Author Archives: Daniel Garrett

Favorite Day Three Prospects

Day two of the NFL draft is in the books, and we look forward to the top prospects left for day three. I surveyed some of our own NFL draft experts, along with experts from some popular draft outlets to get a sense of some of the favorites still left on the board.

JP Acosta – SB Nation: AT Perry, WR, Wake Forest
AT Perry favorite day three prospects
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Gerry Broome

“Perry is a senior coming from a gimmicky Wake First offense, but he provides a nice blend of speed and size. He can stretch the field as an outside receiver and has a bit more finesse to his route running than other receivers. He’s limited in the amount of routes he ran, but for a team who wants speed on the outside, AT Perry is a solid pick on Day 3.”

Zack Dietz – Giants Country: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina

“One of my favorite remaining prospects is South Carolina CB, Darius Rush. Blessed with great size, length, and athleticism, the former Gamecock is an experienced defensive back who would be an ideal in press-heavy schemes. Many analysts saw him as the better SC corner over Smith, who Miami selected in the second round last night.”

Tyler Forness – Vikings Wire: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina

“Darius Rush is my favorite defender in the draft class and a member of the All-Forno team. A freaky athlete that can make up ground in coverage, Rush needs to work on staying with the receiver early on in the route to become a capable starter.”

Saivion Mixson – ATB Network: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina

“The fact that Darius Rush is here is insane. Rush has what it takes to be a corner for a LONG TIME in this league. His ability to recognize a receiver’s routes and a receiver’s hips into and out of routes was on display at the Senior Bowl and I thought would be enough for someone to take him in the third. Oh well, someone is going to get a good immediate depth piece that could become more later in his career.”

Eric Edholm – NFL.com: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

“He’s small, sure, but his reaction skills, ball skills, and competitiveness all stand out. Maybe he’s only a slot, but less-talented, smaller corners were taken before him.”

Devin Jackson – Philadelphia Inquirer: Jalen Cropper, WR, Fresno St

“Cropper is more quick than fast, using varied route tempo with natural hands to attack the ball over the middle of the field while having the versatility to be used all over the field, creating chunk yardage plays on pop passes and jet sweeps. I believe he can be a high-end WR3 in an offense with how savvy he is exploring zone coverage.”

Mitch Wolfe – Eagle Insider/Still Curtain: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

“This time last year, if you would’ve tried to tell anyone that Kelee Ringo would be a Day 3 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, they would’ve assumed he suffered a catastrophic injury or (had) done something terrible off the field. But neither of those things happened and yet, Ringo remains.

The 20-year-old CB from Georgia started for two years on one of the best defenses in college football history. He even ran in the 4.3s at the Combine. But there were concerns about his lateral agility and ability to consistently mirror quicker receivers. Some even predicted that he would move to safety.

These concerns were well-founded when it came to Ringo as a first-round prospect. But on Day 3, even if he does have to move to safety, his physical tools are simply too enticing to pass up.”

Ian Cummings – Pro Football Network: Isaiah McGuire, Edge, Missouri
Isaiah McGuire day three prospects
Photo Credit: David Carson, Post-Dispatch

“My favorite remaining prospect on Day 3 is Missouri EDGE Isaiah McGuire. He’s 6’4”, 270 pounds, with near-34” arms. High-end explosiveness off the snap and elite power capacity, but also has underrated bend for his size, and a working pass-rush arsenal around the apex. Stacks a high motor in both phases on top of it all. He’s my 40th overall prospect.”

Aaron Freeman – Locked On Falcons: Isaiah McGuire, Edge, Missouri

“We have seen recent years produce capable pass-rushers on the third day of the draft including Maxx Crosby, Josh Sweat, Carl Lawson, and Matt Judon. If there was somebody in this year’s class that I would bet on that could turn into that type of pro, McGuire would be my pick. He possesses the size, power, and a well-developed array of moves and his dominant tape against first-round Georgia tackle Broderick Jones is more than enough to sell you on his upside.”

Cory Kinnan – Browns Wire: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati

“Scott slipping to day three is criminal. One of the more explosive receivers in the class, Scott has an underrated ability to throttle down seamlessly and create blind spots. Not just a speed guy, Scott will make the NFL pay.”

Brian Maafi – ATB Network: Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern

“Day three is typically about two different type of players, either a guy with traits and upside you take a shot on, or someone who has a decent floor, but maybe not much upside but can contribute in a specific role. Adebawore is the former. He has the highest ceiling of all the players left in my opinion and is a player I think would be worth the shot.”

Daniel Olinger – The Draft Network: Christopher Smith II, S, Georgia

“Watching Jalen Carter’s film the last two days, Smith pops immediately too on Georgia’s tape. He’s a maniac who loves nothing more than getting a 20-yard running start before blowing someone up in the backfield. I know safety isn’t a premium position, but Smith was a starter on the national champion team’s defense for a reason. He can definitely work his way to being a starter at the next level.”

Alex Katson – Neptune Scouting/Chargers Wire: Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton

“An NCAA record-setting heptathlete on the track, Iosivas should be appealing for teams looking to add developmental speed on Day 3. He played in the Ivy League and skipped spring practice every season to run track, but he flashes legit ability at all three levels of the field on tape.”

Honorable Mentions:

There are many others that deserve mention as favorite players left on day three. Here are a few others that weren’t mentioned.

Jay Ward, S, LSU

Jay Ward is a versatile piece for any secondary. He can play as either a nickel or as a deep safety. He’ll be equally good at either and will be able to carve out a role as a third or fourth safety for a team. I believe he can be a budget version of Quan Martin, who the Commanders drafted at pick 47.

Nick Herbig, Edge, Wisconsin

Nick Herbig is a very intriguing player. There is not a consensus on where he will play at the next level. Some think he’s best as an edge rusher, others as an off-ball linebacker due to his size limitations. Either way, Herbig is a round 3 caliber player who fell. His skill set as a pass rusher is what is most enticing for me.

Daniel Scott, S, Cal

Daniel Scott is one of my favorite day-three safeties. He impressed me at the Senior Bowl where I thought he was one of the top safeties there. On his physicality there, Scott noted “We got full pads on… obviously got a little bit of jitters so you want to play a little faster, compete a little bit, but I just wanted to show, you know just cause I’m not six-five… and 200 something pounds I can still bang with people, still cover, show my versatility.” Overall, I think he will be a good value for whoever selects him.

Luke Wypler, iOL, Ohio State

Luke Wypler is one of my favorite centers in the draft. In fact, I like him more than some interior linemen draft on day two. He has very good movement ability and should have enough anchor to hold up at the next level. I believe someone is getting a starting caliber player on day three, given he goes into the right scheme.

Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan St

Bryce Baringer is the top punter in the draft this year, and whoever drafts him will get immediate improvement at that position (and won’t spend a 3rd rounder on it… 49ers). Baringer boomed punts for the Spartans this past season but has been working to improve his hangtime. Baringer talked about the switch from college to the NFL where there aren’t three or four guys that release on the snap, stressing the need for added hangtime, saying “If they can’t return it, I did my job”.

NFL Draft: Browns Day Two Recap

For the Cleveland Browns, day two of the NFL draft was pretty quiet, with just two selections in the third round and no trades. They attacked value with the first selection and attacked a need with the second selection. Overall, it was a fairly successful day two for the Browns. It could have been better, but it was still solid.

74: Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

Cedric Tillman Browns Day Two
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

The Browns add another outside playmaker in Cedric Tillman out of Tennessee. Tillman battled injuries this past season, but he was extremely productive in 2021. In 2022, Tillman had 37 receptions for 417 yards and 3 touchdowns, for 11.3 YPR. However, in 2021 he had 64 catches for 1081 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 16.9 YPR.

If Tillman can stay healthy, he will be a productive outside receiver. Tillman ranked as the 62nd overall player and the 7th ranked receiver according to PFN’s consensus big board.

98: Siaki Ika, iDL, Baylor

Siaki Ika Browns Day Two
Photo Credit: John E. Moore III via Getty Images

With their second pick on day two of the NFL draft, the Browns add a big bodied nose tackle who can be a good asset in run defense for Jim Schwartz’s defense. Ika comes in at 6027, 335lbs. His athleticism does not match up with what the Browns typically take, but the awful performance stopping the run last year may be a cause for this drastic departure from their typical selection.

Ika was the 73rd overall player and the 2nd ranked nose tackle, and the 6th overall defensive tackle according to PFN’s consensus big board.

Day Three Selections

  • Round 4, Pick 111
  • Round 4, Pick 126 (from Minnesota)
  • Round 5, Pick 142 (from L.A. Rams)
  • Round 5, Pick 144
  • Round 6, Pick 190
  • Round 7, Pick 229

With these picks, the Browns have the flexibility to move around on day three, as well as to accrue future capital. The Browns still have needs to fill, but there are a ton of players left that can be contributors to the team.

Favorite Day Two Prospects

With round one of the NFL Draft in the books, we look forward to some of the top day-two prospects left. I surveyed some of our in-house NFL draft experts, along with experts from some popular draft outlets to get a sense of some of the favorites still on the board. Check out additional draft coverage at atbnetwork.com/nfl-draft/.

Brian Maafi – ATB Network: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Michael Mayer
Photo Credit: Chad Weaver/BGI

“He is one of probably two players in this class with the highest floor. Him and Bijan Robinson. He should come into an NFL offense and immediately contribute as a rookie both as a receiver and blocker. His ceiling may not be as high as some of the other tight ends in the class, but you know you are getting a guy who can come in and start from day 1.”

Saivion Mixson – ATB Network: Adetomiwa Adebaware, iDL, Northwestern
Adetomiwa Adebaware Day Two Prospects
Photo Credit: Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

“When Kancey went off the board and other names like Campbell and McDonald flew off earlier than we thought, I thought Ade was surely next. Man is electric, can play him all over the line, and is a specimen athletically. I don’t see him lasting very long in the second.”

Daniel Olinger – The Draft Network: Adetomiwa Adebaware, iDL, Northwestern

“Obviously I’m biased because he’s a Northwestern guy and a player I first tweeted about when he was just a true sophomore getting his first start back in 2020, but the dude can play. Unbelievably explosive off the line of scrimmage, versatility to play on both interior and at EDGE, build like an overly swole fire hydrant, and has one of the coolest names in the draft. Any team should be happy to take him in round two.”

JP Acosta – SB Nation: BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU
BJ Ojulari Day Two Prospects
Photo Credit: Jacob Reeder/LSU Athletics

“What I love about Ojulari is his refined ability to get after the passer. He has great bend and flexibility, and a repertoire of counters to go with his speed. He’s a little undersized, which causes a problem in the run game, but if you want a Day 2 player who will immediately give your pass rush some juice, take Ojulari.”

Alex Katson – Neptune Scouting/Chargers Wire: BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU

“An injury prevented Ojulari from testing at his full potential, but his bend is second-to-none in this class. His tape shows a ready-made NFL pass rusher with plenty of athletic upside.”

Cory Kinnan – Browns Wire: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
Brian Branch Day Two Prospects
Photo Credit: Andrew Wevers/USA Today Sports

“Sure, he played exclusively in the nickel this past season and did not test well at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, Brian Branch is a straight-up football player and willing to do the dirty work. Some team is going to get a top-15 talent at a bargain.”

Tyler Forness – Vikings Wire: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

“While he’s not a sexy pick for a lot of people, Branch is a do-it-all player on the back end who pairs good athleticism and versatility with elite football IQ. My 13th-ranked player in the 2023 class should come off the board quickly”

Aaron Freeman – Locked On Falcons: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

“I see shades of Minkah Fitzpatrick and Tyrann Mathieu when watching Branch, given his consistency, discipline, and play-making ability. His ability to be a plug-and-play nickel with lots of potential as a deep safety, somebody is going to get a very reliable component of their defense for many years to come.”

Ian Cummings – Pro Football Network: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

“Top 15 prospect for me. Doesn’t quite have elite long speed and has a niche as a nickel DB, so those could be reasons for his slide out of Round 1. Ultimately, I think Branch still has high-level short-area mobility and fluidity, to go along with clean off-man coverage technique, instincts, playmaking ability, and biting physicality in both phases. He’s a tremendous value deal wherever he goes today.”

Hunter Thompson – Neptune Scouting: Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech
Keion White Day Two Prospects
Photo Credit: Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

“Dude is a baller. He’s got awesome power. The size is everything you want at the NFL level. And he gives the defensive line some major versatility. He was a top 15 player on my board, so him falling into the second is insane. Someone’s getting a steal”

Honorable Mentions:

There are a few others that deserve mention as favorite players on day two. The guys mentioned are some of the top players left, so I’ll give a few lower additional guys who I really enjoy.

Quan Martin, S, Illinois

Quan Martin is an extremely versatile player in the Illinois secondary. He can play either as a nickel or as a deep safety. He has good coverage upside and is solid in the run game. Martin totaled three interceptions this past season. He is also an elite athlete for either a safety or a cornerback.

Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

Drew Sanders is one of the top linebackers in the draft, and projects to come off the board early on day two. Sanders provides versatility as both an off-ball linebacker and an edge rusher. While his coverage skills are lacking, he provides passing-down capabilities as a pass rusher.

Gervon Dexter, iDL, Florida

Dexter is a upside swing at the defensive tackle position. He had limited production, but there are a number of explanations for why. One reason may be the lack of help along the rest of the Florida defensive line. Another may be his egregious snap counts this past season. But, it could also be that he is slow off the ball despite having elite athleticism for the position. It’s definitely a risk, but one that I like in round three.

Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

Darnell Washington is a freak athlete at the tight end position with the upside to be a dominant force as both a blocker and a receiver. He needs work at both and hasn’t produced heavily at the college level, but that can be attributed to playing behind the best tight end in college football Brock Bowers. Washington showed flashes of brilliance, and has a chance to be one of the most physically dominant players in the NFL.

2023 Browns Mock Draft

The NFL Draft for the Browns starts on day two, where they will finally select at 74 (barring any trades). Cleveland has many positions to fill and will need a great draft to be championship contenders. We took a look at how the draft might play out for them on the five major mock draft simulators. For more coverage like the 2023 Browns Mock Draft, check out atbnetwork.com/nfl-draft/.

2023 Browns Mock Draft: The Draft Network

74: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Darnell Washington 2023 Browns Mock Draft
Photo Credit: Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Darnell Washington is a freak of nature playing tight end. Washington stands at a massive 6065 and 264lbs, and has immense upside both as a receiver and as a blocker. His production is low, but some of that is because he played with the best tight end in college football the past two years in Brock Bowers. Washington will immediately be asked to play in certain personnel groups and will eventually replace Harrison Bryant after his contract expires.

98: Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State

Zach Harrison never really put it all together at Ohio State, but he still has the physical tools that you can draft late on day two or on day three to try to develop. He is 6054, 274 lbs with 36 1/4″ arms. He jumped out of the stadium for someone 274 lbs, but struggled in the short shuttle and was just average in the 3-cone drill. Harrison fits a lot of what the Browns are looking for in the position and will help to provide depth there.

111: Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Alabama

Henry To’oTo’o will step in and help provide depth immediately to a depleted Browns linebacker corps. He’s an experienced player with multiple years starting, but still fits the Browns general age thresholds.

126: Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois

Jartavius Quan Martin is a versatile safety from Illinois. Martin can play a variety of spots. He played a majority of his snaps in his career in the slot, but also can play as a free safety, especially in two high coverages. Martin provides versatility to a weak Browns’ safety room.

140: Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford

Michael Wilson has limited production due to numerous injuries over his career at Stanford. Over his last three seasons he has played a combined 15 games. However, his tools make him a worthwhile day three selection.

142: Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane

Tyjae Spears is a bit smaller than the running backs the Browns have rostered currently, but his ability and value at this position have made him a must draft. The Browns have to start preparing for a future without Nick Chubb, and Spears has starting capabilities.

190: Nick Saldiveri, OT, Old Dominion

Saldiveri is a developmental tackle and has been consistently one of the top day three options across multiple mock drafts.

230: Broderic Martin, iDL, Western Kentucky

Broderic Martin is a big-bodied defensive tackle who the Browns could bring in to provide competition, and hopefully earn a spot on the team. He provides much needed size and run-stopping ability for the Browns.

2023 Browns Mock Draft: PFF

Overall Draft Grade: A-

74: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota St
Tucker Kraft - 2022 - Football - South Dakota State University Athletics
Photo Credit: Dave Eggen/Inertia

Tucker Kraft was the last of the group of starting-caliber tight ends (depending on your Luke Schoonmaker opinions), and being able to grab him at 74 would be a massive addition. Kraft is an immensely productive player at the FCS level, and will have time to develop before being asked to be the TE2 in 2024.

PFF Grade: B-

98: Nick Herbig, Edge, Wisconsin

Nick Herbig isn’t a great fit, as he is a bit of a tweener who doesn’t fit the Browns scheme all that well. However, he’s just a good football player that you can’t normally find at pick 98.

PFF Grade: A

Trade: Browns trade 111 and 190 for 100 and 231

PFF Grade: C+

100: Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma

Marvin Mims is the last remaining wide receiver from his tier, and dropped due to an abundance of slot-type receivers. He can be an impactful WR4 as a rookie for the Browns.

PFF Grade: A-

126: Nick Saldiveri, OT, Old Dominion

PFF Grade: A-

140: Keondre Coburn, iDL, Texas

Keondre Coburn is not a complete player, but he showed a lot of promise and has the size to be an NFL nose tackle.

PFF Grade: B+

Trade: Browns trade 142 and 231 for 160 and 185

PFF Grade: C+

160: Marte Mapu, LB/S, Sacramento St

Marte Mapu does not fit in the typical age range the Browns look for, but the value was too good to pass up. He is a position change candidate, having played safety in the past, but could move to linebacker for many teams. Mapu did play linebacker at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and the Senior Bowl.

PFF Grade: A+

185: Keaton Mitchell, RB, East Carolina

PFF Grade: A

229: Chamarri Conner, S, Virginia Tech

PFF Grade: A

2023 Browns Mock Draft: Pro Football Network

Trades (Multiple): Browns trade 74, 190 and 229 for 100, 141, and Dallas’s 2024 3rd
98: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
Cincinnati v Temple
Photo Credit: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Tyler Scott is a speedy wide receiver out of Cincinnati who can provide the Browns with the vertical spacing that they had hoped to get out of Anthony Schwartz.

100: Moro Ojomo, iDL, Texas

A smaller defensive tackle, Ojomo can still be a productive player. He has length that he uses to his advantage.

111: Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn

Owen Pappoe is an athletic linebacker who can be a developmental piece for a Browns team that needs difference-makers at the position.

126: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan

Luke Schoonmaker is a quality tight end who will eventually make a quality TE2. He was not insanely productive before this season, but was in a talented room. Schoonmaker falls outside the typical age markers the Browns have, but they need to bring in a tight end to be TE3 and to eventually take the TE2 role from Harrison Bryant.

140: Jay Ward, S, LSU

Jay Ward is a versatile safety who has played all over the field for LSU. He can play as a nickel or as a deep safety. He has experience in the box, but is not ideally suited for the role.

141: KJ Henry, Edge, Clemson

KJ Henry is an athletic edge defender for the Clemson Tigers who had his best season this past year. Henry falls outside the age restrictions, but at this point in the draft, the Browns may overlook that for Henry’s value.

142: Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas

Roschon Johnson has low tread on the tires, having been Bijan Robinson’s backup. Johnson can compete to be RB2 this season and can be looked at as a potential successor if he works out.

2023 Browns Mock Draft: NFL Mock Draft Database

74: Gervon Dexter, iDL, Florida
Gervon Dexter 2023 Browns Mock Draft
Photo Credit: David Bowie/Gatorcountry

Gervon Dexter did not have the most production at Florida, but there were many contributing factors. Dexter played many more snaps than he should have, due to their lack of depth. He also has been very slow off the ball. If the Browns can help correct these mistakes, he can be a quality defensive tackle.

Trade: Browns trade 98 to Chicago for 103 and 136
103: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

Jordan Battle can come in an compete for a starting safety spot for the Browns. Although it would be unlikely, Battle has some upside, and would have been considered an early second round selection last year had he come out.

111: Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State
Trades (Multiple): Browns trade 126 for 129, Jaguars 2024 5th and two 6ths, and Cowboys 2024 5th
129: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane

Dorian Williams is an athletic coverage linebacker from Tulane. Adding another piece will hopefully give the Browns a chance to solve the ongoing issues at the position.

Trade: Browns trade 140 for 141 and Las Vegas’s 2024 6th
141: Davis Allen, TE, Clemson

Davis Allen is an experienced tight end who tested well. Allen lacks the typical production you look for, but shows traits worth developing.

142: Nick Saldiveri, OT, Old Dominion
190: Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue

Charlie Jones doesn’t necessarily fit all the requirements the Browns usually look for, especially age. He’s 24 years already, but can be a useful player for the Browns in the slot

229: Nick Broeker, iOL, Ole Miss

Nick Broeker is simply a selection trying to add to the Browns offensive line depth. He has good athletic testing and should be able to compete for a roster spot.

2023 Browns Mock Draft: ESPN

74: Keeanu Benton, iDL, Wisconsin
Senior defensive tackle Keeanu Benton will enter 2023 NFL Draft.
Photo Credit: Dan Sanger/BadgerBlitz.com

Keeanu Benton is just an absolute monster on the interior. He would be amazing value at this selection, and could even be a trade up candidate if the Browns don’t value the rest of the interior defensive line class. Benton is athletically gifted and has produced well, finishing with six sacks this past season.

98: JiAyir Brown, S, Penn State

JiAyir Brown is not necessarily a Browns pick due to his age and only above average athleticism, but he can be a productive box safety for the Browns and adds a unique body to a depleted room. Pairing him with Battle helps upgrade the room significantly.

111: Isaiah McGuire, Edge, Missouri

Isaiah McGuire checks a lot of boxes for the Browns. He is a very athletic player who has a decent history of production and is still just 21 years old.

126: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Trade: Browns trade picks 140 and 190 to Giants for Pick 128
128: Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion

Zack Kuntz does not fit the typical age threshold, but he is an athletic freak who the Browns may consider. He was a late bloomer, breaking out after his transfer to Old Dominion, but he was the best value tight end available, and the Browns need a TE3 who can eventually be a TE2.

142: Ricky Stromberg, iOL, Arkansas

Ricky Stromberg is a solid center prospect if the Browns are looking to move off of Nick Harris. He has starter upside and is extremely athletic. Stromberg is personally my favorite day three center prospect.

229: Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State

Deuce Vaughn is an extremely fun running back prospect to take a flyer on. He tested as an above-average athlete but is extremely small. Vaughn has exciting film, but the size is a major concern. A flyer selection at 229 is definitely worth it.

2023 NFL Mock Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is upon us, and it is time for a barrage of mock drafts. In this mock draft, there were no trades unless they had already been made. This is a predictive mock draft and not indicative of my thoughts on players individually. That said, let’s get into my 2023 NFL mock draft.

1. Carolina Panthers (via Chicago): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Allstate Sugar Bowl - Alabama v Kansas State
Photo Credit: Sean Gardner/Getty Images

After the Panthers traded for the number one overall pick, the general thought was it would be for CJ Stroud. More recently, the growing consensus is that Bryce Young will be the selection at number one. One of the top signal callers in the class, Young is a playmaker and will help a struggling team that still has pieces.

2. Houston Texans: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech

The Houston Texans have long been rumored to be interested in Bryce Young to be their franchise quarterback. With him off the board, they pivot to a pass rusher who can help Demeco Ryans’ defense in an empty edge room.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama

The consensus top edge rusher in the draft, and many people’s top player in the draft, Anderson comes off the board at three to a desperate Cardinals team that needs talent at any position. If the Cardinals can trade back for a solid haul to a team looking to move up for a quarterback in front of Indianapolis, they will.

4. Indianapolis Colts: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

CJ Stroud is one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft, and the Colts are in desperate need of help at the position. While they may lean towards the upside of a Will Levis, with Stroud on the board they grab a more plug-and-play quarterback who can start for them immediately.

5. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

The Seahawks do have a quality starter in Geno Smith at quarterback, but they take a swing for the fences here with Richardson to give themselves a high upside player at the position. Seattle could very easily go defense here and select one of the top edge rushers in the class. A bigger edge like Tyree Wilson would be a fantastic fit — if he were to fall.

6. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 15 Minnesota at Illinois
Photo Credit: Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Detroit has added a bunch of pieces in the secondary this offseason, but they are all on short-term deals, so they may still search for the answer in the secondary. Witherspoon is a fantastic personality fit in Detroit with Dan Campbell and should fit into a young defense looking to make a massive leap this season.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Raiders are in need of help across the entirety of their defense, as well as at multiple spots on the offense, both short-term and long-term. The only positions I would be surprised by here are receiver and running back. Gonzalez is one of the top corners in the class and will slot in as an immediate upgrade.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Now I know a lot of Falcons fans will be mad if this is the selection, but Robinson is one of the top players in this draft class, and Atlanta has shown a propensity to draft playmakers early. That will be especially important this season, as Desmond Ridder looks to prove himself to be the franchise quarterback.

With both the top edge rushers and top cornerbacks off the board, this draft didn’t necessarily fall great for the Falcons. They could still go defensive line with Jalen Carter or even offensive line with a versatile piece in Peter Skoronski. Also, I would not be shocked by them selecting Georgia product Nolan Smith here.

9. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

After the Bears got a massive haul to move out of the first overall selection from the Panthers, the consensus was that they would draft a right tackle to help protect Justin Fields. However, with a need at defensive tackle, the Bears go Jalen Carter here. It was a great mix of need and best player available. Carter can be an impact player for the Bears rebuilding defense.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans): Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

The Philadelphia Eagles love to attack the trenches early in the draft. Skoronski can be a plug-and-play guard who has All-Pro upside at the position. Skoronski can also be a serviceable tackle at the next level. They can attack the defensive line with their second pick in the first round.

11. Tennessee Titans: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Will Levis 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Photo Credit: Andy Lyons via Getty Images

I’m not sure Will Levis makes it this far in the draft, as a lot of teams are rumored to like him. However, he falls here to Tennessee (who may be a team willing to trade up for him) and they get to let him sit behind Tannehill for a season before taking the reigns. Levis has an immensely high ceiling and can help the Titans as they rebuild around a cheap rookie quarterback contract.

12. Houston Texans (via Cleveland): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The Texans passed on a quarterback at two, but still might look to add to the receiving corps for whomever eventually becomes their franchise quarterback. Smith-Njigba was extremely productive in 2021 at Ohio State before being riddled with an injury this past season.

13. Green Bay Packers (via New York Jets): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

The Packers recently traded quarterback Aaron Rodgers and now look to provide support to Jordan Love. With Smith-Njigba off the board, the Packers go to the tight end spot to add an electric pass catcher with Kincaid. The Packers are a team with size thresholds at the receiver position, so a lot of the top receivers in this draft won’t be of interest to them.

14. New England Patriots: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

The Patriots currently have Trent Brown and Riley Reiff at offensive tackle, but Reiff is on just a one-year deal, and the money is not significant enough to stop Johnson from playing. Johnson also has guard versatility, which the Patriots don’t need but may like.

15. New York Jets (via Green Bay): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Jets need an offensive tackle to protect new star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and Jones is the best left tackle available. The Jets would most likely consider any of the top four offensive tackles at this spot. A dark-horse selection would be along the defensive line or at receiver, although I don’t view either as likely.

16. Washington Commanders: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

The Commanders go into the season with Benjamin St-Juste as one of their projected starting outside cornerbacks. While St-Juste has been fine for a third round pick, they could still use an upgrade. Joey Porter Jr. has exceptional length for the position and could be a great corner, but is the third cornerback selected due to stiffness concerns. The Commanders could also go for an offensive tackle, despite signing Andrew Wylie in the offseason.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Darnell Wright is the last of the consensus top four offensive tackles in this class, and the Steelers grab him before the dip. Wright played much better in 2022 at right tackle after struggling in 2021 at left tackle.

18. Detroit Lions: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

There are many concerns with Calijah Kancey that may cause him to fall, but in a class that is devoid of depth at defensive tackle, his production will cause him to go higher than many might think. Although he is undersized, he has produced at a very high level while at Pittsburgh.

Kancey provides the Lions with another piece up front after going secondary early. The Lions would then have two high-upside three-techs with Kancey and Levi Onwuzurike.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

The Buccaneers need a new tackle after parting ways with Donovan Smith, and Harrison is one of the top options available. Other options include Matthew Bergeron and Dawand Jones. The Buccaneers have many paths available to them in this draft, so this pick is up in the air.

20. Seattle Seahawks: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
Clemson v Notre Dame 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Photo Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Seahawks got their quarterback of the future at pick 5, and come back around and select one of the top edge rushers in this class in Murphy. I could also see Nolan Smith here, as well. If the Seahawks were to go with an edge rusher at five, that would open up this pick to a number of possibilities, including guard, receiver, cornerback, or defensive tackle.

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

The Chargers need to add juice to their offense to help out star quarterback Justin Herbert. With Smith-Njigba gone, they look to the second tier of receivers, which could be any of Addison, Jalin Hyatt, Zay Flowers, or Quentin Johnston. The Chargers could also look to add to the defense, or permanently settle right tackle if one falls to them.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

The Baltimore Ravens could address a multitude of needs at this spot. However, they go receiver to appease their star quarterback, with whom they are currently entangled in a contract dispute with. The Ravens are also in a sweet spot for one of the second tier of cornerback prospects, as well.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

The Vikings have been rumored to have interest in Hendon Hooker, but that may very well be because it’s one of the few spots that he could fit into the first round. Minnesota’s secondary lacks both depth and talent. Adding Banks to that room is another swing at getting a high-end corner, pairing him with last year’s second round pick Andrew Booth.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Brian Branch fills the Jaguars need for a nickel corner while providing versatility to play in a multitude of ways. The Jaguars could look to add to the defensive line as well, or get a second tight end to play behind Evan Engram, who is playing on the franchise tag.

25. New York Giants: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

The Giants added a ton of pass catchers this offseason, but none with the body type or upside of Quentin Johnston. Johnston gives them a big-bodied outside receiver to help out Daniel Jones. The Giants could also look to be in on interior offensive line or cornerback here, as well.

26. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Boston College v Notre Dame 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Photo Credit: Quinn Harris/Getty Images

The Cowboys lost Dalton Schultz in free agency, but get to replace him with an all-around tight end prospect in Michael Mayer. The Notre Dame product has multiple years of production and should be a versatile piece to give them much of what they lost.

The Cowboys could look at a lot of positions here, but don’t desperately need any particular position. A best player available approach could benefit them as they look to move further along in the playoffs.

27. Buffalo Bills: O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida

The Bills add Torrence here to help protect Josh Allen. Torrence is a plug-and-play starter at guard. While it’s not necessarily a need for the Bills, the board didn’t fall great here. The Bills could look to add at a multitude of positions, including receivers, offensive tackle, or linebacker for an immediate contributor, or add a depth piece who will eventually become a starter.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

The Bengals lost Semaje Perine this offseason, and Gibbs can be an immediate upgrade over him for this offense. This can help lessen the load on Joe Burrow while also providing him with a valuable receiver out of the backfield. The Bengals could also look at adding a right tackle depending on the Jonah Williams situation, or add a piece at tight end, or on defense.

29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco via Miami and Denver): Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

This may be a bit out of character for the Saints, but they finally add a cornerback opposite Marshon Lattimore in the first round. They’ve spent multiple day two picks recently at the position, but it is not settled for sure. Forbes is a risky selection, weighing in at just 166lbs at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, his ball production will make a lot of teams weigh the risk of betting on a historical outlier size wise.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia

I don’t think Nolan Smith will last this long. However, with the way this fell and with no trades allowed, this is where he ended up. I do think the Eagles will look to add to their defensive line with one of their first round picks, whether that is on the interior or at edge rusher. Smith is one of the top players available here at this selection, and would be a great value.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa

Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness is a similar stature to one of the Chiefs’ first round selections last year in George Karlaftis. Van Ness can play opposite of him long-term, replacing Frank Clark. The Chiefs filled a lot of their needs, but could still use receiver here as well.

For other draft related articles, be sure to read ATB Network’s various NFL Draft contributors.