With the draft looming we decided as a staff to put together our own draft. We allowed our writers to act as the general manager of certain teams and pick who they think is the best fit for their chosen teams. We go through all of the draft picks with a brief analysis included, followed by a graphic made by BSP’s own Sam Cahoy that sums up the draft. Here’s a look at which writers participated and the teams they chose:
Brian Ramos-Giants and Jets
Erik Livengood– Panthers and Steelers
Stuart Otto– Buccaneers, Lions, and Seahawks
Marthony Sanders– Falcons and Titans
Justin Kirby– Bills, Jags, and Texans
Jake Piccuito– Patriots, Chargers, Commanders, Cowboys, Eagles, Bengals, and Raiders
Sam Cahoy– Packers
Mason Wood– Cardinals and Bears
Obviously there are a few teams unaccounted for, those teams had their picks randomly selected on PFF’s mock draft simulator, the analysis that follows those CPU picks were written by Mason Wood. Let’s go ahead and get started!
Pick 1: Carolina Panthers(Erik Livengood)- Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama
This was a decision back and forth the past couple of months. The more tape you watch of Young, the more you marvel at his pocket presence and his composure in tough situations. He has a unique style make sure he can extend the play and once at the right point make very innovative/impressive passes. He is small in stature but you would regret missing out out on him.
Pick 2: Houston Texans(Justin Kirby)- Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama
The Texans need to get better on Defense. I think you play it safe and take the guy who has been basically unstoppable for Alabama. He has fast hands and quick moves. He’s made Quarterbacks in the SEC tremble. You could argue Quarterback at this pick. But with a new defensive minded head coach coming in in Demeco Ryan’s. Look for them to roll with defense.
Pick 3: Arizona Cardinals(Mason Wood)- Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
The Cardinals need to boost their pass rush and with Will Anderson Jr. Going 2nd overall, this is almost a lock. Reports have come out the last week that Arizona actually likes Wilson over Anderson, so this works out in their favor. Arizona believes Wilson has tremendous upside and could be a factor in this teams future. With the Cardinals in a rebuilding/retooling phase, Wilson will have time to work on his craft in a starting role. I fully expect he will be the player Arizona is hoping for.
Pick 4: Indianapolis Colts(CPU Generated)- Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky
The CPU has their first pick and this was definitely a wild one considering CJ Stroud is still on the board. However, Levis to the Colts doesn’t seem all that crazy. His arm strength is ridiculous and and he can absolutely deliver when necessary. The stats the last two years don’t tell the whole story and Levis could become a good NFL quarterback with Jalen Hurts’ former coach Shane Steichen. The Colts are the best case scenario for Levis and in this mock draft, he’s their best scenario too.
Pick 5: Seattle Seahawks(Stuart Otto)- Jalen Carter, Edge, Georgia
Coming into the offseason, the Seahawks’ biggest need was along the front seven. Seattle struggled to stop the run, and that ultimately hurt them down the stretch. Carter would provide an immediate upgrade to the defensive line. Yes Carter comes with some baggage, but the legal issue was resolved in March and I don’t see that impacting his draft status too much. Lastly, with the resigning of players like Bobby Wagner and Bruce Irvin, as well as adding Dre’Mont Jones, Carter will be going to a locker room with a lot of veteran leadership to help him develop into a quality pro.
Pick 6: Detroit Lions(Stuart Otto)- Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Texas
A lot of people in the media will be screaming that this is too high for a running back. However, I think this is a ‘bit their kneecaps’ type of pick. Robinson is arguably the best all around player in the draft. And specifically for Detroit, he can elevate their offense from Top 5 to the best in the league. Who’s going to stop their running game with Robinson and that offensive line? Bijan can be on the field for passing downs as well. He can catch it out of the back field, pass protect, and even line up at receiver. To me, this is a slam dunk for the Lions.
Pick 7: Las Vegas Raiders(Jake Piccuito)- Peter Skoronski, Tackle, Northwestern
Through CJ Stroud is still on the board the Raiders sure up there offensive line with a perennial tackle. In Jimmy G we trust! I believe McDaniels we look to see if Jimmy can return to what he showed off before the injuries plagued him in San Fransisco. Having someone as talented and sound to block his blind side is the first step in getting Jimmy back to being a top QB in the NFL.
Pick 8: Atlanta Falcons(Marthony Sanders)- Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon
Interesting to see CJ Stroud on the board, but I believe Arthur Smith really wants to give Desmond Ridder an actual shot as a starter this season. At this point with their top choices at Edge, OL, and DL gone. The best player available on defense and maybe even on the board is Gonzalez. Gonzalez has great length and good top-end speed to be a man coverage cornerback in the NFL. His combine numbers took everyone by storm. Atlanta has made moves at the Cornerback position with the trade acquisition of Jeff Okudah. However, more depth can still be added at a position who struggled a bunch last season.
Pick 9: Chicago Bears(Mason Wood)- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
This pick was originally going to be Peter Skoronski but thanks to Jake, the Bears take Smith-Njigba. The Bears need help on their offensive line, but there are some crazy good offensive line prospects in the late first round and early second round. The Bears can trade up and get a quality tackle if Skoronski is gone, and this pick only helps them bolster an already exciting offense. The Bears got DJ Moore via trade that gave them this pick and I think they double down on fixing their Wide Receiver struggles.
Pick 10: Philadelphia Eagles(Jake Piccuito)- Calijah Kancey, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh
With one of the top wide receivers off the board I believe the Eagles will beef up there defensive line. Trusting once again in the abilities of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. Kancey’s athleticism was on full display. He made sure that everyone went back and looked at his season tape. Once you dive into it you see streaks of what Aaron Donald was like back in college. Coming from the same coaching staff and alma mater Kancey could have a very similar impact in the NFL. He might not have the other worldly strength but Kancey’s size and speed will be a issue for opposing offensive lines. Definitely a solid and young defensive lineman to anchor a top defense coming off a run to the Super Bowl.
Pick 11: Tennessee Titans(Marthony Sanders)- CJ Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State
It happens here and the Stroud waiting in the green room is over. An all-around QB coming out of Ohio State and showed that he has the athleticism to win with his legs in the Georgia game. When he’s locked in, can drop into the bucket on deep throws; shows good touch to all three levels. Ryan Tannehill’s time is nearing an end and Malik Wills did not impress as a rookie nor is good grace at the moment. Has to be BPA at this point. Yes the test score drama may be affecting this slide, but this is a steal for the Titans. Stroud does not have to play day 1.
Pick 12: Houston Texans(Justin Kirby)- Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida
Hear me out. Texans went defense with their first pick. Here they can’t afford to pass up on Richardson if he is available. I’m not a believer in Will Levis. Richardson has the body of work with tons of potential. With a little work he could reach the level of Deshaun Watson without the off the field issues.
Pick 13: Green Bay Packers(Sam Cahoy)- Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Linebacker, Iowa
Another year, another one spent not selecting skill positions in the first round. But with multiple second-round picks to select those needs, the Packers get Van Ness. When paired with Rashan Gary, their edge rushes are going to be scary. In a division where Justin Fields runs the ball every play, getting a guy who takes down mobile QBs in his sleep will be more than helpful. Gary is coming off an ACL tear so Van Ness can help be a plug-and-play guy if needed along with Preston Smith to bolster the defensive line.
Pick 14: New England Patriots(Jake Piccuito)- Nolan Smith, Defensive End, Georgia
Though Paris Johnson is still on the board Patriots need more help getting to the quarterback on a consistent basis. This years drafts has some depth at tackle with Dawand Jones and Cody Mauch who could fall to the beginning of the second round. Smith is an athletic and long defensive end who has speed and power off the edge. He won’t only get to the passer but also set the edge and help with run defense as well. Smith will be an instant starter and make a tremendous impact on a Patriots defense that is year-in and year-out a top defense in the NFL. Look out out for Smith to be in high contention for DROY in the AFC.
Pick 15: New York Jets(Brian Ramos)- Broderick Jones, Tackle, Georgia
With the 15th selection in the 2023 BSP NFL Draft, the New York J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS select offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Jones is a two-time national champion winner at the University of Georgia. Jones is one of the more athletic lineman prospects. Besides football, his athleticism was also shown as he played basketball in high school which results in his quick feet and loose hips which helps with his recovery. Jones will be responsible for protecting new star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Pick 16: Washington Commanders(Jake Piccuito)- Will McDonald IV, Defensive End, Iowa State
The defensive end out of Iowa played mostly in a five technique, but in the NFL his speed has him at outside linebacker. He has top end explosiveness in a very stacked draft class. Though his coverage skills will need some work, you can’t teach speed. Having the ability to cover ever evolving and fast running backs/slot wide receivers plays into McDonald’s wheel house. It also doesn’t hurt that he is an excellent pass rusher. With Chase Young’s future in question after the Commanders didn’t pick up his fifth year option, McDonald could replace what was thought to be the future of Washington’s defense.
Pick 17: Pittsburgh Steelers(Erik Livengood)- Darnell Wright, Tackle, Texas
This is a necessary pickup for Pittsburgh especially with their issues both giving space to Najee Harris and protecting Kenny Pickett. At least Hendon Hooker agree with that before having a knee injury to halt his Heisman-destined course this year. Wright has the lateral moment, size, and football acumen that translates to the pros.
Pick 18: Detroit Lions(Stuart Otto)- Devon Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois
If Witherspoon is still on the clock here, the Lions are going to run this card in. They may even trade up to try and get him. One of the best corners (if not the best) in the draft. Witherspoon is a mauler at the position, a tackling machine and has a very high motor. This is an ideal fit for the Lions. Detroit made a lot of moves to address the secondary position this off-season, so it’s not a pressing need at the moment. However, I think he’s just too high on their board to pass up. Lastly, I think DC Aaron Glenn wants a protégé in the secondary that he can mold and groom into being a shut down corner and Witherspoon certainly has that potential.
Pick 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers(Stuart Otto)-Paris Johnson Jr., Tackle, Ohio State
The TWO TIME Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers cannot believe their luck. Easily the biggest position of need, the Bucs are able to address the offensive line with this pick. Free agency allowed the team to keep most of their key defensive players in place, so there isn’t a significant need on that side of the ball. The board definitely falls their way and they draft the best LT prospect in Johnson Jr. Pairing him up with Wirfs, the Bucs will be more adequately prepared to protect whoever is behind center in 2023 (Trask or Mayfield). Another added bonus is the ability to keep Wirfs on the right side by sliding Johnson in at LT immediately.
Pick 20: Seattle Seahawks(Stuart Otto)- O’Cyrus Torrence, Guard, Florida
Seattle quickly addressed their biggest need with the 5th pick (defensive line), now they turn their attention to the offensive side of the football. Austin Blythe retired this offseason and was replaced with Evan Brown through free agency. Brown is more of a fringe starter (at best) at guard or center, so they need to look to the draft for help. Torrence would be an immediate starter at RG for the team. I can still see them addressing center on Day 2 of the draft, but the Seahawks should be very pleased to come out of the first round with 2 immediate starters for the team. Edge rusher was a consideration here, but they have some bodies there and addressed this last year in the second round with Boye Mafe.
Pick 21: Los Angeles Chargers(Jake Piccuito)- Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, TCU
With desperate need for some speed, physicality, movement after the catch, and catch radius Johnston meets all of these requirements that otherwise you would never 4 guys for. Clocking a 4.4 40-yard dash at 6’4” and 215 pounds is scary! Despite having a monster season at TCU, Johnston’s numbers left a lot to be desired. I believe this can be attributed to the way he was used as a decoy. Johnston has all the makings of a great wide receiver in the NFL. The Chargers get a much needed spark and weapon for talented quarterback Justin Herbert. The duo of Johnston-Herbert could elevate the Chargers offense to a deep playoff run with the potential of OROY and MVP trophies awaiting for both at the end of a historic season.
Pick 22: Baltimore Ravens(CPU Generated)- Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
Murphy adds a good player along the edge for a Baltimore defensive line that could use the help. Murphy can come in and make an immediate impact. He has a killer strength and speed combination that the Ravens can absolutely utilize this coming season. While he has degressed since his freshmen year, with the right coaching staff like Baltimore, he can have a stellar career in the NFL. This is a good pick for the Ravens.
Pick 23: Minnesota Vikings(CPU Generated)- Jordan Addison, Wide Receiver, USC
The Vikings lost a regressing Thielen in free agency and can’t rely on Justin Jefferson to carry the receiving core. This pick helps boost the Vikings on offense by adding a crafty receiver to their team. Addison can help pull defenders off Jefferson because of how much of a threat he is. The main thing he’ll have to work past are the drops which was an issue in his college days. With the right staff like Minnesota and Justin Jefferson as a mentor, this can be a great pick for the Vikings.
Pick 24: Jacksonville Jaguars(Justin Kirby)- Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland
Banks is a guy that’s comped to Marlon Humphrey and Darius Slay. He’s Versatile and can cause mayhem in the secondary. He’s not the biggest corner in the world. But he still has decent size and great range of motion. He would come in and try and get that Jacksonville defense back to where it needs to be.
Pick 25: New York Giants(Brian Ramos)- Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback, Penn State
With the 25th pick in the NFL Draft, the New York Giants select the cornerback out of Penn State, Joey Porter Jr. His physicality will do wonders in defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s defense. He slides in to play on the opposite end of Adoree Jackson.
The Giants continue to revamp their defense and look to have two lockdown cornerbacks.
Pick 26: Dallas Cowboys(Jake Piccuito)- Emmanuel Forbes, Conrerback, Mississippi State
Forbes is undersized, but makes up for it in they way he sees the field and attacks the ball carrier/receiver downhill. He can gain some size with time, but his insticts are second to none. Forbes has the ability and range to play anywhere Dallas needs him to. This could be at corner or even safety if needed. Dallas’ defense could use someone that can help with turnovers through the air.
Pick 27: Buffalo Bills(Justin Kirby)- Jack Campbell, Linebacker, Iowa
Now here’s a hard nose tough guy. This guy is built to play inside the box. He’s physical and not afraid to make a tackle. He won the Butkus award this past season in college. Buffalo needs a MLB to replace Tremaine Edmunds. He’s a guy that can come in and do it.
Pick 28: Cincinnati Bengals(Jake Piccuito)- Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame
Mayer is an all-around tight end. With physicality that can is unmatched in this years draft at tight end and he has the ability to find spaces he reminds me a lot of Travis Kelce coming out of college. Though might lack some speed, he will make an impact in both the passing and run game.
Pick 29: New Orleans Saints(CPU Generated)- Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge Kansas State
New Orleans adds one of the better pass rushers in the class here at number 29. The Saints give themselves one of the best edge defenders in the nation and he can easily be coachable at the NFL level. One of his main things he’ll need help with is his balance, especially with NFL level tackles. However, with time this pick could turn out to be a good one for the Saints. He’s a very young player that could be a Saint for quite some time.
Pick 30: Philadelphia Eagles(Jake Piccuito)- Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama
The Eagles gain a much needed sure tackler and ball hawk on defense. Branch did a great job playing safety for the Tide, but also played phenomenal coverage in the slot. He has room fill in his frame and with his ability to play the downhill and the ball he can be an enforcer and help the Eagles reach the Super Bowl once again. Receivers and Quarterbacks need to keep their head on a swivel which Branch in the field.
Pick 31: Kansas City Chiefs(CPU Generated)- Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver,
The Chiefs need receiving help and they add a great receiver to play with Patrick Mahomes. Flowers is best in his first three steps as he gets off the line quick and never let’s anyone touch him once he’s moving. He’s one of the faster receivers in the class and could be a perfect Tyreek Hill replacement. His ability to separate could make him the new favorite target for the two-time MVP quarterback.
That’s the end of the BSP NFL Writer’s Draft
This was a fun time for everyone involved and we are glad we got to do it. We thank you for reading and hope you are as excited for draft season as we are.
