2023 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys replace struggling defender

Dallas Cowboys: Joey Porter Jr. #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after a play against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 22, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys: Joey Porter Jr. #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after a play against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 22, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL Mock Draft, Cam Smith. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /

Jaxon Smith-Njigba. player. 35. Scouting Report. Ohio State. WR. 20. Pick Analysis

20. Tennessee Titans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Trading A.J. Brown to the Eagles was a mistake for the Tennessee Titans, which is a huge reason general manager Jon Robinson was fired during this season. Brown has continued to thrive whereas Treylon Burks has just 25 receptions for 359 yards and a single touchdown.

It’s too early to call him a bust but he needs help around him — and Tennessee would be foolish to stay the course at receiver. Instead, they roll the dice on Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State.

Easily one of the best route-runners in the nation, Smith-Njigba outperformed Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave in 2021. This year, he’s been a non-factor due to injury which has to be concerning entering the NFL. For Tennessee, they have to take the gamble since he could wind up being the best wideout in this class.

CB. South Carolina. 58. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Cam Smith. 21. player

21. Washington Commanders: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

Ever since Carson Wentz left the lineup, the Washington Commanders have been impressive. They went 0-1-1 in their past two games against the Giants — although a terrible missed pass interference helped them suffer the loss — which dropped them to 7-6-1. Still, they’re playoff contenders and should be again in 2023, especially if they improve their secondary with a player such as Cam Smith.

South Carolina has produced some talented defensive backs over the years and Smith looks to be the next long-term starter. He’ll have his hands full in the NFC East with CeeDee Lamb and A.J. Brown, but he’s confident enough to take on the best in the business.