NFL Mock Draft 2023: C.J. Stroud slides out of top 10; Packers go WR with Aaron Rodgers pick in final 3-round projections

Vinnie Iyer

NFL Mock Draft 2023: C.J. Stroud slides out of top 10; Packers go WR with Aaron Rodgers pick in final 3-round projections  image

The 2023 NFL Draft is almost, finally, decidedly here and as the time counts down to Thursday night in Kansas City, there is no shortage of mystery regarding almost every team ahead of the first round.

The Panthers already made their big move up to No. 1 and have locked into the best overall quarterback prospect on the board. Starting with No. 2 and the Texans, however, the major unpredictability begins, with key trades set to shake things up even further.

Our final Sporting News mock draft for this class considers that it's been hard to separate the quarterbacks and also decipher which team likes whom most from one of the many deep, talented positions. Reacting to the newest rumors and trying to cut through the latest smokescreens, here's how SN projects Rounds 1-3 (picks No. 1 through No. 102 overall) to go down on April 27 and 28:

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NFL Mock Draft 2023

Round 1

1. Carolina Panthers (from Bears)

  • Bryce Young, QB, Alabama (5-10, 204 pounds)

The Panthers have come full circle on the QB prospects to make the right final decision after their aggressive trade up the board. Young is special all-around with his intangibles, leadership and playmaking, whether it's with his arm or legs. Carolina can't pass on a much-needed long-term franchise passer and Young is a much better choice than C.J. Stroud.

MORE: Bryce Young addresses size concerns ahead of NFL Draft

2. Houston Texans

  • Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama (6-3, 253 pounds)

The Texans' other rumored interests here are Will Levis at QB instead of C.J. Stroud and Tyree Wilson off the edge instead of Anderson. But with the team needing elite playmaking beyond pass-rush pop as part of a big overhaul, it makes most sense to grab Anderson as a cornerstone for rookie defensive-minded coach DeMeco Ryans, once a standout linebacker at Alabama.

3. Arizona Cardinals

  • Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-6, 275 pounds)

The Cardinals also have been thinking about high-end help for their own rookie defensive-minded head coach, Jonathan Gannon. Should every QB except Young be available, there's a chance they trade down to stockpile for new GM Monti Ossenfort's rebuild, but should they stay put, they love the freakish pass-rush skills of Wilson, also a huge asset vs. the run.

MORE: Grading NFL free agency moves for all 32 teams from best (Bears) to worst (Packers)

4. Indianapolis Colts

  •  Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida (6-4, 244 pounds)

The Colts have done well with GM Chris Ballard to keep everyone guessing on their QB of choice after Young. Levis might seem to have momentum for the pick with Stroud being the fall back, but Richardson's athletic and big-arm skill set with more youthful upside just keeps aligning more with new offensive-minded coach Shane Steichen, coming off leading Jalen Hurts to big things with the Eagles.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos)

  • Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia (6-3, 314 pounds)

The Seahawks' history of feeling good about removing any potential red flags from prospects comes into play here as Carter represents the best non-QB available. Carter fills a huge all-around disrupting need up front next to pass-rushing newcomer Dre'Mont Jones.

6. Detroit Lions (from Rams)

  • Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois (6-0, 181 pounds)

The Lions, after trading 2020 No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to the Falcons, need to make rounding out their secondary a priority. Witherspoon's size and agility are appealing, but his physicality to help Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and C.J. Gardner-Johnson make him the preferred big corner early.

MORE: SN's mock draft with trades sends Lamar Jackson to Titans

Christian Gonzalez
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7. Las Vegas Raiders

  •  Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon (6-1, 197 pounds)

The Raiders will be standing by to get Carter and also will listen to offers to trade down, but should they execute this pick, addressing their major need in perimeter coverage is smart. Gonzalez is an exceptional athlete with smooth coverage and ballhawking skills for his size.

8. Atlanta Falcons

  • Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson (6-5, 268 pounds)

The Falcons will be ready to pounce on Anderson, Wilson or Carter should any of them slip but Murphy isn't just a pass-rushing consolation prize for them in the top 10. Murphy also provides a classic combination of size, speed and quickness and is a great fit for outside linebacker in their revamped 3-4 defense.

9. Chicago Bears (from Panthers)

  • Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern (6-4, 313 pounds)

The Bears will end up focusing most of their draft on a defensive makeover, but need to get a rock for their offensive front first when the value is highest. Skoronski's standout explosive athleticism is made to protect Justin Fields well for a long time from left tackle.

MORE: The biggest busts in NFL Draft history

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints)

  • Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas (5-11, 215 pounds)

The Eagles and Lions are in a battle of NFC title contenders to see who will use an extra first-rounder for a "luxury" pick. Robinson is actually more a necessity for the Eagles to carry the load as a runner and receiver behind their awesome offensive line, given fragile Rashaad Penny is their shaky top option for now replacing Miles Sanders.

11. Tennessee Titans

  • Will Levis, QB, Kentucky (6-3, 229 pounds)

The Titans may trade up for him, too, but once the Panthers take Young and the Colts commit to Richardson, there's a chance Levis will be straight-up available with this pick given the few teams before won't be going QB. The Titans love Levis' big arm, moxie and dash of athleticism to think he can be the centerpiece of transitioning their offense from Derrick Henry-heavy to pass-happier.

12. Houston Texans (from Browns)

  • C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State (6-3, 214 pounds)

The Texans getting Anderson and Stroud would be something, wouldn't it? But the way things are buzzing now, it's not crazy to feel Houston can still land its accurate, stout, winning pocket passer.

MORE: Explaining the S2 test scores for 2023 NFL Draft prospects

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13. Green Bay Packers (from Jets)

  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 195 pounds)

Smith-Njigba has reemerged as the preferred top wideout prospect given he's smoother all-around than Jordan Addison and still has big-time big-play flair a la Quentin Johnston. Smith-Njigba is the ideal dynamic slot in the Amon-Ra St. Brown go-to guy mold to fit in between second-year wideouts Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs to further boost new starting QB Jordan Love.

14. New England Patriots

  •  Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State (6-6, 313 pounds)

The Patriots are leaning toward offensive tackle most late and Johnson fits the bill for either side because of great athleticism and footwork for his size. Left tackle Trent Brown is 30 and coming off a rough season and right tackle Riley Reiff is a shaky 34-year-old free-agent addition. 

15. New York Jets (from Packers)

  • Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia (6-4, 310 pounds)

Jones fills a targeted need with a pleasing combination of strength and quickness. Tackle is a concern for new QB Aaron Rodgers away from hopeful rebounding first-rounder Mekhi Becton given Duane Brown's age (37) and durability concerns and Max Mitchell's ineffectiveness.

TRADE GRADES: Jets jump into AFC title contention with Aaron Rodgers

16. Washington Commanders

  • Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland (6-0, 197 pounds)

The Commanders badly need cornerback help and can be thrilled to land some from right down the road in College Park, despite the run on the position. Banks has ridden the wave and shot up draft boards as he's gotten noticed for his own blend of size and natural ballhawking skills that falls in line with the other high prospects at a deep spot.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State (6-2, 198 pounds)

The Steelers have a need a corner opposite venerable newcomer Patrick Peterson and will find it hard to resist meeting that with the son of their legendary edge pass rusher from their favorite instate program. Porter is part of the wave of big playmaking corners who will go early.

18. Detroit Lions

  • Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah (6-4, 246 pounds)

The Lions traded away T.J. Hockenson last season and although they could think about waiting at a deep position, Kincaid stands out as a great fit for their offense. Passing targets who have the athleticism to stretch the field at times are a higher priority with Jameson Williams' suspension.

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19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee (6-3, 217 pounds)

Here's how to hook Hooker into the first round as the Buccaneers are the QB-neediest team in the back half. They should like his strong downfield passing attributes, accuracy and leadership to the point they can wait a little for him to get to full health, knowing he can start sooner rather than later at 25.

20. Seattle Seahawks

  • John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota (6-4, 320 pounds)

The Seahawks did well to land offensive tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas in last year's draft but they can fill their long-standing void in the middle by taking the best pure center prospect a little earlier than expected.

(Note: The Miami Dolphins forfeited their pick)

21. Los Angeles Chargers

  • Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College (5-9, 182 pounds)

The Chargers should be looking for a Tyler Lockett inside-outside type to help with their age and injury concerns with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and Flowers is a perfect unique new go-to guy for Justin Herbert.

22. Baltimore Ravens

  • Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU (6-4, 215 pounds)

The Ravens signed Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor but those are short-term receiving fixes in Todd Monken's offense. They need a true speedy field-stretcher to push their passing attack to the next level with hopefully Lamar Jackson back and happy at quarterback.

23. Minnesota Vikings

  • Jordan Addison, WR, USC (6-0, 175 pounds)

The Vikings will take advantage of Addison slipping a bit in relation to the other receivers and jump on him as their slot-forward replacement for Adam Thielen to take full advantage of the attention Justin Jefferson gets everywhere.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Brian Branch, S, Alabama (6-0, 190 pounds)

The Jaguars don't have many other glaring needs but safety is a weakness on their rebuilding defense. Branch's value lines up nicely here as a well-rounded defender with ace inside coverage skills.

Brian Branch
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25. New York Giants

  • Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas (6-4, 235 pounds)

The Giants are starting to warm up to Sanders' versatility on the second level as his rare upfield skills and pass-rush production will be a welcome cog for Wink Martindale playing off last year's first-rounder, Kayvon Thibodeaux.

26. Dallas Cowboys

  • Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M (6-2, 188 pounds)

The Cowboys do have a developing need in the middle of their secondary and staying in state for Johnson as a complete safety makes a ton of sense when going for guard and tight end can be done well later.

MORE: Each team's worst NFL Draft regret

27. Buffalo Bills

  • Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson (6-3, 235 pounds)

The Bills need to replace Tremaine Edmunds with a do-everything linebacker to complement the coverage skills of Matt Milano, above opting for an offensive luxury at running back at wide receivers. Sanders or Simpson are both right in the wheelhouse.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

  • Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame (6-5, 249 pounds)

The Bengals, who once drafted Pro Bowler Tyler Eifert out of Notre Dame in the first round, will be thrilled to land the co-best tight end in the class to fill a key receiving need for Joe Burrow after losing C.J. Uzomah and Hayden Hurst in consecutive offseasons.

29. New Orleans Saints (from 49ers through Broncos)

  • Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa (6-5, 272 pounds)

The Saints have lost two promising pass rushers opposite future Hall of Famer Cameron Jordan with Trey Hendrickson and Marcus Davenport signing elsewhere. They need to replenish things for.defensive-minded Dennis Allen and Van Ness' relentlessness and explosiveness has raw appeal.

Nolan Smith
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30. Philadelphia Eagles

  • Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia (6-2, 238 pounds)

The Eagles loaded up on Georgia's loaded defense with Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean as future help in last year's class. Now they can do the same by tapping into a high-upside freakish pass-rusher behind Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

  • Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee (6-5, 333 pounds)

The Chiefs signed Jawaan Taylor to offset the loss of Orlando Brown Jr. and they should be in the market for a fast-rising tackle in Wright because of being similar to Brown and having a shot to play either tackle if Taylor feels more comfortable staying on the right side in time.

MORE: Why are there only 31 picks in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft?

Round 2

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Bears)

  • Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson (6-6, 298 pounds)

The Steelers need some defensive line pop and would be pleased if this technically sound inside run stuffer and upside pass rusher would still be available to start Day 2.

33. Houston Texans

  • Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma (6-4, 315 pounds)

The Texans remain locked into strong play from Laremy Tunsil but are headed toward moving on from Tytus Howard on the right side. Harrison packs a wallop for that position as a physically impressive blocker who can get better in pass protection.

34. Arizona Cardinals

  • Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State (6-8, 37 pounds)

The Cardinals need to think of the future of offensive tackle, too, with Kelvin Beachum going into his Age-34 season and D.J. Humphries also getting old in a hurry. Jones can play either side with his smarts and sturdiness as a pass rusher.

TOP 10 PROSPECT RANKINGS: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE

35. Indianapolis Colts 

  • Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina (6-1, 180 pounds)

The Colts moved on from former Gamecocks standout Stephon Gilmore and should make a corner a high priority after QB. Smith is a great value here as a another big, physical aggressive cover man in this class.

36. Los Angeles Rams

  • Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah (5-9, 184 pounds

The Rams moved on from Jalen Ramsey and need to badly go after cornerback early with no first-round pick. Phillips is the ideal ballhawking playmaker for Raheem Morris secondary and a clear Rams target.

37. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos)

  • Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia (6-2, 207 pounds)

The Seahawks can keep filling their remaining holes well with so much early draft capital. Like the Colts, they can benefit from a one-time first-rounder slipping in a loaded class. Ringo's blend of agility and physicality is a good fit opposite second-year superstar Tariq Woolen.

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38. Las Vegas Raiders

  • Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State (6-3, 255 pounds)

The Raiders, after addressing corner, must make their defensive front a priority to help Maxx Crosby. Anudike-Uzomah has the length, strength and pass-rush instincts to be groomed well behind Chandler Jones.

39. Carolina Panthers

  • Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State (6-1, 166 pounds)

Forbes also has been caught up in the late rising-corner wave and the Panthers need to grab him as a needed upgrade opposite Jaycee Horn.

40. New Orleans Saints

  • Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh (6-1, 281 pounds) 

Allen will like the Saints doubling up on defensive line help after they lost starting tackles David Onyemata (Falcons) and Shy Tuttle (Panthers) to division rivals. Kancey is his ideal compact tackle with some pass-rush pop.

MORE: The biggest steals in NFL Draft history

41. Tennessee Titans

  •  O'Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida (6-5, 330 pounds)

The Titans need to upgrade left guard over journeyman Daniel Brunskill to keep boosting their power running game and better protect their new starting QB. Torrence is a nasty and nimble blocker.

42. Green Bay Packers (from Browns through Jets)

  • Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma (6-5, 307 pounds)

The Packers will be looking to help Jordan Love again with this extra pick from the Aaron Rodgers trade and trying to upgrade right tackle with the rising Morris works, especially because he could also take over on the left side for David Bakhtiari in a few seasons.

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43. New York Jets

  • Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina (5-9, 171 pounds)

The Jets need to please Rodgers with a new version of Randall Cobb. Downs is an open-field after-the-catch dynamo with plenty of big-play flair to replace Elijah Moore playing off Garrett Wilson.

44. Atlanta Falcons

  • Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee (6-0, 176 pounds)

The Falcons need a big-play vertical threat to complement Drake London and Kye Pitts for Desmond Ridder and landing Hyatt should be a higher priority than thinking running back here.

45. Green Bay Packers

  • Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia (6-7, 264 pounds)

The Packers have been attached to many tight ends in this draft after losing Robert Tonyan for Love but Washington has great appeal because he's a natural blocker to replace Marcedes Lewis but also has receiving upside.

MORE NFL DRAFT:

46. New England Patriots

  • Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (6-0, 198 pounds)

The Patriots need some cornerback help for Jonathan Jones and they've become more attached to Stevenson's attacking, physical style over other options here.

47. Washington Commanders

  • Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa (6-5, 249 pounds)

The Commanders didn't bring back Cole Holcomb and are pretty weak inside after needing to sign fading former Seahawk Cody Barton as a stopgap. Campbell has been rising fast late behind Sanders and Simpson would be a great all-around get for former linebackers Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio.

48. Detroit Lions

  • Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama (5-9, 199 pounds)

The Lions will hope to land Gibbs if they pass on Robinson early in the first round and the Eagles jump on him. Gibbs might have more value to them given his compact running but also dynamic receiving skills as they look to displace D'Andre Swift and his durability issues.

49. Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse (6-5, 318 pounds)

Bergeron has an outside chance to be either considered in the last first round or with the Steelers' initial second-rounder. He fills a huge need to upgrade from Dan Moore Jr. in front of Kenny Pickett with his smarts, power, agility and overall upside.

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State (6-5, 302 pounds)

The Buccaneers will be in the market for an offensive tackle opposite Tristan Wirfs after cutting Donovan Smith, especially if they land a QB such as Hooker. Mauch's toughness and quickness are made for the right side to help the Bucs transition Wirfts to the left.

51. Miami Dolphins

  • Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State (6-6, 253 pounds)

The Dolphins haven't made tight end much of a key target in Mike McDaniel's offense but Musgrave can change that with his speed, quickness and route-running made to replace Mike Gesicki well and play off Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

52. Seattle Seahawks

  • B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU (6-3, 248 pounds)

The Seahawks have had a long look at Ojulari and after landing Jalen Carter in the first round it makes sense for them to address the other critical defensive front need here to get better at getting to the QB.

53. Chicago Bears (from Ravens)

  •  Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame (6-5, 264 pounds)

The Bears need to hack away at improving their defensive front pass-rush impact after addressing pass protecting for Fields early and they can stay semi-local again to get a very productive and polished plug-and-play defender.

54. Los Angeles Chargers

  • Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern (6-2, 282 pounds)

Adebawore tore up the Combine with a ridiculously athletic workout to jump into at least second-round consideration. He's a great inside-outside pass-rush cog for Brandon Staley's defense.

55. Detroit Lions (from Vikings)

  • Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn (6-3, 254 pounds

The Lions have looked closely at Hall to improve their pass rush away from 2022 No. 2 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson. He makes a lot of sense as a pure complement with his straight-up suddenness and quickness.

56. Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State (6-3, 239 pounds)

The Jaguars still may move 2019 first-round Josh Allen but regardless they need to add more pass-rush depth in their defensive rebuild on top of safety.  McDonald uses his length and athleticism to get to the QB and can grow well as a run defender, too.

57. New York Giants

  •  Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State (6-3, 198 pounds)

After adding more to their pass rush in the first round, the Giants can continue to wait for wide receiver help and go instead to boost their coverage. Brents is another big physical corner in this class who flashes some real explosiveness.

BIGGEST NFL DRAFT STEALS: Round 4 | Round 5 | Round 6 | Round 7

58. Dallas Cowboys

  • Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor (6-3, 335 pounds)

The Cowboys are rather weak on the nose for their 4-3 and should remain high on taking another in-state defensive prospect. Ika projects as an immediate run-stopping starter for them.

59. Buffalo Bills

  • Joe Tippmann, G, Wisconsin (6-6, 313 pounds)

Tippmann is rising as the latest smooth interior offensive line prospect from the Badgers with the potential to replace Mitch Morse at center soon. At first, he can upgrade left guard and push newcomer Connor McGovern into a swing reserve role.

60. Cincinnati Bengals

  • Jordan Battle, S, Alabama (6-1, 209 pounds)

The Bengals lost starting safeties Jessie Bates (Falcons) and Vonn Bell (Panthers) in free agency and should make this a priority should they go tight end in the first round. Battle is a great fit with his well-roundedness, especially his speed and quickness that allow for a ton of plays in coverage.

61. Chicago Bears (from 49ers through Panthers)

  • Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan (6-3, 323 pounds)

The Bears, after getting Foskey for their pass rush first, should be looking to the defensive interior next. Smith, like Ika, can start right away to boost their run stuffing.

62. Philadelphia Eagles

  • D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan (5-11, 178 pounds)

The Eagles can think a little about their defensive future behind Darius Slay and James Bradberry but also getting a potential key immediate replacement for C.J. Gardner-Johnson in nickel coverage. Turner has the smarts-athleticism combination they covet.

63. Kansas City Chiefs

  • Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army (6-7, 256 pounds)

After offensive tackle, the Chiefs should turn their attention to finding more depth on the pass rush after parting ways with Frank Clark. They have been tied to Carter more of late because of his production, smarts and freakish size and explosiveness.

Round 3

64. Chicago Bears

  •  Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State (6-6, 274 pounds)

The Bears will keep on thinking defense and after getting Foskey and Smith, can continue to boost their pass rush by tapping into Harrison's impressive and fearsome frame which gives him some dominant NFL potential in time.

65. Houston Texans

  • Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State (6-1, 225 pounds)

The Texans need to think about the middle of their defense, too, after landing Will Anderson Jr. in the first round. Henley is a more popular target thanks to speed to stop the run and upside in coverage.

66. Arizona Cardinals

  • Tuli Tuipulotu, DT, USC (6-3, 266 pounds)

The Cardinals lost J.J. Watt to retirement and Zach Allen to free agency, so after getting Wilson for the edge and offensive tackle help, it makes sense for them to land Tuipulotu's speed, power and agility combination.

67. Denver Broncos (from Colts)

  • Steve Avila, G, TCU (6-4, 332 pounds)

The Broncos got left guard Ben Powers and right tackle Mike McGlinchey in free agency but can think about an upgrade from Lloyd Cushenberry at center, where Avila can also block with power and agility.

68. Denver Broncos

  • Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M (5-9, 188 pounds)

The Broncos also could use a change-of-pace big-play threat with receiving upside to help swing backup Samaje Perine and feature lead Javonte Williams, especially with Williams coming off major knee injury.

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69. Los Angeles Rams

  • Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU (5-11, 195 pounds)

The Rams have been attached more to Boutte of late after moving Allen Robinson. He can be the ideal fit to help Cooper Kupp from the outside with his quickness, reliable hands and route-running.

70. Las Vegas Raiders

  • Keion White, DT, Georgia Tech (6-6, 285 pounds)

The Raiders, after not being able to get Jalen Carter in the first round, can address their biggest defensive weakness here with Gonzalez and Anudike-Uzomah being a nice early value haul. White has a ton of raw upside with promising athleticism given his size.

71. New Orleans Saints

  • Christopher Smith, S, Georgia (5-11, 192 pounds)

The Saints need to think about upgrading their safety situation behind Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu and also consider their inside nickel coverage. Smith's versatility fits right into that thinking for Allen.

72. Tennessee Titans

  • Rashee Rice, WR, SMU (6-1, 204 pounds)

The Titans, after getting Will Levis and O'Cyrus Torrence to change the face of their offense, also could use a reliable, smooth technician who can do a bit of everything at wideout to support Treylon Burks, last year's first-rounder.

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73. Houston Texans (from Browns)

  • Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee (6-3, 213 pounds)

The Texans need a vertical threat for Stroud especially with concerns over the readiness of John Metchie and age of Robert Woods.

74. Cleveland Browns (from Jets)

  • Gervon Dexter Sr., DT, Florida (6-6, 310 pounds)

The Browns need to beef up their interior defensive line and Dexter has intriguing explosive upside for his size.

75. Atlanta Falcons

  • Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina (6-4, 291 pounds)

The Falcons need to also think about defensive interior with long-time slalwart Grady Jarrett getting older and they should like athletic fit as a rotational player at first.

76. New England Patriots (from Panthers)

  • Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati (5-10, 177 pounds)

The Patriots need to keep upgrading their wide receiver corps after getting JuJu Smith-Schuster to replace Jakobi Meyers and Scott offers the speedy vertical threat for Mac Jones they need.

77. Los Angeles Rams (from Patriots through Dolphins)

  • Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State (5-11, 191 pounds)

The Rams need to give safety and versatile coverage some early attention after losing Taylor Rapp in free agency.

78. Green Bay Packers

  • JL Skinner, S, Boise State (6-4, 209 pounds)

The Packers could some run-stopping pop at the position and Skinner also has nice coverage upside.

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79. Indianapolis Colts (from Commanders)

  • Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma (6-0, 183 pounds)

The Colts need to replace the big-play upside of Parris Campbell to boost Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce and Mims delivers those, both stretching the field and after-the-catch, making him a great pairing with Richardson.

80. Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU (5-8, 178 pounds)

The Steelers, after getting Joey Porter Jr., can address their weakness in nickel coverage well here.

81. Detroit Lions

  • Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin (6-4, 309 pounds)

The Lions have been linked well with the stout, powerful run stopping of Benton to boost themselves inside for Hutchinson, too.

82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas (6-3, 292 pounds)

The Buccaneers need to go to work rebuilding their defensive interior next to Vita Vea and Ojomo is their kind of versatile run stopper.

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83. Seattle Seahawks

  • Tank Dell, WR, Houston (5-8, 165 pounds)

The Seahawks could use a dynamic diminutive dasher to increase their big-play ability away from DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

84. Miami Dolphins

  •   Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane (5-10, 201 pounds)

The Dolphins can't just rely on Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. working out and staying healthy for Mike McDaniel. Spears has great upside as a dynamic change-of-pace back.

85. Los Angeles Chargers

  • Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa (6-3, 245 pounds)

The Chargers can move on from Gerald Everett easily and Justin Herbert will welcome another key intermediate target on top of Flowers.

86. Baltimore Ravens

  • Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA (6-0, 214 pounds)

The Ravens should be worried about their durability of their backfield and Charbonnet's power running plus three-down upside should be appealing here.

87. Minnesota Vikings

  • Kyu Blue Kelly, CB, Stanford (6-0, 191 pounds)

The Vikings need to address corner beyond free-agent addition Byron Murphy and Kelly is a good fit for their scheme.

88. Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Blake Freeland, OT, BYU (6-8, 302 pounds)

The Jaguars need to get some offensive tackle depth and Freeland has nice athletic upside behind Cam Robinson and Walker Little.

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89. New York Giants

  • Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn (6-0, 210 pounds)

The Giants need him for better power-running depth behind Saquon Barkley.

90. Dallas Cowboys

  • Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State (6-5, 254 pounds)

The Cowboys will be targeting a tight end to help replace Dalton Schultz and won't mind going here with his athletic upside.

91. Buffalo Bills

  • Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas (6-0, 219 pounds)

The Bills need a powerful, fresh-legged power back to complement James Cook and Johnson is a great value for that role vs. oft-injured Damien Harris.

92. Cincinnati Bengals

  • Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse (5-11, 192 pounds)

The Bengals need to get more reliable cornerback coverage opposite Chidobe Awuzie and Williams fits the bill with his physicality and versatility.

93. Carolina Panthers (from 49ers)

  • Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon (6-2, 246 pounds)

The Panthers need to get more active and fierce on the second level inside for their new defensive scheme.

94. Philadelphia Eagles

  • Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State (5-11, 203 pounds)

The Eagles can keep on working on their secondary rebuild nicely here after getting D.J. Turner earlier.

95. Kansas City Chiefs

  • Karl Brooks, DT, Bowling Green (6-4, 300 pounds)

The Chiefs could also bolster their defensive interior after getting Andre Carter and Brooks is ideal for Steve Spagnuolo.

96. Arizona Cardinals (compensatory)

  •  Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama (6-2, 188 pounds)

The Cardinals lost Murphy in free agency and Ricks makes sense as a value for coverage here.

97. Washington Commanders (compensatory)

  • Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland (6-6, 306 pounds)

The Commanders can tap back into the local Terps after landing Deonte Banks for cornerback in the first round. Duncan can start in time with his powerful, quick frame.

98. Cleveland Browns (compensatory)

  • Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin (6-2, 240 pounds)

The Browns should keep working on the interior of the defense and if they miss out on Jack Campbell, Herbig is a strong fallback playmaking plan.

99. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory)

  • Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M (6-2, 200 pounds)

The 49ers need to address cornerback depth after losing Emmanuel Moseley and Jones' size and style fit well in their defensive scheme.

100. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chiefs through Giants, compensatory)

  • Byron Young, DT, Alabama (6-3, 294 pounds)

The Raiders are that bad on the interior defensive line to double up with this fine run stuffer.

(Getty)

101. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory)

  • Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State (5-11, 187 pounds)

The 49ers have liked Reed as a complement to Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk as reliable inside possession man with some underrated big-play juice.

102. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory)

  •  Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama (6-5, 321 pounds)

The 49ers need to go after some pass-protecting upside after losing Mike McGlinchey in free agency. Steen is a nice quick-developing project opposite Trent Williams.

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.