Clarence Hill’s NFL mock draft 2.0: Volatile draft ends with Dallas Cowboys taking TE
The 2023 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday and runs through Saturday, stands to be one of the most volatile selection processes in years.
After the the Carolina Panthers take quarterback Bryce Young first overall, as expected, uncertainty abounds starting with the Houston Texans with the No. 2 pick.
It stands to reason that the long-suffering Texans will take a quarterback, most likely Kentucky’s Will Levis, but they could go defense.
And thus begins a 2023 NFL could go in any number of directions before the Cowboys pick at No. 26.
Coach Mike McCarthy said the team has done more than 30 mock drafts as of Monday with plans to do many more leading up to Thursday.
They do believe they will have a number of good options to pick from with a tight end, running back, receiver, cornerback and edge rusher among the considerations.
Utah’s Dalton Kincaid is the pick from the Star-Telegram. He is former high school basketball player who oozes with superstar potential at tight end. He is superb receiver and downfield mismatch.
The Star-Telegram’s 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0:
1. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
The Panthers overlook size concerns and take the best QB in college football the past three years.
2. Houston Texans: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Houston is the wildcard as they could go defense. But bypassing a franchise QB would be folly.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
Kyler Murray wants an offensive tackle but the can’t-mss Anderson is a layup for the Cardinals at No. 3.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Colts may be getting the quarterback with the biggest upside in the draft in Richardson.
5. Seattle Seahawks: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
Tyree Wilson may be the highest drafted defender coming out of Texas Tech.
6. Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Lions gave up on Jeff Okudah but they get their lock down cornerback in Christian Gonzalez
7. Las Vegas Raiders: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
The Raiders end Stroud’s fall from No. 1 grace and get their quarterback of the future.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
This is too easy and makes too much sense for run-dominant Falcons coach Arthur Smith
9. Chicago Bears: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
The Bears have committed to QB Justin Fields; now they must protect him.
10. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Carter was a candidate for the No. 1 overall pick before character concerns caused him to fall.
11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Titans must rebuild their offensive line after releasing longtime left tackle Taylor Lewan.
12. Houston Texans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
After getting their quarterback, the Texans take most NFL-ready wide receiver in the draft.
13. Green Bay Packers: Luka Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
Van Ness has the size and body type the Packers prefer at defensive end.
14. New England Patriots: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Patriots still need help at cornerback, and Witherspoon is the pick to click here.
15. New York Jets: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Jets also considering receiver but protecting the newly-acquired Aaron Rodgers trumps all.
16. Washington Commanders: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Washington could use help at cornerback but they couldn’t pass up this talented tackle.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
This is seemingly a match made in heaven with Porter following in his father’s footsteps.
18. Detroit Lions: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
Detroit continues to bolster the defense with an edge who can generate pressure and stuff the run.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
The Bucs have needs across the board but bolstering the offensive line is a must
20. Seattle Seahawks: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Seattle hit it big with Fort Worth’s Tariq Woolen last year. Now they solidify CB for the future.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Michael Meyer, TE, Notre Dame
Kellen Moore bolsters the receiver corps with a tight end who is a Jason Witten prototype.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
After signing Odell Beckham, the Ravens to get another WR to entice Lamar Jackson to return
23. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Vikings’ biggest need is at cornerback, and Cam Smith would be a walk-in starter.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Jacksonville has talent in abundance. Branch is a play maker who can direct it all from the back end.
25. New York Giants: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Giants reward Daniel Jones and his new contract with a big-play threat at receiver.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The Cowboys like their young tight ends but none have the stretch-the-field gifts of Kincaid.
27. Buffalo Bills: Jordan Allison, WR, USC
The Bills finally get some help for Stefon Diggs and another playmaker for Josh Allen.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
The Bengals cover themselves at running back due to an uncertain future with Joe Mixon
29. New Orleans Saints: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
The Saints like mass in the interior of their defensive front and Smith fits the bill.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
The Eagles continue to strengthen defense and bolster a secondary that could lose Darius Slay in 2024
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
The Chiefs bolster the pass rush with the athletic freak Smith after releasing end Frank Clark
Note: There are only 31 picks this year because the Dolphins had to forfeit their pick for violating integrity-of-the-game rules.
