2023 NFL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds

Round 1 Picks 1-16

The 2023 NFL Draft has two quarterbacks in play for the Carolina Panthers who traded up to the first pick.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: April 27, 2023.

1. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
   
   
   Carolina traded 9, a 2024 first round pick, a 2023 second round pick from San Francisco, a 2025 second round pick, and wide receiver D.J. Moore to move up to the first pick. Now Carolina can draft their franchise quarterback with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
   
   
   
   Honestly, there are only two quarterbacks I can see Carolina drafting here to pair with Andy Dalton and Matt Corral in thier quarterbak room. Those signal callers are Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.
   
   
   
   I have a 93/99 potential grade on Bryce Young and a 92/99 potential grade on C.J. Stroud. I like Young more than Stroud and it seems like Carolina came to the same conclusion as I did. Joseph Potter, Oren Shiri, Tony Mario, and Jason Bantle all had Stroud at 1 before I flipped this pick from Young to Stroud, but with Young now the betting favorite once again I'm sticking with my top quarterback Bryce Young at 1. Jason now has Bryce Young going first overall too, but believes Will Levis the Kentucky quarterback is also potentially in play.
   
   
   
   The 5-10 204 lb Bryce Young won the 2021 Heisman Trophy. He's also still the best quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft on an Alabama offense that finished the year 11-2 with a Sugar Bowl win against Kansas State. Alabama's two losses came against LSU and Tennessee where Alabama scored 31 points in both contests. Bryce Young can play in a balanced run first offense, a vertical offense where he utilizes the deep passing game, a west coast offense, and a shotgun spread offense. Having a playcaller like former Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien also helped him accelerate in his development since Young can make up to all six progressions in the pocket before taking off and running.
   
   
   
   Bryce Young got to sit behind Mac Jones as a true freshman when Alabama went 15-0 in 2020 going 13/22 with 1 passing touchdown and no interceptions in very limited action. Bryce Young had 4,872 passing yards, 47 passing touchdowns, 3 rushing touchdowns, 50 total touchdowns, a 66.9 completion percentage, and 7 interceptions during his Heisman Winning Campaign in 2021. Bryce young had 3,328 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns, 4 rushing touchdowns, 36 total touchdowns, a 64.5 completion percentage, and 5 interceptions in 2022.
   
   
   
   Bryce Young lost his blue chip left tackle as well as his starting running back and top two receivers after Alabama lost a lot of talent on their 15-0 team that won the 2021 Championship over Ohio State during the 2020-2021 Season. Alabama won the SEC Championship again, but lost the 2022 National Title to Kirby Smart and Georgia after a 12-1 season in 2021. Bryce Young lost Evan Neal and Jameson Williams to the 2022 NFL Draft and still cut back on his interceptions. Bryce Young went 44/50 displaying the best accuracy of the top 3 quarterbacks at Alabama's 2023 Pro Day.
   
   
   
   Bryce Young went 44/50 at Alabama's Pro Day and C.J. Stroud went 44/51 at Ohio State's Pro Day. Carolina would have Bryce Young, Andy Dalton, and Matt Corral in their quarterback room. Bryce Young defeated Matt Corral in a head-to-head game prior to the 2022 NFL Draft.
   
   
   
   I think Bryce Young beats out Andy Dalton and Matt Corral for the starting quarterback job. Young would play right away as the week 1 starter.
   
   
   
   Carolina has everyone back on their offensive line with Ikem Ekwonu at left tackle, Brady Christensen at left guard, Bradley Bozeman at center, Austin Corbett at right guard, and Taylor Lewan at right tackle. Carolina added running back Miles Sanders, wide receiver Adam Theilen, and tight end Hayden Hurst to ease things for Bryce Young. Terrace Marshall Jr. is still Carolina's number two wide receiver. I'm not ruling out Carolina drafting a wide receiver at 39 to compete with D.J. Chark for the slot receiver job.
   
   
   
   I posted a film cut of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young VS Texas. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
   
   
   
   
   
   Previous Pick: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
   
   
2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
   
   
   The Houston Texans hired San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, a player drafted by the Houston Texans in the 2006 NFL Draft as their new head coach. That was also the same draft where Houston took Mario Williams first overall over Reggie Bush. There is some uncertainty about who Houston would take at 2 with Bryce Young off the board, but ultimately I believe that C.J. Stroud would be the second overall pick if Bryce Young ended up going first overall.
   
   
   
   Adam Schefter is saying Houston will take Will Anderson Jr. second overall and pass on a quarterback. Ian Rappaport believed a quarterback was still in play earlier this week. I have Houston taking Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud at 2 depsite all the tracton that Will Anderson Jr. has gained over the weeks. Peter Schrager said Houston narrowed this pick down to three players. Those three players are Tyree Wilson the Texas Tech defenisve end, Will Anderson Jr. Alabama's edge rusher, and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. I'm leaning towards Houston picking Stroud, and if the Texans pass on a quarterback it will be Will Anderson Jr.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 214 lb C.J. Stroud redshirted in 2020 when Justin Fields was draft eligible and did have a 48 yard rushing touchdown that year. Like Bryce Young he got to watch his team in the National Championship from the sideline. C.J. Stroud had 4,435 passing yards, 44 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a 71.9 completion percentage as a freshman redshirt in 2021. C.J. Stroud had 3,688 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a 66.3 completion percentage as a sophomore redshirt in 2022. He gave Georgia problems in a College Football Playoff Semifinal game that Georgia barely won 42-41 right after New Years Day in 2023 as that game was played on New Years Eve in 2022.
   
   
   
   C.J. Stroud can play in a balanced run first offense, a vertical offense where he utilizes the deep passing game, a west coast offense, and a shotgun spread offense. I've seen C.J. Stroud make up to all six progressions and he had the highest quarterback rating of any quarterback in College Football last year even edging out Heisman Trophy Winner Bryce Young in 2021. C.J. Stroud is a difference maker and he gives the Houston Texans a franchise quarterback. C.J. Stroud did well throwing at the 2023 NFL Combine and went 44/51 when passing at Ohio State's 2023 Pro Day.
   
   
   
   C.J. Stroud should win the starting quarterback job and start in week 1. Houston signed Case Keenum to compete with Davis Mills for the backup quarterback. C.J. Stroud is the only guy outside of Bryce Young that I can guarantee will beat out Case Keenum and Davis Mills for the Houston Texans quarterback job.
   
   
   
   Drafting C.J. Stroud means Houston has a quarterback to take pressure off of second year running back Dameon Pierce. Houston replaced Rex Burkhead with Devin Singletary. Houston also signed tight end Dalton Schultz to a one year deal to pair with Teagan Quitoriano and Brevin Jordan giving Houston three quality tight ends and one of the NFL's better starting tight ends in Dalton Schultz. Houston has their starting offensive tackles and guards on this roster for next season. Finding a number one receiver and a center with draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft is paramount, but the Houston Texans are heading in the right direction by drafting C.J. Stroud.
   
   
   
   I posted a film cut of Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud VS Notre Dame. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
   
   
   
   
   
   Previous Pick: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
   
   
   
   
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr., RE, Alabama
   
   
   There are six teams rumored to have interest in trading up to three according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. I believe those six teams are the Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, and Tennessee Titans. I do. not believe any of those teams are willing to pay a premium a first this year and a first in 2024 to get their guy. For the Tennessee Titans, who pick at eleven, the Titans would probably have to give up 11 plus two first round picks to get pick three. That will not happen.
   
   
   
   Arizona is switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. Arizona is also switching uniforms unveiling a new uniform before the 2023 NFL Draft. Arizona has narrowed their board down to five players assuming they stay at 3. Those players are Will Anderson Jr., Tyree Wilson, Jalen Carter, Christian Gonzalez, and Devon Witherspoon.
   
   
   
   There is speculation that Arizona wants to move out of this spot for Tyree Wilson or Christian Gonzlaez while gaining more draft capital. Ultimately, I don't believe that ends up happening. I believe Arizona will draft the best player on their board. I have to believe that player is Will Anderson Jr. my top player in this draft if Arizona stays at 3.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 253 lb Will Anderson Jr. is a JACK linebacker in Alabama's defense, but he makes any left tackle quiver in fear regardless of whether you use him as a 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, or 3-4 left outside linebacker. He's just that damn good as a plug-in-play guy off the edge. He outperformed Heisman Runner Up Aidan Hutchinson in his sophomore season and was arguably the biggest snub among the Heisman finalists.
   
   
   
   Will Anderson Jr. had 57 solo tackles, 44 assisted tackles, 101 total tackles, 33.5 tackles for a loss, 17.5 sacks, and 9 quarterback hurries in 2021. Aidan Hutchinson had 62 total tackles, 36 solo tackles, 26 assisted tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 14 sacks, and 12 quarterback hurries in 2021. Hutchinson was the best player in the 2022 NFL Draft just based on production, but an argument can be made that Will Anderson Jr. was more deserving of being a Heisman finalist.
   
   
   
   Both Hutchinson and Will Anderson Jr. were deserving of being Heisman finalists, but Aidan Hutchinson's 3 sacks against Ohio State in Michigan's toughest game of the year stood out more than Will Anderson Jr. because Will Anderson Jr. didn't play an opponent in the top 10 until Georgia and Alabama met in the 2021 SEC Championship game while Ohio State was ranked 6th when Hutchinson sacked C.J. Stroud three times in Ann Arbor which was ultimately the difference between Hutchison and Anderson Jr. according to the Heisman selection committee.
   
   
   
   Will Anderson Jr. had 24 solo tackles, 27 assisted tackles, 51 total tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, and 10 sacks in 2022. Arizona drafts Will Anderson Jr. to be their 4-3 right end.
   
   
   
   Arizona's 4-3 defense will have Will Anderson Jr. at 4-3 right end, Leki Fotu at 4-3 defensive tackle, Rashard Lawrence at 4-3 defensive tackle, Cameron Thomas at 4-3 left end, Kyzir White at 4-3 right outside linebacker, Isaiah Simmons at 4-3 middle linebacker, and Zaven Collins at 4-3 left outside linebacker. That will be a deadly core on Arizona's front 7.
   
   
   
   I posted a film cut of Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. VS Texas. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
   
   
   
   
   
   Previous Pick: Jalen Carter, NT, Georgia
   
   
4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
   
   
   Indianapolis currently has Gardner Minshew II, Nick Foles, and Sam Ehlinger in their quarterback room. None of those guys have huge upside as long-term starters. There is one quarterback in this draft that does have that upside still available at 4 with Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson.
   
   
   
   I believe Indianapolis is locked in on a quarterback at 4 regardless of whether that quarterback ends up being Anthony Richardson the top quarterback on the board or Kentucky quarterback Will Levis if a team like the Raiders or Titans trades up for a quarterback with the Arizona Cardinals at 3.
   
   
   
   Indianapolis gets a raw quarterback with huge upside. When I say Anthony Richardson has huge upside I mean he may have the most throwing power and velocity of any quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. In fact, the only quarterbacks from the 2017 NFL Draft to now who have more arm strength than Richardson are Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Kyler Murray.
   
   
   
   I think Richardson is the only quarterback in College or the NFL outside of these three and maybe Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers or Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson that can throw a 70 yard completion without his receiver bailing him out. Joe Burrow threw some 70 yard touchdowns, but those were 50 yard completions where Ja'Marr Chase gained 20 yards on a big play touchdown where Chase finished what Burrow started. I'd give Richardson the arm strength advantage over Burrow, but Burrow would have his number in every other category that you use to evaluate quarterbacks.
   
   
   
   He also went through all 6 progressions at quarterback when starting against Georgia last year despite going 12/20 with 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in his first College start against the number one defense in the country last year. Anthony Richardson's decision making improved during Florida's Spring Game earlier this year after Richardson threw 2 touchdowns and no interceptions for Florida's Blue Team in their Spring Game. I honestly believe this guy can throw a football further than Sam Darnold and he's calmer under pressure too from just a sample size of what he did in 2021.
   
   
   
   Richardson has a better understanding of reading progressions at this point in his development than Josh Allen did in his draft year at Wyoming since he was staring at six different receivers going through all his reads before completing passes against the eventual 2021 National Champion Georgia Bulldogs. The problem is Richardson only played five games last year starting two of those games, so people need to see what Richardson can do as a full-time starter in 2022. Josh Allen was able to improve his progressions over the course of the 2018 NFL Draft after his rough game against Iowa in 2017 with a strong bowl game before improving his progressions again at the 2018 Senior Bowl. Now Allen is the face of the Buffalo Bills franchise, so the bottom line is progressions are a skill that can be learned and mastered over time.
   
   
   
   The 6-4 244 lb Anthony Richardson has the traits you want from a future NFL quarterback despite only playing in 5 games where he had 635 passing yards, 6 passing touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 2021. Anthony Richardson had 2,549 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns, 654 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, 3,203 total yards, 26 total touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in 2022. He was inconsistent despite winning against Utah, awful in a heads up game against Kentucky quarterback Will Levis at home, and dominated in a road loss against Tennessee with the Florida Gators in what many consider to be Florida's biggest game of the year in terms of media coverage.
   
   
   
   Anthony Richardson can play in a balanced run first offense, a west coast offense, a shotgun spread offense, or a vertical offense where he's able to throw lots of deep passes. Anthony Richardson may not be ready to start week 1, but the Colts have the luxury of waiting to develop Richardson if this is the case with three other quarterbacks in their quarterback room. Anthony Richardson went 52/62 at Florida's 2023 Pro Day after dominating the 2023 NFL Combine with a historic performance in Indianapolis.
   
   
   
   I posted a film cut of Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson VS Tennessee. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
   
   
   
   
   
   Previous Pick: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
   
   
   
   
5. Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter, NT, Georgia
   
   
   Seattle got this pick from the Denver Broncos. Seattle will either pick Tyree Wilson or Jalen Carter at 5. Seattle cut their starting nose tackle to save cap space, yet re-signed their backup nose tackle. For this reason, I'm leaning ever so slightly towards Jalen Carter at 5.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 310 lb Jalen Carter had 17 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, 37 total tackles, 33 quarterback hurries including 8 in one game against Kentucky, 8.5 tackles for a loss, and 3 sacks in 2021. Jalen Carter had 16 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, 32 total tackles, 34 quarterback hurries, 7 tackles for a loss, and 3 sacks in 2022. Jalen Carter led Georgia to back-to-back National Championships at Georgia.
   
   
   
   Jalen Carter is considered the consensus best defensive lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft as well as the top overall defensive prospect outside of Will Anderson Jr. Most agree Carter is a top 3 lock assuming no trades happen.
   
   
   
   Jalen Carter has the versatility to play 4-3 defensive tackle, 3-4 right end, 3-4 nose tackle, and 3-4 left end. Jalen Carter can play the 0-technique, 1-technique, 2-technique, 3-technique, 4-technique, or 5-techinque when lining up on the defensive line giving you a rare blue chip prospect in the middle of your defense. He's just that damn versatile. He's also got the athleticism, block shedding, rip moves, and swim moves to be an anchor on Georgia's defensive line in 2022. This is a four down player that checks off every single box you want a defensive tackle to check off.
   
   
   
   There's only a handful of defensive tackles that checked off every box since I began watching the NFL Draft on a yearly basis back in 2007. Those players include Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Marcel Dareus, Michael Brockers, Fletcher Cox, Aaron Donald, and Quinnen Williams. Out of those seven guys the only guy that you can argue should be graded ahead of Carter heading into their draft is Ndamukong Suh.
   
   
   
   Jalen Carter got a warrant before the 2023 NFL Combine. He also looked sluggish at Georgia's 2023 Pro Day. However, Seattle will have Dre'Mont Jones at 3-4 right end, Jalen Carter at nose tackle, Jarran Reed at 3-4 left end, and last years backup nose tackle Bryan Mone back in a depth role.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Tyree Wilson, RE, Texas Tech
   
   
6. Detroit Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
   
   
   The Los Angeles Rams ended up with the sixth worst record in the NFL after winning Super Bowl 56. Detroit owns their 2023 first round pick thanks to the Matthew Stafford trade. Stafford got his only Super Bowl ring with the Rams and the Lions got the Rams 2022 and 2023 first round picks as a result.
   
   
   
   Detroit Lions field cornerback Jeffrey Okudah was traded to Atlanta for a 2023 fifth round pick which happens to be the pick Atlanta got from Jacksonville in the Calvin Ridley trade. That draft selection now belongs to Detroit. Detroit Lions boundary cornerback Amani Oruwaryie had the single worst rating of any cornerback on Pro Football Focus in 2022. His rookie deal is up and Detroit replaced him with Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley as a potential nickel cornerback in Free Agency. Detroit signed Philadelphia Eagles free safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a 1 year contract. Detroit's 2023 NFL Free Agency moves will not keep the Detroit Lions from drafting Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon who ran a 4.45 at a Private Workout after Illinois 2023 Pro Day with the sixth overall pick.
   
   
   
   There are five cornebacks that have a case to be the first cornerback off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft. Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo is the best man coverage cornerback. South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith is the best zone coverage cornerback. Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez is the best press coverage cornerback. Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is the best run stuffing cornerback. Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon is the hardest hitting cornerback. Kelee Ringo entered the 2022 College Football Season as the most consistent cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft, but Devon Witherspoon is probably the best scheme fit for the Detroit Lions among these five cornerbacks which is why Witherspoon ended up being the first cornerback off my board after carefully considering every possibility.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 180 lb Devon Witherspoon stepped up as a sophomore redshirt cementing himself as Illinois's number one field cornerback. Witherspoon had 42 solo tackles, 10 assisted tackles, 52 total tackles, 9 deflections from pass breakups, 8 tackles for a loss, and 1 sack in 2021. I gave Devon Witherspoon a B grade in man coverage, a B grade in zone coverage, and an A grade in press coverage following his 2021 season.
   
   
   
   Devon Witherspoon had 32 solo tackles, 9 assisted tackles, 41 total tackles, 14 deflections from pass breakups, 3 interceptions, and 2. tackles for a loss in 2022. I gave Devon Witherspoon an A grade in man coverage, an A- grade in zone coverage, an A grade in press coverage, an A+ in run stuffing, an A+ in hard hitting, and an A+ in tackling. He's great at blitzing and stopping the run as he is this drafts hardest hitting cornerback and the second best run stuffing cornerback behind Joey Porter Jr. Witherspoon may not be as good Derek Stingley Jr. or Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner was in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he is clearly the best cornerback prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft.
   
   
   
   Devon Witherspoon has the man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage you want a cornerback to have. He can play cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 in the NFL.
   
   
   
   Drafting Devon Witherspoon allows Detroit to elevate their cornerback room. Devon Witherspoon will be the field cornerback in 2023. Cameron Sutton would be the boundary corner. Emmanuel Moseley will be the nickel cornerback. Jerry Jacobs would be Detroit's dime cornerback. Ifeatu Melifonwu can play quarter cornerback in five cornerback sets, backup cornerback, as well as a backup safety role, and Chase Lucas would only be used in quarter situations at the moment with five cornerbacks if Melifonwu remains at safety.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
   
   
   New regimes mean new quarterbacks. Dave Zeigler and Josh McDaniels were in New England when Mac Jones fell to Bill Belichicks lap at 15. I believe Will Levis is the worst quarterback prospect in the past decade. However, the Raiders might gamble on him at 7 despite signing Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer. I don't trust Josh McDaniels as a talent evaluator. He talked New England into drafting Laurence Maroney. He convinced John Elway to pick Tim Tebow. McDaniels even mentioned a big arm quarterback that can move around at the 2023 NFL Combine. Will Levis fits the profile that McDaniels is describing in a quarterback.
   
   
   
   The Raiders met with Levis before signing Hoyer not after. If the Raiders signed Hoyer prior to meeting with Levis, I'd probably go with Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez. I was leaning Levis over Gonzalez 60/40, but now its more like 51/49 with Levis barely getting the nod over Gonzalez. I would take Christian Gonzalez here, but I expect this Raiders regime to screw up as the Raiders have passed on a Hall Of Fame player five times in the first round and have passed on a Pro Bowl player six times.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 229 lb Will Levis is getting compared to Josh Allen because of his throwing power, velocity, and frame with his body. He's raw with his comparision being closer to the lines of Connor Cook end with a better arm than someone with exceptional arm talent like Josh Allen.
   
   
   
   I watched 9 of the 13 games. I saw him against Missouri, South Carolina, Florida, LSU, Georgia, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Louisville, and Iowa. He can make good throws, but he doesn't make those deep ball throws that wow you that some people in the media thinks he can make. Leading Kentucky to a 6-0 start was impressive, but I felt like playmakers such as running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. and wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson I've seen people compare his arm to Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Kyler Murray which I do not agree with at all.
   
   
   
   Will Levis had 2,827 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 9 rushing touchdowns, 33 total touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 2021. Will Levis only had 3 games with over 300 passing yards in games against Louisiana Monroe, Tennessee, and New Mexico State in 2021. Will Levis had 2,406 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns, 21 total touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2022. Will Levis only had 3 games with over 300 passing yards in 2022 against Miami Ohio, Youngstown State, and Northern Illinois.
   
   
   
   Will Levis needs to improve his field vision and ability to read progressions as Will Levis is a 1 read quarterback like Trey Lance was coming out of North Dakota State. Levis does not have that godly arm talent that Lance had to make up for his lack of progressions. Levis did improve to 2 reads in terms of his progressions, but he did nothing to convince me he's worth more then the third round grade I had on him in the preseason. New Orleans is a team that is over the salary cap, so they could end up taking Levis out of desperation if they failed to land someone like Derek Carr in a trade.
   
   
   
   Will Levis is a quarterback with Connor Cook's floor and Ryan Tannehill's ceiling. He's rawer than Tannehill was coming out of Texas A&M, but he's also got a better arm then Connor Cook did coming out of Michigan State.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
   
   
8. Atlanta Falcons: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
   
   
   Atlanta signed some stop gaps at wide receiver, brought back Kaleb McGary, and brought back all of their 3-4 outside linebackers. Nolan Smith, Bijan Robinson, and Christian Gonzalez are the only guys that I see in play at 8. I'm leaning heavily towards Christian Gonzalez being the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 201 lb Christian Gonzalez is the best cornerback on the board and the best press coverage cornerback in this draft. I gave Christian Gonzalez an A grade in man coverage, an A grade in zone coverage, and an A+ grade in press coverage. Christian Gonzalez can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 scheme. Gonzalez really improved his zone coverage at the 2023 NFL Combine before dominating Oregon's Pro Day. Gonzalez didn't drop a single target in either one of those two events.
   
   
   
   Christian Gonzalez broke out for Oregon after transferring from Colorado in the transfer portal. Christian Gonzalez had 35 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 50 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, 4 interceptions, and 1 tackle for a loss in 2022.
   
   
   
   Atlanta now has a cornerback trio of A.J. Terrell at field cornerback, Christian Gonzalez at boundary cornerback if they draft him at 8, and Jeffrey Okudah at nickel cornerback, Mike Hughes at dime cornerback, and Darren Hall at quarter cornerback if he's healthy. Many Atlanta fans are arguing that Okudah should play next to Terrell and that Mike Hughes is solid at nickel. I disagree, Hughes is a journeyman at this point. He struggled at nickel cornerback with the Chiefs when they failed to make Super Bowl 56.
   
   
   
   Atlanta has a pretty stacked cornerback room regardless of what they do at 8, but Gonzalez is my best player on the board here. Atlanta also has Richie Grant at strong safety and Jessie Bates III at free safety. Atlanta is going to have one of the leagues best secondaries in 2023. Atlanta will also have Grady Jarrett at 3-4 right end, David Onyemata at 3-4 nose tackle, and Calias Campbell at 3-4 left end. All four of their pass rushers at 3-4 outside linebacker came back while also adding Bud Dupree and Kaden Elliss giving Atlanta a mind boggling six 3-4 outside linebackers that can play edge rusher. Troy Andersen and Rashaan Evans should be the starters at 3-4 middle linebacker. Atlanta addressed a lot defensively and adding a final piece at cornerback pretty much gives Atlanta a shot to contend as long as Atlanta's offense puts points on the board.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
   
   
   
   
9. Chicago Bears: Tyree Wilson, RE, Texas Tech
   
   
   Chicago drafts a 4-3 right end with the pick they got from the Carolina Panthers. Tyree Wilson entered the week of the 2023 NFL Combine as a consensus top 5 player. His injury kept him from working out at the 2023 NFL Combine and the Texas Tech Pro Day. I think he is the guy that Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles will ultimately settle on at 9.
   
   
   
   Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson is the consensus fifth best player. The 6-6 275 lb Tyree Wilson can play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker with his versatility.
   
   
   
   Tyree Wilson had 36 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles, 61 total tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 8 quarterback hurries, and 7 sacks in 2022. Tyree Wilson has ascended into the top 5 because he has plays where he wows you on his highlight reel with his athleticism.
   
   
   
   Tyree Wilson is a first round prospect, however I feel both Will Anderson Jr. and Myles Murphy have more of dominant presence in terms of pass rushing. Tyree Wilson could be the best value pick since Khalil Mack was drafted fifth overall by the Raiders out of Buffalo in the 2014 NFL Draft. He could also be the worst value pick for the Seattle Seahawks since they drafted Aaron Curry back in 2009.
   
   
   
   Tyree Wilson can rush the quarterback, stop the run, and drop back into coverage. He is not a guy who dominantes in any category, yet he is a safe prospect if you are willing to just look at the game film while looking past his injury which kept him out of the 2023 NFL Combine as well as the 2023 Texas Tech Pro Day.
   
   
   
   Chicago would have Tyree Wilson at 4-3 right end, Demarcus Walker at 4-3 left end, Dominique Robertson as the backup 4-3 right end, and Trevis Gipson as the backup 4-3 left end. Chicago gave Demarcus Walker a three year contract, so the former Florida State defensive end is the veteran that will be mentoring Tyree Wilson.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Will Anderson Jr., RE, Alabama
   
   
10. Philadelphia Eagles: Myles Murphy, LE, Clemson
    
    
    New Orleans traded a top 10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to Philadelphia. Philadelphia only has $8.3-million in cap space for 2023 and around $47-million for 2024. There are 3 players on the Eagles can restructure their contracts and those three players are A.J. Brown, Lane Johnson, Darius Slay.
    
    
    
    Restructuring those contracts only saves $23-million for 2023. If Jalen Hurts wants more than $50-million in 2024 when the Eagles only have $47-million in cap space after an amazing effort in Super Bowl 57, then Howie Roseman would have to cut Lane Johnson and Darius Slay after June 1st to save an additional $31.9 million. Philadelphia would have $62.2-million for 2023 if all three of those Eagles restructured and Roseman ends up cutting Slay and Lane Johnson to save cap space after June 1, 2023. This is the only feasable way to pay Jalen Hurts $50-million per year or more starting in 2024 without going over the salary cap.
    
    
    
    As far as the coaching staff for Philadelphia goes, Philadelphia already lost their offensive coordinator Shane Steichen to the Indianapolis Colts, their defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon may end up in Arizona as the Arizona Cardinals new head coach, and their quarterbacks coach could be the Ravens new offensive coordinator. Philadelphia reminds me a lot of the Los Angeles Rams after they lost Super Bowl 53. That Rams team had Matt LaFleur at offensive coordinator before he became the Green Bay Packers head coach, Wade Phillips at defensive coordinator before he retired from the NFL, and Zac Taylor the future Cincinnati Bengals head coach for Joe Burrow as the quarterbacks coach to Jared Goff. Goff was in year three of his rookie deal after Super Bowl 53 just like Jalen Hurts following Super Bowl 57. Philadelphia could be back in the Super Bowl as early as Super Bowl 60 and as late as Super Bowl 65 depending on what Howie Roseman does with the Eagles during the next 2-5 NFL Drafts to replace all these core players having a limited amount of cap space until 2025.
    
    
    
    Philadelphia can use that top 10 pick to draft the final pass rusher with a first round grade on my board. Myles Murphy is the guy I am locked in on at this pick. Philadelphia brought back Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox on one year deals to pair with Josh Sweat.
    
    
    
    Philadelphia gets some youth at 4-3 left end. A younger defensive end next to Josh Sweat is needed. Brandon Graham at 4-3 left end has been incredible as he's been with the Eagles every year since being a 2010 first round pick out of Michigan. The defensive captain on the Philadelphia Eagles did enough to earn a one year extension.
    
    
    
    Derek Barnett has also been a distraction getting into fights with teammates who have concussions. Derek Barnett Philadelphia's 2017 first round pick and Andre Dillard Philadelphia's 2019 first round pick got into a fight where Barnett made Dillard feel uncomfortable. Philadelphia also has 2021 sixth round pick Tarron Jackson and 2021 seventh round pick Patrick Johnson. I like Philadelphia's depth at defensive end outside of Josh Sweat, but if Brandon Graham leaves, a new starter is needed at 4-3 left end.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 268 lb Myles Murphy had 21 solo tackles, 17 assisted tackles, 38 total tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks, and 4 quarterback hurries in 2021. Myles Murphy had 22 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 40 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, and 14 quarterback hurries in 2022. Myles Muprhy had at least 15 plays where he got past the line of scrimmage on passing plays against North Carolina State in Clemson's biggest televised game of the season. Myles Murphy causes offensive tackles to fold under pressure and creates an opening for the rest of the defensive line at 4-3 left end. He was huge for Clemson in 2021 when his High School teammate Bryan Breese suffered a season ending injury.
    
    
    
    Myles Muprhy is the fourth Clemson defensive end with two consecutive seasons of multiple forced fumbles and at least 4 sacks. The other three Clemson defensive ends to achieve this were Gaines Adams, Vic Beasley, and Clellin Ferrell. All three of those defensive ends went in the top 8 overall of their draft years. At the same time all three of those defensive ends were busts, so I can see why some fans would be concerned about Murphy being able to buck that trend. Myles Murphy is aces as a 4-3 defensive end rushing the quarterback, but he could become more consistent as a run stuffer. He lined up as a 3-4 outside linebacker on one play against North Carolina State and struggled on that play.
    
    
    
    Myles Murphy didn't work out at the 2023 NFL Combine or Clemson's 2023 Pro Day. However, he did run a 4.52 40-yard dash at a private workout leading up to the draft. That is why Murphy remained in my top 10.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Clemson edge rusher Myles Murphy VS North Carolina State. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
11. Tennessee Titans: Paris Johnson Jr., LT, Ohio State
    
    
    Left tackle Taylor Lewan hasn't played a full season since 2017 when the Titans defeated the Chiefs in the wild card round. There's no dead cap penalty in Lewan's contract and cutting him to save $14.8-million is something to consider if Taylor Lewan cannot play a full season in 2022. Lewan suffered a season ending injury in week 2 of the 2022 NFL Season. Back in August I said Tennessee would cut Taylor Lewan, Robert Woods, and Bud Dupree to save cap space and that ended up happening. Tennessee gets my top ranked left tackle here at 11.
    
    
    
    The 6-6 313 lb Paris Johnson Jr. is making the transition from right guard to left tackle. Paris Johnson Jr. played right guard in relief of Wyatt Davis when Ohio State played Alabama in hte National Championship. When Nicholas Petit-Friere won the left tackle job from Thayer Munford, Munford moved inside to left guard. Now, Paris Johnson Jr. is going back to left tackle which was his natural position in High School where he was once the number one ranked player in the state of Ohio coming out of High School.
    
    
    
    Paris Johnson Jr. has the pass blocking, run blocking, and zone blocking you want in a starting offensive lineman. He's got the wingspan and foot speed of an NFL left tackle. He also speaks three languages English, Chinese, and Portugese. He's learning Manderin too and was part of a Student Volunteer program.
    
    
    
    Paris Johnson Jr. may not be a blue chip prospect, but he's still an upgrade over Taylor Lewan and arguably the best offensive tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft. Paris Johnson Jr. is the best run blocking offensive tackle in this draft as his run blocking will make things easier for running back Derrick Henry.
    
    
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    Right Nicholas Petit-Friere who won the starting right tackle job as a rookie are the only returning starter on this offensive line in 2023. Lewan is gone to save cap space, the Titans never replaced Rodger Saffold as Aaron Brewer feels like a downgrade, Ben Jones got cut to save cap space, and Nate Davis is a Free Agent in 2023 at right guard. Rebuilding this offensive line from the ground up so that Ryan Tannehill or Malik Willis has somewhat of a competent blindside at left tackle seems like the most critical area to addresss.
    
    
    
    Paris Johnson Jr. has long arms, he drinks cucumber water, and has been training with former Cincinnati Bengals right tackle Willie Anderson. Joe Thomas praised Paris Johnson Jr. during the 2023 NFL Combine. Paris Johnson Jr. cemented himself as the number one offensive tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft with his performance at the 2023 NFL Combine.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Ohio State's offensive line VS Notre Dame. Left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., center Luke Wypler, and right tackle Dawand Jones are the three offensive linemen to keep an eye on in this film cut. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Peter Skoronski, LT, Northwestern
    
    
12. Houston Texans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
    
    
    The Houston Texans got this pick from the Cleveland Browns in the Deshaun Watson trade. Houston Texans flanker wide receiver Brandin Cooks the teams best wide receiver got traded to Dallas. Houston is drafting a number one receiver at 12 and the one receiver that meets this projection is Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba whose considered the best receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft despite his injury in 2022.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 198 lb Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 95 receptions, 1,606 receiving yards, and 9 receiving touchdowns as a number three receiver next to Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave at Ohio State in 2021.
    
    
    
    You will see Jaxon Smith-Njigba perform precise routes with screen passes, streaks, slants, wheel routes, post routes, post stops, curls, curl stops, drags, snags, shoots, out routes, out & ups, corner routes, slugos, slugo posts, slugo stops, IOU's, stop & gos, double stops, and double stop & gos. Can execute any type of route at an elite level. Has an extremely high football IQ. He can run all 30 different routes on the route tree. This guy can run all 30 routes on the route tree which is more then you can say about either one of Ohio State's receivers last year, but he's not as sudden in executing his routes as Garrett Wilson and he's not as crisp of a route runner as Chris Olave despite showcasing more explosiveness on his breaks. He was the fastest receiver on Ohio State though and led Ohio State's entire receiving core in receiving yards in 2021. He only had 5 receptions for 43 receiving yards in 2022 as injuries limited him.
    
    
    
    Houston would have Jaxon Smith-Njgiba as the number one receiver for Ohio State teammate C.J. Stroud at quarterback. Robert Woods, Nico Collins, and John Metchie III would be competing for the number two and number three wide receiver jobs across from Jaxon Smith-Njgiba. With these weapons plus a tight end trio of Dalton Schultz, Teagan Quitoriano, and Brevin Jordan rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud will be set up quite nicely in the passing game.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba VS Notre Dame. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
    
    
    
13. Green Bay Packers: Brian Branch, SS, Alabama
    
    
    Green Bay failed to live up to the preseason hype that many expected for them. This felt like a Super Bowl or bust team that crashed in front of their home crowd as all Green Bay had to do was defeat Detroit and they would get a shot at San Francisco in the wild card round. Seattle ended up playing San Francisco because Detroit defeated Green Bay.
    
    
    
    Both Green Bay Packers safeties are unrestricted Free Agents in 2023. Green Bay Packers strong safety Adrian Amos and Green Bay Packers free safety Darnell Savage were both unrestricted Free Agents, so Green Bay brought back Darnell Savage after letting Amos walk. Green Bay uses their first round pick on Alabama safety Brian Branch at 15.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 190 lb Brian Branch is versatile enough to play nickel cornerback, strong safety, or free safety with his versatility. I gave Brian Branch an A grade in man coverage, an A+ grade in zone coverage, and a B grade in press coverage. Brian Branch can play cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4.
    
    
    
    Brian Branch had 58 solo tackles, 32 assisted tackles, 90 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 quarterback hurries, and 1 defensive touchdown off of a pick six in 2022. I am drafting Brian Branch as the replacement to Adrian Amos here.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Trenton Simpson, ROLB, Clemson
    
    
14. New England Patriots: Peter Skoronski, LT, Northwestern
    
    
    New England's gone for intellectual types that have played in the Senior Bowl in the first round of the NFL Draft the last two years. Quarterback Mac Jones and left guard Cole Strange are proof of this. There's two first round prospects on my board that fit the intellectual type with an off the charts football IQ. One of those players is Northwestern left tackle Peter Skoronski and the other player is Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers a player that Bill Belichick and New England coached at the 2023 East West Shrine Bowl. I think these two players are New England's top two draft prospects for this pick at 14. Peter Skoronski wasn't available for New England in my last mock, but he's available in this one which means New England gets a new left tackle for their quarterback Mac Jones.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 313 lb Peter Skoronski has started at left tackle since he was a true freshman in 2020. Skoronski was thrusted into the left tackle job right away after Los Angeles Chargers 2021 first round pick Rashawn Slater opted out of the 2020 College Football Season to avoid getting Covid-19. Slater's 2019 tape was good enough to get him picked thirteenth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    Peter Skoronski was good enough to get Northwestern to the Big 10 Championship as a true freshman in 2020. He's a first round prospect like his predecessor Rashawn Slater, but he's got questions about his arm length much like Slater did. Peter Skoronski has the pass blocking, run blocking, and zone blocking you want as Northwestern allowed the third fewest sacks in the Big 10 when they made the 2020 Big 10 Championship Game.
    
    
    
    Peter Skoronski opened up the 2022 College Football Season on a high note helping Northwestern get an upset win over Nebraska in Dublin Ireland. Skoronski kept his first round status in tact. He also finished the 2022 season with the highest pass blocking grade in the country among offensive tackles on Pro Football Focus. He has to stop hugging defenders on running plays as his technique as a run blocker could use some work.
    
    
    
    New England will need a new blindside for quarterback Mac Jones. Peter Skoronski is the best pass blocking left tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft making this a great selection for New England.
    
    
    
    I remember one of my good friends Dion Reed, telling me about Northwestern left tackle Peter Skoronski in the Summer of 2021 about three or four months after his predecessor Rashawn Slater got drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft following his amazing freshman campaign in 2020 and I put Skoronski on my radar despite Nebraska offensive tackle Turner Corchoran gaining traction as the OT1 for the 2023 NFL Draft at the time. One year later Corchoran is no longer Nebraska's left tackle, while Peter Skoronski enters the 2023 NFL Draft as the first or second offensive tackle on draft boards depending on whether you have Peter Skoronski or Paris Johnson Jr. as your top ranked offensive tackle.
    
    
    
    With Peter Skoronski, New England's offensive line looks like this. New England has Peter Skoronski at left tackle, Cole Strange at left guard, David Andrews at center, Michael Onwenu at right guard, and Trent Brown at right tackle moving back to his natural right tackle role after playing left tackle in 2022.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
    
    
    
    
15. New York Jets: Broderick Jones, LT, Georgia
    
    
    New York gave up 13, 42, 207, and a conditional 2024 second which becomes a 2024 first if Aaron Rodgers plays 65 percent of his snaps in 2023 in exchange for picks 15 and 170. New York gets one of the top three left tackles with the upside to be a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle so that the New York Jets offense can challenge for the AFC East Division in 2023. I thought about mocking a second defensive tackle here, but grabbing the best player on the board at arguably the most important position besides quarterback at the left tackle position is a really smart move for the New York Jets.
    
    
    
    Georgia is going to have a good offensive line in 2022 despite losing left tackle Jamaree Salyer and left guard Justin Schaffer to the 2022 NFL Draft. You'll have Broderick Jones who started four games at left tackle at left tackle, Sedrick Van Prann at center, Warren Ericson at right guard, and Warren McClendon at right tackle. Broderick Jones gives Kansas City a viable replacement to Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle if the Chiefs let Orlando Brown Jr. walk in Free Agency. Kansas City is expected to use a franchise tag on Orlando Brown Jr., but that may not keep the Chiefs from taking a left tackle in the first round if someone as talented as Broderick Jones slips to this pick.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 311 lb Broderick Jones entered the 2022 season with limited experience as a starter, but his potential is through the roof since he's the first Georgia offensive lineman off the board in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. He'll get to pass block for Stetson Bennett. Broderick Jones will also get to run block for Georgia's new running back tandem Kenny McIntosh and Kendall Milton. Georgia's third and fourth string running backs from their National Championship team still saw 58 and 58 carries in 2021. That's even with both Zamir White and James Cook anchoring this backfield which is crazy. Broderick Jones did not give up a single sack in 2022 as Georgia repeated as National Champions.
    
    
    
    Broderick Jones could improve his zone blocking, but it is not a weakness in his game. This isn't a deal breaker. I'd be more concerned with him gaining experience as a starter while hoping his wingspan turns out okay. Georgia broke 2004 Ohio State and 2020 LSU as the team with the most draft picks with 15 players from the 2021 Championship Team drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. Broderick Jones is one of the guys that will step up despite the loss of Salyer at left tackle.
    
    
    
    Broderick Jones improved as a zone blocker in 2022. He also led Georgia to a second consecutive National Champiionship after taking over for Jamaree Salyer at left tackle. Broderick Jones ran the fastest 40 yard dash of any offensive tackle at the 2023 NFL Combine making this a slam dunk pick for New York at 15 after trading for Aaron Rodgers.
    
    
    
    New York now has Broderick Jones at left tackle, Laken Tomlinson at left guard, Alijah Vera-Tucker at right guard, and last years blindside Duane Brown returning to the right tackle position for the first time since 2006 prior to his draft year after being a 2008 first round pick for the Houston Texans out of Virginia Tech. New York still needs a center and a second defensive tackle next to Quinnen Williams, but things are heading in the right direction for the New York Jets if they draft Broderick Jones at 13.
    
    
    
    Aaron Rodgers will have offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson as his flanker receiver, Allen Lazard his number one receiver in Green Bay last year is his number two receiver. Corey Davis is now New York's slot receiver for the moment. New York still has C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin back at tight end. New York also has Breece Hall and Michael Carter at running back as well. There is enough offensive firepower for the New York Jets to be a wild card if everyone on this offense stays healthy. That doesn't mean Rodgers will take the Jets on a playoff run unless New York continues to improve in the trenches at center and defensive tackle.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Brian Branch, SS, Alabama
    
    
16. Washington Commanders: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
    
    
    Washington gets their number one field cornerback here and moves Kendall Fuller who did well at field cornerback over to the boundary against number two wide receivers assuming the Washington Commanders keep Kendall Fuller. Improving the defense gives Sam Howell another year to develop at quarterback, this time as the starter after sitting on the bench learning the team playbook until week 18.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 207 lb Kelee Ringo had 8 deflections from pass breakups and 2 interceptions with one of those interceptions being a 79 yard pick six in the National Championship against Alabama in 2021. Kelee Ringo had 7 deflections from pass breakups and 2 interceptions in 2022 while helping Georgia repeat as National Champions in College Football.
    
    
    
    The former track sprinter Kelee Ringo had at least 10 big plays as a first year starter at cornerback in 2021 after Georgia lost both cornerbacks Eric Stokes and Tyson Campbell to the 2021 NFL Draft. Georgia's defense held opponents to under 20 points in all 14 wins with the only loss being the game where Alabama defeated Georgia 41-24 in the 2021 SEC Championship before Georgia got revenge 33-18 in the 2022 National Championship Game thanks to Ringo. Georgia dominated in 2022 as well with Missouri and Ohio State being the toughest games for Georgia. Georgia steamrolled TCU 65-7 to win the 2023 National Championship Game.
    
    
    
    Kelee Ringo has the man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage you want a cornerback to have. He can play cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 in the NFL. If I had to grade Ringo from a coverage standpoint, I'd give Ringo an A+ grade in man coverage, an A grade in zone coverage, and an A- grade in press coverage because Ringo does play too aggressive at times which can lead to penalties. I'd give Ringo an A grade for run stuffing, an A in hard hitting, and an A+ grade for tackling. The bottom line is Ringo is a gamer he can play despite being overly aggressive sometimes.
    
    
    
    I have Ringo graded lower than the top 2 cornerbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft in Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, Derek Stingley Jr., Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez from the 2023 NFL Draft, but higher than every other cornerback from the 2020 to 2023 NFL Drafts after those four cornerbacks since those four cornerbacks my highest graded cornerbacks outside of Jalen Ramsey dating back to 2016. Kelee Ringo may not be an A+ cornerback in every coverage category like Gardner or Stingley, but he's got the A+ man coverage that Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain Jr. had while also being more well rounded in zone and press coverage then those two as cornerbacks like Caleb Farley, Eric Stokes, and Greg Newsome II were more complete corners in terms of man, zone, and press despite not having the A+ man coverage that Horn or Surtain possessed.
    
    
    
    Kelee Ringo has the man coverage of an elite cornerback while also being able to play zone or press which is a big reason why Georgia reloaded at cornerback after losing Eric Stokes because Georgia gave up 190.1 passing yards per game which was second fewest among SEC teams in 2021. Kelee Ringo is one of three cornerbacks in this draft who can transform Washington into a secondary that goes from being a target practice for Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts to being a pass defense that will be tough to defend against.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon