This NFL mock draft is based on what I would do personally if I were the GM for each team drafting. Players are selected based on my own draft board and team needs while also considering where the players would realistically go in the draft. This is mock draft-3.0. The players with their links listed are the ones I’ve watched four-plus games on, while the rest I’ve watched two-three games on. Please use code TREYSCHNEIDER on Underdog Fantasy to match your deposit up to $100. Gamble responsibly and leave your feedback on Twitter @FBIntellect.
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1. Chicago Bears – QB Bryce Young
Draft Grade – 78.5
The move to trade away Justin Fields may be controversial, but it is a conversation highly up in the air. I have them trading with the Falcons. By doing this, you’d get the eighth overall pick in return and the best prospect in this class by a wide margin. While it’s not a no-brainer, it would put this franchise in an even more exciting position. Bryce Young has the intangible skillset you could only dream of acquiring, so it wouldn’t be foolish to take him in this scenario.
2. Houston Texans – QB C.J. Stroud
Draft Grade – 75.5
While taking Anthony Richardson would ultimately be the best plan, you can’t rely on him being available at pick 12. That makes C.J. Stroud, who’s just sitting here, a viable option. By selecting him, you could also trade Davis Mills and likely retain a fourth. Stroud will fit any scheme they decide to run and put this team in an immediate competitive state.
3. Arizona Cardinals – EDGE Will Anderson Jr.
Draft Grade – 82.1
Arizona gets to acquire either of the two blue-chip prospects here, and this time it’s Will Anderson Jr. The Cards need EDGE help more than any other position, and Anderson Jr. plays with leadership and toughness like no other. He is one of the few blue-chip prospects in this class and is ahead of the other EDGEs by a wide margin.
4. Indianapolis Colts – QB Will Levis
Draft Grade – 75.0
As mentioned before, the Colts are looking for a QB to mold into a superstar and Will Levis fits that potential billing. His arm talent is spectacular, and his mechanics are clean. The surrounding foundation is already solid, and Shane Steichen is a fantastic option to coach him up.
5. Seattle Seahawks – IDL Jalen Carter
Draft Grade – 82.5
It would be very difficult for Seattle to trade down here, as Jalen Carter is just too good to pass up. As mentioned in his scouting report, he leaves you absolutely blown away when watching his film. He may not have had the production some are looking for, but he checks all the boxes you want to see besides that. The Seahawks come away with an absolute steal after making one of the best trades of all time.
6. Detroit Lions – CB Devon Witherspoon
Draft Grade – 78.4
With the cornerback being a weak spot in this defense and Devon Witherspoon available, it couldn’t get much easier than this. Witherspoon is exceptionally talented in all facets of the game. Not many other corner prospects come as pro-ready as Witherspoon. He’ll embrace the competitive toughness of this culture and be an excellent scheme fit.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Anthony Richardson
Draft Grade – 74.0
Some may hate this pick, and some will love it, but the Raiders are in need of a QB if Brady doesn’t unretire, and Richardson is an intriguing option to develop behind a veteran. He would have to sit for a year or two, but it’s worth betting on his world-class physical tools with this selection.
8. Chicago Bears (trade w/ ATL) – EDGE Tyree Wilson
Draft Grade – 78.5
After trading away Justin Fields, the Bears still land one of the best defensive prospects to accompany Bryce Young. Tyree Wilson is a massive EDGE with an impressive burst. He showed he could convert speed to power on film and has an unreal upside. While this is no blue-chip prospect, it’s still a fantastic building piece for the future.
9. Carolina Panthers – WR Quentin Johnston
Draft Grade – 79.1
Quentin Johnston is no lock to be good, but if they can figure out some option at QB this offseason, he would be in good shape to develop. Multiple veterans could land here, and Matt Corral isn’t the worst guy to try and develop. Johnston would give this offense two spectacular playmakers, and HB can be figured out later.
10. Philadelphia Eagles – CB Christian Gonzalez
Draft Grade – 77.9
Christian Gonzalez would be a perfect long-term answer at the corner for the Eagles. After losing Johnathon Gannon, it’s crucial to keep good personnel intact. Bradbury is a free agent leaving a huge question mark in this secondary. Gonzalez is a scheme-versatile guy with a high football IQ. He isn’t the perfect player but is an ideal guy to take at pick ten.
11. Tennessee Titans – OT Parris Johnson Jr.
Draft Grade – 77.8
This is a very popular mock draft selection, and for a good reason. Paris Johnson Jr. has prototypical size and great athletic traits. He’s a plugin-play run blocker and could eventually be an all-around dominant player. Despite there being other great options, Johnson is the most obvious one.
12. Houston Texans – IDL Bryan Bresee
Draft Grade – 79.1
With Quarterback taken, you can essentially go with the best player available. That player would be Bryan Bresee, a big, lighting quick defensive tackle. Additionally, he’s a scheme-versatile player and will fill the Deforest Buckner role he played in San Francisco. This is a controversial selection but one that would likely pay high dividends in the future.
13. Green Bay Packers (trade W/ NYJ) – WR Jordan Addison
Draft Grade – 78.4
With the writing on the wall, it is looking likely Aaron Rodgers will be traded to the New York Jets if he doesn’t retire. Besides the cold weather, it makes too much sense. Jordan Addison would be an excellent pairing with this play-action-heavy offense. Addison is a great player to motion around and use creatively, which is perfect for coach LeFleur. He’d add a level of explosiveness they didn’t have out of the slot and would help Jordan Love have an easier time in his first season as a starter.
14. New England Patriots – OT Peter Skoronski
Draft Grade – 78.1
New England hasn’t been afraid to go the undersized route before, so this pick makes a ton of sense. Peter Skoronski is very agile and plays with the tenacity needed for the position. You can try him out at Tackle and see if he works out. If he doesn’t, Michael Enwenu can play Tackle, as shown before, allowing Skoronski to play guard.
15. Green Bay Packers – TE Michael Mayer
Draft Grade – 79.3
In addition to landing Jordan Addison, Michael Mayer would be the perfect counterpart. He is a stellar run blocker who gives it his all every game. It would allow for another needed receiving threat and bring value to this run game. Mayer may never be a superstar receiving threat, but he will likely be a well-balanced and consistent player for a long time.
16. Washington Commanders – CB Joey Porter
Draft Grade – 77.4
Washington could get away with who they already have at Corner, but it’d be foolish to pass up Joey Porter Jr., who could eventually be the number one guy. Porter is long, athletic, and capable of playing in any scheme. He’d be a solid number two on day one and could hopefully grow into a star.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Broderick Jones
Draft Grade – 76.1
It’s apparent this team needs offensive line help, and Broderick Jones would be a great fit. He’s an athletic and powerful Tackle who can play either side of the line. He played in a gap scheme at Georgia, which means he should translate well to the pros. You can grab a corner later in the draft and sure up your O-line here.
18. Detroit Lions – IDL Calijah Kancey
Draft Grade – 78.4
This is about as high as I realistically see Calijah Kancey going in the draft due to his size at 6’0″, 280 lbs. Despite being undersized, he uses every bit of mass to anchor down in run defense. Moreover, his quickness and speed are unparalleled for the position. He is a feisty and aggressive presence who will likely make a massive impact on this team.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB Kelee Ringo
Draft Grade – 77.2
This is obviously a controversial selection, but I stand by the fact Ringo can play. He is a supreme athlete and displays proper mirroring technique on film. Cornerback is a massive question for Tampa Bay because two starters are free agents. Ringo isn’t exactly plugin-play but can thrive in this press-heavy scheme.
20. Seattle Seahawks – OG O’Cyrus Torrence
Draft Grade – 76.7
O’Cryus Torrence is a stud of a Guard and would be an excellent fit in this Seattle culture. The playmakers are already great in this offense, and the interior offensive line was an issue for them last season. The big man dominated elite college competition and continuously improved throughout his career. Torrence can plug right in and be a solid run blocker and has the traits to develop into a fantastic pass protector.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – WR Zay Flowers
Draft Grade – 77.3
Zay Flowers would be a match made in heaven with Justin Hebert. Flowers is a burner with astonishing lateral quickness and change of direction ability. With the long speed to take the top off the defense and the RAC ability to make a huge impact, it would make this offense a very difficult opponent. He has a tremendous ball-tracking ability, which would bode well with Justin Herbert. Not many other picks make as much sense as this one.
22. Baltimore Ravens – HB Bijan Robinson
Draft Grade – 83.6
There aren’t many better prospect-team pairings than this. Everyone should already know everything about this player. Bijan Robinson and Lamar Jackson would instill fear in opponents and ultimately be one of the best duos in football. Just imagine trying to defend the read option between him and Lamar.
23. Minnesota Vikings – CB Deonte Banks
Draft Grade – 77.0
Deonte Banks is a very underrated prospect and would fit this new scheme under Brian Flores nicely. He has the size, physicality to press, and speed to stick in man coverage. After an abysmal year from this secondary and with Patrick Peterson as a free agent, it makes sense to take a late riser like Banks.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars – SA Brian Branch
Draft Grade – 77.2
Getting Brian Branch in the building would do wonders for this secondary. While receiver or O-line would be nice, it’s hard to pass up a highly viewed prospect like Branch. He would help this team’s run defense and bring leadership and energy they didn’t have before in the secondary.
25. New York Giants – WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Draft Grade – 76.8
New York proved to have a legit playoff team, but the lack of explosiveness on offense is holding this team back from going even further. Jaxon Smith-Njigba won’t take the top off the defense, but he’s an immediate, reliable threat who can make plays after the catch. You don’t end up with a new QB, but the surrounding core is much more sustainable now with JSN.
26. Dallas Cowboys – WR Josh Downs
Draft Grade – 76.7
After the Amari Cooper loss proved to slow this offense down, why not plug in some legit explosiveness at the position? Josh Downs is an ultra-twitched-up machine out of the slot. The way he runs whip-it routes leaves you breathless. He’ll bring a much-needed playmaking threat to add on top of C.D. Lamb.
27. Buffalo Bills – OT Darnell Wright
Draft Grade – 75.4
The offensive line was not exactly a strength of Buffalo this past season. Darnell Wright is a near plug-in play Tackle with a solid upside. He will enter the league with a tremendous anchor in pass pro. As a run blocker, he is solid but has a lot of room to grow. Getting any offensive lineman in the first round will help make this offense much more functional.
28. Cincinnati Bengals – CB Cam Smith
Draft Grade – 76.8
Cincinnati is in need of a corner, and Cam Smith is an underrated option. He may not be the best athlete but he held his own in coverage against legit competition playing at South Carolina. Smith is a day-one starter and should fit this scheme pretty well.
29. New Orleans Saints – EDGE Myles Murphey
Draft Grade – 77.2
Here you get your long-term replacement for Cam Jordan. Myles Murphey is a prototypical hybrid defensive end who could turn into a freak of a player. His movement skills are thoroughly impressive for his size, and he’ll help get this run defense back in good shape. While he may not fall this far in the draft, this is a great landing spot for Murphey.
30. Philadelphia Eagles – EDGE Lukas Van Ness
Draft Grade – 76.5
This is the Brandon Graham replacement, as Lukas Van Ness will play a similar role in the pros. Van Ness has staggering explosiveness and is a legit impact in run defense. He may just be a bull rusher, but he has all the traits you bet on at this time in the draft.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – TE Luke Musgrave
Draft Grade – 77.4
With Travis Kelce turning 34 next season, it’s time to plan for his replacement. Luke Musgrave would be a great option to eventually take over, as he has elite speed paired with ideal size. We didn’t get to see much of him in 2022 because he went down to an injury in week two. Despite that, he showed enough and has the athletic traits to develop into a superstar Tight End.
Round 2:
32. Pittsburgh Steelers – CB Tyrique Stevenson
Draft Grade – N/A
Tyrique Stevenson is one of the few prospects on this list I haven’t thoroughly evaluated yet. His highlight reel and consistent grades are enough to show me he’s worth this pick. Stevenson is strong and physical and brings coverage versatility. Additionally, he’s got great long speed and solid ball skills. His stout frame would bode well in this press-heavy scheme.
33. Houston Texans – TE Darnell Washington
Draft Grade – 77.8
With many options available, I want to get a player who can impact offense in multiple facets of the game. That player would be Darnell Washington, an absolute mammoth of a Tight End. He’ll be a force after the catch and help elevate this run game by a considerable margin.
34. Arizona Cardinals – EDGE Nolan Smith
Draft Grade – 77.8
Generating an elite pass rush will be priority number one for Johnathon Gannon. That can happen by taking a guy like Nolan Smith on top of Will Anderson Jr. Smith will fill the role Haason Reddick played for Philadelphia and will be an even more complete player. In the early second, Arizona comes away with a steal of a pick to kickstart the rebuild.
35. Indianapolis Colts – B.J. Ojulari
Draft Grade – 76.8
B.J. Ojulari is a guy who is likely to fall in the draft and could be a great long-term solution to the number two EDGE spot. Ojulari is a pass rush specialist at 6’3″, 250 lbs. He flashes excellent upside as a speed rusher and enters the league with some nice moves. This is an important role; you get him in the second round.
36. LA Rams – OL Cody Mauch
Draft Grade – 74.3
This pick may seem like a reach, but Cody Mauch is a guy who can play anywhere on the O-line. He is a rocked-up athlete who can absolutely fly. Furthermore, plug him into this culture where he possesses terrific upside, and you could get an excellent player.
37. Seattle Seahawks – CB Emmanuel Forbes
Draft Grade – 76.1
Emmanuel Forbes would be an solid candidate to take over as the number two corner in Seattle’s defense. Forbes is a long corner with incredible man coverage technique. He wouldn’t be the strongest asset on day one, but he can quickly develop into a high-end player under Pete Carroll.
38. Las Vegas Raiders – EDGE Will McDonald IV
Draft Grade – 75.9
Will McDonald is precisely what the black and white need on defense. An explosive, bendy EDGE who has the versatility to drop into coverage. His elite arm length and bend will complement what Crosby does so well as a bull rusher. He is a bit of a project but can easily be molded into a dominant number two pass rusher.
39. Carolina Panthers – TE Dalton Kincaid
Draft Grade – 77.0
This is one of my favorite landing spots in this whole mock draft. Dalton Kincaid, paired with D.J. Moore and Johnston, would be lethal to defenses. This would make for one of the better surrounding receiving cores in the NFL.
40. New Orleans Saints – IDL Mazi Smith
Draft Grade – 76.6
As multiple starting interior defensive linemen are hitting free agency, it makes a ton of sense to take a guy like Mazi Smith. He’d be solid in run defense immediately and has a lot of room to grow as a pass rusher.
41. Tennessee Titans – EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Draft Grade – 75.7
With the Bud Dupree cut on the horizon, finding EDGE becomes a necessity for this team. Felix Anudike-Uzomah is an explosive and bendy EDGE who would immediately fill a full-time role. This 3-4 scheme is ideal for him, and he gets to play next to two-star players.
42. Cleveland Browns – Tank Dell
Draft Grade – 75.1
Cleveland is in need of a legit separator that can move around from the slot to the perimeter. Tank Dell is undersized at 5’8, and 163 lbs, but he plays as if he’s much bigger. Dell may be forced to play in stack alignments, but he can be a dynamic weapon with creative use.
43. New York Jets – OT Anton Harrison
Draft Grade – 74.7
Taking Anton Harrison would result in a much better Tackle duo for New York. Harrison has excellent footwork and hand technique, allowing him to thrive in pass-pro. This would help secure the blindside of Aaron Rodgers and ultimately be the final piece to a terrific offense.
44. Atlanta Falcons – Andre Carter II
Draft Grade – 75.3
EDGE is a vast need, and Andre Carter II happens to be available. Carter is a unique prospect, but one that possesses star potential. While Ebikete is solid, someone with more upside is also needed.
45. Green Bay Packers – SA Antonio Johnson
Draft Grade – 76.6
With Adrian Amos set to hit free agency, it would be wise to grab a solid day-one player like Antonio Johnson to fill the role. Johnson isn’t very rangy but would fit well in this split safety system. He’d also add a physical presence in run defense.
46. New England Patriots – WR Jayden Reed
Draft Grade – 74.5
This would be a classic Bill Belichick Pick, as Jayden Reed is a consensus third-fourth-round guy. His film shows he is a guy who can play and has excellent athletic traits. He showed he could beat press coverage and would fill the slot role if he doesn’t thrive on the outside.
47. Washington Commanders – IOL John Michael-Schmitz
Draft Grade – 75.1
Washington needs any interior offensive line presence after losing Brandon Scherff last off-season. They still have Chase Roulier, but he’s getting older, and John Michael-Schmitz can play Guard before eventually moving back to Center.
48. Detroit Lions – LB Daiyan Henley
Draft Grade – 75.0
You may be wondering why Daiyan Henley gets taken before Trenton Simpson, and that’s because of what Henley does as a tackler. He burst into gaps and has the speed to run sideline to sideline. Moreover, he is an aggressive and sure tackler in space. He’ll have to work on his coverage, but his tackling impact is just what Detroit needs at Linebacker.
49. Pittsburgh Steelers – LB Trenton Simpson
Draft Grade – 75.6
Linebacker has continued to be an issue for Pittsburgh as Devin Bush hasn’t panned out. Simpson is a unique off-ball linebacker who’ll add value as a pass rusher. It may take some time for him to get with the speed of the pros, but his potential is undeniably good.
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – QB Tanner McKee
Draft Grade – 71.5
This isn’t the most exciting of picks, but how do you pass up a fringe starting QB like McKee in the mid-second? McKee has quality accuracy paired with an NFL arm. He may not possess mobility, but his quick processor lets him get the ball out quickly. He’d be an excellent scheme fit and immediately compete for the job.
51. Seattle Seahawks – OC Luke Wypler
Draft Grade – 74.8
Luke Wypler looked good as a wide-zone blocker playing for Ohio State. In addition, he didn’t give up many pressures in pass-pro. Seattle needs a new Center, and Wypler is a day-one impact that fits the wide-zone running scheme.
52. Miami Dolphins – CB Garrett Williams
Draft Grade – N/A
As Kader Kohou was thrust into a starting role in 2022, upgrading the corner would be wise. Garrett Williams is a guy who can play out of the slot in year one and hopefully take the leap to the perimeter in year two. His quickness and fluidity are highly desirable traits, making him a good round-two selection.
53. Los Angeles Chargers – CB Clark Philips
Draft Grade – 75.7
Clark Philips would be a phenomenal slot/ dime corner in this off-coverage scheme run by Brandon Staley. Philips is an undersized but high-IQ player. He excels in off-zone coverage, where he would be a lot. The dime corner position is worth betting a second on, especially if they can emerge into a starter.
54. Chicago Bears – OT Dawand Jones
Draft Grade – 74.2
Getting Dawand Jones in the building would be very exciting for Bears fans. Larry Borom is solid but won’t ultimately elevate this unit. Dawand Jones has stellar potential, as he’s massive with good mobility. The only issue is Bryce Young is under 6’0″, but that can be worked around.
55. Detroit Lions – EDGE Keion White
Draft Grade – 74.1
While Keion White is projected to go in the first round following the senior bowl, he is a second-round talent based on his game film. White is a massive defensive end with impressive speed. These types of traits are suitable to bet on, but he didn’t show anything special when the tape was turned on. He would still be an excellent project for a team like Detroit to try and mold.
56. Jacksonville Jaguars – IDL Karl Brooks
Draft Grade – N/A
Jacksonville could really use help front, and Karl Brooks could offer that. He is listed as an EDGE, but his size translates better in the interior at the pro level. He is a work in progress but will bring the juice they desperately need in pass-rush.
57. New York Giants – LB Drew Sanders
Draft Grade – 75.5
Drew Sanders is a perfect fit in this New York defense. Linebacker is a position Giants fans have been begging for. Sanders is more than an appealing option and could very well turn into an elite player.
58. Dallas Cowboys – LB Jack Campbell
Draft Grade – 75.2
Jack Campbell would be the ideal replacement for Leighten Vander-Esch. He is a very large mike linebacker with capable athleticism. What’s most impressive about Campbell is how dominant he was at Iowa in pass coverage and run defense. He’d be an excellent fit in this culture.
59. Buffalo Bills – SA Sydney Brown
Draft Grade – N/A
Sydney Brown appears to be the most complete safety in the class. He has a ton of athleticism and range, making him a good fit in this split safety scheme. As Jordan Poyer is a free agent, getting a versatile safety like Brown would be in Buffalo’s best interest.
60. Cincinnati Bengals – OT Matthew Bergeron
Draft Grade – N/A
Another offensive lineman would be really helpful to this offense. While there are other positions to go with as well, Bergeron is a legit candidate to become a starter someday. On day one, he’ll be this team’s swing tackle and could possibly be more down the road, which is quite valuable.
61. Carolina Panthers – HB Jahmyr Gibbs
Draft Grade – 78.7
Jaymyr Gibbs would be the final touch to a long list of draft additions to this offense. Trading away McCafrey left a vacancy at HB, and Gibbs would fill that vacancy beautifully. After passing on Robison at nine, Carolina still comes away with great value at the position.
62. Philadelphia Eagles – HB Tyjae Spears
Draft Grade – 78.0
With Myles Sanders set to hit free agency, it only makes sense to draft this replacement in the second round. Devon Achane would’ve been the pick here, but he is too similar to Gainwell. Tyjae Spears is an electric back who can nicely fill the role of Sanders. He shined at the senior bowl and possesses a handful of desirable traits.
63. Kansas City Chiefs – IDL Keeanu Benton
Draft Grade – 74.6
The entire D-line for Kansas City is thin, and getting a defensive tackle along with Chris Jones would be an underrated improvement. Keeanu Benton is an underrated prospect who’ll add high-level impact in run defense.
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