Are you ready for the NFL Draft?
2023 NFL Draft: Second Round
Mock Draft and Analysis By: Gregg Schutze
as of April 26, 2023
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Chicago) – Bryan Bresee, 6’5”, 298lbs, DT, Clemson, Jr.
03/28/23 – DJ Turner II, CB, Michigan
02/05/23 – Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Even after re-signing Larry Ogunjobi the Steelers need help up front defensively. Bryan Bresee has long been seen as a 1st Rounder, but after a string of injuries over the last couple of years, including a torn ACL that limited him to just four games in 2021, there’s a chance his draft stock could take a hit. Bresee is already a stout run defender playing with a low pad level and a strong anchor to hold the point and be effective taking on double teams. He has a quick burst off the ball to attack gaps and uses quick lateral movements to defeat reach blocks while also keeping his eyes in the backfield to never lose focus on where the ball is. Bresee also racked up 9.5 sacks in his three seasons at Clemson, using his burst to push the pocket from the interior and uses quick feet and sudden hands to pressure the QB. That said, his overall production doesn’t scream playmaker and he seems to only win getting into the backfield one way. I get serious Taven Bryan vibes with Bresee, which is why I’m not expecting Bresee to be taken in the first 25 picks. But the athletic profile we saw from him at the Combine is one with 4.86 40 speed and an ability to bend while also playing with power and he looks to be finally back from the injuries that plagued him during his time with the Tigers.
33. Houston Texans – Quentin Johnston, 6’3”, 208lbs, WR, TCU, Jr.
03/28/23 – Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
02/05/23 – Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
The Texans brought in Robert Woods and Noah Brown to provide much-needed depth to the receiving corps, but Houston lost its deep threat after trading away Brandin Cooks. Johnston is a legitimate vertical threat with the speed to stretch defenses over the top. His long strides allow him to eat up any cushion, can be physical when needed and shows off his athleticism in the air, using the 40.5-inch vertical at the Combine to elevate over defenders and contort his body to make the athletic catch. Johnston ran an official 4.49 40 at TCU’s Pro Day, which is fast for a player his size. Johnston had a slow start to the 2022 season but finished with 60 catches for 1,069 yards and 6 TD. His career 19.0 ypr average is proof he is a legitimate deep threat and would be a welcome addition to the Texans’ WR room.
34. Arizona Cardinals – Jahmyr Gibbs, 5’9”, 199lbs, RB, Alabama, Jr.
03/28/23 – Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
02/05/23 – Cody Mauch, OT/OG, North Dakota State
James Conner was highly productive when he was on the field, but he missed four games and parts of three more due to injury. The Cards will likely add another playmaker out of the backfield in the draft and Gibbs definitely brings the energy. Gibbs is a slasher with the ability to put stress on the defenses horizontally before finding a seam, planting and getting downhill in a hurry. He offers quick acceleration, start-and-stop ability and will make you miss in the open field. He’s also a threat as a receiver running crisp routes, excellent body control and is a reliable target having hauled in 103 receptions in his three-year career.
35. Indianapolis Colts –DJ Turner II, 5’11”, 178lbs, CB, Michigan, Jr.
03/28/23 – Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
02/05/23 – Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Indy will be looking for someone to replace Yannick Ngakoue’s sack production and could use this pick on Will McDonald IV, Keion White or Derick Hall. I’m actually going corner here as the unit is now quite depleted following the trade of Stephon Gilmore. That leaves Isaiah Rodgers Sr. on the outside and Kenny Moore at nickel. DJ Turner II turned heads with his 4.26 40 at the Combine, which has caused his draft stock to soar, maybe even into Round 1. Turner II is a fluid athlete with the ability to mirror and match the WR’s movements. His speed allows him to drive on the ball in a hurry to get a hand in and make a play on the ball. There’s versatility to his game as he has the ability to play both on the outside and inside.
36. Los Angeles Rams – Will McDonald IV, 6’4”, 239lbs, DE. Iowa State
03/28/23 – Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia
02/05/23 – Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State
The Rams are without a 1st Round pick for the second consecutive year and with the trade of Jalen Ramsey and releases of Bobby Wagner and Leonard Floyd, it’s clear the Rams are in rebuild mode, though the LA Times indicated GM Les Snead called it a remodel when meeting with the media at the beginning of the offseason in January. Floyd led the Rams in sacks a season ago with 9.0, but with him out of the picture, which leaves Michael Hoecht’s 4.5 sacks as the only sacks registered by an OLB on the roster. Clearly, adding some juice off the edge on defense is a huge need and few players have seen their draft stock soar quite like McDonald IV who has a chance to sneak into the back half of Round 1. McDonald IV, Iowa State’s career sack leader with 34.0, is extremely quick off the ball, uses his hands well with a variety of moves and has an explosive closing burst, but it may be his flexibility to bend off the edge that sets him apart.
37. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) – Hendon Hooker, 6’3”, 217lbs, QB, Tennessee
03/28/23 – John Michael Schmitz, OC, Minnesota
02/05/23 – Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
The Seahawks re-signed Geno Smith to a three-year deal, but can we really expect him to duplicate his career year from a season ago? Adding a QB through the draft is almost expected and you have to expect that one of the team’s first four picks will be used on a signal caller. I think Seattle will either trade back into Round 1 or use this pick on Hendon Hooker, who has quietly been rising up draft boards. Hooker is an older prospect at 25 and is coming off an ACL tear sustained Nov. 19th against South Carolina. Prior to the injury, Hooker was firmly entrenched in Heisman Trophy discussions after completing 69.6% of his passes for 3,135 yards and 27 TD with just 2 Int. and added 430 yards and 5 TD on the ground. Hooker throws a tremendous deep ball with much better accuracy outside the numbers than between the hashes. He’s tremendous working in the pocket, showing clean footwork and a knack for feeling pressure and being able to manipulate the pocket when needed. The biggest question is whether he can succeed outside Josh Heupel’s offense at UT as he often was only reading half the field and could take advantage of spacing with the wide splits.
38. Las Vegas Raiders – Adetomiwa Adebawore, 6’2”. 282lbs, DE, Northwestern
03/28/23 – Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech
02/05/23 – Siaki Ika, NT, Baylor
Maxx Crosby racked up 12.5 sacks but Chandler Jones struggled to find his footing in Vegas and there is no depth behind them at DE, so you can expect the Raiders to have an interest in Adebawore, who improved his draft stock as much as any player at the Combine. Adebawore was always known to be a power rusher with violent hands and an ability to hold the point of attack against the run. Nobody quite expected the 4.49 40 time at the Combine. Adebawore managed 24.0 TFL and 12.5 sacks in his four years at Northwestern so the production doesn’t quite match the athletic profile, but he clearly has the rare blend of size, speed and power to be a better pro. His ability to also kick inside on passing downs would give Vegas a trio of pass rushers, a dynamic the Silver and Black hasn’t had.
39. Carolina Panthers – Trenton Simpson, 6’2”, 235lbs, LB, Clemson, Jr.
03/28/23 – Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
02/05/23 – Luke Musgrave TE, Oregon State
The Panthers have been busy this offseason rebuilding its offense for their new QB having signed RB Miles Sanders, WR’s Adam Thielen and DJ Chark and TE Hayden Hurst. I think this pick will be used on the defense. Frankie Luvu had a career season in his first season in Carolina, but you have to imagine the Panthers have to consider life after Shaq Thompson and while Jeremy Chinn is seen as a potential successor, drafting Simpson allows Chinn to remain in the secondary and would give the Panthers multiple unique chess pieces to move around. Simpson is a versatile linebacker who has experience lining up all over the field but was at his best when former Clemson DC Brent Venables allowed him to run free and make plays in space.
40. New Orleans Saints – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, 6’3”, 255lbs, DE, Kansas State, Jr.
03/28/23 – Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
02/05/23 – Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Cameron Jordan is still among the league’s top pass rushers, but with Marcus Davenport leaving in free agency and the trio of Carl Granderson, Tanoh Kpassagnon and Payton Turner proving not to be primed to be starters, finding someone to team with Jordan is a must. Anudike-Uzomah is still developing as a run defender, but he is an exceptional pass rush specialist with 20.5 sacks in three seasons at K-State. He has a good burst off the ball and uses a wide array of pass rush moves to get to the QB in a hurry. He’s also heavy-handed and plays with a nonstop motor.
41. Tennessee Titans – Josh Downs, 5’9”, 171lbs, WR, North Carolina, Jr.
03/28/23 – Cody Mauch, OT/OG, North Dakota State
02/05/23 – Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
Tennessee lost Robert Woods and now must replace his production. Downs may be undersized, but his route running is a lot of fun to watch as his shiftiness brings easy separation. Most wideouts are either quick or fast, but Downs is one of those who can do both as he has the quick acceleration and deep speed to be a vertical threat. Downs was very productive for the Tar Heels racking up 194 receptions for 2,364 yards and 19 TD in his final two seasons at UNC. The biggest concern may actually be his shorter arms which limits his catch radius and makes it easier for defenders to attack the ball. Downs will be a nice complement starting opposite Treylon Burks.
42. Green Bay Packers (from Cleveland and NY Jets) – Luke Musgrave, 6’6”, 253lbs, TE, Oregon State
03/28/23 – NY Jets – Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
02/05/23 – Cleveland – Derick Hall, DE, Auburn
Robert Tonyan is gone meaning the Packers need to target a No. 1 TE in the first two days of the draft. If the Packers pass on Dalton Kincaid and Michael Mayer in Round One, expect the explosive Luke Musgraves to be a target here. Musgrave saw action in just six games due to the Covid-shortened 2020 season, shared time with Teagen Quitoriano in 2021 and suffered a knee injury that cut this past season short after just two games, so he has a relatively small body of work. That said, what we have seen is impressive as he has good straight-line speed to create separation quickly. The nephew of former NFL QB and longtime coach Bill Musgrave also has tremendous body control, concentration and strong hands to attack the ball in the air. He needs to add some strength to be more of an inline blocker, but Musgrave is sure to put a significant amount of stress on defenses.
43. New York Jets – Daiyan Henley, 6’1”, 225lbs, LB, Washington State
03/28/23 – Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
02/05/23 – Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
I think that even with the three-year deal to bring Quincy Williams the Jets will look at adding another athletic LB with cover skills and Henley is one of the best off-ball LB’s in this draft. Henley is a converted safety who transferred from Nevada to Wazzu for his final season and showed off tremendous range and instincts. He can play all the way to the sideline and does a good job working in traffic, reading the OL and sliding to avoid blocks to make a play. But has 4.5 speed and fluid hips allow him to match up with both TE’s and RB’s out of the backfield.
44. Atlanta Falcons – Keion White, 6’5”, 285lbs, DE, Georgia Tech
03/28/23 – Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
02/05/23 – Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
If Ryan Nielsen and Arthur Smith don’t target an edge rusher on Day One of the draft, you have to expect this pick to be used on a second tier edge rusher in this year’s draft class. White had a breakout 2022 in his second season with the Yellowjackets after transferring from Old Dominion racking up 14 TFL and 7.0 sacks while also racking up 54 tackles which was good for 3rd on the team. White is a tremendous athlete who is still raw as a pass rusher but uses his freaky twitchiness and hustle to bend the edge and chase down QB’s. His ability to convert speed to power is also evident, showing a violent punch at the point to drive the OT back and can drive his man back to collapse the pocket. His versatility allows him to kick inside and provide an interior rush on obvious passing downs and can even cover RB’s out of the backfield in the passing game, often showing he can run stride for stride with RBs on wheel routes.
45. Green Bay Packers – Antonio Johnson, 6’2”, 198lbs, S, Texas A&M, Jr.
03/28/23 – Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
02/05/23 – Nolan Smith, OLB, Georgia
Adrian Amos is gone, and Darnell Savage was benched during the 2022 season for his poor play. The Packers did sign Tarvarius Moore to a one-year deal for just over the veteran minimum, but you have to expect Green Bay to target a starting-caliber safety early. Johnson has good size and loves to mix it up in the box. He diagnoses plays quickly and flies downhill to the football, though he does have a tendency to over-pursue plays when he’s not under control. Johnson can line up in the slot and while he can cover some WR, he definitely has enough fluidity to handle TE’s.
46. New England Patriots – Jalin Hyatt, 6’0”, 176lbs, WR, Tennessee, Jr.
03/28/23 – Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
02/05/23 – Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Mac Jones seems to be wearing out his welcome in New England, but to be fair he doesn’t have dynamic weapons in the passing game. Kendrick Bourne, who is a 3rd WR at best, is the only returning WR with at least 30 receptions as the Pats were paced by RB Rhamondre Stevenson, the departed Jakobi Meyers and TE Hunter Henry in the passing game. Jalin Hyatt has tremendous deep speed with quick acceleration to gain easy separation and is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. Hyatt’s limited route tree and struggles with his breaks could keep him from getting drafted in the 1st Round. But the reining Biletnikoff Award winner would be solid value at the top of Day 2. His vertical speed would open the underneath routes for JuJu Smith-Schuster.
47. Washington Commanders –Kelee Ringo, 6’2”, 207lbs, CB, Georgia, Jr.
03/28/23 – Matthew Bergeron, OT/OG, Syracuse
02/05/23 – John Michael Schmitz, OC, Minnesota
The Commanders are lacking playmakers at corner as only four teams finished with fewer Int. than the 9 Washington hauled in. Plus, the team’s most productive CB Kyle Fuller is a free agent at the end of the season. Drafting a CB with size like Ringo makes a ton of sense. Ringo is a boundary corner who often was assigned to cover many of the opposition’s top wideouts down the field. Make no mistake Ringo is surprisingly fluid for a corner his size, staying low in his back pedal and offering up surprisingly smooth hips while showing off his 4.36 40 speed to turn and run with his man. There are also plenty of reps where he was beaten or got too grabby and was called for pass interference. In fact, PFF recorded 9 penalties called against Ringo in 2022. He seems to get turned around a lot and struggles with comeback routes as the WR can easily uncover coming back to the ball. The good news is if Ringo is beaten deep, he has plenty of speed to recover. Teams will be banking on the elite size and athletic profile for a CB as Ringo still needs technique refinement and a better grasp of the nuances of the position.
48. Detroit Lions – Mazi Smith, 6’3”, 323lbs, DT, Michigan
03/28/23 – Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
02/05/23 – Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
The interior of Detroit’s DL was porous against the run and struggled to get after the QB, managing just 3.0 sacks as a unit. You can expect the Lions to target a DT at some point in the first two days of the draft and if Jalen Carter and Calijah Kancey aren’t targeted in the 1st Round, Mazi Smith could be the guy here. Smith brings a blend of power and quickness to the table. Smith’s strength is unreal, putting up 225 pounds 34 times in the bench press and was also said to have repped out 335 pounds 20 times! You see the power in his hands to deliver a jolt at the point of attack, then uses a quick rip or swim move to clear the blocker and plug the gap. Smith will also use his leverage and strength to manhandle blockers, getting under their pad level and lifting them to get penetration. His quick feet are apparent on film, as he can plant and change directions quickly for a guy his size and demonstrates a closing burst to the ball. Smith’s 48 tackles in 2022 ranked him sixth on the team in total tackles, but for as powerful and athletic this big man is, Smith didn’t provide a ton of production behind the line of scrimmage, amassing just 6.0 TFL and 0.5 sacks with the Wolverines.
49. Pittsburgh Steelers – Matthew Bergeron. 6’5”, 318lbs, OT/OG, Syracuse
03/28/23 – Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
02/05/23 – Gervon Dexter Sr., DT, Florida
Chukwuma Okorafor is a free agent at the end of the season while Dan Moore struggled at LT, so you have to expect Pittsburgh to take an OT to push for playing time in the first two days of the draft. Bergeron is a versatile OL with the ability to play both OT and OG. He can be dominant in the running game as he can sustain and finish blocks with ease and is adept at climbing to the second level and picking off targets on the move. The question is whether he has the footwork and hands required to play OT as he did give up five sacks last season.
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jack Campbell, 6’5” 249lbs, LB, Iowa
03/28/23 – BJ Ojulari, OLB, LSU
02/05/23 – Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Last season Tampa finished tied for 7th in the league with 45 sacks, but that ranking was definitely a team effort as 15 players had at least 0.5 sacks, but you know there has to be concerns with the pass rush when your NT Vita Vea (6.5) and ILB Devin White (5.5) led the team in sacks. A torn Achilles ended Shaquil Barrett’s season after eight games while Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has yet to show the traits that got him drafted in Round 1 in 2021 managing just 4.0 sacks for the second consecutive year. The Bucs need to add another edge rusher to add depth to the rotation and potentially start if Barrett isn’t healthy enough to return for the start of the 2023 season. Don’t rule out Derick Hall or BJ Ojulari here. However, team captain Lavonte David was re-signed on a one-year deal to enter his 12th season in a Bucs uniform at the age of 33 and White will be a free agent at season’s end. It’s not likely that both will return in a Bucs uni next season, so I expect Tampa to target a LB early. Campbell has been a model of consistency for the vaunted Hawkeye defense the last two seasons after racking up 265 tackles, 9 TFL, 2 sacks, 4 Int. and 7 PBU. He has a nose for the ball and uses his instincts to put himself in position to make a play. If you want to know where the ball is heading, just watch # 31 work. Campbell is at his best in the box, where he can fill holes downhill and can scrape over the top to meet the ball carrier on the perimeter. He’s also proven to be effective against the pass as a zone defender, reading the QB’s eyes and getting himself into the passing lane to make a play on the ball. Campbell also answered questions about his athleticism, running a 4.65 40, posting a 37-inch vertical and his 6.74 three-cone shuttle put him second among WR’s and his 4.24 short shuttle put him in the top five of WR’s.
51. Miami Dolphins – Zach Charbonnet, 6’0”, 214lbs, RB, UCLA
03/28/23 – Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
02/05/23 – Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
The Dolphins have a stable of RBs in Raheem Mostert, Jeffery Wilson, Salvon Ahmed and Myles Gaskin, but are lacking a physical presence. I think this year Miami opts for a back with a style that complements the quartet and Charbonnet’s power between the tackles definitely fits the bill. Charbonnet started his career at Michigan, but he emerged as a top RB in the country out west at UCLA, running for 2,496 yards on 398 carries, good for 6.3 ypc, and 27 TD with the Bruins. Charbonnet is an upright runner who is not overly shifty, and you want to keep him going horizontal because once you let him square his shoulders and build momentum downhill as he can gather speed; his performance at the Combine was further proof of this as he ran a respectable 4.53 40 even with an average 1.54 10-yard split. He has a thick lower half that allows him to keep his footing after bouncing off tacklers and will run through plenty of tackles and drive the pile to finish runs. Charbonnet is also a weapon out of the backfield in the receiving game, showing soft hands while hauling in 61 passes in his two seasons at UCLA; plus, he’s a solid pass protector.
52. Seattle Seahawks – Steve Avila, 6’3”, 332lbs, OG, TCU
03/28/23 – Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State
02/05/23 – Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Seattle hit a homerun in last year’s draft with Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas at OT. Could the interior of the line be next? Considering there isn’t an OG under contract past 2023, it is entirely possible. Avila is a powerful interior lineman with starting experience at the center position and could not only start at LG right away, but also provide depth behind Evan Brown at the pivot. Avila looks to manhandle defenders at the point of attack and generates a ton of movement in the run game. Some question his foot speed as a pass protector, but just put on the film against Jalen Carter and you’ll see what he’s capable of. Avila did a great job shooting his hands inside to get a grip on Carter early to keep him at a distance and as Carter tried to work up the field, Avila’s hand placement and feet allowed him to stay square and keep Carter in front. Then, when Carter tried to attack the outside, Avila showed good lateral agility to keep him in front, then when Carter worked back inside, Avila was able to change directions and keep Carter from getting penetration.
53. Chicago Bears (from Baltimore) – Joe Tippmann, 6’6”, 313lbs, OC, Wisconsin, Jr.
03/28/23 – Derick Hall, DE, Auburn
02/05/23 – Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Cody Whitehair is currently penciled in as the starter at center and while he’s a leader in the locker room, he was slowed by injury this year and his play suffered. As a result, he could be let go after June 1, which would carry a dead cap hit of $4.2 million but a cap savings of $9.898 million in 2023 per Spotrac.com. I think there’s a good chance this happens, which means Chicago will look for his replacement in the draft. Tippmann is a rare center with tremendous length who played a pivotal role in the vaunted Badgers running game. As a pass protector, PFF reported Tippmann gave up just one sack and five total pressures on 338 pass blocking snaps. He’s strong at the point of attack and has the footwork required to be a starter at the next level.
54. Los Angeles Chargers – Tuli Tuipulotu, 6’3”, 266lbs, DE/OLB, USC, Jr.
03/28/23 – Tuli Tuipulotu, DE/OLB, USC
02/05/23 – Tuli Tuipulotu, DE/OLB, USC
There is no question the Chargers have to improve the 20th-ranked defense early in this year’s draft. Bryan Bresee could definitely be targeted in Round One to help improve the fourth worst run defense. If the 21st overall pick is used on offense then I see this pick being used on the best scheme fit and that could very well be Tuipulotu, who led the FBS in sacks this past season with 13.5. While Tuipulotu was listed at 290 pounds while at USC, he surprised many by weighing in at 266 pounds at the Combine. That fits the profile of a 3-4 OLB and Tuipulotu could easily provide depth up front as Khalil Mack struggled on his own with Joey Bosa going down to injury. Plus, if Tuipulotu puts on another 10 pounds, he’d match the measurements of DE Morgan Fox and could provide much-needed depth at that position as well. Tuipulotu lined up all over the field for Trojans’ DC Alex Grinch, playing with his hand in the dirt at 5-technique or in at 4i and would also stand up in a wide-nine technique or roaming around the middle of the field to shoot the A gaps as an interior rusher. He’s advanced with his hands, attacking the OT’s hands in a variety of ways and if you saw the way he slapped the bag at the Combine he has tremendous power in his hands to jolt the blocker. Tuipulotu isn’t overly twitchy, but he’s quick to attack the outside, can bend a little bit and is relentless when he flattens out. I think his versatility will get him on the field early for the Chargers.
55. Detroit Lions (from Minnesota) – Sam LaPorta, 6’3”, 245lbs, TE, Iowa
03/28/23 – Adetomiwa Adebawore, DE, Northwestern
02/05/23 – Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Alabama
Trading TJ Hockenson left Detroit without a true No. 1 option at TE which really started to show down the stretch last season. LaPorta was a go-to target for Hawkeye QB Spencer Petras, showing off impressive route running to attack the middle of the field. Just as impressive was his ability to make plays after the catch, often running through tackles to pick up extra yards.
56. Jacksonville Jaguars – Cam Smith, 6’1”, 180lbs, CB, South Carolina, Jr.
03/30/23 – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
02/05/23 – Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
Tyson Campbell had an impressive year in his second season with the Jags by recording 3 Int. and 15 PBU and Darious Williams looks like he may be a viable starter opposite him with another 16 passes broken up. Adding another CB to not only provide depth, but to also challenge Williams for the starting spot is a must. Smith looks to be an ideal candidate to compete for the nickel spot right away. Smith plays with anticipation with the ability to quickly close on the ball. His ball skills are also evident having hauled in 6 Int. and broken up 18 passes in his three seasons with the Gamecocks.
57. New York Giants – John Michael Schmitz, 6’3”, 301lbs, OC, Minnesota
03/28/23 – Joe Tippmann, OC, Wisconsin
02/05/23 – Riley Moss, CB, Iowa
There’s no question the Giants will be using an early round pick on a center as an upgrade is needed over Ben Bredeson, who is currently slated as the starter. Schmitz was a dominant three-year starter for the Golden Gophers, showcasing tremendous movement skills to get out on reach blocks and has tremendous footwork and takes proper angles to not only get to the defender, but uses a low pad level to win at the point of attack and finish his blocks. Schmitz also proved he can more than anchor in pass protection, dominating the one-on-ones at the Combine. Schmitz is the perfect scheme fit for New York and would be an immediate starter.
58. Dallas Cowboys – Julius Brents, 6’3”, 198lbs, CB, Kansas State
03/28/23 – Steve Avila, OG, TCU
02/05/23 – Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia
Dallas already has one stud at CB in Trevon Diggs and made a splash trade to bring in Stephon Gilmore. Adding one more corner with length would give the Cowboys a formidable secondary. Brents has good size and uses his 34-inch arms to gain an advantage in press coverage off the line. He uses his physicality to reroute receivers and shows decent cover skills with solid change-of-direction skills for a guy his size. Brents also shows off tremendous ball skills, using his length and a 41.5-inch vertical leap to make a play on the ball.
59. Buffalo Bills – Cody Mauch, 6’5”, 302lbs, OT/OG, North Dakota State
03/28/23 – Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
02/05/23 – Steve Avila, OG, TCU
The Bills need to look at finding a depth player up front who can challenge for a starting spot. Mauch arrived in Fargo as a 221-pound walk-on TE, but he’s managed to put on over 80 pounds while still maintaining his athleticism and brings a nastiness to the OL that the Lions would love. Mauch was a physical presence at LT for the Bison but looked like a dancing bear on the outside. He has the chops to start right away along the interior of the line.
60. Cincinnati Bengals – Dawand Jones, 6’8”, 374lbs, OT, Ohio State
03/28/23 – Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
02/05/23 – Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
The Bengals are fielding calls for Jonah Williams after he asked for a trade following the signing of Orlando Brown Jr. If Williams ends up getting traded and La’el Collins ends up a cap casualty, then adding a starting-caliber RT becomes a top priority. Cincy would have the largest pair of bookends pairing Brown Jr. with the mammoth Dawand Jones. If you watch Jones play, it doesn’t take long to see really good movement skills for a man his size and he uses his tremendous length, including his nearly 36 ½-inch arms, to keep defenders in front. He uses his power to cave in the right side of the line and is like a locomotive when he gets out into space. Jones reminds me of Trent Brown and Phil Loadholt as towering RT’s and like them, I expect Jones to be a starter in the league for nearly a decade.
61. Chicago Bears (from San Francisco) – Isaiah Foskey, 6’5”, 264lbs, DE, Notre Dame
03/28/23 – Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
02/05/23 – Byron Young, DE, Tennessee
The Bears struggled mightily getting after the QB, managing just 20 sacks a season ago and were led by safety Jaquan Brisker with 4.0 sacks. Adding an edge rusher who can consistently get after the QB is a must. Foskey was a highly productive edge rusher for the Irish, hitting double-digit sacks in each of his final two seasons with the Golden Domers. His 4.58 40 time is proof he has that straight-line speed and does a good job converting speed to power when using his patented long arm on the edge. Foskey has good range in space, but he does struggle with his bend, which could limit his effectiveness at times. That said, Foskey is able to slip blocks and hit gaps downhill to still be tremendously productive.
62. Philadelphia Eagles – Marvin Mims, Jr. 5’11”, WR, Oklahoma, Jr.
03/28/23 – Isaiah Foskey, DE, Notre Dame
02/05/23 – Karl Brooks, DT, Bowling Green
The duo of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith proved to be dynamic for Jalen Hurts as each of them eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark through the air. However, the only other WR with over 300 receiving yards was Quez Watkins. Adding a true vertical threat like Mims Jr., who can line up both outside or in the slot, would give Philly another downfield weapon to stress the defense down the field and take pressure off Brown and Smith. Mims Jr. finished his Sooner career with 123 receptions for 2,398 yards, which is an average of 19.5 ypc, and 20 TD. Known for his ability to get down the field in a hurry, Mims Jr. does a tremendous job tracking the ball and makes necessary adjustments to put himself in position to make a play. While the route tree at OU was limited, Mims Jr. is very smooth out of his breaks, which allows him to be effective at all three levels of the field. The more you watch Mims Jr.’s film, the more you like because you see the potential as he’s allowed to run a full complement of routes. And his 4.38 speed will be exactly what’s needed to stretch defenses vertically. Hurts gets yet another talented weapon in his arsenal.
63. Kansas City Chiefs – Jonathan Mingo, 6’2”, 220lbs, WR, Mississippi
03/28/23 – Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State
02/05/23 – Keeanu Benton, NT, Wisconsin
The Chiefs have Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney at wideout, but need a physical presence on the outside. Mingo is a big, physical wideout who does a great job working through press coverage and is difficult to reroute because of his strength. He also runs crisp routes that allow him to create separation. One of the supposed weaknesses to Mingo’s game was a lack of vertical speed, but he seemed to dispel those sentiments after running a 446 40 at the Combine. Mingo is also a physical blocker on the perimeter, both in the running game and to spring his fellow WRs after the catch.