It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Draft season is upon us, and our writers here at Birds Blitz cooked up a delicious mock draft to get you ready for the (what should be) national holiday. Note that this draft was completed a few weeks ago, so these picks will show their age a tad, but would it be the NFL draft if takes two weeks ago are already dated? Without further adieu, here is the mock to end all mocks:
1.01 Carolina Panthers (Jish): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
I’d be shocked if new head coach Frank Reich and company look elsewhere (OC Josh McCown practically told Stroud he was a Panther). Stroud is the perfect tall, and extremely accurate quarterback that thrives in the Reich RPO scheme (think 2017 Nick Foles). The main knock on Stroud is his lack of play extension in college due to his supreme offensive line. But with the young and blooming line in Carolina, Stroud will not have to run for his life like many highly drafted rookie QBs. Carolina spent the offseason adding weapons like RB Miles Sanders, TE Hayden Hurst and WR Adam Thielen to help Stroud come out of the gate hot.
Editor’s Note: These writers went back and forth on these picks to create this mock draft over the last few weeks. When they started, C.J. Stroud was the odds-on favorite to go No. 1 overall to the Panthers. Now, things have shifted significantly, and Bryce Young is expected to land in Carolina. We still don’t know for sure, though. Could the Panthers shock everyone and take Stroud, effectively shaking up the rest of the draft?
1.02 Houston Texans (Noah): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Thankfully for the Texans faithful, their absolutely meaningless win in the final week of the NFL season didn’t hurt them as much as it could have, as they secure my number one QB in the class with Alabama’s Bryce Young. I think that scouting fatigue had played a role in Young’s status as the consensus #1 overall pick – but in my eyes, he has all of the traits (processing, arm talent, athleticism) – to propel him into the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks. Congrats Houston!
1.03 Arizona Cardinals (Dylan): Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
If the Raiders or Falcons don’t jump the Colts to take the best QB available, I see the Cards replacing JJ Watt with the best pass rusher out of this class not named Jalen Carter. Reports are multiple top 10 teams are taking Carter off their board, making Carter the next most obvious choice. I also considered Smith-Njigba to replace the impending departure of Hopkins, but I’m not sure he’s worth a top 5 pick.
1.04 Colts (Nate): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Although Richardson lacked major production in college, his potential is through the roof. Despite only having a 55% career completion percentage, he is arguably one of, if not the most athletic talent out of all the draft prospects. Richardson made some pretty eye-opening plays in his days at UF, but he still needs to improve as a passer before taking the reins of an NFL offense. I think Richardson fits well in Shane Steichen’s offense, which incorporates an athletic QB who can run the ball. Although Richardson can be considered a project at QB, he can be one of the most electrifying players in the NFL if he succeeds.
1.05 Seahawks (Jish): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Let’s shake things up! I am keenly aware that the front 7 needs fixing, and dudes like Jalen Carter and Tyree Wilson are available. But how many times do corners like Gonzo come around? The redshirt sophomore is built like Jalen Ramsey at 6’2” 200 lbs with agility like prime Darius Slay. Follow up question: who is the Seahawks CB2? Tariq Woolen arrived last season and produced immediately, so why not create the scariest young corner duo in football? With the niners in division sporting Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk as wideouts, the Seahawks need more firepower to contend. It worked for the Jets when they drafted Sauce Gardner at 4 last year and waited for other needs. Seahawks have another first round pick, and with a loaded edge and interior class they can easily scoop up a Brian Breese or Lukas Van Ness later in the draft. Seahawks go BPA, and will succeed again next year for it.
1.06 Lions (Noah): Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia
As much as I wish Carter would fall to the Eagles, I can’t pass on an elite defense piece for this Lions team that so desperately needs one in good faith. Carter is one of the only true “blue chip” players in this draft, and someone who should be a day one impact as an elite interior pass rusher. Character concerns are certainly something to consider, but I think that Dan Campbell and his merry band of kneecap biters will be able to make full use of Carter’s electric defensive playmaking while providing him a stable and supportive surrounding environment.
1.07 Raiders (Dylan): Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
I did a little digging into the history of the Raiders over the past few years. Since 2018, they’ve gone offensive line three of the past five years. Seeing as the Raiders were ranked 22 in the NFL by The Athletic, I see the latter doing with their OL what Arizona keeps doing with linebackers: swing as many times as possible until it’s no longer an issue.
1.08 Falcons (Nate): Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
The Atlanta Falcons had an abysmal defense last year; they ranked 31st in sacks and 23rd in run defense. Tyree Wilson could possibly be the solution to the Falcon’s defensive line struggles; through only 10 games in 2022, Wilson recorded 61 tackles & 7 sacks. Wilson’s presence will aid a secondary that struggled last season, which is why I think the Falcons will select him with the 8th pick.
1.09 Bears (Jish): Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
In my eyes, this is a no-brainer. Justin Fields has been running for his life these past two years, and now is the time for his jump. After acquiring D.J. Moore, Fields’ upside makes this offense scary. Why not make sure he stays upright with a rock at tackle, and a former teammate no less? Johnson brings versatility and tremendous size to this new and improved Bears offense
1.10 Eagles (Noah): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
This is an absolutely home run pick for our Philadelphia Eagles. Devon Witherspoon is probably the best corner in this class, with a stunning combination of athleticism, intelligence, ball skills, and physicality. Witherspoon can be an instant difference maker as a third outside corner with Slay and Bradberry, and can lighten the load for both when needed so the Birds can feel confident they’re getting the best out of each player for the entire season. This is a perfect pick for both now and the future, and should ease some (valid) fears about depth at the corner position, especially considering the age of our top two guys.
1.11 Titans (Dylan): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
There are a couple things to consider here. First, who do the Titans have to catch the ball other than Treylon Burks? Have the Titans seen enough to be convinced in Burks? Are the Titans foolish enough to let a top receiver slip through their fingers to a division rival? I get the Titans are a run-first team, but why not bolster your receiver core while handicapping your division?
1.12 Texans (Nate): Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa
I debated taking a WR here as Houston’s WR room could use some major improvement, but I ultimately decided to pick the best player available. Van Ness is considered a top-10 pick by most & would make an instant impact on a Texan’s defensive line that features Jonathan Greenard & Maliek Collins. His ability to rush the passer and stop the run would be extremely beneficial for a defense that ranked 31st at one point during last season.
1.13 Jets (Jish): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
This pick may or may not belong to New York come draft night, but while it is here, why not bolster the o-line? With Aaron Rodgers’ arrival seemingly imminent, it is best to give him the best protection possible to contend in the AFC. If Mekhi Becton doesn’t have it anymore, allow Jones to slot right in to make the Jets great.
1.14 Patriots (Noah): Joey Porter, CB, Penn State
The Patriots need corner help, so taking the next best corner on the board is a more than logical pick here. Porter is a really exciting player with a very high floor, and can play the tough, gritty role that Bellicheck loves to see in his defensive backs.
1.15 Packers (Dylan): Quentin Johnson, WR, TCU
I theoretically know better than to take a wide receiver from TCU, but the more footage I watched of him in a two-minute drill (aka two minute highlight clips on YouTube), the more I understood the hype around him. This comparison might come back to bite me, but he somewhat reminds me of George Pickens in the way he runs routes. The only thing that concerns me is that I saw a lot of times where I said ‘he’s not breaking that tackle in the NFL’ or ‘he won’t be that wide open,’ but I’m probably just being skeptical. If there was any team to have bad luck with drafting a WR, however, it would be the Packers.
1.16 Commanders (Nate): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
I know that the Commanders need an upgrade on the interior line & in the secondary, but I don’t think that they will pass up Levis if he falls into their lap. With Jacoby Brissett & 5th rounder Sam Howell being the only realistic QB options, the Commanders may take a swing at a potential franchise QB. Bieniemy would be a great coach for Levis & Washington’s talented WR room would put Levis in a great position to learn.
1.17 Steelers (Jish): Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
A very flashy pick at a position of need for Pittsburgh who lost Cam Sutton this offseason. Banks is one of the most athletic corners of all time and plays aggressively with the ball in the air. A secondary headlined by Banks and Minkah Fitzpatrick will be hard to throw against especially with TJ Watt coming off the edge. While a guy like Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey crossed my mind for this pick, Banks makes this defense explosive.
1.18 Lions (Noah): Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
The Lions continue to load up on defense, choosing another top pass rusher in Clemson defensive end Myles Murphy. The Lions had an absolutely abysmal pass rush last year, so doubling up in the first round would be far from absurd. With Carter and Murphy, the Lions would have an absolutely electric young defensive line corps, as Alim Mcneil and Aiden Hutchinson are both on the rise as potential stars at their position in 2023 and beyond.
1.19 Bucs (Dylan): Nolan Smith, DE, Georgia
I had a good internal monologue about who to take here. I could’ve gone safety to take Devin White ’s place as the field general or offensive line to protect Baker Mayfield, but at the end of the day, I have to go BPA. It’s not like Tampa’s line is flawless, either. The Buccaneers had a 37% pass rush win percentage in 2022, good (or bad) for 22nd in the league. It’s rumored that a good pass rush can make up for a less-than-stellar secondary. Unless the Bucs hit on a corner/safety in later rounds, they might end up having to put that theory to the test.
1.20 Seahawks (Nate): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
With free agency looking for both Colby Parkinson and Noah Fant, the Seahawks decide to bring in an offensive weapon to eventually take over the TE1 spot. In addition to his size and his pass catching abilities, Mayer also excels as a blocker. This pick may not be a flashy one, but it’s one that will set Geno Smith up for success.
1.21 Chargers (Jish): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Splash! The Chargers were on the brink of advancing to the divisional round in January but the offense did squat in the second half. With the impending trade of Austin Ekeler, LA needs some pass catching production out of the backfield. The Chargers could’ve gone with another receiver or some help on the back end, but Robinson not only is best player available but perhaps the best player in this draft. An explosive, do-it-all back like Robinson is a scary thought next to Justin Herbert.
1.22 Ravens (Noah): Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
While the Ravens recently made the high-profile addition of wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior, there’s no reason they shouldn’t take another swing at a long term solution at the wideout position. With Rashod Bateman (hopefully) returning from injury, the addition of Flowers may be enough to entice Lamar Jackson to stay, provided the Ravens meet his contract demands. A team can never have too many speedy, dynamic weapons, and everyone knows the Ravens have had a tough time with filling out their wideout room with those types of guys.
1.23 Vikings (Dylan): Brian Branch, S, Alabama
The field general I flirted with sending to Tampa finds his feet in Minnesota. Though they have no shortage of safeties between Camryn Bynum and Harrison Smith, CBS58 made note of his versatility that would permit him to “excel in multiple areas of the defense. You can line him up anywhere from strong safety to nickel linebacker, and Branch will be productive.” As a VIkings fan, that has to be nice to hear considering Byron Murphy is the extent of what they have in regards to starting corners.
1.24 Jaguars (Nate): Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Harrison is a talent that many believe should go much earlier than the 24th pick, so taking him would be a no-brainer. He brings size and strength to the Jaguars’ offensive line & will allow Trever Lawrence more time in the pocket to get the ball to his playmakers. With the resurgence of Christian Kirk & the emergence of Travis Etienne, this pick will be a home run for the Jacksonville offense.
1.25 Giants (Jish) Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Giants are very very close to being a complete team. Brian Daboll coached the crap out of this team this past season and it showed big time. While Jordan Addison still being on the board is an enticing option, I doubt New York wants another small wide receiver with WanDale Robinson and Paris Campbell on roster. Instead, big blue gets depth at the outside corner. Adoree Jackson is a solid CB1 but they have nobody else to play perimeter with him. Cam Smith adds size, athleticism and ball skills to complete the G-men defense.
1.26 Cowboys (Noah): Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
Ouch. Drafting Kancey at 26 would be a painfully good move for the Cowboys, who have a major need on the interior defensive line and would be plugging that hole with a day one impact player who has immense potential to continue developing in the future. Kancey is an undersized ultra athlete (remind you of another Pitt DT?) and may be one of the most underrated players in this draft. Writing this genuinely hurts.
1.27 Bills (Dylan): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Two things need to happen for the Bills to lose to the Eagles in a Super Bowl: draft a running back, and have Allen stop throwing interceptions deep in enemy territory.With the Bills upgrading from Devin Singletary as RB1, Buffalo just might kill two birds with one stone. With Bijan off the board, Gibbs is the next best option if this is the route Brandon Beane wants to go. For reference, these are the notable Alabama RBs drafted in the past three years: Najee Harris, Josh Jacobs, Damien Harris, and Derrick Henry. I know it’s best not to scout the helmet, but conference matters, and there’s no better proving ground in college football than the SEC.
1.28 Bengals (Nate): Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
Although the Bengals do have needs in the secondary, I don’t think that they would be able to pass up surrounding Joe Burrow with even more weapons. Kincaid is a great route runner & would provide an instant upgrade to Irv Smith Jr. who only had 25 receptions for 182 yards & 2 touchdowns last season. We saw how Hurts improved when surrounded by talent; I think the Bengals will take the same approach when it comes to Burrow.
1.29 Saints (Jish): Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
To some a shock maybe, but Adebawore has skyrocketed up boards after his combine and pro day. At 6’2” 290lbs, the former Wildcat is a bit of a tweener, but his freakishly long arms and powerful base makes him so versatile at whatever position the Saints may line him up at. I know the Eagles are reportedly “in love” with Adebawore, which gives the Saints more reason to snatch him up. New Orleans’ d-line depth is razor thin, and Adetomiwa Adebawore fixes that instantly.
1.30 Eagles (Noah): Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
While it’s unfortunate that the Cowboys poached Kancey four picks before, Mazi Smith is an EXTREMELY good consolation prize for the Eagles at 30. The addition of Smith would make the Birds’ DT rotation one of the most athletic of all time, as Smith, Williams, and Davis have all recorded numbers that put them in the top 10 of EVERY defensive tackle in history. Smith is the perfect pick to blend future need with day-1 impact.
1.31 Chiefs (Dylan): Derick Hall, Edge, Auburn
I’m not advocating for the Chiefs pulling a Packers and neglecting their future Hall of Famer’s pass catching options. I am, however, looking at this from the standpoint of, ‘what do we do when Mahomes isn’t on the field?’ The Chiefs just spent a first round pick on Trent McDuffie last year, so it’s unlikely they go corner. Rather, who’s to say they don’t go after their Frank ‘The Shark’ Clark replacement? Their pass rush without him was lackluster next year, so KC will doubtless be treating him as a day-one plug in.
2.01 Steelers (Nate): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Wright is assumed by most to be a first round talent, so if he falls to the 2nd round, I can’t imagine Pittsburgh passing on him. With this pick, the Steelers improve their offensive line tremendously while creating more depth at an offensive tackle position that they’re fairly thin at. With Kenny Pickett now being the man in Pittsburgh, this pick will allow him to stay upright while continuing his development as a young Quarterback.
