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The Bears Trade Justin Fields To The Atlanta Falcons
Mock Draft 2.0 is here, and I get a little wild with the trades, including the Bears trading Justin Fields to the Atlanta Falcons for their 8th overall pick. In the 2021 NFL Draft, The Falcons had their shot at grabbing Fields, and they decided to draft TE Kyle Pitts. The Broncos and the Panthers also passed on drafting Justin Fields and are definitely in full regret mode.
In this mock draft, the Bears draft Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud with the top pick, then turn around at pick eight and grab Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Houston Gets Bryce Young At #2 Overall
Bryce Young goes number two overall to the Houston Texans.
Seahawks Trade Up To Grab Kentucky QB Will Levis
I get more out of control with another trade. The Seattle Seahawks trade ahead of the Colts and steal Kentucky QB Will Levis away. The Seahawks can sign Geno Smith to a one-year or two-year deal and allow Will Levis to develop his elite tools.
The Colts Draft Anthony Richarson
The final shoe to drop is the Colts settling quickly on developmental QB Anthony Richardson. Richardson possesses the highest ceiling in the 2023 NFL Draft, aside from maybe Will Levis. Like Will Levis, Richardson needs a year or two to develop, but there is no doubt new Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen can find creative ways to utilize Richardson's toolsy skillset.
(1). Chicago Bears Select: QB C.J. Stroud | Ohio State
Team Needs: WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, DB
Pending Free Agents: RB David Montgomery, C Sam Mustipher, WR N'Keal Harry, WR Dante Pettis
Analysis: The Bears offer a draft day surprise by trading Justin Fields to the Atlanta Falcons. The Bears receive the 8th overall pick and grab another former Ohio State QB with a new rookie deal.
(2). Houston Texans Select: QB Bryce Young | Alabama
Team Needs: QB, C, DL
Pending Free Agents: TE O.J. Howard, EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, DL Rasheem Green, TE Jordan Akins
Analysis: The Texans get their QB of the future.
(3). Seattle Seahawks (via AZ) Select: QB Will Levis | Kentucky
Team Needs: G, C, DL
Pending Free Agents: QB Geno Smith, RB Rashaad Penny, DL Poona Ford, OG Phil Haynes, QB Drew Lock
Analysis: In another draft day surprise, the Cardinals trade back with the Seattle Seahawks, who are also in the market to grab their QB of the future. Because we believe Will Levis will need a year of development, the Seahawks would retain Geno Smith in this scenario. The Seahawks would trade their 5th and the 20th overall pick for the Cardinal's 3rd and 34th overall picks.
(4). Indianapolis Colts Select: QB Anthony Richardson | Florida
Team Needs: QB, OL
Pending Free Agents: EDGE Yannick Ngakoue, WR Parris Campbell, OG Matt Pryor, LB Bobby Okereke, E.J. Speed
Analysis: New Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen lands the QB with the highest ceiling in the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson could use a year of development on the sidelines, but the Colts might have no other options. In this scenario, the Colts might grab a free-agent bridge QB.
(5). Arizona Cardinals (via SEA) Select: EDGE Will Anderson Jr. | Alabama
Team Needs: G, C, ED, CB
Pending Free Agents: EDGE J.J. Watt, WR A.J. Green, OT Kelvin Beachum, CB Byron Murphy, C Rodney Hudson
Analysis: The Cardinals get a slam dunk even after trading back. Now that they have their edge rusher of the future, they acquired pick 20 from the Seahawks, where they could add a top CB to go along with Will Anderson.
(6). Detroit Lions Select: IDL Jalen Carter | Georgia
Team Needs: DI, LB, CB
Pending Free Agents: WR DJ Chark, RB Jamaal Williams, LB Alex Anzalone, OG Evan Brown, CB Mike Hughes
Analysis: In this mock draft scenario, the Lions win the lottery, with IDL Jalen Carter falling to them at pick 6.
(7). Las Vegas Raiders Select: CB Devon Witherspoon | Illinois
Team Needs: QB, OL, DB
Pending Free Agents: RB Josh Jacobs, CB Rock Ya-Sin, LB Denzel Perryman, WR Mack Hollins, EDGE Clelin Ferrell
Analysis: The Raiders are in a bit of no man's land and need a QB. The way the board has fallen, the Raiders could be in the market for a free-agent QB, or they might have to roll with Jarrett Stidham. In this scenario, the Raiders could trade back if someone is interested, or they can fill their need at defensive back.
(8). Chicago Bears (via ATL) Select: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Ohio State
Team Needs: WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, DB
Pending Free Agents: RB David Montgomery, C Sam Mustipher, WR N'Keal Harry, WR Dante Pettis
Analysis: The Bears have a lot of needs, and with this being their only pick between now and pick 54, they still have a lot of draft capital available in the mid to late rounds. The Bears receivers in recent years have been awful, and the 2023 NFL Draft is top-heavy at the position. They could go with the best available DB here or the best available EDGE. The gut says go WR here, and it would be ideal pairing Stroud with his former teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
(9). Carolina Panthers Select: RB Bijan Robinson | Texas
Team Needs: QB, RB, TE, ED
Pending Free Agents: QB Sam Darnold, DL Matthew Ioannidis, C Bradley Bozeman, LB Cory Littleton
Analysis: In no man's land without a QB, the Panthers will need to figure out the direction of their franchise. Like the Raiders, if the Panthers fail to move into position to get one of the top QB's they will have to figure it out in free agency, or could Sam Darnold be the answer? They can also trade back to gain more draft capital. We go with the cardinal sin in this scenario and draft RB Bijan Robinson in the top 10. This also means Mel Kiper will retire.
(10). Philadelphia Eagles Select: CB Christian Gonzalez | Oregon
Team Needs: WR, G, C
Pending Free Agents: DL Javon Hargrave, CB James Bradberry, RB Miles Sanders, C Jason Kelce, DL Fletcher Cox
Analysis: To keep the defense in place while also paying Jalen Hurts, the Eagles draft a top DB.
(11). Tennessee Titans Select: OT Paris Johnson Jr. | Ohio State
Team Needs: WR, T, ED
Pending Free Agents: TE Austin Hooper, OG Nate Davis, TE Geoff Swaim, LB David Long, DL Teair Tart
Analysis: The Titans need an OT to replace Taylor Lewan. They could go with an edge rusher in this spot.
(12). Houston Texans Select: EDGE Tyree Wilson | Texas Tech
Team Needs: QB, C, DL
Pending Free Agents: TE O.J. Howard, EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, DL Rasheem Green, TE Jordan Akins
Analysis: The Texans drafted their QB of the future. Now they need a difference-maker on the defensive side of the football.
(13). New York Jets Select: OT Peter Skoronski | Northwestern
Team Needs: QB, T, ED
Pending Free Agents: RB James Robinson, C Connor McGovern, QB Joe Flacco, DL Sheldon Rankins, OT George Fant
Analysis: The Jets must figure out the QB position in the offseason. They should target OL in this spot. Center Connor McGovern will be a free agent, and it seems unlikely that the OT trio of Duane Brown, George Fant, and Mekhi Becton will all return in 2023.
(14). New England Patriots Select: WR Quentin Johnston | TCU
Team Needs: QB, T, ED
Pending Free Agents: OT Isaiah Wynn, RB Damien Harris, CB Myles Bryant, CB Jonathan Jones, WR Jakobi Meyers
Analysis: The Patriots need to draft a WR, Bill will find a way to pass on a WR for the best available DB or OL, and then he will shock the world and draft Stetson Bennett in the 2nd or 3rd round.
(15). Green Bay Packers Select: WR Jordan Addison | USC
Team Needs: WR, TE, ED, LB
Pending Free Agents: WR Allen Lazard, TE Robert Tonyan Jr., OT Elgton Jenkins, S Adrian Amos, DL Dean Lowry
Analysis: If I am the Packers, with or without Aaron Rodgers, I need to add more talent at WR and potentially replace Elgton Jenkins. If Jordan Addison is available, it is a no-brainer in this spot. Pair Addison with Christan Watson and Romeo Doubs. If Aaron Rodgers moves on, you at least do your best to surround Love with as much firepower as possible. Another option is TE, and if Michael Mayer is available, why not?
(16). Washington Commanders Select: Broderick Jones | Georgia
Team Needs: QB, G, C, LB
Pending Free Agents: DL Daron Payne, QB Taylor Heinicke, OG Wes Schweitzer, LB Cole Holcomb, OG Trai Turner
Analysis: The Commanders finished the 2022 season with one top 80 CB, according to PFF. With Daron Payne potentially leaving in free agency, the Commanders appear poised to take the best defensive line value in this position. They also need to improve the IOL.
(17). Pittsburgh Steelers Select: OT Dawand Jones | Ohio State
Team Needs: T, LB, CB
Pending Free Agents: DL Larry Ogunjobi, LB Devin Bush, DL Chris Wormley, CB Cam Sutton, QB Mason Rudolph
Analysis: With essentially two first-round picks after the Dolphins forfeited pick, the Steelers have an excellent opportunity to capitalize. With apparent needs on the offensive line, they can also grab a top cornerback.
(18). Detroit Lions Select: EDGE Myles Murphy | Clemson
Team Needs: DI, LB, CB
Pending Free Agents: WR DJ Chark, RB Jamaal Williams, LB Alex Anzalone, OG Evan Brown, CB Mike Hughes
Analysis: After lucking into the top interior defender, the Lions add an athletic developmental EDGE with big-time upside to align opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
(19). Tampa Bay Bucs Select: IDL Bryan Bresee | Clemson
Team Needs: QB, TE, G, C, DI
Pending Free Agents: QB Tom Brady, LB Lavonte David, DL Akiem Hicks, WR Julio Jones, CB Sean Bunting, S Mike Edwards
Analysis: Whoever is under center in 2023 will need to be better protected than Brady was in 2022. Drafting an OL here makes sense, but you must start rebuilding the defense.
(20). Arizona Cardinals (via SEA) Select: CB Joey Porter Jr. | Penn State
Team Needs: G, C, ED, CB
Pending Free Agents: EDGE J.J. Watt, WR A.J. Green, OT Kelvin Beachum, CB Byron Murphy, C Rodney Hudson
Analysis: After moving up via the trade with the Seahawks, the Cardinals could use an elite DB to go with Will Anderson.
*Dolphins Forefeit Pick
(21). Los Angeles Chargers Select: WR Zay Flowers | Boston College
Team Needs: WR, T, LB, CB
Pending Free Agents: DL Jerry Tillery, S Nasir Adderley, RB Sony Michel, LB Drue Tranquill, TE Donald Parham
Analysis: The Chargers need help at CB and could use a WR. There is an argument that they could draft an edge rusher with Khalil Mack in his 30s and Joey Bosa's injury-plagued 2022; the Chargers need some youthful depth.
(22). Baltimore Ravens Select: WR Jalin Hyatt | Tennessee
Team Needs: WR, ED, CB
Pending Free Agents: CB Marcus Peters, QB Lamar Jackson, OT Ja'Wuan James, CB Kyle Fuller
Analysis: The Ravens will have a new OC in 2023, but they still need to sign Lamar Jackson to a new deal. In recent years, I have mocked several receivers to the Ravens, but they have passed on all but Rashod Bateman. If they are going to entice Lamar, they will need to draft a legit field-stretching WR to go along with their elite TE group and WR Rashod Bateman.
(23). Minnesota Vikings Select: CB Kelee Ringo | Georgia
Team Needs: DI, LB, CB
Pending Free Agents: TE Irv Smith Jr., RB Alexander Mattison, CB Patrick Peterson, C Garrett Bradbury, WR Olabisi Johnson
Analysis: The Vikings need help in their secondary. Ringo is a physical DB who can be an impact player in year one.
(24). Jacksonville Jaguars Select: O'Cyrus Torrence | Florida
Team Needs: G, C, DB
Pending Free Agents: TE Evan Engram, OT Jawaan Taylor, EDGE Arden Key, EDGE Dawuane Smoot, CB Tre Herndon
Analysis: The Jags land a big-time interior offensive lineman who is a mauler in the run game. In addition, you continue to build the offensive line to protect Trevor Lawrence.
(25). New York Giants Select: DB Brian Branch | Alabama
Team Needs: WR, TE, C, LB
Pending Free Agents: QB Daniel Jones, RB Saquon Barkley, DL Dalvin Tomlinson, WR Sterling Shepard, WR Darius Slayton
Analysis: The Giants possess decent draft capital. They have needs at WR and TE and with Michael Mayer available in this spot, it will be difficult to pass on the highest-rated TE. But the Giants take the best available in Alabama, DB Brian Branch. Branch is a slot safety who can cover and provide support in the run game.
(26). Dallas Cowboys Select: TE Michael Mayer | Notre Dame
Team Needs: WR, DI, LB
Pending Free Agents: TE Dalton Schultz, RB Tony Pollard, OT Terence Steele, WR Noah Brown, LB Leighton Vander Esch
Analysis: The Cowboys could use upgrades on the OL, but they could also add an elite TE in Michael Mayer to pair with CeeDee Lamb.
(27). Buffalo Bills Select: EDGE Nolan Smith | Georgia
Team Needs: G, C, DB
Pending Free Agents: S Jordan Poyer, LB Tremaine Edmunds, QB Case Keenum, C Mitch Morse, OG Rodger Saffold
Analysis: The Bills need to improve their offensive line, but they could also use a Von Miller-style edge rusher, and with Nolan Smith still available, you cannot pass on the talent. Von Miller is 34 years old, and Nolan Smith makes a ton of sense.
(28). Cincinnati Bengals Select: OT Anton Harrison | Oklahoma
Team Needs: T, DI, CB
Pending Free Agents: S Jessie Bates III, TE Hayden Hurst, CB Eli Apple, S Vonn Bell, RB Samaje Perine
Analysis: The Bengals need to continue to build the offensive line to keep Burrow upright and on the field. Harrison might need some time to acclimate to the NFL game, but he has the tools to be a high-level starter.
(29). New Orleans Saints Select: Edge Keion White | Georgia Tech
Team Needs: QB, DI, CB
Pending Free Agents: DL David Onyemata, EDGE Marcus Davenport, WR Jarvis Landry, RB Mark Ingram, QB Andy Dalton
Analysis: The Saints have options to replace the often-injured Marcus Davenport. The Saints ultimately choose the 6-5 280lb Keion White who will enter the NFL with elite potential, is already an excellent run-stopper, and can play all along the line of scrimmage.
(30). Philadelphia Eagles Select: CB Cam Smith | South Carolina
Team Needs: WR, G, C
Pending Free Agents: DL Javon Hargrave, CB James Bradberry, RB Miles Sanders, C Jason Kelce, DL Fletcher Cox
Analysis: The Super Bowl runner-up and a team with many potential pending free agents and Center Jason Kelce, who is mulling the idea of retiring. The Eagles need to find their Kelce replacement in the middle of their offensive line. With other needs at CB and the potential that James Bradberry could move on, the Eagles will have some solid options.
(31). Kansas City Chiefs Select: TE Luke Musgrave | Oregon State
Team Needs: WR, DL
Pending Free Agents: OT Orlando Brown Jr., WR Mecole Hardman, WR Juju Smith-Schuster, S Juan Thornhill
Analysis: The Super Bowl champs have a young defense with great potential and could use a WR. With tight end Travis Kelce is in his 30's, and options like Dalton Kincaid and Luke Musgrave, the Chiefs could grab Kelce's replacement a year or two in advance.