NFL Mock Draft 2023, 3-round edition: Panthers pick Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud; Bucs catch falling Will Levis

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2023 NFL mock draft
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With about a week left before teams go on the clock for real in the 2023 NFL Draft, it's time for Sporting News to step into the ring for a three-round mock. From sudden doubt about whom the Panthers will take at the top at No. 1 overall to the 49ers waiting to select at No. 99, No. 101 and No. 102 overall, the intriguing keeps building.

While many players are rising up boards or cementing their status, there also are plenty of smokescreens being put up around the league.

Working with the latest information and trying to avoid the misinformation, here's Sporting News' latest at how things may play out on the nights of April 27 and April 28:

MORE SN MOCKS: Complete 7-round edition | First round with trades

NFL Mock Draft 2023

Round 1

1. Carolina Panthers (from Bears)

  • Bryce Young, QB, Alabama (5-10, 204 pounds)

The Panthers are having a heated internal debate about which QB to take here, but it's down to Young vs. Stroud. Young has plenty of fans with the offensive staff because of his arm, accuracy, intangibles and leadership adding up to can't-miss package regardless of any size concern.

MORE: Big board of top 140 overall players, position rankings

2. Houston Texans

  • C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State (6-3, 214 pounds)

The Texans will be happy taking either Young or Stroud as their franchise QB to fit their new 49ers-like offense well Stroud is a sturdy pro-polished pocket passer who makes all the throws with accuracy with the right dash of athleticism.

3. Arizona Cardinals

  • Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama (6-3, 253 pounds)

The Cardinals, if they don't trade this pick for a team jumping up for a quarterback, should lock into the defensive difference-maker they like and trust the most. Anderson is a great fit for Jonathan Gannon's defense rushing the passer and flying around on the second level despite the fact Jalen Carter fills more of a need.

MORE: Grading NFL free agency moves for all 32 teams from best (Bears) to worst (Packers)

4. Indianapolis Colts

  •  Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida (6-4, 244 pounds)

The Colts might need to swing a trade with the Cardinals slide up to No. 3 to ensure getting the third quarterback, but should Young and Stroud be gone, Richardson looks like the choice. He has massive arm and athletic upside to think he will click in Shane Steichen's offense after he coached Jalen Hurts so well in Philadelphia.

5. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos)

  • Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-6, 275 pounds)

The Seahawks will be thinking defense early and will go for pass-rush upside outside over filling a need inside, too, especially after investing well in free-agent addition Dre'Mont Jones. Wilson's freakish and versatile qualities should have great appeal to Pete Carroll as another cornerstone disruptor.

Christian Gonzalez
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6. Detroit Lions (from Rams)

  • Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon (6-1, 197 pounds)

The Lions spent well to upgrade their secondary in free agency with corners Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley and safety C.J. Gardner Johnson. But they still have a weakness outside after deciding to give up on first-rounder Jeff Okudah. Gonzalez's size-speed-ballhawk combination is hard to ignore to flip a group into a complete strength.

MORE: Biggest winners & losers from 2023 free agency

7. Las Vegas Raiders

  •  Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia (6-3, 314 pounds)

The Raiders will be ready to pounce on the best player available with GM Dave Ziegler and they won't let Carter slip past them as a much-needed complementary impact front seven defender for Maxx Crosby. Between Jerry Tillery and Bilal Nichols, Las Vegas is one of the worst base 4-3 teams at tackle.

8. Atlanta Falcons

  • Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson (6-5, 268 pounds)

The Falcons should think pass rush most regardless of Anderson and Wilson being off the board. Murphy also provides a classic combination of size, speed and quickness and is a great fit for outside linebacker in their revamped 3-4 defense.

MORE: Biggest risers, fallers from 2023 NFL Draft pro days

9. Chicago Bears (from Panthers)

  • Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern (6-4, 313 pounds)

The Bears have to work on their major defensive rebuild in this draft and would jump on Carter should he slips here, but they also need to focus on improving pass protection for Justin Fields after upgrading his wide receiver corps with new No. 1 D.J. Moore. Staying local for Skoronski makes sense as a means to that end with his plus athleticism made for long-term left-side success.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints)

  • Brian Branch, S, Alabama (6-0, 190 pounds)

The Eagles weren't able to keep star safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency and they need a direct replacement with a savvy, versatile cover man for the inside. With the depth at pass rusher, it makes sense to go after Branch, in a tier by himself at safety in this class, with their initial first-rounder.

Jordan Addison, Quentin Johnston
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11. Tennessee Titans

  • Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU (6-4, 215 pounds)

The Titans, if passing on a quarterback such as Will Levis this early, need to think upgrading their passing game again with a second consecutive first-round wide receiver after Treylon Burks. Johnston would be the ideal vertical threat complement to Burks' intermediate and after-catch work with his size and field-stretching speed.

12. Houston Texans (from Browns)

  • Jordan Addison, WR, USC (6-0, 175 pounds)

The Texans need to pair a new dynamic pass-catcher with their new franchise QB, whether it's Stroud or Young. Addison fits because he's an all-around go-to guy who plays faster than he tests and has a reliable history of production lining up everywhere as a modern No. 1.

13. Green Bay Packers (from Jets)

  • Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame (6-5, 249 pounds)

Mayer lines up well for the Packers as more than a luxury pick for Jordan Love. They invested well in wide receivers for Aaron Rodgers' successor in last year's draft but need to fill the receiving void created by Robert Tonyan leaving for the Bears in free agency. Mayer is the complete tight end who can get down the seam and make big plays and also be a reliable force in the red zone.

14. New England Patriots

  •  Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State (6-2, 198 pounds)

The son of the former Steelers star pass rusher would be a fine get for New England as Bill Belichick's scheme could use a top, big cover corner to complement Jonathan Jones. Porter has the potential to be their new Stephon Gilmore or J.C. Jackson with his ability to make plays on the ball using his size, speed and quickness.

15. New York Jets (from Packers)

  • Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State (6-6, 313 pounds)

The Jets are hoping recent first-rounders Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker will stay healthy to help Laken Tomlinson and new center Wes Schweitzer up front, but the other tackle is a concern given Duane Brown's age (37) and durability concerns and Max Mitchell's ineffectiveness. Johnson, with great athleticism for his size, projects as an immediate starting right tackle opposite Becton.

MORE: The biggest busts in NFL Draft history

16. Washington Commanders

  • Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois (6-0, 181 pounds)

Witherspoon follows the agility and size combination theme for corners in this class. He positioned himself to be a top-half pick with great pre-draft work, much like Gonzalez and Porter. The Commanders might think a little about quarterback here with Levis on the board, but cleaning up corner is smarter.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia (6-4, 310 pounds)

The offensive tackles might see a shuffle between Skoronski, Johnson, Jones and others in terms of how they go early in the draft, but lock in the Steelers for the best tackle available here unless they go up and trade for a falling Jalen Carter. Kenny Pickett has plenty of offensive skill weapons.

18. Detroit Lions

  • Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas (5-11, 215 pounds)

The Lions can put their offense over the top with a dominant, explosive three-down workhorse, turning D'Andre Swift into a dynamic change of pace and newcomer David Montgomery to a straight-up relief backup. Robinson would thrive and put up huge numbers behind their offensive line feeding off a dangerous passing game, of which he also would be a part with his receiving skills.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Will Levis, QB, Kentucky (6-3, 229 pounds)

The Buccaneers are looking at a bridge battle between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask to replace Tom Brady in the short term, but they can't feel great about either option in the long term. Should the Titans and other teams oblige early by passing on Levis, Tampa Bay shouldn't hesitate to either trade up to get him or land him here. HIs big arm and ample athleticism is a good fit for Dave Canales' offense to play off the run with downfield passing to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

WIll Levis
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20. Seattle Seahawks

  • Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson (6-6, 298 pounds)

The Seahawks, should they pass on Carter for Wilson early, will still be looking to boost their interior defensive line with real impact to help Dre'Mont Jones. Bresee is a fine fit as a versatile disruptor and run defender for their scheme.

(Note: The Miami Dolphins forfeited their pick)

21. Los Angeles Chargers

  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 195 pounds)

The Chargers need to build versatile wide receiver depth for 11 personnel behind Keenan Allen (who turns 31 on draft night) and Mike Williams. Smith-Njiba's quickness, hands and route-running to line up anywhere for Kellen Moore's offense should have appeal.

22. Baltimore Ravens

  •  Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina (6-1, 180 pounds)

The Ravens have taken a close look at Smith as a replacement for fadced and unsigned Marcus Peters. Smith is a great value here given he also offers strong size for single coverage and slipped only because of other risers.

23. Minnesota Vikings

  • Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College (5-9, 182 pounds)

The Vikings had to release Adam Thielen and need to upgrade the slot with a dynamic playmaker to play off Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn. Flowers, who compares favorable as an inside-outside threat to the Seahawks' Tyler Lockett, is a good get.

Zay Flowers
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24. Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia (6-2, 207 pounds)

Ringo is a big, aggressive physical corner the Jaguars could use to help in coverage opposite Tyson Campbell with Darious Williams struggling in coverage. He would complement their defensive front seven haul from last year's draft.

25. New York Giants

  • Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson (6-3, 235 pounds)

The Giants could use a tough, active playmaker who covers a lot of ground vs. run and pass and also line up in different spots on the second level. Simpson would work nicely with 2022 first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux and free-agent pickup Bobby Okereke.

26. Dallas Cowboys

  • O'Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida (6-5, 330 pounds)

The Cowboys need address their interior weakness away from young center Tyler Biadasz and veteran right guard Zack Martin after losing Connor McGovern in free agency. Torrence is the type of run-blocking road grader they could use for what should be a run-heavier offense under Brian Schottenheimer.

MORE: Each team's worst NFL Draft regret

27. Buffalo Bills

  • Drew Sanders, LB/S, Arkansas (6-4, 235 pounds)

The Bills need to replace Tremaine Edmunds next to ace coverage man Matt Milano. Sanders is a natural pass rusher and upfield disruptor against the run to complement what Milano does well at a high level.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

  • Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah (6-4, 246 pounds)

The Bengals took a flyer on former Viking Irv Smith Jr. but have been gutted at tight end the past couple offseasons and could use an upgrade in the form of this impact receiving-forward athlete for Joe Burrow.

29. New Orleans Saints (from 49ers through Broncos)

  • Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia (6-2, 238 pounds)

The Saints have seen their pass rush get depleted away from future Hall of Famer Cameron Jordan and should like Smith's rocket-like speed and quickness to get after the QB. He can help situationally at first before rounding his game into a complete force.

Nolan Smith
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30. Philadelphia Eagles

  • Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa (6-5, 272 pounds)

The Eagles need to develop another relentless and explosive pass rusher behind 35-year-old Brandon Graham and Van Ness can produce with effort situationally at first before he polishes his moves.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

  • Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma (6-4, 315 pounds)

The Chiefs signed Jawaan Taylor to replace Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle but need to address the right side after also losing Andrew Wylie in free agency. Harrison is a sound run blocker with plus athleticism to get better in pass protection.

Round 2

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Bears)

  • Siaka Ika, DT, Baylor (6-3, 335 pounds)

The Steelers need to upgrade nose again in their long-time strong based 3-4. Ika has drawn comparisons to Steelers five-time Pro Bowler Casey Hampton as linchpin against the run.

33. Houston Texans

  • Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame (6-5, 264 pounds)

After the Texans two-step for offense in the first round, DeMeco Ryans can turn his attention to his defense. Foskey is a well-rounded power rusher with a dash of explosiveness and a history of production.

34. Arizona Cardinals

  • John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota (6-4, 320 pounds)

The Cardinals need a plug-and-play starting center. Schmitz is a natural nasty run-blocker who can blossom into a big-time asset in inside pass protection.

35. Indianapolis Colts 

  • Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State (6-8, 37 pounds)

The Colts aren't sure on big Bernhard Raimann at left tackle and Brendan Smith is coming off a shaky year at right tackle. Jones can be a big, strong swing backup with potential to be a big-time starter next year.

36. Los Angeles Rams

  • Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah (5-9, 184 pounds)

The Rams moved Jalen Ramsey to the Dolphins and must replacing him with another high-upside playmaking corner. Phillips was very productive in college and fits Raheem Morris' scheme well for a smaller cover man.

37. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos)

  • Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse (5-11, 192 pounds)

The Seahawks need to make No. 2 outside corner a premium after landing big shutdown ace Tariq Woolen and promising slot defender Coby Bryant in last year's draft. Williams is a nice styled-corner for them with his physical, aggressive style.

38. Las Vegas Raiders

  • Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State (6-3, 255 pounds)

The Raiders, after getting Carter in the first round for their front, could use a freakish complement to Crosby outside given Chandler Jones is going into his Age-33 season.

39. Carolina Panthers

  • Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M (6-2, 200 pounds) 

The Panthers must get bigger and deeper in coverage behind rising shutdown star Jaycee Horn. Jones has strong potential to replace struggling Donte Jackson as the other starter.

40. New Orleans Saints

  • Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh (6-1, 281 pounds) 

The Saints lost David Onyemata (Falcons) and Shy Tuttle (Panthers) to division rivals in free agency. Kancey, a riser with his compact size and strength package, is their ideal style of tackle for Allen.

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41. Tennessee Titans

  • Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee (6-3, 217 pounds)

The Titans have Hooker on their radar should they pass on a first-round QB and don't make a blockbuster deal for Lamar Jackson. His big arm, intangibles and downfield accuracy can help push their offense forward to more passing pop vs. Ryan Tannehill or Malik Willis.

42. Green Bay Packers (from Browns through Jets)

  • Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina (5-9, 171 pounds)

The Packers have Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, but they could use a replacement for Randall Cobb with fresher, faster legs who can be used in the slot and as a pure offensive weapon in open field.

MORE: The biggest steals in NFL Draft history

43. New York Jets

  • Christopher Smith, S, Georgia (5-11, 195 pounds)

The Jets need to upgrade their inside coverage to help Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed and Michael Carter. Smith would be a worthy free-safety upgrade over former Buccaneer Jordan Whitehead.

44. Atlanta Falcons

  • Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee (6-0, 176 pounds)

The Falcons used first-round picks on athletic big targets Kyle Pitts and Drake London in consecutive drafts but with Calvin Ridley gone, they need a big-play threat who can stretch the field outside given they can't trust too much in veteran newcomers Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller.

45. Green Bay Packers

  • Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State (6-5, 302 pounds)

Mauch is a worthy stash behind David Bakhtiari, who will turn 32 in September and fellow oft-injury veteran tackle Elgton Jenkins, who can also shift to be a force at guard. Mauch's athleticism and toughness give him a chance to start on either side in time.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Devon Achane
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46. New England Patriots

  • Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama (5-9, 199 pounds)

The Patriots are serious about getting a top co-back with Rhamondre Stevenson to replace Damien Harris and they will feel comfortable rolling back to the Crimson Tride to get Gibbs' compact, speedy style with receiving upside.

47. Washington Commanders

  • Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State (6-6, 250 pounds)

The Commanders must add more athletic playmakers around Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett and Musgrave makes sense to trust vs. oft-injured Logan Thomas to help Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.

48. Detroit Lions

  • Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan (6-3, 323 pounds)

The Lions must think about their defensive interior early to help them vs. the run. With Aidan Hutchinson balling, they can go back to the Wolverines up front to get Smith, who can blow up plenty in the backfield.

49. Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State (6-0, 180 pounds)

The Steelers need some coverage help for newcomer Patrick Peterson with Cameron Sutton gone in free agency. Forbes has the versatility to play well in zone or man with a chance to develop his shutdown potential soon.

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee (6-5, 333 pounds)

The Buccaneers needed to cut Donovan Smith and need a starter opposite Tristan Wirfs, no matter what side he takes. Wright offers great athleticism for his frame to play either side, too..

51. Miami Dolphins

  • Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M (6-2, 188 pounds)

The Dolphins' first pick should get big consideration for safety. Johnson can start right away as a naturally instinctive and active cover man who also is an asset vs. the run. He would pair nicely with Jevon Holland and drop newcomer DeShon Elliott into a backup role.

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52. Seattle Seahawks

  • Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU (5-11, 195 pounds)

The Seahawks need to develop a versatile third receiver with natural slot skills behind DK Metcalf and Lockett. That would be a good way for Boutte to get his feet wet with his route-running and quickness in the NFL.

53. Chicago Bears (from Ravens)

  • B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU (6-3, 248 pounds)

The Bears must work heavily on pass rush and starting with this polished product helps. Given his smarts and instincts, Ojulari can also develop into a tougher run defender in time.

54. Los Angeles Chargers

  • Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern (6-2, 280 pounds)

The Chargers need some pass-rush pop inside for Brandon Staley. Here they get it in an explosive, high-effort rising-stock defender still coming into his own vs. the run.

55. Detroit Lions (from Vikings)

  • Jordan Battle, S, Alabama (6-1, 209 pounds)

The Lions need to think about upgrading the other safety after landing Gardner-Johnson to complete their massive overhaul of their secondary from weakness to a well-rounded strength.

BIGGEST NFL DRAFT STEALS: Round 4 | Round 5 | Round 6 | Round 7

56. Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State (6-6, 274 pounds)

The Jaguars need to build some pass-rush depth behind Travon Walker and Josh Allen. Harrison has upside because of his frame and athleticism but needs to produce in a rotation at first.

Rashee Rice
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57. New York Giants

  • Rashee Rice, WR, SMU (6-1, 204 pounds)

The Giants just need more reliable targets for Daniel Jones. Rice would work nicely with his strong, versatile route-running and prolific possession production all over the field.

58. Dallas Cowboys

  • Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia (6-7, 264 pounds)

The Cowboys lost Dalton Schultz in free agency and could use some run-blocking punch behind Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot. Washington can help at first as a tough inline run blocker before putting it together as a receiver.

59. Buffalo Bills

  • Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas (6-0, 219 pounds)

The Bills have been attached to the Longhorns' Bijan Robinson, but waiting to take Johnson here instead makes more sense. He can be the ideal power back to complement James Cook given newcomer Damien Harris' durability issues.

60. Cincinnati Bengals

  • JL Skinner, S, Boise State (6-4, 209 pounds)

The Bengals must address safety after Jessie Bates III (Falcons) and Vonn Bell (Panthers) left for the NFC South in free agency. Skinner is a natural big run stopper and Lou Anarumo will know how to get the most out of him in coverage.

61. Chicago Bears (from 49ers through Panthers)

  • Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army (6-7, 260 pounds)

After landing a more well-rounded edge player earlier in this mock with Ojulari, the Bears can also take a shot on a massive freakish raw but productive pass rusher.

62. Philadelphia Eagles

  • Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland (6-6, 306 pounds)

The Eagles know that right tackle Lane Johnson will turn 33 soon and need to think about the future of their fine offensive line. Duncan's power and quickness make him an appealing heir apparent.

63. Kansas City Chiefs

  • Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn (6-3, 254 pounds)

The Chiefs, after addressing the outside of their offensive line earlier, could use another pass-rush boost to help second-year man George Karlaftis. Hall's quickness and suddenness feel like a great second-round complement.

Round 3

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64. Chicago Bears

  • Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida (6-6, 310 pounds)

Dexter has great athleticism for his size and would be a another strong addition to the Bears front if they can't land Carter early.

65. Houston Texans

  • Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse (6-5, 318 pounds)

The Texans must improve their offensive line depth behind Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard. Bergeron's smarts, toughness and agility are right for that developmental role.

66. Arizona Cardinals

  • Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama (6-2, 188 pounds)

The Cardinals need to address corner rather early after losing Byron Murphy in free agency. Ricks is a good value size-strength-speed prospect here.

67. Denver Broncos (from Colts)

  • Will McDonald, EDGE, Iowa State (6-3, 239 pounds)

McDonald can give the Broncos a long and athletic pass rusher to help them replace Bradley Chubb behind Baron Browning and Randy Gregory.

68. Denver Broncos

  • D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan (5-11, 178 pounds)

The Broncos need some inside-outside versatility at corner to operate behind young shutdown cover man Pat Surtain II.

69. Los Angeles Rams

  • Blake Freeland, OT, BYU (6-8, 302 pounds)

Freeland is a natural big run blocker whose size and athleticism can be refined well for pass protection. The Rams need to develop strong depth behind Joe Noteboom and Rob Havenstein.

70. Las Vegas Raiders

  • Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon (6-2, 248 pounds)

Sewell is a tough and active playmaking machine the Raiders could use to further boost their defense on the second level.

71. New Orleans Saints

  • Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State (5-11, 203 pounds)

The Saints have limited pop at safety with Marcus Maye and fading Tyrann Mathieu as the starters. Brown is tough and productive with needed big-play flair.

72. Tennessee Titans

  • Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M (5-9, 188 pounds)

The Titans need to get a dynamic change of pace who can also fill in well for Derrick Henry given the veteran's wear and tear. He can be a huge third-down asset with some pass-blocking improvement.

73. Houston Texans (from Browns)

  • Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan (6-5, 275 pounds)

The Texans addressed pass rush earlier with Foskey but Morris is a different kind of defender for their four-man front given he can be effective rushing the passer when sliding inside.

74. Cleveland Browns (from Jets)

  • Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa (6-5, 249 pounds)

The Browns need more of an instinctive cleanup man in the middle of their defense and Campbell is an excellent fit for their scheme.

75. Atlanta Falcons

  • Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn (6-0, 210 pounds)

The Falcons need some durable power running depth behind Tyler Allgeier and Bigsby is a pounder with welcome gamebreaking qualities.

76. New England Patriots (from Panthers)

  • Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan (6-6, 298 pounds)

The Patriots should like Hayes' combination of size, experience and technique to believe he can be a reliable starter in time.

77. Los Angeles Rams (from Patriots through Dolphins)

  • Tuli Tuipulotu, DT, USC (6-3, 266)

The Rams need to start grooming more inside pop behind Aaron Donald and staying local for this Trojan's power and agility combination makes sense.

78. Green Bay Packers

  • Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU (6-3, 305 pounds)

Roy's power and athleticism can help him be an asset vs. the run while he develops some pass-rush skills in a rotation.

79. Indianapolis Colts (from Commanders)

  • Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee (6-3, 213 pounds)

With the potential of Alec Pierce to stretch the field and Michael Pittman Jr. to go back to thriving as a big slot, Tillman's vertical speed outside also would be welcome.

80. Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Henry To'o To'o, LB, Alabama (6-1, 227 pounds)

The Steelers could use some rangy playmaking for their front seven and coming from Alabama's 3-4, this prospect works nicely as Elandon Roberts is a limited stopgap next to newcomer Cole Holcomb.

81. Detroit Lions

  • Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa (6-3, 245 pounds)

The Lions could use a well-rounded blocking and receiving tight end with upside so it's smart to tap into the old position-producing program of former Lion T.J. Hockenson.

82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Andrew Vorhees, G, USC (6-6, 310 pounds)

After landing Wright to potentially start at tackle earlier in this mock, they could also add an interior option who can offer immediate savvy run blocking.

83. Seattle Seahawks

  • Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA (6-0, 214 pounds)

The Seahawks need to give new young feature back Kenneth Walker a stronger backup than DeeJay Dallas and Charbonnet is a powerful option with some tackle-breaking, gamebreaking skills.

84. Miami Dolphins

  • Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami (6-0, 198 pounds)

Stevenson is an intriguing local product with his physical attack style who can develop well behind playmakers Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard.

85. Los Angeles Chargers

  • Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss (5-11, 202 pounds)

The Chargers need a contingency and potential near-future replacement for Austin Ekeler and Evans works with his speed, quickness and burst as a receiving back.

86. Baltimore Ravens

  • Steve Avila, G, TCU (6-4, 332 pounds)

The Ravens need more power and agility for their offensive line to help Tyler Linderbaum after losing Ben Powers in free agency

87. Minnesota Vikings

  • Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland (6-0, 197 pounds)

The Vikings need to further work on cornerback after losing Peterson and getting Murphy and Banks offers more nice size and playmaking skills from this deep class.

88. Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin (6-4, 309 pounds)

The Jaguars need to add some more power to their rotation and Benton delivers just that.

89. New York Giants

  • Trevius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU (5-8, 178)

The Giants could use a smooth and fluid cover man for nickel work and the slot and Hodges-Tomlinson can dominate for a long time in that area.

90. Dallas Cowboys

  • Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma (6-0, 183 pounds)

The Cowboys need more playmaking behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks given it's hard to trust Michael Gallup and Mims does it both ways with big field-stretching and explosiveness after the catch in open field.

91. Buffalo Bills

  • Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State (5-11, 191 pounds)

The Bills did get Taylor Rapp and re-signed Jordan Poyer but could use some more depth and versatility for their nickel coverage.

92. Cincinnati Bengals

  • Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri (6-4, 268 pounds)

McGuire is a good physical pass rusher who can develop into a valuable all-around rotational asset.

93. Carolina Panthers (from 49ers)

  • K.J. Henry, EDGE, Clemson (6-4, 251 pounds)

Henry is a smart natural run defender the Panthers could use and he also has untapped pass-rush upside.

94. Philadelphia Eagles

  • Dylan Horton, DT, TCU (6-4, 257 pounds)

Horton's combination of athleticism and relentless gives him appeal to replace Fletcher Cox as en effective starter soon.

95. Kansas City Chiefs

  • Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford (6-0, 191 pounds)

The Chiefs need to replace their subpackage depth and Kelly has the size to develop into a starter outside in time.

96. Arizona Cardinals (compensatory)

  • Colby Wooden, DT, Auburn (6-4, 273 pounds)

Wooden helps the Cardinals address their need for inside pass-rush pop after Zach Allen left and J.J. Watt retired.

97. Washington Commanders (compensatory)

  • Tank Dell, WR, Houston (5-8, 165 pounds)

The Commanders know that Curtis Samuel's durability is a consistent issue and Dell's open-field pop should have plenty of appeal as a replacement to groom.

98. Cleveland Browns (compensatory)

  • Byron Young, DT, Alabama (6-3, 294 pounds)

The Browns could use to bolster their run defense with a power play of Young's ilk.

99. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory)

  • Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State (6-3, 198 pounds)

Brents is a physical aggressive cover man who can help the 49ers replace free-agent departure Emmanuel Moseley.

100. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chiefs through Giants, compensatory)

  • Karl Brooks, DT, Bowling Green (6-4, 300 pounds)

The Raiders shouldn't stop at Jalen Carter to find some inside rush-pop and Brooks would complete a strong two-day defensive haul.

101. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory)

  • Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State (5-11, 187 pounds)

The 49ers have liked Reed as a complement to Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk as reliable inside possession man with some underrated big-play juice.

102. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory)

  • Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina (6-4, 291 pounds)

The 49ers need to replenish their defensive line rotation and can tap into Javon Kinlaw's former program for a rare athlete for the position.

Author(s)
Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer is an NFL writer at The Sporting News