Gabriel Trevino’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft/Guide
Not what I think will happen, just what I would do.
- Carolina Panthers — Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Young thrives under pressure, both literally and figuratively. His ability to extend plays, diagnose on the run and still be one of, if not the most accurate passer in the class makes his NFL-floor higher than any other prospect in this class.
His ceiling isn’t as high as some of the other top quarterbacks in this class, and there are many questions about his size, but he still is capable over the middle and rarely has passes batted down at the line.
I wouldn’t trust many quarterbacks to succeed in Carolina, but Young could.
2. Houston Texans — Will Anderson Jr., DE, Alabama
Houston shouldn’t get antsy about taking a quarterback when its roster still needs plenty of work and Caleb Williams or Drake Maye are waiting for them next year.
Anderson Jr. should be an impactful player on Demeco Ryans defense immediately with his breathtaking off-the-line burst, excellent hand usage and body control, and general motor and game I.Q. that makes him both an elite pass rusher and run defender.
He’s a Nick Bosa-esque defender who can take over a game at any moment.
3. Arizona Cardinals — Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
The Cardinals are likely due for a year or two of losing — with Kyler Murray missing time and still not developing to be a top 10 quarterback, a receiver room that could get thinner if DeAndre Hopkins is traded and a defense that is already very poor before Budda Baker is traded.
In that time, Arizona could develop Tyree Wilson, whose 6-foot-5 270 pound frame with an 84 1/2-inch wingspan is rare even for the NFL. He isn’t the most polished — mainly with getting off the line and not overstepping when he does, and his bend isn’t there yet to consistently get around NFL tackles — but his raw power that he can also convert to speed is more than a good enough foundation.
Even if he never becomes the greatest pass rusher, Wilson will always have a role in defending the run.
4. Indianapolis Colts — Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Richardson will be the third most athletic player in the NFL since 1987, behind Calvin Johnson and Jordan Davis, according to Relative Athletic Score (RAS). The problem? Only 13 starts in college. His raw talents are something out of a video game: 6–4, 250 pounds, 4.4 speed and maybe the strongest arm in this class.
As a passer, there are flashes on tape that show he is a more than capable pocket passer (especially in play action in Florida’s run heavy offense last season) and his awareness when the pocket collapses is an underrated aspect of his game. He needs to develop touch and not fastball each pass, and there are plenty of inconsistencies in his footwork and arm action, but he plays with anticipation and intelligence — both before and after the snap.
With this on top of his running ability is uncanny at his size, forcing 34 missed tackles last season, the fourth most in FBS. And if his passing never develops, he still makes your team an elite rushing threat.
His ceiling is a top three quarterback in the league, but his floor is still a solid starter in the NFL. If anybody is going to help him reach his heights, it’ll be Shane Steichen and the Colts.
5. Seattle Seahawks — Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Not long ago, Carter was a lock to be the №1 pick to Chicago, but a lot has changed since then. The day before the combine, it came out he was involved in an incident with a fatal car crash in January and showed up to his pro day out of shape.
His on the field talent is still one of the best in this class, though. He often destroys blocks (sometimes two) and even if he doesn’t end up in the backfield, he finds a way to disrupt the play with power and instinct.
I couldn’t tell you how much of a risk NFL teams view Carter off the field, but on the field, many see a player who has potential to be not just a top 10 pick, but a top 10 player in the league.
6. Detroit Lions — Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Witherspoon is equally the smartest and toughest person on the field. He’s flat out awesome in press man, never getting too aggressive at the break of the route, while simultaneously reading both the receiver and quarterback to make a break for the ball and force turnovers.
He draws occasional flags when he does get too aggressive at times, but there have been plenty of corners with a similar issue who clean it up in the league. Even when he loses a step, his comeback speed gets him right back into the play, and that same athleticism makes him the best tackling corner in this class.
His on-the-field ability and personality are like he was shot out of a cannon, which made him one of my personal favorite players to watch in this class.
7. Las Vegas Raiders — C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Even with Jimmy Garoppolo’s three-year contract with the Raiders, it’s clear he will likely not be the starter for the next three seasons.
Stroud is one of the best throwers from the pocket in recent years, and that should translate almost immediately to the NFL level. He adjusts to pressure well, making short moves with his lower body while still looking up field and can make a precise throw anywhere. He doesn’t have the strongest arm, but generates power with great technique and avoids turnovers with decision making and touch.
In this year’s semifinal game vs Georgia, Stroud finally became comfortable using his legs to prolong plays and was able to effectively pick up big gains on the ground or with a throw-on-the-run. He didn’t do that much in his college career, but if he embraces a more athletic role, his ceiling will be much higher.
Many Ohio State quarterbacks struggle to adjust to not having the best athletes on the field with them when they get to the NFL, but if you pair Stroud with Devante Adams and Josh Jacobs, I’m sure he’ll be fine.
8. Atlanta Falcons — Nolan Smith, DE, Georgia
Over the past three seasons, the Falcons have generated the second-least number of sacks in the NFL. It’s been time to change that for a long time now.
To help, Smith is a versatile pass rusher who fits the Falcons scheme perfectly. His 4.39 speed shows on tape, as he explodes off the line, and his agility allows him to make quick cuts and rush through different lanes.
When he makes contact with a lineman is where the flaws show. He’s already light for an edge rusher at 240-pounds, and it shows with his lack of drive power on tape. He often doesn’t have a plan other than “run” and gets anchored quickly. He possesses strong hands, but doesn’t attack leverage or correct pad level to effectively use them.
Smith is fairly raw, and is coming off an injury, but with his athleticism, he can be played anywhere and eventually he’ll have what it takes to produce in the NFL.
9. Chicago Bears — Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa
If a lifelong hockey player from the midwest played football, Van Ness would be what you imagine, because that’s exactly who he is.
At 6–5 275 with an 83-inch wingspan Van Ness is huge, and he uses all of it bull rushing. He plays with aggression, runs hard and hits harder. Van Ness gets off the line fast, and uses his size and speed to create mismatches whether going against tackles or guards. When he lines up on the interior, his push-and-pull move is nasty. His rip move is difficult for lineman to handle against Van Ness’ long arms. The hockey player in him shows, as he can be nimble on his feet, but is somewhat stiff in his upper body.
Where I could see Van Ness improving is by combining his moves and rushing with a plan rather than purpose. He relies too much on motor and not enough on pad level and technical fighting.
The Bears defensive line is terrible. Van Ness’ versatility and ferocity will make him one of if not the best player on it.
10. Philadelphia Eagles — Christian Gonzales, CB, Oregon
Corners can often be boring to watch on tape when they’re so good, and Gonzales is a prime example. He’s tall, fast, has excellent hips, footwork and instincts that make up for his OK comeback speed, and has down the field speed to match up with most receivers.
He’s just an alright tackler, but when you take away the opposing №1 receiver or an entire side of the field, nobody cares.
The Eagles could use some more depth at corner, and why not add another high-end secondary piece to further build a championship-caliber roster. If Darius Slay decides to leave Philly, his replacement will be right there.
11. Tennessee Titans — Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
If Skoronski had even average arm length, he’d be listed as a tackle here. Instead, he doesn’t, so many project him to be a guard. I think he could still work at tackle, but his versatility and technique makes him the best offensive line prospect in this class.
Although he struggles against long-armed rushers (Van Ness gave him a lot of problems), his powerful frame, hand placement and counter-moves, and quick feet are good enough he could be anywhere on the line and thrive.
The Titans need offense (any of it), so rebuilding that offensive line before focusing on the future quarterback could help get Tennessee back to the top of the AFC in a few years.
12. Houston Texans — Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
There may not be a more polarizing player in the 2023 class than Smith-Njigba. Even though he only caught five passes in his final year at Ohio State, he’s still the best wide receiver in this class.
He’s not the tallest, he’s not the quickest, but he’s a true route-runner. His entire body is fluid, from his lower body at the release to his upper body at the point of the catch, he can get open easily and contort himself to make contested catches.
The physical traits aren’t elite: physical corners sometimes have their way against him and he doesn’t have the speed to burn defenders either on a vertical route or after the catch, but as a slot, he’ll get open over the middle and on the edges. And there’s no better thing for a receiver to do for their quarterback than get open.
The Texans room is pretty bad, so drafting and developing a weapon before they get a future quarterback will aid whomever that will be.
13. Green Bay Packers — Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
My only gripes with Kincaid are that he’s a poor blocker and he will be 24 years old halfway through next season, but that’s about it.
He’s a fantastic route runner and has a knack for getting open. Kincaid is quick at the break of his routes, uses his agility to make defenders miss and can catch the ball in a clean motion to keep his stride and get down field. He also makes contested catches easy.
Most of his concerns are in pass protection, but if he’s running a route, you won’t have to worry about that problem, and Jordan Love could use an extra weapon.
14. New England Patriots — Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
If you’ve seen Robinson play even once, you are likely aware of his talent. He’s a patient runner, he can make defenders miss, he’s faster than most and can take 30 touches a game without concern. He can also do all of this either from a handoff or after catching a pass.
Robinson may be the most talented player in the class, and New England could use his abilities immediately in the backfield. He may be taken sooner, it just depends who wants to spend a top pick on a running back — an outdated draft decision.
15. New York Jets — Brian Branch, S/CB, Alabama
Branch isn’t the biggest or fastest, but he does everything else well at an elite level. He’s instinctive in both man and zone coverage. Lining in the slot, he can blanket receivers and is a great tackler in run defense, squaring up ball carriers and driving them to the ground.
Giving Aaron Rodgers help doesn’t have to mean an offensive piece, it could also be by building a dominant defense for when he’s not on the field.
16. Washington Commanders — Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Jones is a fantastic athlete at tackle, and only needs a few fixes to be a technical mauler in pass and run. His feet and hands are equally quick and strong. He can anchor against longer rushers, with no holding calls last season, though he needs to be more consistent with counter moves (developing a snatch-and-trap move would be cool).
When there are stunts or if he gets beat, his feet and lateral quickness allow him to recover and get back into the play. And in the run he will throw himself into and move defenders. He’s only a few adjustments away from being a complete left tackle for Washington’s bad offensive line.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers — Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Wright is a massive tackle, but that comes with advantages and disadvantages. He has the lower body and grip strength to handle powerful rusheres (Will Anderson had troubles against Wright), but he can often lean in his upper body and his first kick step can be slow, which allows speed rushers to get around him. He can clean a few things up to be a starting right tackle or be a guard when he first enters the league, especially for Pittsburgh, whose once great line is now average all-together.
18. Detroit Lions — Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Kancey isn’t a force on the defensive line, at only 6–1 280, he’s never going to be blowing through blocks. But what he can do is use his agility and hands to get around or through blockers.
It’ll be tough for him against a power run game, but he can get into the backfield with slick movement. The Lions were one of the best pass rush teams last season, and could get better with Kancey up the middle.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Johnson Jr., like many tackles in this class, is a few tweaks away from being a quality NFL starter. His feet, while quick, aren’t very active, and he needs to use his feet and inside hand to keep rushers from slithering through him. But he has a strong base and long arms to keep power rushers away, and his best trait is keeping bendy rushers away and pushing them out of the play. And in Ohio State’s scheme, he has plenty of reps in zone style offense at left tackle for a Tampa Bay team without one.
20. Seattle Seahawks — Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Seattle already has one super long and athletic corner, so why not have two? Porter Jr. is great at jamming receivers at the line in press man, but after the release is questionable. If he can become more fluid with his lower body in coverage and catch interceptions, he can be a lockdown corner and bring back the no-fly zone with Tariq Woolen.
21. Los Angeles Chargers — Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Only one receiver on the Chargers ran a sub 4.5-second 40 (Jalen Guyton — 4.39). It’s time to give Justin Herbert a down-the-field weapon.
Flowers is only 5–9 182, so he’ll be in the slot and struggle against bigger, taller defenders, but he can get open. He accelerates out of his routes, has an extensive route tree at all levels of the field and is a deadly RAC threat. Down the field, he can stack defenders and track the ball well, though his catch radius is small and had a few drops.
22. Baltimore Ravens — Keion White, DL, Georgia Tech
White has all the intangibles for a great, versatile defensive lineman, he could just use more experience. He was a tight end for two seasons at Old Dominion, switched to end in 2019, missed two seasons when ODU canceled its season in ’20 and missed most of 2021 at Georgia Tech with an injury, then finally in 2022 played 12 games and dominated.
He has a high motor and his leverage power was effective as a bull rusher either at end or interior. He’s also very fast for his 6–5 285 frame, capable of dropping back and covering linebackers.
White could develop more technical skills, especially more moves and becoming more fluid, but he could play anywhere on Baltimore’s defense and find ways to win.
23. Minnesota Vikings — Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Levis is more of a project than Richardson, and he’ll be 24 at the start of next season. The physical traits are there, he’s a big quarterback (6–4 230), has a strong arm and is a powerful runner. But he also stares at his target, doesn’t have the best ball placement, has poor throwing mechanics that doesn’t allow him to fully drive the ball with his full body and isn’t quick to read what the defense is doing — both in coverage and blitzes.
He possesses the tools to be an all-around quarterback in the NFL, he will likely take more time and need to break habits as he gets older.
Kirk Cousins’s mediocrity has helped and hurt the Vikings. He’s only getting older, too. Minnesota’s defense is still poor, and has been for some time, but to capitalize on Justin Jefferson’s contract, it will need a quarterback to get him the ball and raise the ceiling of Minnesota’s offense.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars — Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Banks is the second most athletic cornerback in the NFL since 1987, on RAS. He has great technique, especially in press coverage, is physical throughout the play, although it leads to some pass interferences, and is a great downhill runner against the run. Tyson Campbell had a breakout season last year, so why not add another corner to Jacksonville’s defense to help stop the loaded AFC offenses.
25. New York Giants — Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Addison, like the other receivers highlighted so far, is a smaller receiver who will likely only be in the slot in the NFL, but is a technical route-runner with quick feet and is a solid RAC threat. While his play speed is faster than his 40 time (4.49) suggests, Addison doesn’t have the elusiveness or breakaway abilities to make defenders miss and run past them. And although he can get run past the secondary, most of his work came from dig routes when lined on the outside and finding the hole in the defense (which is still good!)
The Giants have a few needs, and they have a history of not developing receivers, but Addison’s floor will allow him to be New York’s №2 on opening Sunday, and the potential to be Daniel Jones’ №1 target at the end of the season.
26. Dallas Cowboys — Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
From 5-tech to nose, Bresee gets it done. He has great full body strength and is able to combine his lower, upper body and hands to stay straight in his rush, and can combo quick cuts with quick powerful hand jabs to get into the backfield. There are some injury concerns and he could find more moves, but Bresee is a player and person worth taking in the first round.
When pressure is generated from the interior, it allows the edge rushers to get into the backfield easier. That’s something Dallas has missed, and with an already multiple defense, Bresee could help Micah Parsons and Co. attack the quarterback effectively.
27. Buffalo Bills — Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
The Bills have never had a 1,000 rusher or running back with more than 1,100 yards from scrimmage in season since Josh Allen was drafted. He’s been one who leads the rushing attack. And while his mobility helps Buffalo, it’s time to give the offense an explosive athlete in the backfield. Gibbs is just that.
He’s fast, yet patient in finding running lanes. His quick feet and running angles lets him make tacklers miss while staying at full speed. He’s not the strongest runner, but he does use his strength as an excellent pass setter. With that, and his ability to catch out of the backfield, he could be a deadly third down back. His load will have to be more than that, and that will take adjusting to, but Gibbs is as talented as any.
28. Cincinnati Bengals — Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Forbes is only 165 pounds at corner, which is his main concern. But he overcomes this with his style. He often connects on two hand jabs at the line in press — a risky move for many — to give himself leverage. He knows where to be in off and zone, and has legit speed. He also intercepted 14 passes in his career and broke up a lot more. If he can bulk up to around 180, Forbes could be an impactful plug-and-play corner in any scheme.
The Bengals defense is one of the best when healthy, but with some losses in the secondary, Forbes could find his role and compete on a championship-caliber team.
29. New Orleans Saints — Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
Murphy is big, long and strong at edge with great get-off burst and works well with stunts. Besides his physical traits, he needs more time to develop. He worries about his block and not what’s happening around the play, and when he gets anchored, Murphy doesn’t have a way to fight through or get around it. He is a solid run defender, though, with chase down speed and physicality tackling. The intangibles are there, which makes him a good prospect with high upside nonetheless.
New Orleans’ defensive line has become thinner and older over the years, so Murphy could play right away and continue to grow into himself.
30. Philadelphia Eagles — Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Like other former Clemson linebackers, Simpson is big, fast and played practically every position on the Tigers’ defense. Simpson’s size (6–2 235) and speed (4.43 40) is rare, and he projects as an overhand defender in the NFL, letting him get to any play as it happens. He can also rush off the edge and even play some nickel. In general, he’s late to some plays over the middle and needs to work on instinct and recognition, and sometimes he can take bad angles when he is late. But if he is developed, he can be a versatile defender in any defense.
Even before T.J. Edwards left in free agency, the Eagles have needed a linebacker, and could find a place for Simpson to make an impact.
31. Kansas City Chiefs — Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Because why the hell not. If the reigning Super Bowl champs could add an elite deep speed and RAC threat in Hyatt to its offense, it will make the rich even richer. He’s an underrated route runner, but didn’t get to show it much at Tennessee. His 40-time may be misleading, as he ran much faster on the field.
Second round:
32. Pittsburgh Steelers — Anton Harrison, OL, Oklahoma
Harrison is very solid, with the potential of being a NFL starter for a long time. He can get better at a bit of everything, especially hand usage and improving lateral quickness against speed rushers, but his lower body strength and active feet will help him handle power rushers while he develops the rest of his skillset. I could see him being a guard or tackle, but also wouldn’t be surprised if he’s drafted sooner.
Also, yes, Pittsburgh’s offensive line needs two lineman.
33. Houston Texans — O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
Torrence isn’t the most athletic, he isn’t going to be the best puller, but he stays balanced throughout his lower body in the run and pass with great hands. And when he got to the SEC, he got better. He’ll need to improve his stance, but he can play at right guard for Houston immediately.
34. Arizona Cardinals — Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
Ringo pissed me off while watching him. He’s taller and bigger than a lot of receivers, stronger than most of them and is fast enough to stay with them. But he rarely jams at the line in press, and in off-man and zone he gets lost easily since he moves his hips out before the receiver finishes their release. But those tools and ball skills are enough for teams to (rightfully) give him a chance to fill a lasting hole at corner in Arizona since Patrick Peterson’s prime ended.
35. Indianapolis Colts — Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Like Ringo, Johnston pissed me off in the same manner. He’s 6–3 210 and runs fast on tape. He’s a great down the field and RAC threat, but he doesn’t do much else. His feet are slow, his already limited route running isn’t polished and he doesn’t high point the ball in the air to make contested catches. But the traits are there, and with some TLC he could be a great receiver. As he and Richardson grow, they could be a dynamic duo in Indianapolis for years.
36. Los Angeles Rams — Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Jones is giant, but he isn’t quick. At 6–8 375, he will be bigger than every player other than the Ravens’ Daniel Faalele. He’s got long arms on top of that and has a feel for his position in pass-pro. In the run he’s especially good, but he’ll likely only be a right tackle for the Rams, whose offensive line has battled injuries and mediocrity.
37. Seattle Seahawks — Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State
McDonald is a good speed rusher, but with more bend could be a great one. He’s not the strongest, but he’s a solid run defender with his wide radius. McDonald could develop more moves and isn’t going to bullrush much, but his athleticism, burst and flexibility potential is worth it, even if he won’t be an every down starter right away for Seattle, who was one of the best pass rush teams last season.
38. Las Vegas Raiders — DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
Turner was another one of my favorite players to watch in this class, with elite speed (4.26 40, fastest at combine) and great instincts in the slot. He’s not the longest and he’s around 180, which limits his run defending abilities while playing nickel, but his athleticism and playstyle will translate to the NFL.
39. Carolina Panthers — Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
He’s not the biggest or fastest, but Downs finds the open spot in the defense and is a good accelerator in his routes and after the catch. His route running is polished in the slot, although bigger corners will continue to have their way with him. He can grow along with Bryce Young and be a deep threat for him in the future.
40. New Orleans Saints — Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
Musgrave is both a good blocker and runner at tight end, but after missing almost his entire 2022 season, there are some questions. He’s a great route runner but he had more drops than touchdowns in his career. He may be inconsistent at times, but his athleticism should make him a solid overall tight end for Derrick Car in NOLA.
41. Tennessee Titans — Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern
Tennessee has shown it can develop raw talent, especially on the defensive line. Adebawore is in the top 50 of most athletic defensive tackles in the NFL since 1987, according to RAS. He has great length and power, and is very fast for his size. He played edge in college, but will be a 3 or 4-tech in the NFL. His burst is outstanding, and can transition it into power. He could get much better at using his hands and keeping his feet active, but if he can, there’s potential.
42. Green Bay Packers — Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Oklahoma
Mims will likely struggle with getting open down the field early in his career, as he isn’t the greatest route runner yet and struggles against press at 5–10 180, but he can stretch the field for his teammates. When he does get open, Mims makes catches clean in the air and is a good RAC threat.
43. New York Jets — Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
Sanders mostly played MIKE at Arkansas, but I see him as a hybrid outside linebacker. He’s fast downhill and can get through or around blocks. He’s rushed off the edge with the Razorbacks and produced at a high level with his blend of speed and power. In Robert Salah’s defense, Sanders could reach his full potential and be a top linebacker in the league.
44. Atlanta Falcons — Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
At nose, Smith is a great athlete who uses leverage and instinct to disrupt plays, even if he doesn’t make the tackle. He’s not quick off the line and his pass rush abilities aren’t there, though he has the tools, but he’ll make an impact in run defense with speed and power. Atlanta’s defensive line needs as much help as it can get.
45. Green Bay Packers — Steve Avila, OG/C, TCU
Avila has experience at every offensive line spot except left tackle, and his talents will allow him to play guard or center. He anchors rushers with his big frame and strong upper body, and was the general of TCU’s offensive line when diagnosing blitzes. He’s a solid puller, but not an amazing one. Avila could start at most positions or be a rotational piece his rookie year while he develops in Green Bay.
46. New England Patriots — Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State
Anudike-Uzomah is a well rounded edge defender who flashes on tape. He makes plays on his own — sometimes against double-teams — and gets better as the game gets on. He could find more consistency and do what is needed of his team, but he can make an immediate impact to most schemes, especially New Englands.
47. Washington Commanders — Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Smith is physical in coverage and is a great, long athlete. Though he is too physical at times and doesn’t read the receiver well, working in his feet and hands in press coverage would likely fix these issues together.
48. Detroit Lions — Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
Washington could fit the Lions like a glass slipper, he’s an excellent blocker, not just for a tight end. At 6–6 265, it’s hard to rush him, and he’s agile enough to handle speed rushers as well. As a pass catcher, he’s fairly typical, quick but not fast and he’s a big, reliable target.
49. Pittsburgh Steelers — Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Phillips played both outside and nickel at Utah, but with his size and athleticism, he’ll likely just be a nickel in the NFL. He’s a smart player with good ball skills and he mirrors receivers well with fluidity throughout his lower body. Even though he’s only 5–9 185, he is physical in coverage, but not in space.
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — BJ Ojulari, DE, LSU
Reminds me of former LSU edge K’Lavon Chaisson, who bursts off the line and was primarily used in stunts and twists. But because of that, Ojuari lacks great pass rush moves other than swipes and a long-arm, although those are effective with his hand speed. He’s not big, so he struggles in run defense and against tackles with good hand usage. But his speed allows him to drop back to cover running backs and some tight ends. He won’t fit most schemes, but in an odd front as a third-down versatile outside linebacker in Tampa, he could make plays.
51. Miami Dolphins — Matthew Bergeron, OL, Syracuse
Bergeron is a solid athlete with average size, so he may end up playing guard, but he makes it work. He oversets, struggles with balance and technique in general, and is slow moving his feet when losing. His hand strength is great, and has high upside as a run blocker. Miami’s offensive line is toward the bottom of the league and has been for some time.
52. Seattle Seahawks — Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
Tillman is a reliable, big target receiver on the outside. He isn’t a great route runner and his speed doesn’t have the extra gear, but he uses his size and hands to make tough catches on medium and vertical routes. He’s also a great run blocker against most corners, and will likely start as the №4 in Seattle because of this, with room to grow into a №3.
53. Chicago Bears — Gervon Dexter Sr., DT, Florida
Dexter Sr. is a great athlete who disrupts plays with his big frame and long wingspan. He uses his strong arms and lower body agility to get around blocks or create holes in the run. Dexter Sr. needs to find consistency making the play in the backfield, but can start in different spots on the line, make an impact early and has the traits to further develop. The Bears need as much defensive line help as they can get.
54. Los Angeles Chargers — Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
Mayer is a high-floor prospect who does everything well, but few things at an elite level. He’s a good route runner over the middle and is reliable for his quarterback by being a big target and a bigger play threat. He blocks well in pass and run, and is disciplined while doing so. Mayer will be a traditional tight end in the NFL, but I don’t think a spectacular one. He will be a consistent target of Justin Herbert in LA for many years.
55. Detroit Lions — YaYa Diaby, DE, Louisville
Diaby uses his tools as effectively as the others in this class, with a balanced power-speed attack, excellent bend around the edge, and long arms in pass rush and run defense. He could develop more moves and needs to become instinctive, and as an older (will be 24 next month) prospect he’s already behind, but Diaby can fit any scheme and be a rotational rusher as he grows in Detorit.
56. Jacksonville Jaguars — Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
Benton wasn’t as powerful on tape as his size would portray, but that could be fixed with improved pad level. But he’s agile around lineman, especially comboing his chop into “getting skinny” to enter the backfield. He didn’t produce much in college, and playing with his athleticism at a consistent level in the NFL would fix that. Jacksonville could use more contributors and playmakers on the defensive line, especially their thin interior unit.
57. New York Giants — Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State
After playing tight end and edge, and not getting much playing time in general his first three years, Mauch developed into an All-American in his last two seasons. At tackle, or maybe guard in the NFL, Mauch is a great athlete, especially in the run game, but will need to improve his lower body strength, upper body technique and hand placement in pass sets. The Giants could use a starting guard, at either left or right, and Mauch can be that.
58. Dallas Cowboys — Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
Dan Quinn loves a tall, long athletic corner, and Brents could be the next his team drafts. Brents is the fourth most athletic corner since 1987, and it shows with his quick feet, fluid hips and long arms in man coverage. He is 23, isn’t the fastest and he gets lost when trying to track the ball, which allows big plays, but he could find a starting role within two years in the NFL if all goes right in his development.
59. Buffalo Bills — Joe Tippman, OL, Wisconsin
As a center, Tippman is a great leader of the offensive line, using his vision to find rushers and diagnose blitzes, and has the potential to move to guard with his athleticism and footwork. He does get beat by rushers who attack his high pads, and needs to use his hands to counter this. Buffalo’s offensive line has dealt with some injuries, and Tippman can play wherever the Bills need him.
60. Cincinnati Bengals — Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Campbell is a freak with his size (6–5 250) and athleticism (9.98 RAS). He has sideline-to-sideline speed and can play through blocks. He keeps his eyes downfield, but sometimes too much instead of getting to the play. Nevertheless, he should be a quality starter for years, with potential to be great.
61. Chicago Bears — John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
Sam Mustipher was pretty bad last year, and even with him gone, it forces Cody Whitehair back to center, when he’s a better guard. Instead, the Bears can get past this with Schmitz, who is a solid athlete with typical size, who anchors bull rushers and is physical in the run game.
62. Philadelphia Eagles — Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
To add more depth to an already great Philly line, Foskey can be a versatile edge rusher with speed-to-power skills and some solid moves. He can drop off the line into coverage, and has the speed to chase down ball carriers. He can spend some time developing behind pro-bowlers then compete for a starting job and stay in the league for years.
63. Kansas City Chiefs — Derick Hall, DE, Auburn
He’s not the biggest, but Hall plays like a 280-pounder. He charges head on with strong hands and long arms, and has a solid base to keep churning with his legs. He could get better at bending around tackles and using his hands actively, but Hall could be another developmental power rusher on the Chiefs line, which is getting older.
