On the Clock: 2023 RCF Mock Draft - Pick Thread

[Hurl Bruce]

Alright, folks, it's time to kick this thing off. First, though, a couple of "rules", if you will:

1. When you pick, post justification for your first round pick(s). Provide some detail in why you made the pick, post a picture, highlight videos, whatever. Just try to avoid putting a name down and moving on. This thread can be an education on prospects, which is good if you're an NFL fan.
2. After you make a selection, please send a private message to the next person drafting. I would say to tag the poster, but I haven't been getting some tags. Please PM. Try to keep a beat on the thread in case someone does forget to PM.
3. Try to check back here on the daily if you know your pick is coming soon. Quicker picks means we go deeper into the 3rd round or longer.
4. Trades MUST be reasonable. You can discuss trades with anyone whether or not they have indicated they'd be open to it.

With that said, LFG!

​

Round 1​

1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago) @adam81king [B]C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State[/B]
2. Houston Texans [USER=2952]@Out of the Rafters at the Q Will Anderson, DE, Alabama
3. Arizona Cardinals @DJTJ Tyree Wilson, DE, TTU
4. Indianapolis Colts @Melancholy Jaques Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) @Amherstcavsfan Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
6. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams) @Jack Brickman Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
7. Las Vegas Raiders @raiders91sc Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
8. Atlanta Falcons @daddywags Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina) @AZ_ [B]Deonte Banks - CB - Maryland[/B]
10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans) [USER=8411]@adam81king. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
11. Tennessee Titans @Randolphkeys Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland) @Out of the Rafters at the Q Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
13. New York Jets @Singer24 Anton Harrison, OT Oklahoma
14. New England Patriots @Snowblind Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern
15. Green Bay Packers @sportscoach , Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
16. Baltimore Ravens @Rookie. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
17. Pittsburgh Steelers @AZ_. Brian Branch - DB - Alabama
18. Detroit Lions @Jack Brickman Joey Porter, CB, Penn St.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers @SuperSurge Darnell Wright , OT, Tennessee
20. Seattle Seahawks @Amherstcavsfan Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
21. Los Angeles Chargers @Out of the Rafters at the Q Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
22. Baltimore Ravens @Rookie Quentin Johnston, WR TCU
23. Minnesota Vikings @JDailey23 Cam Smith, CB, Sout Carolina
24. Houston Texans @Out of the Rafters at the Q Calijah Clancey, DT, Pitt
25. New York Giants @Stark Jordan Addison, WR, USC
26. Dallas Cowboys @Melancholy Jaques Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame.
27. Buffalo Bills @Jack Brickman. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
28. Cincinnati Bengals @pthompson09 Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
29. New Orleans Saints (from SF via MIA and DEN) @Hurl Bruce Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
30. Philadelphia Eagles @adam81king Antonio Johnson, S, Texas AM
31. Kansas City Chiefs @G00seY3. Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

 

[Hurl Bruce]

Round 2​

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Chicago) Mazi Smith - DT - Michigan
33. Houston Texans Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
34. Arizona Cardinals Kelee Ringo, CB, UGA
35. Cincinnati Bengals from Colts - Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
36. Los Angeles Rams @Snowblind Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Miss. St.
37. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) John Michael Schmitz, iOL, Minnesota
38. Las Vegas Raiders - Tyrique Stevenson, CB, U of Miami
39. Carolina Panthers O'Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
40. New Orleans Saints Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
41. Tennessee Titans - Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
42. Green Bay Packers - Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
43. New York Jets Joe Tippmann, OC, Wisconsin
44. Atlanta Falcons - Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State
45. Green Bay Packers - Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
46. New England Patriots - B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
47. Baltimore Ravens - Keion White, DL, Ga Tech
48. Detroit Lions - Drew Sanders, LB, Arkensas
49. Pittsburgh Steelers - Cody Mauch, OL, NDSU
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
51. Miami Dolphins @Amherstcavsfan Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
52. Seattle Seahawks Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
53. Chicago Bears (from Baltimore) Felix Anudike-Uzomah - EDGE - Kansas St
54. Los Angeles Chargers Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
55. Detroit Lions (from Minnesota) Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
56. KC Cheifs - Jalin Hyatt, WR, University Of Tennessee
57. New York Giants Jalen Duncan, OT, Maryland
58. Dallas Cowboys - Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin
59. Buffalo Bills Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
60. Cincinnati Bengals Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern
61. Chicago Bears (from SF via CAR) Luke Musgrave - TE - Oregon State
62. Philadelphia Eagles Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
63. Jacksonville Jaguars @sportscoach DJ Turner, DB, Michigan

 

[Hurl Bruce]

Round 3​

64. Chicago Bears Luke Wypler - C - Ohio State
65. Houston Texans Daiyan Henley, Linebacker, Washington State University.
66. Arizona Cardinals Chandler Zavala, Guard, NC St
67. Denver Broncos (from Indianapolis) @Hurl Bruce Derick Hall, Edge, Auburn
68. Denver Broncos Steve Avila, IOL, TCU
69. Los Angeles Rams - Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army
70. Las Vegas Raiders - Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
71. New Orleans Saints Christopher Smith II, S, UGA
72. San Francisco 49ers (from Tennessee) - Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
73. Houston Texans (from Cleveland) Tuli Tuipulotu, DE/DT, USC
74. Cleveland Browns (from NY Jets) @Hurl Bruce Zachary Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
75. Atlanta Falcons Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
76. New England Patriots (from Carolina) Tank Dell, WR, Houston
77. Los Angeles Rams (from NE via MIA) Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
78. Green Bay Packers Xavier Hutchinson WR, Iowa State
79. Indianapolis Colts (from Washington) Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska
80. Pittsburgh Steelers Zach Charbonnet - RB - UCLA
81. LV Raiders Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Zachh Pickens, IDL, South Carolina
83. Seattle Seahawks Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
84. Miami Dolphins Henry Bainivalu, IOL, Washington
85. Los Angeles Chargers Demarvion Overshown, LB Texas
86. Baltimore Ravens Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson - CB, TCU
87. Minnesota Vikings Henry To'o To'o, LB, Alabama
88. Cincinnati Bengals Clark Phillips III, CB, University of Utah
89. New York Giants Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford
90. Dallas Cowboys. Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas
91. Arizona Cardinals AT Perry, WR, Wake Forest
92. Green Bay Packers (from Jags) Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
93. Carolina Panthers (from San Francisco) JL Skinner, S, Boise St
94. Philadelphia Eagles Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
95. Kansas City Chiefs Tyler Steen, OL, Alabama
96. Arizona Cardinals* Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
97. Baltimore Ravens Siaki Ika, DT Baylor
98. Cleveland Browns** Gervon Dexter Sr, DT, Florida
99. Tennessee Titans (San Francisco) Hendon Hooker, QB, U of Tennessee
100. Detroit Lions Byron Young, Edge, Tennessee
101. Tennessee Titans (San Francisco) Isaiah McGuire, Edge, Missouri
102. San Francisco 49ers @Randolphkeys Warren McLendon Jr, OT, Georgia

 

[Hurl Bruce]

Round 4​

103. Chicago Bears Earl Bostick, OT, Kansas
104. Houston Texans Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State
105. Arizona Cardinals Yaya Diaby, DE, Louisville
106. Indianapolis Colts Kenny McIntosh, RB, Georgia
107. New England Patriots (From LA Rams) Cory Trice, CB, Purdue
108. Denver Broncos Nick Saldiveri, OT, Old Dominion
109. Detroit Lions Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
110. Atlanta Falcons (from Tennessee) Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
111. Cleveland Browns Colby Wooden, IDL, Auburn
112. New York Jets Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas
113. LV Raiders Dylan Horton, EDGE, TCU
114. Carolina Panthers Kayshon Boutte, LSU, WR
115. New Orleans Saints KJ Henry, Edge, Clemson
116. Jacksonville (from Packers) Andrei Iosivas, WR, Princeton
117. New England Patriots Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
118. Washington Commanders Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville Cardinals
119. Minnesota Vikings (from Detroit) Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA
120. Pittsburgh Steelers Brenton Strange - TE - Penn St
121. San Francisco 49ers (from Jax via T.B.) Jartavius Martin, FS, U. of Illinois.
122. Jacksonville Jaguars - Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
123. Seattle Seahawks Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion
124. Baltimore Ravens Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
125. Los Angeles Chargers Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin
126. Cleveland Browns (from Minnesota) Tre Tucker, WR, Cincinnati Bearcats
127. Jacksonville Jaguars Karl Brooks, DL, Bowling Green
128. New York Giants Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati
129. Dallas Cowboys Dee Winters, LB, TCU
130. Buffalo Bills Dorian Williams, LB, Tulane
131. Cincinnati Bengals Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State University
132. Carolina Panthers (from San Francisco) Durell Nchami, LB, Maryland
133. Chicago Bears (from Philadelphia) Jaquelin Roy. DT, LSU
134. Kansas City Chiefs Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State
135. New England Patriots* Keondre Coburn, DT, Texas

 

[Hurl Bruce]

Round 5​

136. Chicago Bears Tank Bigsby - RB - Auburn
137. Buffalo Bills (from Arizona) Riley Moss, CB, Iowa
138. Indianapolis Colts Jordan Byrd, RB & KR, SDSU
139. Denver Broncos Ronnie Bell, WR, Michigan
140. Cleveland Browns (from LA Rams) Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State
141. Atlanta Falcons Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest
142. Cleveland Browns Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon Ducks
143. New York Jets Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
144. Atlanta Falcons Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia
145. Carolina Panthers Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M
146. New Orleans Saints Alex Austin, CB, Oregon State
147. Tennessee Titans Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ol Miss
148. Chicago Bears (from NE via BAL) Bryce Ford-Wheaton - WR - West Virginia
149. Jacksonville (from Packers) Josh Whyle TE, Cincinnati
150. Washington Commanders Emil Ekiyor Jr., OG, Alabama
151. Seattle Seahawks (from Pittsburgh) Nick Hampton, DE, App State
152. Detroit Lions Braeden Daniels, OG, Utah
153. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan
154. Seattle Seahawks Jerrod Clark, IDL, Coastal Carolina
155. Jacksonville Jaguars (from 49ers) Clayton Tune, QB, Houston
156. Los Angeles Chargers Wanya Morris, T, Oklahoma
157. Baltimore Ravens Andrew Vorhees - OG USC
158. Minnesota Vikings JAKORIAN BENNETT - CB - Maryland
159. Atlanta Falcons (from Jacksonville) Starling Thomas V, CB, UAB
160. New York Giants - Ji'Ayir Brown, S, Penn St.
161. Houston Texans (from Cowboys) - Meckhi Blackmon, CB, USC
162. Indianapolis Colts (from Buffalo) - Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky
163. Cincinnati Bengals - Israel Abanikanda, RB, Pitt
164. San Francisco 49ers - Tavius Robinson, Edge, Old Miss
165. New Orleans Saints (from Philadelphia) Jay Ward, S, LSU
166. Kansas City Chiefs - Chase Brown, RB, Illinois-
167. Los Angeles Rams* Byron Young, DT, Alabama
168. Arizona Cardinals* - Marte Mapu, LB/SAF, Sacramento State
169. Indianapolis Colts (from Dallas)* Ben VanSumeren, LB, Michigan State
170. Jacksonville (from Packers) Chad Ryland, Kicker, Maryland
171. Los Angeles Rams* Kendre Miller, RB, TCU
172. New York Giants* Brandon Hill, DB, Pittsburgh
173. Jacksonville Jaguars (from 49ers*) Thomas Greaney TE, Albany
174. Las Vegas Raiders* Rejzohn Wright, CB, Oregon State
175. Tampa Bay Buccaneers*
176. Dallas Cowboys*
177. Los Angeles Rams*

 

[Hurl Bruce]

The Carolina Panthers and @adam81king are on the clock...

 

[adam81king]

With the first pick in the 2023 RCF NFL Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers select:

CJ Stroud - 6'3" - QB - Ohio State - RSo

Why Stroud? The Panthers were wowed during Stroud's Pro Day. Since they struck out on getting Watson, and Darnold seeing ghosts in the NFC South, and Baker more worried about the lighting in Cheesecake Factory parking lots than playing football, the Panthers need to fill the most important position in team sports. After trading up to #1, they get their pick of the litter, and that's likely Stroud. They're doing a good job filling the skill positions, and Reich has been a good offensive coach in the past. Hopefully his experience and expertise as a former QB helps Stroud reach his potential, and outplay the OSU QB curse.​

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Prospect Grade​

6.70
Year 1 Starter
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85Good
View All Prospects

Score Breakdown
Score Breakdown
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Production Score
97
2023 Combine QB Rank: 2nd
Athleticism Score *est
73
2023 Combine QB Rank: 11th
Total Score
85
2023 Combine QB Rank: 3rd
Player Bio

Stroud was a five-star recruit and top-50 overall prospect nationally even before throwing for 3,878 yards and 47 touchdowns as a senior at Rancho Cucamonga High School in California. He did not attempt a pass but ran for a 48-yard touchdown against Michigan State as a backup to future first-round pick Justin Fields in 2020 before taking the reins of the Buckeyes' offense in 2021. He was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Quarterback of the Year and Freshman of the Year, in addition to being a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, after ranking second in the FBS in pass efficiency (school-record 186.6) and third in passing touchdowns (44, against just six INTs) and completion percentage (317-441-71.9%). Stroud earned these honors, helping the team lead the nation with 561.5 yards of total offense per game, despite separating his right (throwing) shoulder in the season opener. He was a finalist for the Heisman and conference Offensive Player of the Year again in 2022, this time leading the FBS in pass efficiency (177.7) while throwing for 3,688 yards (258-389-66.3%) and ranking second in the FBS with 41 touchdowns (against six interceptions) in 13 starts. Also, Stroud ranked third in the FBS with 9.48 yards per attempt. -- by Chad Reuter

Analysis

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Jared Goff
Overview
Two-year starter from a program with a high-octane offense known for creating high-level production opportunities for its quarterbacks. Stroud’s accuracy stands out on tape. He’s able to lead receivers with good placement and make on-frame throws to targets on all areas of the field. The question now is how quickly he will acclimate outside of the Ohio State scheme. Stroud didn’t often attack defenses with his legs, but if he can become a more willing runner, he will be able to extend drives rather than feeling forced into more challenging decision-making situations. NFL teams will have to balance what they saw on tape from Stroud during the 2022 regular season against his great College Football Playoff semifinal performance, when he shined versus Georgia’s impressive collection pro prospects. If he did it once he can do it again, and grading the flashes for Stroud might make the most sense.
Strengths

• Doesn’t hesitate to attack with his throws.
• Has the arm strength to air out the deep ball toward the sideline with accuracy.
• Played the game of his career against Georgia in College Football Playoff semifinal.
• Showed willingness to extend and make plays outside the pocket against Georgia.
• Finds his way back to platform throws when forced to move his feet.
• Tapes shows ability to get through progressions.
• Enough arm talent to pump, reset and then release.
• The most naturally accurate top-tier quarterback in the 2023 draft class.
• Puts it on frame, allowing receivers to catch in stride and keep rolling.
• Showed maturity as game manager at times during 2022 season.

Weaknesses

• Hesitance to use his legs can put a cap on his success rate.
• Labors to get squared to target when rolling out.
• Needs a clearer scan for potential pressure points near the line of scrimmage.
• Needs to play with better recognition and respect for safeties.
• Inconsistent activating lower-body torque on drive throws.
• Interceptions arise when he refuses to come off primary receiver.

Next on the clock are the Houston Texans and @Out of the Rafters at the Q

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

With the second pick in the 2023 RCF Mock Draft, the Houston Texans select...

WILL ANDERSON, DE, ALABAMA

Why? Well, Houston obviously needs a QB. We are currently a tanking, rebuilding franchise... and the best QB's on the board are Caleb Williams and Drake Maye. We're fine waiting one year to get a stud QB instead of settling for an okay QB this year.

With Anderson, we took the best player available on the board, and he certainly fills a position of need. The only competition there was for this pick was Jalen Carter, but with all of the question marks he's thrown about, it was easy to fade him.

Anderson is our franchise cornerstone edge rusher and he's a welcome addition to one of the worst defenses in the league. Demeco Ryans gets a piece that he sorely needed.

@DJTJ and the Arizona Cardinals are on the clock!

 

[Hurl Bruce]

3. Arizona Cardinals @DJTJ UP
4. Indianapolis Colts @Melancholy Jaques On Deck
5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) @Amherstcavsfan In the hole

 

[Randolphkeys]

I left a PM with @DJTJ, I'm guessing he's at work and didn't know we started.

Titans really would be a great destination for Lamar Jackson, but I'll wait for the owners meetings to end before the Titans make their trade pitch.

 

[DJTJ]

I left a PM with @DJTJ, I'm guessing he's at work and didn't know we started.

Titans really would be a great destination for Lamar Jackson, but I'll wait for the owners meetings to end before the Titans make their trade pitch.

Correct- crazy day.

I’ll update this later, but Arizona Cardinals will be selecting Tyree Wilson, DE, TTU. Will update this with a reasoning later, but long story short, I think IRL, they’ll have him or Christian Gonzales at the top of their board, even above Will Anderson.

@Melancholy Jaques is up!

 

[raiders91sc]

sent DJTJ a trade offer until he officially sends post his pick

 

[Melancholy Jaques]

Had no idea this was starting today. Apologize. Like DJTJ, I will have to update this later.

With the fourth pick - assuming it hasn't been forfeited - the Colts take QB Anthony Richardson.

Very late edit.

I will not burden you all with windy explanations. There are questions about Richardson that all fall under the heading of "Can he play QB in the NFL?" As the stand-in for the Colts, I'm swinging for the fences. This man could be a total bust, I admit that freely. Or, he could be the key to the Colts winning the AFC South for the next six years.

If he's not winning games with his talents by the end of the second season, it's back to the drawing board.

 

[AZ_]

On the clock tomorrow:
5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) @Amherstcavsfan



On deck:
6. Detroit Lions (from LA Rams) @Jack Brickman
7. Las Vegas Raiders @raiders91sc
8. Atlanta Falcons @daddywags
9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina) @AZ_

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

The Seattle Seahawks are up and ready for the future.

With the 5th pick, the Seahawks select:

BRYCE YOUNG, QB, ALABAMA

Overview
Slightly built with measurables that fall below the standard for the quarterback position, Young’s talent and face-of-the-franchise potential could force teams to focus more on his game film and less on his size. Young has had the advantage of working with a former NFL head coach (Bill O’Brien) who understands the challenges facing a pro quarterback. He’s a full-field reader whose confident demeanor on the field oozes off the tape but never becomes unbridled cockiness. He’s thoughtful in where he wants to go with the football and keeps the turnover count low. The deep ball is nothing special and his drive velocity fails to stand out, but he has enough arm strength to make the necessary throws. Young is perfectly capable of extending plays both inside and outside the pocket, but teams will want him to stay on schedule a little more often as a pro passer. He’s poised in the face of both physical and situational pressure and possesses a full offering of intangibles that helps set him apart from some of the more physically gifted quarterbacks in this class.
Strengths

• Calm demeanor on the field.
• Played in a pro-style attack that required full-field reads.
• Shows ability to dial up focus in big fourth quarter situations.
• Uses eye manipulation to create easier throws.
• Locates and avoids lurking trouble in zone coverage.
• Good operation time with a compact release as thrower.
• Unfazed by incoming rush and makes ball delivery his priority.
• Good rush awareness and pocket mobility.
• Actively reroutes his receivers when play extends.
• Makes defenses pay when he breaks contain and improvises.

Weaknesses

• Weighed in at 204 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine; since 2003, no QB who weighed fewer than 207 pounds at the combine has been drafted in Round 1.
• Durability will be a concern due to slight frame.
• Has a tendency to run receivers up against the boundary.
• Leaves his lower half behind on drive throws at times.
• Needs to prove he can find reads quickly and stay on schedule.
• Deep throws come out flat and lose energy late.
• Doesn’t run as often as he could to counter the rush and pick up first downs.

Sources Tell Us

“We all know he’s small, but you grade the talent and if you like him, you make sure he’s protected and you teach him to get the ball out on time. He carries himself like a winner.” -- Personnel executive for AFC team

my thoughts: If any team is going to get the most out of what you can get with a smallish QB, it's Seattle. While they would have preferred to get Richardson, they will snag the falling QB from Alabama. Although I'm not personally sold on his NFL future, the Seahawks will take this chance to get their franchise QB.