Spencer Flohr Mock Draft 2.0 (Trades Included)

published on 2/14/2023


⇐ My Mock Drafts   |  View All Mocks

Round 1

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

The Bears would shock the world if they elected to stick and pick here at #1. There will be many teams clamoring for this pick, but I expect Chicago to like the idea of swapping with the Texans, which should allow them to still select Jalen Carter. Bryce Young's lack of size rightfully scares teams, but his accuracy, arm talent, and winning intangibles more than make up for it. If Young can hold up physically, the Texans will be set with both their head coach and QB of the future.


2. Bears: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

This is a dream scenario for the Bears as they get to trade back and still acquire one of the player they likely would've selected #1 overall in Jalen Carter. Carter is an absolute game wrecker reminiscent of Ndamukong Suh. Whether Carter or Will Anderson Jr. is the better player is pretty much a coinflip, but it's easier to find premier edge rush talent than it is to find a true monster in the interior of the defensive line + Matt Eberflus's defense calls for a dominant 3-tech player, which Carter is.


3. Cardinals: Will Anderson, DE, Alabama

The Cardinals are likely another team that would love to trade down and stockpile picks, but it takes two to tango. With the top two QBs off the board, no one will offer them a package worthy of the third pick and thus, they'll take potentially the best player in the draft in Will Anderson Jr.. Anderson is a can't miss prospect that should add some immediate talent to a Cardinals pass rush severely lacking in just that.


4. Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

It seems there's at least one QB each year who flies up draft boards seemingly inexplicably, this year that is Will Levis. Levis' arm strength and athleticism show shades of Josh Allen, but (much like Allen), he was largely ineffective at the college level. The main issue is that he's a relatively old prospect at 23, how much higher can his ceiling get? Despite my own reservations with Levis though, Levis is going to go high in the draft, and he's the type of big bodied QB Chris Ballard is bound to fall in love with.


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

TRADE - With the retirement of Tom Brady, the Raiders potential options are basically narrowed down to a rookie or Aaron Rodgers. Predicting what Rodgers is going to do is always a crap shoot so I'll predict the Raiders to outbid other teams to move up and get Stroud. Stroud has been pinpoint accurate throughout his career and has a prototypical stature for an NFL QB. There were questions about his mobility and ability to extend plays, but he seemingly answered those with a phenomenal game against Georgia in the College Football Playoffs. He is the kind of accurate pocket passer that Josh McDaniels loves to work with.


6. Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

The Lions defense was absolutely horrible last season and the main reason was their secondary. Witherspoon is a scrappy and physical corner with ideal size to line up as a true #1 on the outside. His tape alone makes him worthy of a top selection and I expect Dan Campbell to be a massive fan of his tough play style.


7. Seahawks: Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech

TRADE - Seattle could look at Anthony Richardson if contracts talks with Geno Smith fall through, but that seems unlikely. Instead, they address a front seven that was brutal throughout the season by adding Tyree Wilson, an athletic EDGE with versatility to play almost anywhere on the line or as an outside linebacker. He should team up with Uchenna Nwosu to provide a spark to Seattle's pass rush.


8. Titans: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

TRADE - This may seem shocking to some but apparently the Titans have put in a trade offer to move up to #1 already, which means they have their eyes on securing their QB of the future. The Panthers will surely take Richardson if he falls to them so the Titans move up and grab him. Richardson has all the traits people like about Levis but also happens to be faster and younger. Richardson will need time to fine tune his mechanics and understanding of an NFL offense so a year or two sitting behind Tannehill is the perfect setting for him.


9. Panthers: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

The Panthers will be disappointed to miss out on a QB, but in a terrible NFC South, they actually have a chance to win the division. Thus, they roll with Sam Darnold and select maybe the best player in this class in Bijan Robinson. Robinson will be able to do a lot of the things Christian McCaffrey once did for Carolina and will provide an instant boost to the Panthers' offense.


10. Eagles: Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern

The Eagles are in a position to make luxury picks and this is exactly that. Skoronski is technically sound and versatile enough to play guard as a rookie (Isaac Seumalo is an impending free agent) before eventually becoming the right tackle of the future when Lane Johnson retires.


11. Falcons: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

TRADE - The Falcons ranked 31st in sacks last season, and don't have a clear EDGE talent on the roster outside of possibly Arnold Ebiketie. Murphy has ideal size and length and already has a solid repertoire of pass rush moves at his disposal. His tape wasn't amazing and that seems to be pushing him down boards, but Atlanta is so desperate for pass rush, they'll be willing to take a chance on him.


12. Texans: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Texans should be in the business of taking the best player available and at this point that very well could be Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez has ideal size to line up outside and his coverage technique has already been proven at Oregon. He may not have superstar potential but his floor is probably the highest of the round 1 corners. He'd be an instant starter next to Derek Stingley.


13. Jets: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State

While I do think this pick could eventually end up in Green Bay, if the Jets do hang on to it they will need to upgrade at tackle. Mekhi Becton has been inconsistent and injured while George Fant is simply washed up. It's tough to differentiate between the top 3 tackles, but Johnson has been commended for his elite intelligence and work ethic.


14. Patriots: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

The Patriots receiver room isn't necessarily bad, but it lacks any kind of juice. Zay Flowers simply makes things happen with the ball in his hand and if the Pats want to see Mac Jones continue to develop, they need to get him some more dynamic playmakers. Flowers would be a shot in the arm.


15. Packers: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

The Packers offensive weapons have long been a topic of conversation and no matter who they have at QB next year needs better options. They have a decent young duo at wide receiver in Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, but the only tight end on their roster is Josiah Deguara. Mayer is a complete tight end who can serve as both a strong blocker in the run game and a steady receiver. This would be a home run pick.


16. Commanders: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Commanders offensive line was a disaster last year and with Charles Leno getting older and Sam Cosmi likely moving to guard, they need a new face at tackle. Jones' technique needs some refining but he's a freak athlete that's put some special things on tape. The Commanders have a ton of question marks right now, solidifying their right tackle of the future will be a good first step in finding some answers.


Picks 1-16