Cummings’ 2-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks dominate top 3 with Will Levis joining the fray

From now until April, 2023 NFL Mock Drafts will try — and fail — to solve the QB conundrum of the NFL draft cycle. Of Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, who goes first? Who is the quarterback prospect to step up and take the QB3 spot behind them? Is there a sudden emergent who flips the entire order on its head? In August, we still have no answers, so all we can do is run through another potential outcome. Today, that’s what we do.

2023 2-round NFL Mock Draft | Round 1, Picks 1-16

The draft order in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft is derived from the current Las Vegas win total odds. There are only 31 selections in Round 1, and just 63 total in the first two rounds, after one of the Miami Dolphins’ picks was forfeited in light of a tampering investigation.

1) Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

By almost every measure, the race between C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young for QB1 is too close to call. In early July, MDS data revealed that through all mock draft simulations to this point, Stroud was only selected 400 more times than Young. Both had top-five ADPs.

It’s not much different from a coin flip right now. And if Houston ends up at No. 1 overall, presumably due in part to a Davis Mills regression, Young has the natural talent and creation ability to right the ship.

2) Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Falcons just spent the 2022 NFL Draft stocking up on talent across the board. They won’t be competitive in 2022, and odds are, they’ll be picking near the top when the 2023 NFL Draft rolls around.

At that point, it’ll be time for them to add their next franchise QB. Third-round rookie Desmond Ridder has potential, but C.J. Stroud is a different caliber of prospect. Stroud can give the Falcons Matt Ryan-esque stability and production at QB.

3) Detroit Lions: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

So many early 2022 NFL Mock Drafts last summer had the Lions selecting a quarterback early. In many cases, it was Sam Howell, associated with Dan Campbell’s Detroit squad on account of his competitive toughness.

That’s a connection that some may make with Will Levis in this cycle as well. Levis is tough as nails, which should draw Campbell to him. But the difference between him and Howell is that Levis has far superior tools.

4) New York Jets: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

One of the most popular picks in the entire 2023 NFL Draft database, to this point, is Jalen Carter to the New York Jets at No. 4. Carter is actually the most-selected player by the Jets in the MDS, ahead of both Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. and Clemson’s Bryan Bresee.

You, the users, keep picking Carter. So who are we to argue? Carter is a phenomenal fit on New York’s interior line with his leverage, explosiveness, and power. In many ways, he mirrors his potential teammate Quinnen Williams as a prospect.

5) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

When deciphering the Jacksonville Jaguars’ team needs, a lot depends on how the 2022 season shakes out. The Jaguars have a bevy of young talent on defense, and the right tackle spot is currently the subject of a battle.

The best option here might be to add more weapons for Trevor Lawrence. Particularly with Marvin Jones on his way out, Jaxon Smith-Njigba could provide a vital dose of consistency and unending reliability for the Jaguars’ WR room. He’s a complete pass catcher with target-funnel potential.

6) Carolina Panthers: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

On the surface, you’d think the Panthers would be a shoo-in for a QB in the 2023 NFL Draft. But what if three passers go off the board before their pick? They’re giving Baker Mayfield a chance to resurrect his career, and Matt Corral has shown flashes in training camp.

Maybe Carolina, who won’t be competing any time soon, can instead take the best player available: Will Anderson Jr. Anderson is a truly elite EDGE prospect, with game-changing potential alongside Brian Burns.

7) New York Giants: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

The Giants notably released James Bradberry this past offseason after failing to find a trade partner. The move granted them some cap relief, but it also leaves their cornerback room relatively thin. New York drafted LSU product Cordale Flott, but there’s still a sense that they need a new alpha.

Kelee Ringo might end up being the runaway CB1 of the 2023 NFL Draft when the season ends. He’s a special mover for his 6’2″, 205-pound frame, and brings play strength you don’t often see at the position.

8) Chicago Bears: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

Alright, Chicago. It’s time. You gotta protect Justin Fields. There are almost a half-dozen other spots on the Bears’ roster that also need help. But when you have a potential franchise QB, the most important thing is protection and support.

The 2023 NFL Draft offensive tackle class looks fairly bare in the early rounds, but Paris Johnson Jr. has the tools and the pedigree to be a worthy top-10 selection. With Johnson, Ryan Poles can ensure Fields’ blind side is protected.

9) Seattle Seahawks: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

There’s no prospect that quite fits the “queen on the chessboard” description like Trenton Simpson in the 2023 NFL Draft. Simpson, who stands at 6’3″, 230 pounds, can play the traditional linebacker spot. But he can also shade out to the overhang slot, come down to the edge as an extra rusher, or even rotate back into coverage. Playing alongside Jordyn Brooks and Jamal Adams, Simpson’s sheer versatility could be invaluable for Seattle.

10) Washington Commanders: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

The Washington Commanders have one of the best defensive linemen in football with Jonathan Allen. But his collegiate and professional teammate, Daron Payne, could be on the way out soon.

If anyone knows the importance of a strong interior rush rotation, it’s Ron Rivera. So if Payne leaves, Washington could stand to recoup the loss by picking a player like Bryan Bresee in Round 1. Bresee is a five-star talent with outrageous burst and lateral agility, and his length provides a dangerous conduit for power.

11) Pittsburgh Steelers: Antonio Johnson, DB, Texas A&M

Some prospects just move differently — almost impossibly when you take their size into account. Antonio Johnson is one of those prospects. After an elite campaign as Texas A&M’s big slot, Johnson is quickly tracking up draft boards.

He brings a long, lean frame at 6’3″, 200 pounds, but moves with effortless ease when tracking receivers. And when Johnson keys in on routes, he can accelerate extremely quickly and convert at the contact point. A secondary with Johnson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and others could be incredibly tough to play.

12) Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

I mocked Myles Murphy to the Eagles in my last 2-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft. While I don’t like to indulge in repeat selections too often, I have to make the same pick here.

Murphy is arguably a top-10 prospect for 2023, and at this point, it’s tough to imagine him falling far past this point. And his fit makes a lot of sense with the Eagles. He’s a bigger, athletic EDGE with powerful hands, who could soon fill the shoes of Brandon Graham when the veteran departs.

13) Philadelphia Eagles: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

It’s becoming increasingly uncommon to see running backs selected this high. But Bijan Robinson may break the trend in the 2023 NFL Draft cycle. Robinson is a true blue-chip RB prospect with the ability to elevate an offensive line, something few ball carriers possess.

With Miles Sanders soon to be a free agent, and with the Eagles’ roster on the verge of contention, this is a luxury pick worth making. Imagine option plays with Robinson and Jalen Hurts. It would be a scary sight for defenses.

14) New England Patriots: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama

The Patriots added a couple of mid-round cornerbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft, but it’s likely going to take more than that to replace the impact lost by the departure of J.C. Jackson. The best bet for New England is to invest early-round capital.

In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Eli Ricks is right in their wheelhouse. Ricks needs to keep refining his technique, but the talent is undeniable. He’s a former five-star recruit with the length, explosiveness, and elite ball skills to thrive on the boundary.

15) Las Vegas Raiders: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse

The Alex Leatherwood selection at right tackle hasn’t panned out so far for the Raiders. After an aggressive offseason, Las Vegas is ready to compete, but they might soon have a void at RT.

This is a rough spot to need an offensive tackle because there are no options clearly worth the pick right now. But if we’re projecting into the future, one tackle prospect who could play his way into Round 1 territory is Matthew Bergeron. Bergeron has size, length, power, and violent hands. He also has the foot speed that Leatherwood lacks.

16) Tennessee Titans: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

The offensive line is the first position group that comes to mind with the Titans, but the value in mid-Round 1 isn’t ideal. Thus, the Titans play the board in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft and come away with LSU WR Kayshon Boutte.

Boutte has a ceiling worth betting on at this point. Alongside alpha Treylon Burks and slot savant Kyle Philips, Boutte’s explosiveness, frame density, and RAC utility can be a tremendous asset.

2023 2-round NFL Mock Draft | Round 1, Picks 17-31

17) Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

There are many potential outcomes for Anthony Richardson. In one outcome, he’s a top-three pick. There’s also an outcome where he doesn’t take the desired leap and returns for his redshirt junior season. The middle range is where the possibilities multiply.

If Richardson at least shows some progression, he could easily declare and go first round with his natural tools. And a team like the Colts, who have Matt Ryan in place to help develop Richardson, could be willing to take the risk.

18) Minnesota Vikings: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon

While Eric Kendricks is still in his prime, the Vikings would be wise to add a worthy complement to the LB corps. Noah Sewell‘s skill set plays off of Kendricks very well. While Kendricks is a true playmaker in coverage, Sewell wreaks havoc in the box, closer to the line. Sewell closes with impressive burst and voracity, imposing his will at contact. He’s a handful in tight spaces, and can effectively seal gaps and make tackles in the backfield.

19) Arizona Cardinals: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

I’ll admit, this is a bit of an indulgent pick for the Cardinals, who have larger needs elsewhere. But A.J. Green is past his prime, and DeAndre Hopkins just turned 30 years old, while coming off an injury. Soon, the Cardinals may need to add more size and playmaking ability at WR, in the mold of players like Green and Hopkins. Quentin Johnston gives them that.

Johnston is 6’4″ with an outrageously long and lean frame. He also has rare long-stride explosiveness, high-level hand strength, and surprising freedom of motion.

20) Baltimore Ravens: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

Past Rashod Bateman, there isn’t a lot of certified utility in the Ravens’ WR room. In fact, even Bateman has something to prove in 2022. Baltimore needs to invest in more WR talent, and luckily for them, they’ll get their chance in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Josh Downs, in particular, is an exciting fit in Baltimore’s offense. They can use him in motion and let his elite explosiveness breathe in space, or put him in the slot, where he can manipulate DBs with throttle control and separate with ease.

21) Cincinnati Bengals: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

The Bengals wouldn’t have reached the Super Bowl without an offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. But the defense was also a key cog in that ascent. If Cincinnati wants to maximize their chances of getting back, they can’t neglect the pass-rush unit.

Trey Hendrickson is a top-flight starter, but they could use a surefire impact player across from him. Isaiah Foskey fits that mold with his mix of explosiveness, length, and high-motor energy. That mix led him to amass 10 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2021.

22) Houston Texans (from CLE): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Whoever plays QB for the Texans next season, they’ll need more weapons. The wide receiver group is still fairly uncertain, and there’s a dearth of proven talent at tight end as well.

Michael Mayer can change that, and at the tail end of Round 1, he might be a steal. Mayer brings good size and awesome play strength. He secures passes with vice-grip hands and has superb instincts, but also has the athleticism to separate and generate RAC yards.

23) Dallas Cowboys: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

We know that if a prospect reaches a certain point in Round 1, the Cowboys are the ones who’ll pounce and take the BPA route. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Jordan Addison gives the Cowboys that opportunity.

Addison not only provides the Cowboys with excellent overall value on the draft board, but he also adds a new dynamic to the Cowboys’ receiving corps. Addison can be the player who feasts underneath with his RAC ability, and he can stretch the field with his speed and explosiveness.

24) Los Angeles Chargers: Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama

The Chargers’ run defense was not a pretty sight in 2021, for multiple reasons. The defensive line was inconsistent in holding up its end, but the linebackers also struggled to fill at times.

Los Angeles worked toward fixing their line with several additions in free agency this past offseason. And in the 2023 NFL Draft, they can boost their LB corps by picking Henry To’o To’o. To’o To’o can improve in coverage, but in the box, his combination of instincts, explosiveness, and physicality is worth quite a bit.

25) Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami

Depending on how the board falls, either first-round selection could be fair game for a quarterback for the Seahawks. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, they were able to take a high-level talent in the top 10 and come away with Tyler Van Dyke at 25th overall.

Van Dyke needs to keep refining his game before he locks in first-round status, but his arm talent undoubtedly gives him a Round 1 ceiling, and his early success bodes well for him.

26) Miami Dolphins (from SF): JL Skinner, S, Boise State

Sorry Dolphins fans, Bijan is gone. There’s no getting around that. But this is a golden opportunity to explore other options in Round 1.

One potential avenue that sometimes goes overlooked is safety. With a strong senior season, Boise State’s JL Skinner could be in play here. Skinner provides a perfect complement to Jevon Holland. He’s 6’4″, 220 pounds, with an elite length and explosiveness combination. Let him roam the box while Holland hawks on passes downfield.

27) Green Bay Packers: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida

The Packers have two-thirds of a potentially dominant defensive front with Kenny Clark and first-round rookie Devonte Wyatt. Rashan Gary’s versatility also helps sweeten the pot. But across from Wyatt, the Packers could use another first-round talent to complete the puzzle.

In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Gervon Dexter might be just what they’re looking for. Dexter is explosive and powerful, with a long 6’6″ frame. He needs to work on fixing his leverage, but Dexter has the tools to be a menace in the trenches.

28) Detroit Lions (from LAR): Nolan Smith, LB, Georgia

The Lions’ roster is slowly coming together, and at this point, needs are getting less and less distinct. Linebacker could be an area to address here, but the high-value options are few and far between. Nevertheless, there is a potentially rewarding move to make with Nolan Smith.

Smith is primarily an edge rusher, but he has the high-end athleticism to play in space. He could take on the on-ball SAM linebacker position in odd alignments with Alim McNeill, giving the Lions versatility and dynamic potential.

29) Kansas City Chiefs: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

It’s anyone’s guess who the first-round offensive tackles will be in the 2023 NFL Draft. Johnson is a relatively safe bet, and there are a few options beyond him. But one player who could gain hype quickly with a strong 2022 campaign is Georgia’s Broderick Jones.

Jones, a five-star, only has four starts to his name, but flashed plenty of talent in 2021 with his short-area athleticism and violent disposition. Seeing that the Chiefs and Orlando Brown Jr. haven’t agreed on an extension, Jones could be tabbed as an eventual successor.

30) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU

The Buccaneers don’t have a pressing need on the edge. Shaquil Barrett is still in his prime, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka showed great promise in his rookie season. Nevertheless, Barrett will be 30 years old soon, and the Buccaneers do have room to strengthen their rotation and add more developmental talent.

BJ Ojulari gives Tampa Bay’s rush rotation an exciting catalyst late in Round 1. He’s a bit underweight, but Ojulari brings great explosiveness and agility, along with a building arsenal of moves.

31) Buffalo Bills: Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame

The Buffalo Bills are locked into contention mode, but that doesn’t mean they can’t draft for the future and look to extend their window. The safety duo of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde has been one of the league’s better tandems for a long time, but the Bills need to add depth and youth at some point. With Brandon Joseph, they get an athletic safety with length and natural playmaking ability to mold for years to come.

2023 2-round NFL Mock Draft | Round 2, Picks 32-47

32) Houston Texans: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

6’6″, 270 pounds. Arms almost 36″ long. That’s what one NFL team will get with Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson next April. Wilson might not be at Travon Walker’s level in terms of athleticism, but his pairing of length and power is astounding. He fits Houston’s mold of larger edge rushers and has the tools to make a considerable impact.

33) Atlanta Falcons: O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida

It’s important to give young players the time they need to develop. But it’s also important to cut losses when it’s clear things aren’t working out. The Falcons might be nearing that point with Jalen Mayfield at guard. There’s a chance they’ll need to re-up the investment in the offensive line next spring. O’Cyrus Torrence is a road grader who can change the tone.

34) Detroit Lions: Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

The Lions’ offense is coming together. They got Amon-Ra St. Brown in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jameson Williams in 2022, and have now added Levis in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. The completing piece might be a plus-sized alpha on the boundary, to take advantage of 1-on-1 opportunities created by Williams’ presence. Cedric Tillman is that alpha.

35) New York Jets: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama

The defense has been an area of particular interest for the Jets under Robert Saleh. The pressure unit is nearly complete, and the secondary got a big boost with the additions of Ahmad Gardner, D.J. Reed, and Jordan Whitehead in the 2022 offseason. Jordan Battle, a smart safety with solid athleticism and willing physicality, helps complete the team’s two-high matrix.

36) Jacksonville Jaguars: Colby Wooden, DL, Auburn

Alignment versatility is the name of the game with this selection. Colby Wooden is a prospect who can play off nose tackles like DaVon Hamilton and Folorunso Fatukasi incredibly well. At 6’5″ and around 280 pounds, Wooden lines up everywhere from 1-technique and 5-technique, and thrives in the 3-tech and 2i range with his speed-to-power conversion.

37) Carolina Panthers: Layden Robinson, G, Texas A&M

The Panthers knew full well that the offensive line was a problem heading into the 2022 offseason, and they did what they could to fix it. The selection of Ikem Ekwonu, as well as the signings of Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett, should help. But the other guard spot could use a young, powerful presence like Layden Robinson to keep things moving along.

38) New York Giants: John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

Building the line from the outside in, the Giants’ revamp of the front five is almost complete. In a strong 2023 NFL Draft center class, they’ll have an opportunity to add that final piece. Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz is a prime candidate. He’ll have over career 30 starts by the end of the year. He’s experienced, but also athletic, flexible, and tirelessly aggressive.

39) Chicago Bears: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

It’s a foregone conclusion that Jermaine Burton is going to break out in 2022. That may be a dangerous assumption to make, but he’s a former highly-rated recruit, who’ll be catching passes from a projected top-three pick, in an offense that lost three of its top targets. Yes, it’s a projection, but with his throttle control and natural receiving ability, Burton can take advantage of this opportunity.

40) Seattle Seahawks: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

The Seahawks can stand to upgrade at quite a few positions, cornerback being one of them. Even after adding Coby Bryant and Tariq Woolen, a more secure prospect may help the Seahawks raise their floor at the position. Cam Smith fits that mold in the 2023 NFL Draft. Though he might not be elite anywhere, he’s a physical, tenacious playmaker with very few glaring weaknesses

41) Washington Commanders: Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama

The Washington Commanders have stocked a great deal of talent at the TE position. But Logan Thomas is getting older, and among Cole Turner, John Bates, Sammis Reyes, and others, there are no guarantees. Washington may be best served using an early-round pick on the position. With his explosiveness, physicality, and separation ability, Cameron Latu is worth the investment.

42) Pittsburgh Steelers: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okorafor will get their chance to shine at tackle for the Steelers in 2022. But chances are reasonably high that Pittsburgh may be looking at tackle talent in the 2023 NFL Draft. In this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Anton Harrison is the selection. He’s a young player, but Harrison’s trending up fast and offers size, length, and active hand usage on the blind side.

43) New Orleans Saints: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh

If you can assemble a defensive line that gives you countless permutations and personnel groupings to use, you’ll be well-equipped for the modern NFL. Alongside Cameron Jordan, Payton Turner, David Onyemata, and Marcus Davenport, Calijah Kancey gives the Saints just that. He’s a menace on the interior with his burst and twitch, but he can also stunt outside.

44) Philadelphia Eagles: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

Philadelphia’s veteran-laden secondary is suddenly poised for success in 2022. Darius Slay, James Bradberry, and Avonte Maddox form one of the better CB groupings in the league. But Slay and Bradberry are slowly getting up there in age. In Round 2 of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Emmanuel Forbes gives the Eagles a young, athletic prospect with playmaking ability to groom.

45) New England Patriots: Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson

We hear a lot about Murphy and Bresee on the Clemson defensive line, as well as Tyler Davis. But the most underrated Tigers’ lineman — who himself has Day 2 potential — might be Ruke Orhorhoro.

At 6’4″, 295 pounds, Orhorhoro has an exceptional pallet of traits and a hot motor in pursuit. But his rare alignment versatility is what truly draws him to the Patriots.

46) Las Vegas Raiders: Deshawn Pace, LB, Cincinnati

The 2023 NFL Draft linebacker group still needs to settle. Especially in the Day 2 range, it’s hard to gauge who’s worth taking this high. But Deshawn Pace is one prospect who might deserve more credence in that discussion. Though he’s a bit underweight, Pace is explosive and rangy, and he flies around the second level, with 95 tackles and four picks to his name in 2021.

47) Miami Dolphins: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

The Dolphins’ forfeited first-round selection may prevent them from acquiring Robinson in some 2023 NFL Mock Drafts, but there are still high-value options in Round 2. One such option is Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs, whose dynamic athleticism, vision, and creative instincts fit incredibly well in Mike McDaniel’s scheme.

2023 2-round NFL Mock Draft | Round 2, Picks 48-63

48) Tennessee Titans: Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia

Ben Jones has provided the Titans with stability in recent years. But as he gets older, Tennessee should ponder a succession plan. There are few potential succession plans better than Georgia’s Sedrick Van Pran, who shined as a redshirt freshman in 2021. Van Pran looks the part of an NFL center, with size, athleticism, natural leverage, and a physical edge.

49) Indianapolis Colts: LaDarius Henderson, G, Arizona State

There isn’t much bonafide early-round talent in the 2023 NFL Draft’s offensive guard group, but LaDarius Henderson is a true riser candidate. Henderson is 6’5″, 310 pounds, with massive arms that measure over 35″ long. He’s one of the most powerful blockers in college football, and he accelerates into contact with eye-catching quickness and zeal.

50) Minnesota Vikings: Jaheim Bell, TE, South Carolina

With his explosive athleticism and size at 6’3″, 230 pounds, Jaheim Bell remains one of the most fascinating projections in the 2023 NFL Draft cycle. After accruing 497 yards and five scores on 30 catches in 2021, he’s very much on the radar. And with another year of growth, Bell could give the Vikings a dynamic, versatile weapon to add to their arsenal.

51) Arizona Cardinals: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

The Cardinals have solid depth on the edge, but they lack surefire top-end talent. In Round 2 of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, that kind of talent will be tougher to find. But Felix Anudike-Uzomah is a sleeper who could go on to exceed his draft billing. He gears up quickly off the line and wins with violent experimental hands and a hot motor.

52) Baltimore Ravens: Gabe Hall, DL, Baylor

Baylor’s defensive line is absolutely loaded, but Gabe Hall might be one of the most enticing prospects on the front, behind nose tackle Siaki Ika. Hall is a massive defender at 6’5″, 290 pounds, with great length and functional athleticism off the snap. He can surge through gaps quickly and pry open lanes with his strength. For Baltimore, he’s a versatile, high-upside weapon.

53) Cincinnati Bengals: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (FL)

The Bengals’ secondary has a lot of pieces. But across from Chidobe Awuzie on the boundary, there may be reason to keep looking for options. If the Bengals are looking for more length, it makes sense to take Miami’s Tyrique Stevenson. Stevenson is 6’1″ and well over 200 pounds, with a wide reach. He’s also supremely explosive and technically sound.

54) Cleveland Browns: Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland

Trading for Amari Cooper was a solid move for the Browns, as it gives them a true No. 1 option with the separation ability to command increased attention. But outside of Cooper, the Browns need more options. In Round 2 of this 2023 NFL Mock Draft, Rakim Jarrett is an exciting add, with the speed, frame density, and RAC ability to be a dynamic playmaker.

55) Dallas Cowboys: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Many thought the Cowboys’ selection of Tyler Smith in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft was a reach. It remains to be seen how that will pan out, but he brings a nasty power element to the Dallas front alongside Tyron Smith. The Cowboys can double down on that power element by adding Darnell Wright to be their right tackle.

56) Los Angeles Chargers: D’Anthony Jones, EDGE, Houston

If you see a bowling ball of a human being flying around the box on Houston’s 2021 tape, it’s probably D’Anthony Jones. Jones has weighed as much as 280 at times and lined up all over the line in 2021. But this year, he’s down in weight, and his athleticism should shine through even more. Jones’ tools and motor very much warrant a spot in the Chargers’ rotation.

57) Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern

The additions of Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas should help the Seahawks bolster their offensive line. However, questions still linger. Will Lucas be a long-term solution? Who is the long-term starting center? What happens when Gabe Jackson hits the cliff? Peter Skoronski could be a very valuable insurance policy with his projected positional versatility.

58) San Francisco 49ers: Elijah Higgins, WR, Stanford

If Deebo Samuel is going to revert to a more traditional WR role, then the 49ers may want another high-level physical threat to move around and mix things up with. If we’re talking about pure physical talent, Stanford’s Elijah Higgins is near the top of the list. Higgins is 6’3″ and over 240 pounds, and clocked an absurd top speed of 21.5 miles per hour in 2021.

59) Green Bay Packers: Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Virginia

You won’t find many receivers built as uniquely as Virginia’s Dontayvion Wicks. On film, he looks lean, but Wicks carries a 6’1″, 206-pound frame extremely well, and he also has arms well over 33″ long. Wicks’ length makes him a venerable threat when the ball is in the air, but his explosiveness, twitch, and frame density combine for stellar RAC potential as well.

60) Los Angeles Rams: Nick Hampton, EDGE, Appalachian State

The second round is essentially the Rams’ first round, which means they have to get these picks right if they want to sustain their contention window. Adding to the EDGE rotation makes sense here, especially when Nick Hampton is still on the board. Though he can add weight, Hampton is supremely explosive and twitchy, and offers great length around the apex as well.

61) Kansas City Chiefs: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor

Close your eyes and picture this with me for a second. Third down. Obvious passing situation. Kansas City brings in Siaki Ika at 0-tech, moving Chris Jones and Frank Clark alongside him, with Leo Chenal blitzing from behind. Having Ika as a nose tackle who can both occupy double-teams and rush the passer could grant Kansas City much more flexibility.

62) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Clayton Tune, QB, Houston

Heading into 2021, Clayton Tune was a toolsy quarterback who needed much more consistency. That consistency came in 2021, as Tune completed 287 of 420 passes for 3,544 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Assuming he keeps climbing with his performance, Tune has the athleticism and arm talent to earn an NFL development opportunity.

63) Buffalo Bills: Zion Tupuola-Fetui, EDGE, Washington

It’s been a harrowing journey for Washington’s Zion Tupuola-Fetui, who had to work his way back from a torn Achilles. But Tupuola-Fetui is fully healthy entering 2022 and is poised for a breakout season. For Buffalo, he could be a potential flex piece on the defensive line. He’s played as heavy as 280, but even at that size, Tupuola-Fetui can move all across the front and generate disruption with his violent hand strikes.