2023 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Late season reshuffle at the top
By Wesley Minke
Pick Analysis. WR. North Carolina. player. 47. Scouting Report. JoshDowns. 21
Coming in at only 5’10 175 lbs, Downs is undersized for sure, however, he is a speedster for sure. He was clocked at 4.34 on his 40-yard dash, and he will need to be put in space or sent on deep threats. He is a big play waiting to happen, but because of his size, he will likely be a slot WR strictly going forward.
He has a good sense as a route runner, but he will need to develop more as a pass catcher as he too often lets the ball get into his chest rather than securing it out in front with his hands. He struggles against press coverage because he isn’t strong enough to beat it without hand-fighting, however, he will be one of the few big playmakers on this whole offense.
22. player. 58. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Cornerback. Oregon. ChristianGonzalez
The Washington Commanders badly need cornerback help, however, and they get a budding superstar in the form of Christian Gonzalez. One of the best one-on-one corners in the country; he is tall-framed with long arms, powerful hands, and excellent speed.
Gonzalez runs a 4.32 40-yard dash and is very instinctive in the run game as well. He has good closing speed, good cover skills, and the instincts to be a really good corner in this league. Tracks the ball well downfield, but he should be a good instant-impact player right away.
31. WR. SMU. RasheeRice. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 23. player
The New York Giants are in desperate need of another playmaker out wide on this offense badly. Rashee Rice is a flashy player and he will still be a huge game-breaker and will make big-time plays all over the field. He has good size and is great in short area quickness.
He has elite speed with a 4.36 40-yard dash, he is an explosive athlete who can stretch the field with a great first step to get past defenders. He has a good twitch to get past defenders and gets to his top speed very fast. He is a natural pass catcher and does well catching the ball out front. He and Wan’Dale Robinson will form a nice duo going forward.
BroderickJones. player. 45. Pick Analysis. OT. Georgia. 24. Scouting Report
At 6’4 310 lbs, Jones moves very well for his size and he also has pretty impressive power for the size he plays at. He runs a 4.98 40-yard dash and is a big-time mauler in the run game which Denver can rely on with Javonte Williams back healthy next season.
His size makes you think he may fit better on the right side or kick in at a guard spot, but with the way he moves and the style of football that is played today, speed may be more important than size. Very good with his hands in both pass protection and run blocking, but definitely can use some help becoming more technically sound.