2023 NFL Mock Draft: Elite QBs dominate top of Round 1

Round 3

The Bears kick off the third round with a monster disruptor in the middle. While not the most fleet of foot, Dexter is so powerful that even future NFL interior linemen had a hard time corraling him. If his technique improves, he could easily be a high-end starter.

Bergeron needs some serious technique adjustments before he can start in the NFL, but his traits are plus all across the board. Laremy Tunsil is locked into left tackle, and Bergeron is a player that might be able to lock down the other side if the team works on his game.

With James Conner slowing down and Arizona in need of some juice on offense due ot the DeAndre Hopkins rumors, Achane is a blistering fast running back who has the potential to become a legitimate weapon in a high-octane offense as both a rushing and receiving threat.

Denver’s first pick in the draft is another Bronco that can be a long-term starter next to Justin Simmons and Patrick Surtain in a vaunted secondary. Skinner is a giant defensive back at 6-4 with great movement in zone coverage and hits like he has a ton of bricks under his pads.

Vorhees tore up his knee to such a degree that he might not play at all during his rookie season. Why would the Broncos use a Top-70 pick on him? Because his tape as USC was that impressive and some solid offensive linemen like Dalton Risner left in free agency.

Forbes is quite the risk at a measly 166 pounds, but his ball skills remain elite and his propensity for pick-sixes will get NFL teams interested in him. With Jalen Ramsey gone and the Rams entering a total rebuild on defense, Forbes might be a worthwhile secondary piece to chase.

McKee has the mobility of a senior citizen and put up the most average production possible despite two potential NFL players at wide receiver, but he has an absolute mortar tower of a right arm that is worth developing. McKee can marinate behind Jimmy Garoppolo while learning Josh McDaniels’ offense.

Hall doesn’t look like a quality run-stuffer, but he has the speed and pass rush skill to specialize in a limited role early in his career while adjusting to the physical nature of the NFL. If Payton Turner doesn’t develop, Hall could be someone that takes his snaps away.

Duncan aced many of his pre-draft workouts, but he still has slipped down draft boards due to some technical concerns in his game. The Titans need some major tone shifts on the offensive line, and Duncan should suffice if he can bring his movement skills to Tennessee.

Benton and Murphy would be a terrific defensive line for Ryans to start forming his ideal defensive line. Benton’s raw power makes him so desirable for teams in need of a tone-setter on the line that was gashed quite regularly by Derrick Henry and the rest of the AFC South.

Henley can fly all over the field while still hitting hard. Andrew Berry and the Browns have made some headway in addressing their lack of depth on the defensive line, but they could stand to bring a playmaking linebacker that led a collegiate defense to Cleveland.

Scott is a burner with the ability to take the top off the defense. Drake London and Kyle Pitts will give Desmond Ridder a nice collection of targets in the passing game, but Scott will make sure that Atlanta has the verticality that they often lacked last season.

The man they call “Tank” is about as small as can be for a Day 2 prospect, though his concerns are outweighed by some preposterous playmaking skills that put him in a very rare tier all his own as an underneath separator. New England needs some more of that in a bang-average receiver room.

Christian Watson came on strong at the end of his rookie season, and Romeo Doubs looks like a nice outside receiver that Jordan Love can connect with quite regularly for the next few seasons. Mims and Watson streaking down the field will help Green Bay take full advantage of Love’s arm.

The Rams have Aaron Donald on their defensive line, which will ensure that they are always going to be a feared front seven. However, they need to plan for life without him. Horton has experience in multiple defensive schemes and plays like he is shot out of a cannon, making for ideal edge depth at this point.

Washington was continuously making big plays on shorter routes despite some up-and-down quarterback play in college. Think of him as a less refined, explosive version of Deebo Samuel. This discount Deebo could thrive on a Colts team that will force-feed him some targets as a rookie due to a lack of talent around him.

Smith may not look like a prototypical starting safety in the NFL, but he was as productive as any Kirby Smart DB he’s had in the last few seasons. A hard-hitter with great ball skills, Smith might be the final piece in Pittsburgh’s fresh new secondary lineup.

Penei Sewell has worked out quite well for Detroit, and Noah could have a similar impact on defense if he clicks. A piledriver in the middle that can be dominant between the tackles, Sewell’s deficiencies in processing can be masked by a Lions defense that has been reinforced this offseason.

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Noah Sewell could be an impact player

Spears’ stock went through the roof at the Senior Bowl, as the dynamic runner with high-end potential as a receiver confirmed that his dominant film will translate to the pros. With Leonard Fournette gone and Rachaad White an uninspiring starter, Spears may end up with a premier role as a rookie.

Even with Tariq Woolen quickly evolving into a star, you can never have enough terrific cornerbacks in a division like the NFC West. Kelly’s length and strength on the outside supersede concerns about his speed and ball skills, though he could learn a few tips of the trade from Woolen as an understudy.

Avila can turn elite linemen into paste as a run-blocker, which will make a former running game coordinator like Mike McDaniel green with envy. Avila might slide a bit if teams feel like his lumbering style doesn’t fit them, but Shanahan-adjacent teams like Miami will always prioritize someone that can block like him.

Gray could take over Isaiah Spiller and Joshua Kelley’s spot on the depth chart while also giving LA a ready-made replacement that can come in after the Austin Ekeelr trade requests bombshell. A patient runner who is impossible to bring down when he gets a head of steam, Gray is one of the most underrated players in the class.

This pick is as much for Kyle Hamilton as it is for addressing the safety position. The rangy Battle and Marcus Williams could have the safety spots completely locked down, while Hamilton could move all over the defense and get as much of his unique skillset as possible.

Palmer is a former track guy who possesses blazing speed that was not properly utilized in college. Adding another element of verticality to this Minnesota offense might be what Kevin O’Connell needs to ensure that Justin Jefferson isn’t double-teamed every play.

Steen has legit starter potential at both guard and tackle, which is just what a Jaguars team that lost Jawaan Taylor in free agency needs. Trevor Lawrence had a solid line last season, and adding a Senior Bowl star that hist like a tank blast in Steen will ensure that the drop-off in 2023 is minimal.

He’s not the biggest linebacker out there, but there is a reason the lean, rangy To’oTo’o was one of the leaders of the Alabama defense during his time in Tuscaloosa. Wink Martindale, a former LBs coach who loves to blitz those backers, might find a quality developmental prospect to mold in the Crimson Tide standout.

Dalton Schultz moved to the other side of the state, leaving his old tight end area wide open for Dallas. Even with the standard level of competition questions for FCS products, Kraft owned the middle of the field as a receiver and made all sorts of unusual catches at tough angles.

Hutchinson might have issues separating consistently, but he was as close to a one-man wrecking crew as an outside possession receiver as there is in this class. Could he be the team’s WR2 next to Stefon Diggs in Buffalo if Gabe Davis starts to step backward?

Rush may not be as impressive as teammate Cam Smith, but he blew teams away with some of his athletic numbers. Rush would be well suited for just about any role Cincinnati throws at him, all while playing a huge role in completing their defensive turnaround.

The idea of Brown and Miles Sanders working together in the Carolina backfield will be a perfect combination of speed and power for Young to work with. When he gets going and lowers his shoulder, the power and balance he has shown can be equaled by only a few others in this class.

Chase’s twin brother might actually end up being the better player, as he was tearing things up at the senior bowl. With the Eagles having lost both their starting safeties, they have the ability to turn their division upside down by grabbing someone with starter potential this late in the draft.

Ricks did not have a very productive college career, so drafting him is a bet on his potential and your own coaching staff. In Kansas City, a coach like Steve Spagnuolo that has helped turn multiple late-round picks into solid starters might be the guy who can coax Ricks’ talent out of him.

Adding more protection for a banged-up Kyler Murray is never going to be viewed as a bad option. Wypler has tremendous mobility for a center, though he needs to add some weight if he wants to become a truly elite pass protector. Wypler represents amazing value at this stage in the draft for Arizona.

Washington’s linebacker situation isn’t too dire, but it will be hard to pass on one of the freakiest athletes we’ve seen in a half-decade at the linebacker spot. Ron Rivera will not have to think long and hard when it comes to figuring out how to get Papoe on the field.

Harrison never quite had the elite production many thought he would have at Ohio State, but he still has value as a 275-pound end who can clean up as a run-defender. Harrison staying in Ohio and going to the Browns would give Myles Garrett a very toolsy running mate.

San Francisco’s first pick in this draft will be a terrific athlete at the offensive tackle position to replace the departed Mike McGlinchey. A monstrous 6-foot-8 tackle with surprising fluidity, the same 49ers pipeline that made McGlinchey a stud could have a similar impact on Freeland.

Pickens will be able to control the line of scrimmage at his best, and his performances against names like O’Cyrus Torrence in the SEC assuredly caught the attention of the Raiders. The defensive line needs some extra standouts on the interior and edge, so Pickens’ skillset will be a welcome sight.

Robinson has moved all over the Seminoles backfield, and he has success everywhere. With Jimmie Ward having left, San Francisco might be willing to select his replacement despite the fact he has some technical issues that will need to be coached out of him.

Garner is quite raw, but it won’t be too hard to envision a scenario where he thrives in San Francisco on the back of his length, speed and strength in press coverage. Garner joining Steve Wilks and a loaded defense is more than enough support to jump-start that process.