The 2023 NFL Draft kicks off this Thursday from Kansas City, Missouri, and here, we dive into a full two-round draft week mock draft.
It is officially draft week, as the 2023 NFL Draft will kick off this Thursday with Round 1 action. The three-day event is one of the biggest on the NFL calendar each year, and for many organizations, this could be a franchise-changing weekend for all the right or wrong reasons.
Now, let us take one more crack at the first two rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
For most of the draft season, the question raged as to whether or not it would be Bryce Young from Alabama or CJ Stroud from Ohio State as the No. 1 overall pick. In recent weeks, it appears that Young has moved ahead of Stroud, canceling the rest of his official visits, and the oddsmakers have him as the clear favorite to hear his name called first.
Carolina has been in quarterback purgatory for some time now, and the arrival of Young should breathe new life into the franchise. This is a quarterback who may not have the ideal size you look for in a franchise guy, but is equipped with the skill set to come in and be an impact player at the NFL level for years to come.
The Houston Texans hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and this is where the draft could get interesting. There are plenty of teams looking to move up in the first round, but with quarterback issues, the Texans should stay put and draft Ohio State star CJ Stroud with the pick after Young.
Stroud is having a rough go over the last few weeks as we inch closer to the draft, but there is no denying his talent. In the end, I believe he will be the second quarterback off the board, and won’t have to wait long to hear his name called.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
It is a new era for the Arizona Cardinals, as they have parted ways with Kliff Kingsbury, and will have Jonathan Gannon at the helm as head coach next season. Gannon comes to the Cardinals via the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped the team to the Super Bowl last season as defensive coordinator, so it makes sense for him to add a defensive player at No. 3 overall.
That defensive player is Will Anderson Jr., widely regarded by most experts as the best overall prospect in this year’s draft class. Anderson is the kind of edge rusher you can build a franchise around and will slide into take the spot of future Hall of Famer, JJ Watt, next season in the desert.
The Indianapolis Colts are another team that turned the page on their head coach this offseason, adding another Philadelphia Eagles assistant in Shane Steichen. Steichen spent last season as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, and in Indianapolis, he will be tasked with fixing their offensive woes in a hurry.
Luckily for him, the Colts are on the board at No. 4 overall, and a potential franchise quarterback is there for the taking. Anthony Richardson has had an outstanding draft season, and based on his skill level, and football IQ, I do not see how he falls outside of the top-5 later this week.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Seattle Seahawks hold the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, which is incredible draft capital considering they were a playoff team last season. The Seahawks could go several different ways with this selection, including trading down, but instead, they add what could be a generational edge rusher.
Tyree Wilson would be the No. 1 edge rusher, and defensive player if Will Anderson Jr. was not in this draft, but could have the same impact as Anderson at the next level. He plays the game with an incredible appetite to get after the quarterback and fills one of the few holes on this Seattle roster.
One of the biggest names of this year’s draft cycle has been Jalen Carter, who started the process as a possible No. 1 overall pick. Since then, he has had issues off the field, and cardio issues on the field show up, and some believe he could have a staggering fall on Day 1 this year.
However, that is not likely to be the case considering teams in the top 10 are in desperate need of defensive tackle help. Many feel Carter has the skill set to be an All-Pro at the next level, and that kind of talent is going to get every opportunity to thrive, despite possible red flags.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Las Vegas Raiders are a team that has been rumored to be going up or down in the first round this year, but for now, they stay put at No. 7 overall. This is a pick the team must use on a defensive player, and that is exactly what they do, bringing in Illinois cornerback, Devon Witherspoon.
This draft season, the big debate is whether or not Witherspoon or Christian Gonzalez will be the first cornerback off the board. Witherspoon fits the Raiders’ defensive scheme a bit better than Gonzalez, but either player would be a welcome addition to one of the worst defenses in football.
We officially have a trade, as the Tennessee Titans trade up from No. 11 to No. 8 to get their franchise quarterback. For all the hoopla surrounding Malik Willis during last year’s draft season, it appears the organization is already ready to move on, and they replace Willis with Will Levis as the quarterback of the future.
Levis is another quarterback who has had a rough draft season, but his arm talent is off the charts, and should still land in the top 10. He would become the starter in Tennessee from Day 1, and the hope is that he is more of a legitimate prospect than Zach Wilson, who had the same pre-draft arm buzz a few years back.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
Originally, the Chicago Bears held the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft but traded that selection away to the Carolina Panthers. Now, sitting at No. 9 overall, the Bears should look to bolster their offensive line, and they do so by adding Ohio State left tackle, Paris Johnson Jr.
The move to trade away pick No. 1 signified that the team plans to build around Justin Fields, and Johnson is another sign that is the plan. Johnson is by far the best offensive lineman in this draft class, and in Chicago, he could protect Fields’s blindside, another Ohio State product, for years to come.
The Philadelphia Eagles were the best team in the NFC last season, and a lot of that had to do with the play of Jalen Hurts. This offseason, the organization made sure that Hurts would be in the City of Brotherly Love for years to come, giving him a monster deal to keep him with the Eagles through the 2028 season.
With their quarterback in place, and many other positions already set for 2023, the Eagles can use the NFL Draft to hammer away at some of the voids in their roster. They hold two first-round picks, including No. 10 overall, a selection they use on Myles Murphy to bolster their defensive line with more young talent.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
After trading down in the first round, the Atlanta Falcons are on the clock here at No. 11 overall, and they look to fix their secondary with the selection. Atlanta recently released cornerback Casey Hayward, a player they figured would be a starter for them at the position for a few years, so bolstering the position group makes sense here.
With pick No. 11, the Falcons strike gold, as they can bring in arguably the best defensive back in this draft class. Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon are 1A and 1B at the cornerback spot, and after Witherspoon lands in Las Vegas, Gonzalez lands in Atlanta.
The Houston Texans hold both the No. 2 and No. 12 picks in the first round, and they make sure they improve their offense with the combination of picks. After adding Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud at No. 2 overall, the team goes back to the Buckeyes at No. 12, bringing in his No. 1 wide receiver from a season ago.
Teaming CJ Stroud with Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a stroke of genius for the Texans, as it allows Stroud to enter the league and throw to a teammate he trusts. Smith-Njigba is getting a lot of draft buzz as we inch closer to Day 1, and there is good reason to believe he does not make it out of the top-15.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
It finally happened, as the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets pulled off a massive trade for four-time NFL MVP, Aaron Rodgers. With Rodgers gone in Green Bay, all eyes turn to Jordan Love, a young signal-caller who was a first-round pick a few years back by the franchise.
To make Love’s transition from backup to starter easier, the Packers would be wise to spend the No. 13 overall pick on the wide receiver position. Zay Flowers is a name that is rocketing up draft boards, and some feel he could be the first wideout off the board, but here, he is No. 2.
The New England Patriots have issues on both sides of the ball, and it has been rumored that they may even trade away quarterback Mac Jones when all is said and done. With plenty of holes, especially on defense, Bill Belichick goes that route on Day 1, bringing in a versatile player in Lukas Van Ness from Iowa.
This is a kid that could play linebacker or edge rusher at the next level, and he is the kind of Swiss Army Knife that Belichick loves to use on his defense. Van Ness plays the game the way Belichick loves as well, and looking at all the prospects in this draft class, he appears to be a great fit for the legendary head coach.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
Thanks to the trade they made with the Green Bay Packers for Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets fall back two spots in the first round. The move does not change much, as the Jets have a significant need at the offensive tackle spot, and Broderick Jones is still available in the middle of Day 1.
Jones is a plug-and-play starter at the next level, and if Rodgers is going to lead the Jets back to the playoffs for the first time in forever, they must bolster the line in front of him. Many feel Jones is the best offensive tackle prospect in this draft class, and with the Jets, he becomes an anchor on a young offensive line.
The Washington Commanders are a team that you would think would be in play for a quarterback this draft season, but it appears they are keen on sticking with Sam Howell in 2023. Howell made one starter for Washington last season and did well in a win over the Dallas Cowboys, so it is his job to lose entering camp.
To make sure that Howell continues to mature into a legitimate franchise quarterback, the Commanders have to bolster the offensive line. Darnell Wright can come in and be the team’s left tackle on Day 1, giving Howell a guy to protect his blindside in 2023, and in the future.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
Another proud franchise that is turning towards a young quarterback this season is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who saw enough from Kenny Pickett last season to name him the future at the position. Pickett showed the ability to play the game with passion and has the clutch gene needed to be an excellent player at the NFL level.
In Pittsburgh, Pickett needs help along the offensive line, which is why Peter Skoronski makes sense as the pick at No. 17. Skoronski played offensive tackle in college, but can play along the interior at the next level as well, making him a versatile piece for Mike Tomlin.
The Detroit Lions were one of the pleasant surprises in the NFC towards the end of last season, and they are in great shape to significantly improve their roster this April. After picking at No. 6 overall, and bringing in an elite talent in Jalen Carter, they go out and get one of the elite cornerbacks in this draft class at No. 18.
That player is Joey Porter Jr., whose father played linebacker in the NFL for years, and may be one of the more NFL-ready players in this draft class. Detroit’s defense was downright bad at times last season, so focusing on that side of the ball makes a lot of sense on Day 1.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had the luxury of having Tom Brady as their quarterback for the last few seasons, netting them a Super Bowl championship in the process. However, Brady has retired for good this offseason, or at least he says he has, ending his time in Tampa Bay and leaving them with a hole at quarterback.
While the team has put their faith in Kyle Trask, he is not the answer, and Hendon Hooker may be too good a prospect to fall out of the first round. Here, the Bucs come calling at No. 19 overall, giving them their franchise quarterback for at least the next ten years.
The Seattle Seahawks were not only a playoff team last season, but have positioned themselves to be a power in the NFC for years to come. After inking Geno Smith to a new deal, they pass on a quarterback here on Day 1, and instead, decide to bring in two playmakers for the defensive side of the ball.
Tyree Wilson was the pick at No. 5 overall, bolstering the defensive line, and at No. 20, they double-down, adding an elite prospect to the interior. Calijah Kancey turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine, and after a great draft process, should find himself picked on Day 1 when all is said and done.
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 after violating policies that deal with the integrity of the game, they will not be picking until Day 2 of the draft.
Miami not only lost the No. 21 overall pick, but they were also fined $1.5 million, and will not pick until the 51st overall selection in the second round. The Dolphins are a team that many predict will battle for the AFC East crown this season, but losing important draft capital will prove huge for the franchise moving forward.
The Los Angeles Chargers struck gold when they selected Justin Herbert in the first round a few years back, and he has rounded into one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL. With talent up and down the roster, the Chargers should be winning much more than they do, but Herbert has yet to lead them to a playoff win so far.
That could change this season, as the Chargers brought back some of their veteran talent this offseason, and hold the No. 21 overall pick on Day 1. With the pick, the Chargers add the best tight end in the draft class in Michael Mayer, who could be the best Chargers tight end since Antonio Gates when all is said and done.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Baltimore Ravens knew they needed to do something about the wide receiver position this offseason, and they did so by adding Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency. Coming off a tough knee injury, it remains to be seen what the team may get out of Beckham, but if he can return to his old form, he becomes a serious weapon for the offense.
Still, the Ravens have more issues than just wide receiver, as they still have to figure out how they can lock up Lamar Jackson for the long haul. Adding another wideout in the draft would show Jackson that they are serious about surrounding him with elite talent, so Jordan Addison makes sense at No. 22 overall.
The Minnesota Vikings are an interesting team to keep an eye on during the 2023 NFL Draft, as rumors are out there that they are making calls to move up in the first round, even into the top-3 picks. That would tell me that they are not sold on Kirk Cousins being the guy at quarterback for the long haul, so they could be movers come draft night.
However, in this mock draft, they stay put at No. 23, adding an elite wide receiver prospect in Quentin Johnston from TCU. The Vikings saw Adam Thielen leave in free agency this offseason, and they can fill that void by adding a talent like Johnston on the outside.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Jacksonville Jaguars are an AFC team that you have to think is on the rise, this after making it to the Divisional Round last season. Jacksonville had a monster comeback against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card Round, and they got the step forward they were looking for from quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
At pick No. 24, the Jaguars turn their attention to the other side of the ball in our mock draft, adding a versatile linebacker in Nolan Smith. Jacksonville has the talent to run away from the AFC South this upcoming season, and Smith could cause major havoc in the pass rush as a rookie.
The New York Giants were another franchise that took a huge step forward last season, making it to the playoffs, and earning head coach Brian Daboll Coach of the Year honors. Daniel Jones had a standout season, earning a new contract, and the franchise did a nice job adding some weapons for him in free agency.
Looking ahead to the first round, cornerback is still an issue, but they address it by adding Maryland star Deonte Banks here at No. 25 overall. Banks has been mocked in the first round consistently over the past few weeks, and he fills an immediate need for the Giants’ defense.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Dallas Cowboys made a huge move this offseason, as they ended their relationship with running back Ezekiel Elliott. Long seen as a face of the franchise, Elliott’s contract was just too much for the team to deal with, and with Tony Pollard coming on strong last season, they decided to move on.
Looking ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft, the Cowboys have been rumored to be in on Bijan Robinson, an elite running back from Texas, but instead, they go defense in our mock draft. Dallas needs help along the interior of their defensive line, and Clemson star Bryan Bresee should not make it out of the first round.
The Buffalo Bills will once again go into the 2023 NFL season as a team to beat in the AFC, but it is time for them to take the next step forward. One could argue that their window is closing, so getting better on both lines and getting it done in the playoffs have to be priority No. 1 this season.
At pick No. 27, the Bills select arguably the best interior offensive lineman in this draft class, adding O’Cyrus Torrence from the University of Florida. Torrence could play guard or center at the next level, and despite their recent success, Buffalo needs more talent and depth along the offensive line.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
Going into the 2023 offseason, the priority for the Cincinnati Bengals was to get better up front along the offensive line. They addressed those needs via free agency, and now, holding the No. 28 overall pick, they can turn their attention to a defensive backfield that needs some reinforcements.
Jessie Bates III left for Atlanta via free agency this offseason, creating a big hole at the safety position. While the safety position is not deep this year in terms of the draft, Brian Branch is a first-round talent and should be the first player in the position group to come off the board.
It has been a very interesting offseason for the New Orleans Saints, who should have their long-term answer at quarterback in Derek Carr. Adding Carr via free agency gives the Saints their best quarterback since Drew Brees, and now that there is stability there, they can work on fixing their defense.
New Orleans needs help coming off the edge, and Notre Dame star Isaiah Foskey has the talent to land in the first round this draft season. Foskey set the Notre Dame career sacks record during his time with the Irish and should have no problem at the next level getting after the quarterback.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
This past week, some rumors were circulating that the Philadelphia Eagles may trade for Derrick Henry, as they desperately need help at running back. The Eagles are one of the best teams in the NFL and are coming off a Super Bowl appearance, so having two first-round picks should only make the rich get richer.
Late in round one, our first running back comes off the board, as the Eagles go with Bijan Robinson from the University of Texas. Some believe that Robinson could go as high as the top 10, but he plays a position that normally is not targeted in the first round, but for a team with two first-round picks, it makes sense.
The Kansas City Chiefs won another Super Bowl with Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback, and there could be a lot more of those on their way. The Chiefs seem to reload every offseason, and even after losing Tyreek Hill last offseason, they were able to navigate a very tough AFC and bring home another championship.
This offseason, they are losing another elite player in Chris Jones, so it makes sense for them to add to their pass rush to close out Day 1. Will McDonald IV is a player that is a borderline first-round talent, but with a big need on the edge, the Chiefs roll the dice and take him at No. 31 overall.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Pittsburgh Steelers will kick off Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, as they hold the No. 32 overall selection in the second round. Usually, the No. 32 overall pick would be a first-rounder, but after the Miami Dolphins had to forfeit their pick, Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo will have to settle for being a second-round selection.
Ringo is certainly a first-round talent, and with the Steelers, he would slide in and be a starter from Day 1 in their revamped secondary. He has excellent coverage skills, and soft hands for a defensive back, making him a potential playmaker at the next level.
With three of the first 33 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, you have to think the Houston Texans are in line to seriously upgrade their roster this weekend. The Texans used their first two picks on Ohio State players, adding CJ Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but here, they tap the Oklahoma Sooners for a potential franchise left tackle.
Making sure they keep Stroud upright is priority No. 1, and Anton Harrison is a player who has been mocked to the first round at times this draft season. He can play on either side of the line, and with the Texans, he becomes a cornerstone player upfront for Stroud.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Arizona Cardinals decided to stay at No. 3 overall in our latest mock draft and bring in arguably the best overall player in this year’s draft class in Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama. Here, early on in the second round, the Cardinals tap the Crimson Tide once again, selecting running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Starting his career at Georgia Tech, Gibbs dominated the ACC and then hit the SEC to carve up some of the best defenses in the country. This is a kid that is going to be a versatile weapon for Arizona at the next level, possessing the ability to make plays in the run, passing, and return game.
The Indianapolis Colts hold the No. 35 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and with it, they look to protect their big investment they made on Day 1. At pick No. 4, the Colts decided to select talented University of Florida signal-caller Anthony Richardson, and here, they add a potential left tackle for him for years to come.
Dawand Jones spent the last few seasons protecting CJ Stroud, and with the Colts, he will spend the beginning of his NFL career playing against him in the AFC South. Jones is a player that some feel could be gone on Day 1, but if he is available at No. 35, he instantly adds depth and talent to the Colts’ offensive line.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Los Angeles Rams do not have a first-round pick, so the first time we will hear from them is at No. 36 overall. The truth is, the Rams could go several different ways with this selection, including the tight end group, giving Matthew Stafford another weapon in the passing game.
All signs point to Stafford being back under center in 2023, and in Dalton Kincaid, he gets a solid pass-catching tight end that can stretch the middle of the field. Los Angeles has a lot of work to do after being in the Super Bowl only two seasons ago, and Kincaid is a talented player that should take some pressure off of the wideouts.
The Seattle Seahawks hold three of the first 37 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, and incredible haul for a franchise that made the playoffs last season. On Day 1, holding two picks, Seattle targeted their defense, adding Tyree Wilson and Calijah Kancey, and here, they get a quality weapon for the offense.
Geno Smith proved himself to be a legitimate franchise quarterback last season, and going forward, Seattle needs to add some players around him. Josh Downs is one of the top wide receivers in the draft class, and he joins a solid group in Seattle, led by DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Las Vegas Raiders have had an interesting offseason, moving on from franchise players like quarterback Derek Carr, and tight end Darren Waller. However, despite some needs on offense, it makes sense for them to use both their first and second-round picks on the defensive side of the ball.
After adding an elite cornerback in round one, they turn their attention to the defensive line, adding a Mazi Smith from Michigan at defensive tackle. Las Vegas has an elite edge rusher in Maxx Crosby, and a player like Smith can help take some of the pressure off of him coming off the edge.
The Carolina Panthers made a bold move before the 2023 NFL Draft, trading away a ton of assets to net the No. 1 overall pick from the Chicago Bears. With their quarterback room bolstered by the addition of Bryce Young, the Panthers turn their attention to adding some weapons on that side of the ball here.
Carolina needs some reinforcements at the wide receiver position, and they get a legitimate deep threat here in Jalin Hyatt from the University of Tennessee. Young is not afraid to take shots downfield, and in Hyatt, he gets a player that can go up and get the football.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The New Orleans Saints added a quality edge rusher in the first round of our mock draft, selecting Notre Dame star, Isaiah Foskey. Here, at pick No. 40, they continue to address the defensive line, selecting Gervon Dexter from the University of Florida.
The truth is, New Orleans has a lot of talent on offense, and adding Derek Carr could make them the favorite in the NFC South. However, they have significant issues on defense, but by adding Dexter and Foskey, their pass rush instantly becomes one of the best in the NFC South.
The Tennessee Titans traded up in the first round to select a quarterback, as Will Levis was the pick at No. 8 overall. With their quarterback position set, the Titans can look to improve the other side of the ball on Day 2, and they do so by adding Cam Smith from the University of South Carolina.
In most mock drafts, Smith is very close to being a first-round talent, and he could certainly be gone by the time the Titans make their second selection. However, he is available in our mock, and head coach Mike Vrabel is going to love his ball-hawking ability and the passion he plays the game with.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
Originally, the New York Jets were supposed to pick back-to-back in the second round, thanks to the trade they made with the Cleveland Browns for Elijah Moore. However, pick No. 42 overall was part of the compensation package in the trade for Aaron Rodgers, so the Green Bay Packers are on the clock here.
With this pick, Green Bay attacks a position group of need, even if the selection of Antonio Johnson feels like a bit of a reach. The truth is, safety is one of the thinner positions in this year’s draft class, and of all the players, Johnson and Brian Branch appear to be the ones who could help an NFL team in Year 1.
The New York Jets have done a nice job adding to their offense over the last two offseason, bringing in young talent like Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, while also adding Aaron Rodgers this past week. The offense should be one of the best in football next season, and on defense, the Jets proved to be quite competent last year as well.
Adding Sauce Gardner in the first round in 2022 was key, as Gardner was one of the best rookies in the NFL last season. Here, at No. 43 overall, they select another talented young cornerback, as Emmanuel Forbes can come in and help this Jets defense right away, serving as a terrific complement to Sauce.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Atlanta Falcons traded back in the first round of our 2023 NFL Mock Draft and was still able to add an elite cornerback in Christian Gonzalez. Here, in the second round, they continue to bolster the defense, something that will be needed if they want to go back to being a contender in what should be a wide-open NFC South next season.
BJ Ojulari from LSU is an exciting edge rusher that fills a major need for this Falcons’ defense. Atlanta has done an outstanding job bolstering their roster in free agency this offseason, and the combination of Gonzalez and Ojulari could put them over the top.
The Green Bay Packers are turning to Jordan Love to man the offense in 2023, as they have traded away future Hall of Famer, Aaron Rodgers. After selecting a wide receiver in the first round, and then trying to fix the secondary at No. 42 overall, the Packers are back on the clock a few selections later at No. 45.
One of the key needs for this roster according to those who cover the team daily is the tight end spot. One prospect to keep an eye on this draft season is Darnell Washington, who has the size and speed to make him a matchup nightmare at the next level.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The New England Patriots will finally have an offensive-minded coach running the offense this upcoming season, as Bill O’Brien returns to the franchise. O’Brien has said that quarterback Mac Jones has a clean slate after a tough second season at quarterback, but he needs some weapons to throw to.
After losing Jakobi Meyers to the Las Vegas Raiders, New England has a need at wide receiver, and they fill it with Cedric Tillman here in the second round. Tillman can stretch the field, and has great route-running skills, making him a target for O’Brien and what should be a revamped New England offense.
The move to Sam Howell as the quarterback is a bold one by head coach Ron Rivera, but apparently, the franchise saw enough in him during his one start last season. Our mock draft signifies that the team plans to build around him, as they add an offensive tackle on Day 1, and then give him a weapon here at No. 47 overall.
Tight end is a position of need in Washington, and for a young quarterback, there is no better security blanket. Luke Musgrave battled injuries at Oregon State, but he is as talented a tight end as there is in this class and would be a Day 1 starter in our Nation’s Capital.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
Here we are again with the Detroit Lions, who hold three of the first 48 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft. Detroit has made it a point in our latest mock draft to bolster the defense, adding a defensive back and defensive lineman on Day 1, so why not add to the second level of the defense here?
Trenton Simpson is one of the best linebackers in this draft class, and Detroit has a major need in the position group. By adding Simpson to a group that already includes Jalen Carter and Joey Porter Jr., the Lions have successfully upgraded all three levels of their defense so far in this mock.
With the second of their two second-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to add to their defense. On Day 1, Pittsburgh used their pick on the offensive line, and with that hole filled, Day 2 brings a cornerback in Kelee Ringo, as well as Iowa linebacker, Jack Campbell.
Campbell is a special talent, and some believe he has a better overall skill set than any other linebacker in this draft class. He is a tackling machine, plays sideline to sideline, and is good enough to be a three-down linebacker at the next level.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got their franchise quarterback on Day 1, as they surprised some by selecting Hendon Hooker from Tennessee in our last mock draft before the event kicks off later this week. While Hooker should be able to come in and fix some of the problems on offense, the defense still needs work, especially coming off the edge.
Tampa Bay lost some key talent on their defense in free agency, but Georgia Tech star Keion White should be able to come in and bolster the pass rush in Year 1. White is another player who can consistently been mocked as a Day 1 pick, so to get him at No. 50 overall could be quite the steal for the Bucs.
Due to the fact the team violated NFL policy, the Miami Dolphins will not pick until Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Their first selection this April will come at No. 51 overall, and with the pick, the Dolphins decide to bring in one of the top linebackers in this draft class in Drew Sanders.
Sanders is a punishing linebacker that started his collegiate career at Alabama before finishing up at Arkansas. He plays the game with incredible passion, and with the Dolphins, he could be a final piece to the puzzle of a team that should challenge for supremacy in the AFC East this season.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Seattle Seahawks are back on the clock here in the second round, as they hold four of the first 52 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft. Pete Carroll and his staff are in for an exciting couple of rounds to kick off the draft, and after making the playoffs last season, they could go into next year as the favorites in the NFC West.
In our latest mock, the task is clear for the Seahawks, and that is to improve on the defensive side of the ball. Sure, they selected Josh Downs earlier in the second round, but selecting safety Sydney Brown here means they have added three potential Day 1 starters to the defense.
The Chicago Bears hold two second-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft after trading away the No. 1 overall selection to the Carolina Panthers. Their first of two picks comes at No. 53 overall, and with it, they add Northwestern star edge rusher Adetomiwa Adebawore.
Adebawore joins a Chicago defense that was an absolute liability last season, and he has the size and speed to come in and start on Day 1. Chicago is a team to keep an eye on in what should be a wide-open NFC North, and with the early 2023 draft haul, they could end up being a legitimate threat to the favorite Detroit Lions.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Los Angeles Chargers have one task ahead of them this offseason, and for the foreseeable future, and that is to protect Justin Herbert. The young quarterback has the talent to be one of the best to ever do it, and keeping him healthy and upright will go a long way in the Chargers finally winning some playoff games.
At pick No. 54, Cody Mauch is the selection, and he has the versatility to play up and down the offensive line at the next level. He has burst onto the scene during the draft process, and in Los Angeles, he would provide depth as well as a potential starter upfront for Herbert.
The Detroit Lions are a team that you will hear from a lot during the first two rounds, as their No. 55 overall selection is their fourth so far. On Day 1, the Lions brought in Jalen Carter for the defensive line, as well as Joey Porter Jr. for the secondary, before picking linebacker Trenton Simpson with pick No. 48 in the second.
Finally, with their fourth pick so far, they turn to the offense, selecting Steve Avila to help clear rushing lanes for D’Andre Swift, and to protect quarterback Jared Goff. The truth is, Detroit should be an elite team in the NFC next season, and Avila could be a long-term starter for them at offensive guard or center.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Jacksonville Jaguars will go into next season as the team to beat in the AFC South, and a lot of that has to do with the play of their quarterback. Trevor Lawrence took a major step forward in his development last season, looking every bit the part of a No. 1 overall pick, so now the task is to continue to build around him.
The offensive line in Jacksonville certainly has its strengths, but they need help along the interior. Joe Tippmann from Wisconsin is an absolute mauler, and if protecting Lawrence is the priority, Tippmann is a big-time solution for the long term.
The New York Giants have made the decision that Daniel Jones is going to be their quarterback for the foreseeable future, and it makes a lot of sense. Jones has the skill set that pairs well with Brian Daboll’s offense, and after what we saw last season, he can be a very productive player when healthy.
Jones was able to put together a career year last season despite a serious lack of weapons at wide receiver. The Giants have added some depth there, and an elite tight end in Darren Waller, but Rashee Rice would be an excellent addition to a group that must take a big step forward in 2023.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Dallas Cowboys bolstered their defensive line in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft in our mock, and here, they bolster themselves up front on the other side of the ball. The Cowboys need help along the interior of their offensive line, and John Michael Schmitz has a second-round grade.
This is a player that could slide in and start right away, as he was outstanding during the Senior Bowl, and many feel is one of the top offensive guards in this class. The Cowboys have to do a better job protecting Dak Prescott, and John Michael Schmitz has the size and power to start on Day 1.
The Buffalo Bills went offense with their first-round pick in our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft, bringing in O’Cyrus Torrence to protect Josh Allen. Allen is considered one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL and has the skill set to finally bring a Super Bowl to Buffalo, but he can not do it all on his own.
In the playoffs, the Bills showed a real deficiency on defense, something Felix Anudike-Uzomah can help fix. This is a guy who is a dominant presence coming off the edge, and if the Bills are finally to topple the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow, they have to do a better job of making them uncomfortable in the pocket.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
The Cincinnati Bengals added a safety in the first round of our 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and here in the second round, they continue to fix their issues in the secondary. The offense in Cincinnati is loaded, and they bolstered their offensive line this offseason already, but stopping some of the better offenses in the AFC is key going forward.
DJ Turner from Michigan has a second-round grade on him, and within a secondary that lost some key pieces in free agency, he would slide in as an excellent depth piece. It may take him a year or two to cement a starting role, but he brings a ton of value this late in the second round.
The Chicago Bears hold two second-round picks, and three of the first 61 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft. On Day 1, they brought in a franchise left tackle, before selecting an edge rusher at pick No. 53 in Adetomiwa Adebawore to help shore up their issues up front along the defensive line.
A few selections later, the Bears bring in a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields, adding UCLA do-everything running back Zach Charbonnet. Charbonnet started his career with Michigan before bursting onto the scene in Chip Kelly’s offense at UCLA, and he can be a real threat in both the run and passing game.
2023 NFL Draft: Official Draft Week full two-round mock
As we inch towards the bottom of the second round, the Philadelphia Eagles are back on the clock, making their third selection of this mock draft. Philadelphia was able to bring back two tremendous cornerbacks in Darius Slay and James Bradberry this offseason in free agency, but that should not stop them from selecting Clark Phillips III here.
Phillips is a first-round talent in some mock drafts, and in Philadelphia, he would have an excellent opportunity to learn behind some of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He has great coverage skills, has a knack for making big plays, and in Philadelphia, could come in and be a nice depth piece in their secondary.
We close our two-round Draft Week mock with the Kansas City Chiefs, who are going to be a favorite to win the Super Bowl once again this season. The Chiefs have one of the more explosive offenses in the NFL, and here, they add another weapon for Patrick Mahomes to target in Oklahoma star, Marvin Mims Jr.
Mims is a big-play machine, and was incredibly productive during his time with the Sooners, leading them in receiving yards in three seasons. Kansas City may not need more weapons, but Mims is too good to pass up on and becomes a tremendous deep threat for Mahomes in this offense.