Since the actual mock draft is a good 12 days away, we might not do our annual 2 rounder that we all miss on like 99% of the picks...but THAT'S OKAY because your boy is in the mock mood to do a 2 rounder of his own.
Blindy's PW's 2023 Mock Draft (With trades)1) CAR- QB Bryce Young, Alabama- Panthers gave up all of this ammo to get their longterm answer at QB after so many misfires. Just a matter of who but I think the smoke gets cleared up and it's Young as the guy)
2) HOU- QB CJ Stroud, Ohio State- Carolina picks Young which leaves Stroud to Houston. Saw some draft overthinking that HOU will forego a QB as a means to set it up for Caleb Williams but too much can happen. Don't overthink it here, go Stroud.)
3) ARI- DE Will Anderson, Alabama- I think Arizona would love a way to make a trade down happen but I don't think anyone meets their asking price nor will they sell their pick at a low cost. Anderson is the safest pick they can make at 3, Jalen Carter without the baggage would have been good but too much turmoil from front office down to take that risk in ARI. ARI hopes that Anderson was playing it safe this past season to protect his draft prospects and he lets loose to be a cornerstone player. The Gannon era starts off with a potential game changer.)
4) IND- QB Will Levis, Kentucky- I would not do this pick if I were the Colts but this is Jim Irsay we're talking about, expect unpredictable. I can see him liking Levis & his confidence. In a dome, he can certainly sling the ball but he just had such poor pocket awareness at both Penn St & Kentucky to really think he's ready to roll Week 1. That and as
@admin posted, he has mayo in his coffee & eats bananas with the peel, yuck. The idea is Steichen can use Minshew Week 1 and develop Levis as his guy.)
5) SEA- DT Jalen Carter, Georgia- The minor fall ends as Seattle are never afraid to roll the dice for superior talent. Carter had a lousy pro day and had that ongoing incident with the drag racing after the National Title win but he's considered pound for pound the best defensive player in the game and the Seahawks can use some work on defense. Seattle goes big or go home here, if this pans out, they have a beast up front that allows everyone behind to feast.)
6) DET- DL Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech- Lions are reportedly in love with Wilson and while it's that time of the month for the smokescreens, I can see someone like Brad Holmes taking Wilson with an effort to bank on him being a stud pass rusher in the long term. Lions have a really good team at the moment, they would be hoping that players taken here can step up if needed or can be molded to be long term guys that enhance their overall talents on every side of the ball.)
7) LV- OT/G Peter Skoronski, Northwestern- Raiders pick is tough but I can't see McDaniels and co. taking a project player and would rather get a plug & play guy to support Jimmy G more than anything. Clock is ticking and McDaniels need a very good year to see a 3rd year so the O-Line gets a big jolt here. Enter Skoronski who can be a solid tackle but an even better guard....reminds me of Robert Gallery, ORaider27's boy if anything. That and this guy has a total Raiders sounding name.)
8) ATL- DE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa- I know the Falcons have made some moves on defense but they can use another guy to really win battles up front as far as the pass rush goes. Van Ness seems like one of the safer picks in the draft which the Falcons won't mind. Slowly with guys like Ebeitke and Van Ness, Atlanta is going to put pressure on the opposition. Calais Campbell & Grady Jarrett too, not a bad front 7. If Jeff Okudah can continue to stay away from injuries as well as with AJ Terrell, the defense might for once actually carry this team as Ridder & Arthur Smith try to figure out how to score more often in 2023)
9) CHI- OT Paris Johnson, Ohio State- Give Justin Fields a Buckeye to have his back, not sure if Johnson will be a RT or LT out the gates for the Bears but pairing Fields with some more protection upfront is always good. Johnson seems like the true OT1 of the group and given Fields is still a work in progress with the long clock/processing in the pocket when he isn't killing it on the ground, this seems very ideal. They got DJ Moore in the trade down and future ammo to continue to build.)
10) PHI- RB Bijan Robinson, Texas- The rich get richer. Common logic in 2023 says don't take a RB so high because you can find talent in later rounds but Robinson is BPA and the Eagles don't have too many glaring holes. Sanders did leave to join the Panthers in FA so while the Eagles may be good with Boston Scott & Kenny Gainwell as the RB committee, Robinson just adds a whole different dynamic to what is already a sensational offense. It's how many ways can you die at the hands of the Eagles offense pretty much.)
*TRADE* Titans trade pick 11 to the Patriots for pick 15 & 76(3rd)11) NE(via TEN)- WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Ohio State- Bill Belichick doing trade ups? Say what? Whether it's his dog doing the dirty deed or whomever it is, the Pats can really use a game changer at WR and I can't see Bill O'Brien hooking up with Hopkins after how that whole thing ended. Whether it's Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe, you need someone who can win, whether in the slot or on the outside and enter Smith-Njigba or JSN for short. Considered to be the best of the OSU WR group which includes Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and next year's Marvin Harrison Jr, Patriots will gladly cough up a 3rd this year to get their WR1 and gamechanger on offense. Because if they don't, the Texans would gladly love to hook Stroud up with his buddy.....Titans & Mike Vrabel will say sorry Houston on that one though!)
12) HOU- WR Quentin Johnson, TCU-JSN to the Texans is a pipe dream in this mock draft as the former Houston Oilers screw the Texans plans up. That's not the end of the world though as they get a local product in Johnson who has went on record of saying he would love to stay home and play for the Texans. Given Brandin Cooks was traded in-state to the Cowboys, Houston can't just be banking on a healthy recovery of John Metchie and other guys to step up. You need your franchise QB to get a fair crack Day 1 which is where the Johnson pick happens. Solid all around player, was arguably the most talented player on the Cinderella TCU Horned Frogs National Championship appearing run which ended up becoming a massacre by night's end.)
13) NYJ- OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee - Whether it's Aaron Rodgers or Aaron Rodgers playing QB, you can't bank on a 39 year old Duane Brown & a nearly 2 year removed from full time reps Mehki Becton to man the tackle spots. The Jets lack so much depth at this position it isn't funny which is why they will run to the podium with a tackle selection. Enter Darnell Wright who despite being a primary right tackle for his collegiate and soon to be pro career, he plays a hell of a right tackle spot where he left Hendon Hooker dirtless in the pocket. Given who will be throwing the ball behind him, he will be a big help for the Jets if things go south their two incumbent tackles at the moment.)
14) TEN(via NE)- QB Anthony Richardson, Florida- Titans gamble with the trade down and not trade up and get their guy. This is another pick I would not make as I don't think Richardson is that much better than Malik Willis and Ryan Tannehill will probably be butthurt over this pick as he was with the Willis move....but hey new GM means new moves. Speaking of that, Ron Carthen was apart of the Trey Lance pick who is somewhat compared to Richardson throughout this draft process. A+ athlete, ____ quarterback. Will need a lot of seasoning but if I can at least tell Titans fans that you got a 3rd round pick instead of giving up assets to get him, will that make you somewhat happy at least?)
*TRADE* Packers trade 15 & 2023 5th(149) to the Steelers for 17, 2023 4th(120) & 2024 3rd15) PIT(Via GB)- CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon-Let me have it
UT . Part of me thinks why would GB not want Gonzalez but I guess with Stokes & Alexander, you feel good as them being the outside guys where as other parts of the defense need more help immediately. So get some ammo including a valuable 3rd in next year's draft as between this and the Rodgers deal getting the Packers Day 2 ammo in 2024 means they are set up in April 2024 with some serious wiggle room. Pittsburgh knowing the Commanders will be in the market for a cornerback, will be all in on getting the CB1 of their choice....which is exactly what Gonzalez will be. Day 1 starter, he's considered another safe pick, where I actually think the lack of upside & playmaking ability gets held against him in this mock draft where he slides to 15. An already stout Steelers defense gets a plug in CB out the gates, very good stuff. Mike Tomlin is a happy camper.)
16) WSH- CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois-Arguably has a case of himself for being CB1 of this class, seeing some top 10 buzz for him. He is dealing with some ongoing injuries that practically wiped out his entire draft process workouts which is why I have him here at 16. Washington would have been all over Gonzalez but the Steelers took that option out of the equation so the Commanders will gladly take Witherspoon as a consolation prize. DC needs some help in the secondary in the worst way so it's about time they tackle this need. With what the Eagles do in the air, you need some answers to cover Smith & AJ Brown so this type of player helps out. You also are adding a player who comes from a university who still has a Native American tribute name in the Fightin' Illini so Dan Snyder can get a final tickle before he sells the team off.)
17) GB(via PIT) DT Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh- Don't be fooled by his size, this man was wrecking havoc....to the point where due to the school & position, he was drawing Aaron Donald comparisons. While that might be a bit too much, Kancey was an ACC all-american & stud for Pittsburgh and he put on a show of his own merit during this draft process. Yes the Packers took Wyatt late in round 1 last year so maybe Gut doesn't give in & take another player at this position but if the talent meets the value here, why not? Packers were getting run over by the likes of Breece Hall, Saquon Barkley & Jamaal Williams so give Joe Barry someone here that gives him even 1 less excuse as to why his defenses should not be faltering the way they have. I think Kancey has a shot to be really good, especially immediately upon wherever he is draft, getting him in a trade down is like the cherry on top for Green Bay)
18) DET- CB Joey Porter Jr, Penn State- I was so tempted to have Porter get drafted to the team that his dad is most known for with the Pittsburgh Steelers but I think the value of Gonzalez tempted to the Steelers to go up to get him. That's quite alright for Detroit who just traded Jeff Okudah whose rookie contract was about to lapse. The Lions already plugged their CB spots via free agency but youth is still very much needed, especially in a 17+ game season. Joey Porter's son gets taken and will be cherished by Aaron Glenn, the Lions as they will throughout this draft will be heavy for continuing to build off their already strong foundation where it's next man up. Porter has some serious talent too, he may be CB3 out the get go but he will eventually find his way to man 1 of the 2 outside spots in due time.)
19) TB- OT Broderick Jones, Georgia- This is the other tackle the Jets may be considering and may be the one left for them to take if both Wright & Johnson leave before 13. Very raw tackle but huge, huge upside. For a pseudo rebuilding team like Tampa Bay, it's a worthwhile investment, especially if Kyle Trask isn't the answer but you might be in Caleb Williams swinging mode. Jones has some big time plays and some huge whiffs but if you can coach him up a bit, you have something worth your while and with holes galore all over the O-Line maybe outside of Wirfs, it hits home a huge need for Tampa Bay. Give Kyle Trask a chance to see if he learned anything from sitting behind Tom Brady for the past couple seasons)
20) SEA- DE Nolan Smith, Georgia-Go get one of Jalen Carter's running mates on defense because why not? Seattle offensively should be the part but they can use a pass rusher to win some battles and make it difficult on QBs which is where Nolan Smith enters the fray. He might even go a bit higher in a few weeks in reality, seems like a real coup to give the Seahawks defense a jolt and not have to rely on #33 to be one of the few consistent pass rushers via blitzing. Makes Jalen Carter's transition easier to have a tag team partner from Georgia as well, Georgia has been a monster defensively lately so why wouldn't Seattle go 2/2 with the school if given the choice to?)
*TRADE The Chargers trade 21 to the Jaguars for 24, 121(4th) and 202(6th)21) JAX(via LAC)- CB/S Brian Branch, Alabama- More of a safety I think on the next level than a true CB, this hits home somewhat of a need for the Jags I feel as they try and complete their defense to take the next step to hang with the big boys of the AFC. Has some serious coverage abilities that I can see Baalke and co. falling in love with. Given how poor this safety class is considered, the Jags will waste zero time in pouncing pun intended on this class with the top guy here. Just a matter of how long it will take for Branch to be converted because he has a chance to challenge Cisco for a spot at the safety position. He can be used as a slot CB if needed too, an ultimate swiss army knife for Duval to enjoy)
22) BAL- WR Jordan Addison, USC- You can't possibly rely on Odell Beckham Jr to run the entire gauntlet from September onward fully healthy. Even guys like Bateman lost their season too. Ultimately, the Ravens have to continue to find guys to help this WR room, whether it's Lamar Jackson or Huntley throwing the ball. Insert Addison who continue to produce & work wonders with Kenny Pickett in PITT or Caleb Williams in USC. Didn't test out too well so his speed may be a tad worrisome but route running will be his bread & butter and he will instantly flourish under Todd Monken who has always run a pretty friendly offense for guys to come into.)
23) MIN- QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee - Might be another smokescreen of epic proportion but it was only a matter of time until Kevin O'Connell got to choose a QB of the future for himself. This is important as Kirk Cousins continues to get guaranteed deal after guaranteed deal despite the lack of success in the big games for Minnesota. That is money that can be spent elsewhere, especially on defense where it's suffered the most. That and the impending Justin Jefferson megadeal that is going to soon have to be talked about. This move is more about cutting costs at the QB spot to help the other positions with financial flexibility. Remains to be seen just how good Hooker is, he's a bit on the older side for a prospect but that just means he might be ready sooner if called upon. Funny enough, I have seen Hooker compared to ex Vikings draft pick Teddy Bridgewater. A move the Vikings fans won't like initially but in the long run if guys like Jefferson get kept, you will get why it had to happen)
24) LAC(via JAX)- DE/DT Myles Murphy, Clemson- Chargers get the guy they would have been all over at 21 while getting draft picks, worth it. Chargers have to continue to find ways to bolster their woeful front that year in, year out keep getting run over practically with ease. Murphy brings tons of talent even if some think he had a down 2022 year after a brilliant 2021 campaign. You could look on the offensive side for the Chargers here sure but I think the value is at DLine here for them with Murphy. He does a lot of the things the Chargers need help with and does it pretty decently)
25) NYG- C John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota- Very rare you see a center and this might be one of those need>BPA but at worst, this player is an early round 2 player so it becomes a situation where you have to take him here or else you won't get him if your the Giants. NYG still have work to do to improve their interior O-Line so getting a long term answer under center for Daniel Jones to work with seems very ideal. JMS is a solid all around player who has become a huge favorite among both the NY teams. He is the clear cut top center of the class and it's a guy the Giants can start day 1 and have him continue to help what is going to be an even better offense with what's been added in the offseason)
26) DAL- OG O'Cyrus Torrence, Florida- I wanted to put Torrence as early as 19 to the Bucs as I am big on him as a day 1 plug G who will make massive holes for the running game and eventually keep up with the speed of the NFL to be a threat as a pass protector. Dallas I feel can still upgrade the interior so this pick while not super sexy, much like with the Smith pick last season is a necessary one. Bijan Robinson's floor is with Dallas but he is a division rival here, I don't think RB meets the need in late round 1.)
27) BUF- LB Jack Campbell, Iowa- The heart & soul of Iowa's defense as they made it as far as the Big Ten game, Campbell I believe will be the 1st LB taken off the board. Much like with the safety position, there will be so few LBs taken in the high rounds so if you're in the need for an upgrade, you may have to do it in late round 1 or early round 2 which is right where Buffalo makes this happen. Edmonds practically got thrown money like no tomorrow in Chicago so there's still a bit of a need for Buffalo to satisfy and Campbell has the making of being a 3 down linebacker. I believe McDermott will be calling plays at the moment with Frazier taking a 1 year hiatus from coaching so the Bills would be wise to improve this position for the signal calling alone.)
28) CIN- TE Michael Meyer, Notre Dame- Another safe pick, Meyer has proclaimed to be a Bengals fan and actually hits home a need as Joe Burrow's long term tight end of the future. Having seen a bit of ND games, he was easily the best player on either side of the ball and he can block pretty good just as much as be an impact as a reciever. With Chase, Boyd & Higgins already doing good things, Meyer can slip in as a 4th option and flourish. Pretty good fit in Taylor's offense. Meyer is the better prospect than the last 1st round Irish TE the Bengals took in Tyler Eifert, much healthier too!)
29) NO- DT Mazi Smith, Michigan- Saints can always use help in the interior DLine as I don't think Nathan Sheppard is someone to be relied upon heavily. Again, RB does not meet the need with only 1 true 1st round RB in this draft. I know Mazi Smith has a prior arrest/weapon charge so I am wondering if it's going to be worth it for the Saints to take him after they're still dealing with the Kamara fallout on the same issue. Smith was a huge part of the Michigan's defensive success despite them getting lit up like a Christmas tree vs the TCU Horned Frogs in the play-in game.
*TRADE Eagles trade 30 to the Steelers for 32 and GB's 5th in 2023(149)*30) PIT- OT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma- Knowing the Chiefs might be shopping for an OT, the two Penn teams hookup in a deal that helps give Kenny Pickett even more protection in front of him in Harrison. I believe Harrison might be the final guy before the dropoff in talent begins for tackles so there might be a scurry to get him late in round 1 to avoid Friday talks amongst teams for his services. Yeah the Steelers did a trade up already in this mock draft to get Gonzalez but honestly, talent wise they come out of this Thursday evening pretty good.)
31) KC- DE BJ Ojulari, LSU- OT flew off too soon 30 picks in and I am not sure if Zay Flowers is the type of WR the Chiefs will be in the market for although that's the other possibility. I think getting a young pass rusher like Ojulari, yes the little brother of the Giants Azeez Ojulari, would make enough sense. Probably one of those chess piece moves that may help immediate but will be a better help down the road to make the Chiefs defense better)
(Will just put the player & pick as well as the trade without the actual compensation outside of 1 deal that will involve a player)
Round 2
32) PHI(via PIT)- DE Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern
33) HOU- DT Bryan Breese, Clemson
34) ARI- WR Zay Flowers, Boston College
35) IND- TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah
*TRADE
The Rams trade 36 to the Packers for 42 & PIT's 4th(120)(The Aaron Rodgers deal will happen before the NFL Draft in case you're asking why is 42 with the Packers and not Jets)
36) GB(Via LAR)- TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
37) SEA- WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
38) LV- CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia
*TRADE*
Panthers trade 39 and QB Matt Corral to DET for 48, 81 and 2024 4th(This one does feature QB Matt Corral going to DET to learn under Goff as Ben Johnson might see something in a buy low for Corral. He will be part of this deal but CAR will get some good ammo led by pick 81 in the 2023 NFL Draft and a future 4th. Panthers will take all of the picks they can get after the move they made with the Bears. DET perspective is Corral would be around that Levis/Richardson/Hooker sort of tier so this works, with Bryce Young in CAR, Corral can get a new shot elsewhere.)
39) DET(via CAR)- LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas
40) NO- RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
41) TEN- DE Will McDonald, Iowa St
*TRADE
The Rams trade 42 to the Falcons for 44 & 2024 4th42) ATL(Via LAR via GB)- OG/OC Steve Avila, TCU
43) NYJ- OC Luke Wypier, Ohio St
44) LAR(via ATL) OT Tyler Steen, Alabama
45) GB- DE Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
46) NE- CB Deonte Banks, Maryland
47) WSH- TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
48) CAR(via DET)- DE Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
49) PIT- DE Keion White, Georgia Tech
50) TB- RB Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
51) MIA- G/T Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
52) SEA- TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa
53) CHI- DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State
54) LAC- WR Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss
55) DET- RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane
56) JAX- OT Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland
57) NYG- CB Emmanuel Forbes, Miss St
58) DAL- DT Zaach Pickens, South Carolina
*TRADE The Bills trade 59 to the Cardinals for WR DeAndre Hopkins & 2023 4th round pick
(The Cards are hellbent on wanting a 2nd for Hopkins....and they will get it, at the cost of a Day 3 pick. Pairing Hopkins with Diggs and with Gabe Davis at WR3 and Khalil Shakir at WR4 is just stupid good. Bills are all in, Hopkins gets to go to a contender and Arizona gets him far away from the NFC West or even NFC. ARI is in a rebuilding project and got Zay Flowers early in Round 2 to feel good enough to move on)
59) ARI(via BUF)- DT/NT Siaki Ika, Baylor
60) CIN- S Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame
61) CHI- WR Josh Downs, North Carolina
62) PHI- OT/OG Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
63) KC- WR Cedric Tillman, Tennessee
