Campus2Canton’s draft team came together to give you a NFL pre-playoff mock draft. For this mock draft, we predicted who would win the playoff matchups and win the Super Bowl. We then went to make picks for each team in the first two rounds of the NFL draft. For mock draft 1.0 there are no trades, but expect some in the future. We will make the pick and give a brief summary as to why for each pick.

Round 1

1.1- Chicago Bears- Will Anderson, Edge- Alabama

Let’s put a stop to the madness before it gains too much momentum. The Bears shouldn’t draft a QB with #1. Whether they will or not is a separate question. While fans may want to see a trade-down for a king’s ransom here, there are still quite a few dominos to fall before we can predict one with any degree of certainty. Anderson had a down year but the hype should pick back up throughout the process. The Bears get a plus-run defender and a great disruptor with an ideal physical build, plus-physical tools, and the track record against top competition to back it up. (selection made by Barnabas Lee.)

1.2- Houston Texans- Bryce Young, QB- Alabama

Houston needs a franchise quarterback to jumpstart their rebuild. While there are definitely concerns about his size, Young can play within structure but also can create when the play breaks down. He’s also not had any issues with his size or injuries playing in the SEC. (selection made by Mike Vallerie)

1.3- Arizona Cardinals- Jalen Carter, DL- Georgia

This pick would undoubtedly be a hot commodity for a team looking to move up for a Quarterback, but should the Cardinals stay put, they would be foolish to pass up Georgia’s DT Jalen Carter. The Cardinals have been lacking a presence in the middle of their defensive line for almost a decade. Couple that with the departures of Chandler Jones and J.J Watt in back-to-back years, and the Cardinals are in desperate need of a game-changer on the defensive line. The consensus all-American is a freaky athlete with elite quickness and power. He earned PFF’s #1 grade against the rush in the SEC and was top 10 in pass rush grade. Carter would make a great first pick for the new regime in Arizona as a potential cornerstone-type player. (selection made by Cory Pereira.)

1.4- Indianapolis Colts- CJ Stroud, QB- Ohio State

The biggest need for the Colts is QB and at four, Ohio State’s Stroud falls into their lap. He’s a solid team leader with a good arm and comes to a team building to win soon. If they don’t have to move up to get their QB, it makes it even sweeter. (selection made by Dwight Peebles.)

1.5- Seattle Seahawks- Bryan Bresee, DL- Clemson

The number one recruit in his class and the 2020 ACC Defensive Freshman of the Year, Bresee had high expectations from the jump. When healthy, he’s a monster in both the pass and run game. Seattle needs help along the DL, and Bresee can provide that immediately. (selection made by Colin Decker.)

1.6- Detroit Lions- Tyree Wilson, Edge- Texas Tech

The Lions have Aidan Hutchinson causing all kinds of havoc against opposing offensive lines. Now they add a versatile edge defender in Wilson who can be physically dominant at the line of scrimmage. Helping improve a defense and team that just missed the playoffs. (selection made by Matt Bruening.)

1.7- Las Vegas Raiders- Will Levis, QB- Kentucky

While the fantasy community may be out on Will Levis as of now the NFL doesn’t appear to be. Levis has the arm that NFL scouts and GMs drool over. He did suffer a foot injury that maybe held back the rushing upside last season. With the Raiders likely moving on from Carr, I expect them to grab their future at the QB position and take Levis here. (Bruening)

1.8- Atlanta Falcons- Myles Murphy, Edge- Clemson

Atlanta drafted two EDGE players last year, and Arnold Ebekite looks like he could be part of the answer. But they’ve lacked a difference-making pass rusher for the last decade, and Murphy is too good to pass up here. (Decker)

1.9- Carolina Panthers- Peter Skoronski, OT- Northwestern

Don’t love the QBs here and building an offensive line is critical – I will take the tackle with the highest floor at nine and the Panthers roll with Corral in 2023. Skor is a mauler and has the attitude you want in a tackle to anchor your line for the next decade. (Peebles)

1.10- Philadelphia Eagles- Kelee Ringo, CB- Georgia

The Eagles are in a good spot this draft without many glaring needs. They do potentially lose one-half of their cornerback duo, with James Bradberry potentially headed for free agency. With the selection of Kelee Ringo, the Eagles have a viable replacement if need be. The 6’2″, 210-pound corner has freaky athleticism and can man up against just about anyone. His ball skills and versatility should add some big-play potential to an already strong defense. (Pereira)

1.11- Tennessee Titans- Broderick Jones, OT- Georgia

While the Titans may appear to be in flux with new members of the front office yet to be hired, this pick signifies that the core values of the team remain. Jones is a heavyweight boxer with the ability to move mountains on the run. If the team wants to continue to muck it up in the trenches and in the run game, Jones may be the pick to maximize Derrick Henry’s remaining career. (Lee)

1.12- Houston Texans- Jordan Addison, WR- USC

Brandin Cooks has stated publicly that he has no desire to be part of a rebuild. The Texans can replace him right away with a Biletnikoff winner in Addison. Separation is a young QB’s best friend and Addison excels at ensuring DBs follow COVID social distancing guidelines. (Lee)

1.13- New York Jets- O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL- Florida

O’Cyrus Torrence is a left-right versatile OG who transferred to Florida from UL-Lafayette in 2022. He uses quick and efficient hands, a strong grip, and plus size / length (6’5″ / 347 lbs) to win. His hands are especially noticeable in pass protection. pic.twitter.com/fMe831ZZvW

— Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) January 12, 2023

The New York Jets offense struggled in pass blocking and run blocking at times. While Zach Wilson may not be the answer taking a quarterback here isn’t either. So they take the best player available and improve their offensive line as they continue building out their line. (Vallerie)

1.14- New England Patriots- Quentin Johnston, WR- TCU

Grabbing a wide receiver in round one isn’t really something we would usually expect from Bill Belichick, but the Patriots should seriously consider Johnston if he falls to their pick. The size/speed specimen is a big play waiting to happen and if the Patriots really want to see what they have in Mac Jones, surrounding him with legitimate weapons is a good place to start. (Pereira)

1.15- Green Bay Packers- Michael Mayer, TE- Notre Dame

I don’t love the WRs, I wanted QJ, next best for me – Mayer is the top TE. He’s not a liability in run blocking and will give them a badly needed weapon. Rodgers will LOVE him if he stays. (Peebles)

1.16- Washington Commanders- Trenton Simpson, LB- Clemson

Washington could be a candidate to take Anthony Richardson if he’s still here like he is in this draft. But with Howell looking competent in the season finale, they already have a QB project. OL is also a need, but there isn’t one worthy of the pick here. Simpson is BPA here and is a future stud LB who can do anything you ask him to (run, cover, blitz, etc) at a very high level. (Decker)

1.17- Pittsburgh Steelers, Paris Johnson Jr., OT- Ohio State

Mike Tomlin and the Steelers just missed out on the playoffs with, let’s be honest, a subpar at best offensive line. Johnson comes in and could easily shore up a tackle spot and improve a struggling offensive line for a second-year quarterback and young stud running back. (Bruening)

1.18- Detroit Lions- Drew Sanders, LB- Arkansas

The Lions go defense again here. As we talked about earlier, their offense wasn’t the problem. If they can continue to plug holes with rookies and improve this defense, the Lions could be serious contenders moving forward. Sanders plugs in and fills an LB hole for this Lions’ defense. (Bruening)

1.19- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Joey Porter Jr., CB- Penn State

Free Agency is going to be key in determining this pick with Tom Brady’s future in doubt and Kyle Trask as the only QB on the roster for next year. But assuming Brady returns, CB is a huge need for TB with their top two CBs also set to hit Free Agency. (Decker)

1.20- Seattle Seahawks- Anthony Richardson, QB- Florida

Let’s dance baby! The Hawks get the QB of the future and AR gets time to develop behind resurgent Geno Smith. Can Pete Carroll develop a new-age offense to feature Richardson’s running skills? This could be a fun option for the team. (Peebles)

1.21- Jacksonville Jaguars- Brian Branch, DB- Alabama

The Jaguars had a massive bounce-back this season, going from the first overall pick in 2022 to a playoff berth in 2023. Their 28th-ranked pass defense still continues to plague this team and adding a versatile chess piece like Branch is a strong step toward fixing it. Branch can cover the slot, rush the passer, defend the run, and has great instincts in zone coverage. His multifaceted skill set should help turn around this secondary. (Pereira)

1.22- New York Giants- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR- Ohio State

Yes, the so-called JSN hater has selected the Ohio State slot WR. The Giants’ roster is currently devoid of receiving talent, so JSN’s uncertain ability to produce outside is rendered moot. The Giants get a savvy WR that has put up numbers against high levels of competition and experience in complex passing systems. (Lee)

1.23- Denver Broncos- Anton Harrison, OT- Oklahoma

Harrison is as good a developmental OT as this class has to offer. He has a frame that is strong and wide but has room to add even more weight/strength. NFL coaching should be more than capable of fixing his hands as his feet are good enough to plug and play. The Broncos probably need a little bit of help everywhere but an LT of the future at 23 is not a bad investment. (Lee)

1.24- Baltimore Ravens- Cam Smith, CB- South Carolina

The Ravens shored up their LB core with the Roquan Smith contract. We will see what happens with Lamar Jackson. Their secondary has been in trouble for the past two seasons. Smith would be a great steal here for the Ravens to help improve one of the weaknesses of this team. (Vallerie)

1.25- Dallas Cowboys- Christian Gonzalez, CB- Oregon

Wide receiver and cornerback are two of the bigger needs for the Dallas Cowboys. While they could go receiver here, Gonzalez is the top player on the board here. Cowboys go defense. (Pereira)

1.26- Cincinnati Bengals- Devon Witherspoon, CB- Illinois

One of the bigger needs for the Bengals is CB, and Weatherspoon falling here is frankly a blessing – he’s the best press-man CB in the draft and should start from Day 1. Huge value here and he’s going to help right away. (Peebles)

1.27- Los Angeles Chargers- Jalin Hyatt, WR- Tennessee

The Vols have a long history of Good WRs. Meachem , Jennings, Patterson all come to mind as of late.

But Jalin Hyatt has the talent, brand and enjoyed success that could make him Tennessees first ever TRUE NFL superstar at WR. pic.twitter.com/PQ8ouT0AGE

— Vols (@IntoTheChecker) January 5, 2023

LAC only goes into next year with three WRs on the roster. This includes 30-year-old Keenan Allen and 29-year-old Mike Williams, both of whom can be cut after next year for relatively little dead cap. Until then, Hyatt brings an element of speed and a field stretcher that this offense lacks. (Decker)

1.28- Minnesota Vikings- Andrew Vorhees, IOL- USC

The Vikings had an incredible season and are picking more for luxury than need here. Working on continuing to build out a top offensive line to protect Kirk Cousins and block for Dalvin Cook. Build out that offensive line for an already high-flying offense. (Bruening)

1.29- Kansas City Chiefs- Kayshon Boutte, WR- LSU

Kansas City doesn’t have an alpha receiver in their room. Boutte has the ability to be one of the best receivers in the NFL. Let’s not forget his freshman season and what he did in his sophomore season before his injury. In the right offense, he could be incredible, and guess who has an incredible offense? The Kansas City Chiefs. (Bruening)

1.30- Philadelphia Eagles- Bijan Robinson, RB- Texas

Hard to imagine a talent like Bijan falling this far. But they get a coup here. Bijan is BPA and with Sanders set to hit Free Agency, he fills a need as well. Can’t wait to watch Hurts vulture TDs and frustrate fantasy owners for years to come. (Decker)

1.31- Buffalo Bills- Jahmyr Gibbs, RB- Alabama

Let’s have some fun – Gibbs is the most explosive back in the class and incredibly dangerous as a pass catcher – let’s give him to one of the top offenses in the league, a team searching for back too. This is criminal. (Peebles)

Reminder there are only 31 picks in the first round this year and the Miami Dolphins forfeited their pick due to their infringement with Tom Brady.

Round 2

2.1- Pittsburgh Steelers- Clark Phillips III, CB- Utah

The Steelers had a below-average passing defense in 2022 and head into the new year with two potential departures at the cornerback position. Phillips is a tad undersized which could limit him to the slot, but the AP Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year is a versatile ball-hawk who plays the position like a seasoned vet. (Pereira)

2.2- Houston Texans- BJ Ojulari, Edge- LSU

BJ goes in roughly the same range as his brother, Azeez (although I’m sure BJ will hold those 18 picks over him). The Texans could double up on WR here, but I shift focus to the defense where they get a twitched-up rusher. Ojulari will need to develop some play strength to anchor on early downs against the run, but his plus get-off will wow evaluators during the process. (Lee)

2.3- Arizona Cardinals- Tre’Vius Hodgins-Tomlinson, CB- TCU

A new regime in Arizona will likely try to set the tone early with players with an attitude. Hodges-Tomlinson finished his final college season with a whimper, but his tape shows a smaller DB that’s unafraid of sticking his nose in the pile and the burst to close on passes quickly. He’ll fit right in with the rest of the diminutive DBs in Arizona. (Lee)

2.4- Indianapolis Colts- Darnell Wright, IOL- Tennessee

Just a few years ago the Colts had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Now they have their franchise QB in Stroud. Continuing to build out the line to protect Stroud to give him time to pass the ball is the way to go here. (Vallerie)

2.5- Los Angeles Rams- Jaelyn Duncan, OT- Maryland

The Rams have needs all over the field. Regardless of who will be the starting quarterback in Matt Stafford or Baker Mayfield. Protection would be huge here moving forward. (Pereira)

2.6- Seattle Seahawks- Isaiah Foskey, Edge- Notre Dame

The Seahawks fans, still stunned by Anthony Richardson pick, love this pick – Foskey is a first-round talent, a versatile pass rusher with speed for days. Day one starter and fans will love the way he plays. (Peebles)

2.7- Las Vegas Raiders- Gervin Dexter Jr., IDL- Florida

The Raiders need a lot of help on defense, but maybe nowhere more than the DL. They don’t necessarily need an EDGE with Maxx Crosby developing into a star. Enter Dexter, a big athletic interior DL who can help in the run game and provide some interior rush as well. (Decker)

2.8- Carolina Panthers- Lukas Van Ness, Edge- Iowa

Van Ness can be moved around the defensive line and has a high ceiling for a defensive edge player. Carolina could use the help on defense. While the offense could use the help as well, Van Ness is the best player available at this spot. (Bruening)

2.9- New Orleans Saints- Derrick Hall, Edge- Auburn

The Saints could use a future defensive presence to pair with Cameron Jordan and a player who they can anchor around once he’s gone. Hall could be that player. (Bruening)

2.10- Tennessee Titans- John Michael Schmitz, C- Minnesota

O-line, O-line, O-line for the Titans. Yes, they had several injuries along the line. But they could also use an infusion of talent. Schmitz is the best center in this class, the Titans only have one center on the roster for next year, and 33-year-old Ben Jones has an out in his contract if the Titans want to cut him. (Decker)

2.11- Cleveland Browns- Josh Downs, WR- North Carolina

Josh Downs is that dude

Exceptional body control, speed manipulation, and strong hands.

He will be a problem on Sundays next year!#FantasyFootball pic.twitter.com/nfLeiy2YCk

— Jeremy (@PopesFFH) January 13, 2023

Landry should be gone and Deshaun Watson gets a fun target in the second round. Downs will operate out of the slot but he can stretch the field and is dangerous after the catch. (Peebles)

2.12- New York Jets- Antonio Johnson, S- Texas A&M

The Jets continue to work on and build out a good secondary. Johnson brings some much-needed safety help. (Pereira)

2.13- Atlanta Falcons- Siaki Ika, IDL- Baylor

Atlanta could use some help on both sides of their lines. Ika brings some help to the interior of their defensive line. (Lee)

2.14- Green Bay Packers- Nolan Smith, Edge- Georgia

Nolan Smith might be a bit undersized but his loss on the Georgia defensive line was evident this season. He led the team in sacks while still missing most of the season. (Lee)

2.15- New England Patriots- Henry To’o To’o, LB- Alabama

We all know how much Bill loves his defensive players. After getting a top receiver in the first round, the Pats go defense and get a top LB to help shore up the defense. (Vallerie)

2.16- Washington Commanders- Matthew Bergeron, OT- Syracuse

With the selection of Bergeron, Commanders attack a position of major need and get one of the more well-rounded OL prospects in the draft. The four-year starter has experience at both tackle positions and should provide Washington with flexibility along the offensive line. (Pereira)

2.17- Detroit Lions- Noah Sewell, LB- Oregon

Reuniting Noah with his brother Penei, the Lions gain a phenomenal raw talent. He didn’t fully realize his talent at Oregon and may need time to develop, but he’s got a helluva motor and is versatile. (Peebles)

2.18- Pittsburgh Steelers- Tuli Tuipilotu, IDL- USC

Pittsburgh has already addressed their two biggest needs in the draft at OT and CB. They have three iDL set to hit Free Agency and one coming back from IR. At worst, they need another solid rotational piece, and Tuli offers that with the upside to be a legit disruptor on the interior. (Decker)

2.19- Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge- Kansas State

Tampa might not have a quarterback next year but Felix is the best player available on the board here and Tampa needs some defensive help. He contributes in the passing and rushing game and should help add some starting depth to the defensive line. (Bruening)

2.20- Jacksonville Jaguars- Rakim Jarrett, WR- Maryland

Jacksonville took a step forward this year with Trevor Lawrence increasing play as well. Jarrett brings them an athletic playmaker on the outside who can also play in the slot. (Bruening)

2.21- Miami Dolphins- Cody Mauch, OL- North Dakota State

NFL teams have shown a willingness to draft non-FBS OL earlier than other positions. There’s been a steady buzz around Mauch, who sounds likely to transition inside and fill a need for Miami. If shows out at the Senior Bowl, he could go even earlier. (Decker)

2.22- Seattle Seahawks- Cooper Beebe, OL- Kansas State

The Seahawks are set at tackle and need interior help. Beebe is phenomenal in the run game and has as much power as any lineman in the draft. (Peebles)

2.23- New York Giants- Emmanuel Forbes, CB- Mississippi State

After bolstering their offensive attack in the first round, the Giants head to the other side of the ball to help strengthen their secondary. Forbes is a good athlete with excellent ball skills, resulting in an SEC record six pick-sixes. His slight frame could turn some teams off, especially ones looking for more in run-support, but Forbes is a big play waiting to happen and could develop into a long-term starter as an outside corner. (Pereira.)

2.24- Chicago Bears- Zay Flowers, WR- Boston College

The Bears have a dire need of finding Fields talent to throw to. While the top echelon of WRs in this class are gone, Flowers is near the top of the second tier. With crafty route-running and a good sense of weak spots in zones, the tough and compact Flowers should be able to create windows to provide Fields with at least one target and a prescribed touch tool for Getsy to play with. (Lee)

2.25- Los Angeles Chargers- Dawand Jones, OT- Ohio State

The Chargers get a hulking bookend opposite Slater that allows Salyer to kick back inside. Jones is one of the largest humans in this class and shouldn’t fall this far in the draft. He moves well for his size but also struggles with the drawbacks of his size. However, he has experience in a big-time offense and has the frame that, if molded correctly by a professional S&C team, can add some serious bulk to this offensive line. (Lee)

2.26- Dallas Cowboys- Cedric Tillman, WR- Tennessee

Dallas attacked defense in the first round, now they go and get their future wide receiver two in Tillman. (Vallerie)

2.27- Cincinnati Bengals- Dalton Kincaid, TE- Utah

Some analysts may be surprised to not see an offensive lineman in the first two rounds for the Bengals, but their group has actually played better down the stretch. Instead, Cincy continues to bolster its offensive attack with Kincaid, a do-it-all tight end with plus receiving ability and an impressive production profile. (Pereira)

2.28- Detroit Lions- JL Skinner, S- Boise State

Attitude and swagger, are two things Skinner has – he is a hard-hitting safety and plays with passion, Dan Campbell will love this kid’s play style. (Peebles)

2.29- Carolina Panthers- Zach Harrison, Edge- Ohio State

QB is still the biggest need for Carolina, but taking one in the 2nd round of this class is #notsmart. Instead, they go BPA and pair a high-ceiling pass rusher like Harrison with Burns to form a potentially great 1-2 pass rush punch for years to come. (selection made by Colin Decker.)

2.30- Kansas City Chiefs- Rashee Rice, WR- SMU

Each Saturday, I’m reminded why #SMU WR Rashee Rice was my highest-ranked senior WR prospect entering the season.

3 games in 2022: 28 rec, 491 yds, 3 TDs, 75% 1st down rate

Ball. Winner. pic.twitter.com/Gzw9iTP0d4

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 22, 2022

Rice adds another receiving threat to Kansas City to help bolster their receiver core and continue to build around Mahomes and give him more weapons. (Bruening)

2.31- Philadelphia Eagles- Sedrick Van Pran, C- Georgia

Jason Kelce played at a high level again this year, but he’s 35 and his budding podcast/media career could be a full-time gig here soon. The Eagles can take a young, high ceiling Center prospect who can take over when Kelce calls it quits. (Decker)

2.32- Buffalo Bills- Jordan Battle, DB- Alabama

Battle is a top defensive back and he shouldn’t have fallen this far. However, if he does Buffalo grabs a top player and defensive back here who could help transform this defense. (Bruening)