2023 Rookie Mock Draft 2.0

With the NFL Combine in the rearview mirror, Bobby revisits his mock draft, with this second version focused on the first 36 picks in a 12-team league.

The NFL Combine is over, which means we have a mountain of athletic data to wade through and on-field drills to watch. That also means it’s time for another mock draft, this time stretching out to three rounds. Let’s see who’s risen and who’s fallen!

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1st Round

1:01: Jahmyr Gibbs (Previous: 1.04 📈)

What can I say? I loved what I saw from Gibbs at the Combine.  After watching more tape on Gibbs and given his versatility, I truly think Gibbs could be the total package. Will he go ahead of Bijan Robinson in the NFL Draft? We will have to wait and see. Could he produce more fantasy points for us catching passes out of the backfield than Robinson? Again, we will see. I love Gibbs. Like, love love.

1.02: Bijan Robinson (Previous: 1.01 📉)

This is tough to do to Robinson, I know. I get that the dude is ultra-talented. But I just happen to like Gibbs a little more right now. Don’t get me wrong: Robinson looks great. If he was the RB1 going into the draft, his Combine performance and 4.46 40 served him well. I have no doubt Robinson will be great in the NFL.

1.03: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Previous: 1.02 📉)

Another Combine winner, JSN’s routes look crisp and his hands look sure. All we need are an ideal landing spot with a competent QB. Come on, Chargers!

1.04: Devon Achane (Previous: 1.06 📈)

A 4.32 40 at the Combine is going to serve Achane well. While he may not be in the tier of Gibbs and Robinson, he could be a very nice consolation prize. I think Achane could be had possibly even later in the 1st round of rookie drafts, so if Achane is your guy, maybe try and trade back a couple spots for an extra 2nd round pick.

1.05: Zach Charbonnet (Previous: 2.04 📈)

OK, I hear you: Charbonnet looked great at the Combine. I admit in Mock 1.0, I probably had Charbonnet a little too low. He performed well even if I don’t like his upright running style. If you like James Connor, you will really like Charbonnet. Two things I know: 1) every day I’m getting older 2) I’m coming around on Charbonnet.

1.06: Quentin Johnston (Previous: 2.01 📈)

I’ll admit I don’t feel comfortable quite yet with this rise up the ranks for Johnson, but I have to admit, he looked good at the Combine. The body catching wasn’t evident as he weaved through the gauntlet and snatched everything out of the air with ease.  Could we see elite draft capital to pair with his size? I think an NFL team could fall in love with Johnson’s upside. I’m not falling in love… but I am paying attention. 

1.07: Zach Evans (Previous: 1.05 📉)

The slide down two spots isn’t indicative here of dislike for Evans as much as other guys rising. Evans could still be a darling in the draft. Now I admit, I am not a “tape guy,” but watching his tape is definitely fun. Evans could be a 3 down back.

1.08: Zay Flowers (Previous: 1.07 📉)

Even though Flowers came in a little shorter than we anticipated at the Combine, he’s still a skilled athlete. I think his size could create some hesitancy for NFL scouts, but if he gets in the right scheme with a great OC, they could let his talents shine. 

1.09: Tank Bigsby (Previous: 1.03 📉)

Turns out Tank is just that: a large human being. He didn’t over-perform or underperform at the Combine, but was neutral. I still love his tape but the NFL is going to have to help us value him more correctly come closer to draft season.

1.10: Jalin Hyatt (Previous: 1.09 📉)

I get that I’m in the minority here when it comes to Hyatt but I like what he has to offer. His RAS composite speed score was elite, and although his composite size score was poor, his size (6’0” and 176 lbs) is fine to me. While I think the rounded-off routes at the Combine need some work, he could contribute to an NFL team.

1.11: Sean Tucker (Previous: 1.08 📉)

I fall back to what I said in Mock 1.0: Tucker could be good. He could also not get the draft capital we’d like to see and struggle to produce in the NFL. His more recent tape has me a little more optimistic than I was for the last mock. I think there’s reason to have hope in Tucker. But again, the NFL needs to help us know how to value him.

1.12: CJ Stroud (Previous: 2.06 📈)

Stroud is a guy I didn’t have much to say about the last go-round. It’s hard not to watch what Stroud did in Indy and not get excited. I love the way he can roll out of the pocket like Patrick Mahomes—I’m not saying he’s Mahomes (no one is). But he could be a solid QB for a long long time. Even in one QB leagues, I’m very excited.