2023 first round NFL mock draft sees a couple of early trades
By Brian Miller
Our first post-playoff NFL Mock Draft of the season is dipping into the later selections as we encroach on the Super Bowl teams.
26. . WR. Baltimore Ravens. Kayshon Boutte. 22. player
The Ravens say they are not trading Lamar Jackson. Jackson said he will not sign a franchise tender and wants a fully guaranteed contract. Who blinks? What the Ravens absolutely need to do is get better at the WR position. They traded for Raquon Smith last year to improve the defense now draft someone to improve the offense.
60. . LB. Minnesota Vikings. Nolan Smith. 23. player
The Vikings were knocked out of the first round after making a run for the first seed in the NFC late in the season. They need to get better stopping the run and need impact play from their linebackers they would love for Drew Sanders to fall and could go CB here as well.
. CB. Jacksonville Jaguars. Emmanuel Forbes. 24. player. 52
Is there a bigger need for the Jaguars? The Jaguars turned in an impressive turnaround in 2022 climbing up the AFC South slowly but methodically but now they need to continue to improve. In 2022 they had one of the worst secondaries in the NFL.
31. . WR. New York Giants. Jalin Hyatt. 25. player
The biggest question for the Giants is what will happen with Daniel Jones this off-season? He led the team to the playoffs but is he really their long-term answer? Regardless, they need a WR to help out whoever the QB is.
. G. Dallas Cowboys. O'Cyrus Torrence. 26. player. 123
The Cowboys proved that despite a great regular season offense, they still have the ability to fold in the playoffs. They need guard help and receiver help and help on defense but guard is pressing and that should be the top priority.