Matt Lesnik’s 4th and final annual NFL Mock Draft

Jon Lesnik

Matt Lesnik on the field at a Giants game.

Carolina Panthers (via Chicago): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The Panthers gave up a package of two first round picks, two second round picks, and star WR DJ Moore to the Bears to move up eight spots. They have a hole to fill at QB with both Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield not working out. Young is the pick here, as he is the best QB in the class.

Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Texans are another QB needy team, and they have their eyes on Ohio State’s guy, C.J. Stroud. Despite rumors that they will pass on a QB, Davis Mills is simply not cutting it and they have to take a QB.

Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

Anderson is the best player in the draft, and with the Cardinals being the first team picking to not need a QB, he ends up in Arizona. The Cardinals were bottom ten in the league in sacks last season, and Anderson bolsters their defense in a big way.

Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

The Colts finally get smart and take a QB for the long term instead of banking on veteran QBs to work out. Since the retirement of Andrew Luck, the Colts have had four different opening day QBs. Richardson will be a project, but he has all the tools to be an all time great QB.

Seattle Seahawks (via Denver): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Carter’s problem is not what he can do on the field, what he can do there is evident. The issue is off the field. Carter was arrested after being involved in a street racing incident that ended up killing two other people. Carter also showed up to the NFL Draft Combine overweight. The Seahawks are taking a slight gamble by taking him, but if it pays off, they potentially have the best player in the draft.

Detroit Lions (via LA Rams): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Detroit is coming off their best season since 2017, finishing with a 9-8 record. Their offense looked miles ahead of where it did in 2021, and the defense didn’t look half bad either, but the secondary could still use some work. They go with Gonzalez, having no real #1 CB after trading Jeff Okudah.

Las Vegas Raiders: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

The Raiders are a team that has been plagued with bad defenses over the last decade. After a complete offensive overhaul in free agency, they shift their focus to the defense. Vegas allowed the 4th most passing yards per game and cornerback is a huge need, so they go with Witherspoon.

Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

Another team that has had some bad defenses in the past couple of years, they have made some moves in recent years to improve it. They continue to do so, focusing on the weakest part of their defense, the pass rush. Atlanta was second to last in sacks in 2022, and Wilson is a big improvement.

Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

The Bears went berserk in free agency, spending over $120 million and filling some big holes. After trading down, they still have one big hole to fill, and it is the offensive line and protecting Justin Fields. The local kid fills in immediately on Chicago’s line, protecting Fields’ blind side.

Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans): Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

The Eagles just made the super bowl and have no immediate needs, so why not bolster their defensive depth. With Brandon Graham’s career coming to a close soon, Philly gets a guy who can replace him when he does decide to hang it up.