2023 NFL mock draft: Lions dominate 3-round predictions; Will Levis rises

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2023 NFL mock draft: Emmanuel Forbes #13 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Davis Wade Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

23. Minnesota Vikings: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

The Minnesota Vikings brought in defensive back Byron Murphy in free agency to upgrade a secondary which has been a major focus for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in his first two years with the team. Here, they land arguably the cornerback with the best ball skills in this draft in Emmanuel Forbes, a late riser in this process whose ability to create turnovers and knock the ball away is really impressive. Perhaps the Vikings at 23 won’t be his ceiling, either…

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

I think if you poll 100 Jacksonville Jaguars fans in the hours leading up to the NFL Draft, maybe 90-95 percent of them would want Brian Branch in this slot. Branch is a versatile defensive back who can slot in immediately as a safety, nickel, dime — whatever. He’s tough, he’s smart, he’s physical, and he’s aggressive. I think he would be a great piece to this Jaguars team which is clearly ascending at a rapid rate heading into the 2023 season.

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