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) /
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2023 NFL Mock Draft
2023 NFL mock draft: Broderick Jones #59 of the Georgia Bulldogs leaves the field at the conclusion of the game against the Missouri Tigers at Sanford Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

14. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OT. Ohio State. Paris Johnson. 47

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

Many mocks are calling for the New England Patriots to bring in a wide receiver in the first round. That would be a wise move but they’ve been awful when it comes to taking receivers early in the draft. That might be enough to deter Bill Belichick from pulling the trigger. So instead, they go with Paris Johnson from Ohio State.

Johnson feels like a safe bet and also fills a huge need. The Pats’ offensive line hasn’t been great this season and they can use an upgrade at left tackle. Johnson should have no problem starting from day one.

30. Pick Analysis. 15. Scouting Report. OT. Georgia. Broderick Jones. player

15. New York Jets: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

A run on offensive tackles begins as the New York Jets follow their divisional rivals’ lead by adding a new bookend. Broderick Jones has been a stud on the left side of the line for the Georgia Bulldogs where he handled some of the best pass rushers in the nation.

New York has had terrible luck on the line this season with Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker both n the IR. Should they get them back to full health and add Jones, there should be some visible improvements.

The only question after that will be who stands behind them. Zach Wilson isn’t the guy and Mike White can’t stay healthy. They might need a bridge player if they don’t trade up, but at least they could have a strong line in this scenario.