2023 NFL Mock Draft: Post NFL Combine Edition

The 2023 NFL Combine is in the books and we’re riding in the fast lane from here until the start of the 2023 NFL Draft. While we obviously learned a lot about the physical skill sets of the hundreds of players in attendance, the rumors and rumblings around Indianapolis were also quite valuable. Let’s put all that new info together and break down how the 2023 NFL Draft could play out in my brand new 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Eisner 3.0

1. Indianapolis Colts (via CHI)*

Anthony Richardson QB, Florida

TRADE
IND receives: Pick No. 1
CHI receives: Pick No. 4, Pick No. 36, Pick No. 107, 2024 1st-round pick

There’s no denying the buzz surrounding Anthony Richardson coming out of the 2023 NFL Combine. He’s a freakish athlete, built like a tank, and oozes confidence every time he speaks. My colleague Damian Parson has been pounding the table for Richardson for months, and after seeing him in Indianapolis, I’m finally on board. There’s reason to believe the Colts will be too, as they search for a new face of the franchise.

2. Houston Texans

Bryce Young QB, Alabama

There will be a debate about whether or not the Texans are “ready” to take a quarterback, but I feel that will only be a talking point outside of the organization. There are indications that Houston’s new coaching staff loves Bryce Young and would be more than happy to hand him the keys to the franchise—especially if they don’t have to part with draft capital to move up.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Will Anderson Jr. EDGE, Alabama

The uncertainty surrounding Jalen Carter at the time this is published complicates things. But if we live in a world where Jalen Carter is no longer at the tippy top of some teams’ draft boards, it will be hard for Arizona to trade out of this spot—even if new GM Monti Ossenfort said he’d listen to calls. Will Anderson Jr. is a blue-chip prospect and a game-changer on defense. The Cardinals can’t pass that up to trade back.

4. Chicago Bears (via IND)*

Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson

TRADE
CHI receives: Pick No. 4, Pick No. 36, No. 107 pick, 2024 1st-round pick
IND receives: Pick No. 1

Once again, the legal issues facing Carter at the moment complicate his draft stock. If Ryan Poles and Co. don’t feel comfortable taking the Georgia DT, then they may pivot to the next-best defensive player on the board, Myles Murphy. Murphy has the size and versatility to make an impact anywhere, but especially on a Bears team that struggled to put pressure on QBs all last season.

5. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia

Will the Seahawks pass on this kind of talent at an area of need considering they still have another top-20 pick at their disposal? I don’t think so. Recent developments aside, from a strictly football perspective, Carter may be the 2023 class’ best overall player. His athleticism and upside are tremendous and he’d be a high-level impact starter for Seattle right away.

6. Detroit Lions

Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech

A deep corner class may be the tie-breaker that allows Brad Holmes to take the last player in the top tier of EDGEs, Tyree Wilson. Wilson’s wingspan made headlines at the NFL Combine and he would be a great addition to Detroit’s young pass-rush group. Wilson and Aidan Hutchinson can wreak havoc for years to come with James Houston IV serving as fresh legs on passing downs.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

C.J. Stroud QB, Ohio State

Until the Raiders actually sign a veteran quarterback, let’s not assume they’re out of the QB market for this NFL mock draft. Las Vegas is doing its due diligence on the top QBs and rumor has it they like three passers in particular. While we don’t know who those players are at this stage, C.J. Stroud is a nice fit. Stroud’s instincts and accuracy are plus traits and his measurables check out for the position. He had a strong NFL Combine as well.

8. Baltimore Ravens (via ATL)*

Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon

TRADE
BAL receives: Pick No. 8, 2024 1st round pick
ATL receives: Lamar Jackson

[Editor’s Note: Atlanta will reportedly not pursue Jackson right now, but if they did, compensation would just be two first-round picks via an unmatched offer sheet]

There was not a shred of good news about the Lamar Jackson situation—or the Ravens’ franchise in general—at the NFL Combine. So, in this NFL mock draft, let’s consider what a Jackson trade might look like. Getting two firsts and two seconds is a more than reasonable ask, and I can see other picks getting thrown in as well. The Falcons land a star QB to help them rise to the top of the NFC South, and the Ravens get a chance to reset after not coming to terms with Jackson.

Baltimore has a handful of CBs set to reach free agency and they need to find a young complement to Marlon Humphrey. Christian Gonzalez is my CB1 and I think will be the overall CB1 on draft day. His speed and length will be valuable assets for a Ravens team that will need to rely on running the ball and playing defense to survive in the AFC North.

9. Carolina Panthers

Will Levis QB, Kentucky

The Will-Levis-to-Carolina connection has been made for months now. The Panthers need to take a swing at a quarterback soon and there’s a lot to like about Levis. However, Levis will need to be molded to look more like his 2021 self than the 2022 version we saw last season. Will he thrive inside of NFL structure like he did when Liam Coen was his OC? Time will tell, but there aren’t many better people for a QB to work with than Frank Reich.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)

Devon Witherspoon CB, Illinois

Devon Witherspoon would be a great fit for the city of Philadelphia and for the NFL team that calls it home. Witherspoon is a tone-setter who isn’t afraid of the man-to-man spotlight. He can have success outside or inside and will allow the Eagles to keep a talented secondary on the field despite the number of free agents to be as we sit here pre-free agency.

11. Tennessee Titans

Peter Skoronski OT, Northwestern

Tennessee gets the pick of the litter here at OT despite not having a top-10 pick—a dream scenario. While there are a few different options here, it’s tough to argue against Peter Skoronski when it comes to identifying the best offensive lineman in the class. His arm length may be a concern to some, but I’d play him at tackle in the NFL until and unless he proves he can’t. Skoronski met with the Titans in Indianapolis and fills an immediate need.

12. Houston Texans (via CLE)

Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State

Laremy Tunsil’s days in Houston could be numbered, and with Young already taken in the NFL mock draft, the Texans need an LT to build around. Paris Johnson Jr. has everything you’d want in a potential LT with a high upside that can be unlocked with more technical refinement from NFL coaching.

13. New York Jets

Broderick Jones OT, Georgia

The tackle run continues in this NFL mock draft, but once again, this pick fills a major need. New York needs reliable pieces on its offensive line for Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr, or whoever is under center for them in 2023. Broderick Jones plays with a mentality Robert Saleh can appreciate and has a ton of athleticism to boot.

14. New England Patriots

Bryan Bresee IDL, Clemson

Bryan Bresee had a challenging final season at Clemson due to various illnesses and a family tragedy. Let’s not hold that against him. Bresee has the athleticism to play all along the defensive line for Bill Belichick’s defense.

15. Green Bay Packers

Lukas Van Ness EDGE, Iowa

Talk about a physical freak! Lukas Van Ness was highly impressive at the NFL Combine, where his raw athleticism shined. The Packers need more edge rushers to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and Van Ness looks like a future diamond.

16. Washington Commanders

Darnell Wright OT, Tennessee

A strong pass-protector that has had nothing but buzz over the last month, Darnell Wright is a name you need to start talking about in the first-round conversation. Wright has the power and mass to make an impact from day one and has experience playing on both sides of the line. He met with Washington at the NFL Combine and would be a great fit for the Commanders.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Julius Brents CB, Kansas State

I’ve been high on Julius Brents throughout this draft process and he firmly established himself in the first-round conversation at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. His 34″ arms are stupid long and he plays with desired aggression. He is disruptive to receivers at the line of scrimmage and at the catch point and will stick his nose in the run game.

18. Detroit Lions

Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State

I didn’t expect Joey Porter Jr. to fall this far when I began this NFL mock draft, but he can’t slide past Detroit. Forget the name, NFL legacy, etc. The Lions need to upgrade their CB room opposite Jeff Okudah and Porter Jr. is highly talented and has insane length. He has warts in his game that need to be addressed—some teams will have him ranked outside their top tier of corners—but with solid coaching, I think the Lions can get the most out of him.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Brian Branch SAF, Alabama

Brian Branch worked out as a CB in Indianapolis but projects best as a versatile safety in the NFL. The Buccaneers have a handful of players in the secondary with expired contracts and have a lot of work to do to get their defense to a point where they can win games without Tom Brady.

20. Seattle Seahawks

Nolan Smith EDGE, Georgia

While he is not yet fully developed as a pass-rusher, Nolan Smith has just about everything you want. He has size, speed, athleticism, value on all three downs, and plenty of leadership qualities. Smith was an NFL Combine winner and will help the Seahawks continue to build their defense into a young juggernaut.

21. Miami Dolphins

[Pick forfeited]

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Dalton Kincaid TE, Utah

Losing Hunter Henry turned out to be more detrimental than many thought. While having a chance at WR1 here was tempting, maybe they get something worked out with Keenan Allen and can keep the trio of Allen, Mike Williams, and Joshua Palmer together. Dalton Kincaid fills a need at TE as a dynamic pass-catching weapon.

23. Baltimore Ravens

Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State

There are a lot of good WR prospects this year, but they don’t hold up to the top-end quality we’ve seen the last couple of seasons. However, Baltimore needs to upgrade its WR corps even without Jackson. Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s 2022 season did not go as planned, to put it kindly, but it’s hard to get the highlights from 2021 out of your head. He’s more agile than fast and can win quickly off the line of scrimmage.

24. Minnesota Vikings

Deonte Banks CB, Maryland

The Vikings must add to their CB room in the 2023 NFL Draft and Deonte Banks is a great fit. Banks’ size, length, and ability to press give him the ability to be a starter early in his career.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars

Kelee Ringo CB, Georgia

Jacksonville is expected to cut Shaquill Griffin, opening up room to add another CB for significant snaps. Kelee Ringo, who met with the Jaguars at the NFL Combine, can fill that hole. The former 5-star recruit has the height/weight/speed and instincts you look for at the position.

26. New York Giants

Bijan Robinson RB, Texas

So, what if the Giants aren’t able to re-sign Saquon Barkley? With Daniel Jones becoming more and more expensive to bring back, New York may not be able to give Barkley the contract he desires. Bijan Robinson is one of the best overall players in this class, met with the Giants in Indianapolis, and would allow the Giants’ rushing offense to operate at max capacity sans Barkley.

27. Dallas Cowboys

Emmanuel Forbes CB, Mississippi State

The Cowboys have some promising pieces in the secondary but finding a true CB2 to pair with Trevon Diggs on the outside could be high on Dallas’ priority list. Rumor has it that Dallas is very interested in Emmanuel Forbes, who had a solid showing at the NFL Combine this past week.

28. Buffalo Bills

John Michael Schmitz IOL, Minnesota

John Michael Schmitz was a star at the Senior Bowl and would be a phenomenal addition to the interior of the Bills’ offensive line. Schmitz probably starts at guard if he goes to Buffalo, but he’s a center by trade and has the versatility to move throughout the interior.

29. Cincinnati Bengals

Darnell Washington TE, Georgia

The Bengals have had success against the Chiefs in the past but need to keep up the firepower to knock them off their throne on a consistent basis. Darnell Washington fills a need at TE as an imposing blocker with a ton of pass-catching upside to be the ultimate mismatch in an offense full of playmakers.

30. New Orleans Saints (via DEN)

Quentin Johnston WR, TCU

Quentin Johnston has the size to be a true X receiver at the NFL level and will be a great complement to Chris Olave. Assuming the Saints move on from Michael Thomas via a post-June-1 trade, the duo of Johnston and Olave can dominate for the Saints moving forward.

31. Philadelphia Eagles

Calijah Kancey DL, Pitt

Sit back and think about pairing Calijah Kancey with Jordan Davis on the defensive front and what that means for opposing offensive lines. Yeah, that’s exciting. Kancey would see a ton of one-on-one blocks and can use his athleticism to the fullest extent.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Zay Flowers WR, Boston College

Zay Flowers is an electric playmaker all over the field and constantly creates space for himself. He deserves all the first-round buzz he’s getting. The Chiefs need to add to and improve their WR corps to give Patrick Mahomes as many weapons as possible.

NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

33. Pittsburgh Steelers (via CHI)

Dawand Jones OT, Ohio State

Pittsburgh addressed their need at CB in round one of this NFL mock draft and now add a MASSIVE piece to boost their OL in Dawand Jones.

34. Houston Texans

Jordan Addison WR, USC

Jordan Addison may not have tested well at the NFL Combine, but he’s still in the top tier of WRs in this class and would be a valuable weapon (alongside John Metchie III and Nico Collins) for Bryce Young.

35. Arizona Cardinals

Cam Smith CB, South Carolina

After taking the top overall player on their board in round one of this NFL mock draft, Arizona addresses a major need by adding a cornerback who should play significant snaps right away.

36. Chicago Bears (via IND)*

Josh Downs WR, North Carolina

TRADE
CHI receives: Pick No. 4, Pick No. 36, No. 107 pick, 2024 1st-round pick
IND receives: Pick No. 1

Justin Fields needs more weapons. Josh Downs is a strong route-runner and a dynamic receiver who can create explosive plays after the catch.

37. Los Angeles Rams

DJ Turner CB, Michigan

The Rams appear poised to move on from Jalen Ramsey, so they need to add to the CB room to replace him. DJ Turner had the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and was already a rising CB prospect before the buzz in Indianapolis.

38. Seattle Seahawks (via DEN)

Hendon Hooker QB, Tennessee

While the exact structure of Geno Smith’s new deal isn’t yet known, based on the information that has been released, Seattle has reasonable outs before the three-year deal concludes. With most of the guaranteed money coming in year one, Seattle is still in a position to draft a quarterback to develop for 2024 or 2025.

39. Las Vegas Raiders

Garrett Williams CB, Syracuse

Garrett Williams has been out of sight, out of mind since tearing his ACL, but let’s not forget that he had legit first-round potential when healthy. The Raiders need to add to their CB room and rumor has it they’re very high on Williams.

40. Los Angeles Rams (via CAR)*

Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame

TRADE:
LAR receives: No. 40 pick, No. 92 pick
CAR receives: Jalen Ramsey

The Rams may have more trouble finding a landing spot for Ramsey if they seek a first-round pick, but if they’re willing to settle for second and third-rounders, I can see more teams jumping in. Carolina is an interesting one because they take their QB of the future in Round 1 and have an extra second-round pick they can still use. If they make a move like this, they might try to move Donte Jackson post-June-1.

For the Rams, they have no long-term options at tight end right now. Michael Mayer has the highest floor of any TE prospect in the class and is just a does-everything-well type of player.

41. New Orleans Saints

Jahmyr Gibbs RB, Alabama

Jahmyr Gibbs is a heckuva athlete who does everything a modern NFL offense could want from the RB position. Alvin Kamara’s future in New Orleans is murky, and Gibbs is a younger, cheaper option for a team that is allergic to the word “rebuild.”

42. Tennessee Titans

Jalin Hyatt WR, Tennessee

The Titans need to add to their WR corps and Round 2 feels like the best spot for them to do it. Treylon Burks is a star in the making, but let’s add a speedy vertical threat to the offense to make this offense more dangerous at all levels of the field.

43. Cleveland Browns

Mazi Smith IDL, Michigan

The Browns must add to their defensive line and a great fit falls into their lap here in Mazi Smith. Smith is a great run-blocker who has the size and strength to be a force up front in Cleveland.

44. New York Jets

Drew Sanders LB, Arkansas

The Jets can get really creative with Drew Sanders, who can play off the ball and rush the passer as needed. He’ll allow the team some flexibility down the line when it comes to filling a rather thin LB room as it stands now.

45. Atlanta Falcons

Will McDonald IV EDGE, Iowa State

Atlanta continues to add key pieces to its roster. Will McDonald IV is a high-motor player with plenty of upside. He really impressed teams at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine.

46. Green Bay Packers

Luke Musgrave TE, Oregon State

The Packers were probably tempted to take a tight end in Round 1, but in a deep class, they sit back and watch Senior Bowl star Luke Musgrave fall in their lap. He’s a big pass-catching target for Jordan Love to work with.

47. Arizona Cardinals (via NE)*

Joe Tippmann OC, Wisconsin

TRADE
ARI receives: Pick No. 47
NE receives: DeAndre Hopkins

Matthew Judon has a ways to go before he becomes the next Adam Schefter, but I do think a DeAndre Hopkins trade to New England makes sense. Mac Jones gets a true WR1 and Arizona now has a long-term option to develop at center in the post-Rodney Hudson era.

48. Washington Commanders

Darius Rush CB, South Carolina

Washington needs more corners and Darius Rush has been a riser since everyone got eyes on him at the Senior Bowl. He had a solid NFL Combine as well and fills an immediate need for the Commanders.

49. Detroit Lions

Jack Campbell LB, Iowa

I love the fit of Jack Campbell in Detroit. His size and physicality will play well in Aaron Glenn’s defense as a MIKE to build around

50. Pittsburgh Steelers

Keion White EDGE, Georgia Tech

Mike Tomlin spent a lot of time in the trenches at the Senior Bowl and got to see Keion White up close and personal. White is a freak athlete with the skill set that can keep him on the field on all three downs.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Derick Hall EDGE, Auburn

Derick Hall suffered a bit of a slide here through no fault of his own, but he lands with a Buccaneers team that simply needs to get better rushing the passer in 2023.

52. Miami Dolphins

Tucker Kraft TE, South Dakota State

The Dolphins have some scary pieces on offense but need a TE that can block while still being a receiving threat. Tucker Kraft fits the bill as a moldable offensive weapon for Mike McDaniel.

53. Seattle Seahawks

Marvin Mims Jr. WR, Oklahoma

Vertical threat? Check. YAC creator? Check. Sub-4.4 40? Check. Marvin Mims Jr. made himself some money in Indianapolis and provides an instant WR3 for Seattle who will grow into a big role down the line.

54. Chicago Bears (via BAL)

O’Cyrus Torrence IOL, Florida

Let’s keep building out the trenches in front of Fields for long-term success.

55. Los Angeles Chargers

Keeanu Benton IDL, Wisconsin

The Chargers have to find a way to stop the run and Keeanu Benton can be a space-eater inside.

56. Detroit Lions (via MIN)

Roschon Johnson RB, Texas

I don’t know what the long-term future looks like in Detroit’s backfield. One thing I do know is that Roschon Johnson deserves more love. He has the size and strength of a power rusher but a bit more agility than what that archetype conjures up. Once he emerges from Bijan Robinson’s shadow, he’ll shine.

57. Jacksonville Jaguars

Anton Harrison OT, Oklahoma

More competition up front for the Jaguars is needed and I can see Anton Harrison—who had a solid NFL Combine—competing to be the starting RT in year one.

58. New York Giants

Luke Wypler OC, Ohio State

In an effort to keep the running game strong and Daniel Jones (or whoever) upright, improving the center position is a must. Luke Wypler is from the area and can have success as both a run and pass blocker.

59. Dallas Cowboys

Cedric Tillman WR, Tennessee

It feels like Cedric Tillman has been lost in the shuffle of the WR conversation in recent months. But Tillman has the size that many of the other top receivers in this class lack with ball skills to be a successful down-the-field option. He’d be a great complement to CeeDee Lamb.

60. Buffalo Bills

Antonio Johnson SAF, Texas A&M

It does not feel like Jordan Poyer will be back in Buffalo. While Antonio Johnson may not carry a first-round grade, he fills an immediate need. You like his size and physicality, but you will need to find the ideal position in your defense for him to thrive.

61. Cincinnati Bengals

Cody Mauch IOL, North Dakota State

Cody Mauch is tough yet agile with the versatility to play him inside at guard or as a swing tackle.

62. Carolina Panthers (via SF)

Isaiah Foskey EDGE, Notre Dame

The NFL may be higher on Isaiah Foskey than draft analysts at this stage of the process. Foskey will make an immediate impact as a pass-rusher and on special teams.

63. Philadelphia Eagles

Zach Charbonnet RB, UCLA

The Eagles pass on a running back in the first round of this NFL mock draft but snag one here late in the second. Zach Charbonnet is a good combination of size, power, and strength that will serve as the 1A to Kenneth Gainwell’s 1B for an offense that has high expectations for 2023 and beyond.

64. Kansas City Chiefs

Matthew Bergeron OT, Syracuse

The Orlando Brown Jr. era appears to be over. Matthew Bergeron has a ton of college experience under his belt and can be groomed to be a long-term starting tackle for Kansas City.

 

What did you think of the third edition of Jaime Eisner’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft? Let us know what you think about this or any edition of our NFL Mock Draft series on Twitter and Instagram and stay tuned next week for the next edition of TDN’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft series.