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NFL Mock Draft 2023

Last Updated: Mar 13, 2023

Now that Super Bowl 57 has come and gone, the 2023 NFL offseason is officially upon us. And since we are in the early stages of the offseason process, there are many factors I am considering in version 2.0 of my 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

For example, since NFL free agency has yet to officially begin, I am basing my mock draft on team needs and potential free-agent departures. And after the Panthers acquired the No. 1 pick in a blockbuster deal with the Bears on Friday, I will also be limiting trades until the rumor mill heats up again.

Important note: The first round has 31 picks this year, not 32. The Miami Dolphins were stripped of their first-round selection due to tampering.

Here’s my latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft for Rounds 1-3.

NFL Mock Draft Bet of the Day

Now that you’ve seen my NFL pick of the day, scroll to read my full 2023 NFL Mock Draft tips for Rounds 1-3.

NFL Round 1 Mock Draft

PkTeamPlayerPOSSchool
1Panthers (via CHI)C.J. StroudQBOhio State
2TexansBryce YoungQBAlabama
3CardinalsWill AndersonEDGEAlabama
4ColtsAnthony RichardsonQBFlorida
5Seahawks (via DEN)Tyree WilsonEDGETexas Tech
6Lions (via LAR)Christian GonzalezCBOregon
7RaidersParis Johnson Jr.OTOhio State
8FalconsMyles MurphyEDGEClemson
9Bears (via CAR)Jalen CarterIDLGeorgia
10Eagles (via NO)Devon WitherspoonCBIllinois
11TitansPeter SkoronskiOTNorthwestern
12Texans (via CLE)Jaxon Smith-NjigbaWROhio State
13JetsBroderick JonesOTGeorgia
14PatriotsCody MauchOTNorth Dakota State
15PackersDalton KincaidTEUtah
16CommandersWill LevisQBKentucky
17SteelersJoey Porter Jr.CBPenn State
18LionsMichael MayerTENotre Dame
19BuccaneersBrian BranchDBAlabama
20SeahawksCalijah KanceyIDLPittsburgh
21ChargersJordan AddisonWRUSC
22RavensZay FlowersWRBoston College
23VikingsKeion WhiteEDGEGeorgia
24JaguarsCam SmithCB South Carolina
25GiantsQuentin JohnstonWRTCU
26CowboysBijan RobinsonRBTexas
27BillsO’Cyrus TorrenceIOLFlorida
28BengalsLukas Van NessEDGEIOWA
29Saints (via SF/DEN/MIA)Kelee RingoCBGeorgia
30EaglesNolan SmthEDGEGeorgia
31ChiefsAnton HarrisonOTOklahoma

NFL Round 1 Mock Draft Pick Analysis

1. Carolina Panthers (from Bears): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

I had the Colts as the team trading up to get C.J. Stroud, but the Panthers are now on the clock. Carolina was the team that broke the internet Friday with a blockbuster deal, sending D.J. Moore and a slew of draft compensation to the Bears to get the No. 1 overall pick.

Although one can make the case that the Panthers traded up for Anthony Richardson, after perhaps falling in love with him at the combine, the smart money remains on Stroud to be the No. 1 player off the board in April’s draft.

Click below to bet on C.J. Stroud to be taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft (-330) at Caesars Sportsbook today.

2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

New head coach DeMeco Ryans may have a defensive background, but he knows what it takes to win in the NFL, and Davis Mills is not that guy.

Despite his size, Young won the Heisman Trophy in 2021 and is a dual-threat quarterback with terrific leadership qualities. As long as durability doesn’t become an issue, he will be the answer to Houston’s franchise quarterback question for years to come.

Young, of course, still has enough of a chance to be picked No. 1 — but he’s listed as the second-favorite according to Caesars Sportsbook.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

With the losses of both Chandler Jones and J.J. Watt in consecutive offseasons, the Cardinals have an immense void at pass-rusher. An all-purpose defender who recorded 35.5 sacks and 62 tackles for a loss in 41 collegiate games, Anderson could help turn around an Arizona defense that only recorded 36 sacks in 2022, good for the ninth-fewest in the NFL.

New head coach Jonathan Gannon was the Eagles’ defensive coordinator last season. His defense led the NFL with 70 sacks, 15 more than the next-best team. A player like Anderson is just the type of player Gannon needs to build his defense around.

4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Richardson dazzled at the NFL Draft Scouting Combine, forcing his draft stock to skyrocket into the top five. The Colts missed out on both C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young, and don’t want to chase their tails with yet another veteran retread.

Richardson ticks all the right boxes and has a high ceiling if he makes a smooth transition into the pros. The Colts have just enough firepower on offense to take some of the pressure off the rookie quarterback, considering this offense will remain run-centric around Jonathan Taylor.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos): Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Seahawks’ defense recorded the seventh-most sacks last season with 45, but adding Wilson could turn Seattle’s pass rush into a top-five unit. With Poona Ford set to hit the open market and Bruce Irvin aging, there will also be a need for another pass-rusher, assuming they are both on the outs.

6. Detroit Lions (from Rams): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Lions’ defense began to show signs of improvement in the 2022 season, but it still needs a lot of work, especially on the back end. Detroit conceded the third-most passing yards per game last season.

Though it was the old regime in the front office, we’ve seen this Lions team select CB Jeffrey Okudah third overall in 2020. GM Brad Holmes could attack the position again at No. 6 overall in April by selecting Gonzalez, arguably the best defensive back in the draft.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

The Raiders could go quarterback here, but all signs point to the team signing Jimmy Garoppolo on the free-agent market or acquiring Aaron Rodgers via trade. Although Las Vegas’ offensive line exceeded expectations last season, an upgrade like Johnson could prove to be a wise move.

Johnson played left tackle and right guard at Ohio State. With Kolton Miller excelling on the left side for the Raiders, Johnson would be an immediate day-one fit at right guard or right tackle.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

Murphy would be an immediate upgrade to a Falcons pass rush that ended last season second to last in sacks with 21 and dead last in that category the past two seasons with a total of 39.

With size, power, and quickness, Murphy checks off all the right boxes to wreak havoc at the next level.

9. Chicago Bears (from Panthers): Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia

I had the marriage between the Bears and Jalen Carter linked before Chicago traded down from No. 1. Carter is the guy Matt Eberflus can build his defense around. He does have the off-the-field narratives to take into consideration, but they are not enough to cause him to fall out of the top 10.

Carter is arguably the best defensive prospect in this draft. The Bears have made steps towards building a legitimate offense, so it only makes sense for this team to attack its glaring holes on defense early and often in this draft.

📈 Before reading the rest of Anthony’s NFL Mock Draft analysis, catch up with the latest NFL Draft futures with our football odds comparison:

NFL Futures

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

The Eagles are coming off of a Super Bowl appearance but will pay the price in free agency. They have more than 14 notable players set to hit the open market, with at least nine key players on the defensive side of the football. James Bradberry and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson are two of them.

They will likely let Bradberry walk, leaving a void at cornerback. Getting one on a rookie deal would be the ideal move, especially with Darius Slay‘s contract expiring in 2024.

11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

Taylor Lewan could be cut and/or retire, which would leave a gaping hole at left tackle for the Titans. Skoronski could be the long-term answer for a team that is built from the inside out.

Although Skoronski lacks arm-length, he checks off the rest of the boxes when it comes to playing as a high-level offensive lineman in the NFL. A three-year starter at left tackle for Northwestern, Skoronski also has the versatility to play any position along the offensive front, enhancing his value.

12. Houston Texans (from Browns): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

The Texans got their quarterback of the future at No. 2 overall, so it only makes sense that they’ll pair him with a franchise wideout. This year’s wide receiver class may not be as talented as the 2022 group, but it has some juice.

Smith-Njigba doesn’t have top-end speed, but he is an outstanding route runner who can create separation to get open. He also has exceptional ball skills.

With Brandin Cooks expected to be traded, Smith-Njigba could immediately start in two-wide sets with John Metchie, assuming he is ready to go after sitting out his entire rookie campaign.

  • Click below to bet on Jaxon Smith-Njigba to be taken as the first wide receiver off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft (+100) at Caesars Sportsbook today.

13. New York Jets: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Jets have some positives along their offensive line, but left tackle remains a question due to Mekhi Becton‘s weight and injury issues. Since fill-in Duane Brown, 38, isn’t getting younger and George Fant is entering free agency, targeting a left tackle is a no-brainer.

Jones needs some work since he is slightly inexperienced and undersized, but he has the strength, athleticism, and aggressiveness to succeed at the pro level.

14. New England Patriots: Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State

Since excelling at the Senior Bowl as a player who can play at any position along the offensive line, Mauch is flying up draft boards. With both Isaiah Wynn and Marcus Cannon set to hit the open market, the Patriots have a need for a versatile lineman.

15. Green Bay Packers: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Robert Tonyan and Allen Lazard are both free agents. And let’s face it, the Packers have been light at pass-catcher for years.

Whether it is Jordan Love or Aaron Rodgers under center for Green Bay, they’ll need top-end talent to throw to.

Kincaid may not be the blocking asset Michael Mayer is, but he more than makes up for it with his pass-catching prowess. Kincaid is a big body with a basketball background who can beat you anywhere on the field.

16. Washington Commanders: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Following Will Levis‘ underwhelming showing at the combine, his draft stock has fallen. He has essentially traded places on the big board with Anthony Richardson. The Commanders may have to move up a few spots to select Levis, but they will target a signal-caller with their first-round pick.

Washington’s brass may say they like Sam Howell, but he was a fifth-round pick. They are not committed to him. Drafting competition and hoping that one of the two pop would be wise for a franchise perennially in the basement of the NFC East.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

The fact that Joey Porter Jr. is the son of former Steelers Super Bowl-winning linebacker Joey Porter makes this union a popular pick in mocks. However, Porter is more than just organizational nepotism.

The Penn State product brings exceptional size, speed, and physicality to the table for a team that uncharacteristically struggled on the back end in 2022. Cameron Sutton is also a free agent, opening up a greater need.

18. Detroit Lions: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

The Lions addressed a major defensive need earlier in the draft. Now they will attack a need on offense. Although Detroit’s offense was among the NFL’s elite, they did trade T.J. Hockenson last year at the deadline, leaving a hole at tight end.

Mayer is a dual threat who can thrive as a pass-catcher and in blocking situations. He can also line up all over the formation. Mayer is often comped to Ravens TE Mark Andrews.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brian Branch, CB, Alabama

Branch is a versatile defender in the secondary who can play anywhere you need him to. He can also do anything you ask of him in the secondary. Branch can cover, tackle and blitz the passer.

With Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting set to hit the open market, the Bucs will look to upgrade and get younger in the secondary.

20. Seattle Seahawks: Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh

We could see Kancey go anywhere in the first due to his quickness and overall strength. However, he is a bit undersized, which could cause him to fall to Seattle, which would be a gift.

The Seahawks took EDGE rusher Tyree Wilson with the fifth overall pick of this mock draft, but the addition of Kancey could make their front seven dominant, taking a page out of the 49ers’ book of success in recent years.

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

The Chargers could release WR Keenan Allen for salary cap reasons. And though Allen is still a terrific wideout, injuries did catch up to him in 2022. With new OC Kellen Moore in place, the Chargers could look to get younger at wide receiver while adding a younger weapon for Justin Herbert.

Addison may not have the size, but he has exceptional speed, all skills, and the route-running ability to be a monster at the pro level in an offense led by Herbert. The Chargers don’t have many needs. They have one of the best rosters in the NFL and can afford a luxury pick like Addison.

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

The Ravens need help at wide receiver for whoever their quarterback will be. A team expected to shift into a more pass-centric offense with new OC Todd Monken, it only makes sense that the Ravens add a wideout as their top priority.

Flowers is 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds. He profiles as an inside receiver in the NFL with his speed, separation, and elusiveness. He could immediately make an impact in three-wide sets.

👀 Read why we like the Ravens as a bet in our Super Bowl 58 odds.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Keion White, EDGE, Georgia

You name it, the Vikings need it on defense. They were a 13-win team despite being a bottom-three unit in defensive scoring. That win total cannot be sustained unless they get better on that side of the ball.

White can be deployed on the EDGE as well as an inside pass-rusher in DC Brian Flores‘ system.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

Smith has a high football IQ and showed terrific instincts in coverage, managing six career interceptions in the SEC. Smith could immensely help a Jaguars secondary that was their Achilles heel in an otherwise promising 2022 campaign.

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

Johnston will provide a terrific combination of size and speed to a Giants wide receiver room that lacks overall talent. He could also stretch the field for an offense that didn’t hit on many big plays in the passing game.

With the Giants likely electing to pay both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley, it would be wise for GM Joe Schoen to draft a wide receiver rather than overpay for one in a subpar free agent class.

26. Dallas Cowboys: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

The Cowboys have some decisions to make at running back. They could franchise tag Tony Pollard coming off of an ankle injury and retain Ezekiel Elliott at a team-friendly rate, or just draft their next Zeke.

The smart move would be to draft Robinson, the best runner in the class. Having your starting running back on a rookie deal would be an added luxury for a team that also needs additional wide receiver help and has a tight end on an expiring contract.

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

Rodger Saffold is almost 35 and about to hit the open market. Furthermore, Buffalo’s offensive line is erratic at best despite flashing at times. This team’s top priority should be protecting Josh Allen, who we’ve seen pressured and on the ground a lot this past season.

Torrence is a tenacious run blocker who can more than hold his own in pass protection. Getting younger and more cap-friendly at guard would be a wise move for a team that could pursue a legit pass-catching upgrade via trade or in free agency.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

The Bengals have three starting defensive backs about to hit free agency. But they will look ahead to the 2024 free agent class, which includes D.J. Reader and Trey Hendrickson, amongst a lot more starting talent they’ll need to pay.

Selecting Van Ness could take one future need off the table if they let Hendrickson walk in 2024. They can’t pay everyone.

29. New Orleans Saints (from 49ers/Broncos/Dolphins): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

The Saints have a lot of needs, and corner is one of them. Since Dennis Allen is a defensive head coach, making his defense the team’s strength will be a priority.

Bradley Roby and P.J. Williams are also set to hit free agency. Adding a young, physical corner with excellent size and speed would be a smart move for a team on the mend.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

The Eagles will get younger and rebuild their defense in this draft. Considering all of their defensive free agents, plus, the fact that they have to pay Jalen Hurts sooner rather than later, it would be wise to get top-end assets on rookie deals on the defensive side of the football.

Smith was sensational at the combine and is one of the best pass rushers in this draft. The Eagles get a gift that is going to pay dividends out of the gate.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. played on the franchise tag last season and is once again set to hit the open market. With right tackle Andrew Wylie also expected to leave via free agency, it makes a lot of sense for the Chiefs to draft a tackle to get more cap-friendly at one of the most important positions in football.

Harrison needs to sharpen his overall technique, but he only conceded one sack, no quarterback hits, and eight hurries last season at left tackle for the Sooners. He is one of the best pass protectors in the draft.

NFL Round 2 Mock Draft

PkTeamPlayerPOSSchool
32Steelers (via CHI)Dawand JonesOTOhio State
33TexansDerick HallEDGEAuburn
34CardinalsEmmanuel ForbesCBMississippi State
35ColtsJosh DownsWRNorth Carolina
36RamsWill McDonald IVEDGEIowa State
37Seahawks (via DEN)Bryan BreseeDLClemson
38RaidersDeonte BanksCBMaryland
39Panthers Darnell WashingtonTEGeoriga
40SaintsJahmyr GibbsRBAlabama
41TitansJalin HyattWRTennessee
42BrownsAntonio JohnsonSTexas A & M
43JetsDaiyan HenleyLBWashington State
44FalconsMazi SmithDLMichigan
45PackersBJ OjulariEDGELSU
46PatriotsGarrett WilliamsCBSyracuse
47CommandersSteve AvilaGTCU
48LionsDrew SandersLBArkansas
49Steelers Jack CampbellLBIowa
50BuccaneersJoe TippmannCWisconsin
51DolphinsLuke MusgraveTEOregon State
52Seahawks (via DEN)Luke WyplerCOhio State
53Bears (via BAL)Felix Anudike-UzomahEDGEKansas State
54ChargersTyrique StevensonCBUniversity of Miami
55Lions (via MIN)Zach CharbonnetRBUCLA
56JaguarsJohn Michael SchmitzCMinnesota
57GiantsNathaniel DellWRHouston
58CowboysSiaki IkaDLBaylor
59BillsSydney BrownSIllinois
60BengalsMatthew BergeronOTSyracuse
61Bears (via CAR, SF)Darnell Wright OTTennessee
62EaglesTuli TuipulotuEDGEUSC
63ChiefsAdetomiwa AdebaworeEDGENorthwestern

NFL Round 2 Mock Draft Pick Analysis

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Bears): Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

33. Houston Texans: Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn

34. Arizona Cardinals: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

35. Indianapolis Colts: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

The Colts took their future franchise quarterback at No. 4 overall. They now give him with a young wideout to develop with. Receiver depth has been a handicap for Indianapolis through the years, and it’ll look to correct that in this draft.

Downs is a speedster who could excel in the slot at the next level. He is a threat after the catch and has a knack for extending plays. Considering oft-injured slot receiver Parris Campbell is a free agent, adding Downs is a natural pivot.

36. Los Angeles Rams: Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State

37. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos): Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

38. Las Vegas Raiders: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

39. Carolina Panthers: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

New Panthers head coach Frank Reich values a big-bodied tight end who can both block and catch passes. Washington checks off those boxes for a Panthers team that hasn’t made noise at tight end since Greg Olsen.

40. New Orleans Saints: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

Gibbs is a power rusher who can hold his own as a receiver out of the backfield. The Saints added Derek Carr, which shows they believe they can compete in a weak NFC.

The natural addition here is Gibbs with Mark Ingram aging and about to hit free agency. Furthermore, Alvin Kamara‘s NFL future is also in question. Gibbs fills a glaring need and provides exceptional day-two value.

41. Tennessee Titans: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

There is no question that the Titans are rebuilding. They have moved off veterans like Robert Woods already this offseason.

This is a team that had a weak wide receiver room even with Woods. The addition of Hyatt to pair with 2022 first-rounder Treylon Burks gives the Titans a young corps of wideouts on rookie deals to build around.

42. Cleveland Browns: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M

43. New York Jets: Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State

44. Atlanta Falcons: Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan

45. Green Bay Packers: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

46. New England Patriots: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse

47. Washington Commanders: Steve Avila, G, TCU

48. Detroit Lions: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

49. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin

51. Miami Dolphins: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

With Mike Gesicki unlikely to return to the Dolphins, there is a hole in Miami’s tight end room. Musgrave is a project who didn’t get much going at the collegiate level but gets hype from scouts.

At 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, Musgrave could be a valuable blocking piece on an offense that values a tight end who can do it all, a reason why Gesicki never fit.

52. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State

53. Chicago Bears (from Ravens): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

54. Los Angeles Chargers: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami

55. Detroit Lions (from Vikings): Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA

The Lions may bring back Jamaal Williams, but he is not the long-term answer. Reading between the lines, the Lions do not view D’Andre Swift as the long-term answer, either.

A team trending in the right direction, the Lions go with a luxury pick that could pay dividends in the long run.

56. Jacksonville Jaguars: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

57. New York Giants: Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston

The Giants double-dip at wide receiver, grabbing one with their first two picks. It makes sense.

They have a weak receiver room and just allocated a good chunk of their cap space to retain both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. With a weak free agency class at receiver, it would be wise for the Giants to pay up with draft assets to fill the voids.

58. Dallas Cowboys: Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor

59. Buffalo Bills: Sydney Brown, S, Illinois

60. Cincinnati Bengals: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

61. Chicago Bears (from Panthers/49ers): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

62. Philadelphia Eagles: Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, USC

63. Kansas City Chiefs: Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern

NFL Round 3 Mock Draft

PkTeamPlayerPOSSchool
64BearsTrenton SimpsonLBClemson
65TexansKeeanu BentonDLWisconsin
66CardinalsJaelyn DuncanOTMaryland
67Broncos (via IND)Andre Carter IIEDGEArmy
68BroncosDorian WilliamsLBTulane
69RamsEli RicksCBAlabama
70RaidersClark Phillips IIICBUtah
71SaintsIsaiah FoskeyEDGENotre Dame
72TitansMike MorrisEDGEMichigan
73Texans (via CLE)Kayshon BoutteWRLSU
74JetsDeMarvion OvershownLBTexas
75FalconsRashee RiceWRSMU
76Patriots (via CAR)Sam LaPortaTEIowa
77Dolphins (via NE)Julius BrentsCBKansas State
78PackersMichael WilsonWRStanford
79Colts (via WAS)Gervon Dexter Sr.DLFlorida State
80SteelersJordan BattleSAlabama
81LionsDarius RushCBSouth Carolina
82BuccaneersTucker KraftTESouth Dakota State
83SeahawksTank BigsbyRBAuburn
84DolphinsDevon AchaneRBTexas A & M
85ChargersJaylon JonesCBTexas A & M
86RavensNick HerbigEDGEWisconsin
87VikingsTyjae SpearsRBTulane
88JaguarsJammie RobinsonSFlorida State
89GiantsIvan Pace Jr.LBCincinnati
90CowboysChristopher SmithSGeorgia
91BillsA.T. PerryWRWake Forest
92BengalsTre'Vius Hodges-TomlinsonCBTCU
93Panthers (via SF)Sean TuckerRBSyracuse
94EaglesKendre MillerRBTCU
95ChiefsJL SkinnerSBoise State
96Cardinals (Comp)Tyler ScottWRCincinnati
97Commanders (Comp)Blake FreelandOTBYU
98Browns (Comp)Moro OjomoDLTexas
9949ers (Comp)Kobie TurnerDLWake Forest
100Giants (Comp via KC)Hendon HookerQBTennessee
10149ers (Comp)Cedric TillmanWRTennessee
10249ers (Comp)DJ TurnerCBMichigan

NFL Round 3 Mock Draft Pick Analysis

64. Chicago Bears: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

65. Houston Texans: Keeanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin

66. Arizona Cardinals: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

67. Denver Broncos (from Colts): Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army

68. Denver Broncos: Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane

69. Los Angeles Rams: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama

70. Las Vegas Raiders: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

71. New Orleans Saints: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

72. Tennessee Titans: Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan

73. Houston Texans (from Browns): Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

Boutte didn’t help himself at the combine, plummeting his once-high stock to day-three value. The Texans already took a quarterback and a receiver in the first round, but they are not done yet.

A team with poor offensive assets, the Texans need all the help they can get. Boutte is a home-run swing in the third.

74. New York Jets: DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas

75. Atlanta Falcons: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

Rice has showcased some inconsistencies but has everything you need to develop into a sound pro wideout. Rice is raw and needs some polishing, especially with his route tree, but if he hits, the Falcons are getting a terrific value on Day 3.

76. New England Patriots (from Panthers): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

The Patriots have one of the most expensive tight-end rooms in the NFL. Needless to say, both Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith have not lived up to their contracts.

LaPorta may be a tad short for an NFL tight end, but he is versatile and can do a lot of things well. Hitting on LaPorta makes existing bad contracts expendable.

77. Miami Dolphins (from Patriots): Julian Brents, CB, Kansas State

78. Green Bay Packers: Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford

There are health issues holding Wilson back from going higher, but he could be a hit for whichever team takes a chance. The Packers need help at receiver, especially if they lose Allen Lazard in free agency.

Though raw, Wilson has a sound combination of size, hands, and quickness that’ll be an asset at the next level.

79. Indianapolis Colts (from Commanders): Gervon Dexter Sr., DL, Florida State

80. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

81. Detroit Lions: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina

82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

The rebuilding Buccaneers have needs on both sides of the ball. Tight end is one of them. Kraft’s strength is catching the football, but he will not blow opposing defenses away with his speed. Still, he will be a red-zone threat with his size and ball skills.

83. Seattle Seahawks: Tank Bigsby, RB Auburn

The Seahawks need a complement to Kenneth Walker. Outside of Walker, their running back room is thin with Rashaad Penny unlikely to return. Bigby is a patient runner with sound agility and speed, but he doesn’t have the best hands. Still, the upside is there.

84. Miami Dolphins: Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M

Achane is one of the faster backs coming out of college, but he has some size concerns. He could be best paired with an early-down threat like Raheem Mostert or Jeff Wilson.

The Dolphins need more pop in their backfield, Achane gives it to them if he lasts this long.

85. Los Angeles Chargers: Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M

86. Baltimore Ravens: Nick Herbig, EDGE, Wisconsin

87. Minnesota Vikings: Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane

Spears is an aggressive runner who excels in the passing game. Though he can do it all, Spears needs help in blitz pickup. With the Vikings reportedly looking to overhaul their running back room, Spears would be a terrific long-term addition.

88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State

89. New York Giants: Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati

90. Dallas Cowboys: Christopher Smith, S, Georgia

91. Buffalo Bills: A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest

Perry has strong hands, wins contested catches, and is an excellent playmaker. He’d be a tremendous upgrade to a Bills wide receiver group that underwhelmed in 2022 while the team tried to go younger.

92. Cincinnati Bengals: Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU

93. Carolina Panthers (from 49ers): Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse

Tucker is a do-it-all-back who excels in space. But it is important to note that because of his build, he will be a liability running in between the tackles. The Panthers need to add to their running back room, even if they do retain D’Onta Foreman. Tucker projects as a complementary back with some upside.

94. Philadelphia Eagles: Kendre Miller, RB, TCU

95. Kansas City Chiefs: JL Skinner, S, Boise State

96. Arizona Cardinals (Comp): Tyler Scott, WR Cincinnati

Scott is an ex-track stud with outstanding speed. He’s also an improved route-runner. The Cincinnati product may profile as a fourth-round selection, but his speed is enough for a wide receiver-needy team to shoot their shot.

The Cardinals are shopping DeAndre Hopkins and cut bait with Chosen Robbie Anderson. They’ll look to add receiver depth here while retooling Kyler Murray‘s arsenal.

97. Washington Commanders (Comp): Blake Freeland, OT, BYU

98. Cleveland Browns (Comp): Moro Ojomo, DL, Texas

99. San Francisco 49ers (Comp): Kobie Turner, DL, Wake Forest

100. New York Giants (Comp): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

It would not be a surprise to see the Giants draft a quarterback that Brian Daboll can develop just in case Daniel Jones is not their guy.

101. San Francisco 49ers (Comp): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

Tillman is a big-bodied wideout who checks off a lot of boxes, especially when it comes to yards after the catch. He also tracks the ball exceptionally well. The 49ers need to develop wideouts behind both Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, making this a slam-dunk pick.

102. San Francisco 49ers (Comp): DJ Turner, CB, Michigan


How to Create an NFL Mock Draft

If you are an avid fan of the NFL, chances are that you have stumbled upon NFL mock drafts. You may have even blindly created your own, which is fun.

But if you want to put your NFL general manager’s hat on, you must build your mock with a process.

Below, you will learn my process when it comes to building an NFL mock draft. This guide will highlight key hit-point factors including the time of year, your player evaluations, a team’s needs, and so on.

Let this section intro lead into your headline points below about player evaluation, team needs, organizational direction, and any other factors that you consider important when you’re making your mock draft.

The time of the year is imperative when mock drafting.

Once the Super Bowl ends, the NFL offseason officially begins. If you are mock drafting before the start of NFL free agency, your mock will look different than it would after the initial wave of free agents sign.

There is only so much information to go off of when it comes to building an early mock draft. The best factors to consider when building an early mock are NFL news and rumors, team needs, and salary cap space ahead of free agency.

A team’s needs and salary cap space will come into play.

There are 32 teams in the NFL, but they are not created equally when it comes to needs and salary cap space. Some teams manage their player personnel and salary cap better than others.

If a team enters the offseason in the red (over the cap) and has a few glaring needs, they will more than likely address those needs in the NFL Draft since they don’t have the cap space to sign marquee free agents.

Sure, they may fill a need or two with bargain veterans or players to fall to the second wave of free agency, but you can be sure that one of those needs will be addressed in the first round of the draft.

What direction is a team going in?

A team’s organizational direction must be considered when mock drafting. If a team is rebuilding, then they will be targeting building block prospects that can help them win in the future.
However, if a team is just a piece or two away from competing for a Super Bowl, then you may see them shoot their shot and go for a luxury pick like a big-time running back, a play-making wide receiver, or a ball-hawking defensive back.

How you evaluate a player will determine where they go in your mock draft.

Scaling back to tip No. 1, the time of year will affect your player evaluations. Before the NFL Scouting Combine, all we have to go off of is game tape and Senior Bowl highlights.

But after the combine, your entire outlook on a player could change one way or another depending on how they perform.

You may have Tank Bigsby as your third-ranked running back, but with a big showing at the combine, Sean Tucker may leap over him.

More Tips for NFL Mock Drafts

As we get closer to the NFL Draft, our mocks could and should change. Once NFL free agency and the combine are behind us, we will have a better idea of which direction a team will go in the draft.

We will also have a lot more news and rumors to take into consideration as the draft approaches.

Have fun with your mocks and don’t be discouraged if yours is totally off. Most of us don’t get these right, including NFL general managers.


2022 NFL Draft Picks & Mock Draft Results

Compiled previously by Marcus Mosher, here are The Game Day’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft results:

PkTeamPlayerMockedResult
1JaguarsTravon WalkerWalker✔️
2LionsAidan HutchinsonHutchinson✔️
3PanthersDerek Stingley Jr.Ahmad Gardner
4JetsAhmad GardnerKayvon Thibodeaux
5GiantsKayvon ThibodeauxEvan Neal
6PanthersIkem EkwonuEkwonu✔️
7Giants (via Bears)Evan NealJermaine Johnson II
8FalconsDrake LondonJameson Williams
9Seahawks (via Broncos)Charles CrossCross✔️
10Jets (via Seahawks)Garrett WilsonDrake London
11CommandersChris OlaveGarrett Wilson
12Lions (via Vikings)Jameson WilliamsDerek Stingley Jr.↔️
13Eagles (via Texans)Jordan DavisChris Olave↔️
14RavensKyle HamiltonJordan Davis
15Texans (via Eagles)Kenyon GreenMalik Willis↔️
16Commanders (via Saints)Jahan DotsonKenny Pickett↔️
17ChargersZion JohnsonTrevor Penning
18Titans (via Eagles)Treylon BurksKyle Hamilton↔️
19Saints (via Eagles)Trevor PenningQuay Walker
20SteelersKenny PickettTrent McDuffie
21Chiefs (via Patriots)Trent McDuffieZion Johnson↔️
22Packers (via Raiders)Quay WalkerKenyon Green
23Bills (from Cardinals via Ravens)Kaiir ElamTyler Smith↔️
24CowboysTyler SmithTreylon Burks
25Ravens (via Bills)Tyler LinderbaumDevonte Wyatt↔️
26Jets (via Titans)Jermaine Johnson IIAndrew Booth Jr.↔️
27Jaguars (via Buccaneers)Devin LloydKaiir Elam↔️
28PackersDevonte WyattGeorge Pickens
29Patriots (from Dolphins via 49ers and Chiefs)Cole StrangeJahan Dotson↔️
30ChiefsGeorge KarlaftisDaxton Hill
31BengalsDaxton HillTyler Linderbaum
32Vikings (from Rams via Lions)Lewis CineDesmond Ridder↔️

Read our full 2022 NFL Draft Picks Recap.

2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick Prediction Results (Correct-Incorrect-Traded): 4-16-12

2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick Prediction Results (Team-Position Match): 9-23


2021 NFL Draft Picks & Mock Draft Results

Compiled previously by Marcus Mosher, here are The Game Day’s 2021 NFL Mock Draft results:

PkTeamPlayerMockedResult
1JaguarsTrevor LawrenceLawrence✔️
2JetsZach WilsonWilson✔️
349ersTrey LanceLance✔️
4FalconsKyle PittsPitts✔️
5BengalsJa'Marr ChaseChase✔️
6Dolphins (from PHI)Jaylen WaddleDeVonta Smith
7LionsPenei SewellSewell (LAC)↔️
8PanthersJaycee HornJustin Fields
9BroncosPatrick Surtain IIMicah Parsons
10EaglesDeVonta SmithJaylen Waddle
11Bears (via NYG)Justin FieldsRashawn Slater (NYG)
12CowboysMicah ParsonsPatrick Surtain II
13ChargersRashawn SlaterKwity Paye (DET)
14Jets (from MIN)Alijah Vera-TuckerChristian Barmore (MIN)
15PatriotsMac JonesJones✔️
16CardinalsZaven CollinsJaycee Horn
17RaidersAlex LeatherwoodChristian Darrisaw
18DolphinsJaelen PhillipsAlijah Vera-Tucker
19WashingtonJamin DavisJeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
20Giants (from CHI)Kadarius ToneyTeven Jenkins (CHI)
21ColtsKwity PayeLiam Eichenberg
22TitansCaleb FarleySamuel Cosmi
23Vikings (from NYJ thru SEA)Christian DarrisawGreg Newsome (NYJ)
24SteelersNajee HarrisTravis Etienne
25Jaguars (from LAR)Travis EtienneTrevon Moehrig
26BrownsGreg Newsome IIAzeez Ojulari
27RavensRashod BatemanCaleb Farley
28SaintsPayton TurnerZaven Collins
29PackersEric StokesElijah Moore
30BillsGreg RousseauRousseau✔️
31Ravens (from KC)Odafe OwehRashod Bateman (Pick 27)↔️
32BuccaneersJoe TryonJaelan Phillips

2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick Prediction Results: 7-23-2

2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick Prediction Results (Team-Position Match): 12-20

Author

Anthony Cervino

Anthony Cervino is an NFL Writer and Betting Analyst for The Game Day. He is also a lifelong NFL savant and self-proclaimed league historian. In the industry, Anthony has excelled in both the fantasy football and sports betting space with fantasy his proverbial bread and butter. Anthony has made appearances on SiriusXM, amongst other publications. He is also the co-creator of the FF Faceoff (Faceoff Sports Network) and the FF Faceoff Mental Health Podathon partnered with the Hayden Hurst Foundation. Industry Clout: 15th most accurate ranker in the FantasyPros ECR for both draft and in-season accuracy (2019) | 8th most accurate ranker in the FantasyPros ECR for sleepers (2020) | 13th most accurate ranker in the FantasyPros ECR for in-season accuracy, including 2nd at quarterback and 3rd at tight end (2021).

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