2023 NFL mock draft: College football is back with a loaded class
12. Philadelphia Eagles: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
54. 12. player. RB. Texas. Bijan Robinson. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
It’s certainly not en vogue to be taking running backs in the top 15 picks these days, but there are some prospects that are worth it. Texas running back Bijan Robinson could absolutely be one of the more coveted running back prospects to come from the college ranks in recent years. He had over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns for the Longhorns last season. There’s no doubt he has the ideal combination of explosiveness, power, speed, and vision to excel as a “bell cow” type of back in the NFL.
So why would the Eagles take him this high? It seems like time is running out on Miles Sanders being the true RB1 in Philadelphia. Injuries have played a part in him not necessarily being as available as possible and the Eagles’ identity offensively is as a running team first and foremost.
13. Minnesota Vikings: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Clemson. Trenton Simpson. 60. Scouting Report. LB. player. Pick Analysis. 13
It’s tough to pinpoint what the Minnesota Vikings might try to do in the 2023 NFL Draft at this point. New general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah emphasized the defensive side of the ball in his first year on the job in Minneapolis, making some big-time additions in free agency as well as the 2022 NFL Draft. They brought in some key veterans like Harrison Phillips, Za’Darius Smith, and Jordan Hicks. In the draft, they added Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth, and Brian Asamoah.
This Vikings team is not far off from contention if Kirk Cousins can be the guy they pay him to be, clutch in moments when they need him to be, and truly finishing off games.
Trenton Simpson is another member of a loaded Clemson defense that could go early in next year’s draft. He had 65 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks last season for the Tigers and is a true stud on all three downs. Adding a player like Simpson could allow the Vikings to go with a cheaper approach at the linebacker position without sacrificing talent.