What a chaotic Week 18 it was for the NFL. The Houston Texans fell out of having the opportunity to select their quarterback of the future by defeating their division rival Indianapolis Colts. Black Monday started on a Sunday this season as the Texans announced the termination of Lovie Smith. The Cardinals, to some surprise within the organization, fired Kliff Kingsbury just one year after signing him to a 5-year deal.

Alongside that news, Arizona announced they would begin a General Manager search as Steve Keim stepped down to focus on his health. Florida State edge rusher, Jared Verse announced he would be returning to school. With a lot more moves expected to be made, this week’s mock will focus on the recent news around the NFL. At some point down the line, some of, maybe most of these mocks will have predicted trades.

Let’s get right into it with this 2023 NFL Mock Draft 2.0.

New – Mock Draft 3.0

1.) Chicago Bears: Will Anderson EDGE, Alabama

What a scenario for the Chicago Bears. They were gifted a great future thanks to the result of one game in Indianapolis. In the end, I believe this pick will be traded to a team that jumps the Texans. Some notable options include the Colts, Raiders, and Panthers. The Texans will also attempt to trade up one spot if a lot of smoke starts to build from an organization wanting Houston’s quarterback target. I think the only way the 1st overall pick is moved is if Chicago somehow stays in the top 10, as well as landing an extra first-rounder in 2024 and potentially an extra 2nd-rounder.

2.) Houston Texans: Bryce Young QB, Alabama

Regardless of whether the Texans are picking 1st or 2nd overall, they will be selecting a quarterback. The question is, who will that be? Don’t let the draft talk, which will come out in the next few months fool you, Bryce Young is the best quarterback in this class. Will he be the best long-term? To me, it’s Florida’s Anthony Richardson but the Texans can’t select a project at quarterback, they don’t have time to do that.

3.) Arizona Cardinals: Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia

Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals are about to enter a rebuild. A new General Manager and Head Coach means that the Cardinals will more than likely be picking in this range in the 2024 NFL Draft as well. Could they trade back and gain more picks to help build around Murray? Sure they can, however, Jalen Carter is someone you can’t pass on. Carter in a Vance Joseph defense would be exciting to watch.

4.) Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis QB, Kentucky

Readers will realize I’m not high on Will Levis but that isn’t going to stop me from projecting him going inside the top 10. Levis, behind a Colts offensive line, is the best place for him to go. Going from one of the worst offensive lines in all of college football to one of the best in the NFL will help his chance at success at the next level.

5.) Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson

What a year it’s been for the Seahawks. Seattle was projected to be picking in the top five all year long, but no one expected it to be from the Denver Broncos pick. I am a huge fan of Myles Murphy and believe if Will Anderson wasn’t in the draft, Murphy would be in consideration for being the 1st overall pick.

6.) Detroit Lions (via LAR): Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech

If you asked me today what the Lions would do, I would answer that they would trade back with a team that needs a quarterback. Especially since the next three picks are teams that need a quarterback. Which team will give the Lions the most draft capital? Be on the lookout for the Panthers or Falcons to jump the Raiders if Las Vegas isn’t able to land a top free agent quarterback. With Florida State EDGE Jared Verse returning to school, the next best pass rusher is Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson if the Lions don’t trade this pick.

7.) Las Vegas Raiders: Quentin Johnston WR, TCU

With Derek Carr out of Vegas, I’m predicting the Raiders land a top quarterback in free agency. The idea of Las Vegas selecting a quarterback in the first round doesn’t make sense to me. Josh McDaniels will look to sign someone he’s familiar with and it’s a huge help that two of the top free agent quarterbacks were in New England with McDaniels. Pairing veteran Davante Adams with one of the best wide receivers in this talented class in Quentin Johnston could be deadly.

8.) Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Stroud QB, Ohio State

Don’t count out C.J. Stroud on being a top five pick, especially after his game against Georgia. However, the board fell this way without trades. If the Falcons see a future where they’ll be picking in the top 10 in 2024, defense or wide receiver will more than likely be the pick here. In that scenario, Atlanta would be in a prime position to select their franchise quarterback. Stroud will be a name to watch on a potential trade-up scenario if Atlanta fields calls on this pick.

9.) Carolina Panthers: Anthony Richardson QB, Florida

I’m betting everything that Jim Harbaugh will be running the show in Carolina. Does he roll with a quarterback on the Panthers’ current roster? It’s not a wild scenario as they traded some future picks on 2022 3rd-rounder Matt Corral. I think Harbaugh could give the youngster a shot and potentially pair D.J. Moore with a wide receiver like Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. A dark horse prospect to watch here is Texas running back, Bijan Robinson. However, I’m playing it safe and selecting my favorite prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft, Florida’s Anthony Richardson.

10.) Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Bijan Robinson HB, Texas

The selection for the Eagles doesn’t change this time. Bijan Robinson is someone the Eagles need to attempt to land if he falls in their laps. Robinson will also be a trade-up candidate for a lot of organizations as he’s the closest’s thing to Saquon Barkley.

11.) Tennessee Titans: Broderick Jones OT, Georgia

I am hesitant to do this but I’ve heard a lot of rumors that suggest Georgia’s Broderick Jones will be the first offensive lineman selected this year. The 6’4, 310 pound lineman out of Georgia is a mauler in the run game. In 439 pass block snaps, Jones has allowed a total of zero sacks. Watch out for the Titans’ run game in 2023 if Jones is the selection.

12.) Houston Texans (via CLE): Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State

Let’s switch it up this week. Say the Texans do get their franchise quarterback. What’s the best thing to do? Select a weapon for the young signal caller to have or add another lineman to help protect the future. This week I have the Texans targeting the offensive line as the future of Laremy Tunsil is up in the air. Tunsil, the former projected No.1 overall pick slid down draft boards in a weird family scandal. If Tunsil does decide he wants to be traded, the Chicago Bears make the most sense as a trade suitor. Even if Tunsil stays, Paris Johnson Jr. would be a huge, and yes I mean 6’6 huge addition to the Houston Texans.

13.) New York Jets: Peter Skoronski OT, Northwestern

A projected top five pick during the preseason falls down the board as being the last tackle selected in the first round. Northwestern is already represented by one of the top young offensive linemen in the NFL in Los Angeles Chargers’ Rashawn Slater. Slater, like Skoronski, was projected as a top-five pick. The position selection stays the same here for the Jets but the name is changed to Peter Skoronski.

14.) New England Patriots: Brian Branch CB/SAF, Alabama

The secondary is one of the top needs for the Patriots heading into the NFL Draft. In a division that has: Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, Jaylen Waddle, Garrett Wilson, and Elijah Moore, it might be the Patriots’ top priority come draft night. Alabama’s Brian Branch fits the mold of what the Patriots want, a versatile defensive back that can blitz and isn’t afraid to be left one on one with the No.1 receiver.

15.) Green Bay Packers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State

Did we witness the retirement of Aaron Rodgers this week? I’m saying no, no we didn’t. Why did Rodgers want to keep his jersey? If anything, this was the final time Aaron Rodgers played with Randall Cobb. Cobb, one of Rodgers’ all-time favorite weapons could be heading toward retirement. If I’m right, the Packers are going to do everything in their power to land one of the top wide receiver prospects. It just happens to be, Smith-Njigba falls straight to them.

16.) Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State

My top corner in this year’s NFL Draft, other than Brian Branch, falls to a team in desperate need of finding their No.1 corner. With the divisional receivers consisting of: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Ceedee Lamb, potentially DeAndre Hopkins, and whoever the Giants draft, the Commanders have to find their top cornerback. Personally, I’m giving the keys to Sam Howell and seeing how well he does in 2023. If he fails, do your best to select a top quarterback in 2024.

17.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Cam Smith CB, South Carolina

There’s a trend in this mock if you haven’t already noticed. Teams who need a corner to help win against division-rival receivers are a top priority. How cool would it be if Joey Porter Jr. landed where his father played? Well, this is a mock and even with the board falling how it is, the Steelers would need to trade up to select Porter Jr. Cam Smith is the next man up on the Steelers’ board with this pick. I do think the offensive line is a top priority but I wanted things up in this mock.

18.) Detroit Lions: Bryan Bresee IDL, Clemson

What a year for Lions’ General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell. Unfortunately, as I predicted they ended up being the last team out of the playoffs by just an inch. However, the Lions have the chance to win the NFC North in 2023 with the way they’ve played the past two years. Bolstering up the defensive line not only guarantees a tough defense to plan against, but it helps Jared Goff not have to play in shootouts every week. Bresee isn’t a colorful pick, it just makes sense. Adding another pass rusher and run stuffer is what I ultimately expect to happen this year.

19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trenton Simpson LB, Clemson

Sorry Buccaneer fans, Tom Brady is leaving in this mock and so is Lavonte David. David, an all-time great for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely want a trade out of Tampa if Brady leaves. Good thing for the future of the Buccaneers defense, as there are a few great linebackers who have first-round potential: Arkansas’ Drew Sanders, Oregon’s Noah Sewell, and Alabama’s Henry To’oTo’o to name a few. I love the speed that Simpson plays with, Devin White and Trenton Simpson would be a fun duo to watch.

20.) Seattle Seahawks: Antonio Hamilton SAF, Texas A&M

Seattle is known for reaching on rookie prospects and I project they’ll do it with their second 1s Round pick. The Legion of Boom will be revived with this selection. While Jamal Adams still recovers from injury in 2023, why don’t the Seahawks land another top hybrid player that can confuse the offense with weird disguise packages? Tariq Woolen, Coby Bryant, Jamal Adams, Myles Murphy, Uchenna Nwosu, Boya Mafe, and Antonio Hamilton would have the potential of being a scary defense.

21.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon

The Jaguars were my pick to win the AFC South at the start of the year. Trevor Lawrence has been lights out this season. He’s shown flashes of being a top-5 player at his position. Jacksonville could potentially add another weapon for Trevor Lawrence but I think they attempt to build up their defense. That’s what I’m doing here with selecting Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez will draw buzz as being the first corner selected weeks leading up to the draft. In the end, I see him falling into the 20-25 range.

22.) Miami Dolphins: Forfeited Due to Tampering

23.) New York Giants: Rashee Rice WR, SMU

Giants’ General Manager, Joe Schoen isn’t afraid to trade for a superstar player. The news of DeAndre Hopkins potentially being traded has an influence on this selection. With the addition of DeAndre Hopkins, the Giants can select Rashee Rice out of SMU instead of Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt. I also think that the Giants would field offers for this pick if there are more than two wide receivers left on the board who have first-round grades. With the addition of Hopkins and Rice, alongside Wan’Dale Robinson, Daniel Bellinger, and Saquon Barkley, the New York Giants’ offense could garner towards being a top five offense in 2023.

24.) Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Addison WR, USC

Baltimore has to figure out the Lamar Jackson situation. At this moment, I don’t believe Jackson will be a Raven next season. However, the way Jordan Addison fell down the board is something that could go right for the Ravens. Even if Jackson leaves, Addison is a great receiver to pair up with Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews.

25.) Los Angeles Chargers: Zay Flowers WR, Boston College

The Chargers aren’t far away from moving on from Keenan Allen. When this happens, they need to have someone ready to step in and be the No.1 go-to target for Justin Herbert. Zay Flowers is a tremendous deep-threat target and can make any catch. He and Mike Williams would be a solid duo moving forward.

26.) Dallas Cowboys: Clark Phillips CB, Utah

Dallas could go wide receiver here but I don’t see them taking one. The only other position I see them going to is cornerback. Pairing Trevon Diggs with Clark Phillips would be a great duo for years to come.

27.)  Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame

If the Bengals get a chance to select Michael Mayer, I don’t see them passing on him. So expect to see him being mocked to the Bengals in most mock draft for the next few months.

28.) Minnesota Vikings: Josh Downs WR, North Carolina

The Vikings have one of, if not, the best wide receivers in the NFL. With Adam Thielen’s future in doubt, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Vikings looked to pair Justin Jefferson with the stud receiver out of North Carolina, Josh Downs.

29.) Denver Broncos (via SF): B.J. Ojulari EDGE, LSU

The Broncos traded Bradley Chubb to the 49ers for this pick. If the Broncos don’t select a pass rusher in the 1st Round, they’ll potentially miss out on one in the rest of the Draft.

30.) Buffalo Bills: Jahmyr Gibbs HB, Alabama

The Bills selected Georgia’s James Cook in the 2022 NFL Draft. This year they upgrade tremendously by taking the all-around back out of Alabama. The former Georgia Tech running back was one of the top transfers in 2022 and landed with Alabama. After the transfer, Jahmyr Gibbs began to show he should be a first-rounder.

31.) Kansas City Chiefs: Jalin Hyatt WR, Tennessee

What do the Chiefs really need? The offensive line could use a boost, maybe even another pass rusher, but this time I’m adding the Biletnikoff award winner to Patrick Mahomes’ arsenal. Kadarius Toney was a great addition this season but how many games will he actually play? Jalin Hyatt could be a fantastic weapon and get a massive boost in fantasy football value if he landed with the Chiefs.

32.) Philadelphia Eagles: Derrick Hall EDGE, Auburn

Philadelphia will probably add another pass rusher in the 1st Round. The question is, who will it be? There are a lot of options that will fall to the Eagles. If the Eagles do go another route, cornerback and running back are the next two positions to look out for. Derrick Hall out of Auburn could bolster this defense line which has been the one weak point of this defense.

New – Mock Draft 3.0

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