2023 Comprehensive Draft Thread

[Going Commando]

On 2/4/2023 at 10:07 AM, Skinsinparadise said:

With the 2nd TEs its hard, some dudes that looked good to me predraft like Devin Asiasi, Harrison Bryant, etc -- have done nothing in the NFL.  Then you got guys like Isaiah Likely who fit that sort of range of player in college, didn't kill the combine, and he's off to a good start.

 

Bryant was my favorite TE that year, and Likely was one of my favorite last year.  They were both good receivers coming out of college, and if anything, Bryant was probably a better receiver, but he's smaller than Likely.  To me the reason one has had success in the NFL and the other hasn't comes down to opportunity.  Bryant got drafted into a situation where he was the TE3 behind Hooper and Njoku and the Browns are also ultra run heavy + they have two receivers that had to be constantly fed in Beckham/Landry or Cooper/Peoples-Jones.  Nobody is catching a lot of passes in that offense, and there just weren't enough snaps or targets to go around for a TE3 to do anything in that situation.  Same deal for Njoku really, I don't think it's a coincidence that he finally has a modestly good year the moment Hooper left.

 

Meanwhile Likely got drafted into the most TE friendly offense in the league, he got the TE2 job right off the bat, and he also got to play almost 400 TE1 snaps because Andrews misses time.  If you take that many TE1 snaps in that offense, you're going to get the ball thrown your way.

 

It's a dynamic common to other positions in the NFL too.  I loved Isaiah Hodgins as a prospect, but he struggled to find a spot as WR5 on Buffalo's loaded receiver depth chart.  Eventually gets cut and finds his way onto the much thinner Giants depth chart and breaks out.  I don't think he suddenly learned how to catch and run routes, he just needed a situation where he could play.

 

We've got a fairly open TE job here.  There is going to be a real opportunity in camp for a rookie TE to win the TE1 job and breakout, especially for a prospect who is already good like Mayer.

 

I don't think there is a code for any position because so much of NFL success for these guys comes down to them getting lucky enough to end up on a team that can use them.  But the TE prospects I like the best are the ones who are already good receivers in college.  They have a major advantage over the ones who aren't because most of their job in the NFL is running routes and they'll be ready to handle snaps earlier in their careers.  No team really uses six man protections as their base philosophy, that's only for dealing with particular match up issues.  And in the run game, teams are happy with guys who can just get to the inside of the fit and get in the way on outside runs.  They are rarely going to be the key blocks at the point of attack.  Absolutely no TE was ever a star because of his blocking.  Kittle's and Gronk's high level blocking are appreciated, but the reasons they are stars are the thousand yard seasons.  The reason Kelce and Gonzalez are the GOATs are the dynamic receiving ability and relentlessly excellent pass game production they have/had.

[Skinsinparadise]

Brugler

 

 

[Skinsinparadise]

1 hour ago, Going Commando said:

Absolutely no TE was ever a star because of his blocking.  Kittle's and Gronk's high level blocking are appreciated, but the reasons they are stars are the thousand yard seasons.  The reason Kelce and Gonzalez are the GOATs are the dynamic receiving ability and relentlessly excellent pass game production they have/had.

 

No doubt pass catching is king for TEs, I agree.   

 

I do like Y-TEs who can do it all.  Everything being equal.  As Jay Gruden among other have suggested -- if your team lets say has a pure F TE and then an in line blocking TE who doesn't catch well then your personnel groupings can telegraph run-pass.   A TE who can do it all is a really good chess piece.

 

And a good Y TE can obviously help the run game among other things.

[KDawg]

3 minutes ago, Skinsinparadise said:

 

No doubt pass catching is king for TEs, I agree.   

 

I do like Y-TEs who can do it all.  Everything being equal.  As Jay Gruden among other have suggested -- if your team lets say has a pure F TE and then an in line blocking TE who doesn't catch well then your personnel groupings can telegraph run-pass.   A TE who can do it all is a really good chess piece.

 

And a good Y TE can obviously help the run game among other things.

If your TE can’t block he’s not a TE. He’s a receiver. So I agree with you.

[Always A Commander Never A Captain]

2 hours ago, Skinsinparadise said:

 

As Jay Gruden among other have suggested -- if your team lets say has a pure F TE and then an in line blocking TE who doesn't catch well then your personnel groupings can telegraph run-pass.

 

This is obvious stuff that kind of seemed lost on Scott Turner. He ran this package with 2-3 TE's and Cam Sims all the time. Never worked.

[Skinsinparadise]

 

 

[Always A Commander Never A Captain]

3 minutes ago, Skinsinparadise said:

 

 

 

I'm eager for actual game cutups of Ivan Pace, he's got that tenacity in him where he refuses to be blocked by anyone. He's also built like crazy while still being flexible and super agile in tight windows, makes it really hard to push him out of a play. I'm not worried about his height or length at all. He's clearly a pain for taller blockers to get clean hands on, and he tackles with much better form than you'd expect. He wraps up really well.

 

Get a top CB to allow more Man coverage, and give a player like Pace more of a green light to attack the action and the defense is going to be troublesome to play against.

[KDawg]

2 hours ago, Always A Commander Never A Captain said:

 

I'm eager for actual game cutups of Ivan Pace, he's got that tenacity in him where he refuses to be blocked by anyone. He's also built like crazy while still being flexible and super agile in tight windows, makes it really hard to push him out of a play. I'm not worried about his height or length at all. He's clearly a pain for taller blockers to get clean hands on, and he tackles with much better form than you'd expect. He wraps up really well.

 

Get a top CB to allow more Man coverage, and give a player like Pace more of a green light to attack the action and the defense is going to be troublesome to play against.

Pace is going to be a player 

[Chump Bailey]

Top Ten QB’s

 

1. Bryce Young, Alabama
2. CJ Stroud, Ohio State (While he likely played behind the best OL in college and not to mention having one of the best WR’s in Harrison Jr. he still projects well to me)
3. Will Levis, Kentucky
4. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
5. Jake Haener, Fresno State
6. Anthony Richardson, Florida (Physical tools for days, but when your greatest liability is accuracy & processing as a QB, there is no way I am drafting you in the first round. I’d much rather opt for Malik Cunningham)
7. Malik Cunningham, Louisville (Underrated IMO)
8. Max Duggan, TCU
9. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA
10. Clayton Tune, Houston * Logan Bonner, Utah State (may not be the same after ACL but underrated arm)

 

*Tanner McKee, Stanford (way overrated in my book)

*Aidan O’Connell (Initially liked him but think he is going to struggle with INT’s in the NFL)

[Dark Acre]

There's just something about this franchise that shouldn't draft a guy named Herndon Hooker.

[Rolo Tomasie]

A year ago while researching '22 draft qbs I started watching Hooker and was really impressed at first. I thought he was way, way better than Matt Corral for example. 

 

But the more I have watched him since then, I see a guy who's older with questionable athleticism. He actually reminds me a good bit of RG3 in that he's got a good, accurate arm and is a good straight line runner, but there's something goofy about his body movements and the way he gets hit. With the way his career bounced around so far he screams system QB. Although I like his arm, I would stay away from Hooker till at least the 4th or 5th round.

Edited February 6, 2023 by Rolo Tomasie

[Skinsinparadise]

Torrence IMO is a high floor, safe player, he's the first O lineman I watched in this crop.  I like him more in pass protection but he's good as a run blocker, too.  He showed up to the Senior Bowl a bit lighter which I like considering wanted to see more mobility in the run game on the move.

 

 

[Chump Bailey]

I've not delved into the IOL bunch and likely won't but Torrence was damn impressive during those DL/OL one-on-one drills. 

[Chump Bailey]

4 hours ago, Rolo Tomasie said:

A year ago while researching '22 draft qbs I started watching Hooker and was really impressed at first. I thought he was way, way better than Matt Corral for example. 

 

But the more I have watched him since then, I see a guy who's older with questionable athleticism. He actually reminds me a good bit of RG3 in that he's got a good, accurate arm and is a good straight line runner, but there's something goofy about his body movements and the way he gets hit. With the way his career bounced around so far he screams system QB. Although I like his arm, I would stay away from Hooker till at least the 4th or 5th round.

 

That's the conundrum. QB's will most often go higher than warranted because of position value, which makes the process even more risky for front offices. This is not a very good QB class either IMO.

[Skinsinparadise]

[KDawg]

The film hasn’t shown he is a blocker, despite the article. But he is a good receiver. But if the article is correct and he requires a first round draft choice, it’s easy an easy choice to me: no thanks. 
 

But I haven’t watched the Senior Bowl yet. Maybe I change my tune with that and the combine.

[Koolblue13]

Mayer is the only TE I even consider where we're at, but if we traded back to the bottom of the first I'd be happy with Musgrave. Him and Bates would make a nice TE room. 

 

Kincad is interesting on day two as well. Latu or Washington in the 4rth or later would be nice gets.

[JamesMadisonSkins]

I love the idea of drafting TEs in Rounds 3-5. That's almost always where the stars find themselves drafted. I can't remember the last time a 1st round TE (Hockenson?) truly shined consistently. I know that's not an analytical take, but I just feel like the cost/benefit on TEs is to take them in that 3-5 range. This TE class is loaded too, so I feel like you could hit on a guy around Round 3 or 4 that could be a long-term starter. That said, we're pretty deep with upside youth at TE, so not sure going TE is a big need even if we cut Thomas.

[KDawg]

TE isn’t a glaring enough need for us to spend major capital on one unless they are the true BPA. Going to be tough to convince of that until the later rounds. I can buy an argument for Mayer, I think, but still probably not totally on board. But I wouldn’t hate having him. But otherwise I’m not sure they’d be the true BPA.

[Warhead36]

Yeah I don't see the point in taking a TE in the middle rounds. We have young developmental guys already. I'd only take a "sure fire" stud in round 1 in someone like Mayer and even then, I don't love the positional value there and RoI on 1st round TEs is abysmally low.

 

Still prefer one of the T or CB prospects.

[Skinsinparadise]

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Hear me out! The Eagles have few needs on a roster that has been beautifully built by general manager Howie Roseman, and they do not have a ton of draft capital overall with only two picks on Day 3. With Miles Sanders hitting free agency, the Eagles need a true RB1 to work with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Robinson can be that guy. He'd also be very affordable as the No. 10 pick overall compared to signing a Josh Jacobs or Saquon Barkley in free agency -- or even franchise-tagging Sanders. And no team came close to the Eagles' No. 1-ranked expected points added via the run in 2022 (29.5).

Robinson is the best running back prospect since Barkley left Penn State in 2018. He's powerful at 6-foot and 220 pounds, and he has shown both fantastic speed in the open field and the best contact balance in college football. Scouts I've spoken to say Robinson's best football is still ahead of him, too, as Texas didn't use him much in the passing game (19 catches in 2022). With over 2,600 yards and 29 touchdowns in the past two years, he is without a doubt this draft's best back and my No. 5 overall player.

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11. Tennessee Titans

Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The left tackle position might not seem like a need for Tennessee, but veteran Taylor Lewan turns 32 years old before next season and missed all but two games of the 2022 season with a right knee injury. In fact, he hasn't played a full season since 2017 and has just 20 starts in the past three years combined. The Titans have to get younger (and cheaper) at key positions while ensuring they hit on first-round picks. That's why Ran Carthon was hired as general manager.

Jones is a physical, tough offensive tackle who has quick, light feet and the potential to become better shooting his hands. At 6-foot-4 and 311 pounds, there will be questions about his length, but Jones was an elite left tackle in the SEC and is just 21 years old. He didn't allow a single sack across 15 starts in 2022.

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12. Houston Texans (via CLE)

Jordan Addison, WR, USC

Addison has been successful at every stop throughout his college career, winning the Biletnikoff Award at Pitt before transferring to USC. In his lone season as a Trojan, Addison grabbed 59 passes for 875 yards and eight touchdowns while lining up primarily in the slot, and he dropped just two passes all season. He doesn't have great size (6-foot, 170 pounds) but plays much more physically than you'd expect, and he'll likely be heavier for the combine and his pro playing career. Addison's quick cuts, strong hands and ability to sink his hips and accelerate out of breaks have him ready to immediately become Will Levis' new go-to target in Houston.

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13. New York Jets

Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

The Mekhi Becton experiment hasn't worked in New York after just 15 starts in his career and none since Week 1 of the 2021 season. The Jets need a left tackle, and Johnson was very good for Ohio State holding down that spot. The junior didn't allow a sack until the Michigan game and surrendered just two on the season. A starter at right guard before this year, Johnson has the agility, balance and size (6-foot-6, 310 pounds) to be a true Day 1 left tackle in the NFL. He'll need to get a little stronger at the point of attack, but his frame will support that. For the Jets, with so much up in the air offensively, finding a long-term left tackle is key in this draft.

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14. New England Patriots

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Major upgrades are needed across the board, and for the first time in a very long time, New England can truly select the best prospect available. That's Porter on my board, the son of former Steelers great Joey Porter. The younger Porter has his father's tough demeanor on the field but is a silky smooth mover in space and has awesome length at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. He grabbed just one interception in college but had 11 pass breakups, as Big Ten quarterbacks largely ignored his side of the field. With his physical play, instincts and length, Porter feels like a perfect fit in New England.

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15. Green Bay Packers

Brian Branch, S/CB, Alabama

You didn't think I would actually put a wide receiver here, did you? Yes, it's a need in Green Bay, but general manager Brian Gutekunst is allergic to spending first-round picks there no matter who is playing quarterback. And while a trade of Aaron Rodgers might happen and net Green Bay extra picks, we're playing this one straight for now.

Branch is exactly what Green Bay misses in the secondary. He's highly instinctive on the football field and has handled slot, outside corner and safety duties for Nick Saban, which is a pretty high honor. Branch is an impressive all-around football player at 6-foot and 194 pounds, which is why he grabbed two picks, had seven pass breakups, recorded three sacks and ended up with 89 tackles (12 for loss) in 2022.

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16. Washington Commanders

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

The quarterback situation in Washington is less than ideal with Taylor Heinicke hitting free agency and Carson Wentz no longer a viable starting option. The Commanders did draft Sam Howell in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, but rarely do Day 3 quarterbacks become franchise passers. With Richardson on the board, this is the pick that makes the most sense.

He is not a finished product after starting just 13 games in college, but his highs are incredibly high and he has the highest ceiling of this quarterback class -- if he can put everything together. The 6-foot-4, 232-pound Richardson has the strongest arm of the class, too, and pairs that with game-changing running ability. The downside? Nine interceptions to just 17 touchdown passes in 2022 and a QBR of 71.2 shows that Richardson's accuracy needs work before he's a complete passer. He completed just 54.7% of his throws over his career.

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17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The biggest need in Pittsburgh this offseason is along the offensive line, but with the top three tackles already off the board, the Steelers could pivot to the secondary. Gonzalez has a unique blend of traits and production. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound cornerback is expected to test really well at the combine, with one area scout predicting times in the 4.3-second range in the 40-yard dash. But Gonzalez is more than "just" a high-level speed player; he had four interceptions and seven pass breakups in 2022 after transferring from Colorado. He's a perfect match of need and value, and -- spoiler -- Pittsburgh could wait until Round 2 to address the O-line with a pair of picks.

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18. Detroit Lions

Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa

After selecting the best cornerback in the draft at No. 6 (Devon Witherspoon), the Lions are back on the clock and look to double-down on defense. Van Ness is a raw pass-rusher after playing sparingly at Iowa, but he performed well enough to notch 6.5 sacks in 2022 and seven in 2021. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound defensive end has shades of Trey Hendrickson to his game, which is why he's seen as a potential first-rounder despite not starting for the Hawkeyes.

The Lions hit pay dirt with Aidan Hutchinson and have a very good situational pass-rusher in fellow rookie James Houston. So Van Ness could round out the defensive line group with power, length and an ability against the run that's needed opposite Hutchinson.

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19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

With the top four quarterbacks off the board, the Buccaneers have to think about a free agent plan to add to the quarterback room following Tom Brady's retirement. This feels like a rebuild and not a reload, though, and that means not reaching for needs when there is value on the board.

Forbes was outstanding in 2022, grabbing six interceptions and breaking up seven passes while showing speed and instincts to play outside cornerback. At 6-foot and 180 pounds, Forbes is lean, but his length and timing make up for the lack of bulk. With Jamel Dean set to hit free agency, Forbes' availability at No. 19 overall makes him a great value and fills the team's second-biggest need after quarterback.

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20. Seattle Seahawks

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The Seahawks filled their most pressing need with Tyree Wilson at No. 5 overall, which makes this selection about value and future needs. Wide receiver Tyler Lockett turns 31 in September, and even though he's coming off his fourth straight 1,000-yard season, he's not a player the team is building around long term at this stage of his career. Opposite Lockett is DK Metcalf, who is the subject of yearly trade rumors and has a contract that features an out clause in two seasons.

Smith-Njigba entered the year as my top-ranked receiver and still holds that title despite missing all but three games because of a hamstring injury. Rewatch his record-setting Rose Bowl performance against Utah from the 2021 season for a reminder of what he can do on the field. JSN went off for 15 catches, 347 yards and three touchdowns that night to cap a 95-catch, 1,606-yard season. Yes, scouts are concerned about his hamstring injury, but multiple NFL evaluators have noted that if healthy, Smith-Njigba is the best receiver in the class.

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21. Los Angeles Chargers

Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia

The Chargers have multiple options here, but the front seven is a big problem. L.A. allowed 5.9 yards per play (29th). A torn pectoral muscle in late October ended Smith's season, but the 6-foot-3 senior posted 11.5 sacks in his career while, like most Georgia defenders, working in a heavy rotation. He is a versatile linebacker who is comfortable standing up or playing with his hand down and has the first-step quickness to stun blockers while also being agile enough to play in space as an off-ball linebacker. That's perfect for the Chargers' base 3-4 scheme and today's NFL.

Smith, just 235 pounds during the season, will need to add strength, but his ability to quickly get into the backfield gives the Chargers a long-term pass-rusher opposite Joey Bosa. And in the meantime, he can help in space at linebacker when Bosa and Khalil Mack drop down to defensive end.

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22. Baltimore Ravens

Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

There will be tons of speculation between now and the draft about the Ravens' long-term plans given the free agent status of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Until there's more clarity, it's best to move forward assuming the 26-year-old former MVP will return to the Ravens. And whether it's Jackson or someone else at quarterback, wide receiver remains a giant offseason priority in Baltimore. Both Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay are returning next season off injury, so the Ravens not only need more talent at the position but also a healthy contributor.

Johnston has a high-level blend of size (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) and deep speed, which helped him average 18.9 yards per catch over his three-year career. Drops can be a factor for Johnston, who had six in 2022, but his big-play ability and extended catch radius are much needed in Baltimore. No other team had fewer receiving yards from the WR position than the Ravens' 1,517.

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23. Minnesota Vikings

Drew Sanders, ILB, Arkansas

Another year with an early playoff exit despite regular-season dominance should have the Vikings back to the drawing board in terms of the roster build and what is needed to get over the hump. One area that multiple NFL scouts have pointed to is the play and age at linebacker. Jordan Hicks and Eric Kendricks will play next season at 31, and only two teams allowed more yards per play (5.9) in 2022.

 

Sanders transferred from Alabama and immediately became a defensive leader at Arkansas. When I visited the school last fall, the defensive staff raved about his instincts and toughness. He became a three-down player with 9.5 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and 111 tackles in his first season as a starter. The 6-foot-5, 232-pound junior is still developing as a linebacker but has the potential to be a force in the NFL.

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24. Jacksonville Jaguars

Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Perhaps the most surprising team of this NFL season was the Jaguars, going from the No. 1 overall pick to AFC South champions. The work on the roster build is far from over, though, with multiple key starters hitting free agency. One such area of need is right tackle, where Jawaan Taylor might price himself out of the Jaguars' comfort zone. If Taylor isn't retained, a clear answer to the position is available from the University of Tennessee. Wright started his career at left tackle before moving to the right side in 2022. He flourished there, helping to pave the way for one of college football's most exciting offenses.

The 6-foot-5, 342-pound Wright just turned in a fantastic Senior Bowl performance, showing great power, length, quickness and balance for his size. He's a plug-and-play starter on the right side. Wright allowed only one sack this season, and he didn't have a single blown run block.

 

25. New York Giants

Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

Watch a couple of games from the Giants' 2022 season, and it's painfully obvious the team's biggest need is at wide receiver -- as long as quarterback Daniel Jones is either franchise-tagged or re-signed. The signal-caller took a huge step in his development but now needs help around him to further that growth. The only players on the roster to catch more than 50 passes in 2022 were a running back (Saquon Barkley, 57) and a journeyman receiver (Richie James, 57).

Hyatt exploded onto the scene in Tennessee's vertical tempo offense, catching 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns, all while averaging a clean 18.9 yards per catch. He is a certified deep threat, with one area scout telling me at the Senior Bowl that he'll likely run in the low 4.3-second range in the 40-yard dash. The Giants are desperate for a receiver who can stretch the field and be Jones' version of Stefon Diggs, whom coach Brian Daboll used so well while in Buffalo. Hyatt has the vertical speed to fit that role.

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26. Dallas Cowboys

O'Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida

One of the top performers during Senior Bowl week was Torrence, my top-ranked player in Mobile. The 6-foot-5, 337-pound right guard was dominant in one-on-one drills throughout the week, showing an aggressive ability in the run game. But what was most impressive during the week was his ability in pass protection, where his length showed up as pass-rushers were unable to consistently get around him. The Cowboys' offensive line is in flux, but the addition of Torrence would allow Tyler Smith to play left tackle full time while improving the team's overall offensive line play. The Gators' big man allowed just one sack in 2022.

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27. Buffalo Bills

Cody Mauch, OT/G, North Dakota State

The Bills' Super Bowl window is open, but for how much longer if the team fails to make investments in the run game? There's no running back worthy of being drafted here, but there is a lineman who could help beef up the ground game. Mauch played left tackle at NDSU but projects on the inside in the NFL. At 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, he plays with toughness and strength in the run game. Mauch is coming from a lower level of competition, but his power and agility would immediately improve the Buffalo offensive line and give the team a boost in both the passing and running games when the weather turns cold and this offense seems to slow down.

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28. Cincinnati Bengals

Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

The first of a loaded tight end group comes off the board as the Bengals look to develop an inside passing game to complement the outside talent assembled in Cincinnati. Mayer is a throwback tight end who reminds me of T.J. Hockenson, showcasing an in-line blocking game and terrific seam game as a receiver. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Mayer had 67 catches for nine touchdowns in 2022 while playing in an offense without an established quarterback. And while he doesn't have elite speed or positional versatility, the top-ranked tight end in the class is a tremendous value at this spot, especially with Hayden Hurst hitting free agency.

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https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/draft2023/insider/story/_/id/35585484/2023-nfl-mock-draft-matt-miller-two-round-predictions-senior-bowl-shrine-bowl-quarterback-landings-spots-trade-projection

Edited February 6, 2023 by Skinsinparadise

[JamesMadisonSkins]

What's Matt Miller got us with in Round 2 @Skinsinparadise?

[Skinsinparadise]

4 minutes ago, JamesMadisonSkins said:

What's Matt Miller got us with in Round 2 @Skinsinparadise?

ROUND 2

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (via CHI)

John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

The Steelers need an offensive line makeover, and Schmitz is my top-ranked center and a legitimate top-32 prospect. His quickness and power as a second-level blocker were on display at the Senior Bowl and would immediately help the Pittsburgh unit.

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33. Houston Texans

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

After landing a quarterback and wide receiver in Round 1, the Texans could keep the offensive theme going by selecting a tight end with huge potential in Kincaid. His back injury has to be vetted, but his run-and-catch ability make him perfect for today's NFL. Kincaid has the highest floor as a pass-catcher from this loaded tight end group -- as long as he's healthy.

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34. Arizona Cardinals

Steve Avila, G, TCU

Many things need remaking in Arizona, but it all starts with the offensive line. Every position outside of left tackle D.J. Humphries could be upgraded and should be looked at closely this offseason. Avila impressed at the Senior Bowl with his power and how well he pulled and trapped in run-game drills. The Cardinals need a coach before we can talk scheme, but Avila fits any offense.

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35. Chicago Bears (via mock trade with IND)

Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

As part of our projected trade at the top of Round 1, the Bears regain their early-Round 2 pick, too, and immediately go about adding help for quarterback Justin Fields. No Bears wideout reached 500 yards in 2022, so this is a big need. Flowers, who participated in the Shrine Game, has powerful speed to take the top off a defense, and he scored 12 touchdowns on 78 catches in 2022. Even at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, he can open up the field.

36. Los Angeles Rams

BJ Ojulari, DE, LSU

Positional value comes into play here, and with no left tackle of value on the board, the front office pivots to pass-rusher. Ojulari (6-foot-3, 250 pounds) had 12.5 sacks the past two seasons while playing off the edge of the LSU defense and wearing the famed No. 18 jersey awarded to a team leader.

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37. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

The Seahawks added a defensive end and receiver in Round 1 and now double back to the defensive line to build a wall against NFC West offenses. Bresee has injury questions -- he missed time with a kidney issue -- and his tape wasn't as good in 2022 as it was in the past. But he has potential as a three-down defensive lineman at either 3- or 5-technique.

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38. Las Vegas Raiders

Trenton Simpson, ILB, Clemson

The Raiders seemingly have an annual need to improve the middle of the defense, and Simpson is a threat at linebacker with pass-rush, cover and run-defense ability. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder had 12.5 sacks, 24.5 tackles for loss and 161 total tackles over the past three years while also proving to be a menace in pass coverage.

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39. Carolina Panthers

DJ Turner, CB, Michigan

The selection of quarterback C.J. Stroud in Round 1 would give the Panthers an anchor, but now the team must find answers throughout the rest of the roster. Scouts expect Turner to be one of the winners of combine, thanks to his world-class speed and agility. The Panthers have Jaycee Horn on one side and Donte Jackson in the slot, and adding Turner makes this a formidable young cornerback group.

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40. New Orleans Saints

Tuli Tuipulotu, DT, USC

A quarterback would be the dream here, but I don't have a high Round 2 grade on any left on the board. Instead, the Saints could continue to add to the defensive line. Tuipulotu led the NCAA with 13.5 sacks and is an instant-impact pass-rushing interior lineman with quickness and an ability to cut through gaps.

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41. Tennessee Titans

Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State

The Titans are also impacted by the lack of talent at quarterback and wide receiver in this range, so they could bank on the depth at pass-rusher in this class and get a Year 1 contributor in McDonald. At 241 pounds, McDonald weighed in above expectations at the Senior Bowl. His quickness, loose hips and burst off the snap were notable throughout practice, too. The Titans have routinely missed on outside pass-rushers and would need McDonald to step right into the lineup.

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42. Cleveland Browns

Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

The Browns' first pick in the 2023 draft aims to shore up holes in the defense. Smith is one of the most impressive movers in the defensive tackle class and has NFL scouts talking about his rare short-area burst and power. However, the 6-foot-3, 337-pound Smith had just one sack in 2022, and teams will be doing their homework on his misdemeanor gun possession charge from October.

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43. New York Jets

Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M

A do-it-all safety with impressive height-weight-speed numbers at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Johnson can play free safety or nickel cornerback. And some NFL scouts say they even believe his length is suited to play outside corner. The Jets' need for a playmaking free safety makes Johnson a great fit.

 

44. Atlanta Falcons

Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

The Falcons have two big pass-catching targets with Drake London and Kyle Pitts but need an intermediate option who can spark the offense with speed. Downs plays exclusively in the slot, where his burst and balance allow him to beat up cornerbacks on underneath routes with after-the-catch ability. He had 94 catches and 11 touchdowns this season.

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45. Green Bay Packers

Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

The Packers won't draft pass-catchers in the first round, but they love them in Round 2. With Robert Tonyan set to hit free agency, it's time to think about an upgrade. Musgrave was the best tight end at the Senior Bowl and looks like a faster Mark Andrews at 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds with sure hands, very good strength in the blocking game and the size to post up defenders across the middle.

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46. New England Patriots

Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

Bergeron would fill a huge need at a massive value. At 6-foot-5 and 323 pounds, he doesn't have the quickness for every team, but his power and length show up routinely. Trent Brown has only one more season under contract, and Isaiah Wynn will be a free agent this spring.

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47. Washington Commanders

Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami-FL

The most impressive cornerback at the Senior Bowl has a shot at Round 1 on the back of expectations that he will perform well at the combine. Stevenson's speed is easy to see, but his length and physicality in coverage stood out in Mobile, too. The Commanders' need for an outside cornerback with speed to stay in phase matches what Stevenson brings to the table.

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48. Detroit Lions

Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

The Lions traded T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings in November and can add his replacement with the surprising availability of LaPorta at this spot. He is a fantastic move blocker and a stellar receiver over the middle, and he has enough after-the-catch ability to project as a starter. LaPorta had just five touchdowns in college, but like his NFL comparison Dawson Knox, he looks to be a better pro than college player.

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49. Pittsburgh Steelers

Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

The Steelers got a cornerback and a center with their first two picks and now find a left tackle of the future here. Harrison could be a target for teams earlier on Day 2 due to great length, fluid movement and a lot of upside. He's 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, and NFL scouts I've spoken to say they believe he'll continue to improve once he gets in an NFL conditioning and strength program.

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50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

A rebuild in Tampa meant a starting cornerback in Round 1, and the Bucs can look for an eventual replacement for Donovan Smith in Round 2. Duncan, who can play right tackle in the meantime, did well at the Senior Bowl, displaying solid movement skills at 6-foot-5 and 298 pounds. His college tape reminds of Brian O'Neill, a left tackle who moved to the right side in Minnesota and has been a top-five performer there.

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51. Miami Dolphins

Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

The Dolphins' first pick in this draft could focus on the cornerback position.The team's best corner in 2022 was undrafted free agent Kader Kohou, so despite the presence of Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, it could use some support there. Smith is lean at 188 pounds on a 6-foot frame but has instincts and quick feet. And he had six interceptions over the past three years at South Carolina.

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52. Seattle Seahawks

Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Seattle makes a move toward the future at quarterback, landing Hooker, who is arguably the best deep-ball thrower in the draft. He is an older prospect (25) and is coming off a November ACL injury, but over the past two seasons at Tennessee, he has thrown 58 touchdown passes to just five interceptions while constantly challenging defenses down the field. Hooker is no sure thing, but he's a great investment at pick No. 52 to learn behind Geno Smith (assuming Seattle re-signs its starter) while getting healthy.

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/draft2023/insider/story/_/id/35585484/2023-nfl-mock-draft-matt-miller-two-round-predictions-senior-bowl-shrine-bowl-quarterback-landings-spots-trade-projection

[Zim489]

Im hard pass on QB this year in really any round. If a new staff was already in place I would be all over Richardson but not with the current group 

[JamesMadisonSkins]

15 minutes ago, Zim489 said:

Im hard pass on QB this year in really any round. If a new staff was already in place I would be all over Richardson but not with the current group 

 

Kind of how I feel too. I actually think Richardson + Howell would create a really strong present and future picture at QB IF the right environment is in place to support development. But I don't want that decision to be made by this coach and this FO. The off-season will ultimately be dictated by that dynamic and how Rivera and company will approach the off-season.