2023 NFL Draft: Post Super Bowl mock draft before April

After the Kansas City Chiefs thrilling 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 on Sunday, it’s officially the NFL offseason, which means everyone will be looking ahead to the NFL Draft this April. The NFL Draft is an event like no other where the unknown is king and the happiness of a fanbase hinges on who their favorite franchise selects over the course of three days and over 250 picks.

The promise of the NFL Draft is the promise of a better future, but it can also be a promise of false hope with nobody knowing for sure which players will hit and which will bust. That’s what makes draft night such a spectacle and keeps NFL fans invested year-round.

Right about now most diehard fans are learning about the prospects in the NFL Draft, digesting as many mock drafts as they can, and even watching tape of the players they’d like to see suit up in their teams colors. The investment of the fans is what makes NFL Draft season so fun, and with the NFL Scouting Combine at the end of the month, NFL free agency set for March 15, and plenty of pro days ahead, this is just the beginning of the process.

As silly as mock drafts can be, they’re a great exercise for understanding team needs, player fits and value, and for getting a better understanding of the skill sets prospects bring to the table. Plus they’re fun to do!

*projected compensatory pick

Round 1

1. Chicago Bears- Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia (6-3, 310)

Without the need of a quarterback, Bears GM Ryan Poles will likely shop this pick to the highest bidder in need of a franchise saviour. If Chicago decides to stick and pick, they’ll have a tough choice to make between the two best players in the class, edge rusher Will Anderson and interior defensive lineman Jalen Carter.

Here they go Carter because Poles knows the value of a disruptor inside having been part of the front office that drafted perennial Pro Bowler Chris Jones 37th in the 2016 NFL Draft. Carter has rare explosiveness for a 3-Tech that allows him to shoot gaps and blow up run plays while offering exciting pass rushing upside with his athleticism and find-tuned pass rush plan.

2. Houston Texans- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama (5-10, 192)

It seems as if the Texans have finally found their coach in former star linebacker turned 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. With Ryans and GM Nick Caserio teaming up, it feels inevitable that Houston will finally use draft capital on a passer and align their coaching staff, front office, and quarterback.

While Bryce Young’s size will scare people off, he’s clearly the most talented quarterback in the class and can bring hope back to Houston. His improvisational skills, poise, and accuracy will be perfect for new offensive coordinator, and Kyle Shanahan disciple, Bobby Slowik’s system. Young’s talent for extending plays and thriving out of structure will also help as the Texans rebuild their offensive line.

3. Arizona Cardinals- Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama (6-4, 245)

New GM Monti Ossenfort comes over from the Titans where he spent three years after winning four Super Bowl’s in the Patriots front office and he just hired Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon as the teams new head coach. Given the state of the Cardinals roster, plan A for Ossenfort is likely looking to move this pick to a team trading up for a quarterback, but plan B isn’t too shabby either.

There’s no harm in taking the best player available, especially when it’s arguably the best player in the draft class. Will Anderson will bring instant juice to Arizona’s pass rush and gives Gannon a cornerstone player to build around on defense. Not only is Anderson a complete pass rusher who can win with speed, power, and violent hands, but he’s a physical run defender who sets a strong edge and makes plenty of plays backside.

4. Indianapolis Colts- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky (6-4, 230)

Arguably the most interesting team in the top-five, Colts GM Chris Ballard just hired Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen as head coach. Steichen has found recent success with young quarterbacks such as Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts, so Indianapolis will be aiming to pair him with what it hopes is its first franchise passer since Andrew Luck.

Kentucky’s Will Levis isn’t the second best quarterback in this class, but it seems more than likely an NFL franchise will sell themselves on him early because of what Josh Allen has become in Buffalo. What Levis offers is an impressive arm and the mobility to make plays in the run game; two things Steichen took advantage of with Herbert and Hurts respectively. This would be a massive swing, and nobody likes swinging more than owner Jim Irsay.

5. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver)- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-6, 270)

The worst case scenario for Seahawks GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll is that neither Jalen Carter or Will Anderson are pushed down the board by quarterback needy teams picking ahead of them. Still, given the state of their defense last year, Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson is a perfect prospect to bring to the Pacific Northwest.

More than anything Seattle needs to bolster their run defense and Wilson is the best run defending edge in the class. His length and strength are overwhelming and when he gets the  meat cleavers he calls hands inside on a lineman he can control them with ease. That’s not to say he won’t provide pass rush as well, Wilson is a bully who has a nasty long arm move and the ability to win with power inside.

6. Detroit Lions (via LA Rams)- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida (6-4, 232)

GM Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have found themselves in an interesting situation, they’re on the cusp of breaking into the playoffs and have a chance to add two first-round prospects into the fold. Everyone will have eyes on them to see how they handle the quarterback position after Jared Goff showed he can thrive in Ben Johnson’s system with the right pieces around him.

Realistically if the Lions love a quarterback they’ll use this pick on one, whether they feel confident in Goff this year or not. If Richardson, the highest ceiling passer in the class (he’s the Josh Allen, not Levis), is there for Detroit, they’ll have a hard time passing him up. Who knows when they’ll be picking this early again.

Not only does Richardson have a rocket launcher of an arm and a running ability that draws comparisons to Cam Newton, but he’s a gifted pocket maneuverer who makes jaw-dropping throws off-platform and out of structure. He would be the ideal replacement for Goff in 2024, or if Goff struggles this season maybe we see Richardson even sooner.

7. Las Vegas Raiders- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon (6-2, 200)

It’s looking like rebrand time in Las Vegas with Derek Carr out as GM Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels look to build the Raiders in their own vision. Ziegler and McDaniels both came over from the Patriots where Bill Belichick has long prioritized having a star cornerback. Luckily for the cornerback desperate Raiders, this NFL Draft is full of talented secondary players.

The highest upside secondary defender in this draft is Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez. A springy athlete, Gonzalez has the explosiveness, fluidity, and length teams look for in Pro Bowl cornerbacks. With light feet, closing speed, and the ball skills to make plays in phase, Gonzalez looks like a premier man cover corner; he just needs to be more physical against the run.

8. Atlanta Falcons- Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern (6-4, 305)

Two years into his reign as Falcons GM, Terry Fontenot has focussed on adding playmakers on offense and athletes on defense. Still trying to get over the hump and work the Falcons into a winning franchise, the former Saints assistant GM must go get Arthur Smith the best player available.

Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski isn’t just a plug-and-player player at an important position for Atlanta, but he’s the best offensive lineman in the class and could slot in wherever they need him most. A three-year starter at left tackle, Skoronski’s lack of length will result in some teams viewing him as a guard, or even a center. For the Falcons they could play him wherever they see fit. He’s a technically sound pass blocker who plays with impressive balance and body control. Skoronski would also bolster Smith’s impressive ground attack with his hands and strength making him a tone-setter in the run game.

9. Carolina Panthers- CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State (6-3, 207)

It’s a new era in Carolina with owner David Tepper and GM Scott Fitterer landing on Frank Reich as the franchises head coach going forward. Reich has already begun assembling an impressive staff, but the Panthers quarterback decision looms. Given what Reich went through in Indianapolis, it feels more than likely that he’ll be pushing for a passer with the teams top-10 pick; they may even need to move up.

Ohio State’s CJ Stroud is the perfect fit for what Reich wants to do; he’s a pocket passer with deadly accuracy to every level. Though some will knock Stroud for not being more of a playmaker who can make plays out of structure, he proved in the College Football Playoff loss to Georgia that he does have that tool in his toolbox. Stroud’s not only precise, but he’s the best touch thrower in the class; he’s worth a top-five pick and certainly shouldn’t fall this far, but we’ve seen crazier things from the NFL.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans)- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia (6-3, 237)

Despite losing in the Super Bowl, Philly fans should be elated with where GM Howie Roseman has them trending. Not only were they the second best team in the NFL with arguably the most talented roster in the league, Roseman has them picking top-10 thanks to the trading with the Saints so they could select Chris Olave in the 2022 NFL Draft.

While the Eagles have bigger needs than pass rush, Roseman has a history of stocking up in the trenches regardless of need; especially if the most talented player available plays there. Nolan Smith is a freak athlete who makes up for his lack of size with an impressive first step and myriad of pass rush moves. His motor is one of the best in the class and he’s known for being a big-time leader in the locker room. Smith would fit right in with the Eagles terrifying pass rush rotation. Whoever takes over as the Eagles defensive coordinator will have an embarrassment of riches in the front seven.

11. Tennessee Titans- Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State (6-7, 308)

After the Titans soft reset last offseason, they fell flat this year leading to GM Jon Robinson being fired before seasons end. New GM Ran Carthon comes over from the 49ers to help give Mike Vrabel the players needed to return to the top of the AFC South. Given the consistently strong offensive line play in San Francisco, Carthon could look right away to upgrade the trenches in Tennessee.

With Taylor Lewan’s time as a Titan likely coming to an end, Carthon and Vrabel may prioritize finding his replacement and who better to take over for the former Wolverine than a Buckeye. Paris Johnson Jr. is the most physically gifted tackle in the class with his nimble feet and the lateral agility to mirror dynamic pass rushers. He’ll also bring needed athleticism to the run game where he can naturally climb to the second level and seal off linebackers. Plus he and Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere already know each other well.

12. Houston Texans (via Cleveland)-  Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa (6-5, 270)

With their first pick, the Texans will likely address the quarterback position to give Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans a player to build around on offense. With the second first-round pick they could add to the offensive line or get Ryans a defensive cornerstone to build that side of the ball around.

At Iowa Lukas Van Ness wasn’t a starter, but he was the best player and it was easy to see him pop off the tape with his violence and strength as a pass rusher. Able to knock offensive linemen off their block by converting his explosive first step into ferocious power, Van Ness is dripping with potential; especially if he continues to build his rush repertoire. The Hawkeyes also deployed him inside at 3-Tech, 1-Tech, and even nose tackle. He’s a versatile chess piece on the D-line who plays with his hair on fire.

13. New York Jets- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia (6-4, 315)

One of the most interesting positions of any team in the NFL Draft, the Jets should be in play for a quarterback. Seeing how GM Joe Douglas handles the position this offseason could be make or break for him and Robert Saleh. Will they try to bring Aaron Rodgers to town to reunite with Nathaniel Hackett? Will they move up to select one or take the uber talented one still available in this mock? Will they trot out Mike White and Zach Wilson and hope for the best again? Time will tell.

Here they continue to add to the offensive line that Douglas has been investing in since he took over. Georgia’s Broderick Jones is a punishing run blocker who looks to kill defenders in space and has the movement skills to work to the second level to spring chunk runs. He’s still a work in progress in pass pro needing to improve his hand placement and anchor, but the traits are there for him to be a star. Mekhi Becton hasn’t worked out, could Jones be his replacement?

14. New England Patriots- Brian Branch, DB, Alabama (6-0, 193)

Without a doubt the Patriots need to add to their offense and help get Mac Jones trending in the right direction. They even brought Bill O’Brien back to Foxborough to help with that, but will Bill Belichick be able to pass up taking the best player available, especially when that player comes from old pal Nick Saban’s team in Tuscaloosa?

Alabama’s Brian Branch was made to play for Belichick and DC Jerod Mayo. He’s a Swiss Army knife defender and if he played a more valuable position he’d probably go top-10 in this NFL Draft class. Branch predominantly played a nickel/overhang role for the Crimson Tide while also aligning in the box, as a two-deep safety, and even single-high. His instincts are off the chart, rarely out of position and always around the football. Branch is a weapon against the run where his take on skills are second to none in this defensive back class.

15. Green Bay Packers- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson (6-5, 273)

Right now Aaron Rodgers is on his darkness retreat and Packers fans have no idea if he’ll suit up in the green and gold again. That won’t matter to GM Brian Gutekunst who has taken defensive prospects with all but one of his first-round picks since taking over in 2018; that one out of the seven was quarterback Jordan Love.

With the vast majority of top players available in this range being defenders, Gutekunst goes back to the well and takes Clemson pass rusher Myles Murphy. Murphy’s speed-to-power and long arm moves are among the nastiest in the class and he’s a pure power player that can team with Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Kinglsey Enagbare to give Green Bay one of the deeper pass rush groups in the league. He’s also a violent edge setter who will help the run defense.

16. Washington Commanders- Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State (6-2, 200)

There may be no team with a hazier future than the Commanders. They seem to be stuck in purgatory with Ron Rivera and GM Martin Mayhew doing just enough to keep them out of picking top-10 but not enough to be a playoff team. With the franchise claiming to be committed to Sam Howell as their quarterback this year, this may be the season that clears things up.

Nevertheless, there are pieces on this team, especially on the defense. Taking the best defender available seems like a smart choice and Rivera, a former NFL player himself, will probably love Joey Porter Jr.’s bloodlines. Like his father, Porter Jr. plays with intensity that helps him suffocate receivers as a press-man corner. He’s long and aggressive, which can lead to penalties, but also some big-time plays in coverage. Porter Jr. is one of the best combos of fluidity and physicality in coverage in this class.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers- O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida (6-5, 337)

Last year former Steelers GM Kevin Colbert selected Kenny Pickett in his last draft before retiring the next month. This year, Omar Khan, the longtime Steelers front office exec turned GM, will try to ensure Colbert’s selection of Pickett was the right one as Pittsburgh builds around what they hope is a franchise quarterback.

With lackluster offensive line play, the Steelers should aim to take the best offensive lineman available, in this case it’s hulking Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence. Torrence is a devastating run mauler who wins with leverage and power but has the athleticism to work in space. In pass pro he’s stout with a violent punch, sturdy base, and strong anchor. He could step in and start day one to protect Pickett and help Najee Harris in the run game.

18. Detroit Lions- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois (6-0, 183)

Not only are the Lions trending up after a late season surge, but they’ve also got a premier pick thanks to the Matthew Stafford trade. GM Brad Holmes was in the Rams front office when they acquired Jalen Ramsey from the Jaguars, so he knows the importance of a physical and versatile top cover man in the secondary.

While Detroit will have plenty of options when it comes to talented cornerbacks in this draft, Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon seems like the type of player that perfectly fits the culture Dan Campbell has created. Witherspoon is scheme diverse with the ability to mirror receivers in man and read and react to quarterbacks in zone, and he can kick inside to nickel in a pinch. He’s also willing to knock ball carriers teeth out in run support; he’s a ferocious tackler.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia (6-2, 210)

It appears Tom Brady has retired for real this time which puts the Buccaneers in a sticky situation. GM Jason Licht will need to address the quarterback position at some point, but if the top four passers are off the board when they pick then there’s not much they can do, so going with an impact defensive player for Todd Bowles would make the most sense.

Tampa Bay has several free agents in its secondary and this is a perfect draft to find replacements with the strength at both corner and safety. Georgia’s Kelee Ringo is a polarizing prospect but there’s no doubt he’s an impressive athlete who can smother receivers in press and has the speed to carry routes vertically. While his change of direction skills and footwork need work, he’s dripping with potential.

20. Seattle Seahawks- Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson (6-5, 316)

Out of nowhere the Seahawks were able to make the playoffs last season thanks to the emergence of quarterback Geno Smith and the strong play of several rookies on offense. This year, to take the next step GM John Schneider and Pete Carroll must find impact defensive players in this draft class.

Giving the defensive line an injection of athleticism, size, and versatility with Tyree Wilson in the top-five and then going back to that well with Bryan Bresee here would certainly help fortify the defensive front. While Bresee never truly reached his potential as the No. 1 recruit in the 2020 class due to injury, his fluidity as a pass rusher and explosion as a gap shooter in the run game will be enticing in the first-round. Naturally a 3-Tech, Bresee has also shown the ability to play out on the edge.

21. LA Chargers- Keion White, DL, Georgia Tech (6-5, 280)

After one of the greatest collapses in NFL history, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley appears to be on the hot seat heading into the season. The defensive guru hasn’t been able instil confidence in the fanbase despite having a star quarterback in Justin Herbert. GM Tom Telesco could go a couple directions here and give new OC Kellen Moore another weapon or get Staley a player to help fix the run defense.

While pass rusher isn’t exactly a need for the Chargers, Georgia Tech’s Keion White could be a chess piece up front with his ability to kick inside on passing downs. While not a finished product, White’s potential will have teams salivating in the first-round. He’s a twitched up monster who easily converts speed-to-power as a pass rusher. More importantly for the Chargers, he’s a dominant run defender who sets a strong edge and can stack and shed blockers to make run stops and has a non-stop motor.

22. Baltimore Ravens- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU (6-4, 215)

Until the Ravens figure out the Lamar Jackson situation it’s hard to know exactly what they’ll be planning to do come April. Common sense says GM Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh will make sure Jackson is signed to the long-term deal he deserves, but the NFL doesn’t always deal in common sense (see: Jackson, Lamar falling to pick No. 32 in the 2018 NFL Draft).

Assuming Jackson will at least be franchise tagged, Baltimore needs to get him and new OC Todd Monken more weapons. They’ll have their pick of the litter at receiver here, but the height-weight-speed potential of Quentin Johnston should win them over. Although not as refined as some of the other receivers, Johnston is a big play waiting to happen with his body control, catch radius, explosive vertical separation, and rare YAC ability for a receiver of his size.

23. Minnesota Vikings- Jordan Addison, WR, USC (6-0, 180)

In the first year of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah calling the shots and head coach Kevin O’Connell running the team, the Vikings won 13 games, but never seemed quite as good as their record said. It looks like they’ll once again be riding the Kirk Cousins train in 2023, which means to get the most out of him they may look to add more offensive firepower despite the holes on defense.

As Adam Thielen ages, Minnesota could look long and hard at one of the talented receivers likely available in this range. USC’s Jordan Addison is a dynamic route runner with a deep release repertoire who understands the nuances to creating separation. With enough speed to win vertically and the body control to make defenders miss in space, Addison would be the perfect running mate for Justin Jefferson.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars- Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia (6-7, 280)

The Jaguars went from worst to first in the AFC South this season thanks to Doug Pederson and the development of Trevor Lawrence. Now, they must build on the momentum and ensure Lawrence has enough weapons to succeed in the arms race taking place in the AFC. Last year GM Trent Baalke took the massive monster out of Georgia (Travon Walker) over more refined prospects, he could be in the position to do it again this year.

Drafting a tight end will be dependent on if the Jaguars bring back Evan Engram, but if they lose Engram in free agency, this is a perfect class to find a replacement. While Darnell Washington may not be the most pro-ready tight end, it’s hard to argue against his potential. Not only is he built like an offensive tackle, he’s arguably the best blocker at tight end in the class and possesses terrifying athleticism. Despite not being consistently utilized in the passing game at Georgia, Washington is a contested catch monster who can also do major YAC damage.

25. New York Giants- Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas (6-5, 232)

Another new head coach and GM tandem that got off on the right foot, both Brian Daboll, who was named coach of the year, and Joe Schoen came over from Buffalo where they helped turn the Bills into a perennial playoff team. It didn’t take long for the duo to get the Giants into the playoffs, but once they were there the holes on the roster were exploited.

One clear hole all year was the linebacker position; this was especially clear in the 38-7 loss to the Eagles in the divisional round. Well, in Buffalo Schoen was part of the front office that bet on a freakishly long off-ball linebacker in the first-round (Tremaine Edmunds). He can do it again with Drew Sanders who exploded after transferring from Alabama to Arkansas this past year. Sanders flies around the football field making damn near every tackle with his range and length. He’s also a proven pass rusher who can blitz off-ball or line up as a true edge rusher. Though he’s raw, all the physical tools are there for him to turn into a star.

26. Dallas Cowboys- Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee (6-0, 188)

Another year, another disappointing playoff exit for the Cowboys. As a result OC Kellen Moore is gone which means Mike McCarthy will have even more pressure to perform this year as he takes on play-calling duties. For McCarthy to get the most out of Dak Prescott, the Jones’ need to grab the franchise quarterback more weapons; even CeeDee Lamb agrees finding another playmaker is important.

Knowing Jerry Jones, when he and son Stephen look at this receiver class he’ll fall for the big-play potential of Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt. Hyatt is the definition of a deep threat with game-breaking speed to take the top off a defense. That speed when paired with his ball tracking ability will help teams ignore the fact that he’s a raw route runner who rarely faced much press coverage in Knoxville thanks to Josh Heupel’s receiver friendly offense. Hyatt is a boom-or-bust type of prospect, but if he booms he can be the missing ingredient to the Cowboys passing attack.

27. Buffalo Bills- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas (6-0, 220)

The Bills have gone 62-35 with five playoff appearances since GM Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDemott took over in 2017, but they still haven’t managed to get over the hump. The lack of run game has become an issue for Buffalo at times and they leaned even more on Josh Allen’s legs this past season. Whether it’s by adding to the offensive line or running back room, it must improve this offseason.

With Devin Singletary being a free agent, replacing him with a top-10 talent in this NFL Draft class who happens to play a devalued position might be the most exciting move for the Bills Mafia. Bijan Robinson is a complete back with the physicality and contact balance to pick up tough yards and the open field elusiveness and burst to hit home runs. He’s also a natural pass catcher who can give Allen another playmaker.

28. Cincinnati Bengals- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame (6-5, 257)

It’s a luxury to have a star franchise quarterback and young playmakers around him on rookie deals, but soon Mike Brown and Duke Tobin will have to start handing out big contracts. Until then, rather than overpay other non-priority free agents, the Bengals can aim to replace them through the draft. This pick could be spent on a defensive back, but with some young guns in the wings, why not get Joe Burrow another toy and a replacement for free agent Hayden Hurst?

Notre Dame has a long history of putting tight ends into the league and Michael Mayer is the next one up. He’s one of the most pro-ready players in the class with the ball skills and body control to win 50/50 balls down field, the size and physicality to create after the catch, and the strength and hand placement to be an impact run blocker. Mayer can plug-and-play as an in-line tight end right away and has enough athleticism to move around and play as a jumbo slot.

29. New Orleans Saints (via San Francisco)- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 193)

After trading this year’s first-round pick to the Eagles last year to move up for Chris Olave, Mickey Loomis had to trade the right to Sean Payton to Denver to get the Saints into round one this year. In a similar purgatory-like situation to the Commanders, Dennis Allen’s future seems to be on thin ice and the franchise appears to be pushing to bring Derek Carr to New Orleans.

If Allen and Loomis are tying their future to Carr, adding another Buckeyes receiver doesn’t sound like a bad plan. Both Jarvis Landry and Michael Thomas are free agents, but even if they’re back, reuniting Olave with Jaxon Smith-Njigba will help Carr compete in the lifeless NFC South. While Smith-Njigba doesn’t have any one elite trait, he’s a smooth route runner who understands the importance of pacing and stem work. With soft hands and great spatial awareness for finding holes in zone to move the chains, Smith-Njigba can start immediately in the slot.

30. Philadelphia Eagles- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College (5-9, 182)

Nobody is better at reloading a roster than Eagles GM Howie Roseman. With two first-round picks in this year’s NFL Draft, he may look to trade back. If Roseman sticks and picks, he may look to add another weapon on offense for his star quarterback; especially as they transition to a new play caller with Shane Steichen taking the Colts head coaching job.

Adding a third explosive wide receiver to the duo of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith is a terrifying thought for the rest of the NFC, and Zay Flowers would be the perfect complement. What Flowers lacks in size he makes up for with rare quickness with his releases at the line of scrimmage, explosive route running, and speed to stretch the field. He can immediately take pressure off Brown and Smith and give Hurts a dynamic playmaker out of the slot.

31. Kansas City Chiefs- BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU (6-3, 245)

With three Super Bowl appearances and two wins in five years, Chiefs GM Brett Veach has done a good job surrounding the team’s core players with impact rookies each season. Veach arguably got more out of his 2022 NFL Draft class than any other team this past season and Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes made it all worth it by bringing the Lombardi back to town.

While edge isn’t the most immediate need for the Chiefs, Frank Clark is heading into the last year of his deal and you can never have too many pass rushers. LSU’s BJ Ojulari appears to be being slept on as a potential first-round pick right now, but he’ll make someone look smart next year. Ojulari is twitched up but more than just being an explosive athlete, he has violent hands and a deep pass rush repertoire. He’s got enough flexibility to bend the edge with speed, the ability to convert speed-to-power, and multiple moves to beat tackles.

Round 2

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (via Chicago)- Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

33. Houston Texans- Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

34. Arizona Cardinals- Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State

35. Indianapolis Colts- Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

36. LA Rams- Clark Phillips, CB, Utah

37. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver)- John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

38. Las Vegas Raiders- Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

39. Carolina Panthers- Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

40. New Orleans Saints- Siaki Ika, NT, Baylor

41. Tennessee Titans- Will McDonald, EDGE, Iowa State

42. Cleveland Browns- Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

43. New York Jets- Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M

44. Atlanta Falcons- Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

45. Green Bay Packers- Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

46. New England Patriots- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

47. Washington Commanders- Steve Avila, OG, TCU

48. Detroit Lions- AT Perry, WR, Wake Forest

49. Pittsburgh Steelers- Christopher Smith, S, Georgia

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Keeanu Benton, IDL, Wisconsin

51. Miami Dolphins- Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

52. Seattle Seahawks- Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati

53. Chicago Bears (via Baltimore)- Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

54. LA Chargers- Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

55. Detroit Lions (via Minnesota)- Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

56. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

57. New York Giants- Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin

58. Dallas Cowboys- Mazi Smith, NT, Michigan

59. Buffalo Bills- Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State

60. Cincinnati Bengals- Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh

61. Carolina Panthers (via San Francisco)- Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M

62. Philadelphia Eagles- Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

63. Kansas City Chiefs- Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma

Round 3

64. Chicago Bears- Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State

65. Houston Texans- Gervon Dexter Sr., IDL, Florida

66. Arizona Cardinals- Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami

67. Denver Broncos (via Indianapolis)- Braeden Daniels, OL, Utah

68. Denver Broncos- Byron Young, DL, Alabama

69. LA Rams- Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

70. Las Vegas Raiders- Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

71. New Orleans Saints- Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA

72. Tennessee Titans- Nathaniel “Tank” Dell, WR, Houston

73. Houston Texans (via Cleveland)- Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford

74. New York Jets- Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn

75. Atlanta Falcons- Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama

76. New England Patriots- Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

77. Miami Dolphins (via Carolina)- Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

78. Green Bay Packers- JL Skinner, S, Boise State

79. Indianapolis Colts (via Washington)- Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

80. Pittsburgh Steelers- Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

81. Detroit Lions- Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State

83. Seattle Seahawks- Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

84. Miami Dolphins- Colby Wooden, DL, Auburn

85. LA Chargers- Parker Washington, WR, Penn State

86. Baltimore Ravens- DJ Turner, CB, Michigan

87. Minnesota Vikings- Tuli Tuipulotu, DL, USC

88. Jacksonville Jaguars- Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina

89. New York Giants- Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State

90. Dallas Cowboys- Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State

91. Buffalo Bills- McClendon Curtis, OG, Chattanooga

92. Cincinnati Bengals- Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State

93. Carolina Panthers (via San Francisco)- Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois

94. Philadelphia Eagles- Sydney Brown, S, Illinois

95. Kansas City Chiefs- Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane

96. Arizona Cardinals*- Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn

97. Washington Commanders*- Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin

98. Cleveland Browns*- Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern

99. San Francisco 49ers*- Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville

100. New York Giants (via Kansas City)*- Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma

101. San Francisco 49ers*- Dylan Horton, EDGE, TCU

102. San Francisco 49ers*- Jay Ward, DB, LSU