Ricky Dimon
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With the 2023 NFL Draft upon us, it’s time to produce our final mock. As usual, there was – and sort of still is – a ton of intrigue at the top of the board. The Carolina Panthers acquired the #1 pick from the Chicago Bears and Carolina is expected to select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. However, some late movement with the odds has thrown that pick into a little bit of doubt.
A chaotic first round can be expected, but let’s try to sort it out by projecting picks 1 through 31. Note that there only 31 picks instead of 32 because the Miami Dolphins were stripped of their first-rounder stemming from violations impacting the integrity of the game.
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1. Carolina Panthers (from CHI): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Some late money has come in on Will Levis, but none of those rumors seem to be substantiated. Young is the safe choice and also the smart choice. Anything other than Young here would be an absolute shocker.
2. Houston Texans: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Assuming that Young does end up going #1, #2 is where the draft really begins. Nobody knows exactly what the Texans are going to do in this spot. I’m still guessing it’s Stroud, but nothing would surprise me.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, LB, Alabama
Pick 3 looks like more of a lock, although who knows what Arizona will do if Houston creates chaos by picking Anderson? If the best defensive player in the class is still available, the Texans should snatch him up.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Levis is pretty much the x-factor in this draft. He could go 1 (maybe), he could go 2, someone could pull off a trade with Arizona and take him at 3, he could go 4, or he could go 5 or later. The smart bet is on 4 to Indianapolis.o
5. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Do you think the Seahawks are liking that trade they made involving Russell Westbrook? You bet they are. They’ll like it even more if this pick from the Broncos turns into Carter. Off-the-field issues have bumped Carter down a bit, but he is 1 of the most talented players in this class.
6. Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Lions’ offense cooled off during the second half of the season, but that side of the ball is still a well-oiled machine for the most part. Another pass rusher alongside Aidan Hutchinson is possible, but Gonzalez would be a good move.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Clemson
Quarterback is a very real possibility, but the Raiders have holes all over the place. If they aren’t in love with any of the QBs still on the board, they should address the defensive side of the ball. A quick run on cornerbacks could continue.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
A free-agency frenzy has Atlanta in position to take the best player on the board. The most likely positions are cornerback, edge rusher, offensive line and running back (if it’s Bijan Robinson). Wilson could go as high as #2 to Houston, so at #8 he would be an absolute steal.
9. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Justin Fields is effective when he runs for his life. Nonetheless, the Bears would like to reduce the amount of time he is required to do so. If Skoronski gets past Atlanta, Chicago would do well to acquire his services.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
I don’t think any other team – especially any NFC rival – wants to see this happen. The Eagles’ offense would be downright scary with Robinson added to the backfield. Think about a running back with Robinson and Jalen Hurts….
11. Tennessee Titans: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
12. Houston Texans (from CLE): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
13. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ): Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa
14. New England Patriots: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
15. New York Jets (from GB): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
16. Washington Commanders: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
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17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
18. Detroit Lions: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nolan Smith, LB, Georgia
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
22. Baltimore Ravens: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
23. Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
25. New York Giants: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
26. Dallas Cowboys: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
27. Buffalo Bills: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
29. New Orleans Saints: Will McDonald IV, LB, Iowa State
30. Buffalo Bills: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State
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