Alabama

Before I begin, my previous track record below. Links were broken so I removed them, but they're on the site pre-debacled era if you want to find them.

2020 - 6
2021 - 12
2022 - 8

This pick appears to be done. The consensus in recent weeks is that the Panthers have zeroed in on Bryce Young, and Charlie Campbell’s recent mock draft seems to similarly indicate that Young is basically a done deal No. 1 overall.

In my opinion, this is the correct call to make. Young's size concerns are legitimate, but he’s an outlier in virtually every other category. I tend to lean towards other elite physical/cognitive traits being enough to overcome this, and 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.

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Other Options:

None - This pick appears locked in.

Alabama

NFL Draft V4 Pick: Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE, Alabama)

It has gone from media smoke to now likely that the Texans are passing on CJ Stroud and may not take a QB here at all. Lance Zierlein, Peter Schrager and others are saying - flat-out - that Stroud is not going No. 2 overall.

I think this is very foolish for several reasons:

1) You never know if you’ll be bad enough or in a position to trade up for your pick of the litter next year. Passing on a franchise QB now hoping you can get one in the future is an insane risk.

2) If you don’t sell the farm (which Houston wouldn’t), you can cut your losses at the “wrong call” and try again if you need to (e.g. Cardinals and Josh Rosen, Jets and Zach Wilson).

3) Houston’s offensive line needs some work, but is far from a dreadful unit. [Insert QB here] would have a chance early and not be fed to the wolves. They aren't in Tennessee's position, for example.

4) CJ Stroud appears to be a legitimate franchise QB, and it seems insane they’d pass on that for a non Nick Bosa/Myles Garrett-esque edge rusher. Anderson is a good player and talented, but he's not considered "elite" by most teams according to Charlie.

5) They are gift wrapping Indianapolis their QB of choice.

6) QB4 at No. 12 isn’t a guarantee. If they can do a “Draft Day '' style trade up, I’ll rescind some criticism, but if the QB2 - 4 rankings are as non-consensus as advertised (I’m skeptical) then you surely cannot leave that position to change. And another year of Davis Mills reeks of poor competitive will.

I'm still nervous to buy in to these reports, but if true, this pick would surely be Tyree Wilson or Will Anderson Jr. This decision reminds me a bit of Walker vs. Hutchinson last year - Wilson is more athletic and versatile, but Anderson is the more accomplished college player. I'm practically 50/50.

As a Niners fan, I think DeMeco Ryans may see Wilson as a cleaner 4-3 fit; however, he has some concerning late-medical stuff which I think could cause him to slide and with Will Anderson Jr. has a very high floor, and versatility to play 4-3 or 3-4, I will put Anderson as the pick.

The media is slightly higher on Anderson than NFL teams are according to Charlie Campbell, who don't see him as "elite" but Anderson is still one of my favorite players in the class who figures to be a double-digit sack producer in the NFL. He is tough, fast, intelligent and a high character player.

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Other Options

CJ Stroud (QB, Ohio State) - This should be the pick. Stroud is a franchise QB caliber quarterback. I’m still not certain I’m falling for smoke here, but most people are buying at this point that Houston passes on a QB at No. 2.

Tyree Wilson (EDGE, Texas Tech) - Several are leaning towards Wilson over Anderson, and I may flip 2 last minute. It really depends on the medical.

Ohio State

Last year, I made the mistake of not listening to the late Derek Stingley Jr. reports, believing them to be smoke. Sure enough, Stingley went 3rd overall to Houston. I'm not going to make the same mistake this year. I could easily see this pick being Tyree Wilson, but his foot repair freaked a top-10 team who need defensive line to drop him late.

There are a swirl of reports coming out that the Cardinals are considering Johnson, and I think it's a logical fit. Equally, he'd also be a pretty solid and realistic candidate if the Cardinals traded down in the 7-11 range. Again, I may bolt on this pick late (2, 3 and 9 are my most likely flips on draft day), but for now, Johnson is a solid bet-hedger. I wouldn't be too gutted if I was wrong this time, at the world is pretty split on Wilson, Anderson or - now - Johnson and this mock is insanely unpredictable.

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. The Cardinals OL is in tatters, and they need a long-term OT of the future. For what it's worth, I think this is a mild but forgivable reach given the fact he's the clear-cut best LT profiling lineman in this class. I could also see the new front office both wanting to prioritize a super high character person, which Johnson reportedly is, and one that would appease Kyler Murray (who reportedly wants AZ to draft Johnson).

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Other Options:

Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE, Alabama), Tyree WIilson (EDGE, Texas Tech) - I still may well switch to either/or player.

Ohio State

The Colts’ plan in the 2023 NFL draft is simple - they need to draft a franchise QB. The problem is there is a lack of uncertainty. Depending on top-3 pans out, they could be left with QB4 or BPA elsewhere, or their pick of any QB not named Bryce Young. The latter scenario happens in this no-trade mock draft, and Indianapolis would come away laughing in this scenario and have their pick of the litter at No. 4 (besides Bryce Young).

C.J. Stroud reportedly did rather badly on his S2 test, but some teams do not prioritize the test highly, and it definitely doesn’t change what you see on film. Quality pass arsenal, good processing, reactive quickness, and improved showings under pressure. He was spoiled with immense protection and receiving weapons, but he isn't to blame for the riches he was given - only if he didn’t execute them. 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.

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Other Options:

Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida), Will Levis (QB, Kentucky) - Two other options. Most connect the Colts to Richardson, but I can't in good confidence predict the Colts passing on Stroud. Despite some connection, I’d be surprised if this was Will Levis. I do not like him as a prospect, and feel this mock is generous. It feels plausible he slides to someone like Tampa Bay or Minnesota.

Georgia

Jalen Carter is most likely a Seahawk, a Bear or an Eagle come Thursday night and I can't see him lasting past pick No. 9 (Eagles would need to come up). Charlie is reporting the Lions, Raiders and Falcons aren’t taking Carter - which matches other reports and logical fits with culture; I had presumed this anyway. If he isn’t taken here, the Eagles are reportedly keen to jump the Bears.

I’m going to commit to Carter at No. 5. I’m slightly nervous about Seattle taking him, as they too have prioritized character a bit more in recent years, but they have a lot of draft capital this year, a pretty good roster, and the front office’s track record to take a calculated risk here with Jalen Carter here. The fit makes sense, and several seem to believe that they don’t think Seattle passes on Carter. The need, fit and value here seems like the Goldilocks spot. Also, there are a lot of good 3-4 caliber edge rushers in the 20 range, or on Day 2, whereas Carter is the runaway best IDL prospect, so it would make more sense to take Carter here in my opinion.

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. Carter is no doubt a risk - I have real reservations about his reported work ethic issues, and his alarming lack of production at college given his talent level. Equally, his ability is visible to anyone with a moderate knowledge of the sport. Some of Carter’s high moments are beyond impressive, and he can just do things others can’t. His skill-set is rare. Carter is a special IDL prospect with NFL-pass rushing upside, immense run stopping ability and could be a seamless 3-tech fit in a 4-3 defensive scheme, or a quality 3-4 heavy-built defensive end.

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Other Options:

Tyree Wilson (EDGE, Texas Tech, Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE, Alabama) - If the Texans rumors are true, both are probably top-3 draft choices without trade downs. If either/or available, they may deem them safer caliber

Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois) - The Seahawks reportedly like Devon Witherspoon. If Seattle isn't sold on Carter’s character, and Wilson/Anderson Jr. are off the board, I think their backup option is Witherspoon.

Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida) - The Seahawks could entertain Richardson as a 1-2 year project behind Geno Smith.

Illinois

I’m retracting my hot take of Bijan at No. 6. I believe it could still happen, but the fiscal cons and positional value probably deem it unlikely, as much as I think the fit will be gorgeous. I'll be kicking myself if Bijan goes to the Lions, as its been perennially the case in my mocks.

The current regime of the Lions have done a text-book job in building a competitive team, and one of the best rosters in the NFC now. A lot of this is due to their trust in the draft board, not panicking, and banking on premium positions early (Penei Sewell in 2021, Aidan Hutchinson in 2022). The safest prediction here is probably Devon Witherspoon on this basis, as he feels a great cultural fit as a gritty, high character player with stellar tape and NFL-translatable traits. Witherspoon would make last year’s weakness one of this roster’s greats strengths, and give them some flexibility on what to do at No. 18.

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 candidate to be a top-tier NFL defender early in his career.

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Other Options:

Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon) - Witherspoon feels more like a Lion than Gonzalez, but they are roughly equivalent prospects. If they go CB, I’m 60/40 leaning towards Witherspoon, but would like Gonzalez too.

Tyree Wilson (EDGE, Texas Tech), Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE, Alabama) - This is the floor for either/or player if Houston passes on a QB. If they do not, one could feasibly make it here. Wilson is probably more likely to slide here than Anderson.

Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas) - I would be one of the few people who wouldn’t criticize this move. The Lions feel like a perfect fit for him, and he’s the best player in the class. Could he be too good to pass up?

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 inside 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.

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Other Options:

Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois) - It’s practically a coin flip if both are available.

Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida) - Charlie reported the Raiders prefer RIchardson to Levis if they do opt for a QB. He’s available, but the Raiders don’t feel like a team in position to groom a future QB.

Paris Johnson (OT, Ohio State), Peter Skoronski (G/OT, Northwestern) - The Raiders’ OL exceeded expectations in 2022, but they still need at least 2 upgrades.

Texas

I think the Falcons have been smart in their FA decisions; they aren’t sorted at any position of need, but have made some short-term improvements across the board to ensure they aren’t forced into taking a defender early if the right player isn’t available. Anderson, Wilson, Witherspoon and Gonzalez are all gone in this mock.

If this is the case, I think either Peter Skoronski or Bijan Robinson is the most likely pick here. Skoronski would finish off their offensive line at left guard, and Bijan Robinson would be Arthur Smith's next Derrick Henry. Although Tyler Allegier was great in 2022 as a rookie, I am starting to wonder whether the Falcons can pass on Bijan. It would also fit in with their M.O. under Terry Fontenot - draft BPA offensive weapons (Kyle Pitts, Drake London).

This is the first time I have not mocked Bijan Robinson to the Lions. In my opinion, Bijan Robinson is justifiable at No. 6. I appreciate he’s a running back, but he's the only player in this class that teams have an elite grade on according to Charlie Campbell, and although the term gets thrown around a lot, Bijan truly is generational. Teams are enamored with him, and some believe he has a higher ceiling than Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott and Christian McCaffrey.

The Falcons feel like a good fit for Bijan. Like Kyle Pitts, he's just a freakish prospect with a high floor and immeasurable ceiling, and could take this offense to the next level alongside mismatch weapons like Pitts and London. With the upmost respect to Allegier, who was awesome as a rookie, Robinson is a rare once in a decade type prospect, essentially acting as a No. 2 receiver and lead back, allowing Allegier to still have a role on that offense. I will be kicking myself if this is Skoronski, as that is a hand-in-glove fit - but if I had a gun to my head, I think the Falcons will settle on the best player in the draft if available. That is Bijan Robinson.

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Other Options:

Peter Skoronski (G/OT, Northwestern) - This has been a common pick for me at No. 8. Skoronski is reportedly liked by Atlanta and would finish off their OL, much like Sewell to the Lions 2 years ago.

Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa) - Van Ness is also starting to come into his range, with this being his earliest feasible spot. I don’t like the Nolan Smith-Falcons connection this high in the draft that has been mocked commonly recently, as he’s more of a late 1st rounder in my opinion. I wouldn’t mind Van Ness, though.

Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon), Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois) -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. Gonzalez has an excellent skill-set and could break the top-10. Neither is available in this mock, but could be during the real thing.

Texas Tech

The Bears did a tremendous job trading down for a haul and a new WR1 in DJ Moore. However, what they do here is now a true enigma. Jalen Carter could be here if the Seahawks don’t take him, and the Eagles don’t trade up - that’s the dream pick, but not an option in this mock. I also love the fit of Paris Johnson Jr., but it appears he could go higher than expected to the Arizona Cardinals. Meanwhile, Tyree Wilson could either go as high as 2nd overall, or be in for a late slide due to his problematic foot. Charlie reported a team in the top-10 has him off the board as they aren't satisfied his foot was correctly operated on with late X-Rays.

Wilson is an incredible athlete with great length, speed and explosion, who could be a tremendous 4-3 defensive end for Matt Eberflus. A 4-year starter, Wilson would be a quality consolation prize if Carter goes, and if he slides due to medical reasons/top-3 weirdness

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Other Options:

Paris Johnson Jr. (OT, Ohio State), Peter Skoronski (G/OT, Northwestern), Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee) - I really like Skoronski and have him as OL1, but for Chicago, I don't love the Skoronski fit. Darnell Wright is making a late push as a potential fit, depending on what you read. He’s rising fast, and he’s a plug and play RT. Johnson is trending to being off the board.

Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa), Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia) - Carter is probably the pick if available. Van Ness also could be a good scheme fit, and the Bears desperately need help at defensive end.

Georgia

Since their 2017 Super Bowl victory, the Eagles have only drafted OL, DL or WR in Round 1 (trading further picks for another WR). They have clear early-round priorities, and it’s their trenches. Given their need for future pass rush talent after their free agency exodus, I expect they will stick to the script. Charlie Campbell is reported the Eagles are seriously entertaining a move into the top-10 for Jalen Carter if he slides past Seattle. However, I don’t mock trades as it is pure fantasy most of the time.

Their back up plans seem to be either Lukas Van Ness or Nolan Smith. Although I'm nervous I may be knee-jerk reacting to late reports, a lot of analysts I respect (Charlie, Ben Standig, Ben Allbright) are all connecting the dots to Nolan Smith. This is logical in their final mocks, which considering his similarity to Hassan Reddick isn't a shock. This gives me the option to hedge my bets with the Packers at No. 13, so I'll take the risk and bite on the rumor.

Smith was the star of the combine with his ridiculous athletic testing, and is rising as a prospect. On tape, Nolan Smith is candidly more of a Day 2 prospect, and I prefer him in the 16-25 range because of this. He had solid moments, but overall disappointed last year.

Smith is undeniably an athletic freak, though. He is insanely fast, and I think he’s versatile as a base 4-3 end or a 3-4 standup OLB. Some even speculate he could have a Micah Parsons-esque roll and play edge rusher in obvious passing downs, and move to off-ball in run scenarios. I think he's a plus run defender, which would also appeal to the Eagles who tanked in this regard once Jordan Davis went down. The Eagles have heavily drafted from Georgia in recent years, and that could continue in 2023.

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Other Options:

Jalen Carter (DT, Georgia) - Carter's floor is surely No. 10 to Philadelphia, and it sounds like they could even move him for him. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis on the same front seems borderline unfair.

Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa) - Charlie has both reported the Eagles’ interest in Van Ness has a contingency, and that some teams at the end of the top-10 were considering him. Philadelphia makes complete sense as being one of them.

Peter Skoronski (G/OT, Northwestern), Paris Johnson Jr. (OT, Ohio State) - 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 year, and whilst regrettable, 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. The above logic could theoretically apply to Johnson, too, although he profiles as a LT in the pros.

Florida

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. The Titans should be in BPA mode for this draft, but are dark horses to take a QB. I think it would be buffoonish to give up the farm to move up to No. 3 given the state of the team, but at No. 11, taking a QB feels like a justifiable move - especially if Johnson Jr. and Skoronski are off the board. Tannehill has regressed, and Malik Willis was abysmal as a rookie.

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.

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Other Options:

Will Levis (QB, Kentucky) - Richardson would be the better option, but Levis could be the last man standing. I hate the idea of Tennessee moving to No. 3 for both these flawed prospects, but I’d be fine with it at No. 11.

Peter Skoronski (OT/G, Northwestern), Paris Johnson Jr. (OT, Ohio State), Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee) - The Titans arguably had the worst OL in the NFL last year. They need a franchise LT and multiple other OL upgrades. Not a single spot on their OL is safe going into ‘23. They could justify spending their first 2 choices on offensive lineman like the Colts did in ‘18.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State), Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU), Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College), Jordan Addison (WR, USC) - The Titans need more receivers beyond Burks. This is one of the weirdest WR drafts in recent memory. There is no consensus on the top-4 prospects named above, and they could go in any order. My favorite of the bunch is Quentin Johnston, but I’m presuming JSN goes first based on rumors.

Ohio State

Multiple reports suggest that the Texans are picking a receiver at No. 12, and I’ve perennially mocked Jaxon Smith-Njigba at this spot. I prefer Quentin Johnston, but JSN has settled as my WR2 and I think the fit Shanahan-esque Slowik's offense makes sense, so I think this would be a justifiable call - especially if they do, in fact, take CJ Stroud. I considered Will Levis a couple of times like Charlie has, but several beat writers don't believe the Texans will force a QB at No. 12. Perhaps they'd consider Hendon Hooker, or a Day 2/3 prospect like Jake Haener or Tanner McKee.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba doesn’t have the athletic profile to be a shoe-in top-10 pick like he was early into the ‘22 college season, and only having 1 season of real tape is a big concern - as is his durability. However, I couldn't be too harsh because of what a damn good season that was. In ‘21, he was the Buckeyes’ most productive receiver, alongside future NFL stars Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. He’s a high-floor prospect for the NFL, and would be the instant WR1 in Houston.

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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, but is another reported consideration according to Tony Pauline.

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.

Iowa

A lot of people - myself too, at times - have connected Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Dalton Kincaid here. It wouldn't surprise me at all - much like the Seahawks finally got better protection after losing Russell Wilson, drafting two OT's in the first 3 rounds last year, 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.

However, if Lukas Van Ness is available, I strongly suspect he is Plan A and would be another logic prospect to jump New England for. The Packers have a dire need at pass rush alongside Rashan Gary, and Van Ness fits the Packers' defensive protoype like a glove - great size, hyper athletic and versatile enough to play in 3-4.

Lukas Van Ness didn’t play much as a starter at Iowa, and showed flashes more than consistent dominance. However, I think he will settle as a top-16 pick due to his elite physical skill-set, high-end tape and versatility. Van Ness could be a terrific 3-4 pass rushing 5-tech, but I also like him as a 4-3 base end. He feels like a Brian Gutekunst draft crush.

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Other Options:

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State), Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah) - Two popular targets. JSN would be a great pick. I think this is too early for Kincaid, IMO, but the Packers have done a deep dive into all the TE's in this class, so I wouldn't be shocked if Kincaid is their Plan B.

Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson) - This feels early for Murphy at this point, who is a Rashan Gary clone, but I think I'd prefer it over Kincaid. Smith/McDonald aren't the most Gutekunst-esque edge rushers, so I won't list them.

Brian Branch (S/CB, Alabama) - The Packers had some of the worst safety performances I’ve ever seen in ‘22. Branch is the consensus SAF1 in this draft class, and this would be about the right sort of range for him, but they may not value him over an edge rusher. I also wonder if Branch may be more of a nickel in the NFL than a pure safety, and the Packers have a decent one in Rasul Douglas.

Northwestern

The Patriots are a loose cannon in the draft world, and always do their own thing. I’ve typically mocked receiver to New England with JSN, Quentin Johnston and Zay Flowers all being feasible options. However, in this mock I have Skoronski sliding outside the top-10 due to his projection as an interior lineman over a tackle. He's just too good to pass up here, in my opinion, and the Patriots have a history of moving versatile players across their OL to fit.

Skoronski is my 6th rated player, with elite pass protecting ability and a very high floor entering the NFL, so this would be a terrific selection. 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 Patriots, they have options - kick Ewonwu to tackle and play Skoronski at guard, player Skoronski at RT over Reiff, or move Brown to guard, try Skoronski at LT and have Reiff as the No. 6 man. 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 and his new team can at least kick the tires at tackle.

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Other Options:

Darnell Wright (OT, Tennessee), Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia) - Two more OL options for New England.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State, Zay Flowers (WR, Boston College) - No consensus on the receivers, but JSN and Flowers feel the more "Patriot-y" to me.

Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State), Brian Branch (S/CB, Alabama) - I nearly put Gonzalez here, but the Patriots have had great success with Day 2/3/UDFA corners and safeties, so I’d be surprised if they took one in Round 1.

Tennessee

The deal is done - Rodgers is a Jet. Now, they need insure their offensive line. 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, too. 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 they'll probably throw the kitchen sink at the o-line to ensure he stays upright.

Broderick Jones is the most popular pick here, but he feels risky. After busting on Mekhi Becton (well, probably, one more year to see) Darnell Wright feels like a safer player for Joe Douglas, and one who could go higher than expected as a safe, plug and play RT prospect. 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

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Other Options:

Paris Johnson Jr. (OT, Ohio State), Peter Skoronski (OT/G, Northwestern), Broderick Jones (OT, Georgia) - I’d be surprised if Johnson was available, and Skoronski is a long shot too who may not fit well as he profiles similarly to Alijah Vera-Tucker. Can they accommodate two “any OL position” players? Possibly, but they’d probably want a bonafide tackle. I

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State) - JSN to Jets noise has picked up some steam, and I honestly wouldn’t hate it if they took Smith-Njigba here if they trade for Rodgers. He’s better value here than either tackle, in my opinion, and brings high floor WR play in the slot after trading away Elijah Moore.

Mississippi State

The Commanders feel destined to take a DB with this pick, and that has commonly been Joey Porter Jr. However, in this mock, I’m making the risk move to push away from Porter Jr. in favor of a late riser - Emmanuel Forbes. I'm personally very bullish on Deonte Banks here, but Forbes would be a good fit for Del Rio as a speedy, ball hawk of a corner.

On tape, Emmanuel Forbes is probably a top-20 pick as he is in my final mock draft. However, he is the “slim reaper” of cornerbacks, as he is scarily thin and if he slides, that will be why. Still, Forbes is athletic, sticky to receivers and a ball hawk. The Commanders desperately need better play at cornerback. Charlie reported today (day before the draft) that Forbes could surpass Joey Porter Jr. as CB3, and I'd be surprised if he wasn't a 1st rounder at this point. I think Forbes' floor is the Bengals, and would now be surprised if he wasn't a 1st rounder.

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Other Options:

Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland), Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State), Brian Branch (S/CB, Alabama) - I nearly mocked Banks here. Branch feels like a good fit and nearly mocked him to the Commanders, but I think they may move Kendall Fuller to slot, and the value for a safety is better on Day 2. Maybe it’ll be Porter Jr., and I’ll have egg on my face.

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