As we now enter April, a selection of FantasyPros writers has come together to bring you a 2-round mock draft. With the NFL Combine over, Free Agency calming down and teams focused on watching pro days, we now have a more accurate picture of team needs with less than a month to go before the 2023 NFL Draft.
Without further ado, here is our mock draft, including trades for picks 1-63.
Round 1
1. Carolina Panthers (From CHI)
C.J. Stroud (QB – Ohio State)
With the Panthers trading up to the first overall pick, they cannot afford to miss. And whilst Bryce Young does equate to the safest prospect in the class, Stroud is not too far behind. He also, on the surface, appears to be a better fit for Frank Reich and this all-star coaching staff that has been assembled in Carolina. Stroud’s poise, arm strength, and accuracy make him a great high-ceiling prospect.
Adam “Murf” Murfet (@murf_nfl)
2. Houston Texans
Bryce Young (QB – Alabama)
The former Heisman winner finds his new home in Houston. Young is an elite distributor of the football, whether it be on script play development or moments of breathtaking playmaking. He is also a relentless student of the game, which is only accentuated by his natural ability to read defenses and see the entirety of the field. Although the concerns about his size are valid, with the Texans making moves over the offseason to bolster their offensive line, Young should be able to feel comfortable distributing the ball in the offense effectively.
Bobby Van Pelt (@bobbyvanpelt9)
3. Arizona Cardinals
Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE – Alabama)
The Cardinals are in great need of a roster overhaul and there’s no better way to begin rebuilding the defense than to add a blue-chip pass-rusher. Anderson Jr. racked up 17 TFLs and 10 sacks on his way to winning the Chuck Bednarik Award this past season. And keep in mind that he led the nation in TFLs and sacks as a sophomore in 2021. Anderson Jr. will immediately become Arizona’s top pass-rusher and their most talented player on the front seven.
Kurt Blakeway (@Hey_Blakeway)
4. Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson (QB – Florida)
The Colts have had a different opening-day starter for the past five years. Since Andrew Luck abruptly retired in 2019, the team has tried to solve the problem with veterans. After failing to find a veteran for the long haul, Indianapolis gets their next franchise quarterback from the draft. Richardson might need a year on the bench. However, the Colts have Gardner Minshew. He is a capable bridge-gap option who can start until Richardson is ready.
Mike Fanelli (@Mike_NFL2)
5. Seattle Seahawks (From DEN)
Tyree Wilson (EDGE – Texas Tech)
Seattle could end up trading out of this pick on draft night, but with three of the top quarterbacks already off the board in this scenario, they likely won’t get the haul they want for it. Instead, they’ll opt to take the best edge defender left on the board, Tyree Wilson out of Texas Tech. He stands at an imposing 6’6/275 lbs with 33 5/8″ arms, and he could end up becoming one of the best players in this entire class in short order.
Leo Sells (@leo_sells)
6. Detroit Lions (From LAR)
Jalen Carter (DT – Georgia)
With Anderson Jr. and Wilson off the board, Detroit opts for Carter with their first of two second-round picks. The Georgia product is a menacing presence that will legitimize a Detroit pass rush while forming an impactful inside-outside tandem with 2022 first-round pick DE Aidan Hutchinson. As long as the combine gaffe and off-field issues stay behind him, Carter should terrorize opposing quarterbacks beginning in Week One.
Chris Schommer (@ChrisSchommer1)
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Peter Skoronski (OT – Northwestern)
With the seventh overall pick the Raiders had to address one of their biggest needs of the off-season and with Skoronski still available it made too much sense. While Levis is still available and would’ve been a better pick from a talent standpoint, the team addressed their QB need by signing Garropolo to a 3-year deal, pointing them then to the need to protect their QB. Skoronski was the best tackle in the draft and the team will now look to address their defensive needs in the later parts of the draft.
Josh Thiessen (@JoshThiessen14!)
8. Atlanta Falcons
Nolan Smith (Edge – Georgia)
There was not a worse defense than the Atlanta Falcons last season. Atlanta ranked dead last in sacks per dropback (3.5%) and pressure rate (20.2%). In order to turn around any defense is to start with the line and begin to put pressure on the opposing QB.
Kurt Blakeway (@Hey_Blakeway)
9. Chicago Bears (From CAR)
Paris Johnson Jr. (OT – Ohio State)
With Skoronski taken two picks earlier, the Bears still find a way to select their next franchise offensive tackle. Johnson Jr. will be tasked with protecting QB Justin Fields as part of a revamped offensive line in the Windy City as Chicago looks to keep the dynamic dual-threat signal caller upright more often this upcoming season.
Chris Schommer (@ChrisSchommer1)
10. Philidelphia Eagles (From NO)
Luke Van Ness (EDGE – Iowa)
Howie Roseman’s draft strategy, in a word: trenches. As the clock continues to tick on Brandon Graham’s tenure, the Eagles opt to mend what will likely become an open wound in the future by picking Van Ness. The Eagles, reportedly, have already hosted the 6’5 pass-rusher for a pre-draft visit, making this selection well within reason. Playing behind Graham, Haason Reddick, and Josh Sweat will do Van Ness good as he’ll be afforded more leniency while developing into a more consistent rusher.
Seth Fisher (@sethfisher27)
11. Tennessee Titans
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – Ohio State)
Tennessee is at a pivotal point in the future of its franchise, as they are exiting its contender phase. A strong, stout defense to build with provides a lot of flexibility at this pick for an offensive player. While trading up for a top 2 quarterback will be nearly impossible in this draft, Levis and Richardson don’t warrant selling the farm. In a tight decision between bolstering the offensive line and the receiver room, the best receiver in this year’s draft steps right into the starting slot role for the Titans. Sitting at 29th last year in total receptions and with the two reception leaders in Robert Woods and Austin Hooper leaving the team, the Titans have arguably the worst receiver room in the NFL with the only cornerstone being Treylon Burks. There is both an abundance of vacated targets and an opportunity to fill AJ Brown’s vacancy with someone who was the alpha receiver on a team with Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison, Jr. in 2021.
Drake Anthony
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (From Houston for Pick 19, Pick 153, and a 2024 3rd-round pick)
Broderick Jones (OT – Georgia)
The Buccaneers trade up in this draft to fill their biggest need. They trade pick 19, pick 153 in this year’s draft, and next year’s 3rd to take the last elite remaining tackle off the board in Broderick Jones. After cutting Donovan Smith, the Bucs must get in a tackle to partner with Tristan Wirfs. And now they get their man in 2-time national champion Jones.
Adam “Murf” Murfet (@murf_nfl)
13. New York Jets
Darnell Wright (OT – Tennessee)
Fortunately for the Jets, there are not many needs on the team. Having one of the best draft classes last year, and the stellar defense led by DPOY Sauce Gardner, the only glaring need (assuming Rodgers comes to New York) is in Mekhi Becton who has missed 35 games over three seasons. Missing out on Skoronski, Johnson, and Jones would hurt, but Darnell Wright has proven himself as a four-year starter in the SEC, achieving multiple honors in his tenure there and possessing the ability to play at both tackle spots.
Drake Anthony
14. New England Patriots
Christian Gonzalez (CB – Oregon)
With the best of the offensive tackles off the board, Bill Belichick quickly welcomes the counterpart to the recently re-signed Jonathan Jones in Gonzalez. Few impressed at this year’s Combine quite like the Oregon CB did and the pairing of his speed and length makes him a perfect defensive weapon to use against the likes of Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Garrett Wilson.
Seth Fisher (@sethfisher27)
15. Green Bay Packers
Dalton Kincaid (TE – Utah)
With the departure of Robert Tonyan in the off-season, the Packers decide to dive in early to this year’s loaded TE draft class with who is believed to be the top prospect overall at the position. This pick should help build together a young roster that is looking to rebuild after moving on from Rodgers. In Kincaid, the team gets a massive offensive threat that will give Love someone else to go to other than breakout WR Christian Watson.
Josh Thiessen (@JoshThiessen14!)
16. Washington Commanders
Devon Witherspoon (CB – Illinois)
The Commanders claimed former Minnesota Vikings’ cornerback Cameron Dantzler off waivers earlier this offseason. While that was a smart move, the team still has a hole at cornerback. They traded away Williams Jackson III at the trade deadline. More importantly, Kendall Fuller is a free agent after the 2023 season. Witherspoon is a potential top-10 pick, making him a steal at 16th overall.
Mike Fanelli (@Mike_NFL2)
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Quentin Johnston (WR – TCU)
With the best offensive tackles and Gonzalez and Witherspoon off the board, Pittsburgh turns its attention to the offensive side of the ball. With the selection of Johnston, the Steelers give second-year QB Kenny Pickett a legitimate No. 1 pass catcher to play alongside fellow wideouts George Pickens and Diontae Johnson. The TCU standout will offer game-changing ability from day one for an offense lacking in explosive playmakers.
Chris Schommer (@ChrisSchommer1)
18. Detroit Lions
Myles Murphy (EDGE – Clemson)
After having DT Jalen Carter fall into their lap at No. 6, the Lions get lucky again with their second first-round pick of the draft. Murphy is a disruptive edge rusher that was able to dominate on a regular basis in his college career. Opposing quarterbacks will lose plenty of sleep game-planning against a front seven with Aidan Hutchinson, Carter, and now Murphy terrorizing opposing backfields this upcoming season.
Chris Schommer (@ChrisSchommer1)
19. Houston (From TB)
Zay Flowers (WR – Boston College)
The Texans look to build up future draft capital by moving down from 12 to 19 with the Buccaneers, garnering pick 153 and their 2024 3rd rounder in the deal. With DeMeco Ryans bringing over Bobby Slowik from San Francisco to be his offensive coordinator and mentioning in recent interviews that he envisions the same offensive style that is performed there, Flowers seems to be a near-perfect fit for the Texans. Flowers’ combination of elite speed, ability to get open and after-the-catch prowess compensates for his size concerns and would give Bryce Young a high-level playmaker to ease him into NFL life.
Bobby Van Pelt (@bobbyvanpelt9)
20. Seattle Seahawks
Joey Porter Jr. (CB – Penn State)
This draft would be a dream come true for the Seahawks. They just grabbed a top-tier edge rusher in Tyree Wilson earlier in this scenario, and now, they’ll get to add to that by taking Joey Porter Jr. here, who’s arguably the best cornerback in this class. He excels at press coverage and has elite length with 34″ arms, and he would be a great compliment to Tariq Woolen on the other side of this defense.
Leo Sells (@leo_sells)
21. Los Angeles Chargers
Jordan Addison (WR – USC)
When they are healthy, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams pose as one of the best WR duos in the league, but staying healthy seems to be an issue with these two. They combined to miss 11 games last season and aren’t getting any younger. Jordan Addison gives new OC Kellen Moore and Justin Herbert a new toy to play with in 2023.
Kurt Blakeway (@Hey_Blakeway)
22. Baltimore Ravens
Deonte Banks (CB – Maryland)
In need of a CB2, Baltimore keeps the Maryland product in the state — who happens to be one of the best overall athletes in the class. The redshirt junior was a menace in coverage for the Terrapins this past season, and his 4.35 40-yard dash and 42” vertical cemented Banks as a top CB prospect in this year’s draft. His addition will bolster an already solid Baltimore secondary marked by Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Williams, and Kyle Hamilton.
Bobby Van Pelt (@bobbyvanpelt9)
23. Minnesota Vikings
Trenton Simpson (LB – Clemson)
Minnesota lost multiple key defenders this off-season, which includes long-time middle linebacker, Eric Kendricks. They’ll need to bring in someone to replace him, and adding Trenton Simpson would help give them two things they’ve been missing on defense over the past couple of seasons: youth and speed. Simpson logged a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and his versatility as an edge rusher and pass defender makes him a perfect swiss-army knife for new defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Leo Sells (@leo_sells)
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
O’Cyrus Torrence (OG – Florida)
Jacksonville’s investment in Brandon Scherff a couple of years ago has worked wonders in improving the offensive line, but they can’t stop now. O’Cyrus Torrence is widely regarded as one of, if not the, best interior lineman in this year’s draft. He has flashed some real potential and improvement in both the passing and rushing game, and the Jaguars would be wise to invest in their offensive line to protect their most important asset: QB Trevor Lawrence.
Leo Sells (@leo_sells)
25. New York Giants
Kelee Ringo (CB – Georgia)
The Giants got majorly sniped by Jacksonville in this one, as Torrence fills what I now believe to be their biggest need. With the top WRs also off the board, the Giants address another area of weakness opposite Adoree Jackson. You can never have too many corners in the NFL, and Ringo has the size and speed to compete with some top NFC East WRs.
Jamie Calandro (@jac3600)
26. Dallas Cowboys
Bijan Robinson (RB – Texas)
Do the Cowboys need Robinson for the 2023 season? No. However, he is the best pick for the team long term. Dallas released Ezekiel Elliott this off-season because of his salary and declining production. Meanwhile, Tony Pollard is coming off a career year and a broken fibula. While the team used the franchise tag on him, drafting Robinson would be a long-term upgrade. Furthermore, the former Longhorn would be a cheaper option than Pollard for Dallas long term.
Mike Fanelli (@Mike_NFL2)
27. Buffalo Bills
Brain Branch (S – Alabama)
With Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer inching closer to retirement and Damar Hamlin’s status for next season up in the air, Buffalo looks to the future by selecting the Alabama standout. Branch is the most versatile defensive back in the draft, as he primarily worked in the slot on a star-studded Crimson Tide, but also has some experience as a tackling machine safety in the run game. Although he isn’t the most athletic DB in the class, Branch’s experience, defensive prowess, and ability to play multiple positions make him an enticing option to a Buffalo team that prides itself on having a superior secondary.
Bobby Van Pelt (@bobbyvanpelt9)
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Darnell Washington (TE – Washington)
The Bengals would’ve loved to see Branch still available here with the departure of Jessie Bates in free agency, but the team will look to pivot and add their safety later in the draft. Darnell Washington gives the team the best blocking TE in the draft which will greatly help address the other need of keeping Burrow upright and healthy as the season goes on.
Josh Thiessen (@JoshThiessen14!)
29. New Orleans (From DEN/MIA/SF)
Jalin Hyatt (WR – Tennessee)
New Orleans needs to rebuild the offense. They got Olave last year in the first round. This year they go and give new QB Derek Carr another weapon with sub-4.40 speed. Hyatt should add another dimension to this offense, which might have to rely on the air game more in 2023 with a potential impending suspension to star running back Alvin Kamara.
Adam “Murf” Murfet (@murf_nfl)
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Cam Smith (CB – South Carolina)
The Eagles can absolutely afford to develop an unpolished corner now that Darius Slay and James Bradberry have been retained. Smith possesses solid athleticism, quick feet, and respectable ball skills, but he isn’t a stranger to being penalized and overcompensating at the point of attack. The luxury in taking Smith here is he won’t be asked to shoulder many assignments from the get-go. If the Eagles do manage to see Smith become a starter, it won’t be this year and that’ll be more than OK.
Seth Fisher (@sethfisher27)
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – Alabama)
Having not resigned Jerick McKinnon nor picked up Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s 5th year, there is a real need for a pass-catching back in Kansas City. We’ve seen undrafted running backs with success like James Robinson get shipped out for someone that a franchise believes in long-term, and the Chiefs would make very quick use of Alabama’s 2022 rushing and reception leader in a Pat Mahomes-led offense.
Drake Anthony
Round 2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (From CHI)
Will McDonald IV (EDGE – Iowa State)
The Steelers add to a ferocious front seven with another pass-rushing option that can wreak havoc in opposing backfields. McDonald IV should fit right into a Pittsburgh scheme that brings pressure from multiple positions and will give the organization a dominant 1-2 punch playing on the opposite side of the field from perennial All-Pro T.J. Watt.
Chris Schommer (@ChrisSchommer1)
33. Houston Texans
Calijah Kancey (DL – Pittsburgh)
The Texans add depth to the most important aspect of the DeMeco Ryans defensive scheme. Kancey is consistently comped to perennial All-Pro Aaron Donald, and there are good reasons other than his size and playing at Pitt. The redshirt junior is one of the most athletic defensive linemen to come out in recent years, running a 4.67 forty-yard dash at the combine to solidify that status. He also was a major producer at Pitt, recording 14.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss over two years as a full-time starter. Kancey will probably begin his career as a rotational pass rusher but has the potential to develop into a three-down game wrecker for a Texans defense in need of a defensive difference-maker.
Bobby Van Pelt (@bobbyvanpelt9)
34. Arizona Cardinals
Bryan Bresee (DL – Clemson)
Consider the Cardinals’ defensive line revitalized. Rashard Lawrence and Leki Fotu, the incumbent DTs who were both 4th round picks in 2020, don’t offer nearly the same juice that Bresee does. If Jonathan Gannon learned anything from Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run last year, it’s that having a stacked defensive line can do absolute wonders for a franchise. In picking Bresee and pairing him with Will Anderson Jr., the Cardinals show that they’re building from the inside out.
Kurt Blakeway (@Hey_Blakeway)
35. Indianapolis Colts
Julius Brents (CB – Kansas State)
The Colts have several needs on their roster. While everyone has their attention on which quarterback they will draft, the team has a massive hole at cornerback. They traded away Stephon Gilmore this offseason for a Day 3 draft pick. However, Brents has the size, length, and ball skills needed to replace Gilmore as the No. 1 cornerback as a rookie.
Mike Fanelli (@Mike_NFL2)
36. Los Angeles Rams
Emmanuel Forbes (CB – Mississippi State)
The 6 foot 1 166 pound cornerback is a day 1, ready-to-start prospect. After trading away Jalen Ramsey, the Rams don’t have enough designated starters on the roster. The fact Forbes can play zone and press-man coverage should me he slots right in as a starter on opening day. Forbes also has the most pick sixes in FBS and SEC history so he knows how to be explosive.
Adam “Murf” Murfet (@murf_nfl)
37. Seattle Seahawks (From DEN)
John Michael Schmitz (C – Minnesota)
The Seahawks drafted Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas last year to hold down the outside of the offensive line, and now, they’ll grab somebody to help on the interior. John Michael Schmitz seems to be the consensus top center in this year’s class, and Seattle will get him at a value in the second round in this scenario. The Seahawks already have a bright future with young players like Ken Walker, Tariq Woolen, and their offensive-tackle duo, and adding a premium center prospect in Schmitz with the other players they get in this draft would give them arguably the best young roster in football.
Leo Sells (@leo_sells)
38. Las Vegas Raiders
Daiyan Henley (LB – Washington State)
After boosting their O-Line in the first round the Raiders decide to flip to address the other side of the ball and take who we think is the best available linebacker (not EDGE) in the draft. The team still has a couple of holes leaving the second round (cornerback, safety) but that can easily be addressed in the later rounds of the draft.
Josh Thiessen (@JoshThiessen14!)
39. Carolina Panthers
Josh Downs (WR – North Carolina)
After losing D.J. Moore to acquire the number 1 pick, the Panthers feel fortunate Downs falls to them here. The highly productive wide receiver stays in Carolina, where he was all-conference and second-team all-American with his explosive plays. He is a confident receiver, who despite his size, boasts great catching ability and toughness. He will slot right in with new QB C.J. Stroud
Adam “Murf” Murfet (@murf_nfl)
40. New Orleans Saints
Adetomiwa Adebawore (EDGE – Northwestern)
After losing Marcus Davenport in Free Agency, this is an area the Saints needed to strengthen. In steps Adebawore. The 6 foot 2, 282-pound former Northwestern edge is one of the most athletic players at the position and will bring good size and speed to a less-than-threatening Saints front as it currently stands.
Adam “Murf” Murfet (@murf_nfl)
41. Tennessee Titans
Hendon Hooker (QB – Tennessee)
As the Titans continue to build their offense of the future, taking Tennessee’s standout is something the fans will rally behind. Having a torn ACL, Tannehill gets one more year to play before passing the reins to Hooker while he rehabs this first year. Hooker was the leading Heisman candidate before his ACL tear, and his only concern is really his age and how he will return from injury- but if he comes back ready in a year, he will be worth the day 2 pick.
Drake Anthony
42. Green Bay Packers (From NYJ- Jets trade Picks 42, 43, 2024 5th, and 2025 5th for Aaron Rodgers)
Nathaniel Dell (WR – Houston)
The Packers would’ve loved to see Downs fall to this pick, however, since he didn’t the team will pivot to the next best available WR in Dell. With Lazard leaving town the team makes the necessary addition of another pass catcher for love as they use the first of their three second-rounders.
Josh Thiessen (@JoshThiessen14!)
43. Green Bay Packers (From NYJ- Jets trade Picks 42, 43, 2024 5th, and 2025 5th for Aaron Rodgers)
Jordan Battle (S – Alabama)
The Packers don’t have many holes to fill on defense other than safety, thankfully with the addition of the two second-rounders in the trade of Aaron Rodgers the team is able to add an elite safety in Jordan Battle. Having a coverage safety like Battle may finally solve the massive gap the team has had for years as they have not had an elite safety since the Charles Woodson days.
Josh Thiessen (@JoshThiessen14!)
44. Atlanta Falcons
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (CB – TCU)
The Jim Thorpe Award winner will give the Falcons a nice boost in the defensive backfield alongside AJ Terrell. Hodges-Tomlinson is one of the most aggressive CBs in this class, he attacks the ball at the catch point which is a big reason he lead CFB in forced incompletions this past season. His only knock is his size.
Kurt Blakeway (@Hey_Blakeway)
45. Green Bay Packers
Anton Harrison (OL – Oklahoma)
Harrison should help to alleviate some of the pressure on Love as he prepares for his first full season in the pocket. Aaron Rodgers was sacked 32 times averaging twice a game behind the O-Line last season, so giving Love some more protection should help ease the transition from the HOF’er to Love.
Josh Thiessen (@JoshThiessen14!)
46. New England Patriots
Felix Anudike-Uzomah (EDGE – Kansas State)
Anudike-Uzomah will pair nicely with Josh Uche and create a new young pass-rush duo in Belichick’s defense. A beast at creating pressure, the Kansas State product will provide New England’s line — which is aging — with some juice. With 26.5 TFLs and 20.5 sacks in his last two collegiate seasons, Anudike-Uzomah is far from raw.
Seth Fisher (@sethfisher27)
47. Washington Commanders
Michael Mayer (TE – Notre Dame)
Somehow Mayer slid this far down the board. However, the Commanders won’t complain. Logan Thomas struggled last year after tearing an ACL in 2021. Meanwhile, the team used a first-round pick in Jahan Dotson last year. Now it’s time they invest in the tight end position. Mayer will give Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett a difference-maker in the middle of the field.
Mike Fanelli (@Mike_NFL2)
48. Detroit Lions
Noah Sewell (LB – Oregon)
The Lions fill another need on the defensive side of the ball with the selection of Sewell. While the Oregon linebacker can be found out of position at times, his non-stop motor and strong play from sideline to sideline is something the Detroit LB corps has been lacking for quite some time. Sewell fits right into head coach Dan Campbell’s never quit mantra.
Chris Schommer (@ChrisSchommer1)
49. Pittsburgh Steelers
Antonio Johnson (S – Texas A&M)
Pittsburgh gets a disruptive playmaker to plug into their secondary. Johnson offers plenty of versatility with his ability to lineup at cornerback, safety, and linebacker. His ability to disrupt plays at the point of catch may remind some of Pittsburgh greats of the past, but Johnson will need to work on his recognition skills to be included in that conversation. Still a great selection at this point in the draft for an organization looking for a return to the postseason in 2023.
Chris Schommer (@Chris_Schommer1)
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
D.J. Turner (CB – Michigan)
The buccaneers have lost a lot in the secondary this off-season. In comes D.J. Turner to add into the rotation. Whilst the Bucs have signed Jamaal Dean to a long-term deal and have Carlton Davis under contract, they needed some further cover and depth. Turner was the fastest man at the combine, running 4.26 and this speed, mixed with athleticism will give the Bucs some much-needed variety and rotation
Adam “Murf” Murfet (@murf_nfl)
51. Miami Dolphins
Luke Wypler (C I- Ohio State)
Miami picked up Tua’s 5th-year option and must protect him at all costs. Luke Wypler PFF’s number 1 ranked Center tin this year’s draft can step in right away and compete for the starting job. During the 2022 season with the Buckeyes, he allowed just one sack and seven hurries from 449 pass-blocking snaps.
Kurt Blakeway (@Hey_Blakeway)
52. Seattle Seahawks
Jack Campbell (LB – Iowa)
The Seahawks are absolutely loaded on picks in this year’s draft, and they’ll use this pick on Iowa’s Jack Campbell. Campbell has been one of the nation’s top linebackers over his collegiate career, and after an impressive showing at the combine, he’s shooting up draft boards and has found himself in discussions of the top overall player at his position. Seattle just brought back veteran Bobby Wagner in free agency, and while that does help in the short term, they’ll need to bring in some young talent at the position if they want to shore it up long-term.
Leo Sells (@leo_sells)
53. Chicago Bears (From BAL)
Cody Mauch (OG – North Dakota State)
Chicago continues to rebuild an offensive line that was overmatched in all aspects during the 2022 season. Mauch will join Paris Johnson Jr. in an attempt to keep franchise QB Justin Fields upright while also offering the signal caller the ability to extend plays with his dynamic running ability. Mauch is a bulldozer who should receive an opportunity to compete for a starting guard position for an offense that offered a strong rushing attack in 2022.
Chris Schommer (@ChrisSchommer1)
54. Los Angeles Chargers
Zach Charbonnet (RB – UCLA)
Before transferring to UCLA, Charbonnet was Michigan’s leading running back as a true freshman. After Hassah Haskins took over the lead role, Zach put up back-to-back years of at least 1100 rushing yards for the Bruins. Charbonnet gives Kellen Moore another offensive weapon and some insurance in case Austin Ekeler is traded this season.
Kurt Blakeway (@Hey_Blakeway)
55. Detroit Lions (From MIN)
Mazi Smith (DT – Michigan)
The Lions continue their rebuild of the defensive line with the selection of Smith. Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn should absolutely love the versatility that the Michigan standout will provide on a line that will include 2022 first-round pick Aidan Hutchinson, 2023 first-rounder DT Jalen Carter, and fellow 2023 second-rounder Myles Murphy on a ferocious pass rush attack.
Chris Schommer (@ChrisSchommer1)
56. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dawand Jones (OT – Ohio State)
The Jaguars lost right tackle Jawaan Taylor to the Chiefs in free agency this off-season, and that leaves them with a clear need at the position. Luckily for them, Dawand Jones from Ohio State falls to them at this pick. Jones has anomalous size at the position, standing at a staggering 6’8″/360 lbs with 36 3/8-inch arms on top of that. He primarily played right tackle throughout his career at Ohio State, and while he was most effective as a run blocker, he also showed some promise as a pass protector. His presence in Jacksonville would help shore up the offensive line, who have been tasked with keeping franchise QB Trevor Lawrence upright and healthy for years to come.
Leo Sells (@leo_sells)
57. New York Giants
Joe Tippmann (OL – Wisconsin)
Tippmann is the closest thing we can get to calling an IOL a “freak athlete”. The Giants have improved their line over the past couple of years but there is still a lot to be done. Tippmann only allowed one sack and took nine penalties in his college career, and his athleticism would go a long way in helping keep the newly-signed Daniel Jones upright.
Jamie Calandro (@jac3600)
58. Dallas Cowboys
Drew Sanders (LB – Arkansas)
Linebacker isn’t a critical need for the Cowboys, but the value is too good to pass up. Meanwhile, Sanders has a similar game to Micah Parsons. Both linebackers are tackling machines and can play in space. However, both are also excellent pass rushers. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will pound the table for Sanders if he’s still available when Dallas picks in the second round.
Mike Fanelli (@Mike_NFL2)
59. Buffalo Bills
Steve Avila (OL – TCU)
The Bills build up their interior offensive line depth with this selection. Avila started three years for the Horned Frogs in which he logged starts at center, right tackle, and left guard, which makes him one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the draft. Although his height most likely limits him to an NFL career as a guard, Avila’s four career sacks given up prove his stoutness in pass protection, and has movement that isn’t very common for his size.
Bobby Van Pelt (@bobbyvanpelt9)
60. Cincinatti Bengals
Clark Phillips III (CB – Utah)
The only weakness of this Bengals team is in the secondary. Phillips sliding to this late in the second round is a gift to the Bengals. The reigning PAC-12 Defensive player of the year is a game-changing CB and can be penciled in as a day 1 starter. He might not be the most physical corner. However, he has so much toughness and great game-reading ability. He will make big plays for this secondary
Josh Thiessen (@JoshThiessen14!) with Adam “Murf” Murfet (@murf_nfl)
61. Chicago Bears (From CAR/SF)
Sam LaPorta (TE – Iowa)
The Bears grab another pass-catching option for franchise QB Justin Fields as they attempt to balance out a run-heavy offensive attack under head coach Matt Eberflus. With Cole Kmet constantly battling injuries, the Bears need an extra security blanket and found one with the Iowa product. LaPorta was able to lead an anemic Iowa offensive attack as a prolific pass-catching option and should offer the Bears plenty of upsides, even if Cole Kmet is healthy.
Chris Schommer (@ChrisSchommer1)
62. Philadelphia Eagles
Sydney Brown (S – Illinois)
Syndey Brown is one of the most underrated safeties in this draft class. Excellent in Cover 1 and Cover 3. He should slot in as a deep third or slot defender for the Eagles. Giving them more rotational options and replenishing what they lost in free agency. Howie Roseman and the team would be delighted if this pick fell into their laps on day 2 of the NFL draft.
Seth Fisher (@sethfisher27) with Adam “Murf” Murfet (@murf_nfl)
63. Kansas City Chiefs
Karl Brooks (EDGE – Bowling Green)
Brooks is ready to step in straight away as a three-down player. His 6 for 4″ frame, 303-pound frame is perfect for the position and ready to be utilized in the NFL. The Chiefs need more help in the trenches so this fills a need. All in all, should be a match made in heaven,
Drake Anthony with Adam “Murf” Murfet (@murf_nfl)
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Adam Murfet is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Murf, check out his archive and follow him @Murf_NFL.
