Projections for the 3rd round after Senior Bowl Week
Every year, the Senior Bowl gives some of the top NFL draft hopefuls an opportunity to improve their stock with a strong performance in front of league coaches and decision-makers, and this year’s edition was no exception.
Only a few players made the most of their trip to Mobile, and that’s sure to he reflected in the updated mock drafts that will start pouring out in the coming weeks.
As we leave the Senior Bowl in the rearview mirror, and look ahead to the NFL Scouting Combine, here’s an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL draft could shake out (draft order, with projection compensatory picks, courtesy of Tankathon):
NOTE: The Miami Dolphins forfeited their first-round pick in next year’s draft as a result of the NFL’s investigation into tampering violations.
*projected compensatory pick
1. Alabama Edge Will Anderson| Alabama EDGE Will Anderson
(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
With the No. The Bears are in a perfect spot with the No. 1 overall pick and no need for a quarterback. There are multiple prospects at other positions that will be of value to them as well. If they don’t trade down, I think Anderson gets the nod over Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter, but Chicago really can’t go wrong either way here.
2. Houston Texans | Alabama QB Bryce Young
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images).
The Texans have the perfect scenario, as they draft the best quarterback, even though they lose the No. The Texans will pick the No. 1 pick in Week 5 of the regular season. If nobody jumps ahead of them for Young, Houston would be making a huge upgrade at the game’s most important position to usher in a new era.
3. Arizona Cardinals | Georgia DL Jalen Carter
Jordan Prather – USA TODAY Sports
While there may be more pressing needs for the Cards elsewhere, the talent here is too good to ignore. Carter is a dominant presence in the interior with an uncommon blend of size, athleticism, and power. He could easily be the No. 1. Overall pick.
4. Ohio State QB C.J.| Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images).
This pick must be a quarterback regardless of whether the Colts trade up or stay here. 1 or stay. Kentucky’s Will Levis will get some consideration here, but Stroud is easily the more complete, pro-ready prospect, with a level of polish that should allow him to be successful as a Week 1 starter in his rookie season.
5. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN | Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson
(AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker).
This defense front requires help from all sides, so this pick is about selecting the best talent. Wilson has rare athleticism, explosiveness and versatility for defender with his frame, and his skill set would be a perfect fit in Pete Carroll’s defense.
6. Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon| Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
While the Lions may be a potential trade-back candidate, Witherspoon, if they choose to stick with it, is the best combination for need and value. He is a well-rounded cover man, who excels in either zone or man and has the ball skills and instincts to attract big-play opportunities.
7. Las Vegas Raiders | Kentucky QB Will Levis
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images).
Rumours of Aaron Rodgers aside, the Raiders will be left with a void at quarterback when they trade for Derek Carr. Levis didn’t show the kind of progression many were hoping for in 2022, and there are still some concerning flaws in his game, but he’s got some traits that teams fall in love with this time of year.
8. Clemson EDGE Myles Murphy| Clemson EDGE Myles Murphy
(AP Photo/Stew Milne)
The Falcons will need to look for the best value in both the interior and the edge, as they have a defensive front that is lacking. Murphy is a versatile prospect who can immediately make an impact on both the pass and the run.
9. Carolina Panthers | Florida QB Anthony Richardson
(AP Photo/Wade Payne)
If the Panthers don’t regret passing on Justin Fields, they definitely should at this point. They’d be wise not to make the same mistake twice, and though Richardson isn’t anywhere near the level of prospect Fields was coming out, he’s still got sky-high potential that could make him a superstar down the road.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO), Oregon LB Christian Gonzalez| Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
(AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Despite being the best team in the league this year, the Eagles still scored a top-10 pick thanks to last year’s draft-day trade with the Saints. Corner makes the most sense in this situation. Gonzalez is a remarkable combination of size and length, athleticism, and ball skills.
11. Tennessee Titans | Northwestern OT Peter Skoronski
Brad Mills-USA TODAY sports
This offense isn’t going anywhere without some serious upgrades in the trenches. Skoronski might be smaller than most teams would like a tackle to be, but regardless of where he lines up, he’s a Day 1 starter with the polish, power and technique to help get this unit back on track.
12. Houston Texans (from CLE] | Georgia Tech EDGE/DL Keion White
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Wide receiver is a strong possibility here, but don’t be surprised if DeMeco Ryans wants to use this pick on his side of the ball after grabbing his franchise quarterback earlier. One of this year’s fastest-rising prospects, White is a versatile defender with a massive frame and impressive athleticism who could line up anywhere in the trenches.
13. Ohio State OPT Paris Johnson Jr.| Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr.
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images).
Whatever quarterback the Jets choose to throw passes next year, they will need better protection. The biggest need is at the tackle. Johnson is a veteran of both the guard and tackle positions against top players, so he would be a Day 1 starter.
14. TCU, WR Quentin Johnston| TCU WR Quentin Johnston
(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images).
Offensive tackle is the biggest need. However, the receiver position is worth more than any pass-catchers. Johnston isn’t a finished product, but his combination of size, length, athleticism and ball skills give him limitless upside this offense just doesn’t have at the position right now.
15. Green Bay Packers | Iowa DL Lukas Van Ness
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Pass-catchers are the most popular choice to project here every year, but it never happens in reality. The Packers value defense and other positions in their first round. We must admit it. Van Ness didn’t start for the Hawkeyes for some strange reason, but his physical traits and versatility should make him a much more productive pro.
16. Penn State, CB Joey Porter Jr.| Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr.
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images).
Although the offensive line is in dire need of help, the Commanders cannot ignore the corner’s value. Porter, a long, muscular corner who excels in man protection, plays his position with all the same physicality as his father, who was a Pro Bowl defensive back in his day.
17. Georgia OTB Brodericks Jones| Georgia OT Broderick Jones
Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports
This offense has some talented playmakers, but they’re not going anywhere if they don’t fix things in the trenches. Jones is a powerful blocker who helped lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back national titles, and he’d be a solid value here, even for a team that never spends first-round picks on offensive tackles.
18. Detroit Lions | Texas RB Bijan Robinson
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Sometimes you have to let go of your needs and draft the best player available. The Lions have way bigger needs elsewhere, but the value just isn’t there at any of them. D’Andre Swift has struggled to stay healthy, Jamaal Williams is a free agent, and Robinson is a top-five talent in this class.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Alabama DB Brian Branch
Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucs will lose two of their best corners (Jamel Dew, Sean Murphy Buunting) and three of their top four safetyties (Mike Edwards Logan Ryan, Keanu Naal) to free agency. Their top pick could be used to acquire a player who can play at the corner, on the slot or at the back end. Branch did all of that at a high level in Nick Saban’s defense, and would be a perfect fit for Todd Bowles’ scheme.
20. Seattle Seahawks | Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
The Seahawks could go a bunch of different directions here, but the best match of need and value comes at tight end, where they’re able to take the best player in this year’s class. Mayer is a solid prospect. He can both create matchup problems in passing and also lend a hand on ground as a steady blocker.
21. Los Angeles Chargers | USC WR Jordan Addison
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images).
Justin Herbert will benefit from this pick. Addison could make a strong case to be the best pass-catcher in this year’s class, so to land him outside the top 20 would be a huge win for the Chargers, even if they have to wait on addressing the offensive line.
22. Baltimore Ravens | Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt
Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel
The Ravens’ offensive scheme isn’t doing Lamar Jackson any favors, and if they’re going to commit to him long-term, they need to expand the playbook and get him more weapons for the passing game. Hyatt exploded onto the scene with a dominant 2022 season, and would bring more explosiveness and big-play ability to Baltimore’s aerial attack.
23. South Carolina Cam Smith| South Carolina CB Cam Smith
(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
If the Vikings hadn’t had one of the league’s worst defenses, they might have been able to make a deep playoff run. New defensive coordinator Brian Flores should make a huge difference, but he’ll need some help in term of personnel, particularly in the secondary. Smith is a solid player that could immediately step in as an upgrade.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars | Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes
Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports
The Jaguars proved this season what a difference a head coach can make, and they’re only a few pieces away from being genuine contenders, even in a loaded AFC. Tyson Campbell could benefit from another outside corner, while Forbes was a huge-play machine for them this year.
25. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba| Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Daniel Jones and the Giants offense put on an impressive season, despite having a skeleton wide receiver team. That unit needs to be addressed and addressed immediately. Smith-Njigba missed most 2022 because of injury, but his 2021 tape was strong enough to merit consideration for the first round.
26. Dallas Cowboys | Arkansas LB Drew Sanders
(AP Photo/Michael Woods)
The Cowboys could lose all their linebacker starters if they don’t have free agency. This scenario allows them to reload. Sanders is a versatile playmaker that can line up on the edge and off the ball. This gives Dallas yet another weapon to use with Micah Parsons in their front seven.
27. Boston College, WR Zay Flowers| Boston College WR Zay Flowers
Bob DeChiara USA TODAY Sports
This pick has to be spent giving Josh Allen more help, whether that’s in the trenches, or in terms of adding playmakers to the offense. In this scenario, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bills opt for another explosive pass-catcher to pair with Stefon Diggs. Flowers, despite his small stature, is a skilled route-runner and creates separation consistently. He also makes big plays after the catch.
28. Cincinnati Bengals | Georgia CB Kelee Ringo
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images).
There might be more glaring holes on offense, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bengals opt for some secondary help here. Ringo’s 2022 film was a roller-coaster, but he’s still got top-end physical traits, and his skill set would be a great fit in this defense.
29. Florida OL O’Cyrus Torrence| Florida OL O’Cyrus Torrence
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Saints can now fill their greatest need with the top prospect at his position after being able to get back into the first round through the Sean Payton Trade. The Saints should address the offensive trenches as Torrence is an easy-to-use starter at guard.
30. Ohio State Ot Dawand Jones| Ohio State OT Dawand Jones
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
While the interior of this offensive team is solid, the tackle spots are a concern. Jones is a massive mauler with rare length, and the physicality you’d expect from someone with his frame. He’d be an instant upgrade for Kansas City, particularly on the right side.
31. AlabamaRB Jahmyr gibbs| Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel
An edge rusher would make a ton of sense here, but with Miles Sanders headed for free agency, it’s just too much fun to think about what Gibbs’ do-it-all skill set could do in this star-studded offense. Jalen Hurts now has another dynamic weapon: Gibbs can position himself anywhere and create mismatches.
32. Baylor DL Siaki Itka| Baylor DL Siaki Ika
(AP Photo/LM Otero)
33. Houston Texans | Georgia EDGE Nolan Smith
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images).
34. Arizona Cardinals | Auburn EDGE Derick Hall
(Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images).
35. Indianapolis Colts | Maryland OT Jaelyn Duncan
(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
36. Los Angeles Rams | Kansas State EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
37. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN), Utah CB Clark Phillips (3)| Utah CB Clark Phillips III
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
38. Las Vegas Raiders | North Dakota State OL Cody Mauch
Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
39. Clemson LLB Trenton Simpson| Clemson LB Trenton Simpson
Winslow townson-USA TODAY Sport
40. New Orleans Saints | Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker
(Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images).
41. Tennessee Titans | Georgia TE Darnell Washington
Syndication: Online Athens
42. Clemson University DL Bryan Bresee| Clemson DL Bryan Bresee
Dale Zanine USA TODAY Sports
43. New York Jets | Stanford QB Tanner McKee
(AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
44. Atlanta Falcons | Maryland CB Deonte Banks
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
45. Green Bay Packers | Texas A&M S Antonio Johnson
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
46. New England Patriots – Tennessee OT Darnell Frank| Tennessee OT Darnell Wright
Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
47. Washington Commanders | Oklahoma OT Anton Harrison
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
48. Detroit Lions | Wisconsin DL Keeanu Benton
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
49. Kansas State LB Julius Brents| Kansas State CB Julius Brents
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | LSU EDGE BJ Ojulari
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images).
51. Oregon State T Luke Musgrave| Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave
Soobum Im–USA TODAY Sports
52. North Carolina WR Josh Downs| North Carolina WR Josh Downs
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
53. Syracuse OT Matthew Bergeron| Syracuse OT Matthew Bergeron
Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
54. Los Angeles Chargers | Utah TE Dalton Kincaid
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
55. Alabama S Jordan Battle| Alabama S Jordan Battle
Gary Cosby Jr. – USA TODAY Sports
56. Jacksonville Jaguars | Michigan DL Mazi Smith
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
57. New York Giants – Iowa LB Jack Campbell| Iowa LB Jack Campbell
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
58. Dallas Cowboys | USC DL Tuli Tuipulotu
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
59. Buffalo Bills | TCU OL Steve Avila
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
60. Cincinnati Bengals | South Dakota State TE Tucker Kraft
Syndication: Argus Leader
61. SMU WR Rashee Rice| SMU WR Rashee Rice
(AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
62. Kansas City Chiefs | Iowa State EDGE Will McDonald IV
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
63. Philadelphia Eagles | Notre Dame EDGE Isaiah Foskey
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
64. LSU W Kayshon Boutte| LSU WR Kayshon Boutte
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images).
65. Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman| Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman
Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel
66. Arizona Cardinals | Minnesota OL John Michael Schmitz
(AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
67. BYU OT Blake Freeland| BYU OT Blake Freeland
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images).
68. Denver Broncos | Army EDGE Andre Carter II
Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
69. Los Angeles Rams | Miami (FL) CB Tyrique Stevenson
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
70. Las Vegas Raiders | Oregon LB Noah Sewell
(Photo by Steph Chambres/Getty Images
71. New Orleans Saints | Florida DL Gervon Dexter Sr.
Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports
72. Oklahoma WR Marvin Mims Jr.| Oklahoma WR Marvin Mims Jr.
(Photo by Josh Hedges/Getty Images).
73. Texas A&M B Jaylon Jones| Texas A&M CB Jaylon Jones
Gary Cosby Jr/The Tuscaloosa News via USA TODAY Sports
74. New York Jets | Georgia S Christopher Smith II
(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images).
75. Atlanta Falcons | Pitt DL Calijah Kancey
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
76. Iowa TE Sam LaPorta| Iowa TE Sam LaPorta
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
77. Miami Dolphins (from NE). | Tulane RB Tyjae Spears
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
78. Houston, WR Nathaniel “Tank” Dell| Houston WR Nathaniel “Tank” Dell
Maria Lysaker USA TODAY Sport
79. Stanford CB Kyublu Kelly| Stanford CB Kyu Blu Kelly
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
80. Ohio State EDGE Zach Harrison| Ohio State EDGE Zach Harrison
(Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images).
81. Detroit Lions | USC OL Andrew Vorhees
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Washington State LB Daiyan Henley
(AP Photo/Young Kwak)
83. Seattle Seahawks | Wisconsin OL Joe Tippmann
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images.
84. Alabama Lb Henry To’o To’o| Alabama LB Henry To’o To’o
Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel
85. Los Angeles Chargers | Alabama OT Tyler Steen
(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
86. Baltimore Ravens | Syracuse CB Garrett Williams
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
87. Minnesota Vikings | Wake Forest WR A.T. Perry
(Photo by Eakin/Getty Images).
88. Jacksonville Jaguars | UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images).
89. Ohio State OOL Luke Wypler| Ohio State OL Luke Wypler
(Photo by Gaelen Mourse/Getty Images).
90. Dallas Cowboys | Michigan CB DJ Turner
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
91. Buffalo Bills | Texas RB Roschon Johnson
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
92. Cincinnati Bengals | Texas A&M RB Devon Achane
Maria Lysaker USA TODAY Sport
93. Alabama CB Eli Ricks| Alabama CB Eli Ricks
Gary Cosby Jr. – USA TODAY Sports
94. Cincinnati, WR Tyler Scott| Cincinnati WR Tyler Scott
Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
95. Philadelphia Eagles | Boise State S JL Skinner
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
*96. Arizona Cardinals | Mississippi RB Zach Evans
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
*97. Washington Commanders | Michigan OL Olusegun Oluwatimi
Detroit Free Press: Syndication
*98. Cleveland Browns | TCU EDGE Dylan Horton
Jerome Miron USA TODAY Sports
*99. San Francisco 49ers | Notre Dame OL Jarrett Patterson
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
*100. New York Giants (from KC) | Auburn RB Tank Bigsby
(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images
*101. San Francisco 49ers | Ohio State S Ronnie Hickman
*102. San Francisco 49ers | Alabama DL Byron Young
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports