DRU'S WAY TOO EARLY 2023 NFL MOCK DRAFT 1.0

WAY TOO EARLY 2023 NFL MOCK DRAFT 1.0

After a wild NFL Draft, we look ahead to the next draft that has arguably a way better Quarterback class than this year’s. Even though it’s a year away, it’s always fun to project where players could go and project where these prospects are and compare at the end of season if anything changed like Rattler.

The draft order is going by the Super Bowl 57 betting odds in reverse order (worst to first). We start with the worst betting odds, the Houston Texans.

1. Houston Texans: QUARTERBACK BRYCE YOUNG (ALABAMA)

As of right now no other Quarterback looks better than the 2021 Heisman Winner Bryce Young coming into the 2022 College football season & he’s an upgrade from Davis “General” Mills for the Texans.

2. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE RUSHER WILL ANDERSON (ALABAMA)

Anderson is a monster pass rusher; in my opinion he was better than Aidan last season with his 17.5 sack season. He can be lined up anywhere on the field with his lightning speed.

3. New York Jets: EDGE RUSHER B.J. OJULARI (LSU)

Ojulari is a versatile edge rusher and looks as of now to be the 2nd best edge rusher in this draft class behind Anderson. Ojulari had 7 sacks and 12 tackles for loss last season for the Tigers. In the offseason it’s possible the Jets cut Carl Lawson to save $15 million in cap space if he can’t meet expectations and stay healthy this upcoming season. How would you fix your edge rusher hole in a division with 2 good Quarterbacks, by drafting Ojulari.

4. Detroit Lions: QUARTERBACK C.J. STROUD (OHIO STATE)

Stroud had a good late season last year for the buckeyes, he threw for 300-plus yards in every single game from week 5 on with 36 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. The Detroit Lions have essentially made a legit young offense that has potential to make some noise in the league but the only glaring issue is at the Quarterback position. The good thing for the Lions is that after this upcoming season they can opt to move on from Jared Goff and let C.J. begin the new era in Detroit.

5. Seattle Seahawks: WIDE RECEIVER JAXSON SMITH-NJIGBA (OHIO STATE)

Smith-Njigba caught 95 passes for 1,606 yards and 9 touchdowns last season and with a team starting the rebuilding era in Seattle, nothing helps than having a potential home run weapon to go with DK & Tyler Lockett.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars: DEFENSIVE TACKLE JALEN CARTER (GEORGIA)

6’3 310 pound lineman that was the best on Georgia’s defense last year at pass rushing. Jacksonville already added Travon Walker & Devin Lloyd to boost their front 7, now adding Carter makes them even better.

7. Chicago Bears: WIDE RECEIVER KAYSHON BOUTTE (LSU)

The closest thing that College football has to a Ja’Marr Chase like receiver is at LSU in Boutte, he’s 6-foot and 205 pounds and has amazing explosiveness that he’s shown in games last year. If you don’t believe me, go look at the Ole Miss game. The Chicago Bears are lacking in the weapons department for their Quarterback Field, so getting Boutte should improve that hole.

8. Carolina Panthers: QUARTERBACK WILL LEVIS (KENTUCKY)

The Carolina Panthers at the moment haven’t traded for Baker Mayfield, they weren’t any rush to draft a QB either before picking up Matt Corral. Levis is 6’3, 232 pounds so that’s not a bad size for your Quarterback and he also comes with good arm talent and functional mobility.

9. New York Giants: QUARTERBACK KEDON SLOVIS (PITTSBURGH)

The New York Giants already declined to pick up the 5th year option on Daniel Jones contract for 2023, which means that Jones is on a prove it or we move on season. If he doesn’t prove he can get the Giants to where they want to be then getting the USC transfer who’s going to try to replicate what the only 1st round QB of the 2022 draft Kenny Pickett did would be a good way for the Giants to start their new era.

10.Pittsburgh Steelers: OFFENSIVE TACKLE PARIS JOHNSON (OHIO STATE)

One of the biggest issues for the Steelers last year was the play of their offensive line especially in the running game. Kenny Pickett now being the QB of the future in Pittsburgh, it’s time to protect your centerpiece and by drafting Paris who also has experience at playing Right guard would be a natural fit for this offensive line.

11.Washington Commanders: DEFENSIVE TACKLE BRYAN BRESEE (CLEMSON)

Talent alone, Breese has a chance at being a top 5 pick but coming off a season ending torn ACL last season in the game against North Carolina State will make it interesting to see how Bresee plays this year. Commanders are lacking at the pass rush department and Bresee is a gifted pass rusher for his position where in 15 college games he’s had 5.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.

12. Philadelphia Eagles [From Saints]: CORNERBACK KELEE RINGO (GEORGIA)

Ringo had a good 2021 campaign that also was highlighted by his pick six in the national championship game against Alabama. He’s 6’2, 205 pounds and has 4.3 40-yard dash. The Eagles biggest hole is in the secondary so taking a corner with one of their two 1st round picks can improve that weakness.

13.New England Patriots: WIDE RECEIVER JORDAN ADDISON (PITTSBURGH)

The Patriots need to start getting Mac Jones some weapons, cause DeVante Parker alone is not the answer to their passing game issues. The reigning Biletnikoff Award Winner, Jordan Addison is that player that can help in that category after last year having 100 catches, 1,593 receiving yards and 17 touchdown catches.

14.Las Vegas Raiders: OFFENISVE TACKLE PETER SKORONSKI (NORTHWESTERN)

Skoronski has been getting comparisons with former Wildcat Rashawn Slater due to both being 6’4. Skoronski is one of the best pass blockers in college football and with a Raiders with a lot of passing weapons, why wouldn’t you approve your passing block to make sure Carr and get the ball to all his weapons.

15.Miami Dolphins: RUNNING BACK BIJAN ROBINSON (TEXAS)

Dijan can run routes like a wide receiver and was impressive last year with 79 broken tackles on only 195 carries which had him ranked 3rd in the country. As of right now the Dolphins have a running back committee but getting Robinson would give them a clear RB1 that they have needed for awhile.

16.Minnesota Vikings: EDGE RUSHER ISAIAH FOSKEY (NOTRE DAME)

Danielle Hunter & Za’Darius Smith are a good duo to have for edge rushers but health concerns have ruined seeing them for a full season together lately. Smith will be 30 years old so I wouldn’t be shocked if the Vikings look to draft his replacement due to Smith being able to be off the books after the 2023 season. Foskey is 6’5. 260-pounds and very athletic. He has shown on tape that he can play from a two or three point stance and the fact he had 11 sacks last year isn’t going unlooked.

17.Philadelphia Eagles: SAFETY ANTONIO JOHNSON (TEXAS A&M)

Antonio Johnson brings size (6’3, 200-pounds) and an impressive skill set. Last season Johnson thrived when he was called upon to cover the slot and play downhill. The Eagles have had issues at the safety position for awhile but drafting Antonio Johnson will fix that issue.

18.Tennessee Titans: TIGHT END MICHAEL MAYER (NOTRE DAME)

Mayer has a skill set that has been compared to Zach Ertz. He’s 6’4 251 pounds and he caught 71 passes last season and his yards after the catch is what separates him from the rest of the tight ends in his draft class.

19. Arizona Cardinals: CORNERBACK ELI RICKS (ALABAMA)

Eli has potential to move up the draft board depending on his season but for now I have him here because he’s coming off a season ending shoulder surgery in 2021 and transferred from LSU to Alabama. The cardinals haven’t had a good cornerback since Patrick Peterson and this draft pick can help them in fixing their issues in the secondary.

20.Indianapolis Colts: EDGE RUSHER MYLES MURPHY (CLEMSON)

In 2021 the Colts were tied at 9th worst in the league for sacks and with Yannick Ngakoue potentially leaving after next season it would be smart for the Colts to improve their defensive line by getting a player who is great at rush defense and good at pass rushing in Murphy. If he improves on his pass rushing ability this season then expect Murphy’s stock to go up.

21.Baltimore Ravens: WIDE RECEIVER MARVIN MIMS (OKLAHOMA)

After trading away Marquise Brown to the Cardinals, improving the weapons around Lamar Jackson should be top concern for the Ravens and why not replace Brown with a player with the same type of build as Brown in Mims. Mims is a downfield weapon, he averaged 19.1 yards per catch in his 1st two seasons. Last season he averaged 22.0 yards per catch and was the 2020 second team All-Big 12 performer.

22.Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE RUSHER FELIX ANUDIKE-UZOMAH (KANSAS STATE)

Bengals have D.J. Reader and Josh Tupou potentially being free agents after this upcoming season so being ready to replace one or possibly even both should be the main concern. Anudike-Uzomah had a breakout season last year getting 11 sacks and being tied for 1st in the country with 6 forced fumbles. He has an amazing build and play style to fight the scheme of the Bengals

23.Houston Texans [From Browns]: OFFENSIVE TACKLE ANDREW VORHEES (USC)

Vorhees has experience at playing tackle and guard for the Trojans. After drafting Bryce Young with their first pick in the draft, getting him someone to protect him is the number one priority.

24.Dallas Cowboys: CORNERBACK CAM SMITH (SOUTH CAROLINA)

One of the best corners in the country last season, the 6 foot, 185-pound defensive back broke up 11 passes and had 3 interceptions. He was able to play outside and even nickel so this would be a great pick for the Cowboys who will have Anthony Brown and C.J. Goodwin potentially becoming free agents after this upcoming season.

25. Seattle Seahawks [From Broncos]: QUARTERBACK SPENCER RATTLER (SOUTH CAROLINA)

After not drafting a Quarterback in the 2022 Draft and at the moment not trading for Baker Mayfield, the Seattle Seahawks will be looking to draft a QB for the future. Rattler is hoping that a new school will be able to help him improve from his forgetful season last year and improve his draft stock as well.

26. Miami Dolphins [From 49ers]: QUARTERBACK PHIL JURKOVEC (BOSTON COLLEGE)

This pick all depends on the season of Tua, since the organization has put him in the best possible spot to show out or they have to move on because all this offensive talent just needs a good consistent Quarterback to unlock the potential.

27.Los Angeles Chargers: SAFETY BRANDON JOSEPH (NOTRE DAME)

The Chargers will have big decision in regard to their secondary and that’s deciding if they sign Derwin James or Nasir Adderley since both our free agents after the upcoming season. I predict that Derwin James gets the big contract while Adderley becomes a free agent which puts the Chargers in need of a safety. Joseph can play single high safety, cover the slot or even play down in the box.

28.Green Bay Packers: EDGE RUSHER NOLAN SMITH (GEORGIA)

Former #1 recruit in the 2019 class over Kayvon Thibodeaux can add high end athleticism to any team he’s drafted to even though he would need to put on some more weight and add a few more pass rushing moves but he definitely has the tools to be a top prospect.

29. Detroit Lions [From Rams]: CORNERBACK JOEY PORTER JR (PENN ST)

The Lions being able to get Aidan Hutchinson & Josh Paschal in the 2022 draft were great pieces for the defense to build with and now getting Porter Jr helps build that secondary because they’re adding a 6’2, 196 pounder defensive back who has been taught by his All-Pro father.

30.Kansas City Chiefs: OFFENSIVE GUARD/TACKLE T.J. BASS (OREGON)

The Kansas City Chiefs don’t have a long term contract with current left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., and Lucas Niang remains a question on the other side. Bass is a mauler who’s going to displace defenders all game. He can play a wide base and good pad level with the strength to over power anyone across from him. For the Oregon Ducks, they got the 6’5. 318-pound blocker playing left tackle and he’s also a natural guard.

31.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: SAFETY JORDAN BATTLE (ALABAMA)

Unless Tom Brady is forced to retire I will go with the idea that he’s playing in 2023 which would make the Buccaneers not have to draft a QB for the future for this draft at least. I decided to pick a position that the Buccaneers didn’t take care of in the 2022 NFL draft, which is the safety position. Battle has been a big contributor for the Crimson Tide secondary for 2 seasons already, 2021 First-team All-SEC performer and the fact Nick Saban has a good track record with secondary players from his program will help Battle’s stock as well.

32.Buffalo Bills: LINEBACKER NOAH SEWELL (OREGON)

Sewell is 6’3, 251-pounds with aggressive tendencies, versatility and athletic. Won the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2020 and had 114 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks last season as his encore to lead him on being a part of the first team All-Pac-12.