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
| Pk | Team | Player | POS | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panthers (via CHI) | C.J. Stroud | QB | Ohio State |
| 2 | Texans | Bryce Young | QB | Alabama |
| 3 | Cardinals | Will Anderson | EDGE | Alabama |
| 4 | Colts | Anthony Richardson | QB | Florida |
| 5 | Seahawks (via DEN) | Tyree Wilson | EDGE | Texas Tech |
| 6 | Lions (via LAR) | Christian Gonzalez | CB | Oregon |
| 7 | Raiders | Paris Johnson Jr. | OT | Ohio State |
| 8 | Falcons | Myles Murphy | EDGE | Clemson |
| 9 | Bears (via CAR) | Jalen Carter | IDL | Georgia |
| 10 | Eagles (via NO) | Devon Witherspoon | CB | Illinois |
| 11 | Titans | Peter Skoronski | OT | Northwestern |
| 12 | Texans (via CLE) | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | Ohio State |
| 13 | Jets | Broderick Jones | OT | Georgia |
| 14 | Patriots | Cody Mauch | OT | North Dakota State |
| 15 | Packers | Dalton Kincaid | TE | Utah |
| 16 | Commanders | Will Levis | QB | Kentucky |
| 17 | Steelers | Joey Porter Jr. | CB | Penn State |
| 18 | Lions | Michael Mayer | TE | Notre Dame |
| 19 | Buccaneers | Brian Branch | DB | Alabama |
| 20 | Seahawks | Calijah Kancey | IDL | Pittsburgh |
| 21 | Chargers | Jordan Addison | WR | USC |
| 22 | Ravens | Zay Flowers | WR | Boston College |
| 23 | Vikings | Keion White | EDGE | Georgia |
| 24 | Jaguars | Cam Smith | CB | South Carolina |
| 25 | Giants | Quentin Johnston | WR | TCU |
| 26 | Cowboys | Bijan Robinson | RB | Texas |
| 27 | Bills | O’Cyrus Torrence | IOL | Florida |
| 28 | Bengals | Lukas Van Ness | EDGE | IOWA |
| 29 | Saints (via SF/DEN/MIA) | Kelee Ringo | CB | Georgia |
| 30 | Eagles | Nolan Smth | EDGE | Georgia |
| 31 | Chiefs | Anton Harrison | OT | Oklahoma |
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.
- Check out our NFL Drat Combine Winners & Losers
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
| Pk | Team | Player | POS | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | Steelers (via CHI) | Dawand Jones | OT | Ohio State |
| 33 | Texans | Derick Hall | EDGE | Auburn |
| 34 | Cardinals | Emmanuel Forbes | CB | Mississippi State |
| 35 | Colts | Josh Downs | WR | North Carolina |
| 36 | Rams | Will McDonald IV | EDGE | Iowa State |
| 37 | Seahawks (via DEN) | Bryan Bresee | DL | Clemson |
| 38 | Raiders | Deonte Banks | CB | Maryland |
| 39 | Panthers | Darnell Washington | TE | Georiga |
| 40 | Saints | Jahmyr Gibbs | RB | Alabama |
| 41 | Titans | Jalin Hyatt | WR | Tennessee |
| 42 | Browns | Antonio Johnson | S | Texas A & M |
| 43 | Jets | Daiyan Henley | LB | Washington State |
| 44 | Falcons | Mazi Smith | DL | Michigan |
| 45 | Packers | BJ Ojulari | EDGE | LSU |
| 46 | Patriots | Garrett Williams | CB | Syracuse |
| 47 | Commanders | Steve Avila | G | TCU |
| 48 | Lions | Drew Sanders | LB | Arkansas |
| 49 | Steelers | Jack Campbell | LB | Iowa |
| 50 | Buccaneers | Joe Tippmann | C | Wisconsin |
| 51 | Dolphins | Luke Musgrave | TE | Oregon State |
| 52 | Seahawks (via DEN) | Luke Wypler | C | Ohio State |
| 53 | Bears (via BAL) | Felix Anudike-Uzomah | EDGE | Kansas State |
| 54 | Chargers | Tyrique Stevenson | CB | University of Miami |
| 55 | Lions (via MIN) | Zach Charbonnet | RB | UCLA |
| 56 | Jaguars | John Michael Schmitz | C | Minnesota |
| 57 | Giants | Nathaniel Dell | WR | Houston |
| 58 | Cowboys | Siaki Ika | DL | Baylor |
| 59 | Bills | Sydney Brown | S | Illinois |
| 60 | Bengals | Matthew Bergeron | OT | Syracuse |
| 61 | Bears (via CAR, SF) | Darnell Wright | OT | Tennessee |
| 62 | Eagles | Tuli Tuipulotu | EDGE | USC |
| 63 | Chiefs | Adetomiwa Adebawore | EDGE | Northwestern |
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
| Pk | Team | Player | POS | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | Bears | Trenton Simpson | LB | Clemson |
| 65 | Texans | Keeanu Benton | DL | Wisconsin |
| 66 | Cardinals | Jaelyn Duncan | OT | Maryland |
| 67 | Broncos (via IND) | Andre Carter II | EDGE | Army |
| 68 | Broncos | Dorian Williams | LB | Tulane |
| 69 | Rams | Eli Ricks | CB | Alabama |
| 70 | Raiders | Clark Phillips III | CB | Utah |
| 71 | Saints | Isaiah Foskey | EDGE | Notre Dame |
| 72 | Titans | Mike Morris | EDGE | Michigan |
| 73 | Texans (via CLE) | Kayshon Boutte | WR | LSU |
| 74 | Jets | DeMarvion Overshown | LB | Texas |
| 75 | Falcons | Rashee Rice | WR | SMU |
| 76 | Patriots (via CAR) | Sam LaPorta | TE | Iowa |
| 77 | Dolphins (via NE) | Julius Brents | CB | Kansas State |
| 78 | Packers | Michael Wilson | WR | Stanford |
| 79 | Colts (via WAS) | Gervon Dexter Sr. | DL | Florida State |
| 80 | Steelers | Jordan Battle | S | Alabama |
| 81 | Lions | Darius Rush | CB | South Carolina |
| 82 | Buccaneers | Tucker Kraft | TE | South Dakota State |
| 83 | Seahawks | Tank Bigsby | RB | Auburn |
| 84 | Dolphins | Devon Achane | RB | Texas A & M |
| 85 | Chargers | Jaylon Jones | CB | Texas A & M |
| 86 | Ravens | Nick Herbig | EDGE | Wisconsin |
| 87 | Vikings | Tyjae Spears | RB | Tulane |
| 88 | Jaguars | Jammie Robinson | S | Florida State |
| 89 | Giants | Ivan Pace Jr. | LB | Cincinnati |
| 90 | Cowboys | Christopher Smith | S | Georgia |
| 91 | Bills | A.T. Perry | WR | Wake Forest |
| 92 | Bengals | Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson | CB | TCU |
| 93 | Panthers (via SF) | Sean Tucker | RB | Syracuse |
| 94 | Eagles | Kendre Miller | RB | TCU |
| 95 | Chiefs | JL Skinner | S | Boise State |
| 96 | Cardinals (Comp) | Tyler Scott | WR | Cincinnati |
| 97 | Commanders (Comp) | Blake Freeland | OT | BYU |
| 98 | Browns (Comp) | Moro Ojomo | DL | Texas |
| 99 | 49ers (Comp) | Kobie Turner | DL | Wake Forest |
| 100 | Giants (Comp via KC) | Hendon Hooker | QB | Tennessee |
| 101 | 49ers (Comp) | Cedric Tillman | WR | Tennessee |
| 102 | 49ers (Comp) | DJ Turner | CB | Michigan |
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:
| Pk | Team | Player | Mocked | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaguars | Travon Walker | Walker | ✔️ |
| 2 | Lions | Aidan Hutchinson | Hutchinson | ✔️ |
| 3 | Panthers | Derek Stingley Jr. | Ahmad Gardner | ❌ |
| 4 | Jets | Ahmad Gardner | Kayvon Thibodeaux | ❌ |
| 5 | Giants | Kayvon Thibodeaux | Evan Neal | ❌ |
| 6 | Panthers | Ikem Ekwonu | Ekwonu | ✔️ |
| 7 | Giants (via Bears) | Evan Neal | Jermaine Johnson II | ❌ |
| 8 | Falcons | Drake London | Jameson Williams | ❌ |
| 9 | Seahawks (via Broncos) | Charles Cross | Cross | ✔️ |
| 10 | Jets (via Seahawks) | Garrett Wilson | Drake London | ❌ |
| 11 | Commanders | Chris Olave | Garrett Wilson | ❌ |
| 12 | Lions (via Vikings) | Jameson Williams | Derek Stingley Jr. | ↔️ |
| 13 | Eagles (via Texans) | Jordan Davis | Chris Olave | ↔️ |
| 14 | Ravens | Kyle Hamilton | Jordan Davis | ❌ |
| 15 | Texans (via Eagles) | Kenyon Green | Malik Willis | ↔️ |
| 16 | Commanders (via Saints) | Jahan Dotson | Kenny Pickett | ↔️ |
| 17 | Chargers | Zion Johnson | Trevor Penning | ❌ |
| 18 | Titans (via Eagles) | Treylon Burks | Kyle Hamilton | ↔️ |
| 19 | Saints (via Eagles) | Trevor Penning | Quay Walker | ❌ |
| 20 | Steelers | Kenny Pickett | Trent McDuffie | ❌ |
| 21 | Chiefs (via Patriots) | Trent McDuffie | Zion Johnson | ↔️ |
| 22 | Packers (via Raiders) | Quay Walker | Kenyon Green | ❌ |
| 23 | Bills (from Cardinals via Ravens) | Kaiir Elam | Tyler Smith | ↔️ |
| 24 | Cowboys | Tyler Smith | Treylon Burks | ❌ |
| 25 | Ravens (via Bills) | Tyler Linderbaum | Devonte Wyatt | ↔️ |
| 26 | Jets (via Titans) | Jermaine Johnson II | Andrew Booth Jr. | ↔️ |
| 27 | Jaguars (via Buccaneers) | Devin Lloyd | Kaiir Elam | ↔️ |
| 28 | Packers | Devonte Wyatt | George Pickens | ❌ |
| 29 | Patriots (from Dolphins via 49ers and Chiefs) | Cole Strange | Jahan Dotson | ↔️ |
| 30 | Chiefs | George Karlaftis | Daxton Hill | ❌ |
| 31 | Bengals | Daxton Hill | Tyler Linderbaum | ❌ |
| 32 | Vikings (from Rams via Lions) | Lewis Cine | Desmond 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:
| Pk | Team | Player | Mocked | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaguars | Trevor Lawrence | Lawrence | ✔️ |
| 2 | Jets | Zach Wilson | Wilson | ✔️ |
| 3 | 49ers | Trey Lance | Lance | ✔️ |
| 4 | Falcons | Kyle Pitts | Pitts | ✔️ |
| 5 | Bengals | Ja'Marr Chase | Chase | ✔️ |
| 6 | Dolphins (from PHI) | Jaylen Waddle | DeVonta Smith | ❌ |
| 7 | Lions | Penei Sewell | Sewell (LAC) | ↔️ |
| 8 | Panthers | Jaycee Horn | Justin Fields | ❌ |
| 9 | Broncos | Patrick Surtain II | Micah Parsons | ❌ |
| 10 | Eagles | DeVonta Smith | Jaylen Waddle | ❌ |
| 11 | Bears (via NYG) | Justin Fields | Rashawn Slater (NYG) | ❌ |
| 12 | Cowboys | Micah Parsons | Patrick Surtain II | ❌ |
| 13 | Chargers | Rashawn Slater | Kwity Paye (DET) | ❌ |
| 14 | Jets (from MIN) | Alijah Vera-Tucker | Christian Barmore (MIN) | ❌ |
| 15 | Patriots | Mac Jones | Jones | ✔️ |
| 16 | Cardinals | Zaven Collins | Jaycee Horn | ❌ |
| 17 | Raiders | Alex Leatherwood | Christian Darrisaw | ❌ |
| 18 | Dolphins | Jaelen Phillips | Alijah Vera-Tucker | ❌ |
| 19 | Washington | Jamin Davis | Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | ❌ |
| 20 | Giants (from CHI) | Kadarius Toney | Teven Jenkins (CHI) | ❌ |
| 21 | Colts | Kwity Paye | Liam Eichenberg | ❌ |
| 22 | Titans | Caleb Farley | Samuel Cosmi | ❌ |
| 23 | Vikings (from NYJ thru SEA) | Christian Darrisaw | Greg Newsome (NYJ) | ❌ |
| 24 | Steelers | Najee Harris | Travis Etienne | ❌ |
| 25 | Jaguars (from LAR) | Travis Etienne | Trevon Moehrig | ❌ |
| 26 | Browns | Greg Newsome II | Azeez Ojulari | ❌ |
| 27 | Ravens | Rashod Bateman | Caleb Farley | ❌ |
| 28 | Saints | Payton Turner | Zaven Collins | ❌ |
| 29 | Packers | Eric Stokes | Elijah Moore | ❌ |
| 30 | Bills | Greg Rousseau | Rousseau | ✔️ |
| 31 | Ravens (from KC) | Odafe Oweh | Rashod Bateman (Pick 27) | ↔️ |
| 32 | Buccaneers | Joe Tryon | Jaelan Phillips | ❌ |
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick Prediction Results: 7-23-2
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick Prediction Results (Team-Position Match): 12-20
