Monday Morning Draft is back! This is a column that delves into the past weekend’s action from an NFL Draft perspective. As the season goes on, the draft picture and slotting will become more clear, but every Sunday will provide a few hints for next April.
By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.
Race for the No. 1 Pick:
Detroit Lions: Detroit scored 27 points in the first half before getting shut out in the final two quarters, letting Miami pull off a comeback win. The Lions looked vastly improved to open the season, and their offense has played well overall while the defense has really struggled. If Detroit lands the top pick of the 2023 NFL Draft or a high first-rounder, the organization could look to upgrade over Jared Goff by taking Alabama’s Bryce Young or Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. The Lions can hold onto Goff and let the rookie sit behind him for a year, or they can let Goff go without a salary-cap penalty. The team could also look to trade Goff. Aside from quarterback, Detroit badly needs some cornerback upgrades to go with Jeff Okudah.
Houston Texans: The Texans lost to the Titans and remain close on the heels of the Lions for the No. 1 pick. A few weeks ago, Houston got its first win of the year as the defense had its way with Trevor Lawrence. With their Week 1 tie against the Colts, the Texans are right behind the Lions for the top pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. Unless Davis Mills turns things around, Houston will need a true franchise quarterback to replace Deshaun Watson. It would make sense for the Texans to target Alabama’s Bryce Young or Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.
Top General Manager Candidates:
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Let’s Play Matchmaker:
This section will look at some of the top talent in college football and match those prospects up with teams that have a dire need at the position.
New England Patriots: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State 
Six days after getting embarrassed by the Bears on Monday Night Football, the Patriots notched a huge road win, beating the Jets and dropping them to 5-3. New England won despite being led in receiving by Rhamondre Stevenson thanks to the franchise’s wideouts underwhelming once again.
Smith-Njigba has four catches for 36 yards in 2022. Against Notre Dame, Smith-Njigba left the game early due to injury and then missed Week 2. Smith-Njigba had a fantastic 2021 season despite being the third receiver behind Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. In 2021, Smith-Njigba caught 94 passes for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns, including an amazing Rose Bowl performance to lead the comeback win over Utah. The 6-foot, 197-pounder has serious speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability to go along with decent size. He could be a plug-and-play upgrade for the Patriots.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M 
The Eagles rolled over the Steelers, continuing their dream season. Philadelphia could use another outside cornerback to team with Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox. Late in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, there could be some good options, and Jones has No. 1 corner potential for the next level.
Jones has 25 tackles and pass broken up in 2022. He really flashed in previous seasons including in 2021, when he recorded 35 tackles, two interceptions and six passes defended. Team sources think Jones has a lot of potential as a cover corner for the NFL. He has really impressive movement skills, including speed and athleticism. Along with a good skill set, Jones displays solid instincts and is a willing tackler. However, Jones has some raw elements to his game, such as grabbing and holding at times and giving up balls he shouldn’t occasionally. Jones could use some development, but he has a great skill set to work with.
Denver Broncos: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma 
The Broncos pulled out a fourth quarter win over the Jaguars. A late interception from Trevor Lawrence killed Jacksonville’s hopes of a comeback, but once again, the Denver offense did not rack up yardage. Latavius Murray (14-46-1) was Denver’s leading rusher, while Jerry Jeudy (6-63-1) was the team’s leading receiver, yet neither put up a big game. The Broncos could use more offensive line talent to boost the offense. Oklahoma tackles Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris have good skill sets, but both lack strength and physicality, so they are candidates to slide to Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Over the previous two seasons, Harrison (6-5, 309) was impressive as the left tackle for the Sooners. He has quality size with good athleticism and quickness, but lacks physicality and is a finesse blocker. Harrison broke into the starting lineup as a freshman and held down the left tackle spot as a sophomore. Harrison is a skilled pass protector, and he could help improve the protection for Russell Wilson, provided he makes it to Denver’s third-round pick.
Atlanta Falcons: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson 
Atlanta came away with the overtime win after Carolina nearly pulled off a big comeback. The Falcons needs more defensive line talent, as they have had issues getting after the quarterback this season and the run defense has to improve as well. D’Onta Foreman had a huge game with three touchdowns, and the Falcons need to get better up front.
The 6-foot-5, 275-pound Murphy has the skill set to dominate at the next level and could be a riser through the 2023 NFL Draft process. Not only is he putting together a season of excellent tape, but Murphy is a freak athlete in possession of a crazy combination of size, speed, athleticism and strength. He should work out well and impress in the eye ball test. Murphy has the skill set to do whatever he wants on the football field as he can burn tackles with speed, use his strength to set the edge in the ground game, dominate tight ends, and simply take over games.
In 2022, Murphy has 26 tackles, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two passes defended. He was excellent as a freshman defensive end for Clemson in 2020, recording 51 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles and a pass broken up. In 2021, he totaled 37 tackles and seven sacks. Murphy would be a plug-and-play upgrade for Atlanta.
New Orleans Saints: K.J. Jefferson, QB, Arkansas 
The Saints dominated the Raiders, shutting them out 24-0 thanks to phenomenal defensive performance. While New Orleans got the win with backup Andy Dalton starting, the Saints need a long-term starter because Dalton is not the answer and Jameis Winston does not look like he is either. In the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, New Orleans could target a quarterback like Jefferson.
Overall, Jefferson has starting ability for the next level. He possesses a quality arm, can throw the ball accurately, and generally makes good decisions. Jefferson also is a natural runner who can use his legs to help his offensive line while churning out tough yards on the ground. For the NFL, Jefferson needs to improve his field vision. He also has to learn to work through his progressions and read coverage. Jefferson has completed 67 percent of his passes this year for 1,697 yards, 15 touchdowns and an interception. On the ground, he has run for 389 yards and six touchdowns. Jefferson could be a good value for the Saints in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Miami Dolphins: Amari Burney, LB, Florida 
The Dolphins pulled off another comeback win after the Lions offense racked up 27 points in the first half. Miami’s defense rallied in the final two quarters, but the team had issues in pass coverage against T.J. Hockenson and defending the Lions tailbacks. Miami could use more linebacker talent.
Burney has shown impressive pass-coverage skills this year, including against Georgia tight end Brock Bowers in man, snatching two interceptions, and showing blitzing ability. In 2022, Burney has 51 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and two passes defended. He could be a nice upgrade at linebacker for Miami on the second day of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Baltimore Ravens: Kayshon Boutte, CB, LSU 
The Ravens notched a huge road win in Tampa Bay to stay in the thick of the AFC North divisional race. Baltimore got a huge night from rookie tight end Isaiah Likely, but the team clearly could use more receiving talent for Lamar Jackson. Rashod Bateman has flashed at times, but even if he pans out and becomes consistent, the Ravens need more receiving talent across from him.
Team sources like Boutte overall, but they feel he is more smooth than explosive or twitchy, plus is a lazy route runner who lacks detail. They see good hands in his 2020 and 2021 tape, but Boutte has had issues with drops thisseason. Sources like his ball adjustment ability and believe he is more of a vertical receiver than short to intermediate. They feel he has serious quickness and juice, and overall reminds them of a smaller, less powerful D.J. Moore.
Boutte (6-0, 190) has yet to produce a huge season in college football, but that didn’t stop NFL advance scouts from giving him a high preseason projection for the 2023 NFL Draft. In 2020, he took 45 catches for 735 yards and five touchdowns. He then recorded 38 receptions for 509 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2022, he has 27 receptions for 288 yards and a touchdown. In Baltimore, Boutte could be a nice No. 2 receiver to go with Bateman.
Team Draft Report:
In this section, we take a deeper look at specific teams and where they stand in regards to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers are a team at a crossroads. They are facing two alternate paths this offseason, and it all depends on quarterback Tom Brady. While Brady has not been lighting the league on fire while dealing with his divorce, Tampa Bay ownership would probably love to have Brady return to the franchise for 2023. Free of the pressure to retire from his impending ex-wife, Brady might decide to keep playing because he is a competitor who loves football and is having a hard time saying goodbye to his playing career. If Brady does retire, or signs elsewhere in free agency, the Bucs will have to make finding a starting quarterback the top priority unless they believe that second-year pro Kyle Trask can be their starter.
If Brady retires or leaves, the Tampa Bay could target a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. The team won’t be picking high enough for Alabama’s Bryce Young or Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, but the organization might be able to target a signal-caller like Kentucky’s Will Levis. The Bucs also could consider potential second-day caliber prospects in Arkansas’ K.J. Jefferson, BYU’s Jaren Hall or Miami’s Tyler Van Dyke. If the Bucs believe Trask can be their starter, they can pass on a quarterback.
In my latest mock 2023 NFL Draft, I have the Bucs taking Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer. They have missed talent at tight end this season thanks to the retirement of Rob Gronkowski, O.J. Howard leaving town, and Cameron Brate having had injuries to deal with. Last year’s fourth-rounder Cade Otton will probably turn into a solid pro and No. 2 tight end, but the Buccaneers could use a No. 1 tight end who is a mismatch weapon, like Mayer could be. He would be an asset in terms of running after the catch, getting open on third downs, and helping in the red zone.
Defensively, Tampa Bay could target some edge-rush help. Shaq Barrett will be coming off a torn Achilles next year, and he was showing some signs of decline this year prior to the injury. Second-year pro Joe Tryon-Shoyinka could turn into a good pro, but the Bucs could use a third rusher to rotate with them. In the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Tampa Bay could consider defensive ends like Notre Dame’s Isaiah Foskey, Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson, Iowa State’s Will McDonald IV, and Kansas State’s Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
It will be fascinating to see Tampa Bay can rally in the back half of the season after the 3-5 start. It will be equally interesting to see what happens to the Buccaneers this offseason.
Detroit Lions: Last week, Lions ownership came out and voiced its support for general manger Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. Detroit’s ownership seems to understand that the team was a massive rebuilding project after Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia put together a string poor of drafts and free-agency seasons that decimated the talent of the roster. While the record does not necessarily reflect it, the Lions are headed in the right direction.
The two drafts under Holmes have been very good. Penei Sewell is emerging as one of the top young offensive tackles in the NFL. He could be a Pro Bowl selection as soon as this year. Ditto for rookie edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who is on pace to notch double-digit sacks as a rookie. The current Lions regime have made some other fabulous mid-round picks as well. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was a huge steal and is one of the better young receivers in the NFL. The early returns on nose tackle Alim McNeil look very good, and 2022 sixth-rounder linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez seems like another huge steal. Other mid-round picks like safety Kirby Joseph are showing promise as well. Additionally, wide receiver Jameson Williams has star potential. If the owners are patient, this Detroit front office is going to load up this team with talent through the draft, and that is the best way to build a roster into a champion.
In my latest mock 2023 NFL Draft, I have the Lions taking Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1-overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. As was proven with the Rams, Jared Goff is a competent NFL starter and can win if he has a loaded team around him with a great defense and running game. However, Goff struggles under pressure and is not a quarterback who can put the teammates on his back and will them to victory. Hence, I have the Lions taking Young as an upgrade. Young and C.J. Stroud are both good prospects, but Young offers more running ability. The Lions will have great intel into them via Jameson Williams, who was a teammate of both of them in college.
The biggest need on the roster otherwise is cornerback. Jeff Okudah really struggled as a rookie under Matt Patricia, but defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has turned Okudah around and he is playing really well in his third year. However, the cornerbacks around Okudah have been a liability all season. With their second selection in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Lions could target cornerback help. That pick probably won’t be high enough to land Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr., but Detroit might be able to land other good cornerback options like South Carolina’s Cam Smith or Utah’s Clark Phillips. The Lions really need two cornerbacks and could consider second-day options in Round 2 or 3, like Illinois Devon Witherspoon, Georgia’s Kelee Ringo or Mississippi State’s Emmanuel Forbes.
Detroit also could consider taking a running back in the first or second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. D’Andre Swift is very talented, but he gets dinged up and clearly does not have the durability necessary to be a long-term starter. Jamaal Williams is also entering free agency and really is just a No. 2 back. In the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Lions could consider options like Texas’ Bijan Robinson or Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs. Either one is an excellent runner and a fabulous receiver. In Round 2, there could be talented backs like UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet or Georgia’s Kenny McIntosh.
The ideal plan for the Lions might be to trade away both Goff and tight end T.J. Hockenson for second-day picks. Right now, Goff is better than Matt Ryan or Carson Wentz, so perhaps Goff could fetch a third-round pick like they did. Similarly, Hockenson is a better player than Hayden Hurst, and Hurst was traded for a second-round pick. Such moves could let Detroit build up second-day picks and trade back into Round 1 to come away with three players on the opening night. A trio of Bryce Young, Cam Smith and Jahmyr Gibbs would be tremendous haul in from the start of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Detroit’s ownership and fans need to have patience, but this regime is going to lead the franchise to being a good team. The players play really hard for Dan Campbell, and there is no quit in them. The coordinators also do a good job in scheming. Holmes and his scouting staff are doing a great job in the draft, and over time, good drafting will lead to wins. After one more good draft, Detroit could make a big jump in the near future.
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