DRAFT DAY IS HERE!! Everything has culminated to this moment and we are more than ready to see how things go down in Kansas City for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Draft Day is finally here. So many mock drafts, so many scouting reports, so many team evaluations. Although it feels like it’s been an eternity in the making, the 2023 NFL Draft is upon us and no better way to celebrate than a final mock draft.
I’ll be the first to admit that my mock draft is likely as accurate as my NCAA tournament bracket, meaning I may get lucky and hit on a few. But it’s a fun exercise to gather everything I have seen and heard regarding each team’s interest in these prospects.
And yes, I am a fan of the movie. No, it’s not oscar-worthy. However, it reminds me of Christmas with the Kranks. Not a great film, but you watch it because it sets the mood for the season.
Anyway, no heavy evaluations, just a quick blurb. Away we go…
The debate is over. Bryce Young is the top quarterback in this class and the perfect player to usher in a new era in Carolina
Yes, there is a strong inclination here that HOU could go quarterback. But head coach DeMeco Ryans gets the pass rusher he desperately needs.
*TRADE* With the Texans passing on Stroud, the Titans make a bold move up for their new franchise quarterback.
Rumors suggest the Colts like Will Levis more than any other quarterback in this class. If that’s true, they would be ecstatic to see him fall to them.
While a quarterback is certainly a possibility here, taking arguably the best player in this draft class is more than a consolation prize.
The Lions have a lot of flexibility with this pick, but getting a surefire top cornerback should be near the top of their list.
The Raiders need to bolster their offensive line in the worst way. Skoronski provides a versatile piece who can excel at guard or tackle.
An offense featuring Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and now Bijan Robinson would make a terrifying combination.
The Bears luck out here, getting one of the top defensive prospects available, despite the trade down from No. 1 overall.
The Eagles add another Georgia defender who should only bolster a defense who was the league-leader in sacks.
*TRADE* After trading with Tennessee, the Cardinals get one of their main targets. It doesn’t hurt that their quarterback really likes him.
FWIW word is Kyler Murray likes Paris Johnson a lot and has let that be known inside the #AZCardinals’ building. Johnson visited there recently. https://t.co/qxsDYrR9wT
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 24, 2023
*TRADE* With Aaron Rodgers now in the building, the Jets are desperate for offensive line help. Trading up for Jones is a no-brainer.
The Packers never draft a wide receiver in the first round, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get an elite pass catcher to help your new starting quarterback.
The Patriots need to a defensive line that seems to be weakening. Van Ness provides plenty of upside and versatility.
*TRADE* Told you they’d get a quarterback. After dropping down to 15, the Texans take a swing on a guy who possesses the most upside of any QB in this class.
Yes, the Commanders need a quarterback. But with a lack of options, they instead turn to a secondary in need of help. Gonzalez should start right away.
It’d be fun to mock Joey Porter Jr. here, but the Steelers are desperate for help on the offensive line. Wright is capable of starting at right tackle immediately.
The Lions continue adding to an already impressive defense. Kancey may be undersized, but his quickness will present a challenge at the next level.
Calijah Kancey Scouting Report
Our first wide receiver finally off the board. Yes, the Bucs may not appear to have a need there now. But it would be wise to sure up the position if changes are ahead.
Adding Banks to an already impressive secondary will remind fans of the Legion of Boom sooner rather than later.
The Chargers need to add offensive firepower for new playcaller Kellen Moore. In Dallas, he loved to throw and Flowers will make an elite unit better.
Every year Baltimore stands pat and every year they end up with one of the better draft classes. Joey Porter Jr. continues that trend.
There’s been a lot of chatter surrounding this pick. The Vikings have been doing their due diligence and pull the trigger on their quarterback of the future.
The Jaguars could go in a number of different directions here. Adding a high-impact defender who can play both safety and cornerback is a good way to start.
It’s no secret the Giants need to add more offensive firepower. Addison was productive at two different programs (USC, Pitt) and should carry that to the next level.
Not super confident he’ll make it to this point, but if he does the Cowboys won’t hesitate to add someone who is Jason Witten-lite.
Bills can’t just add another defender and hope to make it to the Super Bowl. Giving Josh Allen another weapon could be the thing that gets them over the hump.
Yes, the Bengals have always needed help on their offensive line. But another addition to the secondary should be a priority.
Not sure how Myles Murphy is still available, but it does seem he’ll slip tonight. The Saints love big, athletic edge rushers and Murphy fits the bill.
The rich get richer. The Eagles replacing Miles Sanders with Gibbs is borderline criminal. He’ll make an immediate impact for one of the NFL’s best running games.
The Super Bowl champs look to add to their defense. While wide receiver is certainly option, as is offensive line, adding an edge rusher to replace the departed Frank Clark is a wise decision.