2023 NFL Mock Draft: Bears get protection for Justin Fields

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The NFL trading deadline is approximately a week away and already several organizations are restructuring their roster.

Teams are either unloading salary for draft capital, or aggressively trading for better talent to make a long playoff run. Whatever the case, these late season moves will initially affect prospect positioning; how significantly is an undeterminable mystery that won't be solved until the draft.

Who doesn't love a good mystery? 

And we're using Tankathon.com's NFL Draft order.

1. Lions: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State 

Lions head coach Dan Campbell is an extremely likeable person with an utterly detestable win/loss record (4-18-1). Jared Goff is Detroit's veteran starting quarterback who is also a nice guy struggling to win games (4-15-1). After 23 NFL games, it's possible Dan Campbell is realizing Goff is not special, just an averagely skilled pro player with limited talent. So, if Campbell wants to win and keep his job, drafting a franchise signal caller should buy him a couple of years. C.J. Stroud, welcome to Detroit.

2. Texans: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Georgia

Truthfully, Houston's second year quarterback Davis Mills isn't performing badly. However, taking arguably the most talented non-quarterback in this class might be a more prudent course to pursue. Last week, Anderson completed a bounce back performance against Mississippi State, registering nine total tackles and seven hurries with one sack. According to PFF, Anderson's overall defensive grade of 89.9 was a vast improvement from his ineffectual showing versus Tennessee (60.2). Anderson is the real deal.

3. Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

QB - Bryce Young / Alabama    The Panthers need stability with leadership at the quarterback position, and Young offers plenty of those traits when helming an offense. Last season, Young led Alabama to a national championship appearance while securing the Heisman Trophy. Currently, his team is ranked sixth in the country after suffering a narrow defeat against the third ranked Volunteers. Despite the setback, he's posting similar stats to last year's Heisman run, completing 66 percent of his passes with 18 passing scores to just three interceptions.

4. Eagles (via NO): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

The combined average salary of unrestricted free agent defensive linemen Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave and edge specialist, Brandon Graham is approximately 40 million dollars. Graham is the oldest of the three (34 years old) using up about four percent of the team's salary cap by himself. Murphy is a bigger, quicker, younger and less expensive option than Graham, so possibly adding his skill set to an already dominant defense seems fiscally prudent.

5. Texans: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia

Imagine if Houston chose edge rushing Will Anderson with its second overall pick, then fortified its defensive front by taking Carter in the fifth draft spot? Both players offer unique, explosive bursts off the snap and Carter's ability to power past blockers makes his initial move all the more devastating. Houston's defense could immediately transform its ability to dictate to offenses with the possible addition of Carter.

6. Steelers: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

Bresee is freakishly quick for a man his size (6'5", 305 lbs) having registered a 40-time of four point seven seconds. In addition to his short area quickness, Bresee's weight room strength ( bench pressed 435 lbs) translates onto the field by consistently out leveraging opponents. Bresse's health concerns may whisper warnings to some organizations, but the Seahawks took a chance on wideout D.K Metcalf (cervical neck fracture in 2018) and that seems to have worked out well. 

7. Eagles (via NO): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

The Steelers could use a good press cover corner with elite athleticism to complement their attacking style of defense. Ringo showcases sprinter speed (4.3 40-time) and at six-foot-two and 210 pounds, his ceiling projects higher than most of his draft class peers. Explosive and fluid in his movements, Ringo's loose hips allow for easy change of direction while shadowing receivers. A blitzing team would definitely benefit from Ringo's one on one coverage acumen.

8. Jaguars: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

The Jaguars' Marvin Jones Jr. is an unrestricted free agent, so finding an elite yet affordable replacement is something Jacksonville should contemplate. Addison is an exceptional route runner, who can shift gears while making precise cuts which create organic separation from defenders. Displaying uncommon body control, Addison gracefully makes difficult catches appear effortless.

9. Raiders: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

Possibly choosing Porter Jr. may harken back to the early 1980's, when the Silver and Black added corner back Mike Haynes to their roster. Drafted fifth overall by New England in the 1976 draft, Haynes eventually went into the Hall of Fame as a Raider (1997). Like Haynes, Porter Jr. possesses identical size (6'2", 195 lbs), elite speed, quickness and range to affect receivers' routes and the physical prowess to influence where they run.

10. Falcons: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

Atlanta routinely ranks in the lower third of the NFL when it comes to stopping teams from scoring. Last season, the defense allowed 27 points per contest (tied for third worst) and is only slightly better this campaign surrendering 24.4 points per game. Addressing a meager pass rush could go a long way towards improving Atlanta's defense, so targeting an edge rusher like Wilson might prove beneficial. In Wilson's last 20 games he's registered 27.5 tackles for loss with 16.5 sacks.

11. Dolphins (via SF): Isiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

Foskey is an explosive long striding talent, who's immediate suddenness generally keeps offensive linemen off balance, whenever they attempt to match his initial burst from the snap of the ball. Considering his compact muscularity and length, it's amazing how flexible his ankles are when bending and looping around blockers. Foskey's blend of power, speed, quickness and flexibility creates unease and indecision among linemen tasked to block him.

12. Cardinals: Paris Johnson, OL, Ohio State

There are eight unrestricted offensive linemen on Arizona's roster, so the need for able bodied replacements is paramount. Johnson is a highly intelligent and motivated athlete with incredible athletic attributes. Sporting an impressive wingspan (85 5/8 inches) and a thickly elongated frame (6'6", 315 lbs), Johnson aggressively staggers many defenders with his power punches. A load to handle on running plays, he's equally difficult to maneuver past on passing downs.

13. Patriots: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

Smith performs on the field like a typical New England Patriot defender, playing with savvy aggressiveness and honed instincts. Assessing with patience and confidence, Smith is never in a hurry and almost always is in position to affect a favorable outcome for his team. His closing speed and length allow him to effectively contest receivers at varying catch angles. Smith's an intriguing prospect with skills attuned for NFL competition.

14. Bears: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

The Bears looked great on Monday Night Football trouncing the Patriots on their home field (first win ever there by Chicago), to a tune of 243 rushing yards and 33 points. Yes, Chicago can run block with the best in the NFL, however, the pass protection is below standard and detrimental to starting quarterback Justin Fields' overall health. Skoronski is a highly rated pro prospect who flashes day one starting potential. According to PFF, Skoronski is the highest rated pass blocker (91.9) in the nation.

15. Commanders: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Washington took a chance on beleaguered quarterback Carson Wentz, even after his inexplicable late season collapse last year with the Indianapolis Colts. Trading for Wentz and shelling out a four year, 128 million dollar contract for his services looks like buyer’s remorse for the Commanders. Potentially drafting a mature (24 years old) and composed athlete such as Hooker, immediately offers a cost control element for the organization, as well as an overall upgrade in talent.

16. Packers: Broderick Jones, OL Georgia

A back to back NFL MVP, Rodgers was sacked 30 times in 16 games played last season. So far, in just seven games this campaign, Rodgers has been taken down 15 times and pressured on 22.6 percent of his passes. Considering that 45 year old Tom Brady, with an injury afflicted offensive line is pressured 14.3 percent of the time and has thrown 51 more passes than Rodgers, drafting a quality blocker would be a good investment.

17. Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Officially, quarterback Matt Ryan is done in Indianapolis. Management is contractually obligated to pay him 12 million dollars next season. However, any further injury preventing him from passing a physical in early March would cost the organization even more money. Hello, NFL draft ! Indiana and Kentucky are border states and first round quarterbacking prospect, Will Levis (Kentucky Wildcats) is a borderline franchise talent. Hello Indianapolis!

18. Bengals: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

The one aerial weapon the Bengals are without is a seam stretching tight end with blocking skills. Mayer would fit perfectly into Cincy's sophisticated passing schemes because of his efficient route running and NFL caliber catching prowess. Although he doesn't have downfield speed to threaten safeties, he does possess above average quickness to control the middle of the field and size enough to screen off defenders from passes.

19. Buccaneers: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Tom Brady is probably retiring for good after this season and starting tailback Leonard Fournette is playing slower and less effective these days. Improving their running attack could help whoever is quarterbacking the Bucs next season (even Brady). Robinson is an elite back with eye popping quickness and an elusiveness that avoids big hits. An explosive back with receiving skills, Robinson can score from anywhere on the field.

20. Lions (via LAR): Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Putting it bluntly, Detroit is incapable of preventing teams from scoring at will. Overall, the Lions rank 31st in total team defense. In addition, they're surrendering 32.3 points per game which is worst in the NFL. Simpson is the type of three-down linebacker that lines up anywhere on the field. So far this season, he's lined up on the defensive front, in the slot and defended within the box. His versatility is exactly what Detroit could use to bolster its beleaguered defense.

21. Chargers: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

Extremely competitive, Phillips defiantly welcomes all challengers and generally rises to the competition level. Seven games into this season, Phillips snatched five interceptions having returned two of them for scores. The Chargers need help in their secondary considering the seriousness of corner back, J.C. Jackson's ruptured patella tendon injury. Phillips' versatility should thrust him onto the field from day one if Los Angeles drafts the ballhawk from Utah.

22. Ravens: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

Baltimore may want to infuse it's defense with speedier more athletic edge rushers and taking Anudike-Uzomah could be an excellent acquisition. A long-limbed, yet powerfully built athlete, Anudike-Uzomah capably transitions from speed-to-power when pressing his advantage against overmatched blockers. 

23. Seahawks: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon

Sewell is a powerfully sculpted interior linebacker, whose size (6'3", 250 lbs) and strength enables him to ward off blockers while making bone-jarring tackles. Sewell possesses the size and athleticism to man the inside and thrive in the middle of a crowded melee. This versatile hybrid defender is scheme friendly, and presents defensive coordinators with a plethora of formation options that would create mismatches in Seattle's favor.

24. Dolphins: FORFEITED

The Miami Dolphins forfeited one of their two first-round picks (plus a third-round pick in 2024) for tampering surrounding Tom Brady.

25. Titans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Arguably the best receiver of the 2023 draft class, Smith-Njigba finished last season tabulating five consecutive games over 100 plus yards, culminating with an electric performance in the 2022 Rose Bowl (15 receptions / 347 yards / 3 touchdowns). Unfortunately, an early season lower leg injury significantly affected Smith-Njigba's prospect status, dropping him on most pundits draft boards. However, one man's injury could be an organization's unexpected treasure trove. 

26. Colts: Antonio Johnson, FS, Texas A&M

Johnson's positional versatility makes him an attractive prospect for most NFL teams. His ability to line up as a slot corner, a nickel linebacker, or play either safety spot makes him a deceptive defender who keeps offenses guessing. His active mind matches an easy athleticism that can mentally and physically handle today's complex offenses. A hybrid talent like Johnson would be nearly impossible for New York to ignore.

27. Cowboys: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

The Cowboys are a dominating defense, but free agency may strip Dallas' depth and cumulative team speed. Despite his tweener size (6'3", 235 lbs), Smith is a tenacious run defender who attacks blockers and ball carriers with equal ferocity. If Smith is available when Dallas picks, he would fit in nicely into the Cowboys' varied defensive schemes. 

28. Vikings: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

A naturally gifted athlete from a family sporting two All-American track stars (two older sisters), Gonzalez plays with a confident certitude that compliments his athleticism. Gonzalez pivots cleanly and showcases an acceleration that gains immediate upfield access when challenging pass catchers. This long-limbed defender competes tenaciously for 50/50 jump balls with an astounding 42 inch vertical, challenging the largest of catch radiuses.

29. Chiefs: B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, Texas

Ojulari is on the cusp of a breakout season this year, having tallied 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2021. Six games into his 2022 campaign, Ojulari has tabulated five tackles for loss with a total of four sacks. Possessing an overwhelmingly, explosive first step comparable to his NFL playing sibling (Azeez Ojulari / New York Giants), BJ's suddenness makes life difficult for unprepared offensive linemen. 

30. Giants: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

The LSU Tigers have developed some outstanding receivers who have flourished as professionals in the NFL ( Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham, Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase). Boutte is the latest Tiger displaying elite level athleticism and playmaking skills which should make him a coveted asset heading into the draft. In 23 career games, he recorded 15 touchdown receptions and has a SEC single game record of 308 receiving yards.

31. Bills: O'Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida

O'Cyrus' ability to quickly climb upfield catches most defenders off guard due to his massive size (6'5", 347 lbs). At times, Buffalo struggles rushing the ball in obvious short yardage situations. Potentially adding a pile moving, road grading blocker with a nasty disposition, could help balance an offense that's too heavily reliant on its superstar quarterback.

32. Eagles: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

One look at Gibbs and the "eye test" indicates how NFL ready this explosive tailback is. Gibbs' staccato-like footwork makes it difficult for defenders to garner a good angle when attempting to tackle him. His underrated strength prevents him from losing yardage when the defenders make initial contact. A versatile back, Gibbs is adept at corralling passes away from his frame and gaining positive yards after the catch.

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