I'm having a hard time guessing where the defenders will land in terms of order, but I'm feeling more confident in some of the possibility of trades and who would chase who. Some of the very same could shake out even without the trades, but there's always one or two it seems so they can make sure to go get their targeted player. Would love it if it shook out like this for us: 1. Panthers - Bryce Young, QB Alabama 2. Seahawks - (trade with HOU) Anthony Richardson, QB Florida 3. Titans - (trade with ARI) - CJ Stroud, QB tOSU 4. Colts - Will Levis, QB Kentucky 5. Texans - Jalen Carter, DT Georgia 6. Lions - Will Anderson, DE Alabama 7. Raiders - Devon Witherspoon, CB Illinois 8. Falcons - Bijan Robinson, RB Texas 9. Bears - Peter Skoronski, OL Northwestern 10. Eagles - Tyree Wilson, DE Texas Tech 11. Cardinals (trade with TEN) - Christian Gonzalez, DB Oregon 12. Texans - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR tOSU Something tells me Seattle is in on Richardson and I'd love it if they moved up a tad to secure that. Would quite likely land us picks 5 & 20 while still keeping us in tier 1 player range so it feels like a good fit for both sides. I also see Tennessee wanting to jump Indy if Stroud slips like this and I see Indy having more affection for Levis likely anyways. In this scenario we'd have our pick of players and the more I read, the more I feel like the scouts are saying Carter is the #1 defender in this draft so it won't surprise if we chase his talent vs. the floor of Anderson or the possibility of Wilson. Wilson is the guy I slipped most from where I see others putting him but it's simply need-based. I figure the Falcons are the team to chase Bijan ahead of when we could grab him and the Eagles are happy with Wilson falling into their laps if the Bears wouldn't grab him and their two picks flip. Cardinals are our final hurdle to our first weapon but I think they go with a CB since they need it and Gonzalez is a solid top tier CB prospect. This would give us Carter, JSN, and likely the 20th pick in this year's draft if not something next year to build from. I really like that start a lot for the Texans even if it means giving up on what's considered top tier QB talent for this draft. Either keep the 20th and pick Hooker to see what you have, or continue to stockpile for 2024 when you go in for your franchise guy.
Some people like Vince have made a good point about how the pick should tie into the roster construction with the offensive line. I don't know how you can invest that much cap space, draft capitol and resources into that part of the team and not upgrade the qb position. Case Keenum as a solid back up and mentor? That's great. Him, or Davis Mills as the starter with a young prospect learning from the sidelines? Super. Having our current QB room being in place without any additions in the upcoming season would suck, though.
https://theathletic.com/4438654/2023/04/26/nfl-mock-draft-beat-writer-picks-2023/ 1. Carolina Panthers (from CHI): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama C.J. Stroud was at the top of this mock a month ago. So what changed? Well, Young crushed his interviews with the Panthers at his pro day and his top-30 visit to Carolina, and perhaps the media (raises hand) made too much of the Frank Reich-loves-big-quarterbacks storyline. Young also scored in the 98th percentile on the S2 Cognition test, which Panthers owner David Tepper is said to put a lot of faith in. There will continue to be concerns about whether the slightly built Young can endure the pounding of the NFL, but the Panthers believe he’s the player and leader to become the next face of the franchise. — Joe Person 2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State Despite reports of an extremely low S2 score, a number of NFL talent evaluators still hold Stroud in high regard, even keeping him atop their quarterback boards. Could the Texans elect to pass over the Ohio State product and client of David Mulugheta (the same agent who reps Deshaun Watson) and go with another position of need to kick off the DeMeco Ryans era? Certainly. But there are a lot of smokescreens this time of year, and the Texans do need a quarterback. And so they go with Stroud and fill a gaping hole in their franchise. — Mike Jones 3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson, edge, Alabama 4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida 5. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia 6. Detroit Lions (from LAR): Tyree Wilson, edge, Texas Tech 7. Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon 8. Atlanta Falcons: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois 9. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern 10. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Nolan Smith, edge, Georgia 11. Tennessee Titans: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky 12. Houston Texans (from CLE): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State After getting their quarterback with the No. 2 pick, the Texans give Stroud a familiar face for a weapon. Smith-Njigba is a crafty and precise route runner and highly productive pass catcher who should help boost the Texans’ offense. — Jones 13. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ): Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State 14. New England Patriots: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia 15. New York Jets (from GB): Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee 16. Washington Commanders: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State 17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State 18. Detroit Lions: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland 20. Seattle Seahawks: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College 21. Los Angeles Chargers: Lukas Van Ness, edge, Iowa 22. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Addison, WR, USC 23. Minnesota Vikings: Calijah Kancey, DL, Pitt 24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Branch, S, Alabama 25. New York Giants: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia 26. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame 27. Buffalo Bills: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina 28. Cincinnati Bengals: Myles Murphy, edge, Clemson 29. New Orleans Saints (from SF via MIA, DEN): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson 30. Las Vegas Raiders (from PHI): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee | *Trade details: Eagles trade No. 30 to the Raiders for Nos. 38 and 70* 31. Kansas City Chiefs: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan Beyond Round 1 36. (Round 2) Los Angeles Rams: Adetomiwa Adebawore, DE, Northwestern 51. (Round 2) Miami Dolphins: Cody Mauch, OL, North Dakota State 67. (Round 3) Denver Broncos (from IND): Tuli Tuipulotu, edge, USC 74. (Round 3) Cleveland Browns (from NYJ): Isaiah McGuire, DE, Missouri 99. (Round 3) San Francisco 49ers: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/1651193542012747778 1. Panthers - Young 2. Texans - Tyree 3. Cardinals - Anderson 4. Colts - Stroud 5. Seahawks - Carter 6. Lions - Witherspoon 7. Raiders - Skoronski 8. Falcons - Van Ness 9. Bears - Johnson 10. Eagles - Gonzalez 11. Titans - Wright 12. Texans - Levis … 18. Lions - Robinson 19. Bucs - Richardson
The other rbs have more risk. A strong running game helps whether you draft a young qb or are running a bad one out there. Singletary is a 1 year deal and Pierce is awesome but never done it over a full season.
None of the people in the building know **** either. If anyone really knew anything you wouldn't have so many bust. If you truly believe Bill belichick knew Tom Brady was so good you think he would have been a 6th round pick. Without him BB has a losing record who has has barely made the playoffs.
I'll still go with the ratings before the silly season began. Anderson and Carter. I will just assume everything subsequent to that are diversionary leaks and disinformation..
2. Will Anderson Jr. — I've wavered between Anderson, Tyree Wilson and C.J. Stroud in this slot. At the end of the day, the Texans need talent all over. I've been told by an NFL general manager that Anderson is the "safest" pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and rebuilding Houston can't go wrong with that. The back-to-back reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year is also an amazing kid off the field. DeMeco Ryans' Texans are poised to run a ball-control offense. If they don't absolutely love a QB, they don't need to take one here. Anderson is the pick in my final mock, despite hearing -- and saying -- plenty about Wilson at No. 2 over the past month. Ugh! Has Texans trading 12 to Seattle for 20 & 52 20. Jordan Addison — I'll put Addison here, knowing that any of the WR-needy teams outside the top 20 could be coming up to get him. I don't think Addison escapes the top 20, though. The Texans need a WR almost as much as they need a QB. I've been told receiver might be the pick at No. 12 if they stay there. Yes, Houston could indeed close Thursday night without a new quarterback.
2. Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr. This is really where the draft starts. Will the Texans take a quarterback or defensive cornerstone? And which player? My guess is they pass on the passer and take the player who dominated the SEC the past three seasons. 12. Houston Texans (via CLE): Will Levis, QB, Kentucky There has been plenty of noise that Levis could be the pick at No. 2 for the Texans, which would be a big shock. Here it would make more sense.
This is based off PFN Mock Draft Simulator. Seriously doubt the majority of the players are at the these selections but hey, never know. Last two picks, I actually lost interest so I just picked some guys. I admit I suck at drafting so don't beat me up. My first and only official mock. 1.2 - CJ Stroud (QB) 2.12 - Lukas Van Ness (DE/DL) 2.33 - Trenton Simpson (ILB/OLB) 3.65 - Joe Tippmann (C) 3.73 - Gervon Dexter (DT) 4.104 - Nathaniel Dell (WR) 5.161 - Will Mallory (TE) 6.188 - Garrett Williams (CB) 6.201 - Gervarius Owens (S) 6.203 - Cam Jones (LB/ST) 7.230 - Karl Brooks (DT) 7.259 - Stetson Bennett (QB)
It makes 0 sense. If you like Levis, Take him at 2 and make sure you get him. QB position is too important
This is my final guess mock and why: 1. Panthers - Bryce Young, QB Alabama 2. Texans - Will Anderson, DE Alabama 3. Raiders - (trade with ARI) - CJ Stroud, QB tOSU 4. Colts - Will Levis, QB Kentucky 5. Seahawks - Jalen Carter, DT Georgia 6. Lions - Tyree Wilson, DE Texas Tech 7. Cardinals (trade with LV) - Devon Witherspoon, CB Illinois 8. Falcons - Christian Gonzalez, DB Oregon 9. Bears - Paris Johnson JR, tOSU 10. Eagles - Peter Skoronski, OL Northwestern 11. Titans - Anthony Richardson, QB Florida 12. Texans - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR tOSU The 7-10 holes feel most difficult to pick of all of them to me and it's largely because I read them all needing the same bunching of positions (CB, DL, OL) so it is a matter of where they are on the respective boards. I also have to guess right about the right trade partner for the Cardinals, though I suspect the Cards will take either Witherspoon or Gonzalez depending upon who they trade with and how far they fall. I think Houston would consider Richardson or Levis if either falls to 12 (or very stretch might consider Hooker), but with the board playing out how it did after 2, I think they go with the weapon JSN and consider moving up to the late first for Hooker or picking a mid-round QB and largely punt to 2024 on the position if a bigger trade as rumored (I.e. Mac Jones) doesn't go down. ------ My best guess at what's been happening with the debate over 2: I think their first desire is Bryce Young. If Carolina surprises and doesn't go with him, I suspect Houston surprisingly finds themselves re-pivoting here and going with him. In the unlikely scenario this happens as we've heard reported in recent weeks, I think the indecision you're seeing is a few things.... They clearly see the next group of QBs all in similar favor despite how the rest of the media views them and/or doesn't feel any is franchise or worth the risk at 2 (you have to be certain). That means they have moved to the defense side of the ball. Everything in Houston feels like it's been Wilson vs. Anderson for the past few weeks. If I had to guess Caserio favored one of them while DeMeco favored the other, and that started the debate on trading down to see if one of those guys might slide to them if Houston went down a bit. I think if they were to slide down, they prefer Wilson if I had to guess. His recent Lisfranc questions feels eerily familiar to last year's debate of Sauce vs. Stingley. I think if Houston moves down, it's quite likely Wilson is or was their target. Suspecting they are stuck at two and teams won't trade with them, I have a strong suspicion they keep safe and pick Will Anderson.
Well... you're using, like, the most extreme outlier imaginable. Most of them have a fairly sound working knowledge of who's good/bad, though. The 49ers, through their actions, very obviously think Trey Lance is more "good" than "bad." How good? That's likely something they don't know because he's been extremely limited. Could they be wrong and he's "bad"? Yep. Again, their sample size is small. Scouting and drafting isn't a science. Dozens and dozens of factors go into QBs making it/not making it.
Sensible, competent coaching is one of the big ones and buying him time to throw the ball is the other - it's not always the player I suspect. 49ers were in contention last season and had to start a very late round draft pick so they knew they had to utilize his strengths - iow, don't try to fit the round peg into a square hole. It worked, even though they missed out on the big dance, Purdy is viewed as a success.
At all costs I try to move to 5 with Seattle and pick up 20... Then either Anderson or Tyree are there at 5. If you have 12, 20, and 33 you can address WR, QB, and either RB or CB. Could see trading from 33 to 25-28 for Hooker. I would use 12 on Bijan but I think he's gone... I go back to this in any order: Anderson or Tyree Bijan Robinson JaxonSmith-Njigba Hendon Hooker Luke Wypler Wouldn't mind Nolan if he falls enough...
Texans got everyone guessing and i love it! ….if they take Stroud…its gonna throw off alotta teams boards lol
Even though I feel that if the QB you want is there, you take him. I don’t think you reach for a QB because there are too many glaring needs on the team that was the worst through the game before the last one last season. If the Texans take a flyer on a QB they weren’t positively sure about, it would be catastrophic. As it is, even guys teams are enamored with flop, but having cold feet and going in in a QB is not the smartest play. I would like the Texans to trade back a few spots and get additional draft capital. If not I would like to see them get the best DE on their board.
I feel like you're probably leaving value on the table. A team needing qb knows AZ is shopping pick because they would have spoken with them already. So they will think qb is going at 1 and 3. The colts look like good bets at 4. So between Raiders, Lions, Seahawks, and Titans there are 4 teams with need for 2 spots to trade. If that happens then we have qb going 1 to 4 leaving pick 5 as having their choice of player other than QB. So if we can get 20 to move down I would risk it. Seahawks are on outside looking in if qbs go 1, 3, and 4. They get stuck with what is left. Giving up 20 to get a qb they like is a reasonable expense. We're not talking future picks that could be top 10s. They know it's a low to middle 1. That's an extra starter for us and makes it easier to target Hooker at end of 1 if they so choose.