The 2023 NFL Draft is almost here, but the closer we get to the event, the more unpredictable it seems to be getting. Every mock draft that comes out seems to have some sort of shake-up at the top.
And beyond the No. 1 overall pick, there are countless iterations of exactly what could happen.
One of the reasons the draft is so hard to predict is that there are so many clusters of great players at the same position. There are expected to be four first-round quarterbacks selected, but few — if any — know exactly where each will be chosen.
There are also clusters of early-round offensive linemen, cornerbacks, receivers and edge rushers who could be listed in any order on teams' draft boards.
It's important, then, to keep an open mind when crafting mock drafts. Outside of Bryce Young (likely) going No. 1 overall, no picks appear to be locked in. Each team has multiple viable options, and it's worth exploring them days before the draft.
MORE: SN's latest 3-round mock draft | Top 140 big board
The Sporting News is doing just that with our latest mock draft. We'll give you the player each team will pick, the player each team should pick, and a dark-horse candidate for each selection. There may be some overlap, but this will allow fans and analysts alike to see what we consider teams' top options.
NFL Mock Draft 2023
1. Carolina Panthers
- Will pick: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
- Should pick: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
- Dark horse: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
When the Panthers traded up to No. 1, it was presumed that they were doing so to land Stroud. Now, it looks like Carolina has settled on Young as its quarterback of the future.
Young is arguably the most talented quarterback in this year's draft class. He has a Russell Wilson-like skill set: excellent arm talent, good accuracy and mobility that allows him to throw on the run and make plays outside the pocket. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner will give the Panthers the difference-maker at quarterback that they have lacked since the decline of Cam Newton.
The Panthers could still pull a last-minute 180 and pursue Stroud, so he is the dark-horse option here. And he wouldn't be a bad selection given his quality arm and prototypical passing skills. Even still, Young is slightly better, so the Alabama man should be the No. 1 pick.
2. Houston Texans
- Will pick: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
- Should pick: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
- Dark horse: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Texans are tough to predict. They have a big need at quarterback, but they may not grab one with the No. 2 pick. They could wait until the 12th selection, which they also own, to pursue a passer, or they could trade up from there to grab a quarterback if there are multiple players they like.
That shouldn't be what this team does. Going with Stroud — a proven passer who played his best game of his career against a loaded Georgia defense in the College Football Playoff — should be a no-brainer.
But the Texans may prefer to add Anderson, who had 27.5 sacks over his last two collegiate seasons, to be the cornerstone edge rusher in DeMeco Ryans' defense. That would give them a blue-chip defensive player while allowing them to target another quarterback, such as Levis, later.
Of course, if Houston prefers Levis to Stroud, it could take him with the No. 2 pick. That would be a surprise, but we have seen bigger shocks in the NFL Draft over the years.
3. Arizona Cardinals
- Will pick: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Should pick: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
- Dark horse: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon (trade down)
If the Texans don't go for a quarterback at No. 2, then the Cardinals' pick at No. 3 will become that much more attractive. They will be able to auction it to the highest bidder that wants to move up to draft Stroud or another QB.
We're not projecting trades in this mock draft, however, so the Cardinals need to stay put even though they should trade down. If they do stay put, Wilson is probably the safest option for them, given his athletic upside and production (seven sacks) at Texas Tech.
Carter would probably be the best player that the Cardinals could get, so one could make the case that they should select him. But character concerns and the emphasis new general manager Monti Ossenfort is putting on keeping egos in check make it seem likely that Arizona will go for player like Wilson.
4. Indianapolis Colts
- Will pick: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
- Should pick: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
- Dark horse: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Colts should be elated if Stroud somehow survives to the fourth pick. A case can be made for him to be the No. 1 overall pick: He is coming off a two-season run as a starter in which he completed 69.3 percent of his passes for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions.
He also had two top-five Heisman finishes and led Ohio State to the College Football Playoff in back-to-back years. He is the definition of a successful college passer, and he has the tools to be a quality pro.
The Colts may snap up Stroud if he makes it to No. 4, but if he doesn't, then Richardson and Will Levis would be the players to watch in this spot. Richardson has more upside, with a huge arm and elite mobility, so he might be the dark-horse here as a fit in Shane Steichen's offense.
5. Seattle Seahawks (via Broncos)
- Will pick: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
- Should pick: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
- Dark horse: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Seahawks are one of several teams that have multiple first-round picks, so they can afford to take a risk here. Carter constitutes one after his pre-draft arrest and poor pro day workout, but there's no denying that his tape at Georgia was stellar. That's what allowed him to earn buzz as a potential No. 1 overall pick when the Bears owned the draft's top selection.
Seattle has taken chances on players with character concerns before — Frank Clark and Josh Gordon stand out in recent memory. Perhaps they will do the same with Carter.
If not, they could look at one of his UGA teammates, Smith, who is a high-character player and dynamic athlete. Seattle has a history of pursuing top-tier athletes, too, so seeing them consider Smith, even this early, shouldn't be a huge surprise.
6. Detroit Lions (via Rams)
- Will pick: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
- Should pick: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
- Dark horse: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
I know, I know. Many are going to cry that the positional value of running backs — or lack thereof — will prevent Robinson from being selected this early. While it's true that teams don't value running backs as much as they once did, it's also true that Robinson is regarded as one of the top overall players in this year's draft. That may be enough to convince a running back-needy team with multiple first-round resources to draft him early.
The Lions lost NFL rushing touchdown leader Jamaal Williams during the offseason and replaced him with David Montgomery, who figures to be a solid, but unspectacular, starter. D'Andre Swift hasn't been able to stay healthy, so the Lions could look to move off him and on to Robinson, who can be a three-down workhorse.
It's hard to be too upset with the Robinson pick considering his talent, but one could argue that the Lions would be better served taking a top defensive talent and grabbing a back like Jahmyr Gibbs with the 18th pick. They probably should take Witherspoon or Gonzalez to get better value.
But if Robinson turns into the second coming of Todd Gurley behind Jared Goff, few Lions fans will complain about this pick.
IYER: Breaking down the top 10 running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft
7. Las Vegas Raiders
- Will pick: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
- Should pick: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
- Dark horse: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Raiders are in an advantageous position: they can consider plenty of top tackles and cornerbacks on the board. The team will probably look to upgrade its protection in front of Jimmy Garoppolo should the board fall like this.
Johnson and Skoronski are the top two offensive linemen in this year's class, so it's just a matter of which one Josh McDaniels and Co. prefer. Johnson has the better size (6-6, 313 pounds) but Skoronski's versatility could prove more helpful to the team.
Las Vegas could also select a quarterback to develop behind Garoppolo, and they have at least some interest in Richardson. That said, the team needs to add more talent to its roster, so spending the No. 7 pick on a developmental project wouldn't be wise.
8. Atlanta Falcons
- Will pick: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
- Should pick: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
- Dark horse: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Falcons will probably be excited if Skoronski is available to them. They have a very good offensive line, but Jake Matthews is 31 and the team has a hole at left guard. That would make the Northwestern product an ideal pick. He could start his career at guard and eventually kick outside to replace Matthews.
It's also possible that the Falcons will use this pick on defense. They have spent a lot of resources addressing the unit during the offseason, but they could still use a top-tier edge rusher.
Even so, it's probably early to take Smith, and Van Ness is raw and will need time to develop. Getting the pro-ready Skoronski may appeal more to general manager Terry Fontenot, who has spent each of his first two first-round selections in Atlanta on offensive playmakers.
9. Chicago Bears
- Will pick: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
- Should pick: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
- Dark horse: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The run on offensive linemen continues here. The Bears might like it if Paris Johnson was on the board at this spot, but Wright is a very good consolation prize. He projects to be a plug-and-play right tackle, and the Bears would probably prefer to have Wright on the right compared to Teven Jenkins, who was better at guard last year.
Perhaps the Bears would consider taking Gonzalez, a high-upside cornerback with great athletic traits, if they think he is the best player available. But as it stands, Wright fills the bigger need and is one of the top prospects available.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via Saints)
- Will pick: Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
- Should pick: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
- Dark horse: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Eagles are fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, yet they have a top-10 pick thanks to a trade made with the Saints last year. That will position them to add the best player available on their board.
Many would argue that Witherspoon would fit that category, but the Eagles under Howie Roseman tend to value offensive and defensive line picks early, so swinging for an uber-talented player like Van Ness would be a good move. He generated 13 sacks in his two seasons at Iowa, and that was just as a part-time, role-playing redshirt freshman and sophomore. He could be a top-tier NFL player if coached up.
Philadelphia likely got a good look at Smith while they scouted his teammate Nakobe Dean before drafting him in 2022. If they like his athletic ability, they could try to turn him into a speed mismatch on the edge.
11. Tennessee Titans
- Will pick: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
- Should pick: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
- Dark horse: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Titans will probably sever ties with Ryan Tannehill in 2024, but they could draft a successor to him in this year's draft. In that case, it would be Richardson, who has a cannon of an arm and high athletic upside.
Richardson's problem is that he was just a one-year starter and is still raw and inaccurate. He will need time to develop, which makes Tennessee a hit-or-miss fit for him. If Tannehill struggles, Richardson could be pushed into action sooner than most anticipate. That could hinder his development. That is why Levis is the safer bet here.
But GM Ran Carthon was part of the front office that drafted Trey Lance in San Francisco. He may see similar upside in Richardson and be willing to take a chance on him. If not, he could take a safer bet in Levis or try to rebuild the offensive line, which has lost a few starters, by taking Jones.
12. Houston Texans (via Browns)
- Will pick: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
- Should pick: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
- Dark horse: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
If the Texans pass on a quarterback at 2, it'll probably be because they believe they can get one at 12. In this case, Levis — a player the team could also consider at No. 2 — falls into their laps, creating a joyful situation for Nick Caserio.
Like most of the other top quarterbacks in this year's draft, Levis has a big arm and the athletic ability to develop into a starter. He also comes from a pro-style system, which could aid his development. That's why he belongs in the mix for this selection.
If the Texans don't take a quarterback at 12, then they could break the seal on the receivers and target Smith-Njigba. He profiles as a great receiver and an inside/outside threat, but there would be a lot of questions about who would be throwing him the ball if the Texans pass on a quarterback at No. 2 as well.
13. New York Jets
- Will pick: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
- Should pick: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
- Dark horse: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Jets still haven't made the teade for Aaron Rodgers, but they are very likely to do so eventually. They will want to protect him, and Jones is the last of the big-name offensive tackles still available here.
Jones (6-5, 311 pounds) has excellent athletic ability, and he put together good tape at Georgia. He should develop into a strong NFL tackle and help New York fix its issues at the position.
If Jones isn't the pick here, the Jets could continue to load up on weapons to put around Rodgers. Smith-Njigba is one of the best players on the board, but they will pass on him for a less flashy, but potentially more productive, pick.
MORE: When will Aaron Rodgers be traded to the Jets?
14. New England Patriots
- Will pick: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
- Should pick: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
- Dark horse: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The Patriots would probably be thrilled if Witherspoon makes it to them. He's on the smaller side (5-11) but is very physical. Bill Belichick has selected smaller cornerbacks in recent drafts and has ties to Illinois coach Bret Bielema, who used to be on his staff, so he will have good knowledge of Witherspoon's game.
Gonzalez probably has more upside than Witherspoon, but Belichick may be willing to eschew that for a player whose game he likes. The team could also consider local product Flowers to fill its need at receiver. He seems like a better fit than Smith-Njigba, who looks more suited to fill the role JuJu Smith-Schuster is expected to play in New England.
15. Green Bay Packers
- Will pick: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
- Should pick: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
- Dark horse: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Kincaid over Mayer? It seems like it could happen. That's not a guarantee, but it is at least possible.
The Utah product dealt with a back injury during draft season, but he recorded 70 catches for 890 yards and eight touchdowns in his final season with the Utes. He had eight touchdowns the year before, so he profiles as a big-time receiving threat at the next level.
Kincaid could provide Jordan Love with another quality target over the middle once he takes over as a starter. The team could also look for a tackle of the future to protect Love, but unless they love the massive Jones (6-8, 374 pounds), they won't take one here.
16. Washington Commanders
- Will pick: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
- Should pick: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
- Dark horse: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Commanders would probably run to the podium if Gonzalez were here. He is arguably the best cornerback in this class, thanks to his 6-1 frame and the fluid athletic ability to thrive as a No. 1 corner. He's not the most physical guy, but he would strengthen a young secondary that includes corner Benjamin St-Juste and safeties Kam Curl and Darrick Forrest.
If the Commanders pass on Gonzalez, they could take Mayer, given Logan Thomas' issues staying healthy. But that would be more of a luxury selection; the team should be focused on filling needs.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Will pick: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
- Should pick: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
- Dark horse: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
This is too perfect. The Steelers need a cornerback. They used to employ Joey Porter. His son is arguably the best player on the board at this pick. The younger Porter defended 11 passes in 10 games at Penn State last year. He has No. 1 cornerback potential and could be an ideal replacement for the departed Cam Sutton.
Is there a case against Porter? Not really, but the Steelers could use a better No. 3 receiver than the recently acquired Allen Robinson. Addison will be on the board and he thrived with Kenny Pickett at Pitt. They may not be a Joe Burrow-Ja'Marr Chase-type combination, but they could find a lot of success if reunited.
Banks is a sleeper option here. He is the latest great athlete to come out of Maryland, and his ability should make him a quality NFL starter. He had one interception and eight pass defenses for the Terrapins last season.
18. Detroit Lions
- Will pick: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
- Should pick: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt
- Dark horse: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
The Lions are well-positioned to land a quality cornerback or a top defensive lineman here. They may have a bigger need at tackle than edge, but Smith is the type of high-character guy that Dan Campbell would probably love.
Smith was explosive at the NFL Combine and reportedly blew teams away in interviews. He's a bit undersized, but he ran a 4.39 40 and he could thrive playing across from Aidan Hutchinson.
Perhaps Kancey, who compares favorably to Aaron Donald, or Murphy, a bigger-bodied edge player, will draw consideration here. As it stands, Smith seems like good value at this juncture.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Will pick: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
- Should pick: O'Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
- Dark horse: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
The Buccaneers currently have Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask at quarterback. If those two are to have success in 2023, the front office will need to upgrade the offensive line and add a dynamic three-down running back.
After Robinson, Gibbs is the most explosive runner in the draft. He totaled 1,370 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns in his lone season at Alabama and was the best player not named Bryce Young on the Crimson Tide's offense. Gibbs could shoulder the load and allow Mayfield and/or Trask to just manage games.
If a back is not in the mix, the Buccaneers will probably grab someone to replace tackle Donovan Smith. Jones is a sleeper option, but Torrence is a more polished, plug-and-play guard.
20. Seattle Seahawks
- Will pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
- Should pick: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
- Dark horse: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Finally, a receiver comes off the board in this mock! Smith-Njigba slides a bit thanks to runs on quarterbacks and offensive linemen, but he ends up in a perfect landing spot.
The Seahawks have long needed a No. 3 receiver to go with D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Smith-Njigba profiles as an excellent slot receiver but is bigger than Lockett. That would make him a versatile third weapon surrounding Geno Smith.
Johnston is another receiver that the Seahawks could like. He has a 6-3 frame and good speed.
In reality, though, the Seahawks should take a chance on Murphy. They need a better pass rush and adding both him and Carter to the line would go a long way toward making it more explosive.
MORE: Where Jaxon Smith-Njigba ranks among best WRs in 2023 NFL Draft
21. Los Angeles Chargers
- Will pick: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
- Should pick: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
- Dark horse: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
The Chargers don't need an edge rusher; they already have Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. But the cupboard is bare after those two, so Murphy could be brought in to solidify the rotation.
Murphy didn't quite live up to the hype at Clemson, but he still generated 18.5 sacks in three years there. He has good size and could develop into a three-down playmaker in the NFL. He would be learning from Bosa and Mack, as well.
That said, the Chargers may be better served taking Murphy's teammate Bresee to help shore up a bad run defense. Flowers also remains an option as the Chargers need an eventual replacement for the 30-year-old Keenan Allen. Allen and Mike Williams are injury-prone, so extra depth at receiver wouldn't hurt.
22. Baltimore Ravens
- Will pick: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
- Should pick: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
- Dark horse: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Ravens have been tied to Flowers during the draft process, so it shouldn't be a surprise if they select him. He is just 5-9 and 182 pounds, but the Ravens have preferred smaller receivers over the years. They took Marquise "Hollywood" Brown despite concerns about his 5-9, 170-pound frame.
Flowers plays differently than Brown; he's not as fast but is a better route runner. Flowers also is good at making contested catches despite his frame. His hands should allow him to succeed in the NFL, and he could quickly become the No. 1 target for Lamar Jackson.
If it's not Flowers here, then the Ravens could go with Johnston, a height-weight-speed freak who could develop into a star. He isn't as polished as Flowers or Jordan Addison, though, which makes picking him here seem less likely.
23. Minnesota Vikings
- Will pick: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
- Should pick: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
- Dark horse: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
The Vikings would probably be thrilled to land Addison and pair him with Justin Jefferson. Addison averaged over 1,000 receiving yards per season in college and recorded 29 touchdowns while playing with Kenny Pickett and Caleb Williams at quarterback.
Addison is just 5-11 and 173 pounds, but he is a good route runner and has enough speed to do damage. He projects as an ideal No. 2 wideout. Having him alongside Jefferson, K.J. Osburn and T.J. Hockenson would make the Vikings' offense potent again.
But offense wasn't the problem for Minnesota in 2022, so they should consider taking a cornerback. Forbes has weight concerns (166 pounds), but he was a ballhawk at Mississippi State. It would be fun to see how Brian Flores could develop him.
If Hooker is going to be a first-round pick, then a team like the Vikings would have to consider drafting him, or another team would have to trade up to take Hooker. That's not out of the realm of possibility, but it is unlikely.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Will pick: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
- Should pick: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt
- Dark horse: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
The Jaguars seem mostly set on offense, so this pick is likely to be for a defensive player. Given that the team cut Shaquil Griffin in the offseason, going with Banks — an uber-athletic cornerback who ran a 4.35 40 — makes sense. He could develop into a star under Doug Pederson and Mike Caldwell's leadership.
Branch is probably the safer bet among defensive backs, but considering that his primary position is safety, the Jaguars probably won't swing on him. That won't rule him out entirely, however.
Kancey would be another great fit. He is a terrific interior pass-rusher and could go earlier than most expect. He's a bit undersized, but if he and Travon Walker live up to their potential, then the Jaguars' defensive line would be a force.
25. New York Giants
- Will pick: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
- Should pick: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
- Dark horse: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
The Giants want to land one of the top four receivers in this year's draft class. They didn't have to trade up to do so in this mock, but that's something they should consider on draft night if Smith-Njigba doesn't slide.
New York lands Johnston here, and he'll a worthwhile risk. Brian Daboll and Co. were able to turn Isaiah Hodgins and Richie James Jr. into solid receivers last season, so they should be able to mold the 6-3 Johnston into a capable starter.
If the Giants get stuck here without any receivers available, they may look to upgrade the middle of the defense. Campbell would give the Giants an instinctive tackling machine. The 6-5, 249-pounder recorded 125 tackles, two interceptions and one sack in his final season at Iowa.
26. Dallas Cowboys
- Will pick: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt
- Should pick: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pitt
- Dark horse: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Cowboys should be thrilled to land Kancey here. He may be undersized, but he recorded 14.5 sacks combined in his final two seasons at Pitt. He profiles as an excellent pass-rushing tackle and compares extremely well to Aaron Donald from an athletic standpoint.
Dallas needs to upgrade its interior defensive line, and while it needs help against the run, Kancey is simply too good to pass on at this pick. And it's still possible he will be able to become as good against the run as he is against the pass.
Don't rule out the Cowboys going with an offensive player here, however. Jerry Jones loves to take flashy players and the team lost Dalton Schultz this offseason. Mayer would be an excellent replacement and could be a great long-term partner for CeeDee Lamb.
27. Buffalo Bills
- Will pick: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
- Should pick: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
- Dark horse: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The Bills will probably explore trading up for a receiver if the board falls like this. If they can't make a deal, they will need to reach for someone like Hyatt or consider defensive upgrades.
General manager Brandon Beane has a tendency to go with relatively safe, defensive-minded players in the first round. Campbell, a 6-5 playmaker, would fit the bill as a replacement for Tremaine Edmunds. He has very good instincts and elite size, so he could be a three-down terror in Buffalo.
Campbell looks like a great fit for the Bills, but Brian Branch would be as well. His versatility would fit well in the Bills' multi-safety defense. The team has decent depth with Damar Hamlin and Taylor Rapp, but Branch's upside could make him a long-term replacement for Micah Hyde or Jordan Poyer.
MORE: Ranking the top 10 tight ends in the 2023 NFL Draft
28. Cincinnati Bengals
- Will pick: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
- Should pick: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
- Dark horse: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
The Bengals already have a passing attack that features Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Now imagine adding Mayer to that.
Mayer was once the consensus top tight end in this draft class, but he appears to have fallen behind Dalton Kincaid. Still, the 6-4 playmaker averaged 824.5 receiving yards and eight touchdowns over the last two seasons and would frequently be wide open given the above trio of top-tier wideouts.
There's no doubting that Mayer is the right pick here, but if he is off the board, don't rule out the 6-7 Washington being selected. He is a freak athlete and an elite blocker. He could become one of the game's best tight ends if he develops his receiving ability.
29. New Orleans Saints (via 49ers)
- Will pick: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
- Should pick: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
- Dark horse: Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
Branch doesn't fill the Saints' biggest need, but New Orleans has often used three safeties during head coach Dennis Allen's time as defensive coordinator. Branch would allow them to return to that scheme and could eventually become the slot corner in place of veteran Bradley Roby.
The Saints have a lot of young defensive backs, so they may be better served targeting a receiver like Hyatt. The team is invested in Chris Olave, but Michael Thomas is their No. 2 guy. He hasn't been able to stay healthy in recent years and is just on a one-year deal Adding Hyatt as a No. 3 receiver or a potential replacement for Thomas would be ideal.
If the Saints want to go elsewhere on defense, they could continue their trend of selecting athletic and versatile defensive linemen by taking Adebawore. He blew up the NFL Combine and should be an early Day 2 pick as a result.
30. Philadelphia Eagles
- Will pick: O'Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
- Should pick: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
- Dark horse: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
The Eagles addressed the defensive line with their first selection. Now, they will go after an offensive lineman to help replace Isaac Seumalo.
Torrence is viewed as a safe, plug-and-play guard prospect. At 6-5 and 330 pounds, he could end up being a road grader. Philadelphia has a good track record developing linemen, so they could work with Torrence and get him prepared to start at right guard in place of Seumalo. That would allow Cam Jurgens to continue preparing to take over for Jason Kelce at center.
If the Eagles want more upside, they could take a chance on the massive Jones or Duncan, a big-bodied athlete. Torrence is the safest pick but Jones would be a nice swing for the fence.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
- Will pick: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
- Should pick: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
- Dark horse: Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
The Chiefs also like to address the trenches. They could go with a defensive lineman — Bresee would represent a quality choice given his upside and the team's need at tackle — but Jones has the most upside of anyone on the board.
The 6-8, 374-pound Jones compares favorably to Trent Brown. He needs to cut down on penalties, but he should be able to keep Patrick Mahomes clean on the right side if he develops as expected. He would help to replace Andrew Wylie and compete for playing time with Lucas Niang.
Bresee is probably the safer pick, so he could draw consideration here. So could uber-athlete White, who had 7.5 sacks in his second season at Georgia Tech. Either way, Andy Reid and his staff will likely look to address the line of scrimmage early in the draft, as they are wont to do.
