2023 NT NFL Mock Draft

[raider5]

By popular request....new thread.

***NT NFL Mock Draft is now LIVE***

Some basic info and rules:

• Draft will be April 21st at 9am PST
• Each team will have roughly 30 minutes to select their player (I'm hoping people don't take the full 30, but this allows folks to handle personal stuff that they got going on and can check throughout the day).
• Trades are welcome, but if you are representing two teams (or more teams), I don't think it'd be fair to trade with yourself - i suppose if it came down to it I can veto if it's a fair trade or not?
• When making your selection, please use this format: With the # pick of the NT NFL Mock Draft, the (###) select...and do a brief summary of the pick and why for this team so we can all learn and educate ourselves on the team and their wants/needs. Summary could be well thought out, or it could be for the lulz. Either way, lets try to have some fun with it.
• I suppose if there is a vacant team I'll just make the pick to keep things moving. Even if the draft is live, feel free to join. Just @me with the team you want to select for and we'll make it happen.

Round 1:
1) Carolina Panthers (from Chicago) - Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
2) Houston Texans - aNYone - Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
3) Arizona Cardinals Trade to Philadelphia Eagles - IATT Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
4) Indianapolis Colts - elpablo21 - CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) - DonCigaro - Will Anderson Jr., LB, Alabama
6) Detroit Lions (from L.A. Rams) - g-time - Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
7) Las Vegas Raiders - raider5 - Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
8.) Atlanta Falcons - Nolan Smith, DE, Georgia
9) Chicago Bears (from Carolina) - Peter Skoronski, Tackle, Northwestern
10) Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans) Traded to Arizona Cardinals - af1 1982 - Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
11) Tennessee Titans - Jaxson Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
12) Houston Texans (from Cleveland) - aNYone - Devon Weatherspoon, CB, Illinois
13) New York Jets - Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
14) New England Patriots - DeadsetAce - Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
15) Green Bay Packers - Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
16) Washington Commanders - dwileykyot - Joey Porter Jr. CB, Penn State
17) Pittsburgh Steelers - Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
18.) Detroit Lions - g-time - Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
20) Seattle Seahawks - DonCigaro - Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
21) Los Angeles Chargers - JustBlaze. - Michael Meyers, TE, Notre Dame
22) Baltimore Ravens traded to Arizona Cardinals - frshstunna - Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
23) Minnesota Vikings - Hendron Hooker, QB, Tennessee
24) Jacksonville Jaguars - Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
25) New York Giants - g-time - Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
26) Dallas Cowboys - Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
27) Buffalo Bills - dwileykyot - Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
28.) Cincinnati Bengals - Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
29) New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Miami and Denver) - elpablo21 - Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa
30) Philadelphia Eagles traded to Arizona Cardinals traded to Baltimore Ravens - af1 1982 - Jordan Addison, WR, USC
31) Kansas City Chiefs - elpablo21 - Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson

Round 2:
32) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Chicago) - Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
33) Houston Texans - aNYone - Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
34) Arizona Cardinals - IATT - Kelee Ringo, DB, Georgia
35) Indianapolis Colts - elpablo21 - John Michael Schmitz, Guard, Minnesota
36) Los Angeles Rams - Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech
37) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) - DonCigaro - O’Cyrus Torrance, G, Florida
38.) Las Vegas Raiders - raider5 - Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
39) Carolina Panthers - Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State
40) New Orleans Saints - elpablo21 - Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
41) Tennessee Titans - Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
42) New York Jets (from Cleveland) - Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
43) New York Jets - Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
44) Atlanta Falcons - DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
45) Green Bay Packers - Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
46) New England Patriots - DeadsetAce - Julius Brents, DB, Kansas State University
47) Washington Commanders - dwileykyot - Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
48.) Detroit Lions - g-time - Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
49) Pittsburgh Steelers traded to Las Vegas Raiders - DeadsetAce - Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
50) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
51) Miami Dolphins - Steve Avila, G, TCU
52) Seattle Seahawks - DonCigaro - Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota
53) Chicago Bears (from Baltimore) - Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss
54) Los Angeles Chargers - JustBlaze. - Derrick Hall, EDGE, Auburn.
55) Detroit Lions (from Minnesota) - g-time - Sam Laporta, TE, Iowa
56) Jacksonville Jaguars DeadsetAce - Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
57) New York Giants - g-time - Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
58.) Dallas Cowboys traded to Arizona Cardinals - IATT - Jahmyr Gibbs, TB, Alabama
59) Buffalo Bills - dwileykyot - Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
60) Cincinnati Bengals - Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
61) Chicago Bears (from San Francisco through Carolina) - BJ Ojulari, DE, LSU
62) Philadelphia Eagles traded to Arizona Cardinals - IATT - Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
63) Kansas City Chiefs - elpablo21 - Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati


People are still more than welcome to join at any point, just @me and I'll include you in the list. For vacant teams, I'll be picking for now...Each team will have 30 minutes to make a selection.

And with that...........the Carolina Panthers are now on the clock:

View attachment 3119610

 

[raider5]

And with the 1st pick of the NT NFL Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers select...

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama.

Summary:
Slightly built with measurables that fall below the standard for the quarterback position, Young’s talent and face-of-the-franchise potential could force teams to focus more on his game film and less on his size.

Strength:

• Calm demeanor on the field.
• Played in a pro-style attack that required full-field reads.
• Shows ability to dial up focus in big fourth quarter situations.
• Uses eye manipulation to create easier throws.
• Locates and avoids lurking trouble in zone coverage.
• Good operation time with a compact release as thrower.
• Unfazed by incoming rush and makes ball delivery his priority.
• Good rush awareness and pocket mobility.
• Actively reroutes his receivers when play extends.
• Makes defenses pay when he breaks contain and improvises.

Weakness:

• Weighed in at 204 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine; since 2003, no QB who weighed fewer than 207 pounds at the combine has been drafted in Round 1.
• Durability will be a concern due to slight frame.
• Has a tendency to run receivers up against the boundary.
• Leaves his lower half behind on drive throws at times.
• Needs to prove he can find reads quickly and stay on schedule.
• Deep throws come out flat and lose energy late.
• Doesn’t run as often as he could to counter the rush and pick up first downs.

 

[aNYone]

And with the 2nd pick of the NT NFL Mock Draft, the Houston Texans select...

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida


Bottom line he’s a freak. We’ve never seen someone like him. I’m part of a new regime and have a time. Might as well shoot for the stars.


Strengths

• Elite size, strength and athletic ability for the quarterback position.
• Has potential to perform in a variety of offensive schemes.
• Can make explosive plays as a passer and runner.
• Arm strength to throw downfield and into tight windows.
• Functional pass accuracy when mechanically sound and in rhythm.
• Willing to take a hit and still deliver the throw.
• Good awareness of pressure mounting around him.
• Footwork to slide and throw or scramble for yards.
• Had touchdown-to-interception ratio of 12:2 over his final six games at Florida.
• Ran for touchdowns of 45, 60, 73, 80 and 81 yards over the past two seasons.

Weaknesses

• Inconsistency and inaccuracy made it hard for him to have sustained success.
• Could use a better feel for the timing of his progressions.
• Needs to take some spice off short throws.
• Below average touch and ball placement rolling out.
• Hasn’t learned to manipulate coverage with his eyes.
• Struggles to paint intermediate zone holes with anticipatory throws.
• Accuracy issues are often a function of poor footwork.
• Loses track of coverage and will throw into danger.
• Too willing to flip the ball out instead of taking a sack.

 

[IATT]

To keep this moving, the Arizona cardinals are selecting potentially the best player in the draft

While our organization obviously is considered about the potential, rumored, character issues.. we feel the juice is worth the squeeze

Defensive tackle from university of Georgia, jalen Carter

 

[elpablo21]

And with the 4th pick of the NT NFL Mock Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select...

CJ Stroud, QB, Thee Ohio State.

Summary:
**** a cognition test. The Colts are in need of a true reboot at the QB position since Luck's departure. With CJ having the standard measurables and film to back it up places him as a perfect fit to get the Colts back on track to being a premiere franchise in the NFL

Strength:

• Accurate from the pocket, especially the deep ball
• Doesn't run as much but can extend plays when under pressure
• Goes through his progressions well
• Ball placement and anticipating is good. Leads his receivers

Weakness:

• Is a little too hesitant not to use his legs for gains
• decision making is inconsistent when going off script
• 18%
• Manning Passing Academy

 

[raider5]

With the 5th pick in the NT NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select...

Will Anderson Jr., LB, Alabama

Summary:
Three-year starter for vaunted Alabama program with eye-popping production that encapsulates his potential impact. Anderson is well-built with long arms. He has the rush get-off and skill level to consistently shave edges or pry open rush paths with inside moves.

NFL Comparison: Demarcus Ware.

Strength:

• Proportional build and excellent arm length.
• Get-off juice to attack the corner.
• Goodie bag filled with tactics and approaches to threaten edges.
• Couples hands and hip flip to flatten the edge into the pocket.
• Uses powerful hips to play through blocker’s inside edge.
• Athleticism and closing burst to hunt down quarterbacks when play extends.
• Fires first hands and anchors down to set a firm edge.
• Wide base and torque power allow for block discards.
• Pursuit speed to catch the runner from the back side.
• Good lateral fluidity and body control for efficient change of direction.

Weakness:

• Motor needs to stay turned up throughout the rep.
• Forced into extended confrontations against linemen at point of attack.
• Hip tightness limits stride length as a rusher.
• Needs to develop hand counters to defeat a well-timed punch.
• Energy as run defender appears to wane at times.

 

[g-time]

With 6th pick in the NT NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select...

Tyree Wilson, DE - Texas Tech

NFL Comparison: Carlos Dunlap

Strengths:

POSITIVES

— Great size for an NFL defensive end and carries little to no bad weight.

— Excellent power rusher with the strength, hand placement and leg drive to collapse the pocket with a bull rush or one-arm stab move against offensive tackles. He's also shown the ability to win with a hump-by move.

— Solid rip move to win around the edge as a pass-rusher.

— Against the run, he takes on blocks with good knee bend and pad level (especially for his height) and has a lot of pop in his hands to gain control of the block and get a leverage advantage. He can reset the line of scrimmage.

— Takes on blocks with a wide base, and he's hard to move one-on-one against the run with strength and technique.

— Has little-to-no problems shedding or getting off blocks.

— Hustle player who takes good angles in pursuit, he can make tackles down the field to help save touchdowns and/or more explosive plays.

NEGATIVES

— Sub-par get-off overall, late reaction to the snap, and false steps out of a two-point stance.

— Struggles with the accuracy of his initial chops when working finesse moves.

— Adequate bend at the top of the rush, not the most flexible to turn a tight corner around the edge.

— Lacks a plan when rushing, he doesn't work many counter moves if his initial effort doesn't work.

— Needs to be more gap-disciplined, he has a habit of ducking inside blocks and will get caught popping his gap early.

— Not athletic enough and lacks zone awareness to drop into coverage at the next level.

 

[raider5]

With the 7th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders select....


Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Summary: Raiders can select any defensive player here with obvious holes at all levels of the defense. Gonzalez is an explosive outside cornerback possessing a rare blend of physical and athletic traits. Gonzalez plays with fluid hips and blazing top-end speed, which should help him match against top-end targets in the future. He can rough up the release or use mirror-and-match footwork from press-man coverage and he has all the tools to become a highly capable route shadow. His technique will get away from him at times and he doesn't play with the level of instincts or ball skills that should make heavy ball production automatic. His testing numbers could send his draft stock skyrocketing, but the ingredients are already present to become a feared CB1 if he plays to his gifts.

Strength:

• Desired blend of size, speed and explosiveness.
• He’s as fluid and loose in his movements as you’ll find.
• Length and strength allow him to bully releases from press.
• Feet and hips create easy skip and flip to match the release.
• Quick to crowd and push vertical targets toward the boundary.
• Able to shuffle and swerve in space like he’s gliding on air.
• Rare recovery kick and top-end speed for a big cornerback.
• Works his way off perimeter blocks.
• Huge take-off burst to rocket in and block kicks.

Weakness:

• Instincts to create more catch challenges are spotty.
• Below average anticipation to jump route breaks.
• Inconsistent finding optimal positioning to constrict catch area.
• Average feel for angles attacking the throw.
• Slow to get his head around and find the football downfield.
• Needs to play with better awareness to run plays.
• Inconsistent coming to balance as open-field tackler.

 

[raider5]

With the 8th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select...

Nolan Smith, DE, Georgia

Summary: A home grown Georgia prospect. Nolan Smith is a lower weight class edge defender with the toughness to mix it up with bigger players. Based purely upon his sleek but smallish frame, one might expect him to be more effective as a rusher than run defender but the opposite is true. Smith is hard to move off of his spot due to his technique and leverage, and he can be disruptive when firing into gaps. He can get off the mark as a rusher, but lacks the counters and contact balance to consistently assault the pocket at a high rate. Smith falls below the size standards some team might have for a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he plays team-first defense with quality technique that should help him translate to the pros. With 39 sacks total over the last 2 seasons (league worse), Smith is expected to make an immediate impact to a struggling defense.

Strength:

• Plays with a team-first mindset and plus toughness.
• Attacks pulling blocks.
• First with hands to separate and stay ready.
• Rare point of attack leverage strength for his size.
• Cuts a tight, efficient track to the ball in pursuit.
• Potential to become a bend-and-flatten rusher.
• Agility for more creative edge-to-edge attacks in the future.

Weakness:

• Slender through waist and hips, with a need for more mass.
• Unable to generate speed-to-power conversion.
• Rush plan can be monotonous and lacking counters.
• Squared up punch from tackle can derail his pass rush.
• Unable to control block and shed quickly.
• Exerts excessive strain to battle tackles at the point of attack.
• Very average pursuit speed for a smaller player.

 

[raider5]

With the 9th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select....

Peter Skoronski, Tackle, Northwestern

Summary:
Protecting Justin Fields is the objective here. Skoronski spent his college years manning the quarterback’s blindside at tackle, but the body type and skill set are begging for a move to guard, where he can play his best football as a pro. He’s broad across his upper and lower body, but he has short arms. Skoronski plays with a deft blend of technique, feel and power as a run blocker and is capable of thriving in any run-blocking scheme. His lack of length can be a problem against stab-and-charge bull rushers and edge speed, but a move inside would mitigate those concerns. If Skoronski can get his protection anchor sorted out, he has the run-blocking talent to become an instant starter and a top-flight guard.

Strength:

• Sets out with explosive kick-slide into his diagonal sets.
• Uses proactive hands to attack first.
• Excellent footwork and hand usage to counter and collect twists.
• Arches back and unlocks hips to access his rush anchor.
• Comes off the snap with low pads and explosive lift into contact.
• Races out of stance and into position for reach-block success.
• Base stays wide and balanced throughout the rep.
• Clear understanding of positioning and angles at the point of attack.
• Textbook leg drive on double teams and kick-out blocks.
• Washes down run defenders looking to shoot gaps.

Weakness:

• Throws punch a tick late and from outside angles.
• Needs to alter his pass sets and hand attacks to become less predictable.
• Beaten by long-arm rush moves and driven into the pocket.
• Average adjustments to second-level movements.
• Can be beaten by side-stepping defender at point of attack.

 

[IATT]

With the 10th pick in the 2023 NT nfl draft the Arizona cardinals take:

Paris Johnson Jr, tackle, Ohio state university

 

[raider5]

With the 11th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select...

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Summary:
Smith-Njigba is an outstanding route-runner and separator where his deceptive footwork, body control, ability to read leverage, make sight adjustments, and run to open space made him consistently available for C.J. Stroud to work him the football in 2021. He’s an extremely intelligent player with exceptional spatial awareness. He does well to continue working in scramble situations and he’s always competing to get open. Smith-Njigba has exceptional hands, ball skills, and focus at the catch point. He is decisive after the catch with excellent field vision.

Strength:

• Averaged 192 receiving yards per game in last five contests of 2021 season.
• Plays tough in the teeth of the defense as a zone-beater.
• Elevates his catch focus when contested.
• Leverages his intermediate break points.
• Softens and extends his hands to meet the throw.
• Tracks deep throws with poise and accuracy.
• Athletic and smooth catching on the move.
• Plays to his top speed throughout the route.

Weakness:

• Vast majority of his production came in one season.
• Rolls into his breaks with top-heavy momentum.
• Lacks suddenness for separation in and out of breaks.
• Below average top-end speed to win vertically.
• Likely to be viewed as a slot-only option.
• Lacks burst to elude after the catch.

 

[aNYone]

And with the 12th pick of the NT NFL Mock Draft, the Houston Texans select...

Devon Witherspoon,CB, Illinois

All American corner to put opposite Stingley

Strengths

• Allowed completion rate of just 34.9% in 2022, per PFF.
• Impressive route recognition and trigger on the throw.
• Eyes are probing from off coverages.
• Well-balanced defending high/low route concepts from zone.
• Instinctive with 14 pass breakups in 2022.
• Takes ball-side angles to disrupt the catch point.
• Zeroes in on receiver’s hands on deep throws.
• Physical with a striker’s mentality in run support and as tackler versus the pass.

Weaknesses

• Can be jab-stepped off-balance by release fakes.
• Coverage is very handsy after the first five yards.
• Sluggish to transition hips and match route breaks from his backpedal.
• Top-end speed could be an issue at the next level.
• Lacks juice to make up the distance when he gets behind.
• Will bite hard on play-action and double moves.

 

[raider5]

With the 13th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the New York Jets select...

Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

Summary:
Time to shore up the back-end of a solid defense. Plug-and-play defensive back with every ingredient necessary to become a high-performing starter early in his career. Branch has primarily handled nickel coverage at Alabama but has the range and instincts for single-high or split safety looks. He’s quick, fast and strong with the ability to match up with shifty slots, bigger possession receivers and pass-catching tight ends. He’s urgent and has a mind for the game. He takes playmaking angles into the throwing lane but does have a tendency to play it a little safe from off-man coverage. There are areas where he can improve but no real weaknesses, which could make him one of the safest picks in the draft.

Strength:

• Football intelligence is through the roof.
• Has range and instincts to play single-high safety.
• Fast, fluid and very strong for his size.
• Pedals and transitions with smooth, agile feet.
• Able to mirror and match patterns from off-man.
• Reactive quickness and burst to hound the route.
• Uses ballhawking angles and explosive burst to undercut the pass.
• Reads receiver’s eyes to cue his head turn downfield.
• Attacks blockers of all sizes with consistent tenacity.
• Diagnoses run and pursues runner with proper leverage and angles.

Weakness:

• Small delay in finding first gear at the top of his drop.
• Could use tighter route squeeze relative to down and distance.
• Becomes a drag-down tackler when coming in too high.
• Occasionally outflanked as run defender from the slot.

 

[DeadsetAce]

With the 14th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select...

Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

New England picks up a playmaker in the slot as they look to give Bill O'Brien and Mac Jones a much needed weapon to get the Patriot offense headed back in the right direction. Worth noting this is a significant departure from the Patriots draft strategy in past years and might be a sign that Bill Belichick is conceding some power back to the owner (and Bill O'Brien) when it comes to the offense.


Strengths:
- Sudden feet to slip press and race ahead of coverage.
- Stair-steps man coverage out of leveraged positioning.
- Routes are fast and maintain their momentum through turns.
- Lower body flexion to corner tightly at break points.
- Hands are average but overall ball skills impress.
- Tracks and catches deep balls with above average poise.
- Works back to the throw when needed.
- Very slippery as an open-field runner.

Weaknesses
- Shorter arms and smaller hands.
- In too much of a hurry at times.
- Routes need better salesmanship and attention to detail.
- Needs to do a better job of finding optimal holes in zone coverage.
- Might lack play strength to win contested catches as a pro.
- Teams might have to live with more drops than they would like to see.

 

[raider5]

With the 15th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select...

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Summary:
Time to get Jordan Love some weapons and fill a need. Kincaid is a fluid route runner with the athleticism and play speed to create mismatches against lesser coverage. Impeccable ball skills and sticky hands allow him to tilt 50/50 contested throws in his favor. He lacks the play strength and technique to work in-line, but can handle some positional blocking in space from time to time. Kincaid can manage a more extended route tree, allowing calculating play-callers to open up the entire field and stress coverages. He will need to acclimate to a more physical/athletic brand of coverage, but should blossom into a weapon.

Strength:

• Fluid athlete with impressive catch radius.
• Gets into routes with good initial burst.
• Has enough speed to threaten vertically and across the field.
• Sweet feet to break and separate from coverage.
• Possesses outstanding ball-tracking and focus as receiver.
• Makes well-timed moves for jump-ball victories.
• Hands are sticky and sure through contact.
• Above average run-and-catch fluidity on the move.

Weakness:

• Liability as a run blocker.
• Jarred off of his base by average contact.
• Struggles to stay connected to a block for long.
• Routes could use better speed variance.
• Physical defenders are able to slow his routes.

 

[dwileykyot]

And with the 16th pick of the NT NFL Mock Draft, the Washington Commanders select...

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Summary:
The Commanders are in dire need of help at CB.

Strength:
-The most physical reroutes in this year’s draft.
-Smart hand usage helps cover when feet are late.
-Recovery and length to swat away would-be catches underneath.
-Closes the catch space when he’s in position.
-Can win high-point challenges even from trail position.
-Matchup potential against pass-catching tight ends.
-Spins sticky tackle web when he gets his hands on receivers.

Weakness:
- Nepo-baby

 

[raider5]

And with the 17th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select...

Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia.

Summary:
Pittsburgh is in desperate need of offensive tackle help. Broderick Jones is an ultra-athletic tackle prospect with the size, length and potential to develop into a plus starter on the left side.

Strength:

• Former high school basketball player with premium athletic qualities.
• Drives hands into defender with upward strike.
• Rips outside hand through pads to corral and move opponent.
• Should be able to make all the blocks for zone and power.
• Body control to adjust to moving targets.
• Has length necessary to improve punch timing.
• Recognizes twist attempts quickly.
• Possesses loose hips and quick feet for recoveries.

Weakness:

• Less than two full seasons of starting experience at left tackle.
• Needs to keep his chin tucked and back flat in protection.
• Punch comes from outside angles and is slow to stick the rusher.
• Gives early ground when challenged by power rush.
• Doesn’t fit up run blocks in one, fluid motion.
• Will need to improve play strength as a pro.
• Tends to duck head and lose sight into first contact.

 

[g-time]

IATT lions are going to keep the #18 pick.

With the 17th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select...

Bijan Robinson, RB - Texas

Lions are solidifying their Offense.

POSITIVES​

— Great size. Thick, muscled-up frame capable of taking a full workload of touches.

— Elite acceleration with good top speed. Can go zero to 100 in an instant and has nice breakaway ability.

— Very good stop/start explosiveness for his size. Can cut and redirect, even through contact, with great effectiveness.

— Outstanding flexibility and change-of-direction skills. Maintains speed while turning the corner or changing directions.

— Above-average contact balance. Makes him hard to hit clean, and he has enough size/strength to brush off iffy tackle attempts.


— Good pass-catching back. Great hands for a running back and can run vertical routes in addition to standard underneath routes.

— Functional in pass protection; saw slight improvements in 2022. Decent eyes and willing to get chippy.

NEGATIVES​

— Vision is not bad, but he is prone to a couple moments of hesitancy per game. Type of runner who can search too hard for the "perfect" lane.

— Straight-forward power is just fine. Not concerning, but slightly underwhelming for a player his size.

— Could still use work in pass protection to go from adequate to a legit difference-maker.

 

[raider5]

And with the 19th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select...

Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Summary:
Levis is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the draft, but there are warts in his game that might not be easily corrected. He has prototypical size and experience operating in a pro-style passing attack. He’s an athletic passer, with the ability to zip off-platform throws with plus velocity from a compact release.

Strength:

• Prototypical size and build for an NFL quarterback.
• Has experience taking snaps from under center.
• Played in pro-style passing scheme requiring full field reads.
• Athletic passer when working off-platform.
• Release is compact, twitchy and effortless.
• Extremely tough and played through injuries in 2022.
• Serious arm talent with ability to complete passes in tight windows.
• Can send deep passes over the heads of tardy safeties.
• Ability to slide and throw simultaneously from the pocket.
• Willing and capable as a runner near the goal line.

Weakness:

• Nearly a quarter of his passes were thrown to targets behind the line of scrimmage in 2022, per PFF.
• Inconsistent post-snap confidence to throw on time.
• Uncomfortable working against short zones.
• Big struggles finding his rhythm as a passer in 2022.
• Falls into off-platform throws rather than trusting the footwork.
• Scattershot ball placement and accuracy on simple throws.
• Poor feel inside the pocket for pressure points.
• Career TD-INT ratio falls below 2:1 mark.
• Poor second reaction decision-making with the football.
• Mayo in coffee
• Eats banana's with banana peel on

 

[raider5]

With the 20th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select...

Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Summary:
Depth pick and a workout buddy for DK Metcalf. Quentin Johnston has pretty much perfect measurables, standing 6-3 and weighing in at just over 210 lbs with legit 4.4 speed. He is perhaps the top WR prospect in the 2023 class although thus far hasn't been as productive as you would have hoped given his athletic profile. Teams will view him as by no means a sure thing but it's unlikely he'll make it past pick 20 in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Strength:

• Desired blend of size, length and speed outside.
• Consistent intensity in drive phase, regardless of route depth.
• Long strides allow him to eat into coverage cushions quickly.
• Separation speed shows up across the hashes.
• Should see more touchdown opportunities with a more accurate quarterback.
• Shows off athleticism once the ball is released.
• Makes late adjustments to haul in deep throws.
• Above average catch radius.

Weakness:

• Production was somewhat erratic.
• Grabbed just 6 of Max Duggan’s 32 touchdown passes in 2022.
• Long release steps allow press to tag him.
• Struggles to create leverage and deception in his routes.
• Listless getting out of breaks and presenting underneath.
• Fails to stack and wall-off defenders on deep throws.
• Doesn’t meet throws with desired arm extension.
• Inconsistent finishing catches through contact.

 

[JustBlaze.]

With the 21st pick, the LA Chargers select Michael Mayer, TE from Notre Dame.


I’m in the middle of golfing now so I can’t elaborate.

 

[IATT]

With the 22nd pick in the 2023 nt NFL draft, the Arizona cardinals select:

deonte banks, CB, Maryland

 

[raider5]

With the 23rd pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select...

Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Summary:
It's time to plan for the future. Hooker’s age and ACL tear will be starting points for many draft conversations, but the most important question to be answered is whether he can thrive outside of the Tennessee offense. Hooker was frequently a half-field reader, which means he could lean on spacing, speed and/or route combinations to make life easier. He’s more accurate outside the numbers than between the hashes and his deep ball placement was much more uneven than expected. However, Hooker plays with excellent poise and footwork as a pocket passer. He will make quarterback coaches and play-callers happy with his adherence to keeping plays on schedule. He’s still showing signs of improvement and growth at the position, and his ability to hurt teams with his legs creates opportunities to help his offense outside of what he does in the pocket. His recovery from the ACL tear will require monitoring, but he has the talent to become a starter in a timing-based, spread offense.

Strength:

• Blends NFL pocket-passer size with dual-threat athleticism.
• Rhythmic passer who prefers to keep plays on schedule.
• Good operation time with twitchy release in quick game.
• Patient in allowing route combinations to develop.
• Footwork is as dialed in and consistent as you’ll find among this year’s QB prospects.
• Avoids high risk, low yield throws for the most part.
• TD-INT ratio of 58:5 in the last two seasons.
• Sticks with delivery regardless of pressure.
• Feels edges collapsing and climbs pocket to safety.
• Helps identify protection for running backs.
• Above average acceleration for success on called runs or as a scrambler.

Weakness:

• Sustained torn ACL in left knee late last season.
• Coming off injury as a 25-year-old rookie.
• Rarely required to get through a slate of progressions in the Vols’ offense.
• Might need to prove he can make window throws to stationary targets.
• Sailed too many of his throws between the hashes.
• Struggled when forced to throw on the move.
• Left touchdowns on the field due to inconsistent placement on deep throws.
• Internal clock hits snooze at times, leading to sacks that could have been avoided.
• Takes on too much contact as a runner.

 

[raider5]

With the 24th pick of the NT NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select...

Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

Summary:
Forbes is long, can run and has a talent for taking the ball away, which means he has a chance to become a coveted cornerback. However, his wire-thin frame does not work in his favor. Forbes’ instincts and recognition are fun to watch. He pounces on quick-game throws and has the ball skills to take the ball away.

Strength:

• Two-hand jabs keep receivers occupied in press.
• Plays with smooth side-shuffle technique in deep zone.
• Above average pre-snap play recognition.
• Instincts allow for quick read-and-react jumps on the throw.
• Swings arm through catch point to separate the football.
• Soft hands with the ability to leap and win at the high point.
• Uses his length as an effective recovery tool.
• Can be hard to throw over the top of him.
• Posted 14 career interceptions with six returned for touchdowns.

Weakness:

• Below average foot slide to match the release.
• Has issues staying in phase at break points.
• Aggressiveness makes him a double-move target.
• Needs to become more disciplined playing high to low in zone.
• Plays out past his toes, leading to transition imbalance.
• Grab-and-drag tackler lacking play strength.