17. Pittsburgh Steelers – Broderick Jones (Georgia OT)
When watching his film, I immediately pictured Jones in a Steelers jersey. He has a very strong lower body which allows him to steer defenders when run blocking. This also helps him to hold his ground when defending against the bull rush. When gap blocking, I was impressed with Jones’ ability to quickly get across the line and get to the 2nd level. So I was not shocked to see how quick his 10-yard split was at the combine. Jones will be a perfect fit for the Steelers because he can step in on day one and have an instant impact.
18. Detroit Lions – Myles Murphy (Clemson EDGE)
After taking Witherspoon with the 6th overall pick, there were only 2 players I was considering with this pick. Those players were Myles Murphy and Bryan Bresee. But, I think that the Lions should address the defensive tackle position later in the draft. Murphy has the ideal size and length needed to be effective in the NFL. His upper body strength allows him to drive blockers into the pocket, which applies pressure on the QB. He also has violent hands that allow him to disengage from a block and make a play on the ball carrier.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Brian Branch (Alabama S)
Brian Branch has all of the tools you want from an NFL-caliber safety. In zone coverage, he does a good job of being aware of his surroundings while keeping his eye on the QB. Additionally, when the ball comes his way, he has the ability to close out on his target and disrupt the pass. Branch is also a very smart player and has a broad understanding of the game. He knows what leverage to play with and when to leave his coverage and make a play on the ball.
20. Seattle Seahawks – O’Cyrus Torrence (Florida OG)
O’Cyrus Torrence would be a perfect fit for the Seahawks. Last draft, Pete Carroll added two starting tackles to his offensive line. These players are Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. Carroll is going to add another high quality lineman to help protect Geno Smith. Torrence is an instinctual blocker who knows how to win using leverage. In the phone booth, he is able to overpower and neutralize defenders by using his lower body strength and hand placement. He will be able to step in on day one and have an instant impact on the pass and run game.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – Zay Flowers (Boston College WR)
Zay Flowers has been shooting up draft boards recently. He is incredibly light on his feet, which allows him to quickly run his routes and separate from defenders. When he has the ball in open space, he is very hard to bring down because of how elusive he is. Although he will likely line up in the slot, he has the ability to track the ball over his shoulder and make plays deep down the field.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Jordan Addison (USC WR)
Although it is uncertain where Lamar Jackson will be playing next season, it is still vital that they add weapons to their offense. Although he is the 4th receiver taken off the board, he still brings a lot to the Ravens’ offense. He is a natural route runner who can shake defenders at the top of his route stem. After doing so, he can use his speed to separate from defenders and get open anywhere on the field. When the ball comes his way, he does a good job of holding onto the ball in congested areas.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Emmanuel Forbes (Mississippi State CB)
Fellow DraftDive Analyst Ken and I have Emmanuel Forbes in our top 25 players in the draft. Forbes brings a lot to the table and deserves to go in the first round. He is a very good playmaker who had 34 PBUs and 14 INTs over the last 3 seasons. His playmaking ability comes from him using his length and burst to jump routes and disrupt the pass. Forbes is also very instinctive and has a good understanding of offensive schemes and route trees. This allows him to be a menace all over the field.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars – Michael Mayer (Notre Dame TE)
Although Mayer did not test very well at the Combine, he is still the best tight end in the draft. He would be a great addition for the Jaguars going forward, even though they just franchise-tagged Engram. Mayer can line up on the offensive line and act as an extra blocker. He can also line up as a slot receiver and make plays all over the field. The role that Mayer will have in the NFL is similar to what George Kittle does for the 49ers.
25. Buffalo Bills (traded from New York Giants) – Bijan Robinson (Texas RB)
Bijan Robinson would be the final piece of the puzzle for the Bills’ offense. That is why I have them jumping the Cowboys and grabbing him before they can. When watching his film, there is not much he can’t do. He can punish defenders with his speed, elusiveness, and power. That is why he is drawing a lot of comparisons to Saquon Barkley.
26. Dallas Cowboys – Bryan Bresee (Clemson DT)
Bryan Bresee did exactly what he needed to do at the Combine. That was to show every NFL GM what a healthy Bryan Bresee can do. For his size, he is light on his feet which allows him to chase down the ball carrier. But, he can also stand his ground at the point of attack. There were a few times when watching his film that I saw him hold his ground against double teams. Given his current skillset, Bresee will be able to crack the rotation on day one and play as a 3-tech.
27. New York Giants (traded from Buffalo) – Kelee Ringo (Georgia CB)
With the top four receivers off the board, I believe that it would be a good idea to focus elsewhere with this pick. Ringo has all you want from a corner. He is 6’2″, 207 lbs, and ran a 4.36 40 at the combine. He can also react quickly to route breaks and stay glued to the receiver’s hip. This allows him to force the QB to look elsewhere.
28. Cincinnati Bengals – Dalton Kincaid (Utah TE)
Regardless of where Hayden Hurst plays next season, the Bengals should still add a Tight End to their roster. On the Bengals, Kincaid would primarily act as another receiver for Joe Burrow. He has an amazing catch radius that allows him to make catches anywhere in his vicinity. Kincaid is also a natural at tracking the ball deep down the field. If the Bengals are able to draft Kincaid, it is going to be a long season for the other AFC North teams.
29. New Orleans Saints – Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech EDGE)
I know this may be shocking that Wilson has fallen this far, but I am not that impressed with the current state of his game. He has elite size that allows him to keep blockers away from his body. This allows him to maintain leverage and clog lanes if the ball carrier comes his way. In his first season, I would play him as a rotation EDGE rusher so he can further develop his game and apply it in games. Some things he needs to work on are his explosiveness, bend, violent hands, and pad level. If you ask me, someone with these weaknesses should not go higher than 25.
30. Philadelphia Eagles – Will McDonald IV (Iowa State EDGE)
Will McDonald IV is a player I have kept a close eye on throughout the past few seasons. He has a solid blend of explosiveness and mobility which allows him to disrupt the run and pass. When engaged in contact, McDonald IV can use a variety of pass-rush moves that he can use to get around blockers. If you want to see what I am talking about, go watch his film. He has an incredible rip technique and spin move.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – B.J. Ojulari (LSU EDGE)
This last name may sound familiar, that is because his brother Azeez was drafted in 2021. Although the Chiefs drafted George Karlaftis last year, you can never have enough EDGE rushers. B.J. plays with loads of agility and leverage. Throughout his rush, he does a good job of keeping his pad level low and using that to escape blocks and take down the QB.
2023 Post Combine NFL Mock Draft Analyst – Matthew Lewis
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