2023 NT NFL Mock Draft

[g-time]

With the 25th pick in the NT NFL Draft, the New York Football Giants select….

Cam Smith, CB - South Carolina

Strengths

• Plays with anticipation from off coverage.
• Rock solid on-ball production during his career.
• Reads QB and WR concurrently to jump the throw.
• Springing plant-and-trigger steps from his pedal.
• Maintains feel for route direction when in phase.
• Uses length and timing to alter catch success from trail position.
• Attacks ball, not man, with downhill angles on the throw.
• Excellent job of limiting YAC for WR Jalin Hyatt in win over Tennessee.

Weaknesses

• Sticky feet rarely match press releases cleanly.
• Sluggish lateral transitions open door for separation.
• Takes foot off the gas when turning to locate the football.
• Long speed looks to be average.
• Drew 10 penalty flags in 2022, per PFF.
• Defaults to grabbing instead of using proper footwork.
• Run support didn’t appear to be a high priority.

 

[raider5]

With the 26th pick, the Dallas Cowboys select…

Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

Summary:
Between the abbreviated 2020 season and an injury-shortened 2022 campaign, Musgrave’s snaps have been somewhat limited, but it’s easy to like what he’s put on tape. His route running harkens back to his slalom days with nimble feet and smooth hips helping to generate rhythm and separation in and out of breaks. He needs a little more bulk for combat in the trenches, but he offers what evaluators are looking for in technique, strain and demeanor. Musgrave has starter potential and should gain a coveted slot on draft boards from teams looking to add versatility to their 12 personnel (two tight ends) packages.

Strength:
Oily hips and feet.
Eludes coverage contact with smooth transitions of tempo.
Routes gain momentum with burst through turns to mismatch linebackers.
Gets head around to track vertical throws without losing a step.
Footwork is controlled and patient fitting his run blocks.
Strikes with inside hands and clean, upward punch.
Makes good effort to sustain at point of attack or in space.

Weakness:
Needs to pair his feet with his hands in run game.
Could use a little more strength at the point of attack.
Average hand fighting inside the route.
Will drift through intermediate cuts at times.
Modest catch radius on throws outside the frame.

 

[dwileykyot]

With the 27th pick, the Buffalo Bills select Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Summary:
The Bills are always looking for depth and versatility on the offensive line. And there is currently a vacancy at one of the starting guard positions. Wright is listed as a tackle and will have the opportunity to win the right tackle job or move inside to guard.

Overview:
Wright has a truly elite combination of height, weight and straight-line speed. He also showed exceptional lower-body explosion. But he has smaller-than-average arm length and hand span. In pass pro, his footwork and balance showed significant improvement in 2022, and he shows the ability to mirror-and-slide and keep pass-rushers in front of him when he's playing with urgency. He also rarely gives ground to power rushers. As a run-blocker, Wright is a much better gap blocker than zone blocker. He has a massive frame and excellent overall strength as a drive blocker when he latches on with balance. He fires out with good quickness and shows the ability to reach the second level and dominate linebackers once he gets into their pads. Wright projects best as a right tackle but also would have no trouble kicking inside to guard.

Let’s go Vols

 

[raider5]

With the 28th pick in the NT NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select…

Darrnell Washington, TE, Georgia.

Summary:
In-line tight end with rare size and power at the point of attack to help soften defensive edges up front. Despite sloppy overall technique, Washington can be effective at moving defenders when he’s centered on his block. He must improve his footwork and hand usage, as NFL defenders will slip away from his clutches more easily if he’s unsound. He plods into his routes but catches with above-average focus and can be a handful to bring down. Washington could become a dominant run blocker with better technique, which makes me wonder if a team might give him a look at offensive tackle at some point in his career.

Strength:
Massive frame and shredded physique.
Mismatches linebackers at the point of attack.
Pure power to torque and displace defender.
Creates considerable advantage near goal line.
Size requires careful coverage consideration.
Able to adjust to off-target throws and catch in congestion.

Weakness:
Footwork into block fits needs work.
Gets into blocks with wide hands.
Waist-bender and head-ducker at point of attack.
Angles to second level lack accuracy.
Stiff-kneed, limiting speed to attack seam.
Unable to sink and break off routes underneath.

 

[elpablo21]

And with the 29th pick of the NT NFL Mock Draft, the New Orleans Saints select...

Lukas Van Ness, DL/EDGE, Iowa

Summary:
With defensive star Cameron Jordan starting to get up in age and to strengthen their defensive line, Van Ness fits as a high ceiling prospect that lands on most big boards within the top 15. While his strength is more EDGE currently he has the frame to potentially fill out and be used in the interior as well.

Strength:

• Quick off the ball
• High motor and effort
• Has the ability to line up inside on packages
• Good power and upper body strength

Weakness:

• Needs to work on his hands
• Struggles shedding blocks at times
• Pash rushing bag needs development

 

[frshstunna]

Jordan Addison from USC for the Ravens if yo still available

 

[elpablo21]

And with the 31st pick of the NT NFL Mock Draft, the DEFENDING CHAMPION Kansas City Chiefs select...

Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

Summary:
After losing a ton of depth on the defensive line Chiefs will need to retool their pash rush and Myles Murphy being a top 5 EDGE prospect in this year's draft this a good value to get him at the end of the 1st round. Myles possesses a ton of upside with some natural ability to get the to the QB with his hands, speed and strength.

Strength:

• Athletic, strong and a powerful bull rush
• Good hands and get off blocks
• Positive run defender

Weakness:

• Lacks a motor at times
• Can play too finesse
• Still a raw prospect

 

[raider5]

With the 32rd pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Pittsburg Steelers select...

Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

Summary:
Burly but athletic interior tackle who plays with a strong desire to get past the man in front of him. Bresee rarely gets caught up in long block engagements and possesses a deep anchor to battle double teams. He operates with subtle hand fighting that helps puts pressure on blockers but currently lacks the rush sophistication and shed technique to make more plays in the backfield.

Strength:

• Broad but athletic build.
• Plays instinctive football in tight quarters.
• Processes blocking scheme and attacks with smart hands.
• Takes long, loose strides to defeat reach blocks laterally.
• Can withstand double teams and keep the gap snug.
• Plays past blocker with his eyes and focus.
• Maintains his run fits against move blocks.
• Moving target as interior rusher.
• Stutter-steps and strikes with altered pace.
• Pocket-pusher when he gets the jump.

Weakness:

• College production does not jump off the page.
• Will slip block and lose gap leverage at times.
• Range as a tackle-maker is average.
• Rush approach is linear and unsophisticated.
• Unable to flip hips and get skinny around the edge.
• Suffered ACL tear in September 2021 and had shoulder surgery in January 2022.

 

[aNYone]

With the 33rd pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select...
Jalin Hyatt

We need some talent on the perimeter after we trade Cooks.

Strengths

• Top-end speed creates tension for defensive coordinators.
• Run game will see lighter boxes out of defense’s respect for his explosiveness.
• Tears into cushions and rockets past off-man coverage.
• Maintains spacing from physical coverage getting into the route.
• Runs focused vertical routes at crisp angles.
• Glides into acceleration mode at route stems to separate.
• Gets pitch-and-catch opportunities underneath against off-man.
• Finished second in FBS with 15 receiving touchdowns.
• Willing and effective as a perimeter blocker.

Weaknesses

• Scheme created a variety of free releases for him.
• Route tree somewhat limited.
• Lean frame, lacking in play strength.
• Knocked off course when press punch finds him.
• Lacks deception in his short and intermediate routes.
• Unsuccessful holding ground when catch is contested.

 

[IATT]

With the 34th pick in the NT nfl 2023 mock draft, the Arizona cardinals select:

kelee ringo, DB, university of Georgia

 

[elpablo21]

And with the 35th pick of the NT NFL Mock Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select...

John Michael Schmitz, Guard, Minnesota

Summary:
With the Guard spot being the biggest question on the line and wanting to add some interior help for their new Quarterback CJ Stroud Schmitz will be a good piece to create more depth and competition to bolster the offensive line.

Strength:

• Solid athlete
• Quick out of his stances
• Fast to the 2nd level in the run game

Weakness:

• Length limitations (pause)
• Speed rushers can be a problem for him

 

[raider5]

With the 36th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams select...

Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

Summary:
Athletic big man offering scheme versatility and projectable upside. White has good short-area quickness as well as speed in space. He lacks consistent early phase technique to control the rep, but his recovery talent, hustle and athletic traits put him in position to get in on the action. His pass rush is predictable and lacks focus, but he’s bendy and could take a big leap forward in this department provided the coaching catches up with the physical gifts. He’s still in the developmental phase, but his physical/athletic profile gives him a chance to become a plus starter as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end.

Strength:

• Outstanding blend of size and athleticism.
• Traits and potential to play as odd- or even-front end.
• Sudden with his first hands into contact.
• Pursuit speed and short-area quickness to make plays.
• Gas in the motor and rallies through the block to the football.
• Possesses an exciting level of edge bend to cultivate.
• Able to bully tackles with his downhill power rush.

Weakness:

• Traits are there but still waiting on consistency.
• Can be slow to diagnose blocking scheme.
• Below average punch into full extension to control block.
• Has trouble shedding block with ideal upper-body twitch.
• Body control can be lacking through contact.
• Must craft go-to moves and learn to work his hands.

“You have to see him in person to get a feel for how he moves around for how big he is. Really athletic with a high floor. He’ll be a riser.” -- Personnel executive for AFC team

 

[raider5]

I’ll keep this moving…

With the 37th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select…

O’Cyrus Torrence, Guard, Florida

Summary:
With the departure of Gabe Jackson, the interior line is in need of some depth. He uses his hands well to jab and maintain feel for the rush, but quick interior rushers with well-developed counters could be too much for his limited foot quickness to handle without help. He projects as a future starter for downhill offenses who covet size over athleticism.

Strength:

• Very broad across the chest and waist.
• Wide build creates impediment for interior pass rushers.
• Uses independent hands for added balance in pass pro.
• Quick to read twists and search for adjusted assignments.
• Penalty-free throughout the 2022 season, per PFF.
• Adequate contact pop with ability to neutralize opponent’s power.
• Size helps to generate movement as a drive blocker.
• Held his own in matchups against Georgia’s Jalen Carter.
• Above average strain to sustain his blocks.

Weakness:

• Somewhat indecisive when faced with pressure looks.
• Struggles to effectively mirror athletic rushers.
• Overextension in pass sets opens him to counters.
• Unable to bend and create proper leverage into contact.
• Heavy-legged lunger on the second level.
• Very average production on double-team blocks.

 

[raider5]

With the 38th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders of Oakland select…

Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

Summary:
The Raiders defense has big time holes that need to be filled and Mazi Smith has the size and potential to fill them. Smith’s blend of size (6’3”and 323lbs) and quickness is rare. He can punch and control a base block with relative ease.

Strength:

• Possesses rare combination of size and athleticism.
• Bendy and stout in his lower half.
• Power to punch and lift blocker under his pads.
• Plays with lively feet and short-area quickness.
• Able to slide, swim and seize the gap.
• Yanks and pulls guards off-balance from any direction.
• Foot quickness to be part of a twisting rush unit.

Weakness:

• Possesses rare combination of size and athleticism.
• Bendy and stout in his lower half.
• Power to punch and lift blocker under his pads.
• Plays with lively feet and short-area quickness.
• Able to slide, swim and seize the gap.
• Yanks and pulls guards off-balance from any direction.
• Foot quickness to be part of a twisting rush unit.

 

[raider5]

With the 39th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select…

Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State

Summary:
Panthers need edge help after the departure of Hassan Reddick. McDonald is an explosive, pliable edge talent whose active hands and eager feet make it hard for tackles to get a firm grip on him. His burst and lower-body flexion give him an advantage at the top of the rush, while his spin moves and feel for pocket depth round out his attack.

Strength:

• Explosive athlete with long arms.
• Uses well-timed hands and length to stick and separate from blockers.
• Creativity in getting off the block and into the play flow.
• Pursues targets with impressive change-of-direction quickness.
• Fires out and races to the top of the rush arc.
• Ankle flexion and hip strength to rip, bend and drive through redirection.
• Rushes to the depth of the pocket and works back underneath.
• Spin move is reminiscent of Dwight Freeney’s coming out of Syracuse.

Weakness:

• Lean through waist, hips and thighs.
• Strong but lacking NFL mass at point of attack.
• Inconsistent to maintain positioning as run defender.
• Less pursuit burst than expected in short spaces.
• Grabby tackler lacking boom behind his pads.
• Displays below average power in rush hands.
• Average conversion of speed to power.

 

[elpablo21]

And with the 40th pick of the NT NFL Mock Draft, the New Orleans Saints select...

Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

Summary:
Saints continue to bolster the Defensive line with depth and young pieces in this pick. Felix possess solid tools to be a rotational and impact pash rusher in the league.

Strength:

• Great motor
• Good strength
• Can leverage well to get under OT's pads
• Plays bigger and overachieves with his effort

Weakness:

• Not too good in the run
• Can be taken advantage in a downhill run attack straight at him
• Does not fit as well in the 4-3 currently

 

[raider5]

With the 41st pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select…

Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

Summary:
Massive right tackle (6’8, 375lbs) with rare length but limited athleticism that impacts his consistency. Defenders accustomed to winning with power will need to switch up their approach against Jones. His physical traits help cover up some of his athletic deficiencies, while his power can be better unleashed with accurate hand strikes and a run scheme tailored to what he does best. The former high school basketball standout has decent slide quickness in protection but is unable to find his feet when attempting to match inside counters or stall out gaming fronts. Jones is a work in progress with holes that will have to be covered up with scheme help, but he should become a starting right tackle if he maintains the playing weight his team desires.

Strength:
Human mountain requiring long hikes to navigate.
Plays with good movement for a man his size.
Massive wingspan overwhelms rushers when his hands are timed-up.
Displays ability to slide up the edge with rusher.
Difficult to charge up enough of a bull-rush for it to matter against him.
Features some knockback pop in his hands.
Runs feet through contact on play-side runs.
Massive hands to lock into opponent’s pads.

Weakness:
Penalties have been an issue over the last two seasons.
Tends to overset with heels too close together.
Hands can be mistimed, inhibiting length advantage.
Top-heavy with difficulty redirecting his weight quickly.
Uneven and disjointed handling twisting fronts.
Limited block sustain due to below average foot quickness.
Must learn to create leverage with upward hand strikes.
Unable to execute move blocks with any consistency.

 

[raider5]

With the 42nd pick of the NT NFL draft, the New York Jets select…

CALIJAH KANCEY, DT, PITTSBURGH

Summary:
Undersized, one-gapping defensive tackle who is explosive and productive. He’s a strong and determined player, but Kancey is still going to be a hit-or-miss run defender due to his lack of mass and length. While he will get pushed around at times, his first-step quickness and short memory allow him to make tackles in the backfield. He’s a nightmare for offenses as a pass rusher. His twitchy feet can slide and reset points of attack. His leverage and motor are often too much for guards to handle alone. Kancey might be most effective as a rotational run defender and full-time, sub-package rusher, but his size will not define him in the NFL.

Strength:
Posted 14.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss in two years as a full-time starter.
Combination of first-step burst and contact balance stands out.
Captures easy wins against leaning interior blockers.
Excellent change-of-direction quickness and reactive athleticism.
Terror in the pocket as a pass rusher.
Laser-sharp focus on fastest possible way into the pocket.
Slide speed to start at B-gap and finish rush in the opposite A-gap.
Forward-charging attack eventually finds an edge or angle to exploit.
Gets to quarterbacks with a top-flight closing kick.

Weakness:
Lacks prototypical size.
Big guards can latch in and end the rush at times if he’s not first off the snap.
Lack of length shows up if he can’t get to a rush edge.
Ducks head into blockers, losing sight of run play development.
Fails to mirror lateral steps; gets reached and sealed by athletic blockers.

 

[raider5]

With the 43rd pick in the NT NFL Draft, the New York Jets select…

Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

Summary:
Collegiate left tackle with good size and length, but average athletic traits. Harrison is self-aware and does a nice job of utilizing his strengths to mask his weaknesses. He has a feel for pocket depth and uses his length and an inside-out approach to get the job done, but NFL speed could have him scrambling without help. Harrison lacks the pop and drive of a plus run blocker and is better at neutralizing opponents with proper positioning. There are some limitations athletically and it won’t always look fluid, but Harrison has the demeanor and football savvy to get the job done as a starter in time.

Strength:
Hands remain punch-ready in protection.
Patient not to overset or overextend at the top of the rush.
Fires his hands with some pepper on them.
Finds full arm extension to maintain feel for rusher.
Will find work when uncovered.
Instinctive in his positional run blocking.
Adequate fluidity climbing to linebackers.
Activates hands to discard opponent’s punch.

Weakness:
Has trouble locating initial hands in run game.
Average foot chop with elevated pads as drive blocker.
Fails to knock opponents back at first contact.
Might not have slide quickness for desired diagonal sets.
Connection between feet and hands is disjointed.
Can be rocked backward by speed-to-power rush.
Below average agility to recover when beaten.

 

[raider5]

With the 44th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select…

DJ Turner, CB, Michigan

Summary:
Explosive athlete combining fluidity, speed and superior technique to excel at his craft. Turner is scheme-diverse with the ability to line up inside or outside in coverage. He’s graceful with his mirror and match movements from press or off-man coverage, but he is plenty feisty when challenging throws or hitting receivers after the catch. Despite his competitiveness, big receivers can bounce him around and beat him on 50/50 balls. Turner has the tools and talent to become an early starter as a nickel corner capable of matching up with both shifty and speedy opponents.

Strength:
Explosive athlete with rare speed and change-of-direction quickness.
Hips and feet to mirror and match route from start to finish.
Good eye balance between quarterback and the route.
Trusts his technique and rarely reaches with his hands.
Flips hips quickly to match breaks or chase verticals.
Smooth stop-and-start to phase double moves.
Squeezes tight to receiver when phasing deep routes.
Rarely out of position to challenge or close on the throw.
Loves to run up for hits after the catch.

Weakness:
Can be knocked around by physical route runners.
Lack of length limits effectiveness contesting deep balls.
Could have trouble holding up against larger ball-winners in the pros.
Frequently forced into grab-and-drag tackling.
Fails to come to balance with timing as tackler after catch.

 

[raider5]

With the 45th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select…

Joshua Downs, WR, North Carolina

Summary:
It’s time to close the chapter on Randall Cobb. Free-flowing athlete with dynamic footwork and an instinctive feel for how to elude opponents. Downs posted off-the-charts production over the last two seasons as an undersized slot with an oversized will. His confidence jumps off the tape and he has proven himself to be better at catching through contact than you might expect. While his route running is effective and fun to watch, coaches will need him to become more disciplined and efficient in order to maintain the timing of play designs. Downs might not have prototypical size, but he’s well-positioned to keep stacking catches and making plays as a starting NFL slot receiver.

Strength:
Supremely confident with outstanding production over last two seasons.
Appears to have both quickness and long speed.
Tempo changes create unease for man coverage.
Separation burst gains space through turns/cuts.
Footwork and change of direction are sudden and sharp.
Uses athleticism to elude defenders.
Leaps and adjusts to pick throws off defender’s head.
Surprising catch toughness for his size.
Slippery when asked to return punts.

Weakness:
Below average build working into the middle.
Can be slowed by a physical press corner.
Needs to be more disciplined in route running.
Will leave routes unfinished at times.
Struggled with focus drops at times during career.
Unable to make a difference as a run blocker.

 

[DeadsetAce]

With the 46th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select…

Julius Brents, DB, Kansas State University

The Patriots pick up a classic zone cover corner with an outstanding blend of size, length and leaping ability. Brents definitely projects better as a zone corner but New England loves the potential to move him to S if needed and fill a much needed void left by retired Devin McCourty.

Strengths:
- Rare blend of size and length at cornerback.
- Can jab and maintain contact through press release.
- Spies quarterback from side-shuffle and overlaps his coverage.
- Digests route combination cleanly from zone.
- Able to partition off catch space on deep sideline throw.
- Explosive leaps to win the high-point battle.
- Aggressive attacker as a run supporter.
- Springs from his hips to wrap up ball-carrier.

Weaknesses:
- Can be juked out of position matching press release.
- Struggles to stay in phase through pattern breaks.
- Will lose ground once the route becomes a foot race.
- Loses track of wideout when zone focus lingers on quarterback.

 

[dwileykyot]

And with the 47th pick of the 2023 NT NFL Mock Draft, the Washington Commanders select...

Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State

Legacy pick


Strengths
Thick frame with plus athleticism.
Faster than he looks when opening his stride.
Dexterity to rescue throws behind him.
Absorbs contact and maintains focus through the catch.
Transitions quickly from catch to run on short stop routes.
Puts in the effort to sustain and drive the block.
Easy adjustments in space to collect move blocks.
Expects to put extra yardage in the books after the catch.
Weaknesses
Rolls into the top of the route.
Average speed to threaten the seam.
Needs to get through NFL routes with better pace.
Benefited from play-action to generate loads of open looks.
Tall pads, narrow base and wide hands as run blocker.

 

[g-time]

With 48th pick in the NT NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select...

Strengths

• Demeanor and traits of a playmaker.
• Long, explosive, rangy and versatile.
• Can line up at inside linebacker or as an outside rusher.
• Wickedly fluid slide-and-swim move as an A-, B- or C-gap rusher.
• Possesses athletic ability to beat tackles around the edge.
• Willing to dart into gaps when he recognizes disruption potential.
• Lateral scrape quickness to beat blocker to the spot.
• Contact balance keeps him upright and in the play.
• Capable in sideline-to-sideline pursuit.

Weaknesses

• Just one season as a full-time starter.
• Will need to add more mass and base strength.
• Inconsistent in reading his keys for misdirection.
• Some change-of-direction delay in coverage.
• Pursuit leverage and tackle balance need improvement.
• Allows runners to slip away from his grasp.

 

[raider5]

With the 49th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders of Oakland select...

Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

Summary:
Jack Campbell is a football player, through and through and the Raiders need passionate players like that on a defense. Campbell is an inside linebacker who is built for the box and plays with good overall physicality. Campbell’s size allows him to challenge blocks and stand his ground despite inconsistent hand usage at the take-on point. He scrapes and plugs his run fits with workmanlike dependability but lacks the short-area burst and reactive athleticism teams typically look for from NFL starters. He plays with above-average field awareness. He’s capable as a zone defender and in some matchups against in-line tight ends. What you see is what you get with Campbell, and teams will need to balance the consistency with the playmaking limitations in their evaluations.

Strength:

• Big, long frame for the position.
• Highly communicative with his teammates on the field.
• Feel for blocking schemes and a nose for the action.
• Able to step downhill and neutralize lead blocker.
• Scrapes with pads square to the line.
• Finds his run fit and spills the action wide.
• Careful to close distance to ensure tackle success.
• Awareness and ball skills to succeed in zone coverage.

Weakness:

• Plays conservatively on his second-level perch.
• Initial diagnosis movements lack suddenness.
• Allows climbing blockers into frame before punching.
• Needs to play off blocker with better efficiency.
• Tall center of gravity slows change of direction in open field.
• Lacking desired short-area burst in pursuit.
• Long legs hinder ability to match in man coverage.

Defense. Defense. Defense. Previous picks: Christian Gonzalez (CB), Mazi Smith (DT).