Full 2-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Browns make difficult decision
By Randy Gurzi
Round 2, Pick 33. Houston Texans: Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama
Henry To’o To’o would be a great addition to a defense that needs more playmakers.
34. Pittsburgh Steelers (via Chicago Bears): Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Pittsburgh has some free-agent safeties they might need to replace.
35. Arizona Cardinals: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
A borderline first-round talent lands at No. 35.
36. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos): Kingsley Eguakun, IOL, Florida
The top center in the draft lands with the team that gave up on Browns legend Ethan Pocic.
37. Indianapolis Colts: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
This could be a huge steal. Jalin Hyatt is a monster in the slot and if the Colts get their QB situation figured out, he could be fun to watch.
38. Los Angeles Rams: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
A day-one starter in the middle of the defense, Noah Sewell is the next of the Sewell brothers to make it to the NFL.
39. Atlanta Falcons: Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
The Falcons place their bet on Marvin Mims in hopes that he can replace Calvin Ridley. The odds are high that this is a safe pick, so it’s not much of a gamble.
40. Las Vegas Raiders: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Things fell apart in a hurry in Las Vegas – but that’s what happens with Josh McDaniels in charge. Say what you want about Kevin Stefanski but the Browns dodged a bullet here.
41. New Orleans Saints: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
After an ACL tear, Hendon Hooker’s stock dropped but he’s still worth a pick in the second round.
42. Cleveland Browns: JL Skinner, S, Boise State
This is where it becomes difficult. Do the Browns go with a wide receiver, a defensive lineman, or a free safety? Those are their top three needs and at pick No. 42, there’s a good option for each. They could roll with Felix Anudike-Uzomah on the EDGE, or even Rashee Rice at wideout.
Having said that, they might not be ready to go this early on either since they used third-round picks on Alex Wright and David Bell in hopes they could fill those roles. As for safety, they’re likely not bringing Ronnie Harrison back and John Johnson could be on the chopping block. Even if that’s not the case, he and Grant Delpit are better at strong safety.
So with that being the case, Cleveland adds JL Skinner from Boise State. He checks all the boxes and is excellent in deep coverage. Adding him as the centerfielder could help everyone.
Another big hit for Point Loma Alumni JL Skinner pic.twitter.com/UH8P8z8zzw
— San Diego Football (@Daygofootball) September 19, 2021
Plus, he’s also never been afraid to lay people out. So he can still bring an edge even with his centerfield skills.
43. Carolina Panthers: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
They traded Christian McCaffrey away this season but get a potential star in Jahmyr Gibbs.
44. Tennessee Titans: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
Bud Dupree has been a bust, Felix Anudike-Uzomah allows them to move on as soon as they can.
45. New England Patriots: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
The Patriots use this pick for a wideout and Kayshon Boutte could be a beast if developed.
46. New York Jets: Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
It will be hard to try and replace Zach Wilson with another BYU quarterback but Jaren Hall could be much better than his predecessor.
47. Pittsburgh Steelers: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
The Steelers go and take the wideout we mentioned during the Browns selection. Rashee Rice ends up replacing Chase Claypool as they stay strong at the position.
48. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Dorlus, DT, Oregon
Green Bay has to draft a defensive lineman since they took an offensive player early. In fact, that decision might lead to them doing nothing but drafting defenders from here on out.