2023 NFL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds

Round 3

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

64. Chicago Bears: Olusegun Oluwaitimi, C, Michigan
    
    
    Chicago drafts a center to start the third round. Michigan center Olusegun Oluwaitimi won the Rimington Award for the best center in College Football. He's my third best center behind Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz and Joe Tippann.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 308 lb Olusegun Oluwaitimi has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, run blocking, run blocking strength, and run blocking footwork to start at center. He is easily a top 3 center and drafting Michigan's center solidifies this offensive line for Chicago.
    
    
    
    Chicago's offensive line would feature Braxton Jones at left tackle, Cody Whitehair at left guard, Olsegun Oluwaitimi at center, Teven Jenkins at right guard, and Blake Freeland at right tackle. With this offensive line, Justin Fields will have ample time in the pocket. The backfield of Khalil Herbert, D'Onta Foreman, and Illinois running back Chase Brown who I mocked to Chicago with one of their two second round picks would also thrive with an offensive line this freaking good.
    
    
    
    Chicago has D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney, and Chase Claypool at wide receiver. Cole Kmet is the starting tight end. Chicago can focus on defense for the rest of the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Nolan Smith, ROLB, Georgia
    
    
65. Houston Texans: Will McDonald IV, LE, Iowa State
    
    
    Jerry Hughes and Jonathan Greenard who are both in contract years at 4-3 defensive end. Houston may end up getting a viable replacement to Hughes in the 2024 NFL Draft, so I'll mock Will McDonald as a 4-3 left end with Chase Winovich as one of the backup 4-3 defensive ends that Houston added through Free Agency as the backup 4-3 right end to Jerry Hughes.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 241 lb Will McDonald IV lined up at 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right end, 3-4 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker for Iowa State on film. Will McDonald IV also displayed the rip and swim moves you want to see from a pass rusher. He also does a nice job stopping the run and dropping back into coverage too.
    
    
    
    Will McDonald IV had 24 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 36 total tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, and 3 deflections from pass breakups in 2021. Will McDonald IV had 23 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 7 quarterback hurries, 5 sacks, 4 deflections from pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. Some NFL teams projected him into a 4-3 left outside linebacker role like Haason Reddick, but he played defensive end on both sides in defensive coordinator Jon Heacock's 3-3-5 defense at Iowa State.
    
    
    
    Heading into 2022, he was second in College Football in saccks behind only Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. Iowa State's pass rusher dominated the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl and warrants being picked at this point in the third round.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Olusegun Oluwaitimi, C, Michigan
    
    
    
    
66. Arizona Cardinals: Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC
    
    
    Arizona gets a cornerback that I have a second round grade on with this selection. USC cornerback Mekhi Blackmon is a guy who can come in and be the number one field cornerback on the Arizona Cardinals. Mekhi Blackmon is the closest thing Arizona can find for a viable replacement to Byron Murphy.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 186 lb Mekhi Blackmon transferred to USC after playing with the Colorado Buffaloes. Mekhi Blackmon had 46 solo tackles, 21 assisted tackles, 67 total tackles, 12 deflections from pass breakups, 3 interceptions, 2 tackles for a loss, and 1 forced fumble in 2022.
    
    
    
    I gave Mekhi Blackmon an A grade in man coverage, an A- grade in zone coverage, and an A grade in press coverage. He can wrap up tackles, stuff the run, and blitz the quarterback situationally. His biggest problem is winning blocks on running plays. Mekhi Blackmon dominated the first day of the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl. Jayden Reed gave Blackmon problems on the second day of practice at the 2023 Reesse's Senior Bowl. Blackmon adjusted and blanketed Reed on the third and final day of practice at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Tuli Tuipulotu, 3-4 LE, USC
    
    
67. Denver Broncos: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
    
    
    Denver signed right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Ben Powers in Free Agency. Denver needs a center to complete their offensive line.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 300 lb Luke Wypler was considered the top center in the 2023 NFL Draft at one point as a sophomore redshirt. He's the youngest center in this draft. He's a good at pass blocking and run blocking. He needs to get stronger and improve his footwork if he wants to sustain his level of play in the NFL.
    
    
    
    Luke Wypler is the top center on the board at this point in the 2023 NFL Draft. He did well in the 2023 NFL Combine in the on the field drills and interviewed well at the 2023 NFL Combine. Denver is a team that needs a center, and frankly I don't see Luke Wypler getting past this pick.
    
    
    
    Russell Wilson now has Garrett Bolles at left tackle, Ben Powers at left guard, Luke Wypler at center, Quinn Meinerz at right guard, and Mike McGlinchey at right tackle. Wilson also has an offensive genius like Sean Payton as his head coach with both Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy back at wide receiver.
    
    
    
    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: Dawand Jones, RT, Ohio State
    
    
    
    
68. Denver Broncos: Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU
    
    
    Denver actually found a replacement to Ronald Darby with their 2022 fourth round pick Damari Mathis. Now the Denver Broncos draft a nickel cornerback and my top cornerback on the board.
    
    
    
    The 5-7 175 lb Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson is the nephew of LaDainian Tomlinson. He was my only cornerback for the 2023 NFL Draft to get an A+ grade in man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage meaning he can play cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 coverage schemes. I thought he was around 5-9 180, but I'm posting his 2023 Shrine Bowl weigh in. He improved a lot of his weaknesses and interviewed well at the 2023 East West Shrine Bowl.
    
    
    
    Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson had 40 solo tackles, 10 assisted tackles, 50 total tackles, 15 deflections from pass breakups, 3 interceptions, and 1 fumble recovery on a TCU team that made the National Title. He's hard working and extremely disciplined. From talking with him at the 2023 East West Shrine Bowl, my impression was this guy is humble and doesn't let anything phase him.
    
    
    
    I posted a Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson Interview from the 2023 East West Shrine Bowl. You can click the link to listen to the Interview.
    
    
    
69. Los Angeles Rams: Tuli Tuipulotu, 3-4 LE, USC
    
    
    The Los Angeles Rams get a player at 3-4 left end to pair with 3-4 right end Aaron Donald. Bobby Brown from Texas A&M is finally taking over for Greg Gaines at nose tackle after learning under Gaines for two years. I feel like the Rams need a younger defensive iinemen to compliment Donald. USC defensive linemen Tuli Tuipulotu is an option in the third round.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 266 lb Tuli Tuipulotu had 31 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 46 total tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, 13.5 sacks, 3 deflections from pass breakups, 2 quarterback hurries, and 2 forced fumbles in 2022.
    
    
    
    Tuli Tuipulotu has the versatility to play 4-3 defensive tackle, 3-4 right end, and 3-4 left end. He's just that damn versatile. He's also got the athleticism, block shedding, rip moves, and swim moves to be an anchor on the Los Angeles Rams defensive line once he gets to the NFL. I see a guy that can play 3-technique, 4-technique, and 5-technique at a high level in the NFL.
    
    
    
    Los Angeles would have Aaron Donald at 3-4 right end, Bobby Brown at 3-4 nose tackle, and Tuli Tuipulotu at 3-4 left end. This takes care of the Los Angeles Rams 3-4 defensive line.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Gervon Dexter, DT, Florida
    
    
    
    
70. Las Vegas Raiders: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
    
    
    The 5-9 184 lb Clark Phillips III had 46 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, 62 total tackles, 13 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 15 big plays from passes defended, and 2 defensive touchdowns going 2/2 while getting pick sixes as a freshman redshirt in 2021. Clark Phillips III had 16 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 24 total tackles, 6 deflections from pass breakups, 6 interceptions, 2 tackles for a loss, 2 defensive touchdowns, and 1 sack as a sophomore redshirt in 2022.
    
    
    
    Clark Phillips III is a cornerback that I'd give an A+ grade to in man coverage, a C grade to in zone coverage, and a B grade to in press coverage. He's a third round cornerback who showcased an A+ skill in man coverage after watching his film which is the biggest reason I graded him out as my third best cornerback back in the preseason heading into the 2022 season. Somehow Clark Phillips III tripled his interceptions despite being targeted less frequently in his draft year.
    
    
    
    Clark Phillips III did impress me in three games I watched of him against Ohio State, USC, and BYU in 2021. He did much better against Jordan Addison when Utah defeated USC in the 2022 PAC 12 Championship. He showed first round potential as a freshman redshirt by limiting what USC wide receiver Drake London the ninth pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson the tenth pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on film. He also limited what Jaxon Smith-Njigba could do in coverage when playing in a cover 0 and cover 1 scheme.
    
    
    
    Clark Phillips III is better in man coverage than Jaylon Johnson, but you can argue his zone and press coverage isn't as sound as Jaylon Johnson's was coming out of Utah when Johnson was in the 2020 NFL Draft. Clark Phillips III looked more like a second round prospect then a first round prospect after watching UCLA pick him apart on game film in 2022. His bad combine drops Clark Phillips III to the third round.
    
    
    
    Clark Phillips III has the body of a nickel cornerback. His 4.51 40 yard dash didn't help either. Phillips is good enough in man coverage to challenge Nate Hobbs for the number one field cornerback job. He could also be a guy you plug into a nickel cornerback role if you are sold on Nate Hobbs and Brandon Facyson as your top two cornerbacks. Either way this is a great pick for the Raiders in the third round if they target offense with their first two picks.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Drew Sanders, 3-4 MLB, Arkansas
    
    
71. New Orleans Saints: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
    
    
    New Orleans gets their second of two defensive tackles in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. New Orleans now has Gervon Dexter, Khalen Saunders, Nathan Sheperd, and Siaki Ika who New Orleans can develop as a long-term project.
    
    
    
    Siaki "Apu" Ika began his career at LSU as a backup nose tackle on LSU's 15-0 National Championship team in 2019. He played four games at LSU in 2020 before entering the transfer portal where he enrolled at Baylor.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 335 lb Siaki Ika is raw, but he may have the highest upside of any defensive tackle outside of Jalen Carter and Bryan Breese as Carter is a four down defensive tackle while Bresee is a three down defensive tackle. He doesn't do as much as Bryan Bresee on the defensive line, but he's more durable at this point as Bresee missed games for Clemson the last two years which is why some believe Ika is better than Bryan Bresee.
    
    
    
    Siaki Ika is the best block shedder not named Jalen Carter among the defensive tackles in the 2023 NFL Draft. He knows how to use his hands to attack left guards and centers in one-on-ones.
    
    
    
    Siaki Ika has a chop move, club move, spin move, and bull rush move to compliment his elite block shedding, but still needs to develop a rip move. Siaki Ika can play the 0-technique, the 1-technique, the 3-technique at an NFL level. He still needs to develop and improve his 2-technique, 4-technique, and 5-technique.
    
    
    
    Siaki Ika has the speed, pass rushing, and uncanny ability to swat passes. His pass rushing ability helped Baylor win the 2021 Big 12 Championship. He is inconsistent as a run stuffer and sometimes gets knocked on his ass when blocking. His pad level and foot speed is effective at times, yet extremely inconsistent. He was also a 2 down player at Baylor rather than a 3 down player. He is effective yet inconsistent when double teammed, but with Nathan Shepherd or Khalen Saunders next to him he will not get double teammed. He was a 2 down player at Baylor, but has enough good traits to develop into a 3 down player. If you can correct every single weakness which is a big if perhaps too much to overcome then he could be a 4 down player in due time. Right now, New Orleans can use him in third down situations as a second pass rushing defensive tackle next to either Nathan Shepherd or Khalen Saunders.
    
    
    
    Siaki Ika is a better pass rusher than a run stuffer, and if he can clean up his run stuffing and fix his weaknesses there is potential for him to be a great complimentary defensive tackle. At the same time, you can argue Ika has too many weaknesses to be considered a special defensive tackle. Despite this, he has many wow plays where he amazes people with his highlights and at the very worst New Orleans is getting someone who can be a third down pass rusher at 4-3 defensive tackle.
    
    
    
    Siaki Ika had 17 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 24 total tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup while helping Baylor win the 2021 Big 12 Championship in his first season as a starter with Baylor in 2021 after being part of LSU's 2019 Championship as a backup. Siaki Ika had 10 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 24 total tackles, 5 quarterback hurries, 2 tackles for a loss, and 2 deflections from pass breakups in 2022.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
    
    
    
    
72. Tennessee Titans: Jarrett Patterson, LG, Notre Dame
    
    
    The 6-5 304 lb Jarrett Patterson is the most consistent pass blocking center in College Football going three years in a row without giving up a sack despite having short arms as Creed Humprhey gave up 1 sack in 2018 before going all of 2019 and 2020 without giving up a sack. I don't think he's got Creed Humphrey's kick slide, but I did like his film more than first round pick Tyler Linderbaum heading into the 2021 College Football Season a year ago. Jarrett Patterson missed Notre Dame's season opener, but made the transition from center to left guard for the 2022 Season.
    
    
    
    Tennessee failed to replace Rodger Saffold after he left. Also Nate Davis, their 2019 third round pick out of Charlotte at right guard is an unrestricted Free Agent. Jarrett Patterson is the top left guard on the board.
    
    
    
    Tennessee now has Paris Johnson Jr. at left tackle, Jarrett Patterson at left guard, Aaron Stinnie at center, Dillon Radunz at right guard until you can find someone else whose an upgrade after Radunz underperformed his first two seasons, and Nicholas Petit-Friere at right tackle. That's what Tennessee has for quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry on the offensive line.
    
    
    
73. Houston Texans: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
    
    
    The Houston Texans got this pick from the Cleveland Browns in the Deshaun Watson trade. Houston gets another pass rusher to push Jerry Hughes and Jonathan Greenard who are both in contract years at 4-3 defensive end. Houston may end up getting a viable replacement to Hughes in the 2024 NFL Draft, so I'll mock Will McDonald as a 4-3 left end with Chase Winovich as one of the backup 4-3 defensive ends that Houston added through Free Agency.
    
    
    
    The Houston Texans draft another cornerback here. The 6-2 188 lb Eli Ricks was a five star recruit in High School who committed to LSU. He showed promise as a number two boundary cornerback next to Derek Stingley Jr. after replacing Kristian Fulton. He dealt with injuries in 2021 before transferring to Alabama after LSU's cornerbacks coach left to go to Florida.
    
    
    
    Eli Ricks is a cornerback that I'd give an A grade to in man coverage, a B grade to in zone coverage, and a A- grade to in press coverage. Eli Ricks thrives in either a cover 0 and cover 1 coverage scheme. Eli Ricks was projected to start at Alabama, but Kool-Aid McKinstry, Malachi Moore, and Brian Branch ended up beating out Ricks for playing time. Ricks was still effective when he saw the field though which is why Houston drafts Eli Ricks with their third round pick from Cleveland.
    
    
    
    Houston has every cornerback outside of their third overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft named Derek Stingley Jr. in a contract year. The former LSU cornerback is the only player guaranteed to be back after the 2023 NFL Season. Re-uniting Derek Stingley Jr. and Eli Ricks would be tremendous from a team chemistry standpoint. You also have the leverage with your remaining cornerbacks in contract years when it comes to contract negotiations.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Will McDonald IV, LE, Iowa State
    
    
    
    
74. Cleveland Browns: K.J. Henry, LE, Clemson
    
    
    Cleveland signed Ogbonnina Okoronkwo the fourth best defensive end on Houston to pair with Myles Garrett to a three year contract. The worst part about this move by Andrew Berry is the Browns are stuck with this contract until 2025 even if Okoronkwo underperforms. Honestly, I'm not sold on Alex Wright, Cleveland's 2022 third round pick that I had a seventh round grade on. Signing Okoronwko gives Berry the flexibility to go in a different direction if a 4-3 defensive end is not the best player on the board.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 247 lb K.J. Henry stepped up for Clemson when Xavier Thomas was dealing with an injury. Henry complimented Myles Murphy on Clemson's 4-3 defensive line at 4-3 left end.
    
    
    
    K.J. Henry had 26 solo takckles, 25 assisted tackles, 51 total tackles, 13 quarterback hurries, 9.5 tackles foor a loss, 6 deflections from pass breakups, 3.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in 2022. K.J. Henry flashed and stood out on film when working on my Myles Murphy film cut. He is a player who is good enough to start next to Myles Garrett right now at 4-3 left end. At the very worst, he's a blatantly obvious upgrade over Alex Wright who Cleveland reached for four rounds too early in last years draft.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Clemson edge rusher K.J. Henry VS North Carolina State. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
    
    
75. Atlanta Falcons: Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Oklahoma
    
    
    Atlanta gets their number two wide receiver next to Drake London. Free Agent stop gaps like Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller are actual downgrades over Zaccheus whose impact with Atlanta was solid, but not spectacular. Atlanta has to draft a receiver in the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 184 lb Marvin Mims Jr. is my top player on the board. Worst case scenario he's quality number four target behind Drake London, Mack Hollins, and Scotty Miller on the depth chart. Best case scenario, he beats out both Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller for the number two receiver job. Realistically, he projects as Atlanta's slot receiver with potential to be the number two guy across from London by the end of his rookie season in 2023.
    
    
    
    Marvin Mims Jr. had 37 receptions, 610 receiving yards, and a career high 9 receiving touchdowns in 2020 as a true freshman. Marvin Mims Jr. had 32 receptions, 705 receiving yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns. Marvin Mims Jr. had 54 receptions, 1,083 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns in 2022. Marvin Mims Jr. averaged 20.1 yards per catch in 2022 which is the most yards per catch among any receiver entering the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    You will see Marvin Mims Jr. 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 a high level. Having a brother like Denzel Mims that ran good routes in College has helped growing up, but Marvin Mims Jr. has showcased his talent and skill set in both High School and College.
    
    
    
    Marvin Mims Jr. did a great job run blocking for Eric Gray at Oklahoma. Marvin Mims Jr. might be the best run blocking wide receiver in the Mims family. That's a plus for Marvin Mims Jr. when you consider that the Atlanta Falcons are a run heavy team that likes to run to set up the pass.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Calijah Kancey, 3-4 LE, Pittsburgh
    
    
    
    
76. New England Patriots: Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
    
    
    New England got this 2023 third round pick from Carolina after Carolina traded up to Matt Corall. New England gets a right tackle here to complete their offensive line.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 188 lb Charlie Jones had 110 receptions, 1,361 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns in 2022. Charlie Jones was one of Wes Langley's sleepers at wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft. Purdue's continued to churn out talent at wide receiver the last three years from Rondale Moore, to David Bell, and now Charlie Jones. Purdue is slowly turning into a wide receiver factory for College Football wide receivers.
    
    
    
    You will see Charlie Jones 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 a high level. He's just as effective as Purdue teammate Payne Durham when it comes to running all thirty routes on the route tree. Jones gets more separation than Durham and outperformed him in his draft year. I would argue Jones has more separation than last years third round pick David Bell too.
    
    
    
    Charlie Jones ran a 4.44 at the 2023 NFL Combine while doing 13 reps on the bench press. Jones caught every target thrown his way at the 2023 NFL Combine. This is a guy I would consider on New England if he's there in round 3.
    
    
    
    New England's wide receiver room will have JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, Kendrick Bourne, Ty Montgomery, and Matthew Slater as the return specialist. Charlie Jones can push Tyquan Thornton and Kendrick Bourne for the slot receiver job right away.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Matthew Bergeron, RT, Syracuse
    
    
77. Los Angeles Rams: Nick Herbig, 3-4 LOLB, Wisconsin
    
    
    Miami got this third round pick from the DeVante Parker trade which sent DeVante Parker to New England. Miami traded this pick to the Los Angeles Rams for their number one field cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 240 lb Nick Herbig had 33 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 47 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries, 2 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles in 2022.
    
    
    
    Nick Herbig can line up at 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, 3-4 right outside linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker with his versatility. The last Wisconsin outside linebacker to showcase this much versatility on film was T.J. Watt.
    
    
    
    I mocked Isaiah Foskey to the Rams in the second round and Nick Herbig to the Rams in the third round. The pass rusher tandem of Isaiah Foskey and Nick Herbig has massive shoes to fill with Leonard Floyd and Von Miller gone.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
    
    
    
    
78. Green Bay Packers: Jordan McFadden, LT, Clemson
    
    
    Green Bay gets a left tackle to groom for the future. Green Bay's current offensive line has all five starters back. Left tackle David Bakhtiari, left guard Elgton Jenkins, center Josh Myers, right guard Jon Runyan Jr., and right tackle Yosh Nijman are all under contract next season. Zach Tom one of the three offensive tackles that Green Bay drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft looked promising when starting a game for an injured David Bakhtiari at left tackle and did enough to earn the swing tackle role.
    
    
    
    I like Nijman at right tackle, but not at left tackle. Green Bay needs one more offensive tackle for depth to compliment Bakhtiari, Nijman, and Tom.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 295 lb Jordan McFadden has experience at both left tackle and right tackle. He's got the necessary size to kick inside to left guard or right guard if the Packers think he's not big enough to play offensive tackle in the NFL. He can be a day 1 starter regardless of whether the Packers keep him at offensive tackle or kick him inside to guard.
    
    
    
    Jordan McFadden said that practicing against Clemson's defensive line made things easier for him. Jordan McFadden did well in the one-on-ones against Georgia Tech defensive end Keion White on tape when Keion White lined up at 4-3 right end against Clemson. Jordan McFadden also sounded extremely humble and confident when interviewing him at the 2023 East West Shrine Bowl.
    
    
    
    Jordan McFadden looked good in individual drills during the 2023 NFL Combine. I got a third round grade on Jordan McFadden grading McFadden slightly higher than Keion White because he won the one-on-ones.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Clemson's offensive line VS North Carolina State. Clemson left tackle Jordan McFadden stood out in this game. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    I posted a Jordan McFadden Interview from the 2023 East West Shrine Bowl. You can click the link to listen to the Interview.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Ji'Ayir Brown, FS, Penn State
    
    
79. Indianapolis Colts: Keion White, RE, Georgia Tech
    
    
    Indianapolis uses this third round pick that they got from the Washington Commanders in the Carson Wentz trade to get a potential replacement for Yannick Ngakoue here. Yannick had 9.5 sacks. Indianapolis has to pay Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor who enter contract years. Yannick did well, but I don't think Ballard is going to prioritize him with only two pass rushers on the active roster with those two pass rushers being the Indianpolis Colts 2021 first round pick Kwity Paye from Michigan and Indianapolis Colts 2021 second round pick Dayo Odeyingbo from Vanderbilt.
    
    
    
    These two 2021 NFL draft picks had 6 sacks from Paye and 4 sacks from Odeyingbo, so if the Colts roll with these two and let Yannick walk, then a pass rusher must be added in the 2023 NFL Draft for depth even if the Colts get someone else that's viable in Free Agency. Chris Ballard added San Francisco 49ers 4-3 left end Samson Ekubam for depth. That move doesn't satisfy me, so I'm mocking an edge rusher that is a natural 4-3 right end for depth here in the third round. Georgia Tech defensive end Keion White is the best player on the board here.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 280 lb Keion White is versatile. enough to play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right end, and 3-4 left end. He can play defensive end on either side in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme.
    
    
    
    Keion White had 29 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles, 54 total tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup in 2022. Keion white got both of his sacks against Clemson's true freshman at right tackle. He did nothing in the one-on-ones versus Jordan McFadden.
    
    
    
    Keion White kicked ass at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl. He looks fast and explosive. White did not impress me with his rip or swim moves despite a strong week in practice at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl where he was winning one-on-ones. He also lost one-on-ones against the NFL prospects he faced on film which is the biggest reason I have him getting picked in the third round despite building on his momentum at the 2023 NFL Combine and Georgia Tech's 2023 Pro Day following a strong showcase in Mobile, Alabama.
    
    
    Previous Pick: K.J. Henry, LE, Clemson
    
    
    
    
80. Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Sanders, 3-4 MLB, Arkansas
    
    
    Pittsburgh drafts a 3-4 middle linebacker since Pittsburgh released Myles Jack. Robert Spillane signed with the Raiders and Devin Bush signed with Seattle. Pittsburgh added Cole Holcolmb and Tae Crowder in Free Agency. Those guys can be stop gaps if Pittsburgh opts to draft a linebacker in the 2023 NFL Draft while developing him. Drew Sanders is a bargain at this point in the third round.
    
    
    
    The Pittsburgh Steelers draft a new middle linebacker here. Drew Sanders missed at least five solo tackles against Texas A&M, yet he has a first round grade despite having 0 solo tackles in that game. Jahmyr Gibbs, Zach Evans, and Devon Achane all ran for over 100 rushing yards on Drew Sanders which is why the Sanders hype is being blown out of proportion. The only SEC running back in the 2023 NFL Draft that Sanders kept to under 100 rushing yards was Tank Bigsby. Gibbs and Evans both ran for over 200 rushing yards on the Arkansas Razorbacks defense led by Sanders. My favorite Razorback from last year entered the transfer portal, but the Steelers actually decide to draft a middle linebacker for once, but this could end up working against them.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 235 lb Drew Sanders had 40 solo tackles, 63 assisted tackles, 103 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, 6 deflections from pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception with Arkansas in 2022. Before that he was an edge rusher on Alabama before getting benched for Dallas Turner after injuries. His tackling with Arkansas looked much better against Alabama compared to what he did against Texas A&M, but he's still not a guy that warrants a first round pick. His zone coverage at the end of the season against Ole Miss looked a lot better when Arkansas defeated Ole Miss. Sanders still struggled with winning blocks against Ole Miss despite the improvement in coverage.
    
    
    
    Some had Drew Sanders in the first round. He's a top 3 middle linebacker in this draft, but not a guy to select until the third round.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Dee Winters, MLB, TCU
    
    
81. Detroit Lions: Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
    
    
    I mocked Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis here last time, but he went back to Clemson. The Detroit Lions get a backup quarterback ofr Jared Goff here. Jake Haener was the MVP of the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl and is a great value pick in the fourth round.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 208 lb Jake Haener had 4,096 passing yards, 33 passing touchdowns, a 67.1% completion percentage, and 9 interceptions in 2021. Jake Haener went 2-1 against ranked opponents playing well in a loss to Oregon, leading Fresno State to an upset win over UCLA and their quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson who I mocked with the very next pick in this mock draft, and defeated eventual Mountain West Champion San Diego State in 2021. Jake Haener had 2,836 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, a 72% completion percentage which is the best completion percentage of any quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, and 3 interceptions in 2022. Jake Haener could have done more if he didn't miss some time with injuries in 2022.
    
    
    
    I've seen Jake Haener make up to 4 progressions on film. He still needs to develop a fifth and sixth read in the pocket. He's completed a 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step throw on film.
    
    
    
    Jake Haener outperformed Jaren Hall and Malik Cunningham at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl. Jake Haener also was the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl MVP. Jake Haener didn't throw the football as far at the 2023 NFL Combine as he did in the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson
    
    
    
    
82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA
    
    
    Tampa Bay drafts a quarterback here to compete with Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. There is one quarterback left in this draft that I believe has potential to be a starting quarterback.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 194 lb Dorian Thompson-Robinson was one my standout players during practice at the 2023 East West Shrine Bowl and I like him more then every 2023 Senior Bowl quarterback outside of Hendon Hooker whose currently recovering from a torn ACL.
    
    
    
    UCLA's quarterback was a former standout at Nevada Powerhouse Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada before enrolling at UCLA. As far as Dorian Thompson-Robinson's strengths go, the throwing power with his arm strength and velocity is there and this is a skill he has in the NFL. His accuracy can be pinpoint at times. He's completed a 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step throw on film. He's the only quarterback outside of Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Hendon Hooker that I've seen do this on film. I've seen Dorian Thompson-Robinson make up to 4 progressions in both his 2021 and 2022 game film when watching him play on film. His footwork may be ahead of where Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott were when they were drafted, but his awareness was not on their level coming out of College.
    
    
    
    The key with Dorian Thompson-Robinson is he has to improve his progressions and decision making as he continues to develop. You also want to see the UCLA quarterback add some muscle in the weight room while maintaining his speed.
    
    
    br>
    Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a team player and that will make him liked and respected by his teammates in the NFL. Dorian Thompson-Robinson had 3,154 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, 646 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, 3,800 total yards, 39 total touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2022.
    
    
    
    I would rather have Dorian Thompson-Robinson in day 2 or day 3 then Will Levis in the first round if I'm being completely honest. I just feel like Levis is gonna bust and I saw what I needed to from UCLA's quarterback during my trip to Las Vegas for the 2023 East West Shrine Bowl. UCLA's quarterback did a great job responding to the coaches on the New England Patriots coaching staff at the 2023 East West Shrine Bowl. I got a third round grade on Dorian Thompson-Robinson and he's my the sixth quarterback I have getting drafted after the consensus top 5 quarterbacks in Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, Will Levis, and Hendon Hooker.
    
    
    
    I posted a Dorian Thompson-Robinson Interview from the 2023 East West Shrine Bowl. You can click the link to listen to the Interview.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
    
    
83. Seattle Seahawks: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, 3-4 LOLB, Kansas State
    
    
    The Seattle Seahawks have Darrell Taylor Jr. at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Uchenna Nwosu at 3-4 left outside linebacker, and Boye Mafe last years second round pick who started a few games as the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker. Seattle drafts Felix Anudike-Uzomah here with Bruce Irvin no longer on Seattle as a 3-4 left outside linebacker.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 255 lb Felix Anudike-Uzomah had 37 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 52 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, and 11 sacks in 2021. Felix Anudike-Uzomah had 31 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 46 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup in 2022.
    
    
    
    He's a hand in the dirt edge rusher despite the fact that he has the body of a 3-4 outside linebacker meaning he can play in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme. The only player who had more sacks than Felix Anudike-Uzomah in 2021 was Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. Felix Anudike-Uzomah would be a great player to compliment Brian Burns at 3-4 left outside linebacker for Carolina.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA
    
    
    
    
84. Miami Dolphins: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
    
    
    Miami is losing Mike Gesicki. Miami still has Durham Smythe. The 2023 NFL Draft still has some quality tight ends.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 249 lb Sam LaPorta had 53 receptions, 679 receiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns in 2021. Sam LaPorta had 58 receeptions, 657 receiving yards, and 1 receiving touchdown in 2022.
    
    
    
    He's the sixth tight end in this draft that can run all 30 routes on the route tree. The downside is he sucks at run blocking, but he sold a block against Aidan Hutchinson on a passing play in the 2021 Big Ten Championship Game to make up for this. Sam LaPorta fixed his run blocking in 2022.
    
    
    
    You will see Sam LaPorta 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. Sam LaPorta still needs to get stronger and add some muscle if he wants to have success in the NFL as a blocker, but it feels like he did that in 2022. Now the big question is will he fix that in the NFL.
    
    
    
85. Los Angeles Chargers: Payne Durham, TE, Purdue
    
    
    The Los Angeles Chargers currently have all three tight ends Gerald Everett, Donald Parham whose an RFA, and Tre McKitty one of their 2021 tight ends under contract. One tight end set to be an unrestricted Free Agent is Richard Rodgers. It's possible that the Chargers cut Gerald Everett, which the Chargers have been rumored to do in order to save cap space. It is also possible that the Chargers do not match an RFA offer for Donald Parham. If either of those scenarios occurs, do not rule out the Chargers drafting another tight end for Justin Herbert in the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 249 lb Payne Durham had 45 receptions, 467 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns in 2021. Payne Durham had 56 receeptions, 560 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns in 2022.
    
    
    
    He's the sixth tight end in this draft that can run all 30 routes on the route tree. The big concern with Payne Durham was he couldn't get separaton with an explosive first step when watching his 2021 tape. I feel like he fixed that to a degree in 2022. He's a good blocker as well and was lined up in the slot very frequently as Payne Durham was lined up in the slot the third most times of any tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    You will see Payne Durham 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. Payne Durham still needs to showcase a better first step and more explosion on his routes. If Durham can fix that the same way Sam LaPorta needs to improve his strength, then Durham, like LaPorta, could be a starting tight end in the NFL.
    
    
    
    
    
86. Baltimore Ravens: Kyu Blue Kelly, CB, Stanford
    
    
    The Baltimore Ravens draft a cornerback here with Marcus Peters set to become a Free Agent. I don't trust either Damarion Williams Baltimore's 2022 fourth round pick out of Houston at nickel cornerback or Jalyn Armour-Davis, Baltimore's 2022 third round pick out of Alabama who sat behind Marcus Peters. I had a fifth round grade n Jalyn Armour-Davis and this cornerback class is just deeper then the 2022 NFL Draft. I think Baltimore can draft another cornerback that could be a day 1 starter over the other two cornerbacks they drafted.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 193 lb Kyu Blu Kelly had 10 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 12 big plays on defense if you combine the deflections and interceptions for passes defended in 2021. I saw Kyu Blu Kelly in three games against USC, Arizona State, and Kansas State.
    
    
    
    His best game of those three was against USC where he kept Drake London in check. His zone coverage and press coverage against Arizona State and Kansas State was supsect at best. Kyu Blu Kelly displayed outstanding man coverage in all three games, and if the USC game was the only game of Kyu Blu Kelly that you watched, I can understand why you feel like his man coverage warrants an A+ grade.
    
    
    
    I gave Kyu Blu Kelly an A grade in man coverage, a B- grade in zone coverage, and a B grade in press coverage after watching his 2021 tape. Kyu Blue Kelly dropped from my mock draft in September from early second round to mid to late third round, but he's still a day 2 pick. Jordan Addison torched Kyu Blue Kelly after Kelly did well against Drake London.
    
    
    
    Kyu Blue Kelly had 26 solo tackles, 9 assisted tackles, and 6 deflections from pass breakups struggling against Jordan Addison in 2022.
    
    
    
    I gave Kyu Blue Kelly an A grade in man coverage, an A- grade in zone coverage after Kyu Blue Kelly improved his zone coverage on a play in the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl where he got a pick six on Malik Cunningham, and a B grade in press coverage after watching his tape in 2022. Kyu Blue Kelly was one of the biggeest winners from the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl.
    
    
    
87. Minnesota Vikings: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
    
    
    Minnesota drafts a cornerback here to push Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans for the number two boundary cornerback role next to field cornerback Byron Murphy. Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents is my top cornerback on the board at this point in the third round.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 202 lb Julius Brents may have the best size of any cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft. Julius Brents 28 solo tackles, 17 assisted tackles, 45 total tackles, 4 deflections from pass breakups, 4 interceptions, 3.5 tackles for a loss, and 1 forced fumble in 2022.
    
    
    
    I watched three games of Julius Brents. In the first game against TCU Brents got burned on a few plays, but kept TCU wide receiver Quinton Johnston out of the end zone forcing a fumble on a pass Johnston caught and intercepting a pass TCU quarterback Max Duggan underthrew. He did get penalized twice for pass interference calls on Johnston in the 2022 Big 12 Championship. In the second game I watched against Baylor, Julius Brents was flawless. Kansas State started out well against Alabama, but Bryce Young adjusted at quarterback in the 2022 Sugar Bowl throwing two of his touchdown passes on Julius Brents.
    
    
    
    Julius Brents got an A grade for man coverage, a C grade for zone coverage, an A+ grade for press coverage, a C grade for run stuffing, a C- for blocking, and an A+ for hard hitting. Julius Brents is the second cornerback outside of Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon to get an A+ grade for hard hitting. Julius Brents also participated in the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl and interviewed well in Mobile.
    
    
    
    Julius Brents ran a 4.52 40 time. He still managed to catch a lot of balls thrown his way at the 2023 NFL Combine. He's a great value pick for the Minnesota Vikings in the third round as he is someone who can push both Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans for the number two cornerback job next to Byron Murphy as stated earlier.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
    
    
    
    
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
    
    
    Jacksonville gets a tight end in the third round. If Jacksonville goes with a guard in the first round like O'Cyrus Torrence, then I expect both of their day 2 picks to be used at cornerback and tight end. Jacksonville is currently over the cap at the moment. Evan Engram and Dan Arnold are both Free Agents and a tight end to compliment Luke Farrell will be needed if both Engram and Arnold cannot be retained. My second FCS player, Tucker Kraft comes off the board here in the third round.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 255 lb Tucker Kraft replaces Evan Engram whose an unrestricted Free Agent in 2023. Dane Brugler had a top 50 grade on this FCS tight end back in the preseason prior to his 2022 campaign at South Dakota State.
    
    
    
    Tucker Kraft had 65 receptions, 773 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns in 2021. Tucker Kraft turned down a deal from Wyoming through the transfer portal to stay at South Dakota State.
    
    
    
    Tucker Kraft only had 27 receptions, 348 receiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns in 2022. In Kraft's defense he was battling an injury after the season opener against Iowa which kept him out until the final two weeks of October. After he returned, he played through that injury and still led South Dakota State to their first National Title in School history as the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, the preseason number two team in the FCS defeated the North Dakota State Bison, the Preseason number one team to win the Division 1 FCS Championship in the 2022 FCS Season.
    
    
    
    You will see Tucker Kraft 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. He models his game after Dallas Goedert and Trey McBride.
    
    
    
    Michael Mayer, Darnell Washington, Dalton Kincaid, Luke Musgrave, Sam LaPorta, and Payne Durham can all run thirty routes on the route tree too. This guy was a run blocker for 2022 draft prospect Pierre Strong Jr. He still played at a high level as a blocker despite not having 100 receiving yards in 2022. Jacksonville residents might think I'm crazy for mocking Tucker Kraft here, but Chad Reuter of NFL.com, has Kraft going to Jacksonville in the second round a round earlier than this.
    
    
    
89. New York Giants: Jammie Robinson, FS, Florida State
    
    
    New York gets a free safety to pair with Xavier McKinney in the third round. McKinney enters a contract year with the New York Giants. Florida State safety Jammie Robinson is the best player on the board that fills a need for New York.
    
    
    
    Florida State safety Jammie Robinson showed the versatility to play strong safety, free safety, and nickel cornerback. Drafting Florida State safety Jammie Robinson could be the upgrade that New York's secondary needs.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 194 lb Jammie Robinson had 42 solo tackles, 42 assisted tackles, 84 total tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 3 deflections from pass breakups, and 4 intereceptions in 2021. Jammie Robinson had 46 solo tackles, 53 assisted tackles, 99 total tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 5 quarterback hurries, 5 deflections from pass breakups, 1 interception, and 1 sack in 2022.
    
    
    
    I gave Jammie Robinson an A grade in man coverage, an A grade in zone coverage, and a B- grade in press coverage. He's great at blitzing and stopping the run too. He can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 defense. He's more versatile then JL Skinner and probably the only safety in the 2023 NFL Draft that can play man and zone effectively in the NFL outside of JL Skinner. Jammie Robinson got himself into the second round with an amazing week in Mobile, but a bad combine dropped him to the third round.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Mekhi Garner, CB, LSU
    
    
    
    
90. Dallas Cowboys: Christopher Smith, FS, Georgia
    
    
    Dallas could go with either a cornerback or a safety to improve the secondary. This draft has thirty different cornerbacks that are draftable while only fifteen safeties are draftable. This draft has about eight safeties with starter potential and six of those safeties are off the board. Therefore, the smartest thing Dallas can do is draft a free safety to start next to Malik Hooker right now and get their number two boundary cornerback to compliment Trevon Diggs in the third round.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 188 lb Christopher Smith has started 29 games in his career at Georgia dating back to the final five games in 2020 with five starts in 2020, eleven starts in 2021, and Christopher Smith started all thirteen games in 2022. Christopher Smith had 14 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 26 total tackles, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup in his five starts in 2020. Christopher Smith had 23 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, 34 total tackles, 4 deflections from pass breakups, 3 interceptions, and 1 defensive touchdown in 2021. Christophet Smith had 45 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, 61 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakups, 5 tackles for a loss, 3 interceptptions, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble in 2022.
    
    
    
    Christopher Smith started next to 2022 first round pick Lewis Cine at free safety. Christopher Smith continued to play free safety without Cine in 2022 winning back-to-back National Championships at Georgia.
    
    
    
    I gave Christopher Smith an A- in man coverage, an A grade in zone coverage, a C grade in press coverage, a B grade in run stuffing, and an A+ grade for foot speed. Smith is amazing at using his feet and hips to get into position to make a big play when watching Georgia's defense the last two years. This has always been a guy with starter potential as he entered the year as a third round prospect, but did so much without Derion Kendrick and Lewis Cine that he convinced me to move him into the second round.
    
    
    
    A safety tandem with Malik Hooker at strong safety and Christopher Smith at free safety is a safety unit that will make it harder to throw deep passes on the Dallas Cowboys safeties. This will also take some pressure off of Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore at cornerback.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC
    
    
91. Buffalo Bills: Nick Broeker, LG, Ole Miss
    
    
    Buffalo gets a left guard to groom behind Connor McGovern and David Edwards the backup left guard. Nick Broeker was a player that I had a first round grade on two years ago prior to the 2022 NFL Draft. Nick Broeker ended up going back to school for his senior season at Ole Miss.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 304 lb Nick Broeker made the transition from left tackle to left guard in 2022. Nick Broeker knocked Keion White on his ass on a run blocking play when Ole Miss faced Georgia Tech.
    
    
    
    Nick Broeker has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, and run blocking footwork. Nick Broeker isn't a zone blocker, but if Buffalo drafts him as a pass blocker and run blocker at left guard this pick could work out.
    
    
    
    
    
92. Cincinnati Bengals: Isreal Abanikanda, RB, Pittsburgh
    
    
    Cincinnati lost Samaje Perine at running back. Cincinnati needs a running back to compliment Joe Mixon assuming he stays on board for next season.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 216 lb Isreal Abanikanda had 123 carries, 651 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, 24 receptions, 197 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown, 147 touches, 848 total yards, and 8 total touchdowns with Pittsburgh when the Pittsburgh Panthers had Kenny Pickett and Jordan Addison in his first year as a starting running back in 2021. Isreal Abanikanda had 239 carries, 1,431 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns, 12 receptions, 146 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown, 251 touches, 1,577 total yards, and 21 total touchdowns once Pittsburgh went back to their roots as a run first team without Pickett and Addison in 2022.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Pittsburgh running back Isreal Abanikanda VS West Virginia. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Rejzhon Wright, CB, Oregon State
    
    
93. Carolina Panthers: Chase Brown, RB, Illinois
    
    
    Carolina gets a running back to compliment Miles Sanders here. Chubba Hubbard went from starting as a rookie during Christian McCaffrey's season ending injury in 2021 to losing carries to D'Onta Foreman once McCaffrey was traded to San Francisco. Hubbard was not a good pass blocker in college and there are better pass blocking running backs in this draft. Also, having a one two punch at running back takes some pressure off of quarterback Bryce Young.
    
    
    
    The 5-9 215 lb Chase Brown had 328 carries, 1,643 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, 27 receptions, 340 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns, 355 touches, 1,983 total yards, and 13 rushing touchdowns in 2022. Chase Brown had the speed, pass catching, and ball carrier vision.
    
    
    
    The one thing Chase Brown needed to fix was his pass blocking. Chase Brown did that at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl having a very strong showing in Mobile which is why Chase Brown is now a day 2 prospect for me.
    
    
    
    Chase Brown ran a 4.43 40 time at the 2023 NFL Combine. Chase Brown also caught every target thrown his way at the 2023 NFL Combine.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Zach Harrison, LE, Ohio State
    
    
    
    
94. Philadelphia Eagles: Emil Ekiyor Jr., RG, Alabama
    
    
    The Philadelphia Eagles have to reload on the offensvie line at some point in the 2023 NFL Draft. Isaac Seumalo is now on the other NFL team that plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cam Jurgens is more of a center than a right guard for me, so I'm mocking a true right guard to Philadelphia for depth.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 317 lb Emil Ekiyor Jr. has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, and zone blocking you want. Emil Ekiyor Jr. played center in High School before converting to right guard at Alabama where he went on to start 40 consecutive games at right guard for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Emil Ekiyor Jr. didn't allow a sack in 2021 or 2022. He protected Bryce Young in pass protection while run blocking for Brian Robinson Jr. and Jahmyr Gibbs.
    
    
    
    Philadelphia now has Jordan Mailata at left tackle, Lane Dickerson at left guard, Jason Kelce at center, Emil Ekiyor Jr. at right guard, and Lane Johnson at right tackle. Many believe Cam Jurgens will start at right guard, but Philadelphia has to move either Landon Dickerson or Cam Jurgens over to center when Jason Kelce retires.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jordan McFadden, LT, Clemson
    
    
95. Kansas City Chiefs: Jacquelin Roy, DT, LSU
    
    
    Kansas City grabs a defensive end for depth here with Carlos Dunlap set to be an unrestricted Free Agent. Kansas City will restructure Frank Clark and if he doesn't want to take another paycut Kansas City can release Frank Clark to save $21-million in cap space.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 315 lb Jacquelin Roy was effective off the bench on LSU's stout run defense in 2021. He'll be a full-time starter in 2022, and could end up blossoming into a day 2 pick getting drafted ahead of former LSU teammate Neil Farrell Jr. with a big season.
    
    
    
    Jacquelin Roy had 25 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles, 50 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2 quarterback hurries, and a 0.5 a sack in 2022. He's got a good first step and a deadly swim move showcasing natural ability for a 3-technique in the NFL. Roy needs to develop his rip move, but he's got starter potential in the NFL despite being a one year starter at LSU. Roy really stood out on tape in LSU's season opener agaisnt Florida State.
    
    
    
    Kansas City brought back starters Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi. Kansas City has no depth behind those two at 4-3 defensive tackle. Taking a flyer on Jacquelin Roy, who was once a second round prospect prior to the 2023 NFL Combine wouldn't be a bad way for Kansas City to end the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Caleb Murphy, RE, Ferris State
    
    
    
    
96. Arizona Cardinals: D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan
    
    
    Arizona is projected to get this compensation pick at 96 for losing wide receiver Christian Kirk. Christian Kirk signed a huge contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2022 NFL Free Agency period.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 178 lb D.J. Turner was one of three cornerbacks on Michigan's defense that had a perfect regular season. D.J. Turner covered opponents number one receivers more frequently despite D.J. Turner had 26 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 33 total tackles, 9 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 1 tackle for a loss in 2021. D.J. Turner had 27 solo tackles, 9 assisted tackles, 36 total tackles, 11 deflections from pass breakups, 1 interception, 1 tackle for a loss, and 1 fumble recovery in 2022.
    
    
    
    I gave D.J. Turner a B grade in man coverage, zone coverage, and press coverage. I was initially going to put D.J. Turner in the fourth round, but D.J. Turner ran a 4.26 40 yard dash time at the 2023 NFL Combine which was the fastest among cornerbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft. This propels D.J. Turner into the late third round.
    
    
    
    Arizona now has Mekhi Becton who I mocked earlier in the third round as their field cornerback, D.J. Turner as their boundary cornerback, and Marco Wilson as their nickel cornerback.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
    
    
97. Washington Commanders: Dee Winters, MLB, TCU
    
    
    Washington is projected to get this compensation pick at 97 for losing right guard Brandon Scherff. Brandon Scherff signed a huge contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
    
    
    
    Washington gets a linebacker for depth. Washington has Jamin Davis their 2021 first round pick at outside linebacker in their nickel defense. Washington also replaced Cole Holcolmb with Cody Barton on a one year deal. Dee Winters is someone that I believe has a higher ceiling than Cody Barton making him an ideal flyer pick for Washington in the third round.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 223 lb Dee Winters had 53 solo tackles, 21 assisted tackles, 74 total tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 2 deflections from pass breakups, 2 intereceptions, and 2 quarterback hurries in 2021. Dee Winters had 48 solo tackles, 31 assisted tackles, 79 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, 2 deflections from pass breakups, 1 interception, and 1 defensive touchdown on a pick six against Michigan in this years College Football Playoffs.
    
    
    
    Dee Winters is the one linebacker I've seen on tape outside of Henry To'Oto'O that does everything you want a middle linebacker to do. You can make a case that he's the most complete linebacker outside of To'Oto'O in the 2023 NFL Draft. Noah Sewell has the highest upside of any linebacker in the 2023 NFL Draft, but an argument for Dee Winters having the better floor with his pass rushing, run stuffing, and coverage can be made. Dee Winters is a linebacker that has A grade zone coverage and is one of the better value picks in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State
    
    
    
    
98. Cleveland Browns: Jack Campbell, MLB, Iowa
    
    
    Cleveland is projected to get this compensation pick at 98 for losing assistant general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The Minnesota Vikings hired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as their new general manager replacing Rick Speilman with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
    
    
    
    The Cleveland Browns get a middle linebacker here to develop behind Anthony Walker for a year. Iowa middle linebacker Jack Campbell warrants consideration here in the third round.
    
    
    
    Cleveland uses this pick on a middle linebacker to develop for the future here in the third round. Jack Campbell the Iowa middle linebacker who has the same name as the NHL goalie gets drafted by Cleveland here.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 243 lb Jack Campbell had 57 solo tackles, 86 assisted tackles, 143 total tackles, 6 quarterback hurries, 6 deflections from pass breakups, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2 interceptions, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery in 2021. Jack Campbell had 60 solo tackles, 68 assisted tackles, 128 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 4 quarterback hurries, 3 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. Jack Campbell stops the run well, but he needs to do a better job winning his blocks when watching his tape in 2022.
    
    
    
    Jack Campbell might be the mentally toughest player in the entire draft. He played in the 2022 Music City Bowl after his grandfather passed away and that takes a lot courage. He also had the sixth highest relative athletic score of any middle linebacker dating back to 1987 after standing out at Iowa's 2023 Pro Day.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Oklahoma
    
    
99. San Francisco 49ers: Matthew Bergeron, RT, Syracuse
    
    
    San Francisco is projected to get this compensation pick at 99 for losing former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and former Vice President of Player Personnel Martin Mayhew. San Francisco lost Saleh to the New York Jets who hired Saleh to be their new head coach while Martin Mayhew became the Washington GM prior to the 2021 season. This is the final year San Francisco gets compensation picks from these hires.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 323 lb Matthew Bergeron has experience playing both left tackle and right tackle at Syracuse. Matthew Bergeron has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, and zone blocking you want a starting offensive tackle. I feel like his pass blocking footwork could improve, but Matthew Bergeron was pancaking defenders kicking ass at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl.
    
    
    
    San Francisco gets thier replacement to Mike McGlinchey here. Matthew Bergeron can compete with Colton McKivitz for the right tackle job. San Francisco's current offensive line has Trent Williams at left tackle, Aaron Brooks at left guard, Jake Brendel at center, Spencer Burford at right guard, and Colton McKivitz or Matthew Bergeron at right tackle if Bergeron wins the right tackle job. You also got Jaylon Moore as the backup left tackle and Jon Feliciano as the backup center. San Francisco has great depth at both offensive tackle and center.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
    
    
    
    
100. Las Vegas Raiders: Owen Pappoe, MLB, Auburn
     
     
     Kansas City is projected to get this compensation pick at 100 for losing assistant GM Ryan Poles. Ryan Poles got hired by the Chicago Bears to be their new GM. Chicago will also have the most cap space of any NFL team in 2023. Kansas City traded this pick to the New York Giants when acquiring Kadarius Toney. New York then traded this pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for tight end Darren Waller.
     
     
     
     Las Vegas drafts Auburn linebacker Owen Pappoe for depth at 4-3 middle linebacker behind Free Agent Robert Spillane who was a backup to Devin Bush for most of the season until Bush got benched. Pappoe is versatile and decent in coverage. When he gets past the line of scrimmage he's effective as a run stuffer too. He doesn't win blocks as much as you'd like and I feel like he needs a year or two to develop before you play him. That being said, Auburn's radio station reported that Owen Pappoe has a better chance of sneaking into day 2 than defensive end Derick Hall.
     
     
     
     The 6-0 225 lb Owen Pappoe is versatile enough to play 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 middle linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, and 3-4 middle linebacker. Owen Pappoe is a natural mike linebacker and was a five star recruit in High School. Owen Pappoe had 51 solo tackles, 40 assisted tackles, 91 total tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, 3 deflections from pass breakups, 2 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries, and 2 forced fumbles in 2022.
     
     
     
     Owen Pappoe ran a 4.48 unofficial 40 time. Owen Pappoe ran a 4.38 official 40 time at the 2023 NFL Combine. The bottom line is Pappoe is the fastest linebacker in the 2023 NFL Draft in terms of 40 times. Owen Pappoe is someone I could see the Las Vegas Raiders taking near the end of the third round.
     
     
     Previous Pick: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
     
     
101. San Francisco 49ers: Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
     
     
     San Francisco is projected to get this compensation pick at 101 for losing former offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The Miami Dolphins made Mike McDaniel their new head coach and McDaniel took Miami to the playoffs in 2022.
     
     
     
     The 5-10 214 lb Evan Hull does a lot well on tape for a running back. He has the speed, pass catching, ball carrier vision, and pass blocking you want from an NFL running back.
     
     
     
     Evan Hull had 196 carries, 1,009 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, 33 receptions, 264 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns, 229 touches, 1,273 total yards, and 9 total touchdowns in 2021. Evan Hull had 221 carries, 913 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 55 receptions, 546 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns, 276 touches, 1,459 total yards, and 7 total touchdowns in 2022.
     
     
     
     Evan Hull did well enough to earn an invite to the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl. He stepped up on some plays where Peter Skoronski was hugginng the defender like a pass blocker when run blocking. There are questions about Hull's speed, but I think that's being overblown. The 2023 NFL Combine validated that questions about Hull's speed were being overblown when Hull ran a 4.47 40-yard dash after being projected to run a 4.6 40 time. Even though I got a second round grade on Evan Hull, he fell this far because of how deep this running back class is.
     
     
     
     The worst case scenario for Evan Hull is he becomes a very good change of pace running back like Tyler Allgeier in San Francisco learning under Christian McCaffrey. The best case scenario is he ends up becoming as good as Austin Ekeler because my ceiling for Evan Hull is as far as player comparisons goes is Austin Ekeler. In order for Hull to play, Christian McCaffrey would have to get injured. Elijah Mitchell and Tyrion Davis-Price are on this roster too, but I think Evan Hull is better. Also, the third round seems to be the sweet spot for running backs that get drafted by the San Francisco 49ers.
     
     
     Previous Pick: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
     
     
102. San Francisco 49ers: Zach Harrison, LE, Ohio State
     
     
     San Francisco is projected to get this compensation pick at 102 for losing San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator to the Houston Texans who made Demeco Ryans a former Texan drafted by Houston as a player their new head coach. Ran Carthon the director of player personnel for the San Francisco 49ers got hired by the Tennessee Titans to replace Jon Robinson at General Manager.
     
     
     
     Right now Nick Bosa and Drake Jackson are the only 4-3 defensive ends on San Francisco's roster. Samson Ekubam, Charles Omenihu, Jordan Willis, and San Francisco's third string defensive end that complimented Drake Jackson are all unrestricted Free Agents. I expect San Francisco to get one defensive end to compete with Drake Jackson for the 4-3 left end job in Free Agency. I expect San Francisco to draft Nick Bosa's backup with one of their third round picks in what appears to be a really deep edge rusher class.
     
     
     
     The 6-6 272 lb Zach Harrison had 20 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 34 total tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, 6 quarterback hurries, 4 deflections from pass breakups, 3.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception in 2022. Zach Harrison is versatile enough to play 4-3 right end or 4-3 left end with his versatility.
     
     
     
     Zach Harrison has the pass rushing, run stuffing, and ability to drop back in coverage that you want from a 4-3 defensive end. He's good at everything, but not dominant in any area on film.
     
     
     
     San Francisco now has Nick Bosa at 4-3 right end, Arik Armstead at 4-3 defensive tackle, Javon Hargrave at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Drake Jackson at 4-3 left end. San Francisco has Clellin Ferrell as their backup 4-3 right end, Javon Kinlaw last years starting 4-3 defensive tackle as a backup 4-3 defensive tackle, Kevin Givens as a backup 4-3 defensive tackle, and Zach Harrison as a backup 4-3 left end replacing Samson Ekubam. Now defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has just as many bodies on the defensive line as last years defensive coordinator Demeco Ryans whose now the Houston Texans head coach.
     
     
     Previous Pick: Andre Carter II, 3-4 ROLB, Army