2023 NFL Mock Draft: C.J. Stroud back on top, Cowboys with a surprise pick

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes passes to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Memorial Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes passes to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Memorial Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 16
Next
2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL mock draft: Trenton Simpson #22 of the Clemson Tigers is announced for Senior Day before their game against the Miami Hurricanes at Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. OG. Florida. O'Cyrus Torrence. Scouting Report. 20. player. 48

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida

There could be some big changes ahead for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who might not get Tom Brady back in 2023. They might feel comfortable turning to Kyle Trask but it will be an interesting storyline no matter how it unfolds.

As for their direction in this mock, they add O’Cyrus Torrence from Florida. A standout at Louisiana, Torrence followed his coach to the SEC and was even better against elite competition. That’s why he’s the No. 1 guard in this class and should be able to get Tampa’s offensive line back on task.

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. Trenton Simpson. player. 58. Clemson. 21

21. Washington Commanders: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

The final two games of the season are going to be huge for the Washington Commanders. They control their own fate and winning out will get them into the playoffs. However, they’re 0-2-1 in their past three games and just benched Taylor Heinicke in favor of Carson Wentz — who was unable to get a win in a similar situation for the Colts last year.

Even if they don’t make it, this was a much better season than expected thanks in large part to a defense that’s fourth in yardage and 11th in points. With this pick, they add more talent to that side of the ball as they bring in Trenton Simpson from Clemson.

The most versatile linebacker in this class, Simpson can bring a new element to this defense as they look to continue to make strides in the NFC East.