2023 NFL mock draft: College football is back with a loaded class
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Penn State. 30. 48. Scouting Report. Joey Porter Jr.. player. Pick Analysis. CB
I’m sure Joey Porter Sr. — the former star NFL linebacker who is now an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers — is going to be banging the table for his son to join the Steelers, but Todd Bowles — who once coached Porter when he was a member of the Miami Dolphins — snags him before the end of round one instead.
The Buccaneers are a team to watch in the 2023 offseason, obviously, depending on what happens with Tom Brady. If Brady leaves and retires for good, it changes the entire complexion of the Bucs’ offseason. One way or another, this team and every NFL team for that matter needs help in the secondary and more quality cornerbacks.
Joey Porter Jr. is not an edge player like his dad, but he’s a long 6-foot-2 corner prospect with physicality and football in his blood.
31. Buffalo Bills: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama
DB. Alabama. Brian Branch. 31. player. Pick Analysis. 16. Scouting Report
Because the Miami Dolphins had to forfeit a first-round pick, the Buffalo Bills close this first-round NFL mock draft out at pick no. 31 overall with Alabama defensive back Brian Branch. On one of the most talented defenses in all of college football (annually), Branch is the “STAR” for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, meaning he can float around the formation and play nickel, dime ‘backer, or in the high safety spot.
The Buffalo Bills proved last year that their need for defensive back help is evident. They went out and used a top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on Florida’s Kaiir Elam, and here they go after another SEC defensive back that can get onto the field even along with both Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. That is, if they can retain Poyer, who is one of the team’s top free agents in 2023.