2023 NFL Mock Draft 5.0
Five mock drafts can be a lot. I have to come up with new ideas on how to make each mock different. For NFL Mock Draft 5.0, I will be adding my predicted free-agent signings and how they could affect a team’s draft selection. I won’t be taking into consideration free agents being re-signed. However, there won’t be some big names listed as you might think. This mock draft will not involve any trades but maybe a mock down the line can include both free agent signings and projected trades.
Mock Draft 4.0
1.) Chicago Bears: Will Anderson EDGE, Alabama
Free Agent Selection: Washington Commanders IDL, Daron Payne
It’s no shock that the Chicago Bears need to work on the defensive side of the ball. Their division is filled with pass-heavy offenses. A pairing of Daron Payne and rookie Will Anderson would be a great starting point. Payne, the 25-year-old IDL, already established to the league that he is a top player at his position.
2.) Houston Texans: Bryce Young QB, Alabama
Free Agent Selection: New York Giants WR, Darius Slayton
The Texans’ plan for the off-season is to find their franchise quarterback. What do you do before then? Well, go get that quarterback a wide receiver that can make plays. Veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks wants to be traded to a contender and I think that will happen. Darius Slayton is a 26-year-old speedster that can fit in well with Bryce Young. Slayton has drop issues but maybe a change of scenery will benefit him.
3.) Arizona Cardinals: Jalen Carter IDL, Georgia
Free Agent Selection: Tennessee Titans IOL, Nate Davis
Arizona is set to have four starting offensive linemen hit free agency. They’ll definitely be in the market for an offensive line leading up to the NFL Draft. Nate Davis is a 26-year-old guard who can help establish the run. While Davis is the free agent selection, Jalen Carter out of Georgia falls into the lap of the Arizona Cardinals.
4.) Indianapolis Colts: C.J. Stroud QB, Ohio State
Free Agency Selection: Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB, Jamel Dean
The Colts select their long-term quarterback in Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. However, their offense isn’t the issue. The Colts’ defense can not stop anyone. While the 26-year-old will be an expensive signing, Jamel Dean would fit well with Stephon Gilmore and revamp the Colts’ defense. Tampa Bay’s secondary has been weak, but Dean has been a bright spot. He’d help bolster this Indianapolis secondary.
5.) Seattle Seahawks (via DEN): Tyree Wilson EDGE, Texas Tech
Free Agent Selection: New Orleans Saints EDGE, Marcus Davenport
Seattle’s offense is set so their priority this off-season needs to be defense. Adding a pair of pass rushers like Marcus Davenport and Tyree Wilson can help the Seahawks win the NFC West in 2023.
6.) Detroit Lions: Brian Branch DB, Alabama
Free Agent Selection: Kansas City Chiefs IDL, Khalen Saunders
Detroit could seek wide receiver help in free agency but I think they’re fine. Their main problem is they have a few holes on defense. Adding Alabama’s Brian Branch, who I believe is the best defensive back in this class, would be huge.
Furthermore, signing Khalen Saunders can help the Lions’ defensive line depth and might also lead to Saunders being a starter.
7.) Las Vegas Raiders: Peter Skoronski OT, Northwestern
Free Agent Selection: Cincinnati Bengals SAF, Jessie Bates
The Raiders are a team who’s always weak in the secondary. While the Bengals are prepared to extend Joe Burrow, Jessie Bates could be on his way out. I expect Vegas to throw the bag at Bates.
For the draft selection, the Raiders aren’t strong on the offensive line and Peter Skoronski out of Northwestern is the best one in the draft.
8.) Atlanta Falcons: Myles Murphy EDGE, Clemson
Free Agent Selection: Baltimore Ravens QB, Lamar Jackson
There’s no question that Lamar Jackson is going to get franchise tagged. If this happens I believe the Ravens will look to trade him and Atlanta makes the most sense. With this trade, the Falcons won’t be picking in the 1st Round. But that’s how this mock is, adding a player like Clemson’s Myles Murphy, who I think could be the best pass rusher in the class, would be huge for the Falcons.
9.) Carolina Panthers: Will Levis QB, Kentucky
Free Agent Selection: Denver Broncos OL, Dalton Risner
Will Levis’s stock is plummeting currently. If the Panthers, who are in desperate need of finding their franchise quarterback, land Levis without trading up, that’s huge. Adding Levis would mean the Panthers would potentially have added help to the offensive line in free agency.
Dalton Risner played extremely well this year, as he’s a player who I think returns to Denver, the Panthers should look to at least attempt to sign Risner if he walks away from Denver.
10.) Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Bijan Robinson HB, Texas
Free Agent Selection: Baltimore Ravens CB, Marcus Peters
Philadelphia is set to have a lot of its core pieces hit free agency. James Bradberry is someone who I think is as good as gone. Marcus Peters could be a cheap one-year rental like Bradberry was.
As for the draft pick, Bijan Robinson will gain top-10 buzz leading up to the NFL Draft. Philadelphia is a team that doesn’t have many holes and could look to select the Texas running back.
11.) Tennessee Titans: Paris Johnson Jr. OT, Ohio State
Free Agent Selection: New England Patriots OT, Isaiah Wynn
The Titans could look to move on from veteran offensive tackle, Taylor Lewan. Lewan is set to make $14M in 2023 and will likely hit free agency in 2024. Knowing this, Tennessee should establish the offensive line with two younger guys.
While Vrabel left in 2018 to be the Titans Head Coach, Wynn was selected by the Patriots that same year. No doubt in my mind that Vrabel was scouting hard on Wynn prior to joining Tennessee. Paris Johnson Jr. out of Ohio State can help solidify the other tackle position.
12.) Houston Texans: Cody Mauch OT, North Dakota State
Free Agent Selection: New England Patriots CB, Jonathan Jones
WOAH?! Cody Mauch in the top-15? Yes, you read that right. Mauch out of North Dakota State is shooting up draft boards currently. He is someone I believe can play four out of the five offensive line positions. Furthermore, Texans’ General Manager, Nick Caserio loves versatility on the offensive line.
As for the free agency pick, Jonathan Jones has ties with Caserio and is a hole to fill for the Texans.
13.) New York Jets: Broderick Jones OT, Georgia
Free Agent Selection: Cleveland Browns CB, Greedy Williams
The Jets almost have the offensive line established for whoever will be their quarterback in 2023. If it’s Aaron Rodgers, the Jets won’t have this pick. If it’s Derek Carr, Broderick Jones out of Georgia would be a nice pick.
Robert Saleh would love Greedy Williams. A guy you can run man coverage with is a huge target for Saleh.
14.) New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez CB, Oregon
Free Agent Selection: Kansas City Chiefs OT, Orlando Brown
The Patriots feel like the team to draft Christian Gonzalez. New England doesn’t really get cute with their draft selections and Gonzalez is the best fit here anyway.
The offensive line has a few holes and adding Orlando Brown from the Chiefs would be a smart thing to do.
15.) Green Bay Packers: Keion White EDGE, Georgia Tech
Free Agent Selection: Detroit Lions WR, D.J. Chark
While the wide receiver position is a huge need, the Packers could add another pass rusher. Keion White lit up the Senior Bowl. Teams were put on notice and are starting to talk about the pass rusher out of Georgia Tech. The duo of Rashan Gary and Keion White could be huge.
In this mock draft, the Packers steal a player from the Lions. A wide receiver is a need as listed above, this has been clear for a few years now. Chark is built to be a Packer.
16.) Washington Commanders: Anthony Richardson QB, Florida
Free Agent Selection: Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB, Sean Murphy-Bunting
The top two needs for the Commanders are quarterback and cornerback. Both holes are filled here. Anthony Richardson out of Florida is a player I believe can be the best player in the class.
Tampa Bay is set to lose their top two corners in free agency and has plenty of cap issues with Tom Brady retiring. Washington could look to add two or three corners in the off-season.
17.) Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State
Free Agent Selection: Tennessee Titans LB, David Long
Pittsburgh’s main goal this off-season is two things. Focus on protecting Kenny Pickett and building the defense. Joey Porter Jr. is an instant starter for the Steelers defense. Adding Porter Jr. alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick could be a fun secondary to watch.
The Steelers haven’t had a legit linebacker since Ryan Shazier. They’ve experimented on Devin Bush and Myles Jack. Adding David Long, who can rush and play coverage would be a nice fit for the Steelers.
18.) Detroit Lions: Nolan Smith EDGE, Georgia
Free Agent Selection: Las Vegas Raiders HB, Josh Jacobs
Detroit adds another stud pass rusher in former five-star edge rusher, Nolan Smith. Lions fans love Jamaal Williams but Josh Jacobs being a free agent is the perfect signing for Detroit.
19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devon Witherspoon CB, Illinois
Free Agent Selection: New York Giants LB, Jaylon Smith
The Buccaneers aren’t doing much this off-season. If anything, they’ll be losing a lot of their roster due to the cap amount. Todd Bowles is going to focus on the defense, as he should. With multiple starters on the defensive side hitting free agency, they’ll look to draft secondary and linebackers.
Jaylon Smith isn’t what he once was but he’s still a veteran guy that can sign for the low in Tampa and take over Lavonte David’s role.
20.) Seattle Seahawks: Calijah Kancey IDL, Pittsburgh
Free Agent Selection: Dallas Cowboys LB, Leighton Vander Esch
See the trend? The Seahawks are fine on offense. That being said, building their defense is the key here. Calijah Kancey is a player you can select and develop while Leighton Vander Esch could be a great player to sign for tackling purposes.
21.) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison WR, USC
Free Agent Selection: Dallas Cowboys HB, Tony Pollard
The rumors of Kennan Allen potentially being released were a shock to me. If that occurs, the wide receiver position has to be the pick in the 1st Round for Los Angeles. The Dallas Cowboys should tag Tony Pollard, however, if Pollard walks, I would love to see him on the Chargers or Dolphins.
22.) Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers WR, Boston College
Free Agent Selection: New England Patriots WR, Jakobi Myers
Doubling up on wide receivers would be something for whoever is behind center for the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately for Ravens fans, I don’t think it’ll be Jackson as of today. However, adding weapons should be a priority for whoever is the quarterback.
23.) Minnesota Vikings: Cam Smith CB, South Carolina
Free Agent Selection: Philadelphia Eagles CB, James Bradberry
Another team that should double up on a position is the Minnesota Vikings. Secondary was a huge issue for the Vikings in 2022. Adding the veteran James Bradberry and drafting another corner in South Carolina’s Cam Smith would be great additions for the Vikings.
24.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Luke Musgrave TE, Oregon State
Free Agent Selection: Dallas Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz
I know this looks weird but Luke Musgrave has injury concerns and so does Dalton Schultz. Jaguars Head Coach, Doug Pederson loves tight ends and I wouldn’t be shocked to see them sign one and draft one this off-season. Musgrave could be a nice option for Trevor Lawrence to lean on as Evan Engram is aging and has a history of injuries, despite his nice season this year.
25.) New York Giants: Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Ohio State
Free Agent Selection: Buffalo Bills LB, Tremaine Edmunds
The Giants need to add a few weapons for Daniel Jones. Yes, I think Jones and Saquon will both be back in the Big Apple. New York won’t be spending much in free agency as they have to look to lock up their own players. However, Tremaine Edmunds has ties with former Bills assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen.
26.) Dallas Cowboys: Quentin Johnston WR, TCU
Free Agent Selection: Kansas City Chiefs WR, Mecole Hardman
Dallas can’t keep relying on CeeDee Lamb. Releasing Ezekiel Elliott and bringing back Tony Pollard on a long-term deal is what needs to happen. This gives Dallas cap space to go after a notable free agent like Mecole Hardman. I expect the Cowboys to select another weapon for Dak Prescott in the NFL Draft as well.
27.) Buffalo Bills: John Michael Schmitz IOL, Minnesota
Free Agent Selection: Los Angeles Rams WR, Odell Beckham Jr.
Buffalo could look to add more defensive pieces in the draft but John Michael Schmitz lit up the Senior Bowl and put himself in 1st Round consideration.
As for Odell Beckham Jr., he wants to sign with a stable organization and have a long-term home. Knowing that, I think he could either sign with the Bills, Giants, or Chiefs.
28.) Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer TE, Notre Dame
Free Agent Selection: Cleveland Browns EDGE, Jadeveon Clowney
The Bengals are going to be mocked taking a tight end in the majority of the mocks you might read. It’s a priority to help Joe Burrow in any way possible in blocking and catching.
As for Clowney, he’s a veteran that could potentially be on a rental deal to help a team go after a Super Bowl. Jadeveon Clowney and Trey Hendrickson would be a fantastic fit together.
29.) New Orleans Saints (via DEN): Will McDonald EDGE, Iowa State
Free Agent Selection: Las Vegas Raiders WR, Mack Hollins
A new addition to the mock draft is Iowa State pass rusher, Will McDonald. McDonald was an under-the-radar prospect all year long. With his invitation to the Senior Bowl, McDonald started to show his potential.
Mack Hollins had a few big games in 2022. If Derek Carr ends up being the Saints’ quarterback in 2023, Hollins would be a great addition to the Saints offense.
30.) Philadelphia Eagles: Emmanuel Forbes CB, Mississippi State
Free Agent Selection: Las Vegas Raiders IDL, Jerry Tillery
With the Eagles’ other 1st Round pick, they continue to fill the holes they will most likely have. This Eagles defense is going to be completely different in 2023 as they won’t have a lot of cap space to re-sign the majority of their starters. Forbes would be a fun rookie to mentor for former Mississippi State corner, Darius Slay.
For the free agent pick, Jerry Tillery hasn’t lived up to the hype he received when he came out in the 2019 NFL Draft. However, the Eagles defensive line consisting of Jordan Davis won’t place Tillery as the No.1 IDL like he was with the Chargers and Raiders.
31.) Kansas City Chiefs: Darnell Wright OT, Tennessee
Free Agent Selection: Arizona Cardinals CB, Byron Murphy
Another player that stood out at the Senior Bowl was Tennessee offensive tackle, Darnell Wright. Plugging him next to former Tennessee offensive lineman, Trey Smith would be ideal.
Byron Murphy might not hit free agency but if he does, the Chiefs should be the favorite to land him.
Mock Draft 4.0
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