Expert Analysis
3/20/23
15 min read
2023 NFL Mock Draft 4.2: How Much Does Green Bay Get in Aaron Rodgers Trade?
There are four potentially franchise-altering quarterbacks available at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft, so expect teams to jump at the chance to trade up in the draft if the opportunity arises. The Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons are two teams that could look to move up, hopefully securing the future faces of their respective organizations as a result.
Led by T.J. McCreight, The 33rd Team Scouting Department has been hard at work evaluating the top prospects in this class. A former player personnel executive for the Philadelphia Eagles and former director of college scouting for the Colts, McCreight has nearly 25 years of NFL scouting experience.
He is joined in the department by three scouts:
- Kevin Cohn, a former scouting assistant for the Jacksonville Jaguars and assistant director of player personnel for the University of Connecticut.
- Justin Casey, who worked for the Arizona Cardinals in football administration and then as the senior player personnel executive for the Montreal Alouettes.
- Evan Pritt, a former scouting assistant for the Eagles and former player personnel assistant for the University of Maryland.
>> Full Big Board from The 33rd Team Scouting Dept.
Note: This year’s first round only has 31 picks because the Miami Dolphins forfeited their selection for tampering with Tom Brady.
The 33rd Team 2023 Mock Draft 4.2
1. Carolina Panthers
*FROM BEARS
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Frank Reich and the Panthers traded with the Bears for the No. 1 spot, and they land C.J. Stroud (scouting report) from Ohio State as their new franchise passer. Stroud is a good fit for the offensive scheme Reich will likely use in Carolina. If Stroud plays well in his rookie season, there's a chance the Panthers can compete in the underwhelming NFC South.
>> READ: Who Won Bears-Panthers Trade?
2. Houston Texans
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
With the Panthers moving up to No. 1, the Texans don't have their pick of the top quarterbacks. Still, they get Bryce Young (scouting report) from Alabama to run their new offense. New coach DeMeco Ryans and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik get the player who has been long rumored to be the Texans' top choice.
>> READ: Young Can Transcend Size Concerns
3. Indianapolis Colts
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH CARDINALS
- Indianapolis receives: 1-3
- Arizona receives: 1-4, 2-35
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
The Colts move from No. 4 to No. 3, giving up pick No. 35 to the Arizona Cardinals to secure the deal. Indianapolis might need to block another team from getting to this spot to ensure they get their passer of the future in Kentucky quarterback Will Levis (scouting report). Levis has to iron out accuracy concerns, but new Colts coach Shane Steichen's work with Jalen Hurts makes Indianapolis an appealing spot for Levis to improve.
>> READ: Teams Must Do Extra Work on Levis
4. Arizona Cardinals
*FROM COLTS
Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
The Cardinals move back one spot and still get the best non-quarterback on the board. This team needs upgrades all over the roster, and a top-level pass-rusher like Will Anderson (scouting report) is a player they can build around. Especially since the Cardinals lost J.J. Watt to retirement and Zach Allen to free agency.
5. Seattle Seahawks
Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
*FROM BRONCOS
A perfect fit for this Seahawks' defense, Tyree Wilson (scouting report) could start putting pressure on NFC West quarterbacks as soon as he gets on the field. Under coach Pete Carroll, the Seahawks have emphasized having a strong defensive line. This pick allows them to get back to that.
6. Atlanta Falcons
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH LIONS
- Atlanta receives: 1-6
- Detroit receives: 1-8, 3-75
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Falcons give up the No. 8 and No. 75 pick to select talented Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson (scouting report). His ultimate potential is unknown, but he could be a special player for Atlanta if he develops. Richardson's historic combine performance might've pushed his stock higher than this, but the Falcons cash in on his slight fall down the board.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Along with entrenched starter Kolton Miller, drafting Broderick Jones (scouting report) would help the Raiders provide two bookend tackles to protect their new quarterback — Jimmy Garoppolo. If Jones can help solidify the Raiders' protection issues, the team is capable of competing in the tough AFC West.
8. Detroit Lions
*FROM FALCONS
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Lions added a corner in free agency — Cameron Sutton — but Christian Gonzalez (scouting report) is too good to pass up and puts this position to rest for the future in Detroit. Adding the draft's expected CB1 to a secondary including Sutton, former first-round pick Jeff Okudah and the newly signed Chauncey Gardner-Johnson should make Detroit's secondary more than competitive.
9. Chicago Bears
*FROM PANTHERS
Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
The Bears moved back to No. 9 to get extra assets and still get the player they would have taken at No. 1 — Jalen Carter (scouting report). Carter's draft process has included an arrest for racing and reckless driving chargers, which he plead no contest to, and an underwhelming pro day where he was out of shape and unable to complete positional drills. Still, his talent is undeniable, and the Bears need the pass rush help.
>> READ: Carter Made Critical Mistake with Far-Reaching Effects
10. Philadelphia Eagles
*FROM SAINTS
Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
In a move that would make headlines, the Eagles pick the player that helps them the most right now — Bijan Robinson (scouting report). Philadelphia lost Miles Sanders, and it is close to winning a Super Bowl; this pick would mean the franchise is all in. The Eagles lost a lot of players on defense, but they still have pick No. 30 to add defensive talent.
11. Tennessee Titans
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Tennessee Titans need playmakers and a wide receiver with good size that can stretch the field. Quentin Johnston (scouting report) more than fits the bill. The offense wasn't the same last season without the presence of A.J. Brown, leading to an underwhelming season for quarterback Ryan Tannehill when he was healthy. Johnston will pair last year's first-round receiver pick Treylon Burks well.
12. Houston Texans
*FROM BROWNS
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Texans pick a wide receiver — Jordan Addison (scouting report) — to go along with their new quarterback in Young. After winning the Biletnikoff Award in 2021 while at Pittsburgh, Addison transferred to USC and had a strong 2022 season in the Pac-12. Young and Addison can grow together in this new Houston offense.
13. Green Bay Packers
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH JETS
- Green Bay receives: 1-13
- New York receives: QB Aaron Rodgers
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
The Green Bay Packers end up with the No. 13 overall pick after trading Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets. Instead of getting new quarterback Jordan Love a premier target, the Packers shore up the defense. Devon Witherspoon (scouting report) pairs with Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes to make the Packers' secondary a strength.
>> DEBATE: What Does Rodgers Trade Look Like?
14. New England Patriots
Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
The Patriots tried to get through last season without a true offensive coordinator, leading to a number of issues on offense, including pass protection for Mac Jones. Peter Skoronski's (scouting report) versatility could be appealing to the Patriots, as he is capable of playing guard and tackle. He would be a strong addition to New England's offensive line for years to come.
15. Green Bay Packers
Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
After adding one of the draft's top back-seven players and ending the Rodgers era, the Packers land Paris Johnson (scouting report). Johnson is an athletic offensive tackle from Ohio State, who should help protect Love. Johnson is also a strong contributor in the run game, which would help the Packers' RB duo of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon.
16. Washington Commanders
Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
In what might some consider a surprise, Hendon Hooker (scouting report) lands in the first round to a quarterback-desperate Commanders team. Hooker would get to recover from his ACL injury and learn behind a true pro in Jacoby Brissett, who the team signed this offseason. Hooker showed enough to land here with his arm and athleticism this past season.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
Dawand Jones (scouting report) is a great fit for the Steelers' offense. The giant offensive tackle (6-foot-8, 374 pounds) has the strength and power to push defenders off the line of scrimmage. Pittsburgh brought in guard Isaac Seumulo from the Eagles during free agency, giving them even more talent up front. Kenny Pickett missed games because of a concussions last season, so building a wall in front of him makes sense.
18. Los Angeles Chargers
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH LIONS
- Los Angeles receives: 1-18
- Detroit receives: 1-21, 3-85
Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Jalin Hyatt (scouting report) is an explosive wide receiver who would be a terrific complement to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in Los Angeles. Hyatt's ability to stretch the field would give the Chargers' offense a new dimension. Some might've expected Hyatt to run a faster 40-yard dash time than 4.40 at the NFL Combine last month, but his speed on video is undeniable.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Tampa Bay has to shore up its offensive line, and it does so by selecting Anton Harrison (scouting report). He's not an elite athlete, but his size and toughness are a welcome addition to the Buccaneers' offensive line. Whether Kyle Trask or Baker Mayfield ends up starting the majority of games this season, the Buccaneers won't compete in the NFC South without an upgrade at tackle.
20. Seattle Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
There are questions about Jaxon Smith-Njigba's (scouting report) speed, but his ability to separate as a route runner and college production makes him hard to pass up for Seattle. Smith-Njigba might be limited to the slot, but Seattle has two prolific outside receivers already in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
21. Detroit Lions
*FROM CHARGERS
Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
After selecting Gonzalez in the top 10, the Lions continue adding to their defense. Lukas Van Ness (scouting report) is a versatile player that can also line up inside to go along with some of their other talented defensive linemen. Adding Van Ness to a defensive line with Aidan Hutchinson gives Detroit two dynamic, young pass rushers who can move around the defensive front.
22. Baltimore Ravens
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Depending on what happens with Lamar Jackson, this pick could change drastically. Assuming Baltimore and Jackson decide to stay together, the Ravens have a hole in the secondary to address. Joey Porter Jr. (scouting report) is a long, physical cornerback capable of playing on an island in man coverage.
>> READ: Baltimore Is Perfect Place for Jackson
23. Minnesota Vikings
Brian Branch, S, Alabama
The Vikings are undergoing a major change on the defensive side of the ball under new coordinator Brian Flores. The highly instinctive Brian Branch (scouting report) can do a lot of things on the football field. He'll help a Vikings' pass defense that was their Achilles' heel last season.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Jaguars are happy to select another weapon for Trevor Lawrence, despite using the franchise tag on tight end Evan Engram already. Mayer flashes some miss-match qualities in the passing game and also has the ability to move people in the run game. His all-around skill set would complement Engram's pure-receiver skills nicely.
25. Kansas City Chiefs
*PROJECTED TRADE WITH NY GIANTS
- Kansas City receives: 1-25
- New York receives: 1-31, 3-95
Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
Kansas City moves up to No. 25 and gives up No. 95 to select the talented offensive tackle from Knoxville in Darnell Wright (scouting report). This pick fills a critical need after losing Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency. With new free-agent acquisition Jawaan Taylor slated to play left tackle this coming season, Wright's experience at right tackle makes him the perfect fit to protect Patrick Mahomes.
26. Dallas Cowboys
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The Cowboys lost Dalton Schultz in free agency, so this is a good start toward replacing him. Dalton Kincaid (scouting report) has the size and pass-catching skill set to be a consistent threat for quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys clearly want to upgrade their pass catchers as they added wide receiver Brandin Cooks via trade already.
27. Buffalo Bills
Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
The Bills need another wide receiver who can command the respect of opposing defenses besides Stefon Diggs. Josh Downs (scouting report) has the speed to stretch the field and be the additional weapon Josh Allen, and Buffalo's offense needs to get to the next level.
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
The Bengals added Brown Jr. to shore up their offensive line, so they'll pivot to the other side of the ball with this pick. Emmanuel Forbes (scouting report) is a playmaking corner with outstanding hands and ball skills to make a splash for this defense. The Bengals lost both starting safeties (Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell) to free agency, giving them a need for quality secondary players regardless of position.
29. New Orleans Saints
Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
The Saints are rolling with Derek Carr at quarterback this season, but they did lose former first-round edge rusher Marcus Davenport in free agency. Murphy is an athletic pass rusher who fits what the Saints do on defense. They'll hope to get the most out of his ability by rushing him opposite of Cameron Jordan.
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Will McDonald, Edge, Iowa State
After adding Robinson at No. 10 overall, the Eagles add another pass rusher to their already talented defensive line. Will McDonald (scouting report) would team up with returning veterans like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham and budding, young players like Jordan Davis and Josh Sweat.
31. New York Giants
*FROM CHIEFS
Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
The Giants decided to extend quarterback Daniel Jones this offseason, so protecting him has to be one of their top priorities. Joe Tippmann might be the best center in the draft, making him a solid selection for New York with the last pick in the first round.
Round 2
32. Pittsburgh (from Chicago): Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland (scouting report)
33. Houston: Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia (scouting report)
34. Arizona: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia (scouting report)
35. Arizona (From Projected Trade with Indianapolis): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama (scouting report)
36. L.A. Rams: Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh (scouting report)
37. Seattle (from Denver): John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota (scouting report)
38. Las Vegas: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State (scouting report)
39. Carolina: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College (scouting report)
40. New Orleans: Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson (scouting report)
41. Tennessee: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia (scouting report)
42. Cleveland: Byron Young, Edge, Tennessee (scouting report)
43. N.Y. Jets: Olusegun Oluwatimi, IOL, Michigan (scouting report)
44. Atlanta: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina (scouting report)
45. Green Bay: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa (scouting report)
46. New England: Jammie Robinson, S, Florida State (scouting report)
47. Washington: Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State (scouting report)
48. Detroit: Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati (scouting report)
49. Pittsburgh: Keeanu Benton, IDL, Wisconsin (scouting report)
50. Tampa Bay: BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU (scouting report)
51. Miami: Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh (scouting report)
52. Seattle: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson (scouting report)
53. Chicago (from Baltimore): Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State (scouting report)
54. L.A. Chargers: Byron Young, IDL, Alabama (scouting report)
55. Detroit (from Minnesota): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois (scouting report)
56. Jacksonville: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse (scouting report)
57. N.Y. Giants: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon (scouting report)
58. Dallas: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss (scouting report)
59. Buffalo: Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State (scouting report)
60. Cincinnati: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M (scouting report)
61. San Francisco (from Carolina): Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma (scouting report)
62. Philadelphia: DJ Turner, CB, Michigan (scouting report)
63. Kansas City: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati (scouting report)
