2023 NFL Mock Draft: C.J. Stroud back at No. 1
By Randy Gurzi
10. Scouting Report. TE. Notre Dame. 12. Pick Analysis. Michael Mayer. player
12. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns): Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
After taking C.J. Stroud with the No. 1 pick in this mock draft, the Houston Texans are back on the clock at No. 12 thanks to their trade with the Cleveland Browns for Deshaun Watson. Now that they have their new franchise quarterback in Stroud, they need to surround him with talent. That leads to the selection of Michael Mayer from Notre Dame.
He might not be a game-changer when it comes to receiving, but he’s as solid of a player as you can find in this draft. He’s an all-around talent at tight end and is head and shoulders above anyone else at the position this year.
Nolan Smith. 44. 13. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. EDGE. Georgia
13. Atlanta Falcons: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
If it wasn’t for Grady Jarrett, the Atlanta Falcons wouldn’t have much pass rush to speak of at all. He has 3.5 of the team’s eight sacks through four games and their No. 1 player on the edge is Lorenzo Carter who has 1.5 sacks.
They need more explosion in this department which they land by selecting Nolan Smith from Georgia. He’s not huge at 6-foot-3 and 235-pounds but he has a great burst off the line and already has experience in the 3-4 system. He might not be a star right out of the gate but he’s got all the tools to develop into a difference-maker. He’s also strong against the run despite being undersized.