The NFL Draft push is officially on! With the NFL Combine in the books, we’ve now seen the heavy majority of this year’s prospects together on the same field, and answered a number of questions about size, speed, and agility.
Those measurements help really set the draft board each year, leaving much less to speculation compared to the end of the college football season or even coming away from the All-Star showcase games (Senior Bowl, Shrine Bowl, etc.). That makes the time after a Combine a great opportunity to rest the board with a mock draft.
At the same time, now is a tough time to judge teams’ needs with many internal free agents still unsigned and external free agency a week away. So, for the purposes of this mock draft, we’ll work off of reporting done at the Combine about various rumored moves and deals.
Keeping that in mind, which prospects made the most of their chances in Indy? And who may slip down the board? Let’s take a look…
Note: Trades referenced were made for this mock specifically. Previously completed trades are not detailed.
1. Colts (from Bears): QB Bryce Young, Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 19: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against the Austin Peay Governors during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Colts get:
-1st overall pick
Bears get:
-4th overall pick
-35th overall pick
-106th overall pick
-2024 1st-round pickThis pick is too valuable for the Bears to stay here and not take a QB. Instead they trade down, in a deal modeled after their move up from the third overall pick to second to select Mitchell Trubisky in 2017.
It’s the Colts on the other end of this deal. Owner Jim Irsay pretty much showed his cards during a press conference last month, noting the team needed to be aggressive in adding a young quarterback and sharing his belief that “the Alabama guy doesn’t look bad, I’ll tell ya.” So it is, the Colts move up and get “the Alabama guy” first overall. Young’s Combine weigh-in put a number of questions to the side as he came in at 5-foot-10, 204 pounds.
2. Texans: QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 08: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes plays against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on October 08, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
No need for the Colts to overthink this one. They desperately need a quarterback, and Stroud would be the top overall pick most years. Winning that final game last year doesn’t end up burning them too bad.
3. Cardinals: DE Will Anderson, Alabama
Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback AJ Swann (13) for a loss at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Sitting there with the third pick, the Cardinals stay put and add potentially the best overall player in the draft. New defensive-minded head coach Jonathan Gannon gets a potential defensive chess piece in Anderson, who should become an elite pass rusher.
4. Bears (from Colts): DL Jalen Carter, Georgia
Nov 19, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) celebrates during the second quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
See Pick 1 for trade details
The Bears move down to four and still get a player who might be the most overall talented in this draft in Carter. There’s an argument to be made that they could use this pick to help out Justin Fields on offense, but for one their defense needs significant help as well. They had just 20 sacks last year, the fewest in the NFL. Plus, this is a deep draft at impact offensive positions. They’ll be able to find impact offensive players later in the draft.
While Carter’s legal situation makes his stock difficult to project, early reports indicate those issues may only impact his draft position minimally, if at all.
5. Seahawks: EDGE Tyree Wilson, Seahawks
Oct 23, 2021; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive lineman Tyree Wilson (19) in the first half during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Jones AT&T Stadium. Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
The Seahawks are sticking Geno Smith long-term, reportedly signing him to a three-year contract extension. With that being the case, they instead get a much-needed upgrade on the defensive line in Wilson. In a game where defensive specialization is becoming more and more common, Wilson is a very interesting prospect as a potential true three-down defensive lineman.
6. Panthers (from Lions): QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
Oct 29, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA;Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) runs out of the pocket against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Panthers get:
-6th overall pick
Lions get:
-9th overall pick
-39th overall pick
-93rd overall pick
-2025 2nd-round pickThe Lions made it work with Jared Goff last year, so they decide to give it another shot and pick up future assets should they need to take a quarterback next year. This trade is modeled after the deal the Jets made with the Colts to move up in 2018. With the pick, the Panthers get the star of the Combine in Richardson.
7. Raiders: QB Will Levis, Kentucky
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – NOVEMBER 19: Will Levis #7 of the Kentucky Wildcats against the Georgia Bulldogs at Kroger Field on November 19, 2022 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels cut a quarterback a year after giving him a massive contract – something that is a tough sell for even veteran decision makers. Even if they do win the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes, which is now looking less likely, that will just be a short-term fix. McDaniels aims to land his long-term QB by taking Levis.
8. Giants (from Falcons): WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
Oct 8, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) catches a touchdown pass against Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Cobee Bryant (2) during the second half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Giants get:
-8th overall pick
-110th overall pickFalcons get:
-25th overall pick
-57th overall pick
-100th overall pick
-2024 2nd-round pickThe Giants are now all-in on paying Daniel Jones, but they need to get him somebody to throw the ball to down the field. At the same time, that player can’t cost too much money, which rules out free agency or a trade. Instead, they get aggressive to help their newly-crowned franchise QB, moving way up the board to take Johnston, who will provide Jones with a big-body deep threat.
This trade is modeled after a 2019 deal between the Jets and Steelers.
9. Lions (from Panthers): CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Oct 8, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Christian Gonzalez (0) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
See Pick 6 for trade details
While the Lions’ offense clicked last year, their defense was a major problem. That was especially true of their pass defense, which ranked 31st in the NFL allowing seven yards per attempt. To help fix that, Detroit drafts Gonzalez, who looked to be far and away the best cornerback in this class at the Combine. Not only did he test well, but he looked incredibly smooth during his on-field work.
10. Eagles: CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Finn Hogan #17 of the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
By virtue of swapping firsts with the New Orleans Saints last year, the Eagles find themselves picking in the top 10 less than a month after competing in the Super Bowl. The team is set to lose James Bradberry in free agency. Knowing a Jalen Hurts contract extension is coming, Philly elects to invest draft picks rather than money in getting his replacement. Porter has significant No. 1 cornerback upside for a team in a division loading up on receiver talent.
11. Titans: WR Zay Flowers, Boston College
CHESTNUT HILL, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 17: Zay Flowers #4 of the Boston College Eagles lines up against the Maine Black Bears during the first half at Alumni Stadium on September 17, 2022 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Titans traded their top receiver during the draft last year, and that decision came back to bite them in a big way. They need an explosive threat in the passing game to keep defenses from stacking the box against the run. That brings them to Flowers, who was the best tester of the first-round receivers at the Combine. Flowers was also college teammates with head coach Mike Vrabel’s son Tyler at BC.
12. Texans: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba carries the ball in the open field. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch via Imagn Content Services)
One of the most popular trends in the NFL right now is reuniting quarterbacks with their college wide receivers. From Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase in Cincinnati, to Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith in Philadelphia, Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle in Miami, the examples are everywhere. The Texans become the latest team to make such a move, setting up Stroud and Smith-Njigba to work together at the NFL level.
13. Jets: LT Broderick Jones, Georgia
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Broderick Jones (59) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Just when it looks like the Patriots are going to get their pick of this tackle class, the Jets step in and make the pick instead. Jones brings tremendous athleticism to the tackle position, and probably has the highest ceiling of any of the left tackles in this class.
14. Patriots: LT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 05: Paris Johnson Jr. #77 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field on November 05, 2022 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Broderick Jones might have the highest upside of any of the left tackles in this draft, but Johnson isn’t far behind. At the same time, his floor might be a little higher as well. Johnson has tremendous size for the position at 6-foot-6, 313 pounds with 36-inch arms, and moved very well during on-field drills in Indy. Whether it’s Mac Jones or somebody else, the Patriots have made sure their quarterback’s blindside is protected long-term.
15. Packers: TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 10: Michael Mayer #87 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action against the Marshall Thundering Herd during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 10, 2022 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Packers do for Jordan Love what they refused to do for Aaron Rodgers for years – get him a weapon in the first round. A good tight end can be a major help for a quarterback, and Mayer’s presence, consistency, and large catch radius should help Love adjust to the starting role.
16. Commanders: CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) celebrates a win against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Washington has invested heavily in its front seven in recent years, but its secondary has been patchwork at times. Last year’s No. 1 cornerback, Kendall Fuller, is entering a contract year. Ron Rivera hopes to pair his strong pass rush with a lockdown cornerback, and takes Witherspoon after a slight slide. Another big, physical cornerback, Witherspoon has the upside to be a wide-receiver eraser for a team that already makes it tough on cornerbacks up front.
17. Steelers: LT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma
Sep 10, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Anton Harrison (71) in action during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers got by with Dan Moore at left tackle last year, but certainly could use an upgrade – especially if they want second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett to take the next step. They take advantage of the deep tackle class, and take Harrison to protect his blindside. Harrison had an excellent Combine, and jumps to being the third tackle off the board.
18. Lions: S Brian Branch, Alabama
Sep 24, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch (14) pursues Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ray Davis (2) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
As mentioned above, the Lions struggled to defend the pass last year. They’ve already added a true cornerback, but Branch has a chance to be a major factor not just with his skill, but his versatility as well. He can play deep and box safety as well as slot corner. Between him and Kerby Joseph, the Lions could be setting themselves up to have one of the best safety tandems in the NFL in a few years.
19. Buccaneers: EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 25: Nolan Smith #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs calls to teammates against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
The Buccaneers could go in a number of different directions with this pick, as Tom Brady’s departure has left them in a bit of purgatory. They elect to take a Combine standout in Smith. After defensive tackle Vita Vea led the team with 6.5 sacks last year, the Bucs are aiming to jump-star their pass rush with one of the leaders of Georgia’s back-to-back championship-winning defense.
20. Seahawks: OG Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
Oct 22, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Peter Skoronski (77) prepares to block against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The Seahawks took a tackle in the top 10 last year, and continue working on their offensive line by drafting Peter Skoronski, who suddenly became the top guard in this class at the NFL Combine. Skoronski’s arms measured in at 32.25 inches. In the past 10 years, only two tackles have been drafted in the first round with under 33-inch arms, and no such tackles have been Pro Bowlers. So while teams may now view Skoronski as a guard, he’s a very skilled one, and fills a need for Seattle.
21. Chargers: CB Deonte Banks, Maryland
Nov 5, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Deonte Banks (3) reacts following a play during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Last year, the Chargers invested significant money in J.C. Jackson to lead their cornerback room. Jackson struggled early in the year, then suffered a significant knee injury. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Chargers return to the cornerback market this offseason. Taking advantage of a deep cornerback class they take Banks, who may have locked himself into a first-round selection at the Combine running a 4.35-second 40 with a 42-inch vertical at 6-foot, 197 pounds.
22. Ravens: WR Jordan Addison, USC
STANFORD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 10: Jordan Addison #3 of the USC Trojans runs in for a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal in the first half at Stanford Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
For the time being, we’re going to assumed the Ravens will match any offer sheet signed by Lamar Jackson. If that’s the case, Jackson will likely want them to give him another weapon. Addison would be a great fit for Baltimore’s offense given his ability to create with the ball in his hands. Baltimore could end up benefiting greatly from an unimpressive Combine performance knocking Addison into the 20s.
23. Vikings: EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 05: Myles Murphy #98 of the Clemson Tigers looks on against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on November 05, 2022 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Vikings defensive line has been a strength of the team recently, but that group is starting to age out. There is also a chance high-priced players like Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter could be moved in the near future, with a massive Justin Jefferson extension likely on the way. To add youth at the position, the Vikings add Murphy, who had 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks for the Tigers last season.
24. Jaguars: CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 03: Kelee Ringo #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up prior to the game against the Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 3, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
It was reported last week the Jaguars are likely going to move on from cornerback Shaquill Griffin. Without Griffin, that group starts looking very thin. They add a big boost by drafting Ringo, whose stock has already been a roller coaster. In the fall, he was projected as the top cornerback in this class. He struggled late in the year though, and some wondered if he’d even end up a first-round pick. Then at the Combine he put himself back in the spotlight running a 4.36 40 at 6-foot-2, 207 pounds.
25. Falcons: EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
AMES, IA – SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Breece Hall #28 of the Iowa State Cyclones is tackled by defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness #91 of the Iowa Hawkeyes as Hall rushed for yards in the first half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
See Pick 8 for trade details
We come back to the Falcons, who traded back in the first round. They’re still able to add a potential impact player in Van Ness, who has fallen a bit here. An explosive pass rusher, he’ll help a defensive line that struggled to turn up the heat on quarterbacks in 2022.
26. DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Calijah Kancey #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers reacts after sacking Kasim Hill #8 of the Rhode Island Rams during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Another star from the Combine, Kancey ran a 4.67-second 40 at 6-foot-1, 281 pounds. He’s the kind of athletic interior pass rusher that is becoming so popular across the NFL. The Cowboys have traditionally targeted elite athletes, so Kancey is a natural fit.
27. Bills: RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 25: Bijan Robinson #5 of the Texas Longhorns runs between Brooks Miller #41 of the Baylor Bears and Devin Lemear #20 in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
It’s been the case for a few years now, but the Bills really need to develop a true running game to lessen the workload (and hits) on Josh Allen. Robinson is the best pure runner to enter the draft in a few years, and his downhill style would play very well late in the season in Buffalo.
28. Bengals: TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah
TEMPE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Dalton Kincaid #86 of the Utah Utes catches a 29-yard touchdown reception ahead of linebacker Connor Soelle #18 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the NCAAF game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Hayden Hurst is a pending free agent, and the only tight end left on the Bengals’ roster is Devin Asiasi. With Tee Higgins future uncertain, it would make a ton of sense to get another big-body weapon for Joe Burrow. With it being a weaker wide receiver class the Bengals find that player in Kincaid.
29. Saints: DL Bryan Bresee, Clemson
Oct 22, 2022; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) sacks Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader (6) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina on Saturday, October 22, 2022. Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
This seemed like a good spot for Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker, but with the Saints signing Derek Carr to a four-year deal, a first-round quarterback probably isn’t an option. Instead, they take the high-motor, block-eating Bresee to bolster their defensive tackle position. Currently, the Saints only have one other defensive tackle on the roster.
30. Titans (from Eagles): OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Sep 10, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Calijah Kancey (8) in overtime at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Titans get:
-30th overall pick
Eagles get:
-41st overall pick
-72nd overall pickAs part of their cap-cutting moves last month, the Titans parted ways with long-time left tackle Taylor Lewan. For a team that’s built to win in the trenches, they need a replacement. They go out and get Wright, who has experience playing both left and right tackle and can be a difference-maker in the run game.
31. Chiefs: RT Dawand Jones, Ohio State
Jan 1, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Dawand Jones (79) blocks against the Utah Utes during the 2022 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Both of the Chiefs starting tackles are pending free agents. The team reportedly hopes to work out a long-term deal with Orlando Brown Jr., but that comes at a hefty price that could make it tough to retain right tackle Andrew Wylie. Instead of paying him, they let him walk and draft perhaps the most physically-impressive player in this draft in Jones, who stands 6-foot-8, 374 pounds with 36-inch arms.
