2023 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys beef up their offense, Eagles add tank at tight end

The Dallas Cowboys add a powerful guard to improve the offense while the Philadelphia Eagles bring in a tank at tight end in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft

We’re right around the halfway point of the NFL season and the contenders are starting to pull away from the pretenders. That helps as we try and predict what will happen as we look ahead to the offseason with our latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

As always, the order of the draft is determined by our most recent NFL Power Rankings, and that has the Detroit Lions on the clock at No. 1 overall.

2023 NFL Mock Draft at Week 8

1. Detroit Lions: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

It looked for a moment as though the Detroit Lions were better under center than previously thought. Jared Goff was playing well and they scored 140 points in the first four games. Since then, they’ve come back down to earth and have six points in their past two outings combined.

Clearly, this team needs a game-changer that can deliver more consistently. That’s why they use the first pick on C.J. Stroud from Ohio State. Last year, the quarterback class left a lot to be desired, which is why the Lions went with Aidan Hutchinson, but 2023 offers much more talent with Stroud and Bryce Young continuing to sit at the top of the group.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Stroud has 72 touchdown passes against just 10 picks. He can make all the throws and should have a great NFL career. Hopefully, for his sake, Detroit is able to do better at surrounding him with talent than they did for Matthew Stafford.

2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Next up is the Houston Texans, and just like the Lions, they need to make a change at quarterback. Davis Mills has been fine under center. Not bad, but not great. Just fine. But if Roy Kent could speak to the Texans, he would tell them “don’t you dare settle for fine.”

His advice is taken to heart with this pick as Houston adds Bryce Young from Alabama. Had this been the 2022 class, Young would have easily been the No. 1 overall pick and the only reason he’s not in this mock is the talent C.J. Stroud possesses.

Having said that, Young is no consolation prize as he has 66 touchdowns against 10 picks and is used to playing in the spotlight with the Crimson Tide.

3. Chicago Bears: Will Anderson, Jr., EDGE, Alabama

Heading into the weekend, the Chicago Bears decided to trade defensive end Robert Quinn to the Eagles. That means within the same calendar year, they’ve now moved on from Khalil Mack and now Quinn. It’s understandable given their age and the need for young talent but now the Bears need to go out and add more pass rushers.

That’s where Will Anderson, Jr. comes in as the second Alabama player in a row gets selected. Anderson has 30.5 sacks in his career including 17.5 in 2021. He’s the top EDGE in this class and should make an immediate impact.

4. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns): Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

This feels very high for Jaxon Smith-Njigba because it is. However, the Houston Texans proved in the 2022 NFL Draft that they’ll reach for a player if they feel he’s the best at their position and it’s a need for them — and wide receiver is a need for them.

With this selection, courtesy of the Cleveland Browns, they add a top wideout that can be paired with Bryce Young, and it will be vital to add talent around him especially if they do decide to trade Brandin Cooks as rumored.

Without any wideouts, they could have the same problem Chicago is dealing with as Justin Fields has no one to pass to. Smith-Njigba has seen his stock drop due to injuries but when he’s healthy and reminds everyone how good he is, he’s going to climb again.

5. Carolina Panthers: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Speaking of climbing, no one has increased their stock more in 2022 than Hendon Hooker of Tennessee. His win over Alabama has him in first-round discussion and he lands with the Carolina Panthers at No. 5 in this mock.

We don’t know yet who will be the coach in Carolina but it’s a safe bet they’re not going to want to roll with Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold. And while P.J. Walker beat Tom Brady, that doesn’t seem to mean as much over the past couple of weeks.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

A defensive lineman might not stand out as a huge need for the Pittsburgh Steelers but Jalen Carter would be a huge upgrade for them over anyone not named Cam Heyward — and he’s also going to be 34 next season, so it’s not as if he has a lot of time left.

Carter is the next stud from the Georgia defense that’s expected to make a huge impact in the NFL. He’s perfectly sized for the 3-4 that Pittsburgh runs at 6-foot-3 and 310-pounds and has experience in a similar scheme with the Bulldogs.

The offense will continue to be a question as they evaluate Kenny Pickett but they can at least continue to rebuild their defense with this move.

7. Washington Commanders: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

The poor Washington Commanders can’t get out of their own way. They saw Carson Wentz implode with the Eagles as their divisional rivals went from a Super Bowl-winning team (with a backup) to one that was replacing their quarterback. They also saw how much they improved when Wentz left, and that’s in addition to them winning the title with Nick Foles while he was out.

Even so, they decided to trade for him after the Colts openly admitted bringing him in was a mistake. With all that being said, they know they have to replace him and will strongly consider it here. But knowing how they’re run, they’re more likely to bring Wentz back or roll with Taylor Heinicke while convincing themselves an offensive tackle such as Peter Skoronski will be able to help their signal-caller improve due to more time in the pocket.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

The Jacksonville Jaguars went to the SEC with the No. 1 overall pick and added Travon Walker from Georgia. Now, they head to nearby Columbia, South Carolina for their first-round pick this season as they add another SEC defender in Cam Smith.

Carolina is a quickly improving team and Smith has been their best defender. He’s listed at 6-foot-1 and 187-pounds and has 16 pass defense and six picks in his career. He’s not known as an insane athlete but he’s strong in press and can stick with his wideouts with ease.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

Already the final-standing undefeated team, the Philadelphia Eagles have remained aggressive as they traded a mid-round pick for Robert Quinn, giving them a defensive end that had 18.5 sacks a season ago. That almost feels unfair considering how well their defense has already been playing in 2022.

What also feels unfair is the fact they can still land a top-10 pick thanks to their trade with the New Orleans Saints during the last draft. If tha t happens, they can build an absolute powerhouse that can be a favorite in the NFC for many years.

Here, they aim to do this with the selection of Myles Murphy from Clemson. Quinn and Brandon Graham are both talented but don’t have many years left, so they get younger as they pair Murphy with Haason Reddick in order to form a dangerous pass-rushing duo.

10. Las Vegas Raiders: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

This season has been a struggle for the Las Vegas Raiders which is how they land in the top 10 in our mock draft. The good news is that they can land an elite player to build around which is what they do with the selection of Trenton Simpson.

A former defensive back, Simpson is perfect for a team that plays in the AFC West and has to face Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert twice per season — not to mention if Russell Wilson ever turns back into Russell Wilson. Simpson is lightning fast and can cover as well as any safety.

He’s also no slouch against the run. He’s the best linebacker in this class and can make an instant impact on whatever defense lands him.

11. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

It was absolutely not intentional but three Clemson players in a row come off the board as the Seattle Seahawks bring in Bryan Bresee with this pick which was part of the Russell Wilson trade. They landed three studs in Charles Cross, Kenneth Walker III, and Boye Mafe last year and continue to add building blocks with Bresee.

A versatile player who can move around the line, Bresee is best-suited as a 3-tech and should be able to start right away.

12. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

Aidan Hutchinson has done well in six games for the Lions, recording 17 tackles and 4.5 sacks. The problem for the Lions is that he’s the only player giving them anything when it comes to rushing the passer. As a team, they have nine sacks and not only does Hutchinson own half of those, but the next best player is Alex Anzalone with 1.5.

In order to improve their defense, they need to slow down the opposing passing attack which is easiest to do when the quarterback has to get rid of the ball in a hurry. Enter Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame. Foskey is a 6-foot-4, 257-pound defensive end who recorded 10 sacks in 2021 and has six through the first seven games in 2022. He has the makings of a 10-plus sack guy in the NFL and would give Detroit a solid combination across from Hutchinson.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Kelee Ring, CB, Georgia

Had the Lions not taken Foskey, the Arizona Cardinals might have jumped all over him. With the Notre Dame pass rusher gone, they go after Kelee Ringo from Georgia to shore up their secondary.

Arizona continues to struggle on defense and while a lack of pass rush is their key concern, they can also use someone such as Ringo who can go toe-to-toe with the opposing team’s No. 1 wideout week in and week out.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

It’s hard to say that Will Levis is a sure thing at the next level but there are plenty who believe in him. Because of that, there will be a team convinced he can be the face of their franchise and one possible landing spot could be with the Indianapolis Colts. After swinging and missing on Carson Wentz followed by Matt Ryan, Inday has to be desperate for a new signal-caller. And after continually trying with vets, it’s also understandable they’ll want a younger option.

Levis does play like a pro but he’s got to show more consistency in the NFL in order to succeed. Having said that, he will probably still be better than what they’ve had in Wentz and Ryan.

15. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers): Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Miami Dolphins have been a solid team when Tua Tagovailoa is healthy but he’s struggled in that department since his days at Alabama. This season, things got scary when he started having head injuries but has recently gotten back on the field.

In order to stay competitive, that’s where they need him to be. He might not be better than Patrick Mahomes — sorry Tyreek Hill — but he wins. That’s why it’s imperative to fix the offensive line and Broderick Jones is one of the top options in this class. The Georgia product has gone up against the best edge rushers in the NCAA and can more than hold his own.

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been a huge surprise this season — and not in a good way. No one expected them to be 3-5 but that’s where they stand following a Week 8 loss to the Ravens on Thursday Night Football.

It should be an interesting offseason for them with Tom Brady hitting free agency, not to mention his struggles this year that could lead to him finally retiring. While we won’t predict how all that plays out, we will try and guess their selection. Here, we take Christian Gonzalez from Oregon, a lengthy corner with a lot of upside.

Gonzalez has the makings of a lockdown defensive back but will need some time to truly hone his skills and reach his potential.

17. New England Patriots: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State

Over the past couple of seasons, the New England Patriots have lost a couple of their offensive linemen and they need to add more depth there. In this mock, they go ahead and add another potential starting tackle with Paris Johnson.

Listed at 6-foot-6 and 315-pounds, Johnson could replace Isaiah Wynn, who has been rumored to be on the way out for a while now. The only other question will be who Johnson blocks for. Will Mac Jones get his job back or has Bailey Zappe done enough to hold it down?

18. Atlanta Falcons: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

3-4 is not the same for every team in the league. Right now, the Atlanta Falcons have that record, and not only is it better than expected when they rolled out this roster before Week 1, but it’s also good enough for first place in the NFC South. Of course, that goes to show how poor the division is but the Bucs falling to 3-5 with their loss to Baltimore puts the Dirty Birds in the driver’s seat.

Of course, winning the division with a losing record should never be the plan, and teams that do this usually make no noise in the playoffs. Atlanta will especially struggle since they can’t generate much of a pass rush outside of Grady Jarrett.

That’s why they pick up Nolan Smith at this spot. Smith is a quick athlete off the edge and would give them someone capable of making offenses pay for focusing too much on Jarrett in the middle of their line.

19. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

Losing Davante Adams has been a blow to the Green Bay Packers offense this season. They’re currently just 3-4 and a huge reason for that is their inability to score. They’re 23rd in the league in overall yards, 21st in points scored, and just 17th in passing yards. They’ve been held to 14 points or fewer in three games this season including a 23-7 loss to Minnesota in Week 1 and a 27-10 loss to the Jets in Week 6.

Green Bay has to do better on offense in order to succeed and that’s why Jordan Addison makes sense here. A former standout at Pitt, Addison transferred to USC this year and has continued to put up big numbers. His addition would help open up this offense and allow them to look like the Packers we’re used to seeing once again.

20. Los Angeles Chargers: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

Gerald Everett was signed to a two-year deal this offseason and has been solid for the Los Angeles Chargers. After seven games, he has 27 receptions for 305 yards and two touchdowns. However, he’s been a journeyman in large part due to struggles with consistency.

In an effort to find a more permanent starter, the Chargers add Michael Mayer from Notre Dame at No. 20. Mayer is a huge target at 6-foot-4 and 250-pounds and is an excellent red zone target. Over the past two seasons, he’s hauled in 13 touchdowns including six in just seven games this year.

21. Seattle Seahawks: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Back on the clock for the second time — after taking Bryan Bresee at No. 11, the Seattle Seahawks now go for another playmaker on offense with Quentin Johnston from TCU. At 6-foot-4 and 193-pounds, he gives Seattle another massive target across from D.K. Metcalf. He will also allow them to stay deep at the position even after Tyler Lockett leaves, which they need to think about given his age.

Seattle has been a surprise team this season thanks in large part to the great play from Geno Smith. He’s exceeded expectations and if he continues to play as well as he has through the first seven games, he might get another shot to start in 2023. Adding Johnston should help ensure he continues to have success.

22. Cincinnati Bengals: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama

A record of 4-3 might not seem that impressive but the Cincinnati Bengals have to be thrilled with it after their 0-2 start to the season. Their 4-1 stretch over the past five weeks has been impressive and they’re also hopeful that their offensive line continues to improve. If so, they can focus their attention elsewhere this offseason, which could include the addition of a new starting cornerback.

Chidobe Awuzie has done well on one side but Eli Apple hasn’t lived up to expectations. So they replace him with another Eli, taking Eli Ricks from Alabama. At 6-foot-2 and 196-pounds, Ricks has elite size and has been doing well since transferring from LSU. He’s best in man coverage and can handle playing on the boundary, which is what the Bengals need.

23. Baltimore Ravens: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State

Odafe Oweh had five sacks as a rookie but has been slow this season for the Baltimore Ravens. They do have Justin Houston, who is playing very well, and Jason Pierre-Paul who was added recently but neither are spring chickens.

That’s why it would make sense to bring in another young prospect and Felix Anudike-Uzomah makes plenty of sense for them here. The Kansas State junior has 6.5 sacks this season after putting up 11 last year. He plays with his hand in the dirt but at 6-foot-3 and 252-pounds, he would likely fit better as a pass-rushing outside linebacker, which is where he would lineup with Baltimore.

24. Tennessee Titans: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland

The Tennessee Titans need help on the offensive line and have had the hardest time getting their right tackle situation figured out since Jack Conklin left. In an effort to correct it once and for all, they add Jaelyn Duncan from Maryland with their first pick.

Duncan is a better fit at left tackle where the Titans are playing Taylor Lewan. However, Lewan has missed all but two games this season and will be 32 next year. That means having someone capable of sliding over to the left side down the road wouldn’t be a bad idea.

25. Dallas Cowboys: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida

The offensive line has been much better than expected for the Dallas Cowboys this season. Tyler Smith has done a decent job at left tackle and will only get better. On the right side, Terence Steele has improved greatly and Zack Martin is still Zack Martin.

They could use some more help in the middle, however, as Connor McGovern is a free agent after the season. That’s where O’Cyrus Torrence comes in. The Florida product has been one of the better linemen in the nation this season and he excels as both a run blocker and pass protector for the Gators.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1585785164096884736?s=20&t=Tq_fv2AvyDh5nO5jXpOalg

Dallas has shown in the past decade-plus that they like to win by dominating the defense with a powerful offensive line. Adding Smith last season, who can be a bully, was a step in the right direction, and throwing in a 6-foot-5, 332-pound Mauler next to him would be an even better move.

26. New York Jets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Over the past couple of years, the New York Jets have been absolutely killing it in the draft. They’ve hit home runs with Alijah Vera-Tucker, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, and Sauce Gardner. The one question mark has been Zach Wilson, which is the most important.

The good news is, even with Wilson still trying to figure it out in the NFL, they’re one of the better teams thus far. In an effort to continue to build their roster up while also doing all they can to make sure Wilson can be properly evaluated, New York adds offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu with this pick.

Surely they would like more skill players but the struggles they’ve had on their O-line this season prove they need to make a move there.

27. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

Adam Thielen has been an excellent player for a long time but he hasn’t been a 1,000-yard receiver since 2018. He’s also going to be 33 before the 2023 season begins.

The Minnesota Vikings do have Justin Jefferson as their No. 1 wideout, and he has been for a while now, but Jalen Reagor isn’t up for the second spot despite being taken ahead of Jefferson a few years ago. That’s why Josh Downs is their choice as he can play alongside Thielen and Jefferson or even take over for the veteran if they’re ready next year.

28. New York Giants: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

This might be a tough sell to the New York Giants fan base but it’s the best option they have at No. 28. Daniel Jones has been doing enough to help them get to 6-1 but he’s far from an elite player. Instead, he’s someone who has been aided in a major way by the play-calling of Brian Daboll. Perhaps he will do enough to convince New York to extend him in the offseason but chances remain high that they’ll look for their next starter.

Here, that ends up being Anthony Richardson from Florida, who might give them a player very similar to what they have in Jones. He’s limited as a passer — mainly due to being so raw — but is dangerous when he takes off with the ball.

The 236-pound quarterback has six touchdowns on the ground this season, which is as many as he’s thrown. Still, there’s so much untapped talent there and if Daboll can unlock that, he will finally stop the revolving door at head coach in the Big Apple.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon

The Kansas City Chiefs have a loaded offense but can use some more talent on the defensive side of the ball. Nick Bolton has done well since he was added in 2021 but they can use another playmaking linebacker. They get that with Noah Sewell, who has NFL bloodlines as his two older brothers are both in the league. Penei Sewell was a first-round pick for the Lions in 2021 and Nephi Sewell was signed as an undrafted free agent this year by the Saints.

Noah Sewell is a powerful linebacker with great speed who is best suited as an inside linebacker. However, he can also play on the outside if a team such as the Chiefs were to decide he’s best suited there.

30. Buffalo Bills: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

The Buffalo Bills are the top team in the AFC right now after their win over the Kansas City Chiefs but that doesn’t mean they can’t improve in a few spots. The main area they can address would be their ground game as they continue to be good but not great at running the ball — that is with their running backs since Josh Allen continues to be their best weapon on the ground.

With that being the case, they go for a running back here with Bijan Robinson from Texas. At 6-foot and 215-pounds, Robinson has been a machine for the Longhorns, running for 920 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He’s also a stud in the passing game which is helpful in Buffalo.

Allowing Allen to hand the ball off to someone capable of taking over a game will only make one of the most dangerous quarterbacks even harder to deal with.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

Earlier in this mock, the Eagles took Myles Murphy to beef up their defensive line at No. 9 overall. Now, they’re back on the clock to finish this round and they decide to go with a bit of a splurge pick with Darnell Washington.

Philly already has a starting tight end with Dallas Goedert but they were able to utilize him while Zach Ertz was on the roster and now can do the same with Goedert and Washington. It’s already difficult to stop an offense that has two effective pass-catching tight ends and it would be even more difficult when one of them is built like a tank.

Washington has come out of nowhere in recent weeks and the 6-foot-7, 265-pound junior has made some impressive plays. He lands in a great spot here since he won’t be asked to start right away and can hone his raw talent with a very good franchise.