NFL Mock Draft Part 2: Predicting Picks 16-31

With no 32nd pick on the table due to the Miami Dolphins' violations of the NFL’s tampering policy, this year’s NFL draft only has 31 picks. Let’s take a look at how the second half of the first round could go.

Perhaps the most aggressive cornerback in the draft, Witherspoon has the potential to be a game-changer for whichever team ends up with him. CB may be the deepest position in the first round, but Washington will be very happy with Witherspoon ending up in their lap.

With the top offensive tackles off the board early, the Steelers will have a tough decision to make at 17 overall. They could easily be tempted by one of the remaining receiving options or look to bolster their D line, but protecting Kenny Pickett has to be the priority. Pickett showed some flashes in his rookie year and deserves a chance with a better-supporting cast, adding the behemoth out of Tennessee will be a step in the right direction.

The Lions traded away a very talented TE in TJ Hockenson last year, so with the board falling how it has, they have a chance to find a long-term replacement at pick 18. Kincaid is an explosive athlete who will help immediately in the passing game, his run blocking and pass protection needs some work, but overall the Lions will feel very comfortable with this pick.

The ultimate ‘tools’ guy, Levis could well become a long-term starter for the Bucs. Levis has good size and a cannon, unfortunately, it never quite came together at Kentucky with consistently middling production. With Tom Brady retiring for good, the Bucs are in a strange spot, possessing a very talented roster but no one of note at QB, Levis should start from day one giving him a chance to prove his doubters wrong.

Seattle secured the best edge rushing prospect in the draft with the number five pick, so they have a little wriggle room to take a swing here. Kancey is an undersized defensive tackle from Pitt (where have we heard that before… Aaron Donald) but he has the strength and explosiveness to make up for his lack of weight. Able to immediately penetrate, he could become a useful addition to the burgeoning Seattle D.

The Chargers are blessed with one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL in Justin Herbert, unfortunately, they are consistently hampered by injuries in the WR room. Flowers is a short but strong slot receiver who can play outside when needed, quick in and out of routes and with reports of great character, the Chargers could well have the weapon they need to take the next step.

There’s a lot up in the air for Baltimore right now with quarterback Lamar Jackson’s status in limbo. Despite this, they remain a talented squad however and are able to add to their defensive stocks with the selection of Cam Smith. Smith is a tall and lean CB who is able to stick well with receivers. The pick makes a lot of sense for the Ravens.

With a record that probably belied some of their issues in 2022, the Vikings are able to add to an already solid offense with the selection of Johnson. Given the talents of Justin Jefferson there should be plenty of space for the TCU prospect to flourish. Big, tall and fast there is a lot of potential to unlock here, if the Vikings manage to they could have a steal at the 23rd pick.

Thought of as a potential top-ten pick a few months ago, Ringo has slipped on most draft boards. With good size and athleticism, Ringo was a key piece on the National Championship-winning Georgia side. The Jags are looking like a good side for the first time in a long time with Doug Pederson and Trevor Lawrence at the helm, adding Ringo could be a huge part of the push to go even better.

Probably best known for 207 yards and five TDs against Nick Saban’s famed Alabama defence, Hyatt has all the attributes needed to succeed at the next level. Decent size, good speed, and a good enough route tree for someone who will contribute mostly in the vertical passing game, he’s not a perfect prospect, but could well contribute early. The Giants just about made it work with a mediocre receiving group last year, so adding talent here makes sense.

Having let go of Ezekiel Elliott in the offseason, the Cowboys will be looking for a bell cow back to handle the majority of carries. With Head Coach Mike McCarthy going against the grain with his claims of wanting to ‘run the damn ball’ in 2023, the current option of Tony Pollard doesn’t quite seem enough. Robinson is as good as it gets as a prospect, the best RB since Saquon Barkley so talent-wise, this is a steal.

The Bills let Tremaine Edmunds walk in free agency so need some help in the middle of their defense, Campbell can provide that and then some. Standing over six foot five inches tall, he is bigger than most current inside linebackers, but the Bills are a side that thrives on physicality which the Iowa prospect brings in abundance.

The Bengals aren’t exactly stacked at the TE position, despite the signing of Irv Smith Jr. in free agency. Mayer is an old-school player, drawing comparisons to Cowboys great, Jason Witten. Able to consistently get open underneath and help with run and pass blocking, he could add another option to the Bengals talented offense.

The Saints like to have a lot of big men along their defensive front, so the addition of Bresee makes sense here. He would be able to play both inside and outside depending on the situation and could well develop into a dominant interior player. The Saints spent big money on Derek Carr this offseason so they still see themselves as contenders, Bresee could help them fulfill this lofty ambition.

The Eagles may well be tempted by Gibbs’ teammate, Brian Branch here, but GM Howie Roseman rarely drafts safeties this high. Having said that, he is usually loath to take running back in the first round as well, but with Gibbs offering genuine breakaway speed and a great receiving option out of the backfield, he could make an exception for the speedster out of Alabama.

The Super Bowl champions lost their premier pass rusher in Frank Clark in the offseason, so adding a replacement edge rusher will be a priority. Despite weighing 268lbs, Murphy clocked an impressive 4.52 40-yard dash at his Clemson pro day, putting to rest any doubts over his athletic ability. With solid production in college, Murphy will probably never be a 15-sack-a-year type, but he will consistently make plays, which the Chiefs will be more than happy with.