*Edited after the Aaron Rodgers to the Jets trade.*
Drake samples Viva La Vida by Coldplay on this tune. Great tune. Not a lot of rappers would have done something like this in ‘09 because it would have made them look soft.
Yes, sir, @YouTheReader I’ll be documenting Drake’s catalog of albums from start to finish every Mock Draft Monday. Thank Me Later will start Monday, May 1st.
No, thank you. All I have to say is…
For those who don’t know who Mel Kiper is, he is basically the God Father of the NFL Draft. He started making Mock Drafts for ESPN in 1984. The GIF above isn’t even really a slight on him, as all NFL fans know, this actually happened during the 1994 NFL Draft. Mocking the NFL Draft is nearly impossible. Some of these guys who do this for a living will be lucky to get a handful of player picks correctly in the slot with the correct team. The only player I got last year correct was Sauce Gardner to the Jets at #4. Beginner’s luck.
The Scout That Never Was
Since mid-January, I’ve been spending Sunday nights and Monday mornings throwing out a bunch of college football players entering the ‘23 NFL Draft. This probably looked a bit insane. No, I would never have expected anybody to read an hour’s worth of NFL Draft prospects. I was doing so because I want to be able to have player bios and a bit of familiarity with players taken after the 1st Round. No Football Friday this week will have a bit of football as I’ll do a 2nd and 3rd Round Mock Draft based on how the 1st Round goes this Thursday. I’ll Congratulate myself a bit here because if I hadn’t put in a bit of extra work these past few months, I would not be able to cover much past the 1st Round.
The Panthers have yet to make this official but Bryce Young is the favorite by a wide margin on almost every betting site.
Bryce Young is the only quarterback in Alabama history to throw for 3,000-plus yards in two seasons. Young finished 2nd in program history for career passing yards (8,356) and passing touchdowns (80). In ‘21, he set the Alabama single-season marks for passing yards (4,872) and touchdowns (47) while winning the Heisman Trophy. Bryce Young had elite escapability in college that he likely may not be able to pull off as much against grown men. His size will also be a cause for concern for some NFL teams. That said, if you are taking a QB with the #1 Overall Pick in today’s NFL, you almost have to expect that the QB can both throw and run. Bryce Young was entered into Saban’s starting QB1 role right after Mac Jones and it was as if the Alabama offense didn’t skip a beat, if anything Young’s legs made them that much more lethal.
Back to back ‘Bama. Anderson was arguably the best defensive player in College Football for the past two years.
Will Anderson Jr. may be the best player in the ‘23 NFL Draft. An executive for an NFC team told NFL.com, which told me when I read it that, “Power Five players with traits who get sacks in college are going to get sacks in the pros. Anderson is way more likely to succeed than any of these quarterbacks (in the draft). It’s not even close.” Anderson Jr finished his three years at ‘Bama ranked 2nd on Alabama's career sacks list with 34.5 (-201 yards), trailing only Derrick Thomas. He is a two-time Nagurski Trophy winner (Nation’s best defender), which makes him only the 2nd player in the award's history to take home the honors twice. He was the recipient of the Bednarik Award, which is another award presented to the nation's top defender. He was named the Rotary Lombardi winner, which goes to the player that “best embodies the values and spirit of NFL's legendary coach Vince Lombardi.” Not only that but Anderson Jr was also honored with the Lott IMPACT Trophy which recognizes a player for their performance on the field and character off the field. Only Manti Te'o can say he too swept all four awards. Anderson Jr. in 3 seasons at ‘Bama racked up 62 tackles for loss and a Pick 6 as well. (Source: Bama)
The Cardinals are in a weird spot. With Kyler Murray likely not to be ready to start the season, if they get off to a rough start, would they rule out slow-playing Murray’s return in order to get another top 5 pick next season?
Tyree Wilson was regarded as one of the nation’s top most-impactful players during his final year as a Red Raider. Wilson turned in an All-American type year to place himself among the top prospects for the NFL Draft. In ‘22, Wilson had totaled 61 tackles (36 solo), including 14.0 for a loss and 7.0 sacks, up to the point where a season-ending injury cut his senior year short to just 10 games. In ‘21, Wilson also had 13.5 tackles for a loss and 7 sacks, so his college production doesn’t make him that much of a projection. At 6’6” & 275 lbs., Wilson has all the look of a physically imposing NFL pass rusher and he should be versatile enough to play both defensive end in a 4-3 front or outside linebacker in a 3-4 front.
The Colts and Richardson seem to be an odd pairing, but could their new head coach formerly the OC of Jalen Hurts, Shane Steichen develop Richardson into the next great dual-threat QB?
Anthony Richardson may be the ultimate boom-or-bust prospect of the NFL Draft. He may be one of the most talented QBs to ever enter the Draft, but that said his college production was a bit inconsistent. Richardson closing out his pro day with a cartwheel flip was bold. It’ll either be the stuff of legends or mocked throughout his career if things go sideways. He finished with 2,549 passing yards and 17 touchdowns for an average of 212.42 yards per game, not otherworldly stats by any stretch. He came in 2nd on the team in rushing touchdowns (9) and 3rd in rushing yards (654). He’s drawn comparisons to Cam Newton & Josh Allen and after an expectedly good NFL Combine showing where he ran a 4.44 40-time, comparing him to the former MVP may not be too crazy. (Source: Florida)
Pete Carroll and the Seahawks have built up enough of a team culture that they could take on the Jalen Carter situation. There is no doubt that Carter can be productive on the gridiron, but his story could be a headliner on Thursday night.
Jalen Carter was sentenced to probation in a crash that killed a teammate and a team staffer. The crash happened hours after the Bulldogs’ national championship victory parade. Carter has pleaded no contest this past week to the charges he is facing of racing and reckless driving, according to his attorney, Kim Stephens. @YouTheReader the Computer Simulated Carter to be taken here. It remains to be seen how the NFL will handle this whole situation moving forward.
The Lions let go of Okudah after taking him #3 overall in ‘20. Could they get shy about taking another CB this early? Sure, but that seems to be their only real need on defense.
Devon Witherspoon became the first Illinois football player in school history to be named a Jim Thorpe finalist. He also became the first football player in school history to be named a consensus first-team All-American. Both of these accomplishments occurred during the ‘22 season when the Dick Butkus Defensive MVP had 17 pass breakups (good for top 6 in all of the NCAA) and 3 INTs. Witherspoon is a very physical and willing tackler who was more importantly graded the #1 in coverage in the nation (92.5), according to PFF.
The Raiders could use an upgrade at either guard position and both their Tackles are in their late 20s so Skoronki could shift outside in a year or two.
Peter Skoronski was a 3-year starter who made an All-Big Ten Team every year. As a junior in ‘22, Skoronski was Unanimous First Team All-American (first ever by an NU player). He was named Rimington-Pace Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (first ever by an NU lineman). Finished as a finalist for the 2022 Outland Trophy, recognizing the nation’s best college interior linemen on both offense and defense. Finished ‘22 with PFF’s highest pass-blocking grade in the country at 93.0, (also one of highest of all time), allowing only six pressures on 480 pass-blocking snaps. Had the best PFF single-season pass-blocking grade recorded over the last two years. He also finished with a 79.1 PFF run-blocking grade, ranking 5th among all qualifying Power 5 tackles. (Source: Northwestern)
The Falcons go with a versatile edge rusher who played in their backyard.
Nolan Smith’s ‘22 season was cut short due to a torn pec. Still, entering the season he was named to preseason watch lists for the Outland Trophy (nation's top interior lineman) and Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation's top defender). (Source: Georgia) While his career stat line may look a bit underwhelming, 11.5 sacks in 46 games in Athens, NFL scouts may point to Travon Walker from last year as a reason to take Smith in the first two days of the NFL Draft. Like Walker, Smith has some rare athletic traits that could be further developed as he matures as a pass rusher in the pros. Expect scouts to drool over his 4.44 40-time speed, but he’ll need to be coached up some to fine-tune his pass rush moves.
Da Bears aren’t allowed to go offense in Week to Week Notes’ Mock Drafts.
Christian Gonzalez is a 6’2” corner. Gonzalez led the Ducks with 4 interceptions, 3rd-most in the Pac-12, and finished with 50 total tackles (35 solo) and one tackle for loss. Totaled 118 return yards on four interceptions, the most by a Duck in a season since ‘01. He tied for 6th in the Pac-12 with 11 passes defended and tied for 9th with 7 passes broken up. Gonzalez earned an 81.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, the best among all Duck defenders and No. 4 among Pac-12 cornerbacks. (Source: Oregon)
The Eagles coming off their Super Bowl are as complete of a team as they come. They have 2 First Round Picks. They could have the luxury of going RB or WR, but Darius Slay did at one point this offseason look like he was on the outs and he’s 32.
Deonte Banks totaled 38 tackles (25 solo), 8 pass breakups, 1 interception, and a half-sack in ‘22. At 6’2”, Banks has the potential to be a lockdown press corner. He was a starter in his 2 years at Maryland before suffering a season-ending should in ‘21 which cut his season short to just 2 games. He doesn’t miss tackles (only missed one in his 36 tackle attempts) and ranked 4th in the Big Ten with a 43.3% completion rate allowed. (Source: Maryland)
The thought process would be to replace Taylor Lewan.
Paris Johnson Jr is a two-time OSU Scholar-Athlete who is majoring in journalism and has written numerous articles that have been published in the school newspaper, The Lantern. (Source: The Ohio State University) Here hyperlinked is something he wrote on the Ohio State baseball team. The 6’6” and 310 lbs. left tackle played mostly guard before moving outside to tackle in ‘22. He anchored the blindside OL line that is sixth nationally in fewest TFLs allowed (37; only 7 sacks allowed). In 757 snaps at the new position, he gave up only 9 QB hurries, no QB hits, and two sacks. Johnson has the prototypical size and athleticism to play tackle in the NFL and also has a bit of a mean street on the field, which is never a bad thing on the gridiron.
One “sure thing” QB always falls later than he is supposed to. Would the Texans really pass up Stroud twice?
C.J. Stroud is a 2-time Heisman Trophy finalist and twice won Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year and QB of the Year. He also was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year for a total of five Big Ten individual awards tying second all-time in conference history with Justin Fields and Orlando Pace and behind only Braxton Miller’s seven. According to PFF College, Stroud led the nation in pass efficiency rating in ‘22 (177.7) and was second in ‘21 (186.6). He ranked 2nd nationally in TD passes in 2’2 (41) and 3rd in ‘21 (44). This made Stroud the 1st QB in Big Ten history to have back-to-back seasons with 30 or more touchdown passes. Former Buckeye and current NY Jets WR (cough, cough, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, cough, cough), Garrett Wilson, has high praise for his former college QB. “Hopefully that wasn’t the last time,” Wilson tweeted, “but just in case… it’s been a pleasure @CJ7STROUD.” This came last March when Stroud threw for his Ohio State WRs that were getting drafted, Wilson & Chris Olave.
It would be such a Packers move to go WR in the 1st Round as a way to stick it to Aaron Rodgers.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is coming off a ‘22 season where he only played 2 games due to injury. His ‘21 Rose Bowl MVP performance where he had 15 receptions, for 3 TDs and 347 receiving yards was the stuff of legends. Injuries and questions over if he is limited to being a slot WR, where he lined up over 80% of his snaps throughout his career, would be the reason he falls.
Myles Murphy just seems like a Bill Belichick big-school pick. With the Pats he’ll probably have a nice 10-year career where he’ll hover around 10 sacks a year.
Myles Murphy is credited with 139 tackles (37.0 for loss), 17.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and six pass breakups in 1,543 snaps over 38 games (27 starts) at Clemson. He has drawn comparisons to the #1 Overall Pick last year, Travon Walker. He and Louisville’s Yasir Abdullah as the only two Power Five players to record at least 35 tackles for loss and at least six forced fumbles across the ‘20-’22 seasons. was the only player in the country to produce at least 10 tackles for loss and at least one forced fumble in each of those three seasons. (Source: Clemson)
Kancey’s size would be the only reason teams would pass on him. Pittsburgh has produced some of the NFL’s biggest stars.
Calijah Kancey in ‘22 was an American Football Coaches Association All-American (1st team), Associated Press All-American (1st team), Football Writers Association of America All-American (1st team), Sporting News All-American (1st team), Walter Camp All-American (1st team), CBS Sports All-American (1st team), ESPN All-American (1st team), and Pro Football Focus All-American (1st team). I mean shrimp, I might as well name him a Week to Week Notes All-American 1st teamer. College Football Network (CFN) also named him their National Defensive Tackle of the Year and he was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Kancey became the Panthers’ first Unanimous All-American since defensive tackle Aaron Donald in ‘13. In 133 seasons of intercollegiate football, Pitt players earned Unanimous All-America recognition only 15 times (13 total players have achieved this distinction). Kancey was the only player in the country to be selected as a 2022 finalist for both the Outland Trophy (nation’s best interior lineman) and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (national defensive player of the year). His career stat line at Pitt ended up 37 games played, 16 sacks, 92 tackles, and 34.5 of them being a tackle for a loss. How could this guy fall out of the first round? Well, his size could be a Red Flag for scouts, as he stands 6’0” and weighs in at 280 lbs, which is featherweight for an interior lineman. What he does have going for him is that Aaron Donald is only an inch taller and weighs 284 lbs. (Source: Pitt)
Even the Commanders won’t take Will Levis in the 1st Round on Week to Week Notes because the guy puts mayonnaise in his coffee. Insane.
Broderick Jones started at LT in all 15 games in ‘22. Jones was named the Associated Press All-SEC First-Team selection. He is entering the NFL Draft as a Redshirt-Sophomore. In ‘21 as a Redshirt-Freshman Jones was named to the Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team for playing in every game and starting the last four games of the regular season at LT. When Jones entered college he was ranked as the #11 prospect nationally, the #2 offensive tackle prospect, and the #3 prospect from the state of Georgia. He was an ESPN five-star prospect, the #9 prospect nationally, #1 OT prospect nationally, #5 prospect in the Southeast region, and the #3 in Georgia. (Source: Georgia)
The Steelers taking Joey Porter’s son was just too good of a storyline not to try to spark on Week to Week Notes.
Joey Porter Jr is Joey Porter, the former Pittsburgh Steeler’s son. JPJ was named 1st team All-Big Ten by coaches and AP. He earned the team’s Most Valuable Defensive Player. At 6’2” he has great size for a corner and he obviously already has NFL genes in him.
Just seems like a need for the Lions after they dealt TJ Hockenson last year.
If it feels like every year Notre Dame has a stud TE entering the draft, that is because they are basically Tight End University. Mark Bavaro, Anthony Fasano, Kyle Rudolph, John Carlson, Tyler Eifert, Troy Niklas, and Cole Kmet, are some of the notable names. Michael Mayer had at least one reception in all 36 games of his collegiate career. That consistency helped make Mayer the school's all-time leader in catches by a TE in an inconsistent offense. Mayer’s 809 receiving yards in ‘22 represented over 30% of Notre Dame’s 2,692 team passing yards.
Hendon Hooker had a phenomenal collegiate career. The main reason he wouldn’t go earlier is that he is already 25 years old. Luckily for him, the Bucs are no stranger to older QBs after TB12.
A program-changing quarterback who led Tennessee back to national prominence in his two seasons. Hooker finished his time with the Vols as one of the most well-liked and respected players to dawn the Orange & White, holding a high standard for himself and his teammates in all facets of being a student-athlete. He was the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in ‘22, good for ‘22 All-SEC First Team. For his entire collegiate career, put up 11,053 yards of total offense, completing 632-of-944 passes (66.9 percent) for 8,974 yards and 80 touchdowns with 12 INTs. Hooker added 2,079 yards on 517 carries with 25 scores on the ground, including four 100-yard rushing games. Owned a 15-7 record as a starter at Tennessee with the offense averaging 43.1 points per game and 512.3 yards per game in those 22 contests. In his two seasons at Tennessee, completed 435-of-632 passes (68.8) for 6,080 yards with 58 touchdowns and only five interceptions. Shattered Peyton Manning’s school record for career completion percentage (68.8). (Source: Tennessee)
Going 2 DTs would be sort of nuts but pairing Carter and Bresee on Rookie deals for the next 5 years could be a game-changer in Seattle.
Bryan Bresee is a former #1 recruit in the country that lived up to the billing. He burst onto the college football scene in ‘20 as a Freshman All-American. Became the second ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in Clemson history, joining Dexter Lawrence (‘16). Credited with 64 career tackles (15.0 for loss), 9.0 sacks, four pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble, and a safety in 26 games (21 starts). He also contributed offensively to Clemson’s jumbo package. Bresee tore his ACL in ‘21 so this previous offseason he was spending most of it rehabbing the injury. This should not really weigh much into NFL GMs decisions as he appears to be fully recovered. His athleticism and versatility as a defensive lineman would make him an easy fit for any potential football team. (Source: Clemson)
Chargers fan insider wants to go WR, this one can fly.
Jalin Hyatt is all gas, no brakes. The ‘22 Biletnikoff Award Winner was the nation’s most explosive playmaker. Hyatt holds the Tennessee school records for single-game touchdown receptions (5 vs. Alabama on 10/15 ‘22) and single-season receiving touchdowns (15 in ‘22). Of his 108 career catches, 52 went for 10+ yards, 30 for 20+ yards, 21 for 30+ yards, and 12 for 40+ yards. (Source: Tennessee) In my opinion, he’ll be taken in the 1st round of the draft, but scouts may be skeptical that Hyatt really only has one year of elite college production. Tennessee WR Coach Kelsey Pope said this past Aug ‘22, “Jalin Hyatt is like a different person this year. Impressing early. Put on 8-10 pounds in weight and continue to improve.” The added muscle during the offseason from hard work certainly played a key factor in his breakout season. An easy player comparison as a floor for Hyatt would be Robbie Anderson. If Hyatt is able to add more than just the 4.2 40-time straight-line speed into his game, he may be Scary Terry McLaurin good or maybe even better - why place ceilings on a hard-working 21-year-old?
Would’ve gone WR until the Ravens signed OBJ. Ojulari just seems like a Raven.
B.J. Ojulari is a “Team leader who makes an impact on teammates, classmates, and the community on a daily basis. Goes in line with his heritage, being the grandson of a Nigerian prince. Awarded No. 18 days into training camp. The No. 18 is given each year to the player who best represents all the outstanding traits of an LSU football player. Versatile defender who can play defensive end or linebacker. Tremendous athlete who explodes off the ball … Excellent speed with the ability to run down quarterbacks. A very disruptive player who causes problems for the offense in both the passing and running games.”(Source: LSU)
Adam Theilen’s replacement. K.J. Osborn and Jalen Reagor are fine complimentary pieces but shouldn’t be starting Week 1.
Asking any rookie WR to step into an offense and immediately become WR#1 is a bit unrealistic, but Quentin Johnston may have some special YAC ability where they can manufacture him touches. Johnston was a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist in ‘22, recognizing the nation's most outstanding WR. He reached 1,069 receiving yards in ‘22 on only 60 catches for the season. That is an impressive average of 17.8 yards per catch. The 17.8 he averaged this past season was actually a career low at TCU as Johnston averaged 19.2 and 22.1 as a sophomore&freshman with fewer targets. Johnston at 6’4” with 4.4 speed should translate in pros.
Could always add another weapon for Sunshine but Branch could start over Rayshawn Jenkins and be paired with Andre Cisco, giving them two young rangy safeties.
Brian Branch in ‘22 started every game at Nick Saban’s “star” position. He earned 1st Team All-America honors as the defensive back from CBS Sports and ESPN.com and at the flex position by PFF. He was selected as a 2nd Team All-American by the AP. He recorded 90 tackles, good for 3rd on the Tide’s defense. As a DB, he impressively finished 2nd on the team with 14 tackles for loss, including 3 sacks while adding in 7 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and a pair of QB hurries. Branch also returned a punt for a 68-yard TD. He can play all over the defensive backfield. His 4.44 40-time gives him the range to play CF as a safety and his hard-hitting tackling ability allows him to also blitz or be a pseudo linebacker. (Source: Roll Tide)
I would go WR but this offseason they signed Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder. Plus they have Wan’Dale Robinson from last year’s draft, and Sterling Shepherd possibly coming back from injury.
Trenton Simpson was a ‘22 Dick Butkus Award and Lott IMPACT (Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity) semifinalist. His 4.39 40-time speed as a linebacker makes him extremely versatile. Although he at times may struggle in pass coverage, Simpson has great pass rush instinct from a stand-up linebacker. In ‘20 and ‘21, he combined for 10 sacks. He may have only had 2.5 sacks last season, but Simpson can hold his own as a chess piece on defense and at times line up essentially as a safety for Clemson.
Darnell Washington’s size will always stand out. Jerry Jones loves him some standouts.
At 6’7” and 270 pounds, Darnell Washington stood out on the College Football field and will do the same in the pros. Washington is the type of prospect who even if the team doesn't have a need for a TE, he’s such a freak that he might be worth taking a chance on. He’s a WR in the TE’s body.
Von Miller is 34 years old. They’d be pairing Van Ness with Rousseau as Buffalo’s edge rushers for the next 3+ years at least.
Lukas Van Ness was twice on the Academic All-Big Ten team. He received Iowa’s Coaches Appreciation Award for his special team’s play and the Team Hustle Award for defense. Coaches and AP also selected him to the All-Big Ten 2nd team in ‘22. He redshirted his freshman year at Iowa weighing only 240 lbs. Van Ness bulked up to around 275 lbs. and at 6’5” his teammates nicknamed him “Hercules.” During his career at Iowa, he ended up with 19.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks in 27 games played. (Source: Iowa)
Ringo would get reps against Chase and Higgins - iron sharpens iron.
Kelee Ringo in ‘22 was named 2nd Team All-SEC by Coaches and AP. He has been compared to the likes of a young Patrick Peterson. Ringo at 6’1” runs like the wind with a 4.36 40-time. He red-shirted his freshman season so only played 2 years at Georgia where he had 4 career INTs and 19 career pass deflections. (Source: Georgia)
Cameron Jordan can show Adebawore some pass-rush moves before he replaces him.
Adetomiwa Adebawore in ‘22 was selected third-team All-Big Ten by the media. He registered 31 pressures and 27 run stops (third-most among B1G edge rushers), per PFF this past year. He played on the edge in college but will likely be moved inside to an interior role in the NFL. Adebawore was voted best defensive lineman at the ‘23 Senior Bowl. (Source: Northwestern)
Robinson would be a luxury pick for Philly but he’s got 1st Round RB talent and would be great in any offense.
Bijan Robinson made 28 starts at Texas and was the winner of the 2022 Doak Walker Award (Nation’s Top RB). He ranks 4th all-time in Longhorn history with 3,410 rushing yards and 41 total touchdowns (33 rushing, 8 receiving). Robinson was a unanimous All-American in ‘22, the 4th UT RB to earn the honor, joining James Saxton (1961), Earl Campbell (1977), and Ricky Williams (1997, 1998). He finished 9th in Heisman Trophy voting in ‘22. At Texas, he had 18 career 100-yard rushing games, including a streak of 7-straight games that is the 3rd-longest in program history. His 33 career rushing touchdowns are the 3rd-most in Texas history. Robinson ranks 4th all-time in UT history in tandem yards (4,215), 8th in all-purpose yards (4,231), and 9th in points scored (246). He had 805 career receiving yards, the 3rd-most all-time for a Texas RB, and his 8 career receiving touchdowns are the most ever for a Texas RB. All of these accolades plus his relentlessness, size, power, and speed make him the consensus RB #1 in the ‘23 NFL Draft Class. (Source: Texas)
The Chiefs would be adding another weapon, which would be terrifying. The other thing that is pretty terrifying about the Chiefs' defense, which never gets much credit, is so young the majority of their defense is 25 or under.
Jordan Addison was the ‘21 Biletnikoff Award (nation’s top receiver) at Pitt before transferring to USC last season. As a transfer at USC, Addison had 59 catches for 875 receiving yards and 8 TDs. He is a natural in terms of route-running, he just knows how to get open. His cutting ability and speed should translate to yards after the catch in the NFL too.
YouTube Rabbithole
He Gets ZERO Respect For His Influence On NFL Draft Coverage (The SURPRISING Story Of Mel Kiper)