Mock Draft Edition 2.0

Welcome back to Mock Draft Monday. This week we will be covering picks 1-20. As always feel free to let me know if you agree/disagree with my picks.

1) Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): CJ Stroud (QB)

Stroud is the best pocket passer in the draft with elite accuracy.

2) Houston Texans: Bryce Young (QB)

The Texans have been frequently connected to having significant interest in the Alabama QB.

3) Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr (Edge)

JJ Watt announced his retirement this offseason after a phenomenal career. Defensive minded coach Jonathan Gannon will be elated with this pick.

4) Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson (QB)

This one is simple: Richardson is a great athlete + the Colts hired Jalen Hurts’ offensive coordinator = Anthony Richardson to the Colts

5) Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Jalen Carter (DT)

Due to criminal allegations, Carter starts to slide however the Seahawks, seeing his elite talent, decide to take a shot on him.

6) Detroit Lions (from L.A. Rams): Tyree Wilson (Edge)

The Lions addressed corner in free agency through the signing of former STEELERS CB Cam Sutton. Here they look to upgrade a weak 2022 pass rush.

7) LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: Will Levis (QB)

The signing of Jimmy G may very likely be a bridge QB who will serve as a mentor to newly selected QB Will Levis.

8) Atlanta Falcons: Christian Gonzalez (CB)

The Falcons were dead last in 3rd down defense. Here they grab one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the draft. Pairing Gonzalez with star CB AJ Terrell will give offenses problems for years to come.

9) Chicago Bears (from Carolina): Peter Skoronski (OT)

The Bears added a TON of talent to their lackluster 2022 roster highlighted by the pickup of star receiver DJ Moore. Here they look to further build around Fields through the selection of the most complete tackle prospect in the draft

10) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (from New Orleans): Lukas Van Ness (Edge)

Philadelphia has aging talent on the defensive line and prioritized retaining its star corners; linebacker is also a priority after multiple key departures however the value just isn’t there at this pick

11) Tennessee Titans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)

The Titans spent a premium pick on Treylon Burks last year to be their AJ Brown replacement. Here they look to compliment him with a shifty slot receiver who is an exceptional route runner.

12) Houston Texans (from Cleveland): Jordan Addison (WR)

The Texans secured their future franchise QB with the selection of Bryce Young and now give him some help on offense through the selection of an explosive receiver who is great at running routes and after the catch.

13) New York Jets: Myles Murphy (Edge)

The Jets look to replace some of their aging veterans through fresh young talent. Defensive minded head coach Robert Saleh will love this pick to pair with Jermaine Johnson.

14) New England Patriots: Bijan Robinson (RB)

Let's get a little creative; the Patriots offense was dismal in 2022 and desperately needs a playmaker on that side of the ball - Robinson is arguably the best player in the draft

15) Green Bay Packers: Zay Flowers (WR)

Last year the Packers spent a premium pick on 6 foot 5 Christian Watson. Here, they look to continue building around Jordan Love with the addition of a shifty Zay Flowers who can stretch the field.

16) Washington Commanders: Dalton Kincaid (TE)

Washington already has a star receiver with Terry McClaren, now they further improve their offense through the addition of complete a tight end

17) PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Devon Witherspoon (CB)

With Witherspoon dropping, the Steelers jump on the opportunity to significantly upgrade their secondary which lost starter Cam Sutton to the Lions in the offseason.

18) Detroit Lions: Calijah Kancey (DT)

With their earlier first round pick, the Lions improved their pass rush through the selection of edge rusher Tyree Wilson. Here they look to further improve their defensive front through the selection of an elite pass rushing defensive tackle who offers some flashes in the run game as well.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Hendon Hooker (QB)

From what we have seen, much of Baker Mayfield’s play signifies that he is at best a bridge quarterback. Additionally, Kyle Trask has some unknowns. The Bucs decide to select a young QB with potential to be their TB12 replacement.

20) Seattle Seahawks: O’Cyrus Torrence (OG)

In the offseason, the Seahawks locked up their franchise QB who was also the 3rd most sacked QB in the NFL last season (46). With this pick they select Torrence who is an elite pass protecting guard who allows the QB to step up in the pocket.