Several Jaguars defensive linemen are set to become free agents in 2023. They have to play Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry and Dameon Pierce twice per season. Need I say more?
The Jaguars' defense has had its moments this season, but is still short a few pieces. Gonzalez has the size (6-2, 200) and physical traits that make most scouts salivate, and the Colorado transfer has answered all questions regarding ball production (four interceptions).
Jones is a massive human (6-foot-8, 359 pounds) who plays to his size, dominating in the run game and providing solid pass protection. Blessed with an impressive 89-inch wingspan and enormous hands (11 and 5/8ths), Jones utilized all that to help prevent any sacks from his right tackle position in 2022. Despite his gargantuan size, Jones showcases above-average flexibility and knee bend, both of which help him establish and maintain effective leverage against opponents.
After spending the first overall pick on a defensive lineman last year, here's a cornerback to help stabilize the back end of Jacksonville's defense. Phillips has the click-and-close ability to play slot if the Jaguars need him to.
The Jaguars have issues at cornerback, which is why they were 32nd against the pass at some point during the season. They'll have interest in one of the top corners in the 2023 NFL Draft class.
Max Melton is a terrific athlete who is incredibly fast, so receivers can't outrun him.
An opportunistic defense was responsible for lifting Jacksonville to its first AFC South title since 2017, but there's still room to build out the burgeoning unit. Smith is highly aggressive and boasts the requisite traits to thrive in man coverage, making him an appealing option to place opposite Tyson Campbell.
The Jacksonville Jaguars haven't drafted a safety in the first two rounds of the NFL draft since the selection of Johnathan Cyprien 10 years ago.
"It's been some time since the Jaguars have selected a safety in the earlier rounds of the draft, and it makes sense to select the top-rated player at the position," Giddings said. "Georgia's Christopher Smith has the ability to play at all three levels. At a listed 5'11" and 195 pounds, Smith isn't the biggest safety. But his top-notch skill set will help offset any potential concerns.
"The unanimous All-American plays a physical downhill style with solid ball skills. He should be expected to enter the lineup and immediately compete for one of the starting spots."
Smith's selection allows the Jaguars to continue their rebranding of the secondary after this past offseason's free-agent signing of Darious Williams, as well as the recent draft selections of Tyson Campbell, Montaric Brown, Gregory Junior and Andre Cisco.
The addition of the class' S1 should help solidify an already young and talented group and provide Jacksonville with a strong backbone on defense.
Evan Engram is on a one-year contract and could attract a decent amount of suitors in free agency. Mayer, who had 67 catches and nine TDs in 2022, is a solid two-way tight end who gives quarterback Trevor Lawrence a reliable post-up target between the hashes and gives the offense more personnel flexibility.
The Jaguars are looking to build a juggernaut offense, and getting Torrence in the fold can be a building block for just that. Torrence earned an 88.0 overall grade in his first season against SEC competition, as he didn't allow a sack or hit all season.
With James Bradberry set to become a free agent, the Eagles will likely be looking for a younger, cheaper alternative. They find it with Joey Porter Jr., a long cornerback with NFL pedigree.
GM Howie Roseman added former All-Pros Quinn (via trade) and Ndamukong Suh as stop gaps on the defensive line. Wilson was one of nine players in the FBS to produce 60 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and six sacks before suffering a season-ending broken foot against Kansas. He's a physically gifted, ascending pass rusher who is explosive off the ball and powerful enough to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Miles Sanders is set to test free agency and could command a significant investment after his breakthrough 2022 season. There's bell-cow, dual-threat potential with Gibbs. He features electric speed with pass-catching ability and an advanced route tree.
Among the more experienced defensive back prospects in this draft class (1,704 college snaps played), Porter is extremely nuanced in various techniques for covering receivers. He's excellent in diagnosing routes and utilizing measured anticipatory skills that successfully mirror pass catchers. Throughout his career, Porter has amassed 20 passes defended and over 100 total tackles while at Penn State.
Foskey wins with a ceaseless motor and a physicality that overwhelms opponents. His suddenness off the edge makes him a special talent that commands respect from offensive tackles. Foskey's ability to chase down ball carriers for backside stops, plus his improved awareness in thwarting trap runs and screen passes makes him extremely difficult to scheme against.
The Eagles have this pick thanks to the Saints and they can bolster their defense even further. James Bradberry and Darius Slay were incredible in 2022, but they're both older cornerbacks and it can never hurt to have young talent at that position. Enter Cam Smith.
A linebacker to fill out the Eagles' defense even more. Linebacker is the only unit on Philly's defense that isn't strong, so here's an immediate impact starter.
Darius Slay and James Bradberry have been an amazing duo, but both will be 30-plus heading into 2023. The Eagles will need to replace one of them soon. Devon Witherspoon is not quite six feet, but he has incredible speed.
Deferred gratification paid off for Philadelphia, which parlayed last year's multi-pick swap with the Saints into a top-10 pick this April. Quite a reward might be waiting for them in Ringo, a 6-2, 205-pound coverage ace with the unique physical profile to handle modern receivers. Taking him could help ease the blow if another team swoops in on James Bradberry in free agency.
What do you get the team that boasted the NFL's best record and topped the league with 70 sacks? If you're Howie Roseman, maybe still more speed off the edge. Ojulari brings plenty of that with a blistering first step, which should become even more imposing if he can develop a better plan for his rush.
The Philadelphia Eagles own the NFL's best record and deepest overall roster. Yet, the organization finds itself among the top half of the first round thanks to a shrewd draft-day trade this past spring by general manager Howie Roseman.
With the New Orleans Saints providing a quality selection after an underachieving season, the Eagles can address a premium position with one of the class' best in coverage.
"South Carolina's Cam Smith is another long cornerback who does his best work in man coverage," Giddings said. "He is a bit raw in his technique but presents great upside.
"The Eagles have aging cornerbacks and a strong front seven. The addition of a top cornerback prospect in this draft would only help solidify an already very good defense. Smith could earn a starting spot on the outside or over the slot. Maybe he just adds quality depth in his first year."
Darius Slay turned 32 at the start of the new year, and his salary-cap figure balloons to $26.1 million for the 2023 campaign, according to Spotrac. Opposite Slay, James Bradberry isn't under contract after this season. Furthermore, both Avonte Maddox and C.J. Gardner-Johnson both experienced stints on injured reserve.
A team can never have too many good corners, and Philadelphia should abide by the cliché.
Governmental oversight worked in Andre Carter II's favor. Last month, Congress reversed a ruling where the Army cadet would immediately honor his service commitment upon his graduation from West Point.
Now, Carter can play in the NFL before he returns for active duty. The 6'7", 260-pound edge-defender provides plenty of length and athleticism to a pass rush. The Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, definitely need an injection of youth into their defensive front.
"The pairing for Carter and the Eagles is perfect because Philadelphia loves drafting pass-rushers and it gives the defensive lineman some time to bulk up and get better against the run," Holder said. "Carter is an excellent pass rusher who can win with speed around the edge and has a nice inside stick move to keep offensive tackles off-balance.
"But Carter's run defense is ugly. He has plenty of room for growth on his frame and getting into an NFL training program should help correct that issue."
Philadelphia is staring down the possibility of losing Brandon Graham, Robert Quinn, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh this offseason. Jordan Davis, Josh Sweat and Milton Williams will remain. Maybe the best outcome is the Eagles bringing back one or two of those long-time veterans while Carter gets a chance to learn as part of the defensive line rotation.
Knowing the Eagles, they are going to prioritize corner and edge rusher in this draft. Ringo is going to get downgraded for his hip stiffness, but he is a big (6-foot-2), fast, disciplined player who can upgrade their defense. The junior totaled 41 tackles and two interceptions this season.
The Eagles continue to prioritize and build a stable of edge rushers and corners. Ojulari, who has 25.5 tackles for a loss and 16.5 sacks in three seasons, is the next best edge rusher on our board.
Branch is the kind of defensive back that is gaining value around the NFL. He can play the slot position at an elite level against both run and pass. He earned a 90.7 run-defense grade and an 86.4 coverage grade for Alabama this past fall. That would fit in perfectly in Jonathan Gannon's defense — especially if C.J. Gardner-Johnson departs in free agency.
Smith-Njigba is a plug-and-play slot wide receiver. His reliability from that alignment would give the Eagles three sure-fire route winners. Smith-Njigba went for 1,595 and nine scores as a sophomore in 2021 before hamstring issues derailed his 2022 season.
As long as T.J. Watt is healthy, the Steelers defense will be just fine. Anton Harrison will help ensure Kenny Pickett stays clean in the pocket, Najee Harris has holes to run through, and George Pickens has time to get open.
Uncharacteristically, the Steelers have had a problematic offensive line for a few years now. Harrison features the prototypical size and movement skills of starting left tackle in the NFL. He'll need to polish his technique (but he's already very good in pass protection) and buy-in to an NFL strength program in order to unlock the next level.
Rarely confused or displaced by stunting blitzers, Jones' fundamental approach to the game is enhanced by his elite athleticism and above average strength. Featuring excellent size (6-foot-4, 315 pounds) and impressive arm length allows Jones to sting and neutralize power rushers. His quick feet and loose lateral movements help in keeping tempo with speedy edge defenders. Jones may be the most athletically gifted offensive line prospect in the 2023 draft class.
Kenny Pickett has enjoyed some bright moments in his rookie season. It would really help him if he had a franchise left tackle to protect his blind side.
Jaelyn Duncan is a team captain who showed some solid athleticism.
There might be a few things to iron out in this potential marriage, as the elder Porter served as an assistant coach for his former team from 2014-18 but was fired by Mike Tomlin. But there's little doubt that Porter's ultra-physical approach would make him a fast favorite in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers could find themselves in a tough spot if Cameron Sutton signs elsewhere in March.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are further ahead in their attempt to rebuild on the fly than expected. They found a way to compete for a playoff spot despite a 2-6 start to the campaign. In doing so, rookie Kenny Pickett emerged as the team's starting quarterback and a young leader for the franchise as it moves into the future.
Some restoration projects are necessary for the rest of the roster, though.
Pittsburgh's defensive line has long been considered a strength, but Stephon Tuitt's surprise retirement before the 2022 campaign placed the Steelers in a bit of a predicament.
"Larry Ogunjobi played on a one-year deal this season, and Cameron Heyward will be 34 years old next season," Holder added. "Pittsburgh has always been known for having tough, physical defensive linemen, and Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson fits the bill.
"Wilson's tape this past fall ranks right up there with Will Anderson Jr.'s as one of the most physically dominant players in this year's draft class. Wilson looked like a man amongst boys at times against those Big 12 Conference offensive tackles."
The 6'6", 275-pound first-team All-American is an intimidating presence. For the Steelers, he's an ideal fit because he can play along the interior, line up as a 5-technique and even stand up in two-point on the edge when necessary.
Smith is the kind of heady defensive back that head coach Mike Tomlin will love. He brings with him some of the best ball skills at the cornerback position in the draft class. On 70 targets into his coverage over the past two seasons, Smith broke up 15 of them (21.4%) and picked off four more (5.7%).
The Falcons ranked last in the NFL in sack percentage in 2022 (3.61%), which was actually better than their performance in 2021 (3.03%). Simply put, they need an alpha edge rusher to make plays in the backfield. Tyree Wilson, who racked up a combined 27.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks the past two seasons at Texas Tech, can be that player.
The Falcons simply can't pressure the quarterback. Murphy features very similar dimensions/traits to 2022 No. 1 overall draft pick Travon Walker, and could potentially crack the top-five.
Bresee is freakishly quick for a man his size (6-foot-5, 305 pounds) having registered a 40-time of 4.7 seconds. In addition to his short area quickness, Bresee's weight room strength (435 pound bench press) translates onto the field by consistently out-leveraging opponents. Bresee's ability to align as either a three-technique or five-technique defender makes his versatility an asset many NFL coordinators covet.
No team has fewer sacks than the Falcons over the past two seasons. Their pass rush has been an issue for almost a decade now, and it's time to get serious about fixing it. Wilson is a freak athlete who can play a couple positions on the line, but he'll make his money on the edge in the NFL.
The Falcons have been ranked dead last in pressure rate in each of the past two seasons. With plenty of defensive line talent in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Falcons should walk away with a blue-chip player to help in his department.
Myles Murphy has immense potential as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL, but can also be a 4-3 edge.
While going into Year 3 of a regime with a third-round quarterback might seem risky, Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot might be content to entrust the reins to Desmond Ridder — or at least stave off using a high selection on a passer. Instead, the shrewd move might be using that premium pick to bolster a pass rush that generated just 21 sacks. The 6-6, 275-pound Wilson can punish blockers whether operating inside or on the edge, though he'll need to prove he can consistently beat opposing offensive linemen at the next level with his speed.
Whoever starts at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons next season will feel like he showed up at one of Oprah's once-famous prize giveaway episodes.
"You get an offensive weapon! You get an offensive weapon! You get an offensive weapon!"
[Insert obligatory Oprah GIF.]
The Falcons spent back-to-back top-10 picks on tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London. Both are promising young targets who can be dynamic threats when used correctly with the right personnel around them.
A strong cockpit is the best way to make the Falcons an intriguing option for quarterbacks if the team isn't entirely comfortable drafting one at this juncture. As such, the addition of yet another standout wide receiver comes under consideration.
"The Falcons offense already has two oversized ball-winners," Klassen said. "What they need is someone with high-end movement skills to open up the field.
"USC's Jordan Addison brings that exact skill set. Though a bit thin at 6'0" and 175 pounds, Addison is electric. The 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner has snappy feet as a route-runner and dangerous stop-start explosiveness, which makes him especially dangerous in the underneath area and at the goal line. Addison also brings wicked burst and high-end speed as a ball-carrier to make him dangerous as a screen and jet-motion option. Both specialties fit perfectly within head coach Arthur Smith's system.
"Addison will get bullied sometimes by stronger corners, but this offense has other big, tough targets anyway."
Atlanta registered just 21 sacks this season, ranking 31st in the league. The 6-foot-5 Murphy is a twitchy edge rusher who should be a good fit in Atlanta's scheme and allow the Falcons to climb those ranks next season. The junior was consistently productive for the Tigers, amassing more than 10 tackles for a loss every season in college and registering 14.5 sacks combined the past two seasons.
Wilson is just what the doctor ordered for the Falcons' defensive line. He's the kind of edge-setter that their defense has been missing for some time. The 6-foot-6, 275-pounder has a wingspan over 7 feet long and uses that length to consistently win the first-contact battle against offensive tackles. He racked up a career-high 50 pressures this past season.
The Colts have swung and missed (and missed again, and missed once more) at quarterback since Andrew Luck shockingly retired right before the 2019 season. After trying their luck with veterans via free agency, they're now picking high enough in the draft where it would be surprising if they didn't select a signal-caller. C.J. Stroud showed in the College Football Playoff semifinals that he's not just a pocket passer, beating the nation's best defense with his legs time and time again as he firmly established himself in the QB1 conversation.
GM Chris Ballard has tried to address the quarterback position through the trade market. There will be some options in free agency, but he'll likely have to draft one regardless. Despite dealing with several injuries at wide receiver, Stroud didn't miss a beat this season — he was second in touchdown passes (41) and QBR (88.9) in 2022 — and nearly beat the defending national champions with 348 yards and four TDs, while showcasing his scrambling ability (he's a traditional pocket passer).
As it turned out, the Buckeyes came extremely close to dethroning Georgia in last week's Peach Bowl semi-final playoff game (42-41). Throughout the contest, Stroud played with confidence and competence, completing 67.6% of his passes for 348 yards and four scores. Stroud passed well on roll outs; threw comfortably from the pocket; maneuvered purposefully under pressure and demonstrated a willingness to run with toughness. Essentially, Stroud performed like a future franchise quarterback and potential top-five draft prospect.
This is probably a bit high for Levis considering what he accomplished this past season, but the NFL is going to be high on him once draft season really starts. He has the physical upside to be a long-term starter, which the Colts desperately need.
The Colts need to find a permanent solution at quarterback, rather than play musical chairs at the position. In this scenario, the Colts can trade up with the Bears to leapfrog the divisional rival Texans to obtain the quarterback they want in this class.
Bryce Young has size issues - he's 5-11 - but he has drawn comparisons to Kyler Murray.
I'm kicking off the first stage of draft season with a trade involving the No. 1 overall pick. Bears GM Chris Ballard can't wait around anymore. I don't think Colts owner Jim Irsay wants another experience with a veteran passer either. Colts move up to get an athletic, super-poised passer in Young.
A disastrous season bookended by humiliating results against the Texans looks like it could prompt the Colts to do what Chris Ballard has avoided for so long: take a swing on a young quarterback. Stroud might give an impatient group a shot at a relatively smooth transition, as the two-time Heisman Trophy finalist is a sharp distributor who repeatedly finds targets in favorable positions. Of course, even with Jonathan Taylor in tow, Stroud will have to demonstrate composure in the face of chaos early on, as the rest of the Colts' offense is in rough shape.
Murphy's Law went into action for the Indianapolis Colts during the 2022 campaign. What could go wrong certainly did and snowballed from that point forward.
The organization dealt with a mid-season firing of its offensive coordinator, then its head coach. A meddling owner demanded the team's veteran quarterback be benched. He then hired an unproven entity in the coaching ranks to serve as the interim boss. The team spiraled into the abyss and won only four games after being projected as the favorite to win the AFC South.
Fortunately, the team owns a top-four pick to make that wish a reality. In this instance, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud provides the perfect elixir to cure most of the organization's ills.
"Stroud is an excellent on-schedule passer," Klassen said. "He scans the field effectively, plays within the rhythm of the offense, and rarely puts the ball in harm's way. Ohio State's offense makes that easier than most, but he still showed a clear command for the scheme.
"The two-time Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year also has a very good arm when he's set. Far-hash throws breaking to the sideline are no problem, and he's got just the right blend of velocity and touch to control his ball placement over the middle at a high level.
"Stroud's biggest area for improvement is how he operates off-schedule and in tight pockets, though he started to answer those questions against the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff. Stroud can get a bit finicky in cluttered pockets and conservative when working on the move. Hopefully, the Colts sort out their offensive line situation to protect him better in 2023."
The Colts moved up one spot because of their Week 18 loss, and they might consider moving all the way up to the top spot to secure their QB of the future. But with no trades in this mock draft, the Colts sit at four to select Will Levis, who could be a good fit in Indy. He passed for more than 5,200 yards the past two seasons after transferring from Penn State. His yards per attempt increased to 8.5 this season. He has 33 TD passes but 23 interceptions at Kentucky.
The Chicago Bears are sitting on a golden ticket. With a quarterback talent like Young in this class, the No. 1 overall pick is going to be in high demand. The Colts make too much sense to be the team willing to offer a sweetheart deal to the Bears because a) it would still allow the Bears to be in striking distance for one of the two blue-chip defensive line prospects in the class, and b) the Colts are desperate for a franchise quarterback after years of one-season rentals at the position.
The Texans should absolutely be nervous about a team jumping them for a quarterback, but in this mock they get their guy. And that guy is Bryce Young, whose poise, vision and accuracy outweigh his historically small stature (relative to successful NFL quarterbacks). Some teams may be scared away by Young's lack of size, but his skillset warrants being the first quarterback taken.
Pairing Quentin Johnston, potentially the No. 1 wide receiver in this class, with Bryce Young would immediately provide this offense with some firepower, especially with running back Dameon Pierce coming off an impressive rookie campaign. Not only would opposing defensive backs have to keep up with Johnston, but they'd have to deal with his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame with the ball in the air.
Coming from the Patriots, GM Nick Caserio never experienced what it was like to have the top overall pick, or need a quarterback really, but the position has to be at the top of his off-season list of priorities. Young has showcased an elite level skillset for two straight seasons, this year with fewer playmakers surrounding him. One of those playmakers was John Metchie, who missed his rookie season for the Texans while being treated for leukemia. Metchie caught 96 balls for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns his junior year at Alabama with Young under center. Of course, Young's size (6-foot, 195 pounds) will be debated, but barring the Chicago Bears staying put to select one of the elite defenders, he is the odds-on favorite to be chosen with the first pick after throwing for 321 yards and five touchdowns in a 45-20 Sugar Bowl victory over Kansas State.
The Texans have needs everywhere, but adding Johnston to a young offensive core that includes Young, Metchie, Dameon Pierce and Nico Collins would form a solid foundation. He does Deebo Samuel-like things, forcing missed tackles when he has the ball in his hands, but he's 6-foot-4, 215 pounds — Samuel is four inches shorter.
Questions persist about Young's physical stature and possible durability issues as a quarterback in the NFL. Although he lacks prototypical size to play at the next level (6-foot, 194 pounds), Young performs with scalpel-like precision when executing game plans. In his final collegiate contest against Kansas State (Sugar Bowl), Young completed 71.4% of his passes for 321 yards and five touchdowns.
A sound technician with exceptional upper body strength, Skoronski plays with a nastiness that discourages defenders ill equipped to handle his power. Skoronski is arguably the best offensive lineman in this draft class, producing top notch performances on a weekly basis. Skoronski is a respected pro prospect who flashes day one starting potential. According to PFF, Skoronski is the highest rated pass blocker (92.4) in the nation.
C.J. Stroud might have locked up QB1 status after his incredible performance against Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinals. The Texans desperately need to find a stabilizing presence at quarterback and Stroud has all the tools to be that guy.
Brandin Cooks wants out from Houston, which means the Texans will need a new top wideout for their new franchise quarterback. Johnston had a quiet national title game, along with the rest of TCU, but he's talented and would be a nice fit with Stroud as the Texans build a supporting cast for him.
The Texans won't be able to get the quarterback they want because of their foolish decision to win in Week 18. They could trade up to No. 1, but that would make them look extra stupid.
Houston passed on all the quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft. No one blamed them for doing that, but they won't be able to repeat that strategy this upcoming April.
C.J. Stroud completed 71 percent of his passes this past season. He's a lethal passer, and as we saw in the college football semi-final, he can run if he needs to with his 4.65 speed.
The Texans have a long history of picking edge rushers near or at the top of the draft. Anderson is a high-floor, All-Pro-upside type at the defensive end spot.
Johnston is a major vertical threat given his size and build-up speed. The Texans have to get better in the receiver room, especially if Brandin Cooks is moved in the offseason.
For most of the season, Houston looked like a sure thing to secure the No. 1 overall selection. Now, the Texans must grapple with whether to make a trade with Chicago or risk losing out on its top option. The clear choice should be Young, who might be the only player in this draft capable of elevating a franchise responsible for one-and-done coaches in consecutive years. A master of maneuvering the pocket, Young shows uncommon cool in the face of pressure. He's by no means a sure thing, and his 6-0, 194-pound frame will be a sticking point for some. But Young marks the best chance for the Texans to jumpstart a rebuild that has been dormant for some time.
Houston can't expect for Bryce Young — or any other quarterback — to single-handedly save an offense that ranked 31st with just 17 points per game. Enter Johnston, a 6-4, 215-pound burner who's equally comfortable hauling in deep bombs as he is evading defenders after slants.
The Houston Texans have remained rudderless since Bill O'Brien's tenure as head coach/general manager imploded. Since then, the organization has spent the past two-and-three-quarter seasons stuck in a constant rebuild.
The team has little talent and only a handful of players—Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, Kenyon Green, Dameon Pierce, Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre—who should be viewed as building blocks for the coming years. What the squad truly lacks is stability at the game's most important position.
Davis Mills showed promise as a former third-round pick, but he simply didn't develop enough this past season. As such, the Texans can concentrate on a quarterback with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Alabama's Bryce Young is the current target.
"Houston's offense desperately needs the spark Young can provide," Klassen stated. "With Mills at the helm, the offense struggles to do anything beyond safe, on-schedule throws inside of 10 yards. Young is the antidote.
"Though still well-versed as an on-schedule passer, Young thrives the longer the ball is in his hands. He's bouncy in the pocket and tough to catch outside of it—a combination that unlocks creative answers other quarterbacks in this class cannot rival. At a listed 6'0" and 194 pounds, Young's main question mark is size. It's concerning not only from a durability standpoint but in terms of how Young will be able to see the field and throw over NFL defensive linemen."
Young plays the position at a higher level than anyone else in this year's draft. If the Texans still aren't entirely sold, they'll strongly consider Ohio State's C.J. Stroud or Kentucky's Will Levis.
The Houston Texans couldn't ask for a better setup during the 2023 NFL draft.
First, the team gets its pick of the incoming quarterback class to finally set that position for the foreseeable future. The Texans come back around thanks to the Deshaun Watson trade, with the chance to select the best overall talent at wide receiver.
What a wonderful way to start building toward something of substance in Houston.
"Who better to pair with a creative, playmaking quarterback in Bryce Young than the big-bodied wide receiver who can score from anywhere?" Klassen asked. "TCU's Quentin Johnston brings a familiar presence back to Houston since he sports a similar build and skill set to DeAndre Hopkins.
"Johnston does his best work the more he can stride out, serve as a downfield threat or when he's hit on the run during underneath routes. The 6'4", 215-pound target is a legit mismatch on go balls, post routes and deep over routes. The Texans offense clearly lacks a similar presence in the offense.
"Additionally, Johnston is a solid ball-winner, which will be highly beneficial since Young will certainly put him to the test early and often."
The Texans will be appointment viewing with Young and Johnston leading the way. At worst, their offense won't be boring anymore. A potential move at head coach to bring in an offensive mind and a new system can make the setup even more tantalizing.
The Texans lost the No. 1 pick with their overtime victory on Sunday, but with the Bears taking Anderson, Houston lucks into still having their pick of this QB class. Young, who followed up his 2021 Heisman Trophy-winning season with 3,328 passing yards and a 32-5 TD-interception ratio as a junior in '22, is their guy.
The Texans add a much needed weapon to support Bryce Young in the passing game. Addison, who has more than 2,400 receiving yards to go with 25 TD catches the past two seasons, is the most polished receiver in this year's class.
Levis isn't at all a bad consolation prize for the Texans. He's already shown he can operate an NFL offense with two different offensive coordinators who have done the same in the league. Levis possesses elite physical tools with a laser of a right arm paired with an exceptionally quick release. He's proven able to operate from tight pockets and under pressure. He averaged 9.2 yards per attempt on 82 pass attempts under pressure in 2022.
The Texans give their newly minted quarterback a receiver with a massive catch radius that's easy to build rapport with. Johnston has 59 catches for 1,064 yards with six scores and 18 broken tackles this season, prior to the national championship game. He's a unique big-play threat for a 6-foot-4, 215-pounder, as he's averaged 18.9 yards per reception in his career.
The Commanders have a formidable front -- especially with Chase Young being back -- and linebacker Jamin Davis made significant strides in his second season. What the stout defense doesn't have, however, is a shutdown corner. Kendall Fuller is a nice player, but he's not going to consistently contain the likes of CeeDee Lamb and A.J. Brown. Cam Smith could develop into that type of cover guy, as his length and instincts will translate well to the next level.
Taylor Heinicke, Carson Wentz and Sam Howell (he was solid versus the Cowboys) won't prohibit the Commanders from seeking a quarterback. Especially one that might remind coach Ron Rivera of Cam Newton — not necessarily his fashion sense — his former MVP signal-caller in Carolina. Richardson is the wild-card in this QB class. His range is anywhere from first overall pick — I expect scouts and coaches/coordinators to fall in love with his traits (i.e. ceiling) — to a day two selection.
Simpson moves with a video game-like suddenness, startling opponents into poor decisions and effectively causing chaos on the offensive side of the ball. The type of three-down linebacker that lines up anywhere on the field, in 2022 Simpson not only lined up on the defensive front he also played in the slot and defended within the box. Simpson's versatility is exactly what Washington could use to bolster its inconsistent second unit.
With Daron Payne set to hit free agency, here's another first-round defensive lineman to potentially replace him. Bresee would fit in well on a Commanders line that already has a lot of talent.
The [Commanders] can't cover anyone, thanks to William Jackson being a complete bust as a free agent signing. They desperately need someone new to stay with A.J. Brown and CeeDee Lamb.
In its quest to find a quarterback, Washington's brain trust does what its passers can't: repeatedly throw darts. Richardson, however, might represent one of the wildest gambles of all. A dazzling deep thrower with a rare blend of speed and power as a runner, the 6-4, 232-pound quarterback is a singular prospect in any draft class. But that's also partly due to his maddening inconsistency as a passer, leaving him very much an unknown entity at this point in his career. Starting him anytime soon would be a massive risk for any NFL franchise, but would that really scare off the Commanders given their current outlook?
A quarterback could enter the chat if he's not blocked by the Washington Commanders' moderator, i.e., Ron Rivera.
A plan could come together to replace Carson Wentz, or Washington could go into another season with Wentz behind center. But the Commanders are far from settled at signal-caller.
The best way to make a poor quarterback setup look better is by placing a strong supporting cast around the position. Thus, Washington turns to their offensive line.
"Washington is in desperate need of help along the interior but could use an upgrade at tackle if a prospect of Paris Johnson's caliber fell to them at 14," Thorn reasoned. "Charles Leno Jr. still has two years on his contract, and the team drafted Sam Cosmi in the second round just a couple of years ago.
"But Johnson's movement skills trump both and offer legitimate Pro Bowl upside. The 21-year-old consensus All-American has only played left tackle for one year at the collegiate level. Despite his inexperience, Johnson is a refined, potent run-blocker with the athletic ability and range to play on an island in the NFL.
"The early entrant does must get stronger in his lower half and refine his use of hands to transition into his anchor more efficiently. Both issues are workable, while he offers clear strengths to make an impact right away in the run game."
A ripple effect should occur. Johnson can start his career guard, as he did at Ohio State, or move to right tackle while Cosmi can bump inside to improve the interior.
Gonzalez is one of the most scheme-versatile cornerbacks in the class with a level of fluidity and explosiveness you rarely see in a 6-foot-2 player at the position. He picked off four passes and broke up six more in his first season with Oregon in 2022.
