Post Combine NFL Mock Draft 2023
2023 Post Combine NFL Mock Draft
Now that the 2023 NFL Combine is done, it is time to readdress each player’s draft stock. Additionally, with free agency around the corner, I am taking into consideration what moves the teams could make. Every team’s fanbase is wanting to know what their future looks like and that starts on April 27th. So, now that is covered, let’s get into what you came here for. That being the Post Combine NFL Mock Draft!
1. Carolina Panthers (traded from Chicago) – C.J. Stroud (Ohio State QB)
C.J. Stroud is the best prospect at the QB position in the 2023 draft. Throughout his career at Ohio State, he has been very accurate. This last season, he completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns. Regardless of the route his receiver is running, Stroud can deliver the ball on a dime. I was really impressed with his ability to complete passes deep down the field. At the combine, we saw him put his arm strength on display. I am also impressed with his ability to read defenses and work through his progressions. His current skill set and ceiling are too good to pass up with the first overall pick.
2. Houston Texans – Bryce Young (Alabama QB)
The Houston Texans need to completely reset under new Head Coach DeMeco Ryans. Who better to help that rebuild than former Heisman winner Bryce Young? Behind C.J. Stroud, Young is the most ready-now QB in this draft class. He can quickly escape pressure using his athleticism. When outside the pocket, he does a good job of keeping the play alive. Additionally, he takes what is given and doesn’t try to fit throws in tight windows. The only major question surrounding his game is whether or not his size will affect his longevity in the league.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama EDGE)
Anderson Jr. has been one of the nation’s best pass rushers over the past few seasons. He is very quick off the snap and has amazing acceleration to quickly run the arc. After getting deep in the backfield, he uses his violent hands to disengage and make a play on the QB. By doing this, he racked up 24.5 sacks in his three-year career at Alabama. Although he is a smaller EDGE rusher, he would perfectly fit as an outside linebacker for the Cardinals.
4. Indianapolis Colts – Anthony Richardson (Florida QB)
Before you start yelling at me, let me explain why this pick makes a lot of sense. Richardson had one of the most interesting Combine performances that I have seen from a QB. He was measured at 6’4″ and 244 lbs. Oh yeah, he also ran a 4.43 40 on his first attempt. I am not one to have a QB fly up my board based on their Combine performance, but Richardson is the exception. Richardson is incredibly mobile and can make plays in the air and on the ground. When scrambling outside the pocket, he shows that he can quickly deliver the ball on a dime.
The only major concern I have surrounding his game is his accuracy. But, that will not deter me from taking him in the top 5. If you want to know why, go look at Lamar Jackson’s completion percentage in college. So, before you write him off as a bust, keep in mind that he has all of the tools that can’t be coached.
5. Seattle Seahawks – Jalen Carter (Georgia DT)
Jalen Carter was arguably the best player on Georgia’s defense over the last two seasons. There are not many weaknesses to his game because he is very powerful and agile. When taking on blocks as a 3-tech, he showed that he can overpower opposing lineman. On run plays, he also showed violent hands to disengage and clog run lanes. He can also perfectly perform stunts because he is very light on his feet. By doing so, he confuses the opposing linemen and gives him and his teammates immediate leverage. He would be a perfect fit for the Seahawks’ defense because he can play as a 3-tech and nose tackle.
6. Detroit Lions – Devon Witherspoon (Illinois CB)
One of the biggest improvements that the Lions need to make is in their secondary. Devon Witherspoon was one of the best cover corners in the nation. He has very flexible hips which allow him to mirror his defender in soft coverage. When the ball comes his way, he does a good job of jumping the route and making a play on the ball. Witherspoon is also good at anticipating when the receiver is going to make a break in their route. This allows him to stay glued to their hips and make a play on the ball. Witherspoon would be a great fit in the Lions’ defense and would take a lot of weight off of Okudah’s shoulders.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State OT)
As I mentioned earlier, these picks are made based on what I think teams are going to do in free agency. That is why I have the Raiders getting an offensive lineman instead of Will Levis. Johnson Jr. is arguably the most athletic lineman in this class. After watching his on-field drills at the combine, I have no doubt that is the case. When engaged in contact, he is more than willing to be aggressive and take down defenders. This aggressiveness also allows him to be an effective run blocker.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Lukas Van Ness (Iowa DE)
When watching his film, I immediately thought that the Falcons should add him to their roster. Van Ness is an elite pass rusher who is very explosive off the snap and can drive linemen back effortlessly. He also has good coordination between his upper and lower body. This allows him to overpower blockers and get into the backfield. The only concern that I really have about his game is his move variety. But after a bit of coaching from an NFL defensive line coach, that should quickly go away.
9. Chicago Bears (traded from Carolina) – Calijah Kancey (Pitt DT)
Calijah Kancey is one of my favorite prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. In college, he lined up all over the field and was able to be effective in every position. He plays with a very high motor which allows him to get past blockers despite his smaller frame. Kancey would be able to step in as a day-one starter and would play a majority of his snaps as a 3-technique. After drawing some comparisons to Aaron Donald, can you really take the chance on passing him up?
10. Philadelphia Eagles – Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State CB)
Joey Porter Jr. is the best cornerback prospect behind Devon Witherspoon. Regardless of the coverage assignment, Porter Jr. can get the job done. In zone coverage, he does a good job of diagnosing the offense. Then, he can adjust his leverage and communicate with his teammates so they can do so as well. When dropping back into coverage, he keeps his pad level low. This allows him to quickly change directions and close out on the intended target. He also has natural ball skills which allow him to disrupt the pass and force turnovers.
11. Tennessee Titans – Peter Skoronski (Northwestern OT)
Peter Skoronski is arguably the most polished offensive lineman in this draft class. Last season, he showed off his elite pass protection ability. He does a good job of quickly working to his pass set which makes him effective against speed and power rushers. In the phone booth, he is good at getting his hands in the perfect spot to neutralize defenders. Given his below-average arm length, he will likely make the transition to guard. But, regardless of where he plays, you can rely on him to get the job done.
12. Houston Texans – Quentin Johnston (TCU WR)
With the Texans adding their potential franchise QB with the 2nd pick, why not get him some help? When the ball is snapped, he has a very quick release which allows him to stem his route and gain leverage on defenders. Johnston is also good at high-pointing the ball when it comes his way. He also has really good grip strength to hold onto the ball through contact.
13. Green Bay Packers – Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State WR)
The Packers are getting an absolute steal with this pick. Smith-Njigba is a gifted route runner who can instantly create space off the snap. At the top of his route stem, he has the ability to separate from defenders and get open in the middle of the field. He will be able to step in and line up anywhere on the field and be a game-changer.
14. New England Patriots – Christian Gonzalez (Oregon CB)
Although Gonzalez is not the best cornerback prospect in the draft, he may be the most fluid. He is a natural athlete with good hip mobility and speed. This allows him to effortlessly lock down receivers. When the ball comes his way, he has the necessary ball skills to go up and disrupt the pass. The only concern that I have is that he is not the best when lined up in press coverage because he lacks aggression.
15. Green Bay Packers – Nolan Smith (Georgia EDGE)
Packers fans, before you yell at me for drafting defense again, let me explain. I expect Jordan Love to be our starting QB next season. If this is the case, the Packers will have a lot of cap space to add a tight end in free agency. As I mentioned in my NFC North Draft Targets article, I think it would be a smart move to add a slot receiver in the middle rounds and pick up Trey Palmer. Nolan Smith could act as a rotational guy in his first season and then replace Preston Smith the next season. Having a young front seven that includes Quay Walker, Devonte Wyatt, Rashan Gary, and Nolan Smith will be unstoppable. Also, why not keep the streak going of drafting a Georgia defender in the first round going?
16. Washington Commanders – Will Levis (Kentucky QB)
This is something that I don’t see often when looking at other mock drafts, but this is where Levis should go in the draft. Levis is my 4th favorite QB in this draft and it is not even close. When watching his film, I don’t see anything that separates him from the rest of the QBs in this class, especially when comparing him to Young, Stroud, and Richardson. The only reason why I would draft him this high is that he played college ball in a pro-style offense.
