FPC 2023 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Colts, Seahawks, and Cowboys thrive from draft day slides.

It’s time for Full Press Coverage’s fourth installment of our mock draft series. With another week of information, Staff Writer George Carmi makes his predictions for each NFL team. The first three parts of the series, brought to you by Braden Holacek, Kyle Senra, and Ryan Cuneo respectively, were great early glimpses into how things could shake out on draft night.

Now, we take a look at FPC’s Mock Draft 4.0, where the Colts, Seahawks, and Cowboys benefit from draft day slides. Do you agree?

Take a look at all of our submissions and let us know which writer drafted the best.  All of these mock drafts were designed to create fun draft chatter prior to the main event on April 27th.

1. Carolina Panthers (via Chi): QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio St. (6’3″, 214 pounds)

The Carolina Panthers made an aggressive move to take command of the NFL Draft. With the first overall pick, the Panthers will walk away with their QB of choice whether it is Ohio State’s CJ Stroud or Alabama’s Bryce Young. Despite the higher upside of Young, the questions about his size will eventually deter Carolina from selecting him number one overall. Stroud is a safer selection, not only due to his larger size, but also due to his higher floor as a pocket passer. Stroud can pepper the ball all over the field, and can drop the ball into tight NFL windows. Stroud is the pick here, and he should do well with a solid surrounding core of DJ Chark, Adam Theilen and Miles Sanders.

Read: Bryce Young’s Prospect Profile

2. Houston Texans: QB Bryce Young, Alabama (5’10”, 204 pounds)

Young is everything you want in a quarterback. He is poised, he has exceptional work ethic, and he has proven himself against elite collegiate competition. The Texans land a solid consolation prize in Young, who thrives in operating outside of structure.

Read: C.J. Stroud’s Prospect Profile

3. Arizona Cardinals: EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama (6’3″, 253 pounds)

Truly, the Arizona Cardinals will be looking to trade out of this selection, but for the sake of this exercise, I will have them stay pat and take one of the best defensive players in the draft. Anderson will immediately improve the Cardinals aging defensive line and provide a solid cornerstone to build around. Nick Saban instills exceptional work ethic into his players, and Anderson will usher in a lunch-pail mentality in Arizona.

Read: Will Anderson Jr.’s Prospect Profile

4. Indianapolis Colts: QB Anthony Richardson, Florida (6’4″, 244 pounds)

No prospect has seen their stock rise as fast as Anthony Richardson. The physical phenom from Gainesville shocked the world at the NFL Combine. With Richardson, the Colts have an exceptional talent, who in theory, has the highest upside of all the quarterback prospects. The concern is that he is unrefined and only has started one season at Florida. That’s a notorious group to be associated with. Over the last 20 years, there have been five case studies of first-round draft picks with only one year of starting experience – Mark Sanchez, Mitchell Trubisky, Dwayne Haskins, Kyler Murray and Cam Newton. Take that information as you will.  

Read: Anthony Richardson’s Prospect Profile

5. Seattle Seahawks (via Den): DT Jalen Carter, Georgia (6’3″, 314 pounds)

The unfortunate fallout of Jalen Carter will benefit the Seattle Seahawks. The former Georgia product is arguably the most talented player in the entire draft. Yet, immaturity issues and questions regarding his work ethic have led to a mini draft slide. Pete Carroll has created an environment in which he can absorb players with questionable character and have them reach their true potential. The Seahawks will walk away with a draft-day steal, and a key cog to their defensive line.

6. Detroit Lions (via LAR): EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech (6’6″, 271 pounds)

Tyree Wilson is an interesting case study. For much of his collegiate career, his production was pedestrian. Originally starting at Texas A&M, the fifth-year senior blossomed in his final season at Texas Tech. Known for being a long, slender defender, he has been comped to former New York Giant Jason Pierre-Paul. As he continues to refine his game, he should be a menace to opposing offensive lineman.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon (6’1″, 197 pounds)

When you imagine a prototype cornerback, a CB like Gonzalez would come to mind. Standing at 6’1” and 200 lbs, he has ideal size to match up against the bigger wide receivers in the league. Now, add in the fact that he runs a 4.38 40-yard dash and is buttery smooth in transition, you can’t go wrong with the former Oregon Duck. Gonzalez has had strong tape going back to his time in Boulder, Colorado, so he’s a safe bet for success.

8. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa (6’5″, 272 pounds)

The Falcons need help everywhere. They have constructed an offense predicated off of the running game, and, at least according to Head Coach Arthur Smith, they plan on moving ahead with Desmond Ridder next season. Van Ness is a physical stud, capable of generating a pass rush and just overall chaos. He’s a solid building block for the Dirty Birds.

9. Chicago Bears (via Car): OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern (6’4″, 313 pounds)

As the season progressed, Justin Fields proved to the Bears that he’s worthy of building around. They double-downed when they traded out of the first overall selection. They elect to add the Northwestern native, who can provide immediate impact on the offensive front. The Bears need to protect Fields, and Skoronski can play all five spots along the offensive line. He’s a high-floor building block for Chicago.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO): Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh (6’1″, 281 pounds)

The Eagles have built a championship program by investing in the trenches. Their offensive line is arguably the best in the league, and their defensive front has been dominant for years. However, the D-Line is now aging as Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox approach the twilight of their careers. The Eagles inject their line with a little bit of youth in Kancey. The former Pitt Panther has been given favorable comps to another Pitt alum – Aaron Donald. Both interior pass rushers were undersized coming into the league, but can create absolute chaos attacking offensive lines.

11. Tennessee Titans: OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio St. (6’6″, 313 pounds)

Tennessee is one of the more stable organizations in the league. They have a clear identity of running the ball, and they also play stout defense. However, they are a team in transition. For the first time in 10 years, the team will be without left tackle Taylor Lewan. The team has added former Eagle Andre Dillard this offseason, but look to double down with Johnson, arguably the best left tackle in the draft. In one offseason, the Titans will turn their concerns at the offensive line into a strength.

12. Houston Texans (via Cle): WR Quentin Johnston, TCU (6’3″, 208 pounds)

With the addition of Young, the Texans need to add some more fire power to support their novice QB. Johnson is a massive target who has yet to reach his potential. At 6’4” and 215 lbs, the former Horned Frog can grow with his new QB and hopefully form a powerful tandem over the next five years.

Read: Quentin Johnston’s Prospect Profile

13. New York Jets: OT Broderick Jones, Georgia (6’5″, 311 pounds)

It would be very easy to select a defensive player to the Jets, considering Robert Salah is a defensive-minded coach. However, I’d like to be forward-thinking and assume Aaron Rodgers lands in Gang Green. With the mercurial Rodgers at the helm, New York will do everything in their power to protect him. Hence, the addition of Jones, who is also an absolute mauler in the run game.

14. New England Patriots: CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois (5’11”, 181 pounds)

Bill Belichick is a defensive mastermind and he is well aware of how impactful an elite cornerback can be to a team. He has fostered the growth of Ty Law, Stephon Gilmore, Devon McCourty and Asante Samuel. Witherspoon will be his next investment. The former Illinois product is a true, well-rounded CB. He provides plus-coverage, and is an absolute dog in the run game.

15. Green Bay Packers: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio St. (6’1″, 196 pounds)

The Jordan Love era is beginning in Green Bay and the cupboard is a little barren. The Packers are lacking bona fide receiving options. At this selection, I can see the Packers selecting any one of the premier tight-ends. However, I think they go in a different direction. Smith-Njigba is a refined route-runner and is a day one starter at the slot position. His skillset will compliment the big-play ability of incumbent Christian Watson

16. Washington Commanders: CB Deonte Banks, Maryland (6’0″, 197 pounds)

The Commanders entered the offseason with needs at offensive line, cornerback, and linebacker. After addressing the offensive line and linebacker position in free agency, the team still lacks depth at the third cornerback position. Although Joey Porter Jr. is appealing here, his press-man cover skills may not be an ideal scheme fit for Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio. Banks’ skillset is more transferable and he can play in both man and zone schemes. In addition, his physical upside and absurd 4.35 40-yard dash raised some eyebrows in Indianapolis. Banks will continue to play his football in Maryland, however his games will now be on Sundays.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: T Anton Harrison, Oklahoma (6’4″, 315 pounds)

The Steelers enter the 2023 draft with needs at tackle, linebacker, and defensive back. Although drafting Porter Jr. is intriguing, and brings the Porter family full-circle, I think the Steelers go a different direction. There is a bevy of  talent at the CB position, and they can dip into that well at pick number 32 (the pick they received from the Bears from the Chase Claypool trade). Pittsburgh elects to solidify their O-line with the former sooner, Harrison. Who will likely slide in as a day one starter.

18. Detroit Lions: TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame (6’4″, 249 pounds)

After trading away TJ Hockenson last season, the Lions are at a deficit at the tight end position. Luckily, this year offers a stacked draft class to choose from. Dalton Kincaid is more highly regarded in draft circles, but he lacks the “knee biting” toughness of Coach Dan Campbell. Kincaid doesn’t block. Detroit chooses Mayer here, who is arguably the best tight end in class. Mayer offers a two-way skillset in which he can block in the run game, as well as catch the ball.

Read: Michael Mayer’s Prospect Profile

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Will Levis, Kentucky (6’4″, 229 pounds)

The Buccaneers are now entering the post-Brady era, and it’s not necessarily promising. They added Baker Mayfield this offseason, but he isn’t a long-term answer. Levis is a physical specimen with the upside of a Josh Allen. However, he has spent the better part of last year getting hit behind a porous offensive line. Was his lack of production last season due to not having surrounding talent? Or is he still an ascending prospect worth gambling on? Tampa rolls the dice on the Kentucky product.

Read: Will Levis’ Prospect Profile

20. Seattle Seahawks: OG O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida (6’5″, 330 pounds)

The former Gator is touted as the best pure guard in the draft. The Seahawks noticed. With their second selection in the first round, Seattle elects to bolster its offensive front. This will allow Kenneth Walker and Geno Smith to prosper. It also doubles down on solidifying the trenches, with Carter added at number five.

21. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Zay Flowers, Boston College (5’9″, 182 pounds)

With Justin Herbert on a rookie contract, the Chargers are in win-now mode. It’s all about surrounding their young QB with talent. Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore has two big-bodied receivers on the boundary with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. They now add the electric Flowers in the slot to take this offense to the next level. 

22. Baltimore Ravens: CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn St. (6’2″, 193 pounds)

With the departure of Marcus Peters, the Ravens are now at a deficit at the cornerback position. Baltimore prides itself on having a stout defense and they would be wise to add the oversized Porter to their defensive backfield. Standing at 6’2” and with a massive wingspan, Porter will be an asset while going against division foes, such as the Bengals.

23. Minnesota Vikings: WR Jordan Addison, USC (5’11”, 173 pounds)

With such a porous defense, the Vikings could very easily go defense here and no one would blink an eye. However, they also need a wingman to pull some pressure away from Justin Jefferson. Minnesota takes the Southern California star, who shined for the Trojans alongside future first round pick Caleb Williams.

Read: Jordan Addison’s Prospect Profile

24. Jacksonville Jaguars: EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson (6’5″, 268 pounds)

Murphy is a twitched-up, 258 lb athlete coming out of Death Valley. He is projected to be a better pro than collegiate athlete as he refines his game. Known for turning speed to power, Murphy will be a welcomed asset in Duval.

25. New York Giants: WR Josh Downs, North Carolina (5’9″, 171 pounds)

The Giants have been chasing wide receiver talent for quite some time. Whether it was the missed opportunity of Kadarius Toney, or the failed acquisition of Kenny Golladay, you can’t blame the G-Men for lack of effort. New York invested heavily in Daniel Jones and I’d imagine they continue to build around him. Downs may not be a household name, but he is an excellent slot receiver who wins with route running. He should provide Jones an easy outlet in the middle of the field. With nearly 200 receptions over the last two seasons in Chapel Hill, Downs has the experience to contribute early.

26. Dallas Cowboys: RB Bijan Robinson, Texas (5’11”, 215 pounds)

If Bijan Robinson falls to the Cowboys at pick number 26, you can be sure that Jerry Jones will take him. The head man in Dallas loves to select marketable stars, and the Cowboys have shown a tendency to take the best player available, regardless of need (see: Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb). This is a layup pick for Dallas, as they essentially replace Ezekiel Elliott with a younger, more versatile piece. The fact that he played college ball in Austin is just an added bonus.

Read: Bijan Robinson’s Prospect Profile

27. Buffalo Bills: CB/S Brian Branch, Alabama (6’0″, 190 pounds)

With a team as stacked as the Bills, any pick seems like a luxury. But getting Brian Branch at selection 27 seems like stealing. Not only can the former ‘Bama star play the nickel, but he can play both safety positions in a pinch. Branch is known for being a heady player who surpasses his physical limitations. Buffalo gets a solid player here, with a very high floor.

Read: Brian Branch’s Prospect Profile

28. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah (6’4″, 246 pounds)

The Cincinnati Bengals have a tight window to success as Joe Burrow and Ja’marr Chase are both on rookie deals. The best course of action would be to push in the chips and give Burrow as many weapons as they can to compete in the AFC arms race. With the departure of Hayden Hurst, the Bengals need a little juice at the tight end position. Kincaid is a pure receiving threat who should prosper in this system. With Cincinnati’s “big three” of wide receivers occupying the perimeter, Kincaid should eat down the seams, making this offense almost unstoppable. The addition of Kincaid will also hedge their bets on the eventual departure of Tee Higgins, who will likely be a cap casualty next season.

29. New Orleans Saints (via SF): EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia (6’2″, 238 pounds)

The Saints need some EDGE help, and the former Georgia Bulldog will oblige. The Senior from Athens wowed observers at the NFL combine with his 4.39 speed in the 40-yard dash. Although slightly undersized at 238 lbs, this prospect is a steal at 29 and should stand out on an indoor, turf field.

30. Philadelphia Eagles: G Steve Avila, Texas Christian (6’3″, 332 pounds)

The Eagles need support in the interior of the offensive line and Avila offers versatility. The former Horned Frog played both center and guard at TCU and was pretty effective at both. Avila allowed only 11 pressures over 540 snaps last season and should be a plug-and-play addition in Philly. He projects to be a guard at the next level.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Dawand Jones, Ohio St. (6’8″, 374 pounds)

At 6’8 and 374 pounds, Jones is one of the largest men you’ll see taking the football field. All the Chiefs do is win in Kansas City, and this is mostly due to their quarterback. Why not invest in protecting him? The Chiefs currently have Lucas Niang slated to start at RT, who scored a 45.6 PFF grade in 2022. It would be malpractice to go into next season without a viable plan to protect Patrick Mahomes. The Ohio State behemoth is the man for the job.

-George Carmi is the Managing Editor of Full Press Commanders. He covers the Washington Commanders and provides Fantasy Football coverage for Full Press Fantasy. Like and follow George on twitter: @GCarmi21 and @FPC_Commanders.