in range for a top-end QB prospect. If they’re not in range for one, then they may be forced to stick with Zach Wilson for another year. In that scenario, packing the offense with more weaponry is the way to go — for Wilson or the next QB.
Elijah Moore survived the trade deadline, but his long-term future is uncertain in New York. It might make sense to deal him in the offseason and add a WR with similar jets in Jordan Addison. Addison has wicked route-running potential with his high-end twitch and hip sink, and he’s surprisingly natural at elevating for 50-50 balls down the field.
24) Baltimore Ravens: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
David Ojabo should be an asset for Baltimore in the long run. But veterans Justin Houston and Jason Pierre-Paul are both scheduled to be free agents this coming offseason. Baltimore can still get more talent and depth on the edge. Adding Felix Anudike-Uzomah achieves both outcomes.
Anudike-Uzomah isn’t an elite-size threat, but it’s hard not to be a fan of his game when watching the tape. He has good explosiveness and twitch, along with impressive overall flexibility. He’s also a technician who strings together moves with blistering speed and palpable aggression off the edge.
25) Kansas City Chiefs: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
The last time the Chiefs spent a first-round pick on a running back, it didn’t quite pan out for them. But Jahmyr Gibbs is a different prospect and a player easily worth a Round 1 pick for the team that has the flexibility to perform that luxury.
Gibbs is tailor-made to be a true game-changing threat in the modern NFL. As a runner, he has elite burst and twitch at 5’11”, 200 pounds. But he’s also incredibly instinctive at manipulating angles and functions as an extra receiver on passing downs as well. Gibbs, in the Chiefs’ offense, has an astronomical ceiling.
26) Dallas Cowboys: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Anthony Brown has been solid opposite Trevon Diggs for the Cowboys, but he’ll be a free agent this coming offseason. There’s a sense that Dallas might need to re-stock on high-end talent at the CB position. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Christian Gonzalez allows them to do that.
Gonzalez started off the year on a low note against Georgia, after transferring to Oregon from Colorado. Since then, the 6’2″, 200-pound CB has steadily trended up. Gonzalez is an elite athlete with explosiveness, fluidity, and speed in phase, and he’s visibly improved with both his run support and playmaking at the catch point.
27) New York Giants: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
The Giants are winning in spite of their dearth of talent at wide receiver. It’s a credit to Brian Daboll and what he’s built in such a short time. At some point, the Giants will need a No. 1 WR to build their offense around. Rashee Rice doesn’t always get that kind of recognition, but he absolutely qualifies.
Rice brings the “my ball” mentality to a whole new level. With his instincts and play strength, he’s a dominant player at the catch point. At the same time, Rice is a twitched-up athlete at 6’2″, 203 pounds, with the agility and density to be a superb RAC threat. He’s a three-level weapon with the edge of a true alpha.
28) Tennessee Titans: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Titans aren’t in dire straits on the edge. Bud Dupree is a solid, if slightly overpaid, player. And while Harold Landry III will be returning from a torn ACL, he’s a stellar producer when healthy. Still, EDGE isn’t a position to under-stock at, and Tennessee can add more, especially with Landry’s long-term status uncertain.
Late in Round 1 of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Jared Verse gives Tennessee a natural fit at 3-4 outside linebacker. Verse has good size and length, but his combination of athletic tools is what makes his profile so appealing. He has the burst, bend, and pursuit speed to be a constant threat in the pocket, and has shown to win with hand usage as well.
29) Minnesota Vikings: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
The Vikings have been one of the league’s biggest surprises so far this year. They have just one loss, with a sense that they haven’t played their best football yet. Even so, there’s always room to keep improving, and a heavy veteran presence on the edge may dictate another early-round investment in April.
Late in Round 1 of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, BJ Ojulari makes a ton of sense for the Vikings. At 6’3″, 245 pounds, he fits the mold of a Vic Fangio-style edge rusher in Ed Donatell’s scheme. He’s explosive, extremely agile, and a true stressor laterally, who also has the strong, amped-up hands to pry through lanes and explode into pursuit.
30) Buffalo Bills: Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M
The loss of Micah Hyde to a neck injury earlier this season was a foreboding reminder for the Bills. Eventually, they won’t have the safety duo of Hyde and Jordan Poyer anymore. Both players will be 32 years old ahead of next season. Thus, it’s time for Buffalo to get someone to develop in the wings.
It’ll take some creativity to get the most out of Antonio Johnson, who hasn’t been quite as consistent this year and primarily has experience as a big slot. But Johnson is a spidery 6’3″, 200-pound defender with an elite explosiveness-length combination, and his tenacious physicality can make him an imposing threat for offenses.
31) Philadelphia Eagles: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Eagles’ roster is so strong and well-rounded, it’s difficult to decide what to add at this point in our 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Cornerback is one position that makes sense, as a future investment. Darius Slay and James Bradberry are both playing at an incredibly high level still, but age is a looming threat for both.
At the tail end of Round 1, Cam Smith makes sense as an add for the future at CB. Smith has solid traits, with above-average length, great explosiveness, and the fluidity to carry receivers upfield. But he’s also physical, incredibly instinctive as a playmaker, and has the versatility to play the slot and the boundary.
2023 3-Round NFL Mock Draft | Round 2
32) Detroit Lions: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Adding Stroud at QB gives Detroit a massive facelift on offense, but you can never have enough weapons for your young passer. Josh Downs adds even more speed to an offense counting on Jameson Williams’ eventual return, and Downs can slice through defenses with throttle control as well.
33) Houston Texans: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
With a change on the horizon at center and a young QB still developing in Davis Mills, it makes sense for the Texans to take the top overall center at this point. On our board, that’s John Michael Schmitz — the Minnesota mauler with athleticism, overwhelming strength, and natural lean.
34) Pittsburgh Steelers: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
Questions will linger about Peter Skoronski‘s arm length and how it might impact his projection. But for the Steelers, he can be a safety blanket across the line with his athleticism and play strength, but also his quick instincts and consistent technique.
35) Jacksonville Jaguars: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Rome Odunze doesn’t yet have the early-round hype, but he has the talent to go this high if he declares. Even at 6’3″, 201 pounds, he’s an incredibly smooth athlete with a dynamic element and a reliable skill set as a separator. He’d be an asset for Trevor Lawrence.
36) Carolina Panthers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Jaxon Smith-Njigba doesn’t quite have the high-level athleticism to lock in a spot in Round 1 amidst injuries. Early in Round 2, he’d be a steal for a team in search of a steady slot weapon with high-end route nuance and elite catching instincts.
37) Las Vegas Raiders: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Even with all his imperfections, Anthony Richardson would still be an early-round pick if he declared today. The combination of elite athleticism and arm talent is too enticing. For a team like Las Vegas, which may have a reset on the horizon, he’s worth the gamble here.
38) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
Julio Jones is only a rental for Tampa Bay, and Mike Evans is getting older. It makes sense to add a new wave of size in the receiving corps. At 6’3″, 215 pounds, with awesome strength at the catch point and surprising separation ability, Cedric Tillman keeps the chains moving.
39) Cleveland Browns: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
There’s still more growing to do for Gervon Dexter. But the flashes of early-round talent have come time and time again this season. Leverage remains a concern, but Dexter has grown-man strength on the interior, and with his length and burst, he can drive open lanes attacking vertically.
40) Seattle Seahawks (From DEN): O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
Gabe Jackson and the Seahawks might soon part ways. Jackson’s contract was recently reworked, and he has an out in 2023. If the aging Jackson leaves in the near future, O’Cyrus Torrence is a candidate to replace him with his raw strength, power, and aggression on the interior.
41) Arizona Cardinals: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Arizona will eventually need to replace Kelvin Beachum at right tackle. Dawand Jones might not just be a replacement, but also an upgrade. Prospects with Jones’ size (6’8″, 356) can sometimes be trepidatious. But even though he’s an outlier, Jones has shown to channel his dominating power and strength with proper leverage, footwork, and discipline.
42) Pittsburgh Steelers (From CHI): Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
The Steelers may ultimately need to revamp their interior defensive line in the near future. But for the time being, improving at nose tackle to help free up Cameron Heyward and DeMarvin Leal is most imperative. With his dominating strength and rare athleticism for his size, Siaki Ika is the Steelers’ best bet to shore up the 0-tech.
43) Green Bay Packers: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Making a draft selection is all about managing risk and maximizing reward. There’s a lot of risk that comes with Kayshon Boutte. But at this point, his talent is too much to pass on for the Packers, who often crave the athleticism and frame density he provides.
44) New Orleans Saints: Cameron Ward, QB, Washington State
Much like Richardson, it’s not a lock that Cameron Ward declares. Even if he does, questions of refinement and maturity may push him down the board. For a team in QB limbo like New Orleans, a passer like Ward — who has enticing short-area twitch and arm elasticity — is worth the bet midway through the second round.
45) Los Angeles Rams: Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State
Cooper Beebe isn’t often mentioned as one of the best guards in the 2023 NFL Draft class, but he should be. He’s been phenomenal on the interior for Kansas State after transitioning over from tackle. With his size, power, natural bend, and physicality through the whistle, Beebe can help stabilize the Rams’ line, while adding an extra physical edge.
46) Indianapolis Colts: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
In all likelihood, Hendon Hooker doesn’t fall to this point. But if prospects like Richardson and Ward declare, the extra 4-5 years of developmental real estate could weigh the odds against Hooker. Nevertheless, Hooker has starting talent and has proven he can operate in structure at a high level. For the Colts, he offers an exciting opportunity to compete early with young QB talent.
47) New England Patriots: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
We still need to see Eli Ricks stack good weeks before we place him back in Round 1. But his showing against Mississippi State was an incredibly promising step in the right direction. At his best, Ricks has the length, physicality, and ball skills to be a lockdown cornerback — the kind of player that Bill Belichick can maximize on the boundary.
48) Washington Commanders: LaDarius Henderson, G, Arizona State
Andrew Norwell looks to be past his prime on the interior. And soon, the Commanders may look for an upgrade. LaDarius Henderson needs more refinement before he reaches his ceiling, but he has an incredibly exciting combination of initial explosiveness, power, and mauling physicality.
49) Cincinnati Bengals: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
In a crowded race for TE2 behind Mayer, Dalton Kincaid is starting to pull away. The 6’4″, 240-pound Utah star has 46 catches for 614 yards and seven scores so far this year and racked up 234 yards against USC a couple week ago. He’s a fluid athlete with speed and bend at his size, but he also has rare instincts at the catch point and gives his all as a blocker.
50) Carolina Panthers (From SF): Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
Christian McCaffrey leaves big shoes to fill for Carolina’s next RB selection, but Tank Bigsby can be a stellar player in his own way. At 6’0″, 213 pounds, he’s a very complete runner with high-end twitch, vision, play speed, and horizontal freedom.
51) Atlanta Falcons: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
This is a tremendous pick for the Falcons, who get a tackle who’s had some first-round hype so far this cycle. Anton Harrison has the athleticism and power to be a high-level starter and has shown more than a few flashes of calculated, independent hand usage.
52) Los Angeles Chargers: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
There’s something to be said about cornerbacks who produce at the catch point year in and year out, and no one has done it more consistently than Emmanuel Forbes at the collegiate level. Forbes’ ability to generate turnovers with his length, athleticism, and instinctive feel is near unmatched, and it’s an ability worth investing in here.
53) New York Jets: Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama
One of the most underrated tackles in the 2023 NFL Draft might be Tyler Steen — which is odd considering the school he plays for. Steen can stand to play more controlled, but he has the size, foot speed, physicality, and knee bend to be a solid starter, for a team that needs just that.
54) Miami Dolphins: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
The 2023 NFL Draft RB class is a mix-and-match of tremendous fits within the Miami offense, but Blake Corum might be the best fit of the bunch. With his anticipatory vision and explosiveness at 5’8″, 210 pounds, Corum can carve through lanes and grind out yards with terrifying efficiency in Mike McDaniel’s scheme.
55) Seattle Seahawks: Drew Sanders, OLB, Arkansas
A breakout star of the 2022 season, Drew Sanders has one of the most intriguing skill sets in the 2023 NFL Draft. At 6’5′, 230 pounds, he can rush the edge or play off-ball in space with fluidity and speed. He offers more versatility, for a Seattle defense that’s packed with it.
56) Chicago Bears (From BAL): Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army
Andre Carter II remains an unfinished product in his final season. But the 6’6″, 255-pound edge rusher has an enticing skill set, comprised of high-level burst, bend, and length. Once football is his only focus at the next level, his talent can truly be maximized.
57) Kansas City Chiefs: Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon
Brandon Dorlus is pound-for-pound one of the funnest prospects to watch in the 2023 NFL Draft class. At 6’3″, 285 pounds, he can line up inside or rush the edge from a two-point stance, and use his agility and length to offset tackles with swims and power rushes. His traits-based versatility could be invaluable at the next level.
58) New York Giants: Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
The Giants may need a new center next season. And with Daniel Jones showing growth, the last thing they want to do is complicate the exchange at the snap and the blocking up the middle. Sedrick Van Pran gives New York a young center with decade-long starting potential and the athleticism to be an impact player.
59) Dallas Cowboys: Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State
Under Jim Knowles’ oversight at Ohio State, Tommy Eichenberg has redefined his game. The 6’2″, 235-pound LB has always been explosive and urgent. But now, he’s seeing lanes better, playing faster, and has the disruptive ability at the second level to command early-round interest.
60) Tennessee Titans: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
Taylor Lewan’s time in Tennessee may soon come to end, which means the Titans will need a new LT opposite Nicholas Petit-Frere. Matthew Bergeron has left-right versatility, which can be valuable. But he also has the high-energy athleticism, corrective mobility, and frame to be a quality starter with some development.
61) Detroit Lions (From MIN): Tony Grimes, CB, North Carolina
A former five-star recruit, Tony Grimes has shown bright flashes this season of what he can be. Grimes is only a true junior, so he might not declare. But the 6’0″, 194-pound cornerback has the speed, fluidity, and effortless ball skills to be a steady player on the boundary.
62) Buffalo Bills: Layden Robinson, G, Texas A&M
There’s surprisingly little hype around Layden Robinson to this point. That may be a byproduct of the Aggies’ uninspiring season, but Robinson remains a quality guard prospect. He’s an extremely powerful player at 6’4″, 320 pounds, with impressive initial burst, who can be an absolute finisher in a phone booth.
63) Philadelphia Eagles: Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri
For my money, Isaiah McGuire still doesn’t get talked about enough. The fourth-year senior can disappear sometimes, but he’s been productive over the past two seasons, with 11 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss over that span. He has excellent size at 6’4″, 271 pounds, with near-35″ arms, but also has twitch, some measured bend capacity, and active hands.
2023 3-Round NFL Mock Draft | Round 3
64) Detroit Lions, Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama
Henry To’o To’o is a linebacker with a traditional style, and an enticing blend of explosiveness and proportional length, who can shore up the unit alongside Malcolm Rodriguez.
65) Houston Texans, Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
An undersized but extremely dynamic receiving threat with rare three-level utility for his build, who could blend defenses alongside Quentin Johnston.
66) Jacksonville Jaguars, Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia
Nolan Smith is a hybrid linebacker with high-level ability in run defense, and has the spry, high-energy athleticism to crunch the edge as a pass rusher.
67) New England Patriots, Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
A size-speed freak with an extremely dense 6’2″, 225-pound frame, who can be a weapon underneath and down the field.
68) Pittsburgh Steelers, A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
A.T. Perry is a spider-like receiver at 6’5″, 205 pounds, with outrageous length but also nimble feet and rare instincts at the catch point.
69) Las Vegas Raiders, Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
Mazi Smith is a traits-rich nose tackle with rare athleticism at 6’3″, 337 pounds, who fits Patrick Graham’s desired mold on the interior.
70) Tampa Bay Buccaneers, DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
DJ Turner is a fast, explosive cornerback whose feet move at hyper-speed and whose athleticism fits the Buccaneers’ preferences on the back end.
71) Denver Broncos, Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Darnell Wright is a dominating spectacle at RT, who can use his sheer size, width, and grip strength to suffocate pass rushers at the point.
72) Arizona Cardinals, K.J. Henry, EDGE, Clemson
A former five-star recruit with smooth mobility and hand usage around the apex, and an NFL-ready 6’4″, 255-pound frame.
73) Chicago Bears, Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland
A versatile receiving threat with explosiveness, RAC ability in space, and catching instincts, who complements Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney well.
74) Green Bay Packers, Christopher Smith, S, Georgia
An experienced, versatile, high-IQ defender in the secondary who can patrol space and make plays on the ball, as well as surge downhill and make solo tackles.
75) New Orleans Saints, JL Skinner, S, Boise State
JL Skinner is a major steal at this point in the 2023 NFL Mock Draft, with the high-end athleticism, physicality, and 6’4″, 220-pound size to be a menacing strong safety.
76) Houston Texans, Keion White, DL, Georgia Tech
A versatile, explosive defensive lineman with length, natural leverage acquisition, a hot motor, and projected alignment flexibility.
77) Los Angeles Rams, Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
An entity of power who can slab opposing blockers and pry around the edge with his mix of explosiveness and violent, heavy hands.
78) Denver Broncos, Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
Devon Achane is a true energizer for the Broncos’ offense and one who provides the lightning to Javonte Williams’ power with his burst, twitch, and angle efficiency.
79) Indianapolis Colts, Javion Cohen, G, Alabama
A power plant on the interior with the frame density, proportional length, and physical mindset to complement underrated corrective mobility.
80) Cincinnati Bengals, Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
A consistently productive size speed threat at 6’3″, 205 pounds, who adds vital depth in the Bengals’ receiving corps behind Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd.
81) Miami Dolphins, Al Walcott, DB, Baylor
A physical, high-energy defensive back with length, mass, and explosiveness who has experience at both cornerback and the hybrid STAR position.
82) Atlanta Falcons, Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
Zach Evans is an effortlessly smooth runner in space with the flexibility to carry his explosiveness through cuts and the frame density to finish runs with jarring physicality.
83) Carolina Panthers, DJ Johnson, EDGE, Oregon
An athletic freak with a rare mix of explosiveness, flexibility, length, and displacement potential, who has high-end potential if he can stay healthy.
84) Los Angeles Chargers, Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson
An extremely versatile interior defensive lineman with proportional length, natural leverage acquisition, and impressive change of direction in tight spaces.
85) Miami Dolphins, Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Jordan Morgan is an amped-up athlete at 6’6″ and well over 300 pounds who offers rare comfort with knee bend and leverage acquisition while keeping the tempo up.
86) Seattle Seahawks, Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
A long, violent, and heavy-handed NT with a ruthless arm-over move and immediate utility on all three downs.
87) New York Jets, Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina
A compact, explosive DT prospect with a brisk first step and eye-catching play strength in hand-fighting situations.
88) Baltimore Ravens, Parker Washington, WR, Penn State
A bowling ball after the catch and a smooth operator before it, who marries the two phases with otherworldly instincts and body control at the catch point.
89) Kansas City Chiefs, Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
An explosive, productive edge rusher who brings an exciting combination of natural leverage, flexibility, and proportional length.
90) Dallas Cowboys, Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
Trey Palmer is a high-quality athlete with speed, explosiveness, and smooth control, who’s emerged as a spectacular deep threat after transferring from LSU to Nebraska.
91) New York Giants, Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor
An explosive, long, and powerful defensive tackle whose production doesn’t do justice to how disruptive he can be with his violent hands and natural traits.
92) Tennessee Titans, Tank Dell, WR, Houston
A surgeon in the red zone, with burst, speed, and extremely impressive control on his routes and the production to back up his traits.
93) Minnesota Vikings, Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh
Calijah Kancey is an enigmatic, eccentric mold of defensive lineman, who has the high-end explosiveness, twitch, and proportional length to offset his lack of mass.
94) Buffalo Bills, Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
A true asset as a blocker, with the athletic ability and natural receiving talent to be a steady TE2 at 6’6″, 250 pounds.
95) Philadelphia Eagles, Byron Young, DT, Alabama
Byron Young is a terrific run defender with added upside as a pass rusher who can help stabilize the Eagles’ line in both odd and even fronts.
96) Cleveland Browns, Ali Jennings III, WR, Old Dominion
A hyper-productive catch-point savant with incredibly smooth body control and high-level instincts at 6’2″, 196 pounds.
97) San Francisco 49ers, Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
A fast-flowing playmaker in the secondary with a nose for the ball, who can both rove in coverage and provide urgent support in the box.
98) San Francisco 49ers, Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
Luke Wypler is an undersized but athletic center made for zone-heavy schemes whose ability to square up defenders and carry out assignments impresses as a redshirt sophomore.
99) New York Giants, Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton
An Olympic-caliber speed threat at 6’3″, 200 pounds, who might sneak into Day 2 with his testing this coming spring.