Travdogg's 2023 Mock draft as of 3/31 (1 Viewer)

[travdogg]

In the interest of putting something out now, the following things are taken at face value as I don't want to project trades that may not happen or guess teams trading for players.

#1-Lamar Jackson stays in Baltimore.
#2-DeAndre Hopkins stays in Arizona.
#3-Aaron Rodgers plays for the Jets, but in the interest of not making trade guesses, let's pretend only 2024 picks are dealt.

I went with combine numbers as I just don't trust pro days. This is my predictions on how I think it goes, not what I would do if I ran all 32 teams. Comps are approximations, not exact 1-1, I don't necessarily think Calijah Kancey is a future HOFer, and I think CJ Stroud is probably better than an ok starter. Some comps are mine, and some are taken from others if I couldn't really think of a good one. Also, worst trait doesn't automatically mean someone is bad at something, just that I feel the rest of their game is better, like I don't think Bijan is slow, but speed isn't the best part of his game at all.

1. Carolina=CJ Stroud QB Ohio State (6-3, 214, N/A) best trait-accuracy, worst trait-pressure reaction. Comp=Jared Goff

2. Houston=Bryce Young QB Alabama (5-11, 204, N/A) best trait-pressure reaction, worst trait-arm strength. Comp=Drew Brees

3. Arizona=Will Anderson DE Alabama (6-3, 253, 4.60) best trait-bend, worst trait-strength. Comp=DeMarcus Ware

4. Indianapolis=Anthony Richardson QB Florida (6-4, 244, 4.43) best trait-mobility, worst trait-accuracy. Comp=Cam Newton

5. Seattle=Will Levis QB Kentucky (6-4, 229, N/A) best trait-arm strength, worst trait-accuracy. Comp=Jay Cutler

6. Detroit=Jalen Carter DT Georgia (6-3, 314, N/A) best trait-quickness, worst trait-balance. Comp Jeffery Simmons. I've heard from some Lion fans, that they would pass on Carter as it could upset the culture, but I don't think he's that big of an issue.

7. Las Vegas=Tyree Wilson DE Texas Tech (6-6, 271, N/A) best trait-strength, worst trait-quickness. Comp=Ziggy Ansah

8. Atlanta=Paris Johnson T Ohio State (6-6, 313, NA) best trait-size, worst trait-flexibility. Comp=Brian O'Neill. Heir apparent to Jake Matthews who can start out at LG if need be.

9. Chicago=Christian Gonzalez CB Oregon (6-1, 197, 4.38) best trait-size, worst trait-awareness. Comp=Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie

10. Philadelphia=Devon Witherspoon CB Illinois (5-11, 181, N/A) best trait-strength, worst trait-size. Comp=Samari Rolle

11. Tennessee=Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State (6-1, 196, N/A) best trait-route running, worst trait-speed. Comp=Amon-Ra St. Brown

12. Houston=Myles Murphy DE Clemson (6-5, 258, N/A) best trait-quickness, worst trait-technique. Comp=Rashan Gary

13. NY Jets=Quentin Johnston WR TCU (6-3, 208, N/A) best trait-RAC, worst trait-hands. Comp=Martavis Bryant. A Wilson/Johnston/Lazard/Hardman quartet sounds like a nice size/speed group.

14. New England=Calijah Kancey DT Pittsburgh (6-1, 281, 4.67) best trait-quickness, worst trait-strength. Comp=John Randle

15. Green Bay=Joey Porter CB Penn State (6-2, 193, 4.46) best trait-size, worst trait-speed. Comp=Carlton Davis

16. Washington=Peter Skoronski T Northwestern (6-4, 313, 5.16) best trait-quickness, worst trait-size. Comp=Zack Martin. Like Martin, I could see him playing guard, though Leno isn;t a long term LT either.

17. Pittsburgh=Deonte Banks CB Maryland (6-0, 197, 4.35) best trait-quickness, worst trait-strength. Comp=Eli Apple

18. Detroit=Broderick Jones T Georgia (6-5, 311, 4.97) best trait-quickness, worst trait-flexibility. Comp=Andrew Thomas. Could start out at RG, and be an heir apparent to Decker as I can't see him sticking once Sewell gets extended.

19. Tampa Bay=Lukas Van Ness DE Iowa (6-5, 272, 4.58) best trait-bend, worst trait-technique. Comp=Justin Smith

20. Seattle=Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame (6-5, 249, 4.70) best trait-route running, worst trait-speed. Comp=Jason Witten

21. LA Chargers=Nolan Smith DE Georgia (6-2, 238, 4.39) best trait-quickness, worst trait-strength. Comp=Baron Browning. Situational rusher behind Bosa/Mack for a year, before starting on 2024.

22. Baltimore=Adetomiwa Adebawore DE Northwestern (6-2, 282, 4.49) best trait-quickness, worst trait-technique. Comp=Milton Williams. Moveable chess piece replaces Calais Campbell.

23. Minnesota=Darnell Wright OT Tennessee (6-5, 333, 5.01) best trait-strength, worst trait-balance. Comp=DJ Fluker. Much like Fluker, I think Wright could end up at G. I think he'd be an upgrade from Ingram, and Cleveland is in a contract season. Could also fill in at RT if O'Neill isn't ready.

24. Jacksonville=Bryan Bresee DT Clemson (6-5, 298, 4.86) best trait-quickness, worst trait-technique. Comp=Nathan Shepherd

25. NY Giants=Brian Branch S Alabama (6-0, 190, 4.58) best trait-awareness, worst trait-size. Comp=Minkah Fitzpatrick

26. Dallas=Anton Harrison T Oklahoma (6-4, 315, 4.98) best trait-quickness, worst trait-strength. Comp=Josh Jones

27. Buffalo=Will McDonald DE Iowa State (6-3, 239, N/A) best trait-quickness, worst trait-strength. Comp=Randy Gregory

28. Cincinnati=Jordan Addison WR USC (5-11, 173, 4.49) best trait-route running, worst trait-size. Comp=Tyler Lockett. I think at least 1 of Higgins/Boyd are gone after 2023 (maybe sooner) and the Bengals would be wise to make sure Burrow is always well stocked with weapons.

29. New Orleans=Bijan Robinson RB Texas (5-11, 215, 4.46) best trait-vision, worst trait-speed. Comp=Edgerrin James. I think Alvin Kamara has lost a bit, and his upcoming suspension gives NO a good reason to just move on.

30. Philadelphia=Zay Flowers WR Boston College (5-9, 182, 4.42) best trait-RAC, worst trait-size. Comp=TY Hilton. A luxury pick, but he's a monster upgrade from Watkins/Pascal, and AJ Brown doesn't have the greatest health history.

31. Kansas City=Cam Smith CB South Carolina (6-1, 180, 4.43) best trait-awareness, worst trait-size. Comp=Alterraun Verner

 

[travdogg]

32. Pittsburgh=Felix Anudike-Uzomah DE Kansas State (6-3, 255, N/A) best trait-bend, worst trait-strength. Comp=Dante Fowler. Steelers have a newer GM, but their history says they won't pay 2 edge rushers at the same time, so Alex Highsmith is likely in his last season as a Steeler, getting his replacement now would be a Steeler move.

33. Houston=Dalton Kincaid TE Utah (6-4, 246, N/A) best trait-hands, worst trait-size. Comp=Zach Ertz. I know they signed Schultz, but it was a cheap-ish 1 year deal, and with their WR room, 2-TE sets are probably a better idea for them.

34. Arizona=Hendon Hooker QB Tennessee (6-3, 217, N/A) best trait-arm strength, worst trait-pressure reaction. Comp=Desmond Ridder. I know Kyler just signed a huge deal, but a new staff just showed up, and maybe I'm overthinking Gannon coming from Philly, but this feels like drafting Hurts a year after Wentz big extension to me. Cards can trade Kyler with little cap hit after 2023.

35. Indianapolis=Dawand Jones T Ohio State (6-8, 374, 5.35) best trait-size, worst trait-flexibility. Comp=Orlando Brown. I'm expecting a run heavy offense in Indy, especially after adding Richardson. Jones is a pile mover and adds some much-needed size to Indy's OL.

36. LA Rams=Mazi Smith DT Michigan (6-3, 323, N/A) best trait-strength, worst trait-technique. Comp=Dontari Poe

37. Seattle=Isaiah Foskey DE Notre Dame (6-5, 264, 4.58) best trait-quickness, worst trait-balance. Comp=Marcus Davenport

38. Las Vegas=Kelee Ringo CB Georgia (6-2, 207, 4.36) best trait-speed, worst trait-quickness. Comp=Jimmy Smith

39. Carolina=BJ Ojulari DE LSU (6-2, 248, N/A) best trait-technique, worst trait-strength. Comp=Uchenna Nwosu

40. New Orleans=Jalin Hyatt WR Tennessee (6-0, 176, 4.40) best trait-hands, worst trait-RAC. Comp=DeSean Jackson. Hyatt isn't as versatile as D-Jax, but offers a similar field stretching aspect. Paring him and Olave, with Thomas (hopefully) in the slot, and Bijan out of backfield would give the new look Derek Carr Saints some firepower.

41. Tennessee=Drew Sanders LB Arkansas (6-4, 235, N/A) best trait-size, worst trait-awareness. Comp=Tremaine Edmunds.

42. NY Jets=O'Cyrus Torrence G Florida (6-5, 330, 5.31) best trait-size, worst trait-quickness. Comp=Brandon Brooks. Personally, I think Vera-Tucker's future should at T, so Torrence coming in potentially upgrades 2 positions.

43. NY Jets=Emmanuel Forbes CB Mississippi State (6-1, 166, 4.35) best trait-speed, worst trait-strength. Comp=Cameron Dantzler. He's a lot faster than Dantzler, but that skinniness is similar. Probably needs a year to put on some weight, but projects as a future #2 CB.

44. Atlanta=Josh Downs WR North Carolina (5-9, 171, 4.48) best trait-route running, worst trait-size. Comp=Cole Beasley. He's got more big play ability than Beasley, but he wins in the same way. I think that makes him a perfect fit opposite of London/Pitts.

45. Green Bay=Darnell Washington TE Georgia (6-7, 264, 4.64) best trait-blocking, worst trait-route running. Comp=Marcedes Lewis. Lewis was a good player for GB, but even at his peak, he never had Washington's speed. I do think a Lewis-esq blocker 1st role would be waiting in GB.

46. New England=Trenton Simpson LB Clemson (6-2, 235, 4.43) best trait-speed, worst trait-awareness. Comp=Willie Gay. Not a typical Belichick pick, but I think the upside is too alluring for a team that could use more speed (a big reason for the Kancey pick too) on defense.

47. Washington=Clark Phillips CB Utah (5-9, 184, 4.51) best trait-awareness, worst trait-speed. Comp=Mike Hilton

48. Detroit=Jahmyr Gibbs RB Alabama (5-9, 199, 4.36) best trait-receiving, worst trait-power. Comp=Alvin Kamara. He's not as big as Kamara, but that's the role I envision for him. I think the Lions are ready to move on from Swift and that could happen not long after this upgrade.

49. Pittsburgh=Cody Mauch T North Dakota State (6-5, 302, 5.08) best trait-flexibility, worst trait-strength. Comp=Alex Cappa. I think Mauch can play T or G, he's probably a better G, but he'd play T in Pittsburgh. He's a guy Steelers fans will love with his long hair, and lack of front teeth.

50. Tampa Bay=John Michael Schmitz C Minnesota (6-4, 301, 5.35) best trait-flexibility, worst trait-quickness. Comp=Ben Jones. Probably a G in year 1, but long-term C.

51. Miami=Luke Musgrave TE Oregon State (6-6, 253, 4.61) best trait-speed, worst trait-route running. Comp=Jared Cook. I know this profile sounds a little like Gesicki, but I don't think Miami disliked Gesicki, so much as they disliked him on franchise tag money. Musgrave will own the seams with Hill/Waddle around.

52. Seattle=Joe Tippmann C Wisconsin (6-6, 313, N/A) best trait-size, worst trait-strength. Comp=Josh Myers.

53. Chicago=Siaki Ika DT Baylor (6-3, 335, 5.39) best trait-strength, worst trait-quickness. Comp=Paul Soliai. His job will be to keep blockers off FA additions Edmunds/Edwards.

54. LA Chargers=Tyrique Stevenson CB Miami (6-0, 198, 4.45) best trait-size, worst trait-speed. Comp=TJ Carrie. I think Stevenson is one of these jack of all trades master of none types, who is likely a solid #2 CB.

55. Detroit=Jack Campbell LB Iowa (6-5, 249, 4.65) best trait-awareness, worst trait-speed. Comp=Logan Wilson. He really strikes me as a guy who fits the Dan Campbell mold.

56. Jacksonville=Steve Avila G TCU (6-4, 332, 5.21) best trait-size, worst trait-balance. Comp=Will Hernandez

57. NY Giants=Tuli Tuipulotu DE USC (6-3, 266, N/A) best trait-balance, worst trait-quickness. Comp=George Karlaftis

58. Dallas=Julius Brents CB Kansas State (6-3, 198, 4.53) best trait-size, worst trait-speed. Comp=Martin Emerson

59. Buffalo=Daiyan Henley LB Washington State (6-2, 225, 4.54) best trait-quickness, worst trait-strength. Comp=Dre Greenlaw. I personally think Henley is the best LB in the draft, but that size is gonna turn off a lot of teams.

60. Cincinnati=Keion White DE Georgia Tech (6-5, 285, N/A) best trait-strength, worst trait-technique. Comp=John Franklin-Myers

61. Chicago=Matthew Bergeron T Syracuse (6-5, 318, N/A) best trait-balance, worst trait-quickness. Comp=Abraham Lucas

62. Philadelphia=Zach Charbonnet RB UCLA (6-0, 214, 4.53) best trait-vision, worst trait-speed. Comp=Chris Ivory. I think he brings the bell cow element to the Eagles offense they haven't really had in some time.

63. Kansas City=Antonio Johnson S Texas A&M (6-2, 198, 4.52) best trait-size, worst trait-speed. Comp=Ryan Neal. KC keeps adding young talent to the secondary. When you are a contender, that is probably the last place you want to run out of depth at.

 

[joey]

Nice work!

As a Raiders fan, I’d prefer they went Gonzalez CB in the first round

 

[-OZ-]

Nice.

Wouldn’t complain shot JSN at 11, that seems to have some legs.

Sanders at 41 would be fantastic. I think he goes higher.

 

[Boston]

Nice job...curious to know why you went DT for the Pats instead of T with some very good prospects on the board that combines with a glaring hole that also has an effect on figuring out whether Mac is your QB of the future or not.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I like your comps, that's the part I always look for no matter who drafts them where.

 

[Winning IS Everything]

Nice draft. I really see the Bears going OT at #9 though. My guess is Skoronski.

 

[Lehigh98]

With the interest in Hooker as a backup plan at QB (after missing the first four) and seeing you have him at the top of the second round, I wouldn't be surprised to see a team trade up a bit for KC or Philly's pick to snag him at the end of the first to add that 5th year option to his rookie deal.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Unless someone like Jalen Carter drops, Philly seems like a trade down candidate at #10. They need S, CB depth, DL depth and OL depth all of which they could get a comparable player in the 15-20 range. Hoping one of two things happen, Carter drops and the Eagles take him or a QBs drops to 10 and someone trades up to get him. Staying at 10 and taking Skoronski or one of the CBs just doesn't seem like value to me.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

42. NY Jets=O'Cyrus Torrence G Florida (6-5, 330, 5.31) best trait-size, worst trait-quickness. Comp=Brandon Brooks. Personally, I think Vera-Tucker's future should at T, so Torrence coming in potentially upgrades 2 positions.

May go sooner than this.
---------------------
SEC Network
@SECNetwork
O'Cyrus Torrence is the first offensive guard in
@GatorsFB
history to be named a Consensus All-American
--------------------
NOF
@nofnetwork
Florida OL O’Cyrus Torrence had meetings with the #Saints, #Rams, and #Falcons, per
@tompelissero

 

[Bracie Smathers]

14. New England=Calijah Kancey DT Pittsburgh (6-1, 281, 4.67) best trait-quickness, worst trait-strength. Comp=John Randle

Calijah Kancey
@Ckancey8
"It's not about how tall you are. This is not basketball. I'm not trying to block shots and grab rebounds here. I have natural low leverage, l'm underneath guys...and now I can take advantage of [the blocker].” Well said
@dwightfreeney
------------------------
Calijah Kancey Reminds Former NFL Scout of Warren Sapp

 

[Ilov80s]

As a Lions fan, I would have zero complaints after that draft. I have my concerns about Carter but I also trust Holmes, DC and AG to make a call on his worth ethic and maturity.

 

[Snotbubbles]

14. New England=Calijah Kancey DT Pittsburgh (6-1, 281, 4.67) best trait-quickness, worst trait-strength. Comp=John Randle

Calijah Kancey
@Ckancey8
"It's not about how tall you are. This is not basketball. I'm not trying to block shots and grab rebounds here. I have natural low leverage, l'm underneath guys...and now I can take advantage of [the blocker].” Well said
@dwightfreeney
------------------------
Calijah Kancey Reminds Former NFL Scout of Warren Sapp

He's a guy I hope falls to the Eagles at 30.

 

[wlwiles]

First mock I've seen with Bijan to New Orleans. I love it.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

As a Lions fan, I would have zero complaints after that draft. I have my concerns about Carter but I also trust Holmes, DC and AG to make a call on his worth ethic and maturity.

I want them to get someone to play inside. If not Carter, maybe someone like Benton on day 2.

 

[eighsse2]

in the interest of not making trade guesses, let's pretend only 2024 picks are dealt

Good call. I hate when mock drafts have trades all over the place. I know mocks are going to have an extreme degree of uncertainty by nature, but guessing trades is just too impossible to have any accuracy.

Anyway, very good work, thanks for this!

 

[travdogg]

Nice work!

As a Raiders fan, I’d prefer they went Gonzalez CB in the first round

I could certainly see that happening as well. I went with Wilson because it seems like he's a universally higher regarded prospect, and I think Chandler Jones is probably gone after 2023.

You'd prefer something like Gonzalez/Ojulari vs Wilson/Ringo?

Nice.

Wouldn’t complain shot JSN at 11, that seems to have some legs.

Sanders at 41 would be fantastic. I think he goes higher.

LB is interesting, because I think there is a case for 4 different guys being the first one taken, depending on what you want out of the position.

You want coverage, Henley is your guy. You want sideline to sideline, Simpson is your guy. You want a downhill thumper, Sanders is your guy. You want a jack of all trades, Campbell is your guy. I think Sanders will be the top guy on the most boards, but that might be like 35%.

I thought Burks looked solid when healthy last season, but I've never felt like he's a #1 WR, I think JSN is, and I think his dirty work style will appeal to Vrabel.

Nice job...curious to know why you went DT for the Pats instead of T with some very good prospects on the board that combines with a glaring hole that also has an effect on figuring out whether Mac is your QB of the future or not.

I think getting some interior pressure is a bigger need than a RT. They did sign Riley Reiff, who is probably a solid enough band aid. I wouldn't totally be shocked if Isaiah Wynn was brought back either, as his market has been non-existent. Overall though, I thought Kancey is a just the best prospect available at that pick.

I like Mac Jones, but it does seem like Belichick doesn't really. It doesn't seem like the door is shut on Bailey Zappe, and Belichick has taken every opportunity over the years to praise Lamar Jackson.

 

[TLEF316]

Nice work but I'm not sure I see the fit with the Jets picks.

Looks like they're the favorites for Beckham, so even if they end up releasing Corey Davis after that (which Saleh said isn't happening) I dont see a reason to draft another WR. DT, edge (if they can find a true speed guy), OL and Safety are much bigger needs

Same deal with a corner in the 2nd. Seems unlikely to me. Sauce is obviously a star and DJ Reed played at a near pro bowl level last year. Michael Carter is an excellent slot guy and Echols is a perfectly solid 4th guy.

 

[travdogg]

Nice draft. I really see the Bears going OT at #9 though. My guess is Skoronski.

He was my 3rd choice when I was narrowing down players for the Bears at #9, so it wouldn't surprise me at all if that as the direction they took.

I think Gonzalez athletic profile will be hard to pass on, and also gives them a young potentially very good CB trio of Gonzalez, Johnson, Gordon to go forward with, assuming Johnson is extended, which has appeared to be something Chicago is interested in doing.

With the interest in Hooker as a backup plan at QB (after missing the first four) and seeing you have him at the top of the second round, I wouldn't be surprised to see a team trade up a bit for KC or Philly's pick to snag him at the end of the first to add that 5th year option to his rookie deal.

Agreed, I just really didn't wanna project any trades.

That said, I did a deep dive on it, and the 5th year option thing is kind of irrelevant to QB's. Its pretty much either the guy has proven to be worth an extension by then, or he hasn't. Tua is an interesting case due to his injuries, and Lamar was because of his uniqueness, but pretty much every other recent 1st round QB the decision is made long before then.

As an aside, I really don't like Hooker (or Hyatt) and think they should both be going a round later than I have them here. The tape on both of them seems almost useless because of how gimmicky that offense was. Josh Heupel probably deserves an NFL job though, if he can keep it up.

Unless someone like Jalen Carter drops, Philly seems like a trade down candidate at #10. They need S, CB depth, DL depth and OL depth all of which they could get a comparable player in the 15-20 range. Hoping one of two things happen, Carter drops and the Eagles take him or a QBs drops to 10 and someone trades up to get him. Staying at 10 and taking Skoronski or one of the CBs just doesn't seem like value to me.

I get that, but in this scenario, who is a team trading up for?

I would disagree about the need for DL (4 deep at both DE and DT) depth. They could use OL, and I thought about it at #30, but just thought Flowers would be such a tough pass given how hard it would be for defenses to account for him.

I think Witherspoon is solid value at #10. I actually prefer him to Gonzalez even, but I think the superior size/speed gets Gonzalez drafted sooner. With Slay and Bradberry (32 and 30 respectively) I think a young potential #1 is a huge get. I did like the Greedy Williams flier, as he was solid for the Browns in 2021, but that was also about the only year he's been healthy in.

 

[Boston]

Nice work!

As a Raiders fan, I’d prefer they went Gonzalez CB in the first round

I could certainly see that happening as well. I went with Wilson because it seems like he's a universally higher regarded prospect, and I think Chandler Jones is probably gone after 2023.

You'd prefer something like Gonzalez/Ojulari vs Wilson/Ringo?

Nice.

Wouldn’t complain shot JSN at 11, that seems to have some legs.

Sanders at 41 would be fantastic. I think he goes higher.

LB is interesting, because I think there is a case for 4 different guys being the first one taken, depending on what you want out of the position.

You want coverage, Henley is your guy. You want sideline to sideline, Simpson is your guy. You want a downhill thumper, Sanders is your guy. You want a jack of all trades, Campbell is your guy. I think Sanders will be the top guy on the most boards, but that might be like 35%.

I thought Burks looked solid when healthy last season, but I've never felt like he's a #1 WR, I think JSN is, and I think his dirty work style will appeal to Vrabel.

Nice job...curious to know why you went DT for the Pats instead of T with some very good prospects on the board that combines with a glaring hole that also has an effect on figuring out whether Mac is your QB of the future or not.

I think getting some interior pressure is a bigger need than a RT. They did sign Riley Reiff, who is probably a solid enough band aid. I wouldn't totally be shocked if Isaiah Wynn was brought back either, as his market has been non-existent. Overall though, I thought Kancey is a just the best prospect available at that pick.

I like Mac Jones, but it does seem like Belichick doesn't really. It doesn't seem like the door is shut on Bailey Zappe, and Belichick has taken every opportunity over the years to praise Lamar Jackson.

Will have to agree to disagree...T is their biggest exposure...Trent Brown is unreliable and after him there isn't much and definitely nothing for the future...if they don't fix this area and Brown gets hurt or decides he doesn't want to try the season is over before it begins...when the Pats had Dante Scarnecchia they could coach up guys but those days are gone...I don't ever have issues with adding to the trenches but the Pats finished 3rd in the NFL in sacks and 23rd against the run...I won't debate whether Kancey is a big-time talent but the Pats have far greater needs than interior pass rush and there will be equal talent on the board at #14.

 

[Lehigh98]

That said, I did a deep dive on it, and the 5th year option thing is kind of irrelevant to QB's. Its pretty much either the guy has proven to be worth an extension by then, or he hasn't.

Tell that to the Giants.

 

[travdogg]

42. NY Jets=O'Cyrus Torrence G Florida (6-5, 330, 5.31) best trait-size, worst trait-quickness. Comp=Brandon Brooks. Personally, I think Vera-Tucker's future should at T, so Torrence coming in potentially upgrades 2 positions.

May go sooner than this.
---------------------
SEC Network
@SECNetwork
O'Cyrus Torrence is the first offensive guard in
@GatorsFB
history to be named a Consensus All-American
--------------------
NOF
@nofnetwork
Florida OL O’Cyrus Torrence had meetings with the #Saints, #Rams, and #Falcons, per
@tompelissero

I agree. I thought about him for the Eagles at #30 as well. The Saints were on the list of teams I thought of as well, but figured WR made more sense, especially with the recent news about Michael Thomas.

As a Lions fan, I would have zero complaints after that draft. I have my concerns about Carter but I also trust Holmes, DC and AG to make a call on his worth ethic and maturity.

Cool. The Lions were a tougher one for me, as I wanted to balance current need with future team building. I thought the Jones/Gibbs picks especially might be questionable as neither spot is really a current need.

First mock I've seen with Bijan to New Orleans. I love it.

Like Torrence, I think he could certainly go higher, but when it comes down to 2-3 guys at a pick, its pretty easy to pass on the G or RB, compared to other spots. Philly at #30 was his floor to me, but it wouldn't shock me if he went as high as Detroit at #18 or TB at #19, but again, it was hard to support a 1st round RB over OT or DE.

Robinson is the best RB prospect since Barkley in my opinion, and could even be a top-5 RB as a rookie, but its hard to place him. It does surprise me that NO isn't a more often seen destination. Like, I don't get Dallas or Buffalo at all, but see them frequently.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Unless someone like Jalen Carter drops, Philly seems like a trade down candidate at #10. They need S, CB depth, DL depth and OL depth all of which they could get a comparable player in the 15-20 range. Hoping one of two things happen, Carter drops and the Eagles take him or a QBs drops to 10 and someone trades up to get him. Staying at 10 and taking Skoronski or one of the CBs just doesn't seem like value to me.

I get that, but in this scenario, who is a team trading up for?

I would disagree about the need for DL (4 deep at both DE and DT) depth. They could use OL, and I thought about it at #30, but just thought Flowers would be such a tough pass given how hard it would be for defenses to account for him.

I think Witherspoon is solid value at #10. I actually prefer him to Gonzalez even, but I think the superior size/speed gets Gonzalez drafted sooner. With Slay and Bradberry (32 and 30 respectively) I think a young potential #1 is a huge get. I did like the Greedy Williams flier, as he was solid for the Browns in 2021, but that was also about the only year he's been healthy in.

I saw a couple mocks that had Minnesota trading up for Levis. https://www.nfl.com/news/four-round-2023-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-qbs-go-1-2-3-after-colts-trade-up

Tampa Bay might want a QB. Drafttek has Levis dropping to them at 13. https://www.drafttek.com/2023-NFL-Mock-Draft/2023-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round-1.asp

Washington could use a QB. If the price for Rodgers is too costly, the Jets could use a QB.

DL is still a need they lost Hargrave and have Cox on a 1-year deal. They're hoping the Jordan Davis can fill the void, but to this point in his career at both Georgia and Philly, he isn't on the field enough. After Cox and Davis, it's just a bunch of guys, maybe Milton Williams can do something, I don't know, he hasn't shown much to date. At DE they are a little better, Brandon Graham is on a 1-year deal and Barnett is coming back from injury and they have Sweat and Reddick, but they love to just keep rotating those guys in and out. Graham was good last season playing maybe 25 snaps a game.

 

[BobbyLayne]

4 QBs in the first five picks is unprecedented. The only time we've seen 4 in the Top Ten was 1949 and 2018 (1, 3, 7, 10.) Not saying it won't happen, lots of folks are mocking similar scenarios, just think it's interesting.

Lions picks look good. Little different flavor than what I favor but addresses four needs. I think they'll go with BPA 4x irrespective of needs or depth chart, but those are four great picks.

 

[BobbyLayne]

@travdogg overall this is pretty solid. I occasionally try to mock one of our division rivals and it's really tough. Honestly cannot imagine trying to do 32 and come anywhere close to getting it right. This one seems as solid as any I have seen, good job brother.

 

[QuizGuy66]

While I love the idea of the Bengals going BPA with their pick I really don't see them going WR with other prime needs that likely have a fit at #28 (even though drafting a Boyd replacement does make sense there is the TE target share at play as well with Irv Smith a bandaid).

That said great stuff @travdogg

-QG

 

[travdogg]

Nice work but I'm not sure I see the fit with the Jets picks.

Looks like they're the favorites for Beckham, so even if they end up releasing Corey Davis after that (which Saleh said isn't happening) I dont see a reason to draft another WR. DT, edge (if they can find a true speed guy), OL and Safety are much bigger needs

Same deal with a corner in the 2nd. Seems unlikely to me. Sauce is obviously a star and DJ Reed played at a near pro bowl level last year. Michael Carter is an excellent slot guy and Echols is a perfectly solid 4th guy.

I think being the "favorite" for Beckham is sort of hard to take seriously. Maybe I'm wrong, but that feels like a NY media creation. If OBJ really wants the 15 million rumored, he's not getting signed period.

I would agree OL is a bigger need than WR, but I think Johnston provides a unique ability that the Jets could really use, especially if/when Rodgers is on board. Torrence feels like a solid consolation prize in round 2.

I agree CB isn't an immediate need, but DJ Reed's contract has a huge jump in 2024, and I think the Jets will likely move on then. Having the replacement already on the roster with a year in the system would be ideal, especially for a team that fancies itself a contender.

Unless someone like Jalen Carter drops, Philly seems like a trade down candidate at #10. They need S, CB depth, DL depth and OL depth all of which they could get a comparable player in the 15-20 range. Hoping one of two things happen, Carter drops and the Eagles take him or a QBs drops to 10 and someone trades up to get him. Staying at 10 and taking Skoronski or one of the CBs just doesn't seem like value to me.

I get that, but in this scenario, who is a team trading up for?

I would disagree about the need for DL (4 deep at both DE and DT) depth. They could use OL, and I thought about it at #30, but just thought Flowers would be such a tough pass given how hard it would be for defenses to account for him.

I think Witherspoon is solid value at #10. I actually prefer him to Gonzalez even, but I think the superior size/speed gets Gonzalez drafted sooner. With Slay and Bradberry (32 and 30 respectively) I think a young potential #1 is a huge get. I did like the Greedy Williams flier, as he was solid for the Browns in 2021, but that was also about the only year he's been healthy in.

I saw a couple mocks that had Minnesota trading up for Levis. https://www.nfl.com/news/four-round-2023-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-qbs-go-1-2-3-after-colts-trade-up

Tampa Bay might want a QB. Drafttek has Levis dropping to them at 13. https://www.drafttek.com/2023-NFL-Mock-Draft/2023-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round-1.asp

Washington could use a QB. If the price for Rodgers is too costly, the Jets could use a QB.

DL is still a need they lost Hargrave and have Cox on a 1-year deal. They're hoping the Jordan Davis can fill the void, but to this point in his career at both Georgia and Philly, he isn't on the field enough. After Cox and Davis, it's just a bunch of guys, maybe Milton Williams can do something, I don't know, he hasn't shown much to date. At DE they are a little better, Brandon Graham is on a 1-year deal and Barnett is coming back from injury and they have Sweat and Reddick, but they love to just keep rotating those guys in and out. Graham was good last season playing maybe 25 snaps a game.

Right, but in this scenario Levis is gone by #5, so who are teams trading up for here?

Don't sleep on the Kentavius Street signing at DT. He's not a great player by any means, but he played a lot of snaps (about 30 a game) on a solid Saints defense. I like Milton Williams a lot. I think his issue was he wins in the same way Hargrave did, so it was hard to have them on the field together too often.

4 QBs in the first five picks is unprecedented. The only time we've seen 4 in the Top Ten was 1949 and 2018 (1, 3, 7, 10.) Not saying it won't happen, lots of folks are mocking similar scenarios, just think it's interesting.

Lions picks look good. Little different flavor than what I favor but addresses four needs. I think they'll go with BPA 4x irrespective of needs or depth chart, but those are four great picks.

There is a part of me that thinks one of the AFC South teams just says screw it, and kicks the can to next year, but they shouldn't.

I think much like LB, its a bit of a favorite flavor type of thing at QB. Well, besides Young, who I think is clearly the best guy, but that's me, and his size may be a no-go for some (in my opinion foolish) teams. I think its entirely possible Richardson or even Levis are the #1 QBs on some teams boards.

I wouldn't have had 4 QBs in the top-5 if Carolina hadn't traded up, but I think that increased the demand for everybody.

 

[Ilov80s]

As a Lions fan, I would have zero complaints after that draft. I have my concerns about Carter but I also trust Holmes, DC and AG to make a call on his worth ethic and maturity.

I want them to get someone to play inside. If not Carter, maybe someone like Benton on day 2.

Same. Benton and Cancey are pretty high on my list. Also the NW guy who played edge but I think fits better as a DT in the NFL.

 

[travdogg]

Nice work!

As a Raiders fan, I’d prefer they went Gonzalez CB in the first round

I could certainly see that happening as well. I went with Wilson because it seems like he's a universally higher regarded prospect, and I think Chandler Jones is probably gone after 2023.

You'd prefer something like Gonzalez/Ojulari vs Wilson/Ringo?

Nice.

Wouldn’t complain shot JSN at 11, that seems to have some legs.

Sanders at 41 would be fantastic. I think he goes higher.

LB is interesting, because I think there is a case for 4 different guys being the first one taken, depending on what you want out of the position.

You want coverage, Henley is your guy. You want sideline to sideline, Simpson is your guy. You want a downhill thumper, Sanders is your guy. You want a jack of all trades, Campbell is your guy. I think Sanders will be the top guy on the most boards, but that might be like 35%.

I thought Burks looked solid when healthy last season, but I've never felt like he's a #1 WR, I think JSN is, and I think his dirty work style will appeal to Vrabel.

Nice job...curious to know why you went DT for the Pats instead of T with some very good prospects on the board that combines with a glaring hole that also has an effect on figuring out whether Mac is your QB of the future or not.

I think getting some interior pressure is a bigger need than a RT. They did sign Riley Reiff, who is probably a solid enough band aid. I wouldn't totally be shocked if Isaiah Wynn was brought back either, as his market has been non-existent. Overall though, I thought Kancey is a just the best prospect available at that pick.

I like Mac Jones, but it does seem like Belichick doesn't really. It doesn't seem like the door is shut on Bailey Zappe, and Belichick has taken every opportunity over the years to praise Lamar Jackson.

Will have to agree to disagree...T is their biggest exposure...Trent Brown is unreliable and after him there isn't much and definitely nothing for the future...if they don't fix this area and Brown gets hurt or decides he doesn't want to try the season is over before it begins...when the Pats had Dante Scarnecchia they could coach up guys but those days are gone...I don't ever have issues with adding to the trenches but the Pats finished 3rd in the NFL in sacks and 23rd against the run...I won't debate whether Kancey is a big-time talent but the Pats have far greater needs than interior pass rush and there will be equal talent on the board at #14.

Its only a slight disagreement. I think they like Trent Brown a lot more than they should. I do think T is on the radar, if Dawaan Jones makes it to them in round 2, that'd be ideal, but in this scenario, I think its more likely to be a middle round pick, and I do think Wynn could be back on a cheap 1 year deal. I do also wonder if the OL (and really the entire offense) will play much better just having a legitimate play caller.

That said, I did a deep dive on it, and the 5th year option thing is kind of irrelevant to QB's. Its pretty much either the guy has proven to be worth an extension by then, or he hasn't.

Tell that to the Giants.

Just my opinion, but I think they are going to have some serious buyer's remorse on Daniel Jones.

While I love the idea of the Bengals going BPA with their pick I really don't see them going WR with other prime needs that likely have a fit at #28 (even though drafting a Boyd replacement does make sense there is the TE target share at play as well with Irv Smith a bandaid).

That said great stuff @travdogg

-QG

Funny you should mention TE, as Dalton Kincaid was basically my #3 option for them. Toyed with Bijan there as well, if Mixon were to be dumped, but like the Vikings with Dalvin, decided if they've stuck with him this long, they are probably just going to.

I will say, if Irv Smith can stay healthy, I think he can be at least as good as Hurst was. I was never impressed with Hurst, considering what an afterthought he was for opposing defenses. Thought he ended up being a downgrade from Uzomah when blocking is factored in.

 

[Boston]

It's a talent issue at T...nothing BOB can do about that...when motivated Brown can play but he is unreliable both physically and mentally...if Wynn comes back and starts the fanbase may revolt...he is awful...the Pats D is overrated but it is solid...they need help at CB, S and LB more than they do at D-line...but overall they really need help at T and another legit WR...they have so many holes maybe they should just go BPA but in all honesty if they don't upgrade at T while having limited mobility at QB they could turn into a train wreck this year.

 

[menobrown]

29. New Orleans=Bijan Robinson RB Texas (5-11, 215, 4.46) best trait-vision, worst trait-speed. Comp=Edgerrin James. I think Alvin Kamara has lost a bit, and his upcoming suspension gives NO a good reason to just move on.

Great work on the mock, hate to be critical of anything, though I would be remiss if I did not say I"m not so big on your top RB landing spots.

Perhaps you meant next year the Saints will move on from Kamara but that should be considered a zero percent chance for this upcoming season and they gave Jamaal Williams arguably the third best contract in UFA. Now if Bijan was actually sitting there at 29 all bets are off but this that's an extreme luxury pick for this upcoming season I don't see them wanting to do unless it just fell in their laps.

 

[travdogg]

29. New Orleans=Bijan Robinson RB Texas (5-11, 215, 4.46) best trait-vision, worst trait-speed. Comp=Edgerrin James. I think Alvin Kamara has lost a bit, and his upcoming suspension gives NO a good reason to just move on.

Great work on the mock, hate to be critical of anything, though I would be remiss if I did not say I"m not so big on your top RB landing spots.

Perhaps you meant next year the Saints will move on from Kamara but that should be considered a zero percent chance for this upcoming season and they gave Jamaal Williams arguably the third best contract in UFA. Now if Bijan was actually sitting there at 29 all bets are off but this that's an extreme luxury pick for this upcoming season I don't see them wanting to do unless it just fell in their laps.

Why is there a 0% chance of Kamara being gone this offseason? He's likely gonna miss 25% to 50% of the season, and he's clearly not the playmaker he was a couple years ago. If he's a post June 1st designation, he doesn't cost them anything to dump. Even Jamaal's deal is really a 1-year deal, that isn't for that much money. Its a backloaded deal that he may never see any of.

I thought about DL, but they aren't that bad at DE, unless they are writing off 2021 1st rounder Payton Turner, and DT isn't a good value at 29. What other positions do the Saints really have any holes at?

My thinking is they are re-tooling the offense. That started with Carr, and then adding Bijan and Hyatt takes it even further.

 

[DocHolliday]

Great work.

 

[menobrown]

Why is there a 0% chance of Kamara being gone this offseason?

The contract restructure they did a few weeks ago.

They converted $7m of his salary into a bonus. That's why you mentioned it would not cost much to cut him, because they already paid him, there is no way they paid him $7m now to cut him for no cap savings a few months later.

It's actually a sign of a possible longer term commitment because teams generally prefer to push out salary for players that are part of their long range plans if possible and not for players they intend to cut the following season.

He's likely gonna miss 25% to 50% of the season

The range could also be zero. I know his next court date is in August but if it or a decision is delayed on the trial the league will not be suspending him until the case has been adjudicated. No matter what by pushing $7M of his pay into a bonus it's clear sign of one of two things from the Saints front office. One is they don't are worried about a long term suspension because by pushing that $7m out into a bonus it will now save Kamara $411,764 in lost wages per game. So if he got 6 games the Saints just cost themselves $2.47M. Do they do this if they are so sure he's facing a long suspension? I don't think so. If you do think so, that the Saints are ok losing that $2.47m then it's simply another sign of their commitment and appreciation for Kamara that would prepay him knowing a suspension was coming to save him money.

. Even Jamaal's deal is really a 1-year deal, that isn't for that much money. Its a backloaded deal that he may never see any of.

No it's at least a 2 year deal. His entire base pay of $3.15m in 2024 is fully guaranteed. They can cut him before he see's his third year and if they do will have paid him $8.15M for two years. We can disagree that is cheap, for current RB cheap is not what I'd label it.

he's clearly not the playmaker he was a couple years ago

I saved opinion for last. I think all 27+RB's have lost a little. I don't believe he's lost any more then say CMC or Ekeler.

 

[Team Chaos]

Great work. Thanks

 

[grateful zed]

why would NYJ take a wr in the first?

they got the ROY and the room is filled with rodgers wr croneys.

 

[travdogg]

Why is there a 0% chance of Kamara being gone this offseason?

The contract restructure they did a few weeks ago.

They converted $7m of his salary into a bonus. That's why you mentioned it would not cost much to cut him, because they already paid him, there is no way they paid him $7m now to cut him for no cap savings a few months later.

It's actually a sign of a possible longer term commitment because teams generally prefer to push out salary for players that are part of their long range plans if possible and not for players they intend to cut the following season.

He's likely gonna miss 25% to 50% of the season

The range could also be zero. I know his next court date is in August but if it or a decision is delayed on the trial the league will not be suspending him until the case has been adjudicated. No matter what by pushing $7M of his pay into a bonus it's clear sign of one of two things from the Saints front office. One is they don't are worried about a long term suspension because by pushing that $7m out into a bonus it will now save Kamara $411,764 in lost wages per game. So if he got 6 games the Saints just cost themselves $2.47M. Do they do this if they are so sure he's facing a long suspension? I don't think so. If you do think so, that the Saints are ok losing that $2.47m then it's simply another sign of their commitment and appreciation for Kamara that would prepay him knowing a suspension was coming to save him money.

. Even Jamaal's deal is really a 1-year deal, that isn't for that much money. Its a backloaded deal that he may never see any of.

No it's at least a 2 year deal. His entire base pay of $3.15m in 2024 is fully guaranteed. They can cut him before he see's his third year and if they do will have paid him $8.15M for two years. We can disagree that is cheap, for current RB cheap is not what I'd label it.

he's clearly not the playmaker he was a couple years ago

I saved opinion for last. I think all 27+RB's have lost a little. I don't believe he's lost any more then say CMC or Ekeler.

I didn't know Kamara restructured a few weeks ago. Why NO would do that is a good question, but I guess it is what it is, thanks for the update.

I would 100% disagree that Kamara hasn't lost any more than CMC or Ekeler. CMC was playing the best football of his career down the stretch last year. I think there is a very sizeable difference between him and Ekeler and Kamara, and Ekeler doesn't have legal issues.

ETA: Still if Robinson is there, is a very tough pass.

 

[Deamon]

and the room is filled with rodgers wr croneys.

You mean filled with a whole ONE of them?

 

[travdogg]

and the room is filled with rodgers wr croneys.

You mean filled with a whole ONE of them?

It is weird to me, how the narrative is that the Jets have bent over backwards for Rodgers. They signed Lazard, and that's it. Not Cobb, not Tonyan, not Lewis, just Lazard. While I would highly question whether that was a good signing, and its easy to point to it as appeasing Rodgers, its still just 1 move.

I also think people may have too high of an opinion of Hardman. I bet he returns kicks and punts and has the occasional gadget play. No bigger role than he had in KC, and possibly/probably a smaller one.

Despite Saleh's claims to the contrary, I don't know how safe Corey Davis roster spot is, I mean, logically if you were trying to maybe trade him, you would be saying you were thinking of cutting him. Elijah Moore was a "big part of the team's plans" until he was traded.

 

[grateful zed]

and the room is filled with rodgers wr croneys.

You mean filled with a whole ONE of them?

i obj signs, that's two.

 

[grateful zed]

i could see cobb coming over later.

 

[Deamon]

i obj signs, that's two.

i could see cobb coming over later.

so IF these two things happen. You said their WR room is filled with his buddies lol

They also already have a pretty full room as it is. Lazard, Davis, Wilson, Hardman, Mimms, Likely 1 rookie. Most teams carry 6 and that's already 6.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Consensus Big Board (Top 200)

Data culled from Bleacher Report (175), Brugler (100), Campbell (100), CBS Big Board (350), Draft Diamonds (250), DraftTek (300), Espn (300), Mock Draft Database (250), NFL.com (300), PFF Big Board (350), PFN Big Board (250), Sporting News (100), Sports Illustrated (100), Daniel Jeremiah (50), Tankathon (100), TDN Big Board (100).

 

[grateful zed]

i obj signs, that's two.

i could see cobb coming over later.

so IF these two things happen. You said their WR room is filled with his buddies

3 out of 6 is half full.

 

[Deamon]

i obj signs, that's two.

i could see cobb coming over later.

so IF these two things happen. You said their WR room is filled with his buddies

3 out of 6 is half full.

lol so you're predicting mimms and davis both gone... ok.
No need to double down on your take. You said it was already full... its 1 of 7 right now, and MIGHT be 2 of 7 if obj goes.

 

[grateful zed]

i obj signs, that's two.

i could see cobb coming over later.

so IF these two things happen. You said their WR room is filled with his buddies

3 out of 6 is half full.

lol so you're predicting mimms and davis both gone... ok.
No need to double down on your take. You said it was already full... its 1 of 7 right now, and MIGHT be 2 of 7 if obj goes.

Okay whatever I still don't think the Jets draft a wide receiver at number one.

 

[fatness]

Thanks for this in-depth look at the first 2 rounds. Really gets discussion going.

Nitpick (we all have them): I think Hooker goes in the 1st round.
The last 4 weeks (after the combine and pro days, and before the draft), media floods us (and teams and agents) with information and misinformation about different players. That information/misinformation comes mostly from front offices and from agents trying to manipulate draft position in favor of their client(s). It's the most dishonest time of the year. And most years, it results in QB's being moved up on the draft board.

 

[Mitchie]

Agree wr for the Jets doesn't seem super likely. Only way could see happening is if JSN fell to that spot maybe they couldn't pass on pairing him with Wilson.

 

[travdogg]

Thanks for this in-depth look at the first 2 rounds. Really gets discussion going.

Nitpick (we all have them): I think Hooker goes in the 1st round.
The last 4 weeks (after the combine and pro days, and before the draft), media floods us (and teams and agents) with information and misinformation about different players. That information/misinformation comes mostly from front offices and from agents trying to manipulate draft position in favor of their client(s). It's the most dishonest time of the year. And most years, it results in QB's being moved up on the draft board.

I think its possible Hooker could go in the 1st round, likely through a trade up. I do think Hooker would be a very bad pick in round 1. I really don't see it with him at all. Personally, I think he's closer to a day 3 level player than a 1st rounder, but I digress, its not about what I think, its about what 1 team thinks, and the chances that 1 team really likes him enough to take him in the top-50 (or top-31) is pretty high.

 

[travdogg]

Consensus Big Board (Top 200)

Data culled from Bleacher Report (175), Brugler (100), Campbell (100), CBS Big Board (350), Draft Diamonds (250), DraftTek (300), Espn (300), Mock Draft Database (250), NFL.com (300), PFF Big Board (350), PFN Big Board (250), Sporting News (100), Sports Illustrated (100), Daniel Jeremiah (50), Tankathon (100), TDN Big Board (100).

This is really interesting, thanks for sharing it.

Its funny, I read PFF, I listen to Kiper/McShay when they are on, I read DJ on NFL.com, and yet the source I seem to have the most similar views to is Tankathon, who I have almost no knowledge of. I guess that speaks to making up my own mind on guys, but its surprising to me.