Way too early 2023 NFL mock draft!

Check out Trenton Corn’s first ever Substack, as he gives you his way too early 2023 NFL mock draft!

Welcome to Corns Cogitations!

First, some housekeeping:

This is my very first post on Substack, so bear with me as I get used to this. After writing for “Fansided” and various other websites, I decided it was better for me to independently write on whatever I want, whenever I want. Everything I post will be my thoughts, opinions and cogitations. I hope you enjoy the world of sports through my eyes as much as I do. Enjoy!

Pick 1. Texans: CJ Stroud, QB

Houston has put the Deshaun Watson situation behind them. However, they still need their QB of the future.

*note* The draft order is based on where I see teams drafting next year. Purely my opinion and speculation. Additionally, I am only projecting the first 18 picks. I’m not wasting energy trying to predict playoff games & super bowl matchups in May. Much easier to project non playoff teams.

Pick 2. Falcons: Will Anderson, EDGE

Atlanta selected Arnold Ebiketie in the second round, but this team still desperately needs better pass rush help (dead last last season in sacks). Anderson Would’ve been the first pass rusher selected in this years draft if eligible.

Pick 3. Lions: Bryce Young, QB

The Lions are building this thing the right way, but Jared Goff isn’t their franchise quarterback. Selecting a former Heisman award winner in Young here would give Detroit just that.

Pick 4. Bears: Jaxson Smith-Njigba, WR

Justin Fields currently has Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle & recently drafted, Velus Jones Jr as his weapons at wideout. That simply won’t cut it. With Khalil Mack gone and no weapons on offense, the Bears will be picking high next draft.

Pick 5. Jaguars: Paris Johnson, OT

With back to back first overall picks in Trevor Lawrence & Travon Walker, Jacksonville has great building blocks to work with. However, protecting Lawrence will still be a problem, with Right Tackle a major concern.

Pick 6. Panthers: Spencer Rattler, QB

If Carolina is picking this high, it’s clear that Sam Darnold isn’t the answer, nor is Matt Corral. Rattler is a former 1st overall QB recruit with EXCEPTIONAL arm talent. He’ll rebound at South Carolina this year & then stay close to campus after the draft.

Pick 7. Jets: Jalen Carter, DT

Robert Salah got great building blocks in the draft on the defensive side of the ball in Sauce Gardner & Jermaine Johnson, but could still beef up the interior of the line next to Quinnen Williams. Hidden behind Jordan Davis and other defensive stars, Carter didn’t get much recognization, but could could turn out to be the best prospect on last years team when it’s all said and done.

Pick 8. Giants: Will Levis, QB

This is me calling my shot a little, but I think Levis has POTENTIAL to be drafted ABOVE a guy like Bryce Young next year due to the exciting measurable‘s he brings to the position. Giants head coach, Brian Daboll (Former Bills offensive coordinator) will see a lot of Josh Allen in him with his arm talent & mobility at the position.

Pick 9. Steelers: Peter Skoronski, OT

Pittsburgh drafted their future franchise QB, but still desperately needs help to protect him. Skoronski is potentially the most underrated prospect in college football currently & would be the teams franchise Left Tackle.

Pick 10. Commanders: Kelee Ringo, CB

Washington will show us that they desperately need a true number one corner this upcoming season. Ringo and his exciting 6’2” 205lbs frame broke out near the end of the season for Georgia and should solidify himself as CB1 in the draft.

Pick 11. Seahawks: Noah Sewell, LB

The brother of Lions OT Peni Sewell, Noah is a really good athlete at the LB position that should only improve with Dan Lanning now coaching the Ducks. He’s Seattle’s Bobby Wagner replacement.

Pick 12. Eagles (Saints): Nolan Smith, EDGE

Philly had 21 total sacks last season, 2nd worst in the NFL. They didn’t select a single EDGE in the draft. Smith is a former 1st overall high school recruit & came on strong at the end of the season last year with good performances against Michigan & Bama. Opting to return to Georgia next year, Smith has a chance to be the leader of the Bulldogs defense and have a breakout campaign.

Pick 13. Vikings: Kayshon Boutte, WR

Two things:

One, Adam Thielen isn’t getting any younger.

Two, new HC Kevin O’Connell’s 2021 Rams had 3 WR’s on the field on 87.8% of plays last year. Drastically above Minnesota’s 60%. Minnesota will need better WR depth for that to happen.

Pick 14. Titans: O’Cyrus Torrence, OL

Tennessee needed to address their guard situation in this years draft & really didn’t do so. Their 3rd round selection of Nicholas Petit-Frere could push Dillon Radunz inside, but with Nate Davis potentially leaving after this upcoming season, they NEED to invest in OL for Derrick Henry. Torrence recently followed Billy Napier to Florida from Louisiana. Across 37 games & 1,146 snaps, the 6’5” 335 pound guard has yet to allow a sack in his career, according to pro football focus.

Pick 15. Dolphins: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB

Miami was one of the worst teams in the NFL as far as production on the ground goes last season. Chase Edmonds & Raheem Mostert we’re brought in, but I don’t see them making much more of a difference or being long term options at RB. Gibbs is a Georgia Tech transfer (Now committed to Alabama) who will be RB1 in the draft next year.

Pick 16. Patriots: Josh Downs, WR

New England needs to continue to surround Mac Jones with weapons to throw to. Devante Parker & Jakobi Meyers are solid options, but they need a deep threat to take the top off the defense. Downs had 101-1,335-8 last year for UNC.

Pick 17. Raiders: Dawand Jones, OT

You thought Evan Neal was huge? The 6’8” 360 pound RT from Ohio State is even bigger. The right side of the Raiders OL could be the reason they don’t make the playoffs in a TOUGH division. Jones at RT with Leatherwood at RG moving forward is ideal.

Jones & his 7’5” wingspan earned the 4th highest run block grade (90.6) among power five tackles. He also tied for 5th in big time run blocks as well & allowed less than one pressure per game at the position, according to PFF.

Pick 18. Texans (Browns): Bijan Robinson, RB

I understand Dameon Pierce was selected, but any time you have a chance to select a Bijan Robinson, you take it, as he would immediately be the teams RB1.

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! There’s my way too early 2023 NFL mock draft. Hope you enjoyed!

Isaiah 41:10

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”