With the first two waves of free agency behind us, we take a look at an updated two-round mock for the 2023 NFL Draft.
As the first few waves of the 2023 NFL free agency period came and went, the eyes of the NFL world now shift to the 2023 NFL Draft. There has already been movement in the first round, with Carolina trading up for the No. 1 overall pick, and you can expect a lot more before all is said and done.
Here, we take a look at an updated two-round mock for the 2023 NFL Draft after the first few waves of free agency.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Carolina Panthers hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after trading with the Chicago Bears, and they are likely to add a franchise quarterback with the pick. You do not give up the number of assets they did to get the pick without someone in mind, and that someone should be C.J. Stroud from Ohio State.
Not only can Stroud make moves with his feet, but he also has pinpoint accuracy, as shown by the display he put on at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. He has the size, speed, and arm to be a real playmaker at the next level, and the Panthers finally get out of quarterback hell with this selection.
Here is where the draft is starting to get interesting, as many have Stroud and Bryce Young as the clear 1A and 1B in this class at the quarterback position. However, Anthony Richardson has been rocketing up draft boards since the Combine, and we have him landing in Houston at pick No. 2 overall.
Richardson has the arm and maneuverability to be a legitimate QB1 at the NFL level, and despite a lack of experience in college, he has scouts very intrigued. In Houston, he allows the franchise to hit the reset button at a position group that has not been strong since Deshaun Watson was at the helm.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Indianapolis Colts hold the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but if Bryce Young is still on the board, you can be sure they will plan to move up. There are some QB-needy teams behind them in this first round, so they have to send the Arizona Cardinals a strong offer to move up one spot, which they do in this mock.
With the pick, Young takes over as the franchise quarterback in Indianapolis, and he gets a head coach who can help him develop at the NFL level. Shane Steichen played a huge part in Jalen Hurts’s development across the last few seasons, and with Young as his guy in Indianapolis, he could see instant success.
The Arizona Cardinals drop down one spot in our latest mock draft, and while some teams may come calling again for Will Levis, they stay put at No. 4 overall. That is because their new head coach is a defensive guru, and with his first-ever Day 1 pick, Jonathan Gannon selects the best overall player in this draft class.
Will Anderson Jr. is the prototypical edge rusher at the NFL level, and someone who I believe will rack up at least ten sacks as a rookie next season. Arizona is making a lot of changes in player personnel, and the coaching staff, and in Anderson, they get a cornerstone defensive player for the foreseeable future.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Seattle Seahawks hold the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after trading away Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos last offseason. Denver was terrible with Wilson under center in 2022, leading to a top-five selection for Seattle, one they use on one of the premier edge rushers in the draft class.
Tyree Wilson is considered the second-best edge rusher behind Will Anderson Jr., and in Seattle, he helps fill a need coming off the corner for this Seahawks pass rush. The NFC West should be wide open once again in 2023, and with so much draft capital, Seattle could be the team to beat when all is said and done.
The Detroit Lions were one of the hottest teams in football towards the end of last season, and they will hold two first-round picks in 2023. This pick is the one they received in the Matthew Stafford trade a few years back, and with it, they get arguably the best overall prospect in the draft class.
Jalen Carter’s draft stock has begun to plummet after an off-the-field incident, as well as his appearing out of shape during his Pro Day. Still, there is no denying his talent, and for a team that needs defensive tackle help, he will come in and be an excellent complement to Aiden Hutchinson on a revamped Lions defensive line.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Las Vegas Raiders could certainly be in the market to trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft, as they hold four top 100 picks, as well as No. 7 overall. After signing Jimmy Garoppolo, it is clear this franchise is still looking for a long-term solution at the quarterback spot, and they get one here in Will Levis from Kentucky.
Levis is one of those quarterback prospects that we see every draft season that wows with his arm and has some questionable games on tape. Still, he has everything you look for in a franchise quarterback, and Raiders general manager David Ziegler has already said he plans to get a signal-caller at some point during the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Atlanta Falcons have made some outstanding moves to bolster their defense this offseason, including adding Pro Bowl safety, Jessie Bates. The problem is, they have a glaring issue coming off the edge, and an area of need that they better address in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
With Will Anderson Jr. and Tyree Wilson off the board, Atlanta can still get help at No. 8 overall, selecting Myles Murphy from Clemson. He may not be as big a name as the other two, but he is a terrific NFL prospect and one that could come in and give them the double-digit sack guy this defense is lacking.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Chicago Bears traded away the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers, as they plan to ride with Justin Fields for the foreseeable future. That is a good decision, as Fields can win football games with both his arm, and his legs, so building around him seems like the right choice by Ryan Poles.
At pick No. 9, the one they got from Carolina, the Bears bring in arguably the best overall offensive lineman in this draft class. Paris Johnson Jr. from Ohio State protected Fields with the Buckeyes, and now he will do the same in the Windy City.
The NFC representative from Super Bowl LII will pick in the top 10 selections this April, this after the trade they made with the New Orleans Saints. Originally, we thought cornerback would be an issue for the Eagles heading into the draft, but they fixed that real quick by re-signing James Bradberry and Darius Slay.
At pick No. 10, we like the Eagles to continue to add talent for quarterback Jalen Hurts, drafting Jordan Addison from USC. Of course, three wideouts could be the first off the board at the position this draft season, but Addison would be an excellent complement to AJ Brown and Devonta Smith.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Tennessee Titans have made some strong moves to bolster their defense this offseason, adding a talented edge rusher in Arden Key, and a good cornerback in Sean Bunting-Murphy. However, they have neglected to take care of the offensive line, something that was needed after letting Taylor Lewan walk.
At pick No. 11 overall, the Titans bring in an absolute mauler in Broderick Jones, who could be the first offensive tackle off the board when all is said and done. Here, he lands with the Titans, where he will look to protect the blindside for the young quarterback, Malik Willis in 2023, and beyond.
It has been quite some time since the Houston Texans were a real threat in the AFC South, but all that could be changing this upcoming season. Houston holds two of the first 12 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, and in our latest mock, they bolster both sides of the ball between them.
After getting a quarterback at No. 2 overall, Houston strikes gold here at No. 12, adding the best defensive back this class has to offer. Christian Gonzalez from Oregon has top-10 pick written all over him, but with teams clamoring for quarterback help, and edge rushers, he is available here towards the middle of the first round.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The New York Jets continue to stay busy as they wait for the trade to happen between them and the Green Bay Packers for Aaron Rodgers. This past week, New York traded away Elijah Moore to the Cleveland Browns, and will now have back-to-back picks in the second round this April.
If they can hold onto the No. 13 pick and do not send it to Green Bay for Rodgers, offensive tackle has to be the pick. Peter Skoronski is one of the top-3 offensive tackles in this draft class, and with the Jets, he fills one of the few voids they have on their roster heading into next season.
The New England Patriots have a big hole at the wide receiver position with Jakobi Meyers signing a free-agent contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. If they want Mac Jones to continue to progress in the right direction, and not struggle the way he did last year, they have to continue to put weapons around him.
Here, they get a dynamic deep threat in Quentin Johnston, who played a huge role in TCU making it to the College Football Playoff last season. New England did add JuJu Smith-Schuster this offseason, and he is a nice piece, but Johnston has WR1 written all over him.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
As we write this piece, the Green Bay Packers have still not traded Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets, though that could change soon. Still, the move to Jordan Love at quarterback seems like a done deal, and with that, they have to start stacking talented players around him.
Losing Allen Lazard in free agency is a tough blow, but if they can land Jaxon Smith-Njigba this April, that will soften the blow immensely. This is a kid who dominated the college football landscape with Ohio State and should be a playmaker from Day 1 at the next level.
The Washington Commanders have made the commitment to Sam Howell as their starting quarterback in 2023, but have brought in Jacoby Brissett as an insurance policy. Also, the Commanders have done a nice job bolstering their offensive line, something that will prove key in Howell’s development in Year 1 as the starter.
On defense, there is still work to do, and with a defensive-minded head coach in Ron Rivera, Joey Porter Jr. would be an excellent pick at No. 15. Porter is an NFL legacy, and based on his skill set, maybe the most NFL-ready defensive prospect in this draft class.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Pittsburgh Steelers hold the No. 17 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and you have to think the future is bright in Steel City. Kenny Pickett proved as a rookie that he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback at the NFL level, and they can start building around him this off-season.
At pick No. 17, the Steelers look to bolster the secondary in our latest mock, as a cornerback like Devon Witherspoon would be too hard to pass up on. Witherspoon is not only great in coverage, but he is a punishing tackler, so that should make him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh.
The Detroit Lions will pick twice in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft and will have a bunch of selections across the first two days. After adding a punishing defensive tackle at No. 6 overall in Jalen Carter, they turn their attention to the secondary, adding Alabama star safety Brian Branch.
Branch is by far the best player in this draft class at the position, and he fills a big position of need for head coach Dan Campbell. Detroit is a team that many feel can win the NFC North next season, and possibly make a run at the Super Bowl, so getting these two first-round picks right is paramount.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are moving on from Tom Brady after the greatest quarterback of all time decided to retire after the 2022 NFL season. While the organization has said they believe in Kyle Trask, the shock of the first round comes here at No. 19 overall, as they select Tennessee star, Hendon Hooker.
The SEC’s Offensive Player of the Year, Hooker is an outstanding NFL prospect and should be ready to go coming off a knee injury this past season. He is already 25 years old, so he is both mature, and experienced, and in Tampa Bay, he could step right in and be the starter in Year 1.
The Seattle Seahawks hold two of the first 20 picks in April’s first round, and they plan to bolster the defense with both selections. Early on, with pick No. 5, they get a dominant edge rusher in Tyree Wilson, and here, at No. 20 overall, they get a playmaker for their defensive backfield in Cam Smith.
Seattle is in great shape moving forward, as Geno Smith has had a rebirth under Pete Carroll, and they could be the team to beat in the NFC West next season. They are coming off a playoff berth, and have elite draft capital, so they should be a real force in 2023, and in the future.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
Originally, the No. 21 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft was going to belong to the Miami Dolphins, but they clearly will not be picking here. In fact, Miami will not pick on Day 1 at all unless they trade back into the first round, as they hold the No. 51 overall pick only in our latest mock draft.
Miami was found to have violated policies that had to do with the integrity of the game, and they lost not only the No. 21 overall pick but were also fined $1.5 million. Miami is a team many feel will battle for the AFC East crown next season, but losing this pick is a big blow for the organization.
The Los Angeles Chargers did a nice job fixing some contracts this offseason to bring back some of their big-name players. With Justin Herbert at quarterback, they will continue to be a team to beat in the AFC, but they have to start winning games when they count, especially in the postseason.
One of the big holes on their roster is defensive tackle, which is why Bryan Bresee would be like striking gold with the No. 21 overall pick. Bresee is good against the run, and the pass, and in a division where you face Patrick Mahomes twice a season, that is the kind of playmaker you need in the interior.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Baltimore Ravens still do not have any clear indication about what they plan to do with quarterback Lamar Jackson, so that is something to keep an eye on leading into the draft. If Jackson ends up leaving Baltimore, they will certainly be in the running for a quarterback in the first round, but this mock is based on the assumption that he stays in Charm City.
If Jackson is under center, Baltimore should be fine on offense, but it is the defense that may need to be revamped a bit this offseason. In the secondary, the cornerback spot is a position of weakness, which is why Kelee Ringo is the pick here at No. 22 overall.
The Minnesota Vikings have been very busy this offseason bolstering the roster on both sides of the ball as they look to make a run in the NFC North next season. That is a division that will certainly be there for the taking, so the fact that they spent big money in free agency makes a lot of sense.
Still, looking at the roster, they could use more help on defense, especially at the linebacker spot. Minnesota did bring in Troy Reeder on a one-year deal, but Trenton Simpson from Clemson is an elite linebacker prospect and would be one of the final pieces of the puzzle on that side of the ball in Minnesota.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Jacksonville Jaguars are certainly a team to watch heading into next season, as Trevor Lawrence got his team to the Divisional Round in only his second season as the starting quarterback. In fact, it was more like a rookie season for No. 16 last year, as the team moved on from Urban Meyer, and brought in a capable head coach in Doug Pederson.
While the Jaguars do have a good running back in Travis Etienne, bringing in a swiss army knife like Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama could take this offense to the next level. Gibbs can be a real threat in the passing game, on the ground, and as a return man, and stacking as many weapons as possible for Lawrence is a good way to go.
The New York Giants have been making some big-time moves this offseason, adding some talented weapons around quarterback Daniel Jones. Last season, Jones had a breakout year despite having very little to pass to, but that will change in 2023 with the addition of tight end Darren Waller, and wide receiver Parris Campbell.
Now, we focus on the defensive side of the ball, and the Giants still need some help in the defensive backfield. Clark Phillips III is a bonafide first-round talent at the cornerback position, and New York is in a prime position to make a serious run in the NFC next season.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Dallas Cowboys are saying goodbye to Ezekiel Elliott this offseason, this after he was the face of the franchise for years in Big D. With Tony Pollard signing his franchise tag, he is going to be there for at least next season, but could they draft the best running back prospect in this draft class this April?
Bijan Robinson played his college ball in-state at the University of Texas, and for most experts, he is the only running back worth selecting on Day 1. While Jahmyr Gibbs goes before him in this mock, he is a better fit in Dallas anyway, where he and Pollard can be a Thunder and Lightning-type duo for Mike McCarthy.
The Buffalo Bills have done a nice job of continuing to add to the offense this offseason, as they signed Conor McGovern to a three-year deal, and brought in running back Damien Harris. Still, the Bills have some serious issues as we head into the draft process, including getting better at offensive tackle.
Josh Allen is one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, and by selecting Anton Harrison, they give him a cornerstone offensive tackle that would be there for the long haul. Keeping Allen healthy has to be priority No. 1 for this franchise, which is why the investment in Harrison at No. 27 overall makes a lot of sense.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Cincinnati Bengals are going to be a team to beat in the AFC for as long as Joe Burrow is under center, as he has entered the NFL and become one of the best quarterbacks in the game. He said himself that the Super Bowl window in Cincinnati is as long as he is the quarterback, so that is good news for Bengals fans.
This offseason, Cincinnati has done a nice job building up the offensive line in front of him, so they go tight end here. Michael Mayer from Notre Dame is the best tight end in this draft class, and by selecting him, they fill the void left by Hayden Hurst in free agency.
For years, quarterback Derek Carr was the starting quarterback for a Raiders team that was downright terrible on defense. With him arriving in New Orleans, it is a new start for No. 4, and one that he hopes brings the first Super Bowl to the Bayou since another free-agent quarterback, Drew Brees, accomplished the feat years ago.
In order for Carr to succeed, he needs a strong team around him, and with plenty of weapons on offense, the Saints go defense here at No. 29 overall. Lukas Van Ness is considered by some experts as a top-15 pick, so if he is still available this late on Day 1, the Saints have to pounce.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Philadelphia Eagles hold two first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, an incredible wealth of draft capital for a team that went to the Super Bowl this past season. With the No. 10 overall pick, the Eagles gave another weapon to Jalen Hurts in Jordan Addison, and here at No. 30, they bolster the defensive line.
Philadelphia is going to need some more help coming off the edge in 2023, which is why Isaiah Foskey is the right choice at the bottom of the first round. Foskey set the Notre Dame career sacks record during his time with the Irish, and in Philadelphia, he would join a defensive front that includes some punishing edge rushers already.
To close out the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs will hold the No. 31 overall pick. It was another banner season for the Chiefs, who won their second Super Bowl with Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback, a theme we could see repeating itself for years to come.
This offseason, Kansas City did lose Orlando Brown Jr. to free agency, so picking an offensive tackle here at the bottom of the first round makes sense. Dawand Jones from Ohio State is a punishing tackle who has the size and feet to come in and start on Day 1, something Kansas City needs from their first-round pick.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
With their first-round pick, Mike Tomlin and his staff went with defense, as they selected a talented cornerback from Illinois in Devon Witherspoon. To kick off the second round, they bring in a big offensive lineman who could be the left tackle for young quarterback Kenny Pickett for years to come.
Darnell Wright is a player that some experts have mocked in the first round, but here, he lands in Pittsburgh with the No. 32 overall pick. In any other draft, No. 32 would be a first-round selection, so the Steelers are getting great value on Day 1 by adding Wright to the offensive line.
The Houston Texans hold three of the first 33 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, and after getting a franchise quarterback, and the best defensive back in the draft class on Day 1, they bolster the defensive line here. New head coach DeMeco Ryans is going to make sure his defense is loaded in Year 1, and Gervon Dexter from Florida is an outstanding defensive tackle talent.
Dexter is a player who has been rocketing up draft boards due to his incredible size and the effort he put forth at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. The Texans will be revamping this roster on both sides of the ball this offseason, so getting Bryce Young, Christian Gonzalez, and Gervon Dexter to kick off their 2023 NFL Draft would bring instant production.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
One player who could certainly go in the first round is Calijah Kancey, who dominated the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Kancey broke fellow Pitt alum Aaron Donald’s 40-yard dash time for a defensive tackle and has the skill set to be a menacing presence at the next level for the Cardinals.
After adding Will Anderson Jr. with the No. 4 overall pick, the Cardinals will bolster their defense in a big way with both Kancey and Anderson. That should help defensive-minded head coach Jonathan Gannon, who rode a strong Eagles defensive line to a Super Bowl appearance last year.
Thanks to the trade they made with the Indianapolis Colts in the first round, the Arizona Cardinals will hold back-to-back picks on Day 2 in our latest mock draft. On Day 1, and with the pick before this selection, they were able to bolster the defensive line, so here, we turn our focus to the offense.
Arizona is likely losing DeAndre Hopkins to a trade this offseason, so they are going to have to bring in some talent at wide receiver. With pick No. 35, they get a first-round talent in Jalin Hyatt from Tennessee, someone who could stretch the defense in a big way for Kyler Murray and this offense.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
When looking at the Los Angeles Rams roster going into draft season, they are going to need help all over the place. Head coach Sean McVay will return after rumors swirled that he could be retiring, so at least they will have one of the best young head coaches in the game back at the helm in 2023.
With pick No. 36 overall, I like the Rams to add a playmaking wide receiver in Josh Downs from the University of North Carolina. The Rams are kind of hitting the reset button on the roster this offseason, and in Downs, they get a potential WR1 for the long haul in LaLa Land.
The Seattle Seahawks are in great shape heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, as they hold three of the first 37 selections this April. In the first round, we had the Seahawks focusing on their defense, and here at No. 37, they bolster the offensive line in front of the newly re-signed quarterback, Geno Smith.
O’Cyrus Torrence is widely considered the best interior offensive line prospect in this draft class, and that is a real area of need for the Seahawks. Smith earned his new contract this past offseason, and in Torrence, the Seahawks go a long way in making sure he stays upright for the long haul.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 38 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, as well as five of the first 109 selections this April. That is strong draft capital for general manager David Ziegler, who did not pick in the first or second round last year due to the Davante Adams trade.
With this pick, the Raiders turn their focus to the defense, and linebacker is a serious position of need for this roster. They lost Denzel Perryman to free agency but did bring in Robert Spillane, so why not add more talent to the group with Alabama’s Henry To’o To’o, who could be one of the more NFL-ready linebackers in this class?
The Carolina Panthers pulled off a monster trade for the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, and with the pick, they add CJ Stroud from Ohio State. Carolina has done a nice job bolstering their roster in free agency as well this offseason, adding playmakers like Miles Sanders, Hayden Hurst, Adam Thielen, and even DJ Chark.
Still, a playmaker like Zay Flowers from Boston College may be too hard to pass up at No. 39, especially with Thielen being up there in age. Having Flowers join the mix would give Carolina a long-term solution at WR1, and there is enough talent on the roster now for him to come along at his own pace.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The New Orleans Saints continue to stock talent for their defense, this time adding a defensive tackle to the mix with pick No. 40 overall. The Saints have the firepower on offense to put up points in bunches, and in a wide-open NFC South, it makes sense that they would use their first two picks in 2023 on the defensive side of the ball.
Siaki Ika from Baylor is a punishing tackler and has the athletic ability to get after the quarterback at the next level as well. New Orleans has a real chance to change their fortunes in a big way after a down 2022 season, and defenders like Ika and Lukas Van Ness can help them do just that.
The Tennessee Titans knew they needed to bolster the offensive line with their first-round pick, and they did so with Broderick Jones out of Georgia. That player gives Malik Willis a cornerstone left tackle as he tries to navigate the NFL landscape in his first season as the starter, but changes are also coming on defense.
With pick No. 41 overall, Tennessee adds a talented edge rusher in BJ Ojulari from LSU. This is a kid who could be gone on Day 1 due to his versatility, but if he is available, a defensive-minded head coach like Mike Vrabel will have a hard time passing on him on Day 2.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The New York Jets, like the Arizona Cardinals, did in our latest mock draft, hold back-to-back picks to kick off Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Jets will pick twice in a row due to the trade they made recently with the Cleveland Browns, where they sent wide receiver Elijah Moore to Cleveland for pick No. 43 overall.
Pick No. 42 is the one they own, and with the selection, they continue to add elite young talent to their defense. New York hit a home run with Sauce Gardner last draft cycle, and with the addition of Noah Sewell, they instantly improve the second level of their defense.
Pick No. 43 overall brings another young str to their defensive backfield, as the New York Jets use the No. 43 overall selection on Antonio Johnson from Texas A&M. Johnson is considered one of the top-3 players at his position group, and the Jets could use some help at the safety position heading into 2023.
When you look at this team, especially if they can land Aaron Rodgers, you have to like their chances to seriously challenge the Buffalo Bills for supremacy in the AFC East. If Robert Saleh cannot win with the collection of talent Joe Douglas has given him in 2023, then he could be finding a new job.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Atlanta Falcons are making the move to Desmond Ridder as their starting quarterback in 2023, this after letting Marcus Mariota walk in free agency. Ridder has all the tools to be a legitimate starting quarterback at the NFL level, but Atlanta has some work to do with the roster if he is to reach his potential.
With their first-round pick, Atlanta went defense, adding an edge rusher, but here, they get Ridder a weapon in the passing game. Cedric Tillman can stretch the field, and with Ridder’s big arm, he could play perfectly within the Falcons’ offense in 2023.
If the Green Bay Packers hope to seriously turn the page on the Aaron Rodgers era, and give Jordan Love a chance to excel in Year 1, they have to bolster his weapons group. In the first round, they use their pick on a wide receiver, and here, they get a talented, but inexperienced tight end for him to throw to.
Darnell Washington is a mountain of a man, and someone who has the skill set to give defenses fits at the next level. He has battled through injuries during his time in college, but one look at him and you can see that his best days are likely ahead of him in the NFL.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The New England Patriots had a down year in 2022, but that does not mean that they are going to stay down for long. Head coach Bill Belichick has built a winning tradition in New England, so you have to think they will be right back in the mix for a playoff spot next season.
In this mock, the Patriots added a talented wideout for Mac Jones in the first round, and here, they get him some help up front along the offensive line. Cody Mauch is one of the more versatile offensive linemen in this draft class, so his landing in New England helps them protect their No. 1 asset in Jones.
The Washington Commanders held the No. 16 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and with the selection in our mock, they added Penn State star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Porter is considered one of the best defensive backs in this draft class, and 31 picks later, the Commanders get one of the best interior offensive linemen as well.
John Michael Schmitz is getting a lot of buzz as we inch closer to April’s draft, and some feel he could be a first-round pick. Here, he falls to No. 47, but the Commanders are waiting with open arms as they add a punishing player who will protect their new starting quarterback Sam Howell.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Detroit Lions add another talented player to their roster here at No. 48 overall, selecting one of the prized tight ends in this draft class. The 2023 NFL Draft class is not short on elite prospects at the position, but Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave is one who produced at a higher level than most in college.
With this pick, Detroit has now already been selected three times in the first 48 selections, and they will have a fourth pick down at No. 55 as well. Overall, Detroit has the roster, and draft capital to set themselves up for long-term success, and hopefully, they can get the early rounds this April right.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will pick twice in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and they attack both sides of the ball with the selections. Earlier, to kick off Round 2, they went offensive tackle, adding Tennessee’s Darnell Wright, and here, they go back to the SEC for a punishing defensive player.
Nolan Smith has long been considered an early-round draft pick, and he will make fans early on in the Steel City. In fact, by bringing in both he and Devon Witherspoon, the Steelers get two of the harder-hitting players in this class, just the kind of players Mike Tomlin loves on his defense.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
With their first-round pick, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shocked the world by selecting Hendon Hooker, a talented quarterback from Tennessee. While Hooker is an outstanding player, and was the SEC’s Offensive Player of the Year last year, he is coming off a big-time injury, so he could fall to Day 2.
However, with Hooker on the roster, the Bucs then go out and get him some protection, adding Jaelyn Duncan from Maryland with pick No. 50 overall. Duncan has the size and feet to possibly be a Day 1 pick when all is said and done, but in Tampa Bay, he finds a place he can start right away at the NFL level.
This is the only selection in our two-round mock by the Miami Dolphins, as they had their first-round selection, which would have been No. 21 overall, taken from them by the league. It is clear that Miami is feeling very comfortable with Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback, as they let his contract become guaranteed for not only 2023, but 2024 as well this offseason.
With pick No. 51, they get him a solid weapon, as Dalton Kincaid comes to fill the role left vacant by Mike Gesicki. Kincaid has the size, speed, and athleticism that will make him a dangerous target at the next level, but let’s just hope Tua stays healthy enough to capitalize on this great selection.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Seattle Seahawks may have selected O’Cyrus earlier in the second round in our mock, but that does not stop them from continuing to address the offensive line here at No. 52 overall. The Seahawks are in a great spot heading into April’s draft, as they hold four of the first 52 selections, and here, they add a player that could be their center for a long time.
During his time at Notre Dame, Jarrett Patterson was an absolute wall at the center position, never allowing a single sack. He also has the talent to play offensive guard, and even tackle, so expect him to slide in at whatever position the Seahawks need as a rookie if he is drafted there.
The Chicago Bears pick at No. 53 overall in the second round, and with the selection, they continue to revamp their defense. Earlier in this draft, the Bears were able to address the offensive tackle spot with Paris Johnson Jr., but here, they add a playmaker to their secondary in Deonte Banks from Maryland.
Banks is a player that some have all the way in the first round, as he is an excellent cover corner, and has soft hands. Chicago does not have many playmakers on their defense, and in a wide-open NFC North, Banks could be the difference in them making the playoffs next season.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The AFC West is once again going to be a tough haul for anyone not named the Kansas City Chiefs next season, but the Los Angeles Chargers should be able to make it a race. Quarterback Justin Herbert gives them a chance to win every week, and the roster should be even better than it was a year ago when they made it to the playoffs.
Although Los Angeles was able to bring back Khalil Mack, they still need some help in terms of depth coming off the edge. Imagine a trio of Joey Bosa, Mack, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah rushing the quarterback for four quarters. That would make life difficult for any signal-caller.
The rich continue to get richer, as the Detroit Lions once again head up to the podium with an index card. Detroit not only was close to being a playoff team last season but they are loaded with picks in the first two rounds, including here at No. 55 overall.
With this selection, the Lions can get one of the premier linebackers in this draft class, adding Arkansas star Drew Sanders. This is a kid who has the talent to be a three-down linebacker at the next level and has the kind of attitude that head coach Dan Campbell loves.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Jacksonville Jaguars went out and got Trevor Lawrence another weapon in the first round of our 2023 NFL Mock Draft, a smart move by Doug Pederson and company. With their second-round pick, Jacksonville should turn their attention to the defense, specifically the defensive backfield.
One cornerback who is starting to make some waves is Emmanuel Forbes, a player who could inch his way up to being a Day 1 pick when all is said and done. However, he is still available for the Jaguars at pick No. 56, and he would join a position group that will need to step up if they hope to win the AFC South in 2023.
You have to like the chances for the New York Giants to be a real contender in the NFC next season, as they have done a great job revamping the roster this off-season. With a great head coach in place in Brian Daboll, all signs are pointing up for the G-Men, and they connect on a big selection here at No. 57.
New York has already addressed one of their issues in the secondary in this mock by adding cornerback Clark Phillips III in the first round, and here, they stack talent with safety JL Skinner. Giants fans are going to love the way Skinner plays the game, as he is solid in coverage, but also is not afraid to come up and make the big hit.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
The Dallas Cowboys stunned the world a bit in our first round, as they went running back to team Tony Pollard with Bijan Robinson. Of all the running backs in this draft, Robinson is the one getting the most first-round buzz, and playing at the University of Texas, he would have no shortage of Cowboys fans to start his career.
At pick No. 58, the Cowboys turn to the defense, adding an elite edge rusher prospect in Derick Hall from Auburn. Dallas has already brought back Leighton Vander Esch and signed Stephon Gillmore for their secondary, but here, Hall is brought in to complement the best linebacker in football in Micah Parsons.
The Buffalo Bills did bring in Damien Harris on a one-year deal this offseason, but that should not stop them from continuing to bolster the running back room. At pick No. 59, the Bills take UCLA star running back Zach Charbonnet, who should be a hot name after the first round finishes up this April.
Charbonnet would get instant playing time with the Bills and would complement Harris well in this Buffalo offense. Josh Allen is the key to the success of this franchise, and so far in this mock, they have gotten him a weapon in the backfield, and a potential long-term solution at offensive tackle.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
Prior to Cincinnati making moves in free agency to bolster the offensive line, you would think that they would spend their first and second-round picks on protection for Joe Burrow. Instead, they can get Burrow a playmaker in the first round in Michael Mayer, and then turn their attention to the defense at pick No. 60 overall.
With this pick, Cincinnati fills some of the void left in their defensive backfield with Jessie Bates leaving via free agency. Tyrique Stevenson is a strong cornerback prospect, and while he does not play safety, he instantly makes the secondary better as a whole.
The Chicago Bears hold the No. 61 overall pick courtesy of the San Francisco 49ers and then bring in a punishing edge rusher with the selection. Keion White from Georgia Tech was recently ranked one of the best edge rushers in this draft class by Mel Kiper Jr., high praise for a player who should be able to step in and contribute in a big way as a rookie.
The truth is, based on cap space, draft capital, and what the Bears have already done in free agency, they have as good a chance as any team in the NFC North to win the division next season. White is going to be a tough player at the next level, and Chicago fans are going to love the way he plays the game.
2023 NFL Draft: Full two-round mock after early free agency waves
After bringing back both Darius Slay and James Bradberry this offseason, the cornerback position is not that big of a need in Philadelphia anymore. However, a talent like Eli Ricks is going to be hard to pass on as we inch closer to the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Ricks bounced around a bit in college, but he is an elite cover guy, and the Eagles could use all the depth they can get at the position group. Yes, he won’t be a Day 1 starter in Philly, but he could learn behind two elite players at the cornerback spot, and be a great player for this franchise down the road.
With the final pick of our two-round mock draft, the Kansas City Chiefs get another weapon for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Rashee Rice is a burner on the outside, and with the team moving on from Tyreek Hill a few years back, he comes in and becomes the next big target for Mahomes and this offense.
So there you have it, our latest two-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft after the first few waves of free agency. Some teams are going to dominate the first few rounds, as they have a host of picks, but as we have already seen, the draft order could look a lot different when all is said and done.