Lance Zierlein 2023 NFL mock draft 2.1: Raiders go up for C.J. Stroud; Colts select Anthony Richardson
UPDATE: When we originally posted Mock 2.0 on Tuesday morning, I suggested that Atlanta trade the 8th overall pick to Baltimore in exchange for Lamar Jackson, and the Ravens subsequently drafted Kentucky QB Will Lewis. But later Tuesday, after Baltimore placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager reported that Atlanta has no plans to chase former league MVP. So, after my colleague’s report, I tweaked this simulation a bit.
Without further ado, enjoy Mock 2.1!
The 2023 NFL Scout Combine provided valuable insight into this year’s pool of leads. Which player advanced to the 1st round? Who dropped out?
Here’s my latest 1st round layout of the 2023 NFL Draft, just completed my annual Indianapolis scouting trip.
NOTE: In August, the NFL announced that the Miami Dolphins would forfeit their 2023 first-round pick and 2024 third-round pick after an investigation into whether the team violated the league’s fair play policy.
The quarterbacks put on a show at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, thereby increasing the supply of critical positions and essentially reducing the demand for the No. 1 pick. Add to that the current uncertainty around Jalen Carter, and Chicago will ultimately stay put and grab the best player of this draft.
Young is the quarterback with the best poise, the fewest problems, and the most “face of the franchise”. He’ll fit in perfectly with the Texans.
TRADING FORECAST WITH ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Raiders can either sit back and hope they get their number 7 guy…or push up aggressively and target the quarterback they want. In this exercise, Josh McDaniels and company jump into the Arizona draft slot to catch Stroud, who posted the best clean shot in Indy.
New Colts head coach Shane Steichen just helped the Eagles get to the Super Bowl with a quarterback (Jalen Hurts) who has similar traits to the sporting prodigy. Richardson needs time to develop, but the Florida product has huge potential.
General manager John Schneider acknowledged the Seahawks. need to get better soon to stop running. After Carter’s arrest last week, we will obviously have to see how this situation develops over the next few months.
The sixth overall pick might seem like the right place to trade to get the last of the Big Four quarterbacks, but Detroit sits tight and snatches the Illinois ball guard.
TRADING FORECAST WITH LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The script would be a huge win for the Cardinals: adding valuable draft capital And one of the best defensemen in the draft.
As mentioned at the beginning of this file, I originally offered Atlanta to trade that pick to Baltimore in exchange for Lamar Jackson, and then the Ravens picked Kentucky QB Will Lewis. But later Tuesday, after Baltimore placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager reported that Atlanta has no plans to chase former league MVP. So, after my colleague’s report, I have the Falcons, who are holding the pick and capturing a big, versatile cornerback who plays consistent football.
In the original version of this simulation, after the top four quarterbacks went off the board during the first eight picks, Carolina took advantage of Miles Murphy’s Clemson. But in light of what I discussed at the beginning of this file, and in the Falcon annotation just above, the Panthers have a signalman who falls right into their laps. The only question is: do they value the Kentucky tool shooter as the true “face of the franchise”?
With such a busy roster, Philadelphia is a tough team to mock. However, a cornerback is a must. Gonzalez has the size, speed and athleticism to take on any player in the league.
I could see the Titans leaning towards a lineman with more length – LOOK AT: Paris Johnson Jr. or Broderick Jones – but Skoronski comes into the league with the most brilliant.
Van Ness just crushed the harvester. His physique and game strength will likely remind DeMeco Ryans of the players he did great defense with in San Francisco.
Jones gives the Jets an insurance policy for frequently injured left tackle Mekhi Becton. And if Beckton stays healthy, Jones can move to the right flank.
This choice may surprise some, but Wright is a strong tackle with heavy hands who blocks guys. He is smaller than Trent Brown but offers a similar game.
I think any of the top three tights could end up in this spot, depending on how the Packers prioritize athleticism over blocking, but Mayer is a solid mix of traits here.
Washington has several offensive line needs, but this choice will allow commanders to move Sam Cosmey to defense and put Johnson in an early starting role.
Banks destroyed testing at Indy by advancing on the draft board. The versatility of his circuitry gives the Steelers coverage flexibility.
Let’s go to! Longhorn’s talented back combines strength and mobility – and he can have the same impact on offense as we saw last season with Josh Jacobs in Las Vegas. Baller, move over here, Brad Holmes!
Tampa Bay could very well lose Jamel Dean to free will. Porter Jr. is a long-legged press corner who could fit into the Buccaneers’ scheme as an early starter.
After the first choice in this defensive line drill, the Seahawks added more size and speed to complete the trio of talented receivers in Seattle.
Source: www.nfl.com
