Week of the Event, Mock 3.0

published on 4/25/2023


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Round 1

Picks 1-16
1. Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

I had him here even when the consensus was for Stroud. The S2 scores may be the final nail in that coffin. I'd take a chance on Young's size.


2. Texans: Will Anderson, DE, Alabama

This would kind of suck, but I appreciate their skepticism of any of the remaining QBs. It could be tough to trade down, but I'm doing them a favor by letting them move up from #12.


3. Cardinals: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech

I am being conservative on trade ups as many on-the-fence teams (LV, ATL, SEA, DET...) don't appear to be leaning QB. Titans and Texans won't pay to move up this far.


4. Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

I may be overreacting to the S2 scores, but there was Stroud skepticism before those were released. Levis has excuses for his last college year, some more convincing than others.


5. Titans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

(from SEA) Not trying to move in front of DET, but trying to find a team who will deal. This year's 2nd matches the charts, but I'll say this year's 3rd, next year's 2nd, and a 2025 pick.


6. Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

Better performer than the athlete Gonzalez and plays with Campbell-approved tenacity.


7. Raiders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Richardson is sitting right there and I'll still pass. I don't think he's Top 10 material, but can understand the attractive upside.


8. Falcons: Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern

Plugs in at starting guard. Not high positional value, but I'm more confident he'll produce than the undersized Nolan Smith. I would be absolutely fine if they went QB.


9. Bears: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

I'd be surprised if he doesn't go in the top 10. The motivation concerns are a bigger deal, football-wise, than the off field stuff.


10. Eagles: Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia

Roseman is a positional importance guy and their top needs are at lower value spots. But you can never have enough pass rushers and they apparently like him.


11. Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

(from TEN) Nice complement to Metcalf and Lockett.


12. Texans: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Am I bailing them out by having him still available? Maybe, but you could still say they are better off waiting until next year. But no guarantees about where they'll be drafting then or how the QB class will look.


13. Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

(from GB) I'm sticking with this trade even after the Rodgers deal. Porter could otherwise go to the Pats. If you want them to take an OL this move also makes sense. 3rd rounder is the damage.


14. Patriots: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State

With those long arms, he's a tackle, not a guard. But could they move up for a QB?


15. Jets: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Same guy I was giving them at #13.


16. Commanders: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

I think he's more likely to succeed than, say, Darnell Wright.


Picks 1-16