First apologies that this is so last minute but I wanted to get the most info I could before making this. Also, check out QB283's work, I think it's a great place to get other opinions or see how off-base I am compared to other people. I've locked these as my picks.
I'm hoping this can be a help to those of you who are still undecided on how to use your predictor tokens or those who just want to see what NFL reporters are saying about the Draft.
I'm going to begin with what I believe are the three most important questions to answer to get 14/14 in this year's MUT Mock Draft
- How many qbs go in the top 14? It's not uncommon to see draft media overrate qb prospects. But is that the case here? And last year was a good reminder that if NFL teams feel the talent isn't there, they won't take a qb high just because there's a qb. The names with top 14 buzz are Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, WIll Levis, and Anthony Richardson
- Where does Jalen Carter go? Jalen Carter is the only non-edge dline getting a lot of hype to be picked top 14. Most agree talent wise Jalen Carter is a top 5 player in the draft but with a number of character concerns we could see him fall.
- Who takes Bijan Robinson? Bijan Robinson is the best HB prospect in the draft and like carter the only player at his position most see going in the top 14. Many consider him a top 6 talent but will positional value cause him to slide.
I hope to answer these in the mock that I have built primarily on using info I have gathered from supposed NFL insiders.
Along with each pick I will be providing a couple alternate picks if applicable, the top 5 prospects remaining available according to the 2023 consensus big board, and how confident I am . If you're looking to predict trades I use the top 5 available to get a sense of where they could happen in my mock.
1. QB - Bryce Young
It's obvious the panthers are going to take a qb here and bryce young is the favorite and there hasn't been a whole lot to suggest otherwise.
Alt Picks: The only other picks I have here involve Carolina taking a QB
Best 5 Remaining: Edge Will Anderson, QB CJ Stroud, Non-edge dline Jalen Carter, DB Devon Whiterspoon, DB Christian Gonzalez
Confidence 99.9%
2. Edge - Will Anderson
Texans are a mystery in this draft. Everyone agrees that they should take a qb. But Lance Zierlein who got both of Houston's first round picks correct last year is saying they're leaning toward edge here. I think Zierlein at least HAD sources last year, whether or not they are still in the building we will find out tonight.
Alt Picks: QB not sure which one, some believe they're out on Stroud but I won't fault anyone who says QB because of the need .Also we could see qb if the panthers shock the world and choose a qb that isn't bryce young. Additionally, QB Levis is the betting favorite. I've also seen EDGE tyree wilson here. I'm also going to throw in Non-edge DLINE Jalen Carter here since some believe he's the best defensive player in the draft.
Best 5 Remaining: QB CJ Stroud, Non-edge dline Jalen Carter, DB Devon Whiterspoon, DB Christian Gonzalez, QB Anthony Richardson
Confidence 20%
3. QB - CJ Stroud
There's a lot of buzz about someone trading up here for a QB. The first reason you get to jump the colts who also are probably going qb. Plus, Texans going edge leads to someone being unexpectedly available. For the mock, we're going to say Titans trade 11 and some picks to Cardinals.
Alt Picks: If news comes out this pick isn't going to be traded I would look for edge tyree wilson or non-edge dline Jalen Carter at this pick. OT Paris Johnson JR. is also in play if the cardinals keep the pick as reportedly he is Kyler Murray's preference. Edge Will Anderson is also in play here if Texans go qb or tyree wilson
Best 5 Remaining: Non-edge dline Jalen Carter, DB Devon Whiterspoon, DB Christian Gonzalez, QB Anthony Richardson, Edge Tyree WIlson
Confidence 30%
4. QB - Will Levis
Colts need a qb and everyone thinks they take one. I went Levis here cause that's who's been the colts have been connected to the most
Alt Picks: I would say other QBs are in play here and I'm going to include Carter as well as best player available.
Best 5 Remaining: Non-edge dline Jalen Carter, DB Devon Whiterspoon, DB Christian Gonzalez, QB Anthony Richardson, Edge Tyree WIlson
Confidence 80%
5. Non-Edge Dline - Jalen Carter
There's a lot of conflicting info out there regarding Jalen Carter some say seahawks want him others say they don't. This is a best player available pick
Alt Picks: Seattle has been looking into drafting a QB this offseason so if the right one is there it's possible. Edge like Tyree wilson or will anderson if they're available also are in consideration as a position of need.
Best 5 Remaining: DB Devon Whiterspoon, DB Christian Gonzalez, QB Anthony Richardson,Edge Tyree WIlson, RB Bijan Robinson
Confidence 40%
6. DB - Devon Whiterspoon
Lions are in a good position to go best player available and many think they'll go DB. Hard to fault them with how the board falls in this mock
Alt Picks: I've heard some teams prefer DB Christian Gonzalez to Whiterspoon so another option while still keeping the position the same. Should the right QB fall Lions may go with a QB here. I'd also consider Non-edge dline Jalen Carter here if you don't think Seahawks take him. Maybe RB Bijan Robinson as well.
Best 5 Remaining: DB Christian Gonzalez, QB Anthony Richardson, Edge Tyree WIlson, RB Bijan Robinson, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Confidence 60%
7. DB - Christian Gonzalez
Raiders need a DB and go with the best one available. Sources say they are out on qb and in on a corner
Alt Picks: If DB Whiterspoon is here he might also be the pick. Like the Lions they might also take a qb should the right one fall to them. Non-edge dline Jalen carter if he makes it may be too good to pass up. I'd also consider OLINE like Skoronksi who can play inside here.
Best 5 Remaining: QB Anthony Richardson, Edge Tyree WIlson, RB Bijan Robinson, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Oline Peter Skoronski
Confidence 60%
8. RB - Bijan Robinson
Atlanta has been best player available in recent years, and they add another playmaker in Bijan Robinson.
Alt Picks: Perhaps Atlanta decides they are set at RB and go with an Edge like Tyree Wilson or Nolan Smith. DB is also a position they might be interested in. Non-edge dline Jalen Carter is also in play for best player available should he make it here. QB if the Falcons aren't sold on Ridder. Additionally, look out for a team trading up for an Oline here.
Best 5 Remaining: QB Anthony Richardson, Edge Tyree WIlson, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Oline Peter Skoronski, Oline Paris Johnson Jr.
Confidence 40%
9. Oline - Paris Johnson Jr.
Chicago goes for the player they believe is the best tackle to protect FIelds in a key year.
Alt Picks: With this being my first oline selection, other olinemen are in play here. There's some though they might go with dline here and with how I have the board that's definitely possible with non-edge jalen carter if he's available or an edge like Tyree Wilson or Nolan Smith. They might also try to get another weapon for Fields like Bijan should he be available or WR JSN.
Best 5 Remaining: QB Anthony Richardson, Edge Tyree WIlson, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Oline Peter Skoronski, DB Joey Porter Jr.
Confidence 55%
10. Edge - Tyree Wilson
Eagles are known to spend their picks in the trenches so I'm slotting them in with the best available
Alt Picks: On the dline I could see another edge like Nolan Smith being the pick. Eagles are generally considered Non-edge Dline Jalen Carter's floor so I'm including him as an option but don't be surprised if they trade up for him. If he's available RB Bijan Robinson could be a shock pick. Considering Eagles like to go on to the trenches Oline wouldn't be surprising either. DB or WR are other positions the champs may look to for more depth. QB is in play here if you believe someone would want to jump the titans if they stay at 11.
Best 5 Remaining: QB Anthony Richardson, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Oline Peter Skoronski, DB Joey Porter Jr., Edge Luke Van Ness
Confidence 55%
11. Edge - Nolan Smith
Cardinals have a need at the dline and go for the one with amazing physical tools
Alt Picks: If the cardinals make the pick here I imagine it will be spent on another edge like Van Ness if he's available or it could be spent on the oline. If the titans make the pick I would look for QB should one fall, oline, or wr.
Best 5 Remaining: QB Anthony Richardson, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Oline Peter Skoronski, DB Joey Porter Jr., Edge Luke Van Ness
Confidence 20%
12. Oline - Peter Skoronski
Zierlein has them taking Peter Skoronski if he's available so this wouldn't be shocking to me.
Alt Picks: Texans may go with help at WR with JSN. Perhaps they double dip on edge if the right one is available. Again qb has to be in play. Maybe Oline
Best 5 Remaining: QB Anthony Richardson, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, DB Joey Porter Jr., Edge Luke Van Ness, Edge Myles Murphy,
Confidence 10%
13. WR - Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Packers take the best receiver in the draft to help out Jordan Love
Alt Picks: The Packers probably need a new TE and I expect them to address it at some time in this draft. But 13 seems a tad high for a TE so maybe the packers trade back if that's the route they go. Whether or not they keep the pick Oline or WR makes sense if you're trying to get ahead of New England. Could be a trade-up spot for the best 5 remaining.
Best 5 Remaining: QB Anthony Richardson, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, DB Joey Porter Jr., Edge Luke Van Ness, Edge Myles Murphy
Confidence 20%
14. Oline - Broderick Jones
Patriots look to protect Mac Jones in a make-or-break year.
Alt Picks: Patriots are in the market for at least one starting offensive tackle so OLINE makes sense. Patriots have also been linked to WR Zay flowers. DB is a need but one the patriots may feel confident addressing in later rounds unless one of the top 2 falls. Could be a trade up spot for the best 5 remaining. Some rumors they're going to trade up for a QB
Best 5 Remaining: QB Anthony Richardson, DB Joey Porter Jr., Edge Luke Van Ness, Edge Myles Murphy, Oline Darnell Wright
Closing thoughts:
It wasn't thoroughly explored in this mock but Vikings may look to trade up for a qb.
Similarly, the Steelers are also rumored to be interested in trading up for OT
Going into this I wasn't expecting to see a top 4 qb fall and I'm not sure that happens
Also I thought more Oline would get picked in this