2023 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Late season reshuffle at the top
By Wesley Minke
Cornerback. CamSmith. 25. 26. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. South Carolina. player
Smith is an extremely good corner in zone coverage and his ball skills are the top tier in this draft class. He does need a bit of development in man coverage, and he has a difficult time in press coverage as well. When he can read the quarterback’s eyes and make a play on the ball he is one of the more elite defenders in this class.
His route recognition needs a bit of work, as he often will fall for double teams, but working with the likes of Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey will only help those out. Needs to get more consistent at finishing his tackles, and needs to work on being more consistent in run support.
player. 56. Pick Analysis. Cornerback. ClarkPhillips III. 26. Scouting Report. Utah
The Bengals need corner help big time, and here at 26 in my mock draft, I give them one of the best cover corners in Clark Phillips III. He can flip his hips very well and close on the ball at exceptional speed and would fit best in zone coverage because of his size.
He has good ball skills, and most times QBs have to quickly get off him in their progressions because he is always in tight coverage. Needs help in press coverage as he is often unsure about getting out of his backpedal, and needs to gain consistency in run support.
Scouting Report. Oregon. NoahSewell. 27. player. Pick Analysis. LB. 123
The linebackers get a nice polished product in the form of Noah Sewell. He is very good in run support and the pass rush as well. He often gets to the spot before the blockers can get there, and he has the great closing speed to be able to beat running backs or tight ends on an out-breaking route.
He has the potential to be disruptive in the backfield as well as a blitzer, can but needs to work on finishing the tackle and finishing the play not just getting there and arm tackling. He has great traits and speed for a linebacker in the league today and will be a big factor for this great defense.
EDGE. 28. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 124. Notre Dame. IsaiahFoskey. player
The Chiefs need to find a way to get more pressure on the QB, and they are getting one of the best speed rushers in this draft class. He is a big-time hustle player and he uses very violent hands to become a forceful pass rusher and good run defender as well.
He keeps his eyes in the backfield and is very good at setting the edge and not letting rushers get outside of him. He will need to work on leverage and becoming more of a power rusher as well to work on opening up his pass rush game. He plays with good instincts and can finish plays with authority and force.