Mock Draft 3.0: Has Will Levis locked up a top-10 pick?
NFL free agency wrapped up with a few big names remaining. Most of the pro days are now history. We’ve reached mock draft season.
At KSR+, we are making a return to deliver volume three after being on-site for Kentucky’s pro day on Saturday. The big question in the Bluegrass is if Will Levis has done enough to unseat either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud at the top of the draft. While that seems unlikely, the Kentucky product has a great chance to be QB3 and should go off the board in the top 10.
Our Mock Draft 3.0 runs through all of the picks in the first round as we’ve made some adjustments based off of recent roster moves throughout the NFL and the latest draft scuttlebutt that has emerged in recent weeks.
1. Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young (QB, Alabama)
Carolina had quite the traveling circus this week as the NFC South franchise visited all of the the top prospects. However, our prediction is not changing. Bryce Young (5-10, 204, 21.6 years old) is still QB1. The former five-star recruit had a quality pro day performance delivering the ball on time and with accuracy while also flashing enough arm strength to make third-level throws. Young will be the franchise cornerstone in Charlotte.
2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud (QB, Ohio State)
Decision makers for Houston were notably absent in Lexington as this decision has already been made. Houston is taking whoever is left at the top of their board. That happens to be C.J. Stroud (6-3, 214, 21.4) who flashed elite ball placement in his pro day workout and has all the ingredients to be a Super Bowl caliber quarterback as long as the mobility shows up at the next level.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE, Alabama)
A trade here is possible if someone wants to move up to grab a quarterback. For now, Arizona needs an edge rusher if the pick holds. Will Anderson Jr. (6-3, 253, 21.4) brings a strong run-stuffing skill set as an edge setter along with a quality pass rush package. Anderson should be an instant starter who has All-Pro potential and the makeup to be a franchise leader.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson (QB, Florida)
New head coach Shane Steichen built a dual-threat playbook in Philadelphia and that ultimate is what wins out here. Newly signed free agent Gardner Minshew reunites with Steichen in Indianapolis as Anthony Richardson (6-4, 244, 21.8) will be given time to grow while given some type of wildcat package early. The SEC product has elite physical traits that the Colts will be rolling the dice with.
5. Seattle Seahawks: Will Levis (QB, Kentucky)
Similar to the Panthers, the Seahawks also were on a barnstorming tour this past week checking out quarterback prospects. Seattle is a legitimate trade-up candidate as the NFC West team seems determined to find a long-term answer while riding Geno Smith in the short-term. Here the Seahawks land Will Levis (6-4, 229, 23.7) to play for offensive coordinator Shane Waldron who has connections with Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen from time at UMass and with the Rams. The playbook and personnel familiarity could give Levis a chance to become a quality starter after sitting behind Smith for a season.
6. Detroit Lions: Jalen Carter (iDL, Georgia)
Character concerns are popping up quickly for Jalen Carter (6-3, 314, 21.9) and his sloppy performance at Georgia’s pro day didn’t help matters. However, the tape is the tape, and it’s hard to envision one of the top prospects in this draft falling out of the top 10. Detroit scoops him up here to play three-technique in what is quickly becoming a deep defensive line room.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson (EDGE, Texas Tech)
With all of the top quarterbacks off the board, the Raiders get into best player available mode. The strength of the defense in Las Vegas is at defensive end but Chandler Jones is aging fast. The Raiders draft his replacement in this four-down structure. Tyree Wilson (6-6, 271, 22.8) has a boatload of traits and the highest pass rush ceiling in this class. With Maxx Crosby on the other side, the AFC West team will be built around the pass rush.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Christian Gonzalez (CB, Oregon)
Christian Gonzalez (6-1, 197, 20.7) is CB1 in this class. The Falcons didn’t address cornerback in free agency but fills the gap early in round one. The former Colorado and Oregon defensive back has a great blend of size, length, speed, and ball production on tape with age on his side.
9. Chicago Bears: Paris Johnson Jr. (T, Ohio State)
Chicago passed on offensive tackle in free agency to address the need early in the draft. Paris Johnson Jr. (6-6, 313, 21.6) is the top true tackle in this class with positional flexibility. With plus athleticism, the Big Ten product will fill a starting role immediately and could be the franchise’s left tackle of the future depending on what happens with Braxton Jones after a strong rookie campaign.
10. Philadelphia Eagles: Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas)
Philadelphia has a pair of first-round and no true starter needs after re-signing cornerbacks James Bradberry and Darius Slay. That gives general manager Howie Roseman some flexibility. Philadelphia let Miles Sanders walk for a reason. Bijan Robinson (5-11, 215, 21.1) is a top-five prospect at a non-premium position joining a roster that is ready to roll right now. The Eagles insert him into the offense to run behind a dominant offensive line while shrinking the workload for Jalen Hurts.
11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski (G/T, Northwestern)
The Titans need help at multiple positions and trading up to grab a quarterback is a possibility. However, improving the offensive line is essential after losing both Nate Davis and Taylor Lewan. Peter Skoronski (6-4, 313, 21.6) has guard/tackle flexibility and is the most NFL-ready lineman in this draft class.
12. Houston Texans: Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU)
Quentin Johnston (6-3, 208, 21.5) is a true X receiver with vertical speed. All the traits are there to be a No. 1 option. Houston needs upgrades on the perimeter. With two first-round picks, general manager Nick Caserio lands QB1 and WR1 for the Texans in the same draft class.
13. New York Jets: Broderick Jones (T, Georgia)
Broderick Jones (6-5, 311, 21.8) is a true left tackle that could also play on the right side. The New York Jets need an upgrade at tackle. General manager Joe Douglas takes a swing on the former five-star recruit with elite positional athleticism and the highest upside of any offensive line prospect in the draft.
14. New England Patriots: Devon Witherspoon (CB, Illinois)
The Patriots utilize a lot of press coverage on the outside and this defense needs help at cornerback. New England scoops up Devon Witherspoon (5-11, 181, 22.2) who is a physical player on the perimeter that plays bigger than his listed size and flashed good production in a heavy Cover 1 scheme at Illinois.
15. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Addison (WR, USC)
This would be quite the pick by general manager Brian Gutekunst after trading Aaron Rodgers at some point to the New York Jets. The Packers have avoided drafting a first-round wide receiver until now, but use the No. 15 pick to upgrade in the slot. Jordan Addison (5-11, 173, 21.1) is a precise route-runner that can make an impact at all three levels of the passing game. Jordan Love will have two legit options to grow with at wideout with Christian Watson and Addison both on rookie deals.
16. Washington Commanders: Brian Branch (DB, Alabama)
Alabama defensive prospects have found good homes in our nation’s capital. The NFC East franchise will go back to that well again. Brian Branch (6-0, 190, 21.3) is the top slot corner in this draft but also has the flexibility to play traditional safety. Head coach Ron Rivera adds an instant starter as the defense is looking for better coverage in the backend to complement the pass rush in Washington.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Penn State)
The Steelers address some needs in free agency but lost cornerback Cameron Sutton to the Detroit Lions. A starter on the outside is needed. Joey Porter Jr. (6-2, 193, 22.6) will follow in his dad’s footsteps giving defensive coordinator Teryl Austin some valuable length and playmaking (20 career pass breakups) on the perimeter.
18. Detroit Lions: Michael Mayer (TE, Notre Dame)
After addressing defense early, Detroit adds another weapon for Jared Goff to utilize in the play-action passing game. The Lions traded away former first-round T.J. Hockenson during the season and will replace him at No. 18 overall. Michael Mayer (6-4, 249, 21.6) is the top two-way tight end in this class and is the first of numerous tight ends to come off the board in the first two rounds.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darnell Wright (T, Tennessee)
The rebuild has started in Tampa Bay. With Tristan Wirfs expected to move over to left tackle, the Bucs now have a gaping hole at right tackle. General manager Jason Licht uses his first-round pick to fill the gap. Darnell Wright (6-5, 333, 21.5) is the top right tackle in this class and the former five-star recruit has some positional flexibility. The SEC product should be a day-one starter in the NFC South.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Lukas Van Ness (EDGE, Iowa)
After going offense early, Seattle shifts over to defense and addresses the line of scrimmage. Lukas Van Ness (6-5, 272, 21.7) has the athleticism to be a stand-up rusher or slide inside to provide an interior pass rush. The Big Ten product is a versatile player with a high upside and loads of athleticism. Seattle will add him to their front as the NFC West franchise looks to upgrade the pass rush.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Dalton Kincaid (TE, Utah)
The Chargers use their first-round pick to give Justin Herbert another weapon. Dalton Kincaid (6-4, 246, 23.3) is an off-ball tight end that can create separation by operating as a big slot. With Gerald Everett entering he final year of his deal, Kincaid will be a seamless replacement as both players fit the same profile.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Deonte Banks (CB, Maryland)
Wide receiver is a huge need, but cornerback is more pressing at the moment for Baltimore. For a franchise that is defense-first as the front office figures out the quarterback situation, the AFC North franchise adds another potential star player to the secondary. Deonte Banks (6-0, 197) is a top-of-the-line athlete that plays with extreme physicality on tape while flashing good coverage skills. Baltimore finds a replacement for Marcus Peters.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Kelee Ringo (CB, Georgia)
Minnesota has to address cornerback right now. Kelee Ringo (6-2, 207, 20.7) is a physical specimen with great size and long speed. Development is needed, but the former five-star recruit could be a good fit in the man scheme that Brian Flores is bringing to the NFC North.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nolan Smith (EDGE, Georgia)
Josh Allen is entering a contract year and the Jaguars have upcoming contract extension with Trevor Lawrence to get ready for. Now is a good time to find an edge rushing replacement for Allen. We all know Jacksonville is a sucker for traits after selecting Travon Walker at No. 1 overall and they go back to that well again. Nolan Smith (6-2, 238, 22.1) put on a show at the combine and the Jags will be betting on his athleticism to turn into production for the AFC South favorites.
25. New York Giants: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Ohio State)
General manager Joe Schoen could be a huge winner on draft night as one of the best receivers falls all the way to No. 25 overall. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (6-1, 196, 21.1) shines in the slot but can flex outside and cause issues. Daniel Jones gets another weapon to utilize in the passing game.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Myles Murphy (EDGE, Clemson)
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn likes to move defenders around when building his pressure packages. Myles Murphy (6-5, 268, 21.1) fits that mold. A physical power player, Murphy is strong in run fits with untapped potential as a pass rusher. The Cowboys can use him as a defensive end on standard downs and shift him inside in obvious passing situations. The NFC East franchise stays committed to winning in the trenches.
27. Buffalo Bills: Calijah Kancey (iDL, Pittsburgh)
After some solid free agency signings at guard, slot receiver, and safety, the interior pass rush remains a need in Buffalo. Calijah Kancey (6-1, 281, 22.0) has the potential to be a dominant pass-rushing defensive tackle and Buffalo has the depth to use him situationally.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Anton Harrison (T, Oklahoma)
Cincinnati addressed left tackle with the free agency signing of Orlando Brown Jr., but right tackle is a glaring need as Jonah Williams could be traded. The Bengals spend a first-round pick on a tackle for the first time since 2019. Anton Harrison (6-4, 315, 21.1) gives this offensive line some more athleticism with a high pass protection ceiling.
29. New Orleans Saints: Bryan Bresee (iDL, Clemson)
Bryan Bresee (6-5, 298, 21.4) is a former No. 1 overall recruit with positional flexibility and two-way playmaking. New Orleans needs to add depth on the defensive line. Bresee will fill a role early for the Saints as long as he avoids the injury bug that slowed him down in college.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Cam Smith (CB, South Carolina)
Philadelphia enters the 2023 season in good shape at cornerback, but that position room is aging quickly. Cam Smith (6-1, 180, 22.2) can play both outside cornerback and nickel to provide this defense some quality depth in the secondary.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Dawand Jones (T, Ohio State)
Kansas City saw both starting tackles off last year’s team walk in free agency. The Super Bowl champs signed Jawaan Taylor to a big contract, but there is a hole at right tackle. Dawand Jones (6-8, 374, 21.5) brings enormous potential thanks to his size, length, and athletic background which includes a long history of playing basketball. General manager Brett Veach gives Andy Reid’s offensive staff another offensive lineman to develop.
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