Liam Blutman’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft V3

Liam Blutman
Photo Credit: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Howdy. Things are progressing quickly over here on the NFL draft circuit. All-star games have concluded, stocks are rising, stocks are dropping, mocks are mocking. The last time I did a mock was way back on Dec. 6 (check it out if you’d like to compare the past to the present), and it’s time for the third mock of this cycle. Congrats to the Kansas City Chiefs on winning the Super Bowl and securing the last pick of the first round. The best prize possible.

I’d also just like to make a few notes ahead of the mock. I use the current draft order and only that. I won’t be predicting the chaos via trades! Once again this is a mixture of what I’m feeling, what I think will happen, who I can see rising up boards in the near future, and a few other things I shall not bore you with. I also believe it’s optimal for me to share a quick thought on the tight end class and first state that it’s so good! However, I don’t think we live in a world where a trio of tight ends are selected in the first round. I expect just one to go in the first round of the actual draft and hey, maybe a second, but I think the odds are slim.

Alright now it’s time to share the mock! Please don’t throw tomatoes at me. That would be rude.

1. Chicago Bears: Will Anderson Jr. EDGE – Alabama

Rank: EDGE1

Bears fans are smiling as Chicago scoops up the best player on the board. Will Anderson Jr. is a game wrecker. He stands at 6-foot-4 and is a nightmare off the edge as he uses an innate blend of speed, power, and swiftness. He turns 22 in early September and you best believe he’s only going to get better.

2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young QB – Alabama

Rank: QB1

Despite risking the opportunity of losing out on this playmaker, Texans fans breathe a sigh of relief as Bryce Young is selected with the second overall pick. The 22-year-old rookie has heard so many questions about his 6-foot, 194-pound frame (if that), and he’s ready to silence every doubter by boasting his magical creativity and wicked accuracy. Now it’s time to surround QB1 with the necessary weapons to help him succeed at the highest level.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Jalen Carter DT – Georgia

Rank: DT1

The potential number one overall pick comes off the board at three. I think Arizona would benefit greatly from trading down here and accumulating extra capital as this franchise is in such a suboptimal spot. If the Cardinals were to stay here and Jalen Carter was on the board, I believe he would be the pick due to being the “best player” on the board. I do worry about the positional value. Is a DT going to solve Arizona’s problems? Nope. What you’re getting is a monster in the trenches that displays superhuman strength, jaw-dropping quickness, and superb athleticism in a 6-foot-3, 300-pound beast. He’ll stuff the run at a high level, but you’re hoping the 22-year-old rookie can be a force in the pass rushing department and stay on the field.

4. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis QB – Kentucky

Rank: TBD

Oh boy. Here we go. Since the summer, I’ve felt like Will Levis was destined to be an Indianapolis Colt. I just think this is inevitable folks. I mocked him to the Colts at No. 18 in V1, No. 9 in V2, and now No. 4 in V3. I also just genuinely believe that Chris Ballard would swing a deal to get the first overall pick and take Levis there. I think the love he has for the 24-year-old rookie is that strong. You’re investing in his great 6-foot-3, 232-pound frame and big-time arm strength. I just don’t see too much else. I’ve seen countless cases of lazy footwork and turnover-worthy plays. I’ve seen so many instances where he just doesn’t process things well at all, if he even does process anything! And he does not work well when a play starts to break down. He can not improvise and save the day. I still have no clue where to rank him. I do not see the vision that so many others seem to see. Must just be a college football fan thing cause Will Levis just does not move me.

5. Seattle Seahawks (via Broncos): Myles Murphy EDGE – Clemson

Rank: EDGE2

Let me just get straight to the point. I think Myles Murphy can end up being the best player in this class. I think he is that GOOD! He just turned 21 last month. This dude is young and he hasn’t even come close to reaching his full potential. He just produced at a super high level in the ACC for three years! The 6-foot-5, 275-pounder wins with long arms and a ferocity that is difficult to compete with. Murphy has so much raw power, and it’s going to be so scary to see what he develops into down the road. So as of this very moment, he’s my number two ranked player (excluding QBs) in the class behind Will Anderson Jr. That’s how highly I think of Myles Murphy, and I will continue to warn others to invest in this mad intriguing prospect.

6. Detroit Lions (via Rams): Devon Witherspoon CB – Illinois

Rank: CB2

The Detroit Lions have a number of options here at No. 6. The thought of taking a certain Ohio State QB and letting him sit behind Jared Goff for a year is seriously intriguing. Trading up or down from this spot seems likely as well. There are plenty more scenarios I could list, but what’s the point? You already saw the pick, and it’s Devon Witherspoon of Illinois. The 22-year-old (23 in December) has been a rapid riser thanks to a brilliant 2022 season in which he was smoking fools with big-time hits in addition to making quarterbacks look silly as he collected three interceptions and broke up a plethora of passes. The Lions are sure to draft a corner, and if you’re not taking your future quarterback here, the 6-foot, 180-pound corner is too great to pass up on now. You take him now as opposed to praying he’s available at No. 15. Witherspoon has elite physical tools, wicked ball skills, and boasts the confidence you desire in a CB1. This might just be Dan Campbell’s guy… Devon’s instincts are off the charts, and he’s willing to bite a kneecap off.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: C.J. Stroud QB – Ohio State

Rank: QB2

I know each pick has a 10-minute timer for a reason, but if C.J. Stroud is on the board at seven, the Raiders should waste no time. The pick should be in with over nine minutes remaining. This is just a no-brainer, and it’s some Vegas luck or something for Stroud to be available here. Stroud will turn 22 in October. The 6-foot-3, 218-pounder has proven his worth to us on numerous occasions throughout his Ohio State career. I love when he sits in the pocket and throws strikes on vertical routes and especially beams to the sideline. During the last mock writeup, I explained that Stroud shares a few similarities with Justin Herbert when he came out of Oregon. This isn’t due to play style or anything, gross. You know I hate player comps. This is about how so many people were concerned about Herbert after a less than ideal year in 2019. He threw so many short, quick throws that didn’t move the needle. And what has happened to Herbert in the NFL? He be throwing missiles all over the yard. Stroud has seen so much slander on his name because he’s throwing screens, swings, dinks, and dunks as if that’s his fault! Once Stroud gets into a legit NFL offense and isn’t affiliated with whatever Ryan Day was cooking… ooo wee. Get ready for the show. Stroud is going to be a dang good quarterback in this league, and I can’t wait for his precision airstrikes to do damage all over the field. 

8. Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson EDGE – Texas Tech

Rank: EDGE3

So Tyree Wilson moves up from EDGE4 to EDGE3 due to Jared Verse opting to stay at Florida State. I mocked Wilson to the Falcons at No. 10 in V2 and think this fit is too good to move on from. The Falcons need to accumulate talent of any kind, but they especially need a threat off the edge. The 6-foot-6, 275-pounder comes off the edge with SPEED and FORCE! This kid will measure in as one of the longest players in the class, and that wild reach he possesses will win a lot of NFL teams over. He’ll be a 23-year-old rookie, and his freakish traits give plenty of reason to invest in him. I also believe that the Falcons will hit the EDGE position again with a middle-round selection, I’d keep your eye on BJ Thompson of Stephen F. Austin. The Falcons have racked up just 68 sacks in the last three seasons, so there is plenty of reason to believe that Atlanta will have a rebranded pass rush in 2023.

9. Carolina Panthers: Anthony Richardson QB – Florida

Rank: QB3

I just thought, why not? The Panthers take a big swing here at Anthony Richardson and hope to strike gold on the dynamic athlete from Florida. He’s a 6-foot-4, 232-pound specimen that turns 22 in May. Plenty love him, plenty hate him. So what are the Panthers investing in? This supreme athlete comes in with an incredible build and is attached with a rocket for an arm. Richardson is raw and he makes mistakes. But unlike Levis, he’s young and has so much room to grow. If you can get him the coaching help necessary to help develop him into a beast alongside an ideal supporting cast… it could be scary. This kid is a special talent. The wild arm strength where he can chuck it 60 yards downfield. The ability to run all over a defense with explosiveness and power as he taunts you en route to a 50-yard touchdown. The highs will be there as will the lows. It’ll be a learning process. Richardson is a boom or bust prospect, and I think Carolina should make the investment. Look at your division too… Tampa Bay has no quarterback, New Orleans will be searching for a quarterback, and Atlanta has Desmond Ridder to work with, but if things don’t work out there in 2023 he’s probably done and the Falcons will be searching for a new QB1. What I’m saying is… do you want to risk the Bucs or Saints scooping up Richardson? I don’t think you do. I’m also saying that the window is open right now to go win the NFC South. If Richardson ends up being a dawg, the Carolina Panthers will be in business. 

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via Saints): Cam Smith CB – South Carolina

Rank: CB1

Cam Smith is a flat out stud and the clear CB1 in my honest opinion. Truthfully, I’ve been a bit confused by what others think of him. I don’t understand leaving him out of the first round, top 50 rankings, etc. He’s my CB1, and it comes with great reason. Cam brings all the confidence in the world to the table as the 6-foot, 188-pounder looks to bully the opposition for 60 minutes with clever trash talk and big-time physicality. The 22-year-old is a versatile piece that lines up outside and in the nickel. He wants to cover the best, thus he shadows the opposing team’s WR1. Again, I’ve been quite surprised by the lack of love being shown Cam’s way during the pre-draft process. Maybe it’ll pick up since the Super Bowl is over, one can hope. I just warn you to stop sleeping on Cam Smith. He’s a dawg. The Eagles are ecstatic to pick up an aggressive cover corner with stellar ball-hawking skills that radiates so much confidence. 

As we exit the top 10 and look toward the rest of the first round, I will make sure to sum up these picks a lot quicker. I’m sure you’re busy and have things to work on or anger to direct at me on Twitter. So… we move.

11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski OT – Northwestern

Rank: OT2

It took a while for the first offensive lineman to come off the board. I apologize for that. I’ll make that up to you by letting you think about Peter Skoronski paving the way for Derrick Henry in Tennessee. At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, this beast has great footwork and remarkable athleticism. The gaps that he’s able to create are tremendous.

12. Houston Texans (via Browns): Jordan Addison WR – USC

Rank: WR1A

As I mentioned during the Bryce Young pick at No. 2, it’s mission critical that the Texans invest in the offense and help build a winning team around their new quarterback. So I’m doing just that with one of the best wideouts in the draft. WR1A, Jordan Addison. I’m honestly really surprised that the consensus thoughts on this WR class are that it’s “mid” and there’s just not a clear WR1 in the class and that there’s no elite talent. Addison is going to be a 21-year-old rook with elite collegiate production under his belt. He boasts a breakout age of 18.6! High-flying speed, movement that can’t be taught, surgical route-running skills. Bryce Young throwing darts to Jordan Addison, OOOOOOF!

13. New York Jets: Brian Branch DB – Alabama

Rank: DB1

The Jets can’t pass up on the opportunity to connect Brian Branch with Sauce Gardner. Branch is a dependable tackler who started at the star position in all of 2022. The soon to be 22-year-old projects as a feisty nickel and safety. He’ll be a fun piece to use, and the Jets shouldn’t think twice about this selection.

14. New England Patriots: Paris Johnson Jr. OT – Ohio State

Rank: OT1

To me, Paris Johnson Jr. is a day one starter. The 22-year-old rookie will provide comfort with the ability to play right tackle and right guard in addition to left tackle. The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder is going to have a long and successful NFL career.

15. Green Bay Packers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR – Ohio State

Rank: WR1B

Due to a hamstring injury that just wouldn’t go away, Jaxon Smith-Njigba saw his stock tank and witnessed diehard fans turn into extreme haters. The disrespect that this kid is receiving is just utterly ridiculous. I’m still all in on JSN being a star in the NFL. Don’t overthink this folks. He’s smooth as can be, a surgical route-runner. It’s also fun remembering that both Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson speak extremely high of JSN and are both on record as saying he’s going to be the best of the bunch. Remember that comment? And look at what Olave and Wilson did as rookies in the NFL. Oh boy that stamp of approval is crazy! He’ll turn 21 on Valentine’s Day, and Packers fans will love this pick as Green Bay finally invests big-time capital into a big-time wideout.

16. Washington Commanders: Christian Gonzalez CB – Oregon

Rank: CB6

The Commanders need a corner in the worst way possible. I think Christian Gonzalez is the play here, and I do have him ranked lower than most but that’s not really his fault. This corner class is sick, and Gonzalez has plenty of upside. He’ll turn 21 in late June and at 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, he possesses rare instincts that help him win plenty of reps.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr. CB – Penn State

Rank: CB4

There is no way that Joey Porter Jr. can go anywhere else. He just has to be a Steeler. The 23-year-old rookie is built for AFC North football as well. At 6-foot-2 and 194 pounds, he’s an imposing presence that dictates the game with elite physicality and toughness.

18. Detroit Lions: Trenton Simpson LB – Clemson

Rank: LB1

It’s easy for me to continue mocking Trenton Simpson to Detroit. I believe that Dan Campbell and his staff will be enamored by the 6-foot-3, 240-pound freak. The 22-year-old rookie is best compared to the queen in chess. Much like the queen, Simpson showcases supreme versatility that helps strike fear into an opponent. He can line up at EDGE, nickel, ILB, and even safety. Detroit leaving the first round with Devon Witherspoon and Trenton Simpson… checkmate.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: O’Cyrus Torrence G – Florida

Rank: G1

Some people spend their time hating on the transfer portal and I’ll never get it. O’Cyrus Torrence used the portal and has seen the decision pay off in a big way. After balling out at Louisiana, he transferred to Florida where he was a consensus All-American. As his name was picking up steam, he dominated the Senior Bowl and all but solidified himself as the first guard to be drafted in 2023. Tampa Bay can’t take a franchise quarterback with this pick, but a 6-foot-5, 347-pound bodyguard will help in a variety of ways. The Buccaneers’ ground game will benefit greatly from the mauler. Torrence just turned 23 in January.

20. Seattle Seahawks: John Michael Schmitz C – Minnesota

Rank: C1

Another big-time winner at the Senior Bowl was John Michael Schmitz. I like the idea of Seattle continuing to build its offensive line. JMS is a fantastic run blocker and the 6-foot-4, 320-pound Golden Gopher will make football even more fun for Kenneth Walker III. The 12th Man might not gush over this pick on draft night, but they’ll be thanking the 24-year-old rookie for his prolific play come the fall.

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Dawand Jones OT – Ohio State

Rank: OT3

In my last mock, I told y’all that Dawand Jones was going to be a draft riser. After his stupendous showing at the Senior Bowl, that statement came true. Dawand slots in at No. 21 in back-to-back mocks for me, and this time he finds a new home in LA. The 22-year-old rookie stands at 6-foot-8 and 375 pounds and moves pretty dang well. He’s got superhuman strength and boasts a casual 89.5-inch wingspan. Justin Herbert will thank you for this pick, I promise.

22. Baltimore Ravens: Isaiah Foskey EDGE – Notre Dame

Rank: EDGE4

I feel like there isn’t enough chatter about Isaiah Foskey so far. Don’t be surprised if he ends up being a first round pick! He’ll turn 23 in late October and at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, he has been a nightmare for offenses the last two years. Foskey collected 22 sacks in that span. He wins with remarkable bend and quickness off the edge and finishes with ferocity! This kid is also going to impact the game on special teams. It felt like he blocked a field goal or punt in every game.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Kelee Ringo CB/S – Georgia

Rank: TBD

I still don’t have a rank for Kelee Ringo because I still don’t know what position he’ll be playing in the NFL. I’ve been a huge advocate for him moving to safety, and I’d feel a lot better about his game if that was the case. The Vikings are desperate for help at corner, and they’d be selecting Ringo to play just that. While I believe his skill set fits him better for safety, it’s crucial to remember that he’s very young and doesn’t turn 21 until late June. His development will be interesting to track.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Antonio Johnson S – Texas A&M

Rank: S1

The Jaguars front office should be jumping for joy as they send in the card to draft Antonio Johnson. The 6-foot-3, 21-year-old is an enticing prospect thanks to crazy range and lethal hitting ability. Jacksonville has such a great foundation and is building a really dang good team. Johnson can help this defense out in a big way for years to come. He’s a leader.

25. New York Giants: Quentin Johnston WR – TCU

Rank: TBD

In my last mock, I had Quentin Johnston ranked at WR8 and the 25th pick while stating that he might end up being the most polarizing player in the class. Today, I’ve decided to go with TBD as my WR rankings seem to be changing so often, and I’m not sure where Johnston fits right now. It’s no secret that I’m skeptical of the 6-foot-4 receiver. I believe he’s one-dimensional and has shown a great measure of inconsistency in addition to being soft vs. press man, lacking physicality, and having so many cases of body catching. In 2022, he had 97 targets — 23 of those were contested and he had just eight contested catches. You’re investing into Quentin because of his stellar blend of size and speed, which is paired with good twitch. He can make plays happen after the catch. I went back and forth here between a few receivers but ultimately felt like Johnston is what New York would want the most. If I’m wrong about that assumption, then I think Jalin Hyatt would be the next most likely selection. I think I’ve talked myself out of New York drafting a certain receiver from Boston College. I’m sorry Giants fans.

26. Dallas Cowboys: Eli Ricks CB – Alabama

Rank: CB3

I thought long and hard about this pick and came to the realization that Eli Ricks would be a perfect pick for Dallas. It’s rather easy to assume that Ricks would have been a top 10 pick if he didn’t transfer from LSU to Alabama. Things just never clicked in Tuscaloosa, and Ricks has seen his stock drop due to that, but I’m still super excited about this prospect. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder will turn 22 in September. He wins with long arms, physicality, and terrific ball skills. The Eli Ricks hype will pick up again one day. Join me now before everyone else is a fan.

27. Buffalo Bills: Broderick Jones – Georgia

Rank: OT5

I think it’s ludicrous if the Bills invest even more important draft capital into the RB position. James Cook looks very promising too so come on… let’s add to the offensive line and do it by taking the 6-foot-4, 310-pound monster out of Georgia. Broderick Jones saw his stock rise plenty after a successful career in which he started 19 games. The 22-year-old rookie is raw, and the large appeal is due to his blend of power and agility. He’ll get down the field and blow up poor defenders, an elite lead blocker. While he has the ability to move so well, his footwork in pass protection will need to improve and his balance is lackluster at times.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer TE – Notre Dame

Rank: TE1

As I mentioned before, the tight end class is stacked but I don’t see how three of them go in the first round. The positional value just isn’t there, and I can see a world where Michael Mayer is the lone TE drafted in the first round. Joe Burrow gets another weapon and this one comes on a cheap deal which is optimal for Cincy. Mayer grew up a Bengals fan and the soon-to-be 22-year-old will do great things for this franchise. I think the 6-foot-4, 265-pounder is the safest pick at TE thanks to a nice all-around game.

29. New Orleans Saints (via 49ers): Bijan Robinson RB – Texas

Rank: RB1

So…I just cooked this up on the fly. This was not the original direction I was heading in as I had another pick in place. I just really believe that Alvin Kamara’s time in New Orleans is coming to an end and the Saints would be better off with Bijan Robinson on a much cheaper deal. The 21-year-old is a dream RB prospect that we’ve been giddy about for years. At 6-foot and 222 pounds, he has an amazing skill set that is highlighted by supreme fluidity. His ability to create and escape is also nuts. While I personally wouldn’t take a RB this high, someone will and I see no reason why the Saints can’t win the Bijan sweepstakes.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Bryan Bresee DT – Clemson

Rank: DT2

I think Bryan Bresee is really good and will be a good pro. Unfortunately, his stock isn’t as high as it once was and I can see a slide to the late first or even second round. It’s to no fault of his own as the value of this position isn’t near as high as others and medicals might be turning teams off. This kid dealt with so much the last few years, and I know he’s going to do so much good in the NFL and make his family proud. Bresee, who turns 22 in October, is a stout run stuffer that adds quality pass-rushing skills.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Zay Flowers WR – Boston College

Rank: WR3

I was expecting to get plenty of hate when I sent Zay Flowers to the Giants with the 23rd pick back in December. Now I expect hate for creating a world where the Chiefs scoop up Zay Flowers. The choice here was between him and Jalin Hyatt, but I feel like Kansas City would want someone who is just a more natural playmaker and offers more of an all-around game. I believe Flowers is a surefire prospect, and I’m stoked to see so many people are jumping on his bandwagon. Patrick Mahomes just won another Super Bowl and now gets another gift in Mr. Flowers. An extremely impressive route-runner with phenomenal footwork and wicked acceleration ends up in a super friendly scheme that will unleash his playmaking abilities.

About the author

Liam Blutman
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I am a diehard UCLA fan that has enjoyed (?) mediocrity year after year. My favorite CFB moment was witnessing UCLA comeback from 34 down against Texas A&M. Being at the Rose Bowl for that historic moment is something I’ll never forget. I have written about CFB since I was 14 and my favorite thing to do is give under-the-radar athletes the recognition they deserve. You might know me from @NoContextCFB !

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