Houston Texans: The Texans almost got a win over the Cowboys, but with the last-second loss, Houston is getting closer to clinching the No. 1 pick. The Texans’ hold over the No. 1 pick increased thanks to the Rams winning on Thursday night. That effectively knocked the Lions out of ending up with the top pick of the 2023 NFL Draft due to the Matthew Stafford trade.
Houston got its only win of the year when the defense had its way with Trevor Lawrence. Due their Week 1 tie against the Colts, the Texans would need to win two games to lose the No. 1 pick while the Bears or Broncos lose out. Either of those happening seems like very remote possibilities.
The Texans clearly needs a true franchise quarterback to replace Deshaun Watson. It would make sense for them to target Alabama’s Bryce Young or Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.
Chicago Bears: Chicago was on a bye this week. The Bears lost to the Jets, but the Bears were without starting quarterback Justin Fields and the Jets were rejuvenated with the benching of Zach Wilson. Fields has really been playing well over the past two months, so Chicago could easily win a few games down the stretch and end up picking in the back half of the top 10 during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks are in the race for the No. 1 pick thanks to the selection they have from the Broncos. Denver is 3-10 with four games remaining. If the Seahawks end up with a high first-rounder, they could look to find a long-term starter at quarterback if they don’t want to retain Geno Smith. If Seattle wants to stick with Smith, the franchise could add a difference maker for the defense or look to trade down.
Detroit Lions: Detroit was practically eliminated from a shot at landing the first-overall pick when the Rams won on Thursday night to improve to 4-9. The Lions hold Los Angeles’ first-round pick from the Matthew Stafford trade. Detroit, meanwhile, has slim playoff hopes alive and is led by one of the best offenses in the NFL.
Detroit wisely traded away the overrated T.J. Hockenson, who is not worthy of a big second contract. Both trades have the Lions loaded up with two first-round picks and two second-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
If the Lion land a high-enough first-rounder through Los Angeles, they could look to upgrade over Jared Goff by taking Alabama’s Bryce Young or Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. They could also hold onto Goff and let the rookie sit behind him for a year, or they can let Goff go without a salary cap penalty. Trading Goff might be worth a second-day pick because he is a better player than other quarterbacks, like Carson Wentz or Matt Ryan, who were traded last offseason for selections on Day 2. Aside from quarterback, Detroit badly needs some cornerback upgrades to go with Jeff Okudah.
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Let’s Play Matchmaker:
This section will look at some of the top talent in college football and match those prospects up with teams that have a dire need at the position.
Detroit Lions: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas 
The 6-7 Lions outplayed the 10-2 Vikings for the second time this year, but managed to come away with the win this tim. In the first meeting in Week 3, Detroit controlled the game but lost because of a missed field goal and a late breakdown in coverage. This time was different thanks to Jared Goff ripped up the Minnesota secondary. The Lions have a good rushing attack, but they can’t depend on D’Andre Swift to stay healthy and he’s nearing free agency. Jamaal Williams is a free agent next spring, and a running back like Robinson could make the Detroit offense even more lethal behind the team’s superb offensive line.
Robinson has averaged 6.1 yards per carry in 2022 for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also has 19 receptions for 314 yards and two scores. The junior lost a painful overtime fumble against Texas Tech. Robinson was one of the best players in college football in 2021, producing a superb season for Texas. The sophomore averaged 5.8 yards per carry that season for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also took 26 receptions for 295 yards and four scores. In 2020, Robinson flashed his big-time skill set with 703 yards on only 86 carries – 8.2 average – and four touchdowns. He notched 15 catches for 196 yards and two scores that season.
The 6-foot, 214-pound Robinson has power, speed, cutting ability, and natural instincts as a runner. Team sources also say he possesses outstanding character. Robinson is an amazing talent and could be a star in Detroit.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Gervon Dexter Sr., DT, Florida 
The Jaguars ripped the Titans on Sunday, pulling out a surprising 14-point road win. Trevor Lawrence was superb, while Evan Engram (11-162-2) had a massive game for Jacksonville. The Jaguars were able to outscore the Titans and overcome a good performance from Derrick Henry (17-121-1). The damage Henry did, once again, illustrate that the Jaguars could stand to add more young talent to the interior of their defensive line.
Dexter has 50 tackles, two sacks, one pass batted and an interception so far this season. The 6-foot-6, 308-pounder flashed in 2020 with 19 tackles and an interception before breaking out in 2021 with 50 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a pass batted. While Dexter is strong and powerful as a run defender, he has the speed and athleticism to become a more potent pass rusher. Early in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Dexter would be a nice pick for the Jaguars.
Kansas City Chiefs: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois 
The Chiefs looked like they were heading to a blowout of the Broncos before Denver came storming back. Jerry Jeudy caught three touchdown passes and drew a long pass interference to help get the Broncos close to a shocking comeback. Even though Kansas City drafted Trent McDuffie in the first round last April, the Chiefs could use more corner talent to go with him.
So far in 2022, Witherspoon has 42 tackles, two interceptions and 14 passes defended. The 5-foot-11, 183-pounder impressed preseason evaluators thanks to having serious speed to go along with adequate size. Advance scouts noted his cover ability, saying he is fast and athletic to run the route to prevent separation. However, team sources don’t like the lack of ball skills and ball production.
Witherspoon had zero interceptions in 2021 after recording two in 2020 and zero in 2019. He also recorded 52 tackles and nine passes defended in 2021. He notched 33 tackles in each of the prior two seasons and two passes broken up over that time. Witherspoon’s ball skills look improved in 2022, and he could be a riser for the 2023 NFL Draft. He could be a good value pick for the Chiefs late in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles: Antonio Johnson, S/CB, Texas A&M 
The Eagles cruised over the Giants, with Philadelphia’s offense rolling over the New York defense. The Eagles were able to limit Saquon Barkley, but it wouldn’t hurt to add another young talent at safety who can also play some cornerback.
Johnson recorded 71 tackles, a sack, three forced fumbles and one pass broken up in 2022. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder is a massive slot corner who broke out for the Aggies in 2021. The sophomore recorded 79 tackles, an interception and five passes defended on the year.
Johnson has phenomenal length and size to match up against NFL receivers while also possessing fabulous instincts and tackling ability as a safety. He also lined up as a slot corner and dime linebacker. Johnson is an outstanding defensive back who is a Swiss Army knife to solve coverage problems for his defense. He would be a nice selection for the Eagles in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Carolina Panthers: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama 
The Panthers pulled off a shocking upset winning in Seattle, with Sam Daronld leading Carolina to a win despite only throwing for 120 yards. Carolina leanedd on its ground game to take advantage of Seattle turnovers. With Christian McCaffrey traded away and D’Onta Foreman heading to free agency, the Panthers could use a new running back to help their new starting quarterback next fall. Gibbs would give them a speed back and receiving weapon who has some similarities to McCaffrey.
In 2022, Gibbs has averaged 6.3 yards per carry for 850 yards and seven touchdowns. He also has 42 receptions for 378 yards and three scores. Gibbs only landed at Alabama for 2022 after leaving Georgia Tech. He could end up as the latest early-round running back from the Crimson Tide. Gibbs is a beast of a back who is put together well and plows ahead hard. He has speed, natural running instincts, and a lot of upside.
In 2021 for Georgia Tech, Gibbbs averaged 5.2 yards per carry for 746 yards and four touchdowns. He also recorded 35 receptions for 465 yards and two touchdowns. In 2020, Gibbs averaged 5.2 yards per carry for 460 yards and four touchdowns. He also showed impressive receiving ability with 24 catches for 303 yards and three scores. Gibbs would be a great fit for the Panthers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Dallas Cowboys: Jordan Addison, WR, USC 
Shockingly, Dallas almost lost at home to the worst team in the NFL, with the Texans leading until the final seconds of the game. The Cowboys have been excellent on defense all year, and in the 2023 NFL Draft, it could make sense to add more playmaking to the offense. Versus Houston, the Cowboys were led in receiving by tight end Dalton Schultz because Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb were held in check. Dallas could use its first-round pick to give Dak Prescott another weapon.
Addison was a plug-and-play point producer for USC in 2022, recording 59 catches for 875 yards and eight touchdowns even though he missed some time with injuries. While playing for Pittsburgh in 2021, Addison benefited from quarterback Kenny Pickett having a phenomenal year to produce a massive sophomore season himself. Addison caught 100 passes in 2021 for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns.
The 6-foot, 175-pounder displayed the speed to get vertical and threaten defenses downfield. For the NFL, he could stand to get stronger and fill out his frame. Addison could be an ideal slot receiver to go between CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup.
Los Angeles Rams: O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida Thanks to incompetence from Josh McDaniels and Derek Carr, the Rams pulled off an improbable comeback over the Raiders last Thursday night. All season, the Rams have struggled offensively, with their line having issues and a lack of a running game. Perhaps things are getting ironed out with Cam Akers, and if the Rams don’t need to take a running back early in the 2023 NFL Draft, that would allow the Rams to address the offensive line. They badly need more talent at tackle and guard for the 2023 season.
Torrence has blocked well for the Gators in 2022 and especially was a beast in the ground game. The 6-foot-5, 335-pounder is a load who generates movement as run blocker with surprising athleticism and quickness in pass protection. Torrence was a 3-year starter at La.-Lafayette, but after the 2021, he transferred to Florida to continue his playing career under the same head coach, Billy Napier. Torrence could be a solid second-round pick for the Rams in the 2023 NFL Draft as he would be an asset to blast open holes for the ground game while providing interior protection for Matthew Stafford.
Team Draft Report:
In this section, we take a deeper look at specific teams and where they stand in regards to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals had a rough start to the 2022 season, but they have been one of the best teams in the league since the middle point of the season and are capable of going on a big run in the postseason for the second straight year. With Joe Burrow early in his career, Cincinnati is in great position to win a Lombardi trophy if it continue to draft well around him.
In my latest mock 2023 NFL Draft, I have the Bengals taking South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith in the first round, and he would be a nice pick for Cincinnati. The Bengals took Cam Taylor-Britt in the second round last year, but they could use more corner talent to go with him. Eli Apple is veteran journeyman, so adding a potential No. 1 corner would make sense. Smith has good cover skills alongside instincts that would fit the Bengals well. Other options late in the first round could include Rutgers’ Max Melton, Illinois’ Devon Witherspoon and Northwestern’s Cam Mitchell. Taking a corner in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft would continue to build Cincinnati’s talent for protecting leads late in games.
The Bengals spent a lot of money on their offensive line over last offseason. While the unit looks improved in time for the postseason, it could still be a weak link in January, and adding more talent must be a consideration to help protect Burrow and running back Joe Mixon. Late in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Cincinnati could have a couple of good tackle options like Maryland offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan or Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson. Both of them are talented and could be very good pros after some development. If Bengals draft one of them, that prospect could turn into the eventual starter at left tackle, which would allow them to move Jonah Williams inside to left guard. That would upgrade the Cincinnati line at two spots.
Another dark horse position the Bengals could consider in the early rounds is wide receiver. Tee Higgins is nearing free agency, while Tyler Boyd is aging. The franchise could find it difficult to give Higgins a big contract when it has to be ready to extend Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Hence, Higgins might be too expensive to keep, and the Bengals might want to consider trading him for a first- or second-round pick a year early rather than losing him for only a third-round compensatory pick. Late in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Cincinnati could consider Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman or Ole Miss wide receiver Jonathan Mingo. Both of them are a big wideouts who could bring similar talent to the table as Higgins. Other smaller speed receivers to consider include USC’s Jordan Addison or Boston College’s Zay Flowers. Trading Higgins would be a tough pill to swallow, but depending on the cost, Higgins might be too expensive to keep. It would be better to get a top-64 pick for Higgins than a pick that ends up being in the late 90s.
The Bengals are in a great position to be among the elite of the AFC for many years to come. A good 2023 NFL Draft could help put Cincinnati over the top in the franchise’s quest for a Super Bowl championship.
Cleveland Browns: With their trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Browns made a long-term move to resolve their revolving door at quarterback. Watson is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, is early in the prime of his career, and is capable of leading Cleveland to the Super Bowl. Now, the Browns need to build up the roster around him. It won’t be easy because they are without first-round picks in the 2023 and 2024 NFL Draft from the trade, but if they draft well on Day 2, they can still give Watson the support he needs to lead them deep into the postseason.
In my latest mock 2023 NFL Draft, I have the Browns taking Florida State safety Jammie Robinson in the second round, and he would be a good selection for Cleveland. Grant Delpit has been a disappointment, and the Browns could use an upgrade. Robinson could be a tough strong safety in the Cleveland scheme. In the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Browns could have some excellent safety options, including hybrid corner/safeties like Alabama’s Brian Branch, Illinois’ Quan Martin and Northwestern’s Cam Mitchell. Any of that trio would be a good fit for playing slot corner and safety for Cleveland.
Aside from safety, the Browns could consider defensive end help. Jadeveon Clowney is entering free agency again, and they could use an end to pair with Myles Garrett if Clowney leaves in free agency. Even if Clowney signs another contract, Cleveland could use a third end to help keep him and Myles Garrett fresh. Some defensive end options to consider in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft could include Kansas State’s Felix Anudike-Uzomah or Iowa State’s Will McDonald. Either one would be a nice pass rusher who could help provide starting-caliber depth if Clowney or Garrett goes down with injury.
With Watson back on the field, Cleveland finally has a true franchise quarterback capable of leading the franchise to greatness. The key will be to draft well and add quality second-day talent to help support Watson so he can lead the Browns to the Super Bowl.
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
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