THE 2023 NFL DRAFT IS LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY. (Don’t forget to tune into the 2023 SGPN Mock Draft on Wednesday, 4/26, at 8 pm EST/5 pm PST on Youtube) Yes, all caps were a necessity. I can’t remember a draft that I was more excited for, primarily because of the uncertainty and surprises that could occur, not just in the first round but throughout the entire draft.
Does Bryce Young go first? Do we see CJ Stroud drop below the second pick, and if he does, how far does he fall? Where will Jalen Carter go? How many trades will we see? Do the Aaron Rodgers or DeAndre Hopkins potential trades happen during the 2023 draft? With all this and more, how can you not be excited for the 2023 NFL Draft?!
Speaking of excitement, the SGPN contributors have been trying theirs by producing what they think this year’s draft has in store via mock drafts. Contributors John Ginder, Dave Heilman, Justin Mark, and Emerson Beery have shared their takes on the upcoming draft individually, but what happens when we compare their mock drafts? Do they agree on any picks, or is it all chaos?
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2023 NFL Draft Preview – All SGPN Mock Drafts, Team Needs, and More
Arizona Cardinals
Team Needs: OL, DI, EDGE, CB, RB
| Round 1 | Pick 3 |
| Round 2 | Pick 34 |
| Round 3 | Pick 66 |
| Round 3 | Pick 96 |
| Round 4 | Pick 105 |
| Round 5 | Pick 168 |
| Round 6 | Pick 180 |
| Round 6 | Pick 213 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1(Pick 3)- Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
Round 2 (Pick 34)- Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Round 3 (Pick 66)- Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State
Round 3 (Pick 96)- Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
Dave Heilman:
Round 1(Pick 3)- Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
Round 2 (Pick 34)- Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Round 3 (Pick 66)- Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
Round 3 (Pick 96)- Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
Justin Mark:
Round 1(Pick 3)- Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
Round 2 (Pick 34)- Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Round 3 (Pick 66)- Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State
Round 3 (Pick 96)- Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
Round 4 (Pick 105)- Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
Round 5 (Pick 168)- Jalen Redmond, DI, Oklahoma
Round 6 (Pick 180)- Bryce Ford-Wheaton, WR, West Virginia
Round 6 (Pick 213)- Carrington Valentine, CB, Kentucky
Emerson Beery:
Round 1(Pick 3)- Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
Round 2 (Pick 34)- Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Round 3 (Pick 66)- Joe Tippmann, G, Wisconsin
Analysis:
All four contributors have the Cardinals selecting Will Anderson Jr. of Alabama with the 3rd overall pick. However, in what is one of the more likely selections that could happen come draft day, it all depends on if the Cardinals keep the pick or look to trade it away.
Also, three out of four contributors have the Cardinals taking a CB in the second round, showing the Cardinals will potentially be looking at a defense-heavy start to their draft.
Atlanta Falcons
Team Needs: EDGE, QB, CB, DT, WR
| Round 1 | Pick 8 |
| Round 2 | Pick 44 |
| Round 3 | Pick 75 |
| Round 4 | Pick 110 |
| Round 4 | Pick 113 |
| Round 7 | Pick 224 |
| Round 7 | Pick 225 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 8): Tyree Wilson, ED, Texas Tech
Round 2 (Pick 44): Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston
Round 3 (Pick 75): A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 8): Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
Round 2 (Pick 44): Tuli Tuipolotu, EDGE, USC
Round 3 (Pick 75): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 8): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Round 2 (Pick 44): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Round 3 (Pick 75): Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Round 4 (Pick 110): Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
Round 4 (Pick 113): Jaquelin Roy, DI, LSU
Round 7 (Pick 224): Mikel Jones, LB, Syracuse
Round 8 (Pick 225): Dontayvion Wicks, LB, Virginia
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 8): Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Round 2 (Pick 44): Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Round 3 (Pick 75): Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
Analysis:
Three out of four contributors are looking for the Falcons to address the defensive side of the ball, more specifically, the defensive line. Look for the Falcons to take the best available defensive lineman with the eighth overall pick.
Baltimore Ravens
Team Needs: OLB, CB, OT, QB, WR, EDGE
| Round 1 | Pick 22 |
| Round 3 | Pick 86 |
| Round 4 | Pick 124 |
| Round 5 | Pick 157 |
| Round 6 | Pick 199 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 22): Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Round 3 (Pick 86): Derrick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 22): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Round 3 (Pick 86): Kyu Blue Kelly, CB, Stanford
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 22): Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Round 3 (Pick 86): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
Round 4 (Pick 124): Christopher Smith, S, Georgia
Round 5 (Pick 157): Stenson Bennett, QB, Georgia
Round 6 (Pick 199): Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 22): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Round 3 (Pick 86): Zach Evans, RB, Mississippi
Analysis:
Much like the Falcons above, Three out of four contributors are looking at the Ravens making a defensive selection with their first-round pick (22md overall) of the draft. But, with Dave Heilman projecting the Ravens to take a WR in the first round, could that be enough to make their QB1 happy and sign a contract extension?
Buffalo Bills
Team Needs: LB, CB, DT, G, WR
| Round 1 | Pick 27 |
| Round 2 | Pick 59 |
| Round 3 | Pick 91 |
| Round 4 | Pick 130 |
| Round 5 | Pick 137 |
| Round 6 | Pick 205 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 27): Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Round 2 (Pick 59): Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
Round 3 (Pick 91): Tank Bigsby, HB, Auburn
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 27): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Round 2 (Pick 59): B.J. Ojularii, EDGE, Northwestern
Round 3 (Pick 91): Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 27): Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Round 2 (Pick 59): Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State
Round 3 (Pick 91): Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Round 4 (Pick 130): Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
Round 5 (Pick 137): Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
Round 6 (Pick 205): Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 27): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Round 2 (Pick 59): Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Round 3 (Pick 91): Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
Analysis:
With Buffalo, we have the first time in our mock draft comparison where none of the contributors agree on either a player or an on-field position to be selected by a team in the first round. One takeaway is that while three of the four contributors have the Bills making a selection on each side of the ball with their first two picks, John Ginder has the Bills doubling down on defense, selecting two cornerbacks.
Carolina Panthers
Team Needs: QB, WR, G, LB, EDGE
| Round 1 | Pick 1 |
| Round 2 | Pick 39 |
| Round 3 | Pick 93 |
| Round 4 | Pick 114 |
| Round 4 | Pick 132 |
| Round 5 | Pick 145 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 1): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 39): Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern
Round 3 (Pick 93): Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 1): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 39): Mazi Smith, EDGE, Michigan
Round 3 (Pick 93): Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 1): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 39): B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
Round 3 (Pick 93): Jartavius Martin, CB, Illinois
Round 4 (Pick 114): DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB
Round 4 (Pick 132): Jonathan Mingo, WR, Mississippi
Round 5 (Pick 145): Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 1): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Round 2 (Pick 39): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
Round 3 (Pick 93): Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston
Analysis:
In our first four-for-four agreement, we have all four mock drafts seeing the Panthers select a quarterback, probably a surprise to absolutely no one. However, even with three contributors having C.J. Stroud as the first overall, Emerson Beery could be the correct one, with all the latest news and odds favoring Bryce Young to go number one.
Also worth noting is that not only do all four contributors agree on the first overall pick, but all four have the Panthers targeting the EDGE with their second-round pick.
Chicago Bears
Team Needs: OL, RB, DT, CB, EDGE, LB
| Round 1 | Pick 9 |
| Round 2 | Pick 53 |
| Round 2 | Pick 61 |
| Round 3 | Pick 64 |
| Round 4 | Pick 103 |
| Round 4 | Pick 133 |
| Round 5 | Pick 136 |
| Round 5 | Pick 148 |
| Round 7 | Pick 218 |
| Round 7 | Pick 258 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 9): Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Round 2 (Pick 53): John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
Round 2 (Pick 61): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Round 3 (Pick 64): Nick Herbig, ED, Wisconsin
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 9): Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Round 2 (Pick 53): Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Round 2 (Pick 61): Derrick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
Round 3 (Pick 64): Luke Wyppler, C, Ohio State
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 9): Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 53): Siaki Ika, DI, Baylor
Round 2 (Pick 61): John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
Round 3 (Pick 64): Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
Round 4 (Pick 103): Karl Brooks, EDGE, Bowling Green
Round 4 (Pick 133): Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
Round 5 (Pick 136): Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
Round 5 (Pick 148): Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan
Round 7 (Pick 218): McClendon Curtis, OT, Chattanooga
Round 7 (Pick 258): Derek Parish, EDGE, Houston
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 9): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Round 2 (Pick 53): Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
Round 2 (Pick 61): Andre Carter, EDGE, Army
Round 3 (Pick 64): Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Analysis:
In what has become a bit of a theme so far, we again have three of four contributors in agreement on the on-field position of the Bears’ first-round selection, with two having Chicago take Peter Skoronski. In contrast, Justin Mark has Paris Johnson Jr. as his selection. Look for the Bears to improve their offensive line with the ninth pick.
Cincinnati Bengals
Team Needs: TE, S, CB, DT, OL, RB
| Round 1 | Pick 28 |
| Round 2 | Pick 60 |
| Round 3 | Pick 92 |
| Round 4 | Pick 131 |
| Round 5 | Pick 163 |
| Round 6 | Pick 206 |
| Round 7 | Pick 246 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 28): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Round 2 (Pick 60): Siaki Ika, DI, Baylor
Round 3 (Pick 92): Jalon Jones, CB, Texas A&M
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 28): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Round 2 (Pick 60): Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
Round 3 (Pick 92): Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 28): Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Round 2 (Pick 60): Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Round 3 (Pick 92): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
Round 4 (Pick 131): Keondre Coburn, DI, Texas
Round 5 (Pick 163): Keaton Mitchell, RB, East Carolina
Round 6 (Pick 206): Cameron Brown, CB, Ohio State
Round 7 (Pick 246): Dalton Wagner, OT, Arkansas
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 28): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Round 2 (Pick 60): Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
Round 3 (Pick 92): K.J. Henry, EDGE, Clemson
Analysis:
As if Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense don’t already have enough pass targets, three of four contributors are looking for Cincinnati to add another target, selecting a TE in the first round. Two are leaning toward Dalton Kincaid, while Justin Mark is leaning toward Luke Musgrave being the Bengals’ selection. Even if the Bengals shy away from the TE position and look to strengthen their OL like Emerson has them doing, one person who would be happy with either selection is Burrow.
Cleveland Browns
Team Needs: S, DL, WR
| Round 3 | Pick 74 |
| Round 3 | Pick 98 |
| Round 4 | Pick 111 |
| Round 4 | Pick 126 |
| Round 5 | Pick 140 |
| Round 5 | Pick 142 |
| Round 6 | Pick 190 |
| Round 7 | Pick 229 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 3 (Pick 74): Jaquelin Roy, DI, LSU
Round 3 (Pick 98): Mojo Ojomo, DI, Texas
Dave Heilman:
Round 3 (Pick 74): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
Round 3 (Pick 98): DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
Justin Mark:
Round 3 (Pick 74): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
Round 3 (Pick 98): Anthony Johnson, S, Iowa State
Round 4 (Pick 111): Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
Round 4 (Pick 126): Zach Pickens, DI, South Carolina
Round 5 (Pick 140): Colby Wooden, Edge, Auburn
Round 5 (Pick 142): Cam Jones, LB, Indiana
Round 6 (Pick 190): Will Mallory, TE, Miami
Round 7 (Pick 229): Thomas Incoom, EDGE, Central Michigan
Emerson Beery:
Round 3 (Pick 74): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
Round 3 (Pick 98): N/A
Analysis:
With the Browns not selecting until the third round, there isn’t much to discuss regarding their potential selections. However, one pick that could be worth nothing is Emerson Beery and John Ginder. Both have the Browns selecting Sydney Brown, the safety out of Illinois.
Dallas Cowboys
Team Needs: LB, CB, TE, WR, RB, DI
| Round 1 | Pick 26 |
| Round 2 | Pick 58 |
| Round 3 | Pick 90 |
| Round 4 | Pick 129 |
| Round 5 | Pick 169 |
| Round 6 | Pick 212 |
| Round 7 | Pick 244 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1(Pick 26): Bijan Robinson, HB, Texas
Round 2(Pick 58): Keeanu Benton, DI, Wisconsin
Round 3(Pick 90): Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
Dave Heilman:
Round 1(Pick 26): O’Cyrus Torrance, G, Florida
Round 2(Pick 58): Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
Round 3(Pick 90): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
Justin Mark:
Round 1(Pick 26): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Round 2(Pick 58): Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
Round 3(Pick 90): Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
Round 4(Pick 129): Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Round 5(Pick 169): Brodric Martin, DI, Western Kentucky
Round 6(Pick 212): Max Duggan, QB, TCU
Round 7(Pick 244): Mohamoud Diabate, LB, Utah
Emerson Beery:
Round 1(Pick 26): Luke Musgrave, TE, Houston
Round 2(Pick 58): Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
Round 3(Pick 90): Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
Analysis:
It’s the Cowboys. Does anyone even want to read an analysis of this team? Since I want to be fair in my analysis to all teams, look for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys to target the TE position, with Emerson and Justin having the Cowboys using their first-round selection drafting a TE.
Dave also has them targeting a TE later in the draft, selecting Sam LaPorta in the third round. If anyone wondered if an Eagles fan (John Ginder) could be fair towards the Cowboys, look no further than him having the Cowboys take Bijan Robinson in the first round.
Denver Broncos
Team Needs: C, CB, RB, OL, EDGE, LB
| Round 3 | Pick 67 |
| Round 3 | Pick 68 |
| Round 4 | Pick 108 |
| Round 5 | Pick 139 |
| Round 6 | Pick 195 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 3 (Pick 67): Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Round 3 (Pick 68): Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
Dave Heilman:
Round 3 (Pick 67): Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
Round 3 (Pick 68): Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
Justin Mark:
Round 3 (Pick 67): DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
Round 3 (Pick 68): Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston
Round 4 (Pick 108): Byron Young, EDGE, Tennessee
Round 5 (Pick 139): Byron Young, DI, Alabama
Round 6 (Pick 195): Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan
Emerson Beery:
Round 3 (Pick 67): Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
Round 3 (Pick 68): Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
Analysis:
Much like the Cleveland Browns, the Broncos do not have a selection until the third round, exciting both fan bases about as much as a root canal. The most interesting takeaway is that Justin Mark has the Broncos selecting two players with the same name, which would be unique.
Detroit Lions
Team Needs: DI, WR, DL, EDGE, TE, LB
| Round 1 | Pick 6 |
| Round 1 | Pick 18 |
| Round 2 | Pick 48 |
| Round 2 | Pick 55 |
| Round 3 | Pick 81 |
| Round 5 | Pick 152 |
| Round 5 | Pick 159 |
| Round 6 | Pick 183 |
| Round 6 | Pick 194 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 6): Jalen Carter, DI, Georgia
Round 1 (Pick 18): Lukas Van Ness, ED, Iowa
Round 2 (Pick 48): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
Round 2 (Pick 55): Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Round 3 (Pick 81): Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 6): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Round 1 (Pick 18): Luke Van Ness, ED, Iowa
Round 2 (Pick 48): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Round 2 (Pick 55): Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Round 3 (Pick 81): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 6): Jalen Carter, DI, Georgia
Round 1 (Pick 18): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Round 2 (Pick 48): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
Round 2 (Pick 55): Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Round 3 (Pick 81): Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
Round 5 (Pick 152): Yaya Diaby, EDGE, Louisville
Round 5 (Pick 159): Jose Ramirez, EDGE, Eastern Michigan
Round 6 (Pick 183): Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
Round 6 (Pick 194): Alex Austin, CB, Oregon State
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 6): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Round 1 (Pick 18): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Round 2 (Pick 48): Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
Round 2 (Pick 55): Karl Brooks, DT, Bowling Green
Round 3 (Pick 81): Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Analysis:
In what could be one of the most exciting teams come the draft, the Lions have four selections in the first 55 picks. Our contributors have the Lions projected to make a defensive selection 10 out of 16 in their four mock drafts, so look for the Lions to load up on defensive selections, which could include such players as Jalen Carter, Lukas Van Ness, Devon Witherspoon, and/or Christian Gonzalez. On the flip side, Emerson has the Lions going for offensive selections with their two first-round picks.
Green Bay Packers
Team Needs: QB, WR, S, DI, EDGE, TE
| Round 1 | Pick 15 |
| Round 2 | Pick 45 |
| Round 3 | Pick 78 |
| Round 4 | Pick 116 |
| Round 5 | Pick 149 |
| Round 5 | Pick 170 |
| Round 7 | Pick 232 |
| Round 7 | Pick 235 |
| Round 7 | Pick 242 |
| Round 7 | Pick 256 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 15): Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Round 2 (Pick 45): Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Round 3 (Pick 78): Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 15): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Round 2 (Pick 45): Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Round 3 (Pick 78): Gervon Dexter, DL, Florida
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 15): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Round 2 (Pick 45): Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern
Round 3 (Pick 78): Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
Round 4 (Pick 116): JL Skinner, S, Boise State
Round 5 (Pick 149): Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
Round 5 (Pick 170): Jonah Tavai, DI, San Diego State
Round 7 (Pick 232): Logan Bonner, QB, Utah State
Round 7 (Pick 235): Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, OT, Oregon
Round 7 (Pick 242): Isaiah Land, EDGE, Florida A&M
Round 7 (Pick 256): Taiwan Mullen, CB, Indiana
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 15): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Round 2 (Pick 45): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
Round 3 (Pick 78): Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
Analysis:
A team primarily known for using its first-round selections on defensive players, three out of the four contributors actually have the Packers using their first-round second on an offensive player, two projecting that to be at the tight end position. All four contributors have the Packers making a selection at TE within the first two rounds. Don’t forget; if the Rodgers trade happens before or during the draft, the Packers could potentially end up with more draft picks.
Houston Texans
Team Needs: QB, ED, WR, OL, CB
| Round 1 | Pick 2 |
| Round 1 | Pick 12 |
| Round 2 | Pick 33 |
| Round 3 | Pick 65 |
| Round 3 | Pick 73 |
| Round 4 | Pick 104 |
| Round 5 | Pick 161 |
| Round 6 | Pick 188 |
| Round 6 | Pick 201 |
| Round 6 | Pick 203 |
| Round 7 | Pick 230 |
| Round 7 | Pick 259 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 2): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Round 1 (Pick 12): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Round 2 (Pick 33): Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
Round 3 (Pick 65): Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
Round 3 (Pick 73): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 2): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Round 1 (Pick 12): Myles Murphy, LB, Clemson
Round 2 (Pick 33): Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennesee
Round 3 (Pick 65): Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Round 3 (Pick 73): Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 2): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Round 1 (Pick 12): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 33): Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
Round 3 (Pick 65): Keeanu Benton, DI, Wisconsin
Round 3 (Pick 73): Chandler Zavala, G, NC State
Round 4 (Pick 104): Andrew Vorhes, G, USC
Round 5 (Pick 161): Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
Round 6 (Pick 188): Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
Round 6 (Pick 201): Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC
Round 7 (Pick 230): Warren McClendon, OT, Georgia
Round 7 (Pick 259): Jacob Gall, C, Baylor
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 2): C.J. Stroud, QB, Alabama
Round 1 (Pick 12): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 33): Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
Round 3 (Pick 65): Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Round 3 (Pick 73): Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
Analysis:
In what could be the pick that results in many teams adjusting their potentially first-round selection, this could be the pick that has everyone talking and the most significant impact on the draft. What do the Texans do if the Panthers take Bryce Young first overall? Do they select C.J. Stroud?
Do they throw everyone off and target another position besides QB? Do they trade down? Our four mocks have them taking a QB in the first round, with three thinking it will be Young, while Emerson Beery has it being Stroud. Beery also has the Texans selecting Jaxon Smith-Njigba with their 12th overall selection, pairing the two Ohio State Buckeyes together.
Indianapolis Colts
Team Needs: QB, WR, S, CB, OL
| Round 1 | Pick 4 |
| Round 2 | Pick 35 |
| Round 3 | Pick 79 |
| Round 4 | Pick 106 |
| Round 5 | Pick 138 |
| Round 5 | Pick 162 |
| Round 5 | Pick 176 |
| Round 7 | Pick 221 |
| Round 7 | Pick 236 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 4): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Round 2 (Pick 35): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Round 3 (Pick 79): Chandler Zavala, G, North Carolina State
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 4): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Round 2 (Pick 35): Dawand Jones, OG, Ohio State
Round 3 (Pick 79): Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 4): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Round 2 (Pick 35): Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Round 3 (Pick 79): A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
Round 4 (Pick 106): K.J. Henry, EDGE, Tulane
Round 5 (Pick 138): Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
Round 5 (Pick 162): Starling Thomas, CB, UAB
Round 5 (Pick 176): Ventrell Miller, LB, Florida
Round 7 (Pick 221): Jon Gaines II, G, UCLA
Round 7 (Pick 236): Dion Bergan Jr., DI, Wake Forest
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 4): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Round 2 (Pick 35): Will McDonald, EDGE, Iowa State
Round 3 (Pick 79): Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
Analysis:
With quarterback projected to be the primary focus of teams at the top of the draft board, three of our mock drafts have the Colts following that trend by selecting a QB with the fourth overall selection. Justin Mark and John Ginder have Will Levis going to the Colts, while Dave Heilman has Anthony Richardson heading to Indianapolis.
In what is the earliest of the four mock drafts, Emerson Beery has Jalen Carter as the fourth overall pick. Three of the mock drafts also have the Colts selecting an offensive lineman in the first three rounds. Though the most important question is, does Will Levis actually put mayo in his coffee?
Jacksonville Jaguars
Team Needs: OL, S, EDGE, CB, TE
| Round 1 | Pick 24 |
| Round 2 | Pick 56 |
| Round 3 | Pick 88 |
| Round 4 | Pick 121 |
| Round 4 | Pick 127 |
| Round 6 | Pick 185 |
| Round 6 | Pick 202 |
| Round 6 | Pick 208 |
| Round 7 | Pick 226 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 24): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Round 2 (Pick 56): Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
Round 3 (Pick 88): Karl Brooks, EDGE, Bowling Green
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 24): Deon Banks, CB, Maryland
Round 2 (Pick 56): Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
Round 3 (Pick 88): Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 24): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
Round 2 (Pick 56): Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
Round 3 (Pick 88): Moro Ojomo, DI, Texas
Round 4 (Pick 121): Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
Round 4 (Pick 127): Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State
Round 6 (Pick 185): Jarrett Patterson, G, Notre Dame
Round 6 (Pick 202): Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State
Round 6 (Pick 208): Asim Richards, OT, North Carolina
Round 7 (Pick 226): Kadeem Telfort, OT, UAB
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 24): Keion White, OLB, Georgia Tech
Round 2 (Pick 56): Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
Round 3 (Pick 88): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Analysis:
While the specific players might not all be the same, it’s clear that our contributors have Jacksonville focusing on defense in the first two rounds. All four mock drafts project the Jaguars to use their first-round pick on defense, while three mock drafts follow that up, with Jacksonville making their second-round selection (Pick 56) a defensive one.
John Ginder and Justin Mark find some common ground with Jacksonville’s first two selections being Myles Murphy, EDGE, of Clemson, and Julius Brents, the cornerback out of Kansas State.
Kansas City Chiefs
Team Needs: WR, T, DL
| Round 1 | Pick 31 |
| Round 2 | Pick 63 |
| Round 3 | Pick 95 |
| Round 4 | Pick 122 |
| Round 4 | Pick 134 |
| Round 5 | Pick 166 |
| Round 6 | Pick 178 |
| Round 6 | Pick 217 |
| Round 7 | Pick 249 |
| Round 7 | Pick 250 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 31): Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Round 2 (Pick 63): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
Round 3 (Pick 95): Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 31): Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Round 2 (Pick 63): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Round 3 (Pick 95): Byron Young, DL, Tennessee
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 31): Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Round 2 (Pick 63): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Round 3 (Pick 95): Gervon Dexter Sr., DI, Florida
Round 4 (Pick 122): Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
Round 4 (Pick 134): Braeden Daniels, OT, Maryland
Round 5 (Pick 166): Rashad Torrence II, EDGE, Florida
Round 6 (Pick 178): Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
Round 6 (Pick 217): Brett Neilon, C, USC
Round 7 (Pick 249): Jay Ward, CB, LSU
Round 7 (Pick 250): Dontay Demus, WR, Maryland
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 31): Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Round 2 (Pick 63): Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
Round 3 (Pick 95): Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
Analysis:
Coming off their Super Bowl win, three of our mock drafts have the Chiefs adding a WR as another piece to their already high-powered offense. John Ginder and Justin Mark have Patrick Mahomes throwing to Josh Downs in the future, whereas Emerson Beery has Jalin Hyatt out of Tennessee as Mahomes’ new receiver.
Ginder and Mark also double down in their mock drafts and give Mahomes another pass catcher, with Ginder having the Chiefs go back-to-back receiver with the selection of Cedric Tillman, while Mark has the Chiefs drafting Darnell Washington to learn from one of the best tight ends in the league in Travis Kelce.
Las Vegas Raiders
Team Needs: DL, TE, OL, CB, QB
| Round 1 | Pick 7 |
| Round 2 | Pick 38 |
| Round 3 | Pick 70 |
| Round 3 | Pick 100 |
| Round 4 | Pick 109 |
| Round 5 | Pick 141 |
| Round 5 | Pick 144 |
| Round 5 | Pick 174 |
| Round 6 | Pick 204 |
| Round 6 | Pick 214 |
| Round 7 | Pick 220 |
| Round 7 | Pick 231 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 7): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Round 2 (Pick 38): Steve Avila, G, TCU
Round 3 (Pick 70): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Round 3 (Pick 100): Gervon Dexter Sr., DI, Florida
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 7): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Round 2 (Pick 38): Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
Round 3 (Pick 70): Keanu Benton, DL, Wisconsin
Round 3 (Pick 100): Jarrett Patterson, C, Notre Dame
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 7): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Round 2 (Pick 38): Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Round 3 (Pick 70): Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
Round 3 (Pick 100): Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama
Round 4 (Pick 109): Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
Round 5 (Pick 141): Daniel Scott, S, California
Round 5 (Pick 144): Nick Saldiveri, OT, Old Dominion
Round 5 (Pick 174): Tyler Lacy, EDGE, Oregon State
Round 6 (Pick 204): Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland
Round 6 (Pick 214): Mekhi Garner, CB, LSU
Round 7 (Pick 220): Dante Stills, DI, West Virginia
Round 7 (Pick 231): BJ Thompson, EDGE, Stephen F. Austin
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 7): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Round 2 (Pick 38): Calijah Kansey, DT, Pittsburgh
Round 3 (Pick 70): Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin
Round 3 (Pick 100): N/A
Analysis:
With Derek Carr finding a new home in New Orleans and Jimmy G arriving at his new home as a Raider, our contributors view Jimmy G as a short-term fix at QB. In what seems to be the norm, we find three mock drafts are in agreement, this time having the Raiders selecting a QB with the seventh overall pick.
Dave Heilman and Emerson Beery have the Raiders selecting Will Levis, while Justin Mark has Anthony Richardson being the Raiders selection. John Ginder might disagree with a quarterback in the first round, but he has the Raiders selecting QB Hendon Hooker in the third round, making it clear to expect QB to be a focus of the Raiders come draft day.
Los Angeles Chargers
Team Needs: DT, RB, CB, WR, LB, TE
| Round 1 | Pick 21 |
| Round 2 | Pick 54 |
| Round 3 | Pick 85 |
| Round 4 | Pick 125 |
| Round 5 | Pick 156 |
| Round 6 | Pick 200 |
| Round 7 | Pick 239 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 21): Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Round 2 (Pick 54): Jahmyr Gibbs, HB, Alabama
Round 3 (Pick 85): Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 21): Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Round 2 (Pick 54): Drew Sanders, OL, Arkansas
Round 3 (Pick 85): Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 21): Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Round 2 (Pick 54): Nick Herbig, EDGE, Wisconsin
Round 3 (Pick 85): Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M
Round 4 (Pick 125): Kobie Turner, DI, Wake Forest
Round 5 (Pick 156): Zach Evans, RB, Mississippi
Round 6 (Pick 200): Jordan McFadden, OT, Clemson
Round 7 (Pick 239): Kyle Patterson, TE, Air Force
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 21): Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Round 2 (Pick 54): Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, Southern California
Round 3 (Pick 85): Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Analysis:
The four mock drafts agree for the first time in a while, with the Chargers’ first-round selection being a wide receiver. Jordan Addison is the clear favorite selection, with three mock drafts having him as Justin Herbert’s newest route runner, while John Ginder has Zay Flowers going to Los Angeles.
In what could be a feel-good moment during the draft, Ginder and Heilman have Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, the nephew of Chargers great, 2006 NFL MVP, and NFL Hall of Fame member LaDainian “L.T.” Tomlinson, being selected by Los Angeles in the third round.
Los Angeles Rams
Team Needs: DL, CB, OL, RB, S, LB, CB, WR
| Round 2 | Pick 36 |
| Round 3 | Pick 69 |
| Round 3 | Pick 77 |
| Round 5 | Pick 167 |
| Round 5 | Pick 171 |
| Round 5 | Pick 177 |
| Round 6 | Pick 182 |
| Round 6 | Pick 189 |
| Round 6 | Pick 191 |
| Round 7 | Pick 223 |
| Round 7 | Pick 234 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 2 (Pick 36): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
Round 3 (Pick 69): Zach Charbonnet, HB, UCLA
Round 3 (Pick 77): D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan
Dave Heilman:
Round 2 (Pick 36): Will McDonald, EDGE, Iowa State
Round 3 (Pick 69): Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
Round 3 (Pick 77): D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan
Justin Mark:
Round 2 (Pick 36): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
Round 3 (Pick 69): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Round 3 (Pick 77): Zach Charbonnet, HB, UCLA
Round 5 (Pick 167): Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville
Round 5 (Pick 171): Atonio Mafi, G, UCLA
Round 5 (Pick 177): Jalen Moreno-Croppper, WR, Fresno State
Round 6 (Pick 182): Jacob Slade, DI, Michigan State
Round 6 (Pick 189): Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
Round 6 (Pick 191): Desjuan Johnson, DI, Toledo
Round 7 (Pick 223): Trevor Reid, OT, Louisville
Round 7 (Pick 234): TJ Bass, OT, Oregon
Emerson Beery:
Round 2 (Pick 36): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Round 3 (Pick 69): Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
Round 3 (Pick 77): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Analysis:
In what could be a start to a cruel summer, Los Angeles does not have a first-round draft selection. The Rams know all too well that they will soon be in their post-Aaron Donald era (Shout out to Taylor Swift, we love a good eras reference).
No one can replace Aaron Donald, but Sean McVay and the Rams are looking to find the one who can fill that blank space in their defense. Yes, I made four Taylor Swift references in the sentences prior, but let’s shake it off. Three mock drafts are looking at a post-AD Rams team, with Los Angeles looking to add to their defensive line.
Justin Mark and John Ginder like Felix Anudike-Uzomah as the selection in the second round, while Dave Heilman has Will McDonald joining the Rams.
Miami Dolphins
Team Needs: OL, TE, LB, RB
| Round 1 | Forfeited |
| Round 2 | Pick 51 |
| Round 3 | Pick 84 |
| Round 6 | Pick 197 |
| Round 7 | Pick 238 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 2 (Pick 51): Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
Round 3 (Pick 84): Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Dave Heilman:
Round 2 (Pick 51): Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
Round 3 (Pick 84): Zach Evans, RB, Mississippi
Justin Mark:
Round 2 (Pick 51): Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
Round 3 (Pick 84): Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
Round 6 (Pick 197): Ochaun Mathis, EDGE, Nebraska
Round 7 (Pick 238): MJ Anderson, EDGE, Iowa State
Emerson Beery:
Round 2 (Pick 51): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Round 3 (Pick 84): Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
Analysis:
The Dolphins forfeit their Round 1 draft pick due to tampering with Tom Brady and former Saints, now Broncos head coach Sean Payton. With the news QB Tua Tagovailoa was considering retirement after multiple concussions last season, two contributors have the Dolphins looking to strengthen their offensive line, which could help provide Tua with much-needed pass protection.
Minnesota Vikings
Team Needs: DT, WR, CB, QB, G, DT, S
| Round 1 | Pick 23 |
| Round 3 | Pick 87 |
| Round 4 | Pick 119 |
| Round 5 | Pick 158 |
| Round 6 | Pick 211 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 23): Bryan Bresee, DI, Clemson
Round 3 (Pick 87): Devon Achane, HB, Texas A&M
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 23): Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
Round 3 (Pick 87): Henry To’oto’o, LB, Alabama
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 23): Bryan Bresee, DI, Clemson
Round 3 (Pick 87): Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
Round 4 (Pick 119): Viliami Fehoko, EDGE, San Jose State
Round 5 (Pick 158): Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
Round 6 (Pick 211): Tyson Bagent, QB, Shepherd
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 23): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Round 3 (Pick 87): Clark Phillips, CB, Utah
Analysis:
With the Vikings rumored to be potentially moving on from Dalvin Cook, Vikings fans might rejoice if Emerson Beery’s first-round pick of Bijan Robinson becomes true.
Of course, with the insane hype and generation-type talent talk surrounding Robinson, it’s unclear where he could end up, but could it be the Vikings? Besides Robinson, our contributors are looking at Minnesota to make defensive selections with their Round 1 and 3 picks, with two projecting Bryan Bresee as the Vikings’ first-round pick.
New England Patriots
Team Needs: WR, CB, EDGE, DT, QB, T, OLB
| Round 1 | Pick 14 |
| Round 2 | Pick 46 |
| Round 3 | Pick 76 |
| Round 4 | Pick 107 |
| Round 4 | Pick 117 |
| Round 4 | Pick 135 |
| Round 6 | Pick 184 |
| Round 6 | Pick 187 |
| Round 6 | Pick 192 |
| Round 6 | Pick 210 |
| Round 7 | Pick 245 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 14): Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Round 2 (Pick 46): Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
Round 3 (Pick 76): Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 14): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Round 2 (Pick 46): Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern
Round 3 (Pick 76): Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 14): Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
Round 2 (Pick 46): Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
Round 3 (Pick 76): Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
Round 4 (Pick 107): Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
Round 4 (Pick 117): Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion
Round 4 (Pick 135): Riley Moss, CB, Iowa
Round 6 (Pick 184): Jason Taylor II, S, Oklahoma State
Round 6 (Pick 187): Anthony Bradford, G, LSU
Round 6 (Pick 192): Troy Brown, LB, Troy
Round 6 (Pick 210): Michael Turk, P, Oklahoma
Round 7 (Pick 245): Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 14): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Round 2 (Pick 46): Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern
Round 3 (Pick 76): Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State
Analysis:
In true Bill Belichick fashion, does anyone ever know his thoughts about the draft? While it might be hard to gauge his thinking, make no mistake, Belichick knows how to draft. (Look at last year)
Our mock drafters had difficulty knowing what the Patriots would do come draft day. The only similarities are two contributors having Adetomiwa Adebawore heading to New England in the second round and QB Tanner Mckee ending up on the Patriots but being projected in different rounds by Justin Mark and John Ginder.
New Orleans Saints
Team Needs: OL, CB, DL, WR
| Round 1 | Pick 29 |
| Round 2 | Pick 40 |
| Round 3 | Pick 71 |
| Round 4 | Pick 115 |
| Round 5 | Pick 146 |
| Round 5 | Pick 165 |
| Round 7 | Pick 227 |
| Round 7 | Pick 257 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 29): O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
Round 2 (Pick 40): Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (FL)
Round 3 (Pick 71): Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 29): Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Round 2 (Pick 40): Brian Breese, DL, Clemson
Round 3 (Pick 71): Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 29): Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan
Round 2 (Pick 40): Steve Avila, G, TCU
Round 3 (Pick 71): Derrick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
Round 4 (Pick 115): Cory Trice, CB, Purdue
Round 5 (Pick 146): Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
Round 5 (Pick 165): Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA
Round 7 (Pick 227): Charlie Thomas, LB, Georgia Tech
Round 7 (Pick 257): Brayden Willis, TE, Oklahoma
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 29): Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Round 2 (Pick 40): Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan
Round 3 (Pick 71): Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
Analysis:
A team that is clearly in a rebuild or at least a “kinda” rebuild; the one interesting takeaway from the four mock drafts is that our contributors have the Saints taking no skill players in the first two rounds of the draft. Even with their newly signed QB Derek Carr, the Saints look like they are still figuring out what to do moving forward as a franchise.
New York Giants
Team Needs: WR, LB, C, S, DT, CB
| Round 1 | Pick 25 |
| Round 2 | Pick 57 |
| Round 3 | Pick 89 |
| Round 4 | Pick 128 |
| Round 5 | Pick 160 |
| Round 5 | Pick 172 |
| Round 6 | Pick 209 |
| Round 7 | Pick 240 |
| Round 7 | Pick 243 |
| Round 7 | Pick 254 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 25): Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Round 2 (Pick 57): Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Round 3 (Pick 89): Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 25): Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Round 2 (Pick 57): Jack Campbell, LB, Wisconsin
Round 3 (Pick 89): Emil Ekiyor Jr., G, Alabama
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 25): Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Round 2 (Pick 57): Kelee Ringo, CB, Kansas State
Round 3 (Pick 89): Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
Round 4 (Pick 128): Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Alabama
Round 5 (Pick 160): Jaxson Kirkland, G, Washington
Round 5 (Pick 172): Payne Durham, TE, Purdue
Round 6 (Pick 209): Quindell Johnson, S, Memphis
Round 7 (Pick 240): Dylan Horton, EDGE, TCU
Round 7 (Pick 243): Gervarrius Owens, S, Houston
Round 7 (Pick 254): SirVocea Dennis, LB, Pittsburgh
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 25): Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Round 2 (Pick 57): Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
Round 3 (Pick 89): John Michael Schmitz, G, Minnesota
Analysis:
In what will hopefully make SGPN’s Ryan Kramer happy, all four mock drafts have the Giants selecting a WR in Round One. Three mock drafts have the Giants selecting playmaker Zay Flowers, while John Ginder has Jordan Addison calling the Big Apple home. Either way, the Giants hope their first-round WR selection, off-season addition of Darren Waller, and a 4-year extension of QB Daniel Jones pay dividends. (Mr. Jones by Counting Crows starts to play in the background)
New York Jets
Team Needs: OL, LB, S, DT
| Round 1 | Pick 13 |
| Round 2 | Pick 42 |
| Round 2 | Pick 43 |
| Round 4 | Pick 112 |
| Round 5 | Pick 143 |
| Round 6 | Pick 207 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 13): Paris Johnson Jr., T, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 42): Darnell Wright, T, Tennessee
Round 2 (Pick 43): Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 13): Paris Johnson Jr., T, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 42): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
Round 2 (Pick 43): Steve Avila, G, TCU
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 13): Broderick Jones, T, Georgia
Round 2 (Pick 42): Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
Round 2 (Pick 43): Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
Round 4 (Pick 112): Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
Round 5 (Pick 143): Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
Round 6 (Pick 207): DJ Dale, DI, Alabama
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 13): Paris Johnson Jr., T, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 42): B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
Round 2 (Pick 43): Steve Avila, G, TCU
Analysis:
With the entire focus of the off-season being centered around Aaron Rodgers and his potential trade to the Jets, this is an important time to remind the Jets that the draft is less than a week away. In what looks to be forward-thinking, all four mock drafts have the Jets taking a T, with the expected arrival of Aaron Rodgers in a trade with the Packers.
Three contributors have Ohio State’s Paris Jackson Jr. as the Jets selection making for what could be an impressive first round for Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day to celebrate. Also worth noting is that all four mock drafts have the Jets using two of their first three picks on offensive linemen.
Philadelphia Eagles
Team Needs: WR, OL, RB, S, DL
| Round 1 | Pick 10 |
| Round 1 | Pick 30 |
| Round 2 | Pick 62 |
| Round 3 | Pick 94 |
| Round 7 | Pick 219 |
| Round 7 | Pick 248 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 10): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Round 1 (Pick 30): Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
Round 2 (Pick 62): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
Round 3 (Pick 94): Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 10): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Round 1 (Pick 30): Brian Branch, CB, Alabama
Round 2 (Pick 62): Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor
Round 3 (Pick 94): J.L. Skinner, S, Boise State
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 10): Brian Branch, CB, Alabama
Round 1 (Pick 30): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Round 2 (Pick 62): Andre Carter, EDGE, Army
Round 3 (Pick 94): DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
Round 7 (Pick 219): Anthony Johnson, CB, Virginia
Round 7 (Pick 248): John Ojukwu, T, Boise State
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 10): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Round 1 (Pick 30): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Round 2 (Pick 62): Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
Round 3 (Pick 94): Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri
Analysis:
First things first, GO BIRDS and FLY EAGLES FLY. Now that that’s out of the way let’s look at how the Eagles will do in the draft this year. Emerson, Dave, and Justin seem to be roughly on the same page, with the Eagles focusing on improving at RB, CB, and DL.
Two contributors not named John Ginder (me) have Bijan Robinson going to the Eagles, which is very exciting if the generational-type talent hype translates to NFL Sundays. Dave and Justin Mark also have Brian Branch heading to the city of Brotherly Love, sure to make draft day sunny in Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Team Needs: T, S, DT, CB, WR, LB
| Round 1 | Pick 17 |
| Round 2 | Pick 32 |
| Round 2 | Pick 49 |
| Round 3 | Pick 80 |
| Round 4 | Pick 120 |
| Round 7 | Pick 241 |
| Round 7 | Pick 251 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 17): Broderick Jones, T, Georgia
Round 2 (Pick 32): Dawand Jones, T, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 49): Matthew Bergeron, T, Syracuse
Round 3 (Pick 80): Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 17): Broderick Jones, T, Georgia
Round 2 (Pick 32): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Round 2 (Pick 49): Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Round 3 (Pick 80): Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 17): Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Round 2 (Pick 32): Dawand Jones, T, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 49): Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, USC
Round 3 (Pick 80): Parker Washington, WR, Penn State
Round 4 (Pick 120): Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati
Round 7 (Pick 241): Nesta Jade Silvera, DI, Arizona State
Round 7 (Pick 251): Nick Hampton, EDGE, Appalachian State
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 17): Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Round 2 (Pick 32): Dawand Jones, T, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 49): Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Round 3 (Pick 80): Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
Analysis:
What’s clear when looking at the mock drafts is that the Steelers are projected to select a CB and a T with their first two picks. What needs to be clarified is the order in which they will choose a CB and T with those picks.
In an even split of the four mock drafts, two contributors have T Broderick Jones going to the Steelers. On the other side, two have another potential feel-good story happening in this year’s draft with Pittsburgh selecting Joey Porter Jr., the son of Super Bowl Champion, seven-time All-Pro, and Steelers legend Joey Porter.
San Francisco 49ers
Team Needs: CB, DE, OL, S
| Round 3 | Pick 99 |
| Round 3 | Pick 101 |
| Round 3 | Pick 102 |
| Round 5 | Pick 155 |
| Round 5 | Pick 164 |
| Round 5 | Pick 173 |
| Round 6 | Pick 216 |
| Round 7 | Pick 222 |
| Round 7 | Pick 247 |
| Round 7 | Pick 253 |
| Round 7 | Pick 255 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 3 (Pick 99): Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
Round 3 (Pick 101): Jartavius Martin, CB, Illinois
Round 3 (Pick 102): Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State
Dave Heilman:
Round 3 (Pick 99): Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
Round 3 (Pick 101): Nathaniel Dell, WR, Houston
Round 3 (Pick 102): Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
Justin Mark:
Round 3 (Pick 99): Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State
Round 3 (Pick 101): Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
Round 3 (Pick 102): Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
Round 5 (Pick 155): Davis Allen, TE, Clemson
Round 5 (Pick 164): Jerrod Clark, DI, Coastal Carolina
Round 5 (Pick 173): Marte Mapu, S, Sacramento State
Round 6 (Pick 216): Lonnie Phelps, EDGE, Kansas
Round 7 (Pick 222): Alex Palczewski, T, Illinois
Round 7 (Pick 247): Jack Podlesny, K, Georgia
Round 7 (Pick 253): Darrell Luter Jr., CB, South Alabama
Round 7 (Pick 255): Xazavian Valladay, RB, Arizona State
Emerson Beery:
Round 3 (Pick 99): N/A
Round 3 (Pick 101): N/A
Round 3 (Pick 102): N/A
Analysis:
Not picking until the third round (99th pick) with their first selection of the 2023 NFL Draft, the 49ers join the Browns and Broncos in line for having about as much fun as a root canal because of the lack of early draft picks. But that happens when you give up four draft picks (2nd, 3rd, and 4th round picks plus a 2024 fourth-round pick) for CMC, which still seems like a pretty good deal, but only time will tell.
Also, the 49ers gave up their first-round pick this year as part of the Trey Lance deal, which is still to be seen if it was worth it. So the 49ers won’t be having the best draft in team history but could pick up some underrated talent available in players like Juice Scruggs, Ji’Ayir Brown, Marvin Mims, Nathaniel Dell, and Blake Freeland.
Seattle Seahawks
Team Needs: DL, WR, OL, QB, WR, S
| Round 1 | Pick 5 |
| Round 1 | Pick 20 |
| Round 2 | Pick 37 |
| Round 2 | Pick 52 |
| Round 3 | Pick 83 |
| Round 4 | Pick 123 |
| Round 5 | Pick 151 |
| Round 5 | Pick 154 |
| Round 6 | Pick 198 |
| Round 7 | Pick 237 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 5): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Round 1 (Pick 20): Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Round 2 (Pick 37): B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
Round 2 (Pick 52): Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, Seattle
Round 3 (Pick 83): Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 5): Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Round 1 (Pick 20): Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Round 2 (Pick 37): Cody Mauch, G, North Dakota State
Round 2 (Pick 52): Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Round 3 (Pick 83): Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 5): Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Round 1 (Pick 20): Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Round 2 (Pick 37): O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
Round 2 (Pick 52): Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
Round 3 (Pick 83): Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
Round 4 (Pick 123): Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford
Round 5 (Pick 151): Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
Round 5 (Pick 154): Emil Ekiyor Jr., G, Alabama
Round 6 (Pick 198): Malik Cunningham, QB, Louisville
Round 7 (Pick 237): Aubrey Miller, LB, Jackson State
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 5): Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
Round 1 (Pick 20): Deonta Banks, CB, Iowa
Round 2 (Pick 37): Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Round 2 (Pick 52): Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
Round 3 (Pick 83): Cody Mauch, G, North Dakota State
Analysis:
Three contributors like Tyree Wilson with the 5th overall pick to the Seahawks, which is no surprise given how much Pete Carroll and Seattle love to draft athletic playmakers who can dominate on the defensive side of the ball. Dave Heilman and Justin Mark also agree on Seattle’s second first-round pick (20th overall), which has Seattle doubling down and selecting a second defensive lineman in Calijah Kancey.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Team Needs: QB, S, CB, OL, DE, RB, TE, DL
| Round 1 | Pick 19 |
| Round 2 | Pick 50 |
| Round 3 | Pick 82 |
| Round 5 | Pick 153 |
| Round 5 | Pick 175 |
| Round 6 | Pick 179 |
| Round 6 | Pick 181 |
| Round 6 | Pick 196 |
| Round 7 | Pick 252 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 19): Anton Harrison, T, Oklahoma
Round 2 (Pick 50): Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Round 3 (Pick 82): Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 19): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Round 2 (Pick 50): Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Round 3 (Pick 82): Christopher Smith II, S, Georgia
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 19): Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Round 2 (Pick 50): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Round 3 (Pick 82): Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri
Round 5 (Pick 153): Carter Warren, T, Pittsburgh
Round 5 (Pick 175): Jake Andrews, C, Troy
Round 6 (Pick 179): Aidan O’Connell, QB, Purdue
Round 6 (Pick 181): Trey Dean, S, Florida
Round 6 (Pick 196): Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
Round 7 (Pick 252): Brandon Hill, S, Pittsburgh
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 19): Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Maryland
Round 2 (Pick 50): Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
Round 3 (Pick 82): Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
Analysis:
With Tampa Bay looking to move on from Tom Brady (if he doesn’t unretire again), Leonard Fournette requesting his release, and Devin White officially requesting a trade, Tampa Bay has a lot of positions they could look to address in the upcoming draft.
There are not a lot of similarities between the mock drafts, but Dave Heilman and Emerson Berry both have Tampa Bay targeting the quarterback position early, with Heilman projecting Hendon Hooker to the Bucs in the first round, while Beery has them selecting Tanner McKee in the second round.
Tennessee Titans
Team Needs: QB, CB, WR, OL, TE, LB
| Round 1 | Pick 11 |
| Round 2 | Pick 41 |
| Round 3 | Pick 72 |
| Round 5 | Pick 147 |
| Round 6 | Pick 186 |
| Round 7 | Pick 228 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 11): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Round 2 (Pick 41): Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
Round 3 (Pick 72): Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 11): Darnell Wright, T, Tennessee
Round 2 (Pick 41): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, S, Kansas State
Round 3 (Pick 72): Antonio Johnson, S, Florida State
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 11): Peter Skoronski, T, Northwestern
Round 2 (Pick 41): Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Round 3 (Pick 72): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Round 5 (Pick 147): Yasir Abdullah, EDGE, Louisville
Round 6 (Pick 186): Eric Gray, RB, Oklahoma
Round 7 (Pick 228): Alex Forsyth, C, Oregon
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 11): Peter Skoronski, T, Northwestern
Round 2 (Pick 41): O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
Round 3 (Pick 72): Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
Analysis:
With trade rumors surrounding Derrick Henry and the releases of T Taylor Lewan and WR Robert Woods, Tennessee could be in for an eventful offseason and draft. Remember, the Titans made a massive trade during the first round of last year’s draft, which resulted in A.J. Brown heading to the Eagles for the 18th overall pick (Treylon Burks) and a 2022 third-round draft pick.
Could the Eagles and Titans potentially be trade partners again on draft day? Speaking of draft day, three of the SGPN mock drafts have the Titans addressing the departure of Lewan by drafting a tackle with the 11th overall pick. Two have Peter Skoronski suiting up in two-tone blue, while Dave Heilman has the Titans staying in-state with their selection of Darnell Wright.
Washington Commanders
Team Needs: LB, CB, TE, OL, EDGE. QB
| Round 1 | Pick 16 |
| Round 2 | Pick 47 |
| Round 3 | Pick 97 |
| Round 4 | Pick 118 |
| Round 5 | Pick 150 |
| Round 6 | Pick 193 |
| Round 6 | Pick 215 |
| Round 7 | Pick 233 |
Mock Picks:
John Ginder:
Round 1 (Pick 16): Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Round 2 (Pick 47): Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
Round 3 (Pick 97): Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama
Dave Heilman:
Round 1 (Pick 16): Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Round 2 (Pick 47): John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
Round 3 (Pick 97): Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
Justin Mark:
Round 1 (Pick 16): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Round 2 (Pick 47): Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Round 3 (Pick 97): Blake Freeland, T, BYU
Round 4 (Pick 118): Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
Round 5 (Pick 150): Clayton Tune, QB, Houston
Round 6 (Pick 193): Nick Broeker, G, Mississippi
Round 6 (Pick 215): Devonnsha Maxwell, DI, Chattanooga
Round 7 (Pick 233): Kahlef Hailassie, CB, Western Kentucky
Emerson Beery:
Round 1 (Pick 16): Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Round 2 (Pick 47): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Round 3 (Pick 97): N/A
Analysis:
Look for the Commanders to target the cornerback position on draft day, with all four contributors agreeing. The question is, which cornerback could it be in what is a highly talented and deep cornerback draft class?
John Ginder and Dave Heilman look to SGPN’s best ball guru Andrew Raub happy with the selection of Joey Porter Jr. out of THE Pennsylvania State University (no bias from this Penn State Alum, though). At the same time, Justin Mark has Washington selecting Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon, and Emerson Beery has them going with Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbest.
Also, look for Washington to target improving their OL early with three contributors projecting Washington to select an offensive lineman within the first three rounds.
