Alabama

Welcome to my mock draft. I've usually done 3-4 by now, but I had extensive issues logging into Debacled WF. Anyway, I'm back - for better or worse. Previous track record below (based on the player picked by the correct team, due to trade movement). Links were broken so I removed them, but they're on the site pre-debacled.

2020 - 6
2021 - 12
2022 - 8

V1 Mock Draft Pick: CJ Stroud (QB, Ohio State)

Since the combine, the Panthers made the (not so) shocking move to No. 1 overall. Obviously, they are targeting a quarterback and some believe it’s between CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson.

I originally put this pick as CJ Stroud - and perhaps he will still be the pick - but from my experience as a 49ers fan who survived the 2021 trade up, it’s don’t overplay to the hand of talking heads until something concrete comes out. Stroud makes a ton of sense with Reich’s prototypical QB’s, but ultimately, Young is QB1 in this class. If he were 2 inches taller, he’d be considered a Trevor Lawrence-caliber prospect. Until Stroud-Panthers is considered certain, I would still bet on the Panthers taking Bryce Young, although this is a gut feeling and I’m 55/45 on it presently.

Young's size concerns are an issue, but I tend to lean towards other elite physical/cognitive traits being enough to overcome this. In these regards, Young is the complete package. A terrific passer with elite pocket awareness, great athleticism, speed and evasiveness, Young is capable of making any throw you want, as well as being able to make the yards on the ground. He appears to be the definition of cerebral, too. Size be damned, Young is going to be a top-5 pick, and still my favorite to go No. 1 overall.

Other Options:

CJ Stroud (QB, Ohio State), Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida) - Tony Pauline reported that Carolina is down to these two players. I like Pauline a lot, and he’s had some impressive wins, but he’s also missed on a few occasions, and I don’t believe this to be the case until others confirm this. Many others say Young is still in play, including Charlie.

Ohio State

Mock Draft V1 Pick: Bryce Young (QB, Alabama)

The Texans will likely take either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud, whoever the Panthers do not take. I will eagerly await anything from Charlie on that front, but until then, let’s work on that basis. The Texans will be getting a sure-fire upgrade either way.

Stroud is deadly accurate, poised in the pocket, makes good decisions and impressed rising to the occasion last year, with an elite bowl game performance against eventual champions Georgia. He was spoiled with immense protection and receiving weapons, but he isn't to blame for the riches he was given. Aside from Bryce Young, I see no valid argument placing any other QB over Stroud when you balance athletic upside with tape and NFL-projectable passing ability.

Other Options:

Bryce Young (QB, Alabama) - I haven’t heard any connection with Richardson or Levis, so I will presume this is down to the consensus top 2. Peter King entertained the idea the Texans may not take a QB. I won’t entertain that. It would be possibly the stupidest draft decision of all time. He suggested something similar in 2020 with the Chargers and then rolling with Tyrod Taylor over drafting (at the time) either Tua or Herbert. Yeh, I don’t trust that.

Texas Tech

Mock Draft V1 Pick: Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE, Alabama)

Boy, this top-5 is tough. Two weeks out, and we have little clarity thus far. Right now, it appears the Cardinals could trade down with this pick, but I’m not going to bite - yet. Charlie Campbell, Adam Schefter and Daniel Jeremiah have all indicated that the Cardinals are looking to move down, and I trust Charlie implicitly. If I had to guess, Arizona will probably move down (60% confidence). However, right now I’m not confident enough to wreck my mock over this presumption. I personally believe that the Cardinals may not end up getting a suitor - based on the hot press report released yesterday, Arizona appears to be “drumming” up trade interest and getting less bite than is being reported. This is reminiscent of Detroit in 2020, who never moved down despite it being seemingly consensus that they would. In my opinion, both Tennessee and Las Vegas would be making huge mistakes moving up considering the state’s of their roster - especially Tennessee - and Washington and Tampa Bay appear to be too far back to really entertain the move, unless they give up the farm (which I don’t think either will).

Long commentary above, but for now, I’m sticking with Arizona staying at No. 3 - something I may very well retract in next week’s mock. Tyree Wilson is an incredible athlete with great length, speed and explosion and at this stage feels destined to be a top-10 pick. In fact, a couple of people have surmised he could go over presumed EDGE 1 Will Anderson Jr., with reports that some teams prefer Wilson over Anderson Jr. Tyree Wilson would be a great fit as an athletic, versatile defensive end who can play hands in the dirt, as a 3-tech in 4-3 defense situationally (if not drafted by Seattle), or even as a 3-4 OLB.

Tyree Wilson is an incredible athlete with great length, speed and explosion and at this stage feels destined to be a top-10 pick. In fact, a couple of people have surmised he could go over presumed EDGE 1 Will Anderson Jr., with reports that some teams prefer Wilson over Anderson Jr. Tyree Wilson would be a great fit as an athletic, versatile defensive end who can play hands in the dirt, as a 3-tech in 4-3 defense situationally, or even as a 3-4 OLB, although I don’t love that fit.

Other Options:
Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE, Alabama), Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa) - Anderson is probably the safer option of the two and would be my pick. Van Ness would be a target after trade down, not at No. 3.

Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois), Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon), Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State) - Some CB targets if the Cardinals move down 6-10 spots.

Florida

Mock Draft V1 Pick: Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida)

The Colts’ plan in the 2023 NFL draft is simple - they need to draft a franchise QB. The problem is that there are a lot of reports that the Cardinals could trade out of No. 3. If I were Indy, I’d bite the bullet and offer something to move up the one spot so that fate was in my hands.

In this no-trade mock, they miss out on the consensus top-2 signal callers. However, they still have options, and go with a risky one at No. 4 overall. Anthony Richardson is an enigma. His college tape was not that of a 1st rounder, being borderline terrible as a passer at times. Equally, he has one of the best physical skill-sets we’ve seen at the QB position in years. He is raw, and has some bad tape, but also made some truly exceptional throws at Florida and was elite in certain contests. He’s also an exceptional runner and has terrific arm talent. Just based on skill-set and the premium status of the QB position alone, I can’t see Richardson escaping the top-10, even if he’s a huge project for the NFL, given the desperation around the NFL for better QB play.

If I was the Colts, I would be pretty aggressive in going for Lamar Jackson considering how risky Richardson and Levis are. They have a good cap situation without many huge contracts (Buckner and Leonard are the only two that come to mind, and either/or could be traded). They have a great running back and two great young receivers in Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. They need to re-tool their offensive line, but have the best guard in the NFL. He'd be worth the multi-1st round pick trade.

Other Options:

CJ Stroud (QB, Ohio State), Bryce Young (QB, Alabama), Will Levis (QB, Kentucky) - This is the floor for both Stroud and Young, short of something shocking medically. I’m not high on Levis at all, but they may default to him if Tennessee (or someone else) jumps them for Richardson. At this point, I’d shift my focus to trying to obtain Hendon Hooker 35th overall and taking the best defender available here.

Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE, Alabama), Tyree Wilson (EDGE, Texas Tech) - As per the above, if QB's go 1-2-3, I think the Colts could trade down or default to Will Anderson Jr. or Tyree Wilson. They have no real need for Jalen Carter.

Alabama

Mock Draft V1 Pick: Tyree Wilson (EDGE, Texas Tech)

Pete Caroll has hinted the team will look over the QB class, which makes sense, but post-Carolina trade, it seems all but certain they would get left with QB4, and unless that happens to be the QB Seattle want, I imagine they roll with Geno Smith’s team-friendly deal for ‘23 and hope he remains a quality starter. Meanwhile, the Seahawks’ defense fell apart in the back end of the year. Their run defense was abysmal, and their pass rush - whilst not anemic lacked immense firepower. They added Dre’Mont Jones and some upside options such as Julian Love and Devin Bush in free agency, but could really do with an alpha franchise pass rusher. Jalen Carter is commonly mocked here, but he could be too risky for a Seahawks team who seems to be prioritizing character more than in years past.

Wilson vs. Anderson reminds me a bit of Walker vs. Hutchinson last year. The media is slightly higher on Anderson than NFL teams are, but Anderson is still one of my favorite players in the class and was amongst the best pure football players in this draft class, irrespective of position. Anderson’s tape was truly stellar, and figures to be a double-digit sack producer in the NFL. Anderson seems like a player likely to warrant a lucrative 2nd contract in 4 years time.

Other Options:

Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia) - Despite my reservations, this could easily be Carter still. He’d likely be terrific in 4-3 or 3-4, with 4-3 perhaps being optimal.

Tyree Wilson (EDGE, Texas Tech) - Anderson Jr./Wilson could go in either/or order. I would be surprised if neither ended up in Seattle.

Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois), Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon) - The Seahawks hit a home run with Tariq Woolen, and Coby Bryant is a talented nickel, but they need another boundary cornerback. It wouldn't be shocking if Seattle traded down slightly and took either/or prospect, or even just took either at 5 (they go off the board in the next two picks).

Illinois

V1 Mock Draft Pick: Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas)

The Lions are very difficult to mock, but trading away Jeff Okudah for pennies on the dollar could be a sign they have their eyes on another boundary cornerback early to finish the group off. The Lions’ high-character front office are likely out on Jalen Carter, and will probably miss out on Anderson/Wilson. I’d love Bijan here, but as much as I would defend them taking Robinson with pick No. 6 (or after a small trade down), it’s probably unlikely. For now, I really like the fit of my top rated cornerback in Detroit as a tough, gritty defender with a tenacious game and grit

This player is Devon Witherspoon. Witherspoon is my CB1, over even Christian Gonzalez who appears to be most people’s CB1. It’s plausible Witherspoon could go 2nd or even 3rd CB off the board due to perceived size concerns, but on tape, Witherspoon screams “instant star” similar to Sauce Gardner in ‘22 who went No. 4 overall to the New York Jets. he may not be quite that level of talent, but Witherspoon feels like a Dan Campbell player. He could finish off a secondary that almost overnight has flipped from being a weakness into a strength.

Other Options:

Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon) - Witherspoon and Gonzalez are my Tier 1 corners in this draft class. I slightly prefer Witherspoon, but Gonzalez is an excellent prospect and likely a top-10 pick in his own right.

Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas) - I’m pounding the table for this pick, but in 2023, it’s not popular to take running backs in the top-10. I get it, but Bijan is different. I still think that where this mock has him is too late, and he’ll still go top-16; if not top-10.

Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE, Alabama), Tyree Wilson (EDGE, Texas Tech) - I don’t see Jalen Carter fitting the Lions due to his off field issues, and I would bet my bottom dollar one of the quotes from Charlie’s report that teams were dropping him was a Detroit guy. However, if Anderson Jr. or Wilson is available, I’d imagine Detroit would run that card in fast. They would build on the strengths of last year’s rookies Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston IV, who combined for 17.5 sacks, and add another feather in the cap of Detroit becoming NFC representative favorites. Detroit appears to be Will Anderson Jr’s absolute floor.

Oregon

V1 Mock Draft Pick: Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon)

Although Jimmy Garoppolo by no means precludes the Raiders from drafting a QB, I’m not convinced they’d settle for whomever is left out of the top-4 QB prospects. I have serious doubts over Levis at the next level, and think the media is overrating him - they also reportedly prefer Anthony Richardson. If he is available, I expect Richardson to be the pick. Otherwise, they could do with a longer-term upgrade at RT and kick Elemanour in to guard, or take a cornerback. Given that the talent is roughly equatable at the top-end, and how dire their secondary is beyond Nate Hobbs in a division with Mahomes and Herbert, I think they could look to take a shut-down corner.

Gonzalez and Witherspoon are very close on my board. As per the above, I have a slight preference for Witherspoon, but Gonzalez is a very well rounded cornerback and probably the safest between the top-3 of himself, Witherspoon and Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. when considering athleticism and tape. Gonzalez himself was exceptional in ‘22 and addressed many questions teams had of him such as ball skills and consistency. Gonzalez is seen by teams as a likely candidate to break out at the combine, and he dominated it. I think Gonzalez is a sure-fire top-16 pick and probably a top-10 prospect due to his athleticism.

Other Options:
Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois) - I’d be 50/50 on who the Raiders would take if either/or is available.

Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida), Will Levis (QB, Kentucky)- This is the pick if he’s available, but I highly doubt he would be at this point. Perhaps the Raiders trade up to No. 3? Of all suitors, they make the most sense.

Paris Johnson (OT, Ohio State), Peter Skoronski (G/OT, Northwestern) - The Raiders’ OL exceeded expectations in 2022, but outside of Kolton Miller and maybe Dylan Parham, they still need upgrades. Specifically, a right tackle is on the cards. Jermaine Eluemunor re-signed and played well in ‘22, but was re-introduced as “G/OT” on their twitter announcement and is a journeyman player. They could kick Eluemunor to guard and draft either/or to play RT, or play the draftee at G whilst they develop.

Iowa

V1 Mock Draft Pick: Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois)

The Falcons have had the worst pass rush in the NFL for a couple of years. I traditionally preferred the option of Witherspoon/Gonzales here, but both are gone - they also just traded for Jeff Okudah. That won’t preclude them from drafting a cornerback early, but perhaps would make one at No. 8 less likely. Given how bad their pass rush is, and with both corners gone, I have them taking a bit of a risky pick here. Charlie reported that some teams in the late-top-10 are considering Iowa defensive lineman Van Ness, and the Falcons seem like a suitable fit.

Van Ness is reportedly slightly overrated by the media in the opinion of NFL personnel; he’s very talented, but rather raw and needs some time to develop. Van Ness, however, is versatile and has some very impressive tape, even if not as a full time starter. He profiles as a base end defensive end or a 3-tech in 4-3 schemes. The Falcons run 3-4, but I think they could make it work either as a JJ Watt build 3-4 DE or possibly as a stand up (which I’d like less). Van Ness would have the chance to ease into his role in Atlanta to rotate in with Grady Jarrett and Calais Campbell - a group probably not built to last many seasons.

Other Options:

Tyree Wilson (EDGE, Texas Tech) - This is likely Wilson's floor. It's probably a 2-3/10 chance he escapes the top-7.

Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon), Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois) - In my opinion, the Okudah trade doesn’t preclude the Falcons from taking the right corner. He’s at best a long-shot reclamation project under contract for 1 year.

Peter Skoronski (G/OT, Northwestern), Paris Johnson Jr. (OT, Ohio State) - The Falcons re-signed McGary, but Skoronski could make sense for them if they are satisfied with drafting a guard at No. 8. Skoronski could be an heir apparent to Jake Matthews, who will probably be phased out in 2-3 years, or form an elite tandem with star blocker Chris Lindstrom. The same logic could apply in theory to Johnson.

Georgia

V1 Mock Draft Pick: Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia)

The Bears did a tremendous job trading down. However, what they do here is now a true enigma. It was a foregone conclusion Jalen Carter would be out of their range, but recent legal issues and a bad pre-draft process will likely see him slide. Is Carter’s upside worth the risk at No. 9? I certainly think so, but Chicago may look for a better cultural fit, or someone at a more premium position. Considering they’ve traded down with multiple top-64 capital in this draft and the next, I think the Bears take their big swing here.

Carter is a special IDL talent with NFL-pass rushing upside, immense run stopping ability and could be a seamless 3-tech fit in Eberflus' 4-3 defensive scheme. I have real reservations about his reported work ethic issues and alarming lack of production at college given his talent level, but said talent is visible to anyone with a moderate knowledge of the sport. Carter is a beastly talent, and the Bears are 1-2 years away from being competitive, so given Carter’s higher upside, the depth of this EDGE class, and the vast chasm between himself and other DT prospects - pro day be damned - I’d love this fit for Chicago.

Other Options:

Paris Johnson Jr. (OT, Ohio State), Peter Skoronski (G/OT, Northwestern) - I don't love the Skoronski fit unless they are certain he's a RT. Paris Johnson would be the better fit due to continuity with Fields and more OT certainty. Their IOL is theoretically sorted now, they explicity need a tackle.

Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa) - I’m starting to think that between Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia that Van Ness is unlikely to escape the top-10, even if he’s raw.

Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois), Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon) - Despite two 2nd round secondary picks, their secondary is a bit of a weakness still. Kyler Gordon wasn't very good as a rookie.

Northwestern

V1 Mock Draft Pick: Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa)

I absolutely love the fit of Skoronski and the Eagles if the top defenders are off the board. Cam Jurgens is commonly presumed the heir apparent to Isaac Suemalo, but he really is there for when Kelce retires. He's unexpectedly returned for another years, and whilst regretable, many see him as a center only, so they’d be better redshirting Jurgens for another year and finding a guard who could one day replace Lane Johnson at Right Tackle. That player is Peter Skoronski.

Skoronski is my 6th rated player, with elite pass protecting ability and a very high floor entering the NFL. The main question is whether he can hold up at tackle given his short arms, or if he will need to kick inside to guard? For the Eagles, he'd certainly start at guard, but could be the heir apparent at RT as per the above. Like Alijah Vera-Tucker, Skoronski may be “just” a guard or right tackle for the NFL due to his measurables. However, he’ll likely be incredible there.

Other Options:
Paris Johnson Jr. (OT, Ohio State) - The above logic could theoretically apply to Johnson, too, although he profiles as an OT in the next level.

Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia), Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa) - Carter's floor is surely No. 10 to Philadelphia. I can't see them passing him up, concerns or not. Equally, this is also a good spot for Lukas Van Ness, who would be a quality 4-3 base end. He needs a year or so before fully starting, and would have the luxury of a rotational role with Philly.

Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas) - Howie Roseman almost certainly won’t do this, but it would be pretty much impossible to stop their offense if they do. Could they entertain trading down and taking Robinson, in spite of their M.O.?

Ohio State

V1 Mock Draft Pick: Peter Skoronski (G/OT, Northwestern)

The Titans jettisoned a hefty amount of their roster, and are my early favorites to land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. They thus have a plethora of needs. Most pertinent is their future plan at QB, WR and their OL. Specifically, they already had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, and their sole bright spot - Nate Davis - departing for the Bears in free agency. The Titans should be in BPA mode for this draft, and although I think they are dark horses to take a QB, I'm not sure they'd settle for Will Levis given the state of their roster. I think it would be buffoonish to give up the farm to move up to No. 3, and think they’d waste that prospect’s potential with the start of their roster. Here, they take their future franchise Left Tackle.

Johnson Jr. lived up to the pre-season hype in ‘22 delivering an almost flawless season blocking for CJ Stroud. Johnson doesn’t quite have the tape of Peter Skoronski, but is a more prototypical Left Tackle in terms of size and traits, so could be the first offensive lineman taken even if Skoronski is one of the best pure football players in this draft class.

Other Options:

Peter Skoronski (OT/G, Northwestern), Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee), Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia) - Some OL alternatives.

Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida), Will Levis (QB, Kentucky) - The Titans are not in the same position the 49ers were in 2021, and I think they’d be making a mistake to move up to No. 3 for a raw prospect, even if its one I like in Richardson. I’m personally low on Levis, and again, it doesn’t feel the right year to be taking a QB. At least they wouldn’t be selling the farm for Levis at No. 11, I suppose.

Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State) - The Titans need more receivers beyond Burks. This is one of the weirdest WR drafts in recent memory. Some - like myself - wouldn’t hate Johnston as a top-10 selection; others don’t view him as a 1st rounder. The same goes for the other top-receivers.

Ohio State

V1 Mock Draft Pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State)

Multiple reports suggest that the Texans are picking a receiver at No. 12. That makes a ton of sense, as their receiving corps is full of No. 2, 3 and 4 options without any bonafide No. 1 talents. What is somewhat more surprising is the report that Houston is down to Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Jordan Addison, not Quentin Johnston. I'm skeptical, but I'll bite for now.harlie also reported there is no consensus at all on receivers presently, and that the top-4 could come off the board in any order (different horses for different courses). Johnston's stock is also interesting because some - Charlie Campbell, PFF - are exceptionally high on him, and others have him as their 4th receiver. I fall into the former camp myself, and also trust Charlie over anyone else. Equally, there haven't been any reports on Houston's plans yet, and this would match their thinking last year - they took the consensus CB 2 over CB 1 but one who had 1 year of great tape and was a stellar scheme fit.

For me, Jaxon Smith-Njigba doesn’t have the athletic profile to be a shoe-in top-10 pick, and only has 1 season of real tape. However, I couldn't be too harsh because what a season that was. In ‘21, he was the Buckeyes’ most productive receiver, alongside future NFL stars Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. Based on how Shanahan-esque Slowik's offense will be, I think JSN could be a better fit than Addison - whose stock is sliding somewhat - so I think Smith-Njigba would be a fine choice, but I'd still take a couple of other options over him.

Other Options:

Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU), Jordan Addison (WR, USC) - Johnston would be my pick, as I’m very bullish on him. Meanwhile, Addison appears to be sliding a bit.

Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa) - If Van Ness slides outside the top-10, I’m starting to believe this could be his floor. It depends on how dead set the Texans are on receiver.

Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois), Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon), Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State) - 2 consecutive corners is an underrated option here. Stingley Jr. didn’t light the world on fire as a rookie, and they have nothing else at cornerback. Porter Jr. is now in his ideal range.

Tennessee

V1 Mock Draft Pick: Paris Johnson Jr. (OT, Ohio State)

The Jets are a huge question mark. Will they even hold onto this pick? That's seeming increasingly likely, with reports that the Packers would settle for Day 2 compensation. For now, presuming the Jets stick and pick, they need better linebacker and safety play. Equally, they also need to insure their offensive line, which always seems better on paper than in practice since Joe Douglas came in as GM. Mekhi Becton's promising rookie season seems so long ago, as he's been out with injury in the two years since. He appears in good shape now, but has a history of weight issues. On the other side, Duane Brown will be 38 at the start of next season. It wouldn't shock me if the Jets kicked the OT can down the road and gave Becton one more chance, but I’m not sure they’re in a position to take that chance with Aaron Rodgers. They have a 1-2 year window, and need to win now. Unfortunately, the top two blockers are off the board quickly in my mock, so they default to a 3rd option.

Broderick Jones is the most popular pick here, but Darnell Wright feels like a player who could go higher than expected. He continues to rapidly rise in this mock, moving from No. 27 to No. 13 (!). Wright has been rocketing up draft boards after an incredible ‘22 season, where he kept Hendon Hooker’s jersey clean. He also dominated the Senior Bowl, and a good week in Indianapolis at the combine. At this point, I'd be surprised if he escaped the top-20 and the 1st round is almost a lock. He completely shut down Will Anderson Jr. at the collegiate level, and feels like a safer pick for Joe Douglas than Broderick Jones if both are available.

Other Options:

Paris Johnson Jr. (OT, Ohio State), Peter Skoronski (OT/G, Northwestern), Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee) - I’d be surprised if Johnson was available, and Skoronski is a long shot too. I would personally take Wright over Jones, although I’m probably in the minority there.

Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU), Jordan Addison (WR, USC), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State) - The Jets seem to be targeting veteran receivers, despite having Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis and Allen Lazard. If the right tackle for them isn’t there, maybe they draft another receiver. This feels less likely, but their pre-draft FA shopping indicates they aren’t done at the position.

Brian Branch (S, Alabama) - In my opinion, Branch is better than either tackle available. I wouldn’t hate it if they Branch here - perhaps trading down - and then use a 2nd round pick on someone like Jaelyn Duncan or Tyler Steen.

TCU

V1 Mock Draft Pick: Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU)

I always cringe a bit when mocking a receiver to the Patriots, as it's seldom gone well. However, they have a very clear and obvious need for the position, even after signing JuJu Smith-Schuster (who is really more of a mid-No. 2). The Patriots need to address their offensive line, but there is a bonafide WR1 prospect available to give Mac Jones a true receiving weapon entering his crucial 3rd year.

Quentin Johnston, who different outlets seem to either love as a top-12 prospective or dismiss as a borderline 1st rounder, is my WR1 still. Johnston has by far the best physical traits for a future WR1 in this draft in my opinion. Scouts reportedly are raving about Johnson’s physical and mental ability. He needs to be more consistent, but if he plays to his skill-set, Johnston can be an elite NFL receiver.

Other Options:

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State), Jordan ADdison (WR, USC), Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College) - Some alternatives. I have a sneaky feeling the Patriots could take Flowers. Despite him probably being perceived as a reach in the top-20, I like him lot - although not over Johnston.

Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State), Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon), Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois), Brian Branch (S/CB, Alabama) - I don’t think Witherspoon or Gonzalez will be available. Porter Jr. would make a lot of sense, as they need a boundary corner. They could also consider Branch, who feels like a Belichikian player to replace McCourty.

Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia), Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee) - The Patriots need to upgrade at tackle. Trent Brown has regressed and Riley Reiff is a journeyman at this point.

Iowa State

V1 Mock Draft Pick: Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson)

Several people are mocking the Packers wide receiver or tight end, but I would be surprised if they went in that direction. This front office’s M.O. is to draft defense on Thursday night, and skill positions on Day 2. With the wealth of Tight End talent in this class, they’ll likely come out with a top-5 TE in this good class at the position with the 45th overall pick in Round 2. Meanwhile, outside of Rashan Gary and Preston Smith (the former coming off an ACL tear; the latter more of a rotational edge rusher), the Packers need pass rushing help badly.

Will McDonald IV is a draft crush of mine, and I think he has a shot of breaking the top-20. As a pure pass rusher, he’s arguably a top-10 talent with elite quarterbacking hunting tape over a few years at Iowa State. Equally, he has a fatal flaw in that he is a bad run defender. However, in this pass oriented league, I think McDonald belongs in the 1st round, if not top-20. He may be more of a designated pass rusher over 2-downs, but McDonald could be a double digit sack as a 3-4 rushing OLB in the NFL. Since the last mock, I’ve come down on him as a good 4-3 fit, but schematically, he makes sense in Green Bay as they run for former.

Other Options:

Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson), Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa) - Some alternatives. This is surely Van Ness’ floor at this point.

Brian Branch (S/CB, Alabama) - The Packers had some of the worst safety play I’ve seen in ‘22. Branch is the consensus SAF1 in this draft class, and this would be about the right sort of range for him.

Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State), Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College), Jordan Addison (WR, USC) - Much like the Seahawks finally got better protection after losing Russell Wilson, the Packers could forgo their traditional philosophy once Rodgers leaves and recognise they need to surround Jordan Love with plenty of weapons if he’s to succeed. Watson and Doubs were nice ‘22 selections, but they need at least one more potent threat offensively.

Penn State

V1 Mock Draft Pick: Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State)

The Commanders break the Steelers’ nostalgic hearts by taking the son of former Steelers-great Joey Porter one pick prior to them being on the board. The Commanders feel destined to take the best CB available with this pick, and Porter Jr. is a quality, high-floor 1st round CB prospect.

Porter is instinctive and does a stellar job at avoiding separation from wide receivers, also possessing freakish length. Holding him back from the top-2 CB’s of Gonzalez and Witherspoon is lesser athleticism, but Porter is not a sub-par athlete by any means; just not an elite one. Either way, Porter seems destined to be a top-20 pick come April.

Other Options:

Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois), Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon), Deonte Banks - The Commanders have been interviewing every blue-chip CB prospect in this class, so unless they all go very early, I really think it is the direction they’ll go in. We are approaching the floor for Witherspoon and Gonzalez now. If Porter Jr. also goes earlier, they could consider Deonte Banks, who I think is a suitable 16-25 type selection. He’s very talented.

Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee), Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia) - This is another direction I could see the Commanders moving in if all corners are gone.

Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah), Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame), Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa) - The Commanders need a pass catching tight end threat. I like this class, but think the 20’s is a better range for these guys. This would be more attractive as a Plan B if the corners are gone and they can trade down first.