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2023 NFL mock draft: Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers blockbuster deals

By Sayre Bedinger

2023 NFL draft: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes rolls out in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
2023 NFL draft: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes rolls out in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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2023 NFL mock draft
2023 NFL mock draft; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness (91) reacts against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Houston Texans: Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa

The Houston Texans just need to continue to add talent. They managed to build a pretty decent foundation, or at least start one, these last couple of years by finding bargains in free agency and the NFL Draft while also moving on from Deshaun Watson. This selection comes to Houston from that Watson trade, and lands them a freak to play all over the defensive line.

At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, Van Ness is a menace on the defensive line who wins with length and power.

Houston needs more difference makers on the defensive front and Van Ness is someone who will be exactly that. He can cause havoc off the edge or from the interior. He’s a true weapon.

13. Green Bay Packers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Projected trade with Packers

Here it is — the blockbuster Aaron Rodgers trade to the Jets. I think everyone can see this one coming from a million miles away, if it actually happens. The Jets hired Nathaniel Hackett to be their offensive coordinator, so now the effort to land Rodgers is likely underway.

If the Jets can land Rodgers, paying up a couple of first-round picks will be well-worth it. Look at last year’s Russell Wilson trade as a reference point for this one, outside of maybe three players going back to Green Bay. Even if that ends up being part of it, here the Packers decide to move on from Rodgers and into the Jordan Love era. They replace impending free agent Allen Lazard with Quentin Johnston, a big-bodied receiver who could join the likes of Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs in a new-look Green Bay offense.

The Jets get a Packers legend in the twilight of his career who makes a bunch of drama every offseason. Sound familiar to anyone?

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