Tony Mario's 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds

Round 3

Tony Mario Last Updated: April 26, 2023.

64. Chicago Bears: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
    
    
    Chicago gets a day 1 starter at 4-3 defensive tackle. Siaki Ika is a great value pick for the Chicago Bears to start the third round.
    
    
    
65. Houston Texans: Braeden Daniels, RG, Utah
    
    
    Houston gets a right guard for the future to develop behind Shaq Mason. Braeden Daniels played left guard, left tackle, and right tackle at Utah. Houston can either groom Daniels behind starting right guard Shaq Mason or starting right tackle Tytus Howard. I think Houston would draft Daniels as a right guard.
    
    
    
    
    
66. Arizona Cardinals: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami FL
    
    
    
    Arizona gets a number one cornerback that can limit what Cooper Kupp, D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Deebo Samuel does in the third round. Tyrique Stevenson had an excellent 2023 Senior Bowl and did better at the 2023 NFL Combine catching every target that came his way. Arizona has drafted some key defensive pieces early with Will Anderson Jr., Gervon Dexter, and Tyrique Stevenson. The scary thing is Arizona has one more third round pick which is the first compensation pick in the third round.
    
    
    
67. Denver Broncos: Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
    
    
    Sean Payton came out and said he's not afraid to move on from Russell Wilson if he struggles in 2023. This tells me Denver might draft a quarterback and develop him for a year or two.
    
    
    
    Right now Denver has Russell Wilson under contract until 2029 and Jarrett Stidham under contract until 2025. Denver can cut Russell Wilson as early as 2025. Denver can cut Jarrett Stidham in 2024 and save $5-million against the cap.
    
    
    
    Tanner McKee is my top quarterback on the board in the third round and most had a late second to early third round grade on Tanner McKee prior to the 2023 NFL Combine. He would start out as a third stringer to Russell Wilson and Jarrett Stidham this year, but could develop into Denver's quarterback of the future. The drawback is Tanner McKee is somewhat of a project.
    
    
    
    Stanford's quarterback has a good arm, elite size, and a quick release. He can be accurate at times with a clean pocket. The problem is he only completed passes on 1-step and 3-step throws when watching his tape at Stanford. McKee showed the ability to develop his 5-step and 7-step throws at the 2023 NFL Combine. McKee needs to develop his accuracy as a passer. A big reason he's not as accurate as he could be is because Tanner McKee has ball placement issues on his short throws, medium throws, and deep throws. McKee is also a pocket quarterback who lacks the mobility to throw on the run or scramble if he's under pressure. McKee also has to improve his progressions as he made only one read at Stanford.
    
    
    
    Tanner McKee was a former five star recruit coming out of High School. McKee might have just enough potential to be a borderline NFL starter. At the same token he needs at least one year to learn an NFL playbook by starting out as a third stringer. He will need another year of development as the backup. If Russell Wilson is gone by 2025, he might be ready to start by then at the earliest. Even if McKee never starts he's a great backup to have on a rookie deal.
    
    
    
    
    
68. Denver Broncos: Jarrett Patterson, C, Notre Dame
    
    
    Denver needs a day 1 starter at center after Lloyd Cushenberry lost the starting job to Graham Glasgow. Graham Glasgow re-joined the Detroit Lions. Jarrett Patterson started 44 games without giving up a sack at Notre Dame making him a perfect fit here.
    
    
    
    Denver's offensive line would have Garrett Bolles at left tackle, Ben Powers at left guard, Jarrett Patterson at center, Quinn Meinerz at right guard, and Mike McGlinchey at right tackle. There would be zero excuses for quarterback Russell Wilson and running back Javonte Williams with the proper upgrades on the offensive line.
    
    
    
69. Los Angeles Rams: Will McDonald IV, 3-4 ROLB, Iowa State
    
    
    The Los Angeles Rams get a replacement to Leonard Floyd at 3-4 right outside linebacker here. Will McDonald IV could be a day 1 starter for the Los Angeles Rams as the Rams continue to retool their defense.
    
    
    
    
    
70. Las Vegas Raiders: Matthew Bergeron, RT, Syracuse
    
    
    The Las Vegas Raiders have four returning starters with Kolton Miller at left tackle, Dylan Parham at left guard, Andre James at center, and Alex Bars at right tackle. Jermaine Elumenor last years right tackle is gone and Las Vegas Raiders seventh round pick Thayer Munford Jr. looked promising enough at swing tackle to take over for Elumenor. At the same time, Matthew Bergeron would compete with Thayer Munford Jr. for the right tackle job with the loser of that competiton being the swing tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders.
    
    
    
71. New Orleans Saints: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
    
    
    New Orleans gets a cornerback to replace P.J. Williams here. Eli Ricks will be a number five cornerback as a rookie. He can earn a bigger role in 2024 once Bradley Roby's contract expires in 2024. Eli Ricks could be the nickel conrer on New Orleans by 2025 with Marshon Lattimore and Alontae Taylor once Paulson Adebo's contract is up. Eli Ricks was Alabama's number four cornerback after being a number two cornerback next to Derek Stingley Jr. at LSU. Eli Ricks is a former five star recruit too. He could develop into a solid nickel cornerback in two years if he goes to the right team.
    
    
    
    
    
72. Tennessee Titans: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
    
    
    Tennessee drafted Chigoziem Okonkwo last year and while Okonkwo was promising, Tucker Kraft has a higher ceiling. A tight end duo of Tucker Kraft and Chigoziem Okonkwo will take pressure off of Tennessee's wide receiver trio. That trio invoves Treylon Burks, Cedric Tillman who I mocked a round ago, and Kyle Phillips. Tennessee also has Peter Skoronski who I mocked in round one and Nicholas Petit-Friere at right tackle. With this much on offense there will literally be zero excuses for quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry with both players in contract years.
    
    
    
73. Houston Texans: Kyu Blue Kelly, CB, Stanford
    
    
    The Houston Texans have every cornerback outside of Derek Stingley Jr. in a contract year. Kyu Blue Kelly would be a great player to develop for the year before making him a regular starter next to Derek Stingley Jr. in 2024. Kyu Blue Kelly was terrfic during Senior Bowl week.
    
    
    
    
    
74. Cleveland Browns: Adetomiwa Adebawore, LE, Northwestern
    
    
    Cleveland needs someone next to Myles Garrett. Neither Ogbonnia Okoronkwo or Alex Wright is a future starter. Northwestern pass rusher Adetomiwa Adebawore is a great value pick for the Cleveland Browns here. Cleveland can either play him or develop him if Adetomiwa Adebawore doesn't beat out Ogbonnia Okoronwko or Alex Wright for that defensive end job at 4-3 left end next to Myles Garrett in Cleveland Browns training camp.
    
    
    
    Worst case scenario, Cleveland has to wait two years for Adetomiwa Adebawore to develop. Best case scenario Cleveland gets a viable pass rusher off the edge to pair with Myles Garrett.
    
    
    
75. Atlanta Falcons: Blake Freeland, RT, BYU
    
    
    Atlanta will draft a swing tackle as insurance for left tackle Jake Matthews and right tackle Kaleb McGary. Kaleb McGary's contract is team friendly, so if he regresses after breaking out last season, Atlanta can cut McGary in 2024. Releasing McGary after one year of his three year deal saves $3-million in 2024 and cutting McGary after two years of his three year deal saves $14.5-million in 2025.
    
    
    
    BYU offensive tackle Blake Freeland played both offensive tackle roles at BYU at both left tackle and right tackle. He can start out as Atlanta's swing tackle and develop into an eventual replacement for Kaleb McGary at right tackle.
    
    
    
    
    
76. New England Patriots: Ivan Pace Jr., 3-4 MLB, Cincinnati
    
    
    New England has two 3-4 middle linebacker in Ju'whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai. Bentley is an unrestricted Free Agent in 2024. New England can release Jahlani Tavai to save $1,875,000 in cap space in 2024 if Tavai regresses in 2023.
    
    
    
    Ivan Pace Jr. is great at pass rushing and run stuffing. The hard hitting linebacker checks every box, but you'd like to see him refine his zone coverage ability. It's not a weakness, yet an area of improvement. He improved his ability to drop into coverage at Cincinnati's 2023 Pro Day. He is a guy that New England could draft and develop for a year before starting in 2024.
    
    
    
77. Los Angeles Rams: Emil Ekiyor Jr., LG, Alabama
    
    
    Los Angeles gets their replacement to left guard David Edwards who signed wtih Buffalo. Emil Ekiyor Jr. was a starting right tackle on his varsity football team as a freshman in High School. He moved over to left tackle after his junior year in High School. Nick Saban converted Emil Ekiyor Jr. to right guard. Transitioning to left guard will be no problem for Emil Ekiyor Jr. since he played on both sides of the offensive line in High School.
    
    
    
    Los Angeles would have Joseph Noteboom at left tackle, Emil Ekiyor Jr. at left guard, Brian Allen at center, Logan Bruss at right guard, and Rob Havenstein at right tackle on their offensive line. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Cam Akers might actually rebound if all five of those guys on the offensive line stay healthy, but that's a big if.
    
    
    
    
    
78. Green Bay Packers: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
    
    
    Green Bay gets a slot receiver to compliment Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Rashee Rice is a great value pick for Green Bay with Allen Lazard gone.
    
    
    
79. Indianapolis Colts: Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Oklahoma
    
    
    Indianapolis gets a replacement to Parris Campbell here. Indianapolis will have a wide receiver trio of Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Marvin Mims Jr. I would argue that Marvin Mims Jr. might actually be an upgrade over Alec Pierce from a speed standpoint. He will push Pierce to perform better in Training Camp. Those three wide receivers will be nice weapons for quarterback Will Levis.
    
    
    
    
    
80. Pittsburgh Steelers: Colby Wooden, 3-4 LE, Auburn
    
    
    Pittsburgh drafts Colby Wooden to compete with DeMarvin Leal for the 3-4 left end job next to Cameron Heyward. Both of Pittsburgh's third round picks from the 2022 NFL Draft and 2023 NFL Draft would compete for the job next to Heyward.
    
    
    
81. Detroit Lions: Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
    
    
    The Detroit Lions get a backup to Jared Goff. Jaren Hall would be a good backup for Detroit to draft here.
    
    
    
    
    
82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
    
    
    Tampa Bay cannot cut nickel cornerback Jamel Dean until 2025 because the Buccaneers gave Dean a three year extension. Zyon McCollum will take over at nickel cornerback. Tampa Bay's number one cornerback Carlton Davis is under contract until 2025, but Tampa Bay can opt out of the contract the Buccaneers gave Carlton Davis next year in 2024 while saving $6,448,000 in cap space after this season. That's why Tampa Bay has to draft a number one cornerback to groom behind Carlton Davis for a year before turning things over to the cornerback they draft.
    
    
    
    Julius Brents is raw. He has enough potential to replace Carlton Davis and have perhaps even a greater impact than Davis if you develop him for a year. The man coverage, press coverage, and hard hitting is there. Brents has to fix his zone coverage, run stuffing, and ability to win blocks.
    
    
    
    Julius Brents could play right away and have some success if used as strictly a man press corner. If he goes to Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers can improve his zone coverage, run stuffing, and ability to win blocks for a year while developing him. After a year, Julius Brents can take over for Carlton Davis.
    
    
    
83. Seattle Seahawks: Sidy Sow, RG, Eastern Michigan
    
    
    Sidy Sow played left tackle and left guard at Eastern Michigan. Sidy Sow showcased the versatility to play left guard and right guard at the 2023 NFLPA Bowl during practice. Sidy Sow can start right now at guard for an NFL team despite being 25-years-old. Outside of left guard Damien Lewis whose ranked eleventh among guards on Pro Football Focus, there's not a quality starter on Seattle's offensive line. Seattle drafts Sidy Sow to be a day 1 starter at right guard here despite his age. Sow is a better run blocker than a pass blocker making him an ideal scheme fit for the Seattle Seahawks too.
    
    
    
    
    
84. Miami Dolphins: Daiyan Henley, 3-4 MLB, Washington State
    
    
    Miami is brings in competition for Channing Tindall at 3-4 middle linebacker next to Jerome Baker with Elandon Roberts gone. Even if Tindall wins the starting middle linebacker spot next to Baker, Miami will have three quality inside linebackers for their 3-4 defense giving Miami good depth on their run defense in 2023.
    
    
    
    Miami would save $9,900,778 in 2024 if Jerome Baker suffered a season ending injury or had a down year. I don't think Miami would cut Baker unless both Channing Tindall and Daiyan Henley dominated in 2023 assuming something happened to Baker. Henley would be used situtationally similar to Chad Muma in Jacksonville in this scenario if Miami picked him.
    
    
    
85. Los Angeles Chargers: Andre Carter II, 3-4 LOLB, Army
    
    
    The Los Angeles Chargers might draft a situational edge rusher at 3-4 outside linebacker for depth behind Nick Bosa and Khalil Mack. The Chargers can save $23.25-million in 2024 by cutting Khalil Mack which is more cap space than the Chiefs saved when cutting 4-3 right end Frank Clark. The writing is on the wall that Khalil Mack is gone after this year with Justin Herbert's fifth year option set to take effect in 2024 too. That's why drafting someone for depth now in an extremely deep edge rusher class is paramount because the Chargers will have a bookend to Joey Bosa as early as 2024 in a year from now.
    
    
    
    
    
86. Baltimore Ravens: Wanya Morris, RT, Oklahoma
    
    
    The Baltimore Ravens draft another offensive tackle for depth here. Starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley, starting right tackle Morgan Moses, and swing tackle Patrick Mekhari can all be cut in 2024 to save cap space. Baltimore will keep two of these guys and Daniel Faalele, but Baltimore has to move one of those three to save cap space in 2024.
    
    
    
    Wanya Morris checks every box as a pass blocker. He still needs to develop as a run blocker. Baltimore loves to run the ball and they are a team that can transfom Wanya Morris into a starting offensive tackle by developing him as a run blocker. Morris can develop in 2023 and compete with Daniel Faalele for a starting offensive tackle spot in 2024. He will start by 2025 at the very latest.
    
    
    
    Wanya Morris beat out Darnell Wright for the left tackle job at Tennesee before transferring to Oklahoma where he started at right tackle. Essentially, Morris can play either offensive tackle role making him a viable swing tackle option for Baltimore whenever the Ravens decide to reload at offensive tackle.
    
    
    
87. Minnesota Vikings: D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan
    
    
    Minnesota drafts a nickel cornerback here. Minnesota has Byron Murphy and Andrew Booth Jr. as their top two cornerbacks. D.J. Turner is good enough to beat out Akayleb Evans for the nickel cornerback job.
    
    
    
    
    
88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nick Broeker, LG, Ole Miss
    
    
    Jacksonville gets a player to groom behind left guard Tyler Shatley. Nick Broeker is a perfect fit here since he gave up 0 sacks. I think Broeker is capable of winning the left guard over Tyler Shatley in training camp. This would give Jacksonville an offensive line of Cam Robinson at left tackle, Nick Broeker at left guard, Luke Fortner at center, Brandon Scherff at right guard, and Walker Little at right tackle. If Shatley wins the starting job, Broeker will improve his strength by hitting the weight room and getting stronger until Shatley's contract with Jacksonville ends.
    
    
    
89. New York Giants: Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
    
    
    New York gets a running back for depth here behind Saquon Barkley and Matt Brieda. The fact that Saquon Barkley won't report to minicamp tells me the New York Giants may try to find another running back with similar traits to Saquon Barkley. Zach Charbonnet is an upgrade over Matt Brieda. He might be able to take over for Saquon Barkley as early as this season if Barkley gets injured for the third time in five years. New York didn't give Saquon Barkley a fifth year option, and now he won't sign their franchise tag after his best season since his rookie season because he's unhappy with the fact that he's not getting extended.
    
    
    
    Zach Charboonet can run, catch, pass block, and has the ball carrier vision you want. He was also coached by former Carolina Panthers running back Deshaun Foster at UCLA. His transition to the NFL will be a rather quick one.
    
    
    
    
    
90. Dallas Cowboys: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
    
    
    Dallas gets a replacement to Dalton Schultz. Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta can be a day 1 starter at tight end for the Dallas Cowboys.
    
    
    
91. Buffalo Bills: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina
    
    
    Buffalo has all four defensive tackles in contract years next season. Starters Ed Oliver and Jordan Phillips are back. Backup defensive tackles DaQuan Jones and Tim Settle also return. Zacch Pickens is a fifth defensive tackle that Buffalo can develop for a year before playing him. Pickens would start as early as 2024.
    
    
    
    
    
92. Cincinnati Bengals: Carter Warren, RT, Pittsburgh
    
    
    Cincinnati gets their right tackle of the future here to be Orlando Brown Jr.'s bookend with last years left tackle Jonah Williams wanting a trade because of his refusal to move to right tackle. Cincinnati may release La'El Collins after June 1st to save cap space, but keeping Collins for this year and then releasing him to save $7-million in cap space in 2024.
    
    
    
    Carter Warren played left tackle dating back to his sophomore year of High School before starting at left tackle for Pittsburgh for three seasons. Teams have asked if Carter Warren can play right tackle or kick inside to guard and Carter Warren has said yes throughout the draft process while interviewing with teams. Carter Warren is a guy that can develop into a starting right tackle if Cincinnati opts to draft him.
    
    
    
93. Carolina Panthers: A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
    
    
    Carolina gets another big body wide receiver to pair with Terrace Marshall Jr. A.T. Perry has been really consistent at Wake Forest. He's someone that Carolina could draft and develop into either a number one or number two target for the quarterback they draft first overall.
    
    
    
    
    
94. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Kipper, RG, Oregon State
    
    
    The Philadelphia Eagles draft a replacement to Isaac Seumalo to give Philadelphia depth at right guard. Philadelphia currently has Jordan Mailata at left tackle, Landon Dickerson at left guard, Jason Kelce at center, Cam Jurgens is expected to transition from backup center to starting right guard to replace Seumalo, and Lane Johnson is back at right tackle. How about another Beaver to replace the former Oregon State right guard as the backup right guard to Cam Jurgens? Brandon Kipper started at right tackle at Oregon State for three years before moving inside to right guard.
    
    
    
95. Kansas City Chiefs: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
    
    
    Kansas City has both returning starters at defensive tackle with Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi. Mazi Smith would be a perfect replacement to Khalen Saunders. Smith would be ready to start by 2024 and would be even more lethal next to Chris Jones.
    
    
    
    
    
96. Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Steen, RT, Alabama
    
    
    Arizona gets a backup right tackle to Kelvin Beachum for 2023. That's where Tyler Steen comes into play. Tyler Steen could be the bookend to D.J. Humprhies in 2024 when both Kelvin Beachum and Josh Jones the backup left tackle to D.J. Humphries are both unrestricted Free Agents.
    
    
    
97. Washington Commanders: Clayton Tune, QB, Houston
    
    
    Washington gets a third quarterback to add to their quarterback room with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett. Clayton Tune will replace Brissett as Sam Howell's backup in a year from now.
    
    
    
    
    
98. Cleveland Browns: Jack Campbell, MLB, Iowa
    
    
    Cleveland goes with Jack Campbell here. Jack Campbell can replace Anthony Walker Jr. in 2024. He'll develop under Anthony Walker Jr. for a year and then start for Cleveland in 2024. If Anthony Walker Jr. gets injured again, Jack Campbell could see playing time in 2023.
    
    
    
99. San Francisco 49ers: Jartavius Martin, CB, Illinois
    
    
    San Francisco gets a Jimmie Ward replacement in Jartavius Martin who can play nickel cornerback, strong safety, and free safety. This is a guy whose extremely versatile as well as a great fit for the San Francisco 49ers that can be a day 1 starter. This gives San Francisco Charvarius Ward as their number one cornerback, Isaiah Oliver as their number two cornerback, and Jartavius Martin would be San Francisco's nickel cornerback.
    
    
    
    
    
100. Las Vegas Raiders: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
     
     
     Las Vegas gets a day 1 starter at defensive tackle. Keeanu Benton is a fantastic value pick here.
     
     
     
101. San Francisco 49ers: Jordan McFadden, RT, Clemson
     
     
     San Francisco gets Mike McGlinchey's replacement at right tackle here. Jordan McFadden held his own against Keion White as Clemson's left tackle despite having the size of a guard. San Francisco drafts him to be a bookend left tackle to Trent Williams. I think Jordan McFadden can beat out Colton McKivitz for the right tackle job in training camp.
     
     
     
102. San Francisco 49ers: Christopher Smith, FS, Georgia
     
     
     San Francisco sat Hufanga for a year having him learn under Tartt before Hufanga broke out at strong safety. I think San Francisco drafts Georgia safety Christopher Smith and does the same thing by having the Georgia free safety learn under Tashaun Gipson for a season beofre handing things over to Christopher Smith in 2024.