NFL UK & Ireland Collaboration Mock Draft
By Simon Carroll
Writing a mock draft is easy. But unlike the actual draft, individual mocks have all 32 teams (or 31 in this case) working off the same big board. We wanted to add a dose of realism to our predictions, so we came up with something a little different…
The Touchdown decided to bring together the best of what the UK & Ireland NFL communtiy has to offer, for a truly collaborative mock: 1 round, 31 teams, 27 GM’s – with no trades. The gloves are off – let’s do this!
1. CAROLINA PANTHERS
GM: JACK BRENTNALL
Founder, The Jet Sweep
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
“The Panthers traded a tonne to get to this spot, so it makes sense to swing for the home run. Richardson possesses elite athletic traits as well as the strongest arm in the draft. Don’t sleep on the other parts of his game though. Whether it is pocket presence, throwing with anticipation, or manipulating defenders with his eyes, Richardson shows the ability to do it. If he can neaten up his mechanics the sky truly is the limit.”
2. HOUSTON TEXANS
GM: THOMAS CLAPHAM
Freelance Football Writer
Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
“This kid is the definition of constant pressure. He can beat linemen anywhere, whether it be through speed or strength. He is consistently in the backfield and is affecting the play even when he doesn’t get the sack. We as an organisation believe in Davis Mills at quarterback, and under the new regime we want to load up the Texans organisation with weapons. Without a doubt Will Anderson Jr is the best player in this draft – and the best defensive player since JJ Watt to wear the Texans jersey.”
3. ARIZONA CARDINALS
GM: SAM AKROYD
Guest Writer, The Touchdown
Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia
“Kliff Kingsbury’s tenure went from promising to disaster in 2022, leaving Arizona with a major rebuild that they don’t seem to be undertaking with any great urgency. Ignoring any fanciful ideas about what to do with Kyler Murray the Cardinals need to start with the foundational work of building a solid defense. A combination of Jonathon Gannon implementing a 4-3 line, JJ Watt and Zach Allen leaving Glendale, and a lethargic free agency means there is no option here but Jalen Carter.
As recently as February few would have disputed Carter being labelled the most talented player in this class. Smart hands, quick feet, explosive strength, a disruptive presence from (possibly) the greatest defense assembled in the college game. With one major caveat, Carter would be a near-guaranteed franchise builder and keystone for any future defense. As it stands, that caveat shouldn’t result in any jail time – and may even allow Arizona to trade back a little in the draft before taking him, to add more pieces to a team in desperate need of them.”
4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
GM: ROB WARD
NFL Analyst, The Touchdown
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
“My boss , the erratic Jim Irsay, has given me a clear instruction: go get me a goddamn quarterback. His preferred approach is to find an old man to stand in the pocket and get sacked 736 times a season. I tried to tempt Philip Rivers out of retirement, but he’s happy playing Kindergarten Cop. Peyton prefers calling plays from the sofa. Matty Ice… well, too soon.
Scouring free agency, I’m struggling. There’s Cam, but can my boss really compete with another enormous ego? Better look to the draft, I say, fearful for my job. And then what should happen, but the top rated quarterback in this year’s draft class falls to me at 1.04. Bryce Young. Manna from Heaven. I’m off for a Bud Lite (because I’m American and apparently love getting pissed on tap water) and a huge sigh of relief. Until next year.”
5. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
GM: BEN MATTHEWS
NFL Draft Contributor, With The First Pick
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
“The Seahawks simply must take a quarterback here. The unwavering belief in Geno Smith from some quarters is frankly cult-like and it is a belief unencumbered by any realistic championship aspirations. Whilst it is right to be intoxicated by this feel-good story to an extent, an Alex Smith – Patrick Mahomes type of succession plan that was structured in Kansas in 2017 should be the goal in the Pacific Northwest.
Picking this high is an opportunity that does not come around very often for the Seahawks. Schneider will see similarities between Will Levis and Josh Allen – a QB he reportedly had an affinity for in 2018 – and will be salivating at the former Kentucky quarterback’s physical traits. If developed in the right environment, Levis possesses a higher ceiling than both CJ Stroud and Bryce Young. The Emerald City provides exactly this.
Too much time has been spent nitpicking the quarterback prospects — Levis in particular — and the focus has been on what they are perceived to do poorly. Analysts seem to be forgetting the undoubted potential that will excite NFL evaluators. With effortless velocity, underrated touch and a compact, efficient release Levis can drive the ball wherever he wants. He is a hard worker who is committed to his craft and appears to be a great leader. Geno Smith bided his time and became the man in the locker room whom teammates appreciated and admired, even before Russell Wilson was traded. Levis will have the opportunity to do the same. Yes, Levis has some technical flaws that he will need to work on but he has a superstar quality about him. Well-loved at Kentucky; given time, he will be equally as adored in Seattle.”
6. DETROIT LIONS
GM: TAYYIB ABU
NFL Analyst, The Touchdown
CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
“For as long as Jared Goff has the Super Bowl loss hanging over him, people will always question his longterm future as a franchise quarterback. CJ Stroud could be the answer. A tall, highly proficient, competent pocket passer, Stroud looks an NFL quarterback in waiting. With a winning pedigree and many games under his belt, Stroud was the no-brainer pick here.”
7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
GM: COLUM CRONIN
Co-Founder, The Irish NFL Show
Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
“If Richardson or Young had been there I would have selected them – as I believe that the Raiders have been weakened by letting Carr go and bringing in Garoppolo. Jimmy G is little more than a stopgap. The Raiders are thin at corner, but you have to hope you’re not drafting in the top ten again next season , and the opportunity to get a potential franchise edge rusher is too good to pass up.
Moreover Wilson is a monster. POWER, that is the word you’ll hear over and over again in relation to this prospect, and it’s nigh on impossible to overstate. Over the past two seasons he has amassed 14 sacks, 27.5 TFLs, and quite simply he dominated opponents at the college level.
A physical freak in the truest sense of the word, he is destructive on the edge but with Chandler Jones still under contact he can also play inside. Add into the mix the fact he WANTS to play in Vegas; during his press conference at the NFL Combine, he said: “Like I told the Raiders staff, if I get to join Maxx Crosby that would be two great pass rushers”.
I think Raider Nation will be pleased to have a key defensive piece for years to come.”
8. ATLANTA FALCONS
GM: THOMAS WILLOUGHBY
NFL Analyst, The Touchdown
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
“The Falcons did a pretty good job of addressing their major needs through free agency, so there isn’t a huge hole that needs plugging through the draft. With that, they’ve opted to add another weapon to help Desmond Ridder succeed in 2023. In Bijan Robinson, they’ve thrown positional value out the window. Robinson immediately comes in as the team’s RB1, something that has been missing from Arthur Smith’s offense since he left Tennessee. And we all know what happened the last time he had that sort of player. Adding Robinson to a room that includes Tyler Allgier and Cordarrelle Patterson gives Atlanta arguably the strongest group of running backs in the NFL. It also takes the pressure away from Ridder to make things happen in the passing game. Don’t look now, but Atlanta now have a sneakily exciting offensive core.”
9. CHICAGO BEARS
GM: TED HOLMES
Co-Host, The NFL Draft Punk Podcast
Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
“Watching the rather wild first 8 picks drop before them, the Chicago Bears were a little stunned. Before he was taken by Atlanta at 8, the Bears were salivating at the thought of lining up Bijan Robinson behind Justin Fields. However, the Chicago Bears were making no mistake. The majority of value from this year’s draft capital needs to be used to find out whether Justin Fields can progress to the next level.
The Bears entertained the idea of giving their QB a receiving weapon in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. But the more pressing need is to get help on the Offensive line to help keep Fields clean – Bbth when using his legs, and in the pocket to hopefully help showcase the arm talent he looked to have in college. Paris Johnson has incredible athleticism to assist the running game. He also has the size, the impressive wingspan and anchor to help keep Justin Fields clean on passing downs. On top of that, he also has versatility to bounce inside and play as a high-level guard, as he did for the Buckeyes. But make no mistake about it; the positional versatility is just a Brucie Bonus. The Bears are bouncing Braxton Jones over to right tackle and are drafting Paris Johnson Jr as their starting left tackle for many years to come.”
10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
GM: CALLUM SQUIRES
NFL/CFB Analyst, The Touchdown
Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
“Guess what is never a bad idea? Having great pass rushers. And other great idea? Drafting Georgia Bulldogs on the defensive side of the ball. Nolan Smith could be a slam dunk to add to an already imprsssive defensiv line group that had a tonne of sacks last year.
The rich get richer with Philly taking Smith.”
11. TENNESSEE TITANS
GM: BEN ROLFE
Managing Editor, Pro Football Network
Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
“Broderick Jones has a real chance to be the best OT out of this draft, and the Titans really need the OL help. If there was a slam dunk WR prospect that would be another option – but getting either Ryan Tannehill or Malik Willis some protection has to be the first priority. Jones’ addition should also help bolster the team’s main offensive strength — the run game.”
12. HOUSTON TEXANS
GM: THOMAS CLAPHAM
Freelance Football Writer
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
“Following on from picking the best player in the draft, the Texans now have another piece for DeMeco Ryan’s first defense as Head Coach. Witherspoon joins a young secondary with second year players in Stingley and Pitre. All three are playmakers, and possess the toughness and speed to keep up with even the biggest receivers. Going with a ‘defense wins championships’ approach, The Texans will be hoping that excellent defensive play will support an offense not yet fully formed.”
13. NEW YORK JETS
GM: KHRISTINA QUIGLEY
The Irish NFL Show
Brian Battle, S, Alabama
“Brian Branch is widely considered the best safety in the 2023 NFL Draft, and I firmly believe he will go higher than anticipated! A top-five safety prospect out of Sandy Creek High School in Georgia, Branch worked his way on to the field as a freshman. That initial season he played in 12 games with three starts and won a national championship ring – and that immediate contribution is likely to be seen in the NFL. Branch has shown himself to be a plug-and-play defensive back, with the Crimson Tide lining him up everywhere – from box safety to sub-linebacker to slot cornerback, and even as a deep safety.
Adding Branch to Sauce Gardner, Chuck Clark and Jordan Whitehead gives the Jets a scary secondary. He could win as a nickel defender over opposing slot receivers, add support as an elite run defender from anywhere, and help out in pass coverage from deeper alignments as well. Robert Saleh will love the versatility he brings to this defense.”
14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
GM: OLIVER HODGKINSON
NFL Draft Analyst, Pro Football Network
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
“The New England Patriots are flabbergasted to find that Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez is still on the board at pick 14, and run the card up to the podium to find an instant impact maker at a position of need. Gonzalez has the potential to be a top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and first cornerback off the board. His ideal combination of size, length, speed, explosiveness, fluidity of movement, and ball skills make him the perfect candidate to patrol the perimeter of the Patriots secondary for years to come.”
15. GREEN BAY PACKERS
GM: GARETH EVANS
Founder, Saturday Feeds My Soul
Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
“Peter Skoronski is a steal at number 15. At 6’4″ and 315lbs, he is a compact powerhouse of a tackle, excelling at stopping the run and equally comfortable protecting the passing game. A five-star recruit going into Northwestern, Skoronski has an excellent pedigree. His grandfather, Bob, played for the Packers under Vince Lombardi so this is an appropriate fit. While Jordan Love assumes the reins under center, giving him time will be critical for Green Bay. Skoronski’s versatility means he could line up at guard, or be a backup to the injury prone David Bakhtiari on Love’s blind side.”
16. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
GM: PAUL MAINWARING
NFL Analyst & Podcast Host, The Touchdown
Joey Porter, CB, Penn State
“Is this the perfect pick for Washington? No. Would they prefer Skronski or Branch? Of course. However, the back end of the Commanders’ defense is suspect, and adding a talented player like Porter will improve that secondary immediately. Porter is a physical outside corner and is becoming a more consistent coverage defender. Having an All-Pro for a father gives me the confidence he will adapt to the NFL seamlessly – pedigree bloodlines are a real thing, and often underestimated.”
17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
GM: FREDDY HARPER-DAVIES
Freelance Football Content Producer
Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
“Easy pick in the end, With the big targets at tackle and corner falling just before 17, Deonte Banks is the most intriguing player left standing – and also happens to hail from Maryland, a school which the Steelers lean on often. Banks is a fast, easy to transition corner who will give the Steelers some much needed talent in an area where they lost Cam Sutton in the off season to Detroit. With only wily veteran Patrick Peterson coming into the building, a rookie corner is inevitable. So why not in round one, with a guy whose stock is rising, and fast?”
18. DETROIT LIONS
GM: TAYYIB ABU
NFL Analyst, The Touchdown
Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
“The rangy South Carolina cornerback has an outstanding IQ for the ball, and is physical at the line of scrimmage. A fierce tackler with a knack for attacking the ball, Smith will fill Detroit’s Jeff Okudah-sized hole.”
19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
GM: REBECCA RENNIE
NFL Draft Analyst, The Touchdown
Steve Avila, IOL, TCU
“The position of the Bucs’ first round selection is arguably a little awkward, relative to key positions of need and the value of remaining prospects. A pick in the trenches, on either side of the ball, would be ideal, with talent additions welcome across the o-line and at edge defender in particular. Personally, popular offensive tackles such as Darnell Wright and Dawand Jones would be reaches, in addition to their best-fit projections to right tackle and the debatable benefits of moving Tristan Wirfs to the left. On defense, Nolan Smith would have been an excellent scheme fit, but is long gone in this exercise. Notre Dame’s Isaiah Foskey also got serious consideration for the selection.
While many would view the choice as early for the player, TCU interior lineman Steve Avila is the pick for the Buccaneers at 19. He sits at number 22 on the personal big board as an under-rated prospect in this class. Though left tackle is a glaring need on Tampa’s OL, reinforcements across the offensive front are well justified. With versatility at all three interior spots, Avila can be a plug-and-play upgrade at either guard spot or center. Particularly, with Ryan Jensen likely to be toward the latter stages of his Tampa tenure, Avila could be a fantastic long-term replacement in the middle. The Horned Frog lineman plays with outstandingly consistent form, power and balance that ought to translate seamlessly to the pro’s.”
20. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
GM: BEN MATTHEWS
NFL Draft Contributor, With The First Pick
Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
“Avoiding the obvious d-line pick at five, the Seahawks choose to wait until their native first round pick to add to this unit with a high upside swing.
Van Ness is an incredibly enticing prospect and will go higher than this after an impressive combine. His stock is scorching. Another John Schneider type of athlete, Van Ness was never a full-time starter at Iowa but his best football is still to come. A gritty hockey background serves him well as he displays both a grizzled and violent mentality for the position, as well as the bend and agility of a man twenty pounds lighter.
In his limited collegiate career, Van Ness showed that he can win in a variety of ways thanks to his pliability, but he will become more and more refined at the next level. His potential as a QB hunter is limitless. The signing of Dre’Mont Jones will ensure that Van Ness can be eased into his role as he adapts to the NFL level but the Hawkeye will be seen as a steal at 20th overall when all’s said and done.”
21. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
GM: LEE WAKEFIELD
Guest Writer, The Touchdown
Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
“So with the way the board fell here, as Chargers GM I had a number of ways that I could have gone; defensively Myles Murphy was still hanging around and he would have made a fantastic heir to Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. But offensively, all of the pass catchers were available…
Whilst a playmaker like Dalton Kincaid makes a lot of sense, the Chargers need speed and can grab a tight end later, in what is an historic class. So I’ve selected Zay Flowers, who can access the deep parts of the field and give the Bolts the run-after-catch threat they desperately need. Flowers will also mesh nicely with the other receivers on the roster and unlock things for Kellen Moore and Justin Herbert.”
22. BALTIMORE RAVENS
GM: JOE VALENZUELA
NFL Analyst, The Touchdown
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
“Since the arrival of Lamar Jackson, the constant criticism of the Ravens has been their inability to posses a true number one wideout. Multiple first rounders have attempted to fill that void; initially they tried with Speedster Hollywood Brown, but he was quickly shipped off to Arizona. In 2021 they tried again with ‘Gopher standout Rashod Bateman, but two injury-plagued seasons leaves his future in jeopardy. With the recent arrival of OBJ, Baltimore is hoping to mend its relationship with Lamar – presumably with close to $200m thrown his way helping too. What better way to do that then to add the most accomplished, polished receiver of this draft class?
USC standout receiver Jordan Addison has been a major factor in college, racking up 17 TDs in 2021 while at Pitt. He then decided to join Lincoln Riley this past season and was on pace to put up similar numbers in a thriving Trojan offense, before injuries shortened his season. With the ability to run any route from any part of the field Addison could make a major impact right away – and could even win Rookie of the Year with his potential. Should injuries not derail this receiver room (which is a big IF), the Ravens would likely have their best trio of pass catchers in some time. Marrying them with all pro tight end Mark Andrews should allow this franchise to kick the second stage of the Lamar Jackson journey in Baltimore off with a bang.”
23. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
GM: KEVIN SAYER
Co-Host, The NFL Draft Punk Podcast
Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
“With the nightmare scenario of all viable corner options removed from the board, I’m forced to look elsewhere. Whilst receiver could be an option I can’t remove the static lacklustre defense I witnessed last season from my mind’s eye. Whilst some of this can be attributed to the scheme, the team finished in the bottom half of the league on QB hurries, sacks and pressures. The Vikings’ pass rush room needs to get younger – and cheaper…
Za’Darius Smith’s situation is somewhat muddled financially and Danielle Hunter has struggled to consistently find the form he displayed pre injury and scheme change. Davenport is a nice 1 year “prove it” addition, but I’m surprised to see Myles Murphy still on the board. Murphy has an appealing blend of burst and power with a long tall frame perfect for the position. He has the ability to breeze past contact, taking lineman’s soul in the process. Some will struggle with his lack of high end production for someone so gifted – but get him working under the existing veterans and this pick could play out nicely for the future.”
24. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
GM: SIMON CARROLL
Founder, The Touchdown
Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
“It took Doug Pederson all of twelve months to get the stink of Urban Meyer out of the building and the Jags back into the playoffs. The inevitable ascendance of Trevor Lawrence was welcome, the timeline escalated by an injection of talent around him.
In order to help Big Trev – and this team – keep getting better, they need to protect their prized asset at all costs. Jawaan Taylor was wildly overpaid by The Chiefs in free agency; as a plug-and-play right tackle, Darnell Wright isn’t just a capable replacement, he’s a considerable upgrade. The towering Tennessee o-lineman is enjoying a late surge in his draft stock, so seeing him still on the board at this juncture was a no-brainer. Whilst the rest of the AFC South scrambles to find their franchise QB, The Jags are busy giving theirs the platform for more success.”
25. NEW YORK GIANTS
GM: JOSHUA EDWARDS
NFL & CFB Analyst. The Touchdown
Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
“A bit of a run on corners by my fellow GM’s, but it is a position of need and I’m taking a punt on Kelee Ringo out of Georgia. He’s not the finished product which is why his grade has slipped a little towards the second round in most places, but his physical tools are undeniable. The Giants are thin at the spot, and in spite of only a couple of seasons as a starter, Ringo still has the chance to be a star (sorry).”
26. DALLAS COWBOYS
GM: ROB GRIMWOOD
Freelance CFB Analyst
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
“Two terms that are overused in the draft process/college football… ‘Generational Talent’ and ‘Baby Gronk’. However.. if there were a player that *could* be both, then look no further than Mayer. Outstanding playmaker, excellent pass catcher and has top of the class blocking ability. His all-round skillset is what Dallas will be hunting for in the first round; they need better passing options over the middle, and also need an extra body on the line. Baby Gronk, sorry, Mayer can do both, and do them well.”
27. BUFFALO BILLS
GM: RORY-JOE DANIELS
CFB & NFL Draft Analyst, The Touchdown
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
“Wide receiver 1 still on the board? The Bills say thank you very much. Gabriel Davis was expected to make the leap last year and it didn’t quite go to plan. Smith-Njigba takes the pressure off Davis and gives Josh Allen another weapon. The AFC is an arms race and adding a player with JSN’s skillset helps the Bills to keep pace with the Chiefs and the Bengals.”
28. CINCINNATI BENGALS
GM: KIERAN HORNE
Freelance Football Content Creator
Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pitt
“Coming off back-to-back AFC North Championships this Cincinnati Bengals roster is primed for another deep playoff run – and Calijah Kancey is the perfect player to help push Lou Anarumo’s defense over the edge.
Kancey is an explosive option for the D-Line, whose production and playstyle will be a welcome addition to an already strong Bengals team. A third tilt at a Lombardi is well and truly on the cards!”
29. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
GM: TOM COLEMAN
Freelance CFB Analyst
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
“Hooker – the Greenboro, NC native – led the Volunteers to a breakout season in the NCAA last season. He went toe to toe with Byrce Young’s Alabama and won in a magical night in Knoxville. Any player that shatters Peyton Mannings school record for career completions is one to watch. Is Derek Carr the answer in the Big Easy? I’m not sold, and with Jameis Winston’s future unsure in New Orleans, the Saints are opting to bolster their QB options with the acquisition of Hendon Hooker.”
30. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
GM: CALLUM SQUIRES
NFL & CFB Analyst, The Touchdown
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
“With the departure of Miles Sanders, the eagles have a re-worked RB room. Yes, they’ve signed Rashaad Penny, and Kenny Gainwell & Boston Scott are still around. But Gibbs is a different level athlete with great hands. He could turn a Hurts dump-off into a 60+yd TD multiple times a year. They love their backfield committee, and Gibbs is a first round talent. We need to return to valuing RBs!!!!”
31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
GM: LIAM HORSLEY
Co-Host, The Go For 2 Podcast
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
“This selection was between OT Anton Harrison and WR Quentin Johnston. I decided to go with the weapon for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, because the Chiefs desperately need an X type wide receiver.
The Chiefs have lost a lot of snaps at the position and Johnston has already met with the team, trained with Mahomes and is a perfect fit for their new YAC style offense. Hopefully Travis Kelce can help him improve those hands!”
