1. Arizona Cardinals: QB Caleb Williams (USC)
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Assuming Arizona finishes with the worst record in football, the Kyler Murray era will end one way or another. Caleb Williams is simply too talented of a player to pass up here. Among the QBs coming out of the draft over the last decade, Williams looks like one of the best bets to be a franchise signal-caller.
Aside from the clear charisma he plays with, the skill-set is supremely gifted. Williams gets terrific velocity on his throws — both from inside and outside the pocket. His improvisational skills are special yet calculated. Williams won’t be reckless with the football. A strong, bulky frame enables him to break tackles — and the feel inside the pocket Williams possesses is insanely good for a player his age. Arizona would be doing cartwheels to have the chance in selecting him.
2. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)
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It wouldn’t be a total surprise to see Arizona go defense with this second selection. After all, the team is in need of a gigantic jolt of talent across the board. With that said, considering the way the NFL is trending, pairing Williams with a legit No. 1 receiver seems like the smart thing to do. Harrison has the pedigree — both from his father and Ohio State — to be one of the league’s best receivers.
He fits the mold as a long, lengthy freak athlete who can make plays over the top and also in traffic. Harrison has great ball skills, competes super hard, and ultimately has the physical profile few can match. If he’s as good as people think he’ll be, you could be looking at the next Joe Burrow-JaMarr Chase-type pairing — but with an even higher ceiling.
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3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Drake Maye (North Carolina)
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Maye is generally considered to be the second-best quarterback in this class heading towards the 2023-24 season. Tampa Bay’s situation isn’t ideal right now. Baker Mayfield is likely not the long-term answer, and former second-round pick Kyle Trask hasn’t shown anything to make us believe he’ll be the guy, either.
Maye comes from a system which accentuates his strengths. He’s a big guy at 6-foot-5 with plus throwing power. Maye can run decently well with the football — though his bread-and-butter exists when pumping the ball downfield. The only real knock on him could be sitting with spotty footwork. With a little bit of extra polish, you’re looking at a potential Pro Bowler down the line. Tampa would be thrilled to nab Maye barring a team trading up one slot to get him.
4. Indianapolis Colts: OT Joe Alt (Notre Dame)
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Keep Anthony Richardson upright. We saw how a once-promising Colts’ QB ended up prematurely ending a career due to constantly taking hits. There some thought Indianapolis could take a receiver here. But with some ample cap space coming into play, the Colts could opt to go that route. As such, Alt could be a very good selection. His dad was a former first-round pick/multi-time Pro Bowler with the Chiefs. At 6-foot-8 and north of 320 pounds himself, Alt is a much better athlete than would be assumed.
His kickout in pass protection is quite good. The strength generated from his lower body enables Alt to disengage with defenders via a powerful initial punch. The athletic ability here is very good (especially when moving in space). The fact Alt comes from a school known for producing high-level offensive linemen is also a positive in the +/- column. There’s a bit of a concern when it comes to overall polish. However, with another strong collegiate season, those concerns should be assuaged.
5. Los Angeles Rams: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Penn State)
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This is not a sexy pick, but good teams are usually built from the inside out. Fashanu could be battling with Alt to become the fourth pick (or higher) in this draft. Like Alt, Fashanu comes from a good school developmental-wise. He’s a fantastic athlete — laterally quick and fiercely competitive on the edge. Fashanu’s gigantic wingspan gives him a real chance to become a lockdown left tackle. Teams are salivating over his ability to play until he hears the whistle. Fashanu’s motor is not a question in the very least.
There are times where he can become a bit too reliant on his skill-set. The technical part of the game can get a bit muddled in terms of playing too high from a pad level standpoint. Still, you’re looking at a fantastic prospect with the potential to lead the Rams’ offensive line for the next decade.
6. Tennessee Titans: DL Jared Verse (Florida State)
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The jump up from Albany to Florida State went just fine for Verse. Last year as a junior, the explosive edge rusher accrued 9.0 sacks and 17.0 tackles-for-loss. The prominent skill he brings to the table is first-step quickness. In a league which demands pressure against opposing signal-callers, Verse is unrivaled when compared to anyone else in this class.
While he might not be the best against the run due to a slimmer frame, the intuitiveness Verse brings when pursuing ball carriers and signal-callers is truly special. On those ‘money down’ situations when defenses have to get off the field with a big stop, you’ll want guys akin to Verse — who will at the very minimum draw the attention of multiple blockers (thus opening up more attractive situations for teammates).
7. Green Bay Packers: WR Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
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Green Bay has gotten aggressive with its aim to grab skill guys. Christian Watson and Jayden Reed were taken as second-round picks in back-to-back drafts. At this point in the draft, the Packers could go in a number of different directions. Purely from a talent standpoint, Egbuka might be too good of a player to pass up.
Young QBs can never have enough targets — and Jordan Love surely will be enamored with this selection. Egbuka comes from a WR factory in Ohio State. You know he will be polished, competitive, and ready for the rigors of the NFL. The Washington native notched 74 grabs for 1,151 yards and 10 TDS (in only 13 games) as a true sophomore. Imagine how good he’ll be this upcoming year opposite Harrison Jr…
8. Washington Commanders: DL Dallas Turner (Alabama)
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We couldn’t go through the top-10 of any draft without mentioning an Alabama defensive player. This year, it’s Turner’s time to emerge as the heartbeat of this unit. Similarly to how Will Anderson was used, Turner will be playing the jumbo outside linebacker/edge rusher role for the Crimson Tide. Turner’s main objective will be to sack the opposing quarterback.
Whether with his hand in the dirt or in a stand-up position, Turner is equally as explosive getting around the edges versus tackles. He does have a tendency to get swallowed up a bit in the run game. Depending on how much stronger Turner can get, it could tell the difference between him being a three-down player, or more of a luxury guy on third down in obvious pass-rush situations.
9. Las Vegas Raiders: DE Bralen Trice (Washington)
Trice would be a nice player opposite Maxx Crosby. Leading the defensive line for the Huskies up in Seattle, he’s been one of the best edge rushers in the Pac-12 for some time. Trice’s frame is big enough to the point where he can still put some good weight on. There’s some twitchiness with him at the initial point of attack.
UW head coach Kalen DeBoer is a fundamentals-first type of coach. The philosophy employed in Seattle is similar to the New England flavored culture currently in Vegas. Trice could test out of this spot — though this is right about where we’d expect him to land.
10. Chicago Bears: WR J. Michael Sturdivant (UCLA)
The former 4-star WR out of Texas (by way of Cal) has a chance to become a household name this year. Transferring over to Westwood from Berkeley, the guy they call JMS will immediately become the top WR option in an offense far more explosive compared to the one he came from. At Cal, Sturdivant battled bad QB play and a weak offensive scheme. Even then, he managed to catch 65 passes for 755 yards and 7 TDs.
JMS is nearly 6-foot-4 with long arms, terrific body control, immense football intelligence, and elite track speed (rumored to be under 10.4 in the 100-meter sprint). He totally fits the archetype of the modern-day receiver. Only now, he’ll be playing under the offensive mastermind that is Chip Kelly. Sturdivant is probably the most talented receiver to play for the Bruins since the days of Freddie Mitchell back in the late ’90’s. Without a doubt, Chicago QB Justin Fields would love to use Sturdivant as a deep-threat target.
11. Chicago Bears: TE Brock Bowers (Georgia)
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When you dominate the SEC as a true freshmen and then again as a true sophomore, you’re doing something right. Hailing from Napa of all places, Georgia’s tight end/H-Back is a walking mismatch. The physicality Bowers plays with is simply too much for corners and safeties. When linebackers try to check him, Bowers utilizes route-running skills, quickness, and an ability to garner separation when making big play after big play.
Oh — and the toughness Bowers plays with is further amplified by having a terrific set of hands. The Bears would love nabbing him here, where Bowers can be employed in a number of different ways. Line him up in the slot, in the backfield, or even in the perimeter…the man can do it all. He’d be another excellent target and foundational piece for the Bears (and specifically Fields).
12. New England Patriots: DE/OLB Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
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Latu’s story is fascinating. The Sacramento native started his career at Washington as a much-ballyhooed recruit. He ended up suffering what Washington called a career-ending neck injury. They were forcing him to medically retire. However, he followed a position coach down to Los Angeles — where UCLA doctors ended up clearing him. Boy, is Chip Kelly thankful for that decision.
Last year being his first fully healthy season in quite some time, Latu led the Bruins with 10.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles-for-loss. His lengthy frame made him terrific in terms of disrupting the vision of opposing quarterbacks. Latu plays incredibly hard — surely dating back to his days as a prep rugby player. When you pair his physical gifts with his football I.Q., you’re looking at a potentially very special athlete. The versatile defender fits perfectly with what Bill Belichick likes to do with his defenses in New England.
13. Atlanta Falcons: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama)
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Kool-Aid probably has the coolest name of anyone in the draft. For his specific position group, he also probably benefits from garnering tutelage from the best secondary brain in the business. Of course, we’re talking about Nick Saban. Over the years, plenty of Alabama secondary players have gone on to not only become high round draft choices, but also perform well on the next level.
McKinstry has terrific size for the position at 6-foot-1 and nearly 190 pounds. He can flip his hips with the best of them when backtracking in coverage, and has proven to demonstrate some very solid ball skills. Deep-field speed also isn’t a problem — particularly when McKinstry breaks on throws to the perimeter. We’d have to say he’s also quite proficient whether in a zone look or pressing at the line of scrimmage.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers: DL J.T. Tuimoloau (Ohio State)
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Formerly a 5-star prospect from the Seattle area, Tuimoloau spurned the likes of Alabama, USC, Oregon, and Washington in order to play for Larry Johnson and the Buckeyes. He reminds us a lot of former Trojans DE/DT Leonard Williams. You can play Tuimoloau inside in a 4-3 scheme — or even outside in a 3-4 alignment.
Naturally, he’s been blessed with some real pop when it comes to getting off the ball. The stats aren’t yet where you’d expect them to be for a future first-round selection. With that said, everyone knows about his immense ceiling as a versatile talent. If you’d like another similar comparison, we see J.T. looking eerily like Cam Heyward (a longtime staple of the Steelers).
15. New York Giants: WR Rome Odunze (Washington)
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Washington has yet another talented player primed with a mid-first grade. Odunze is a very talented athlete. Hailing from Las Vegas originally, Odunze is known for his ball-skills downfield. He can take the top off the opposing defense in the blink of an eye, as he’s done repeatedly with Michael Penix.
Since becoming a more well-rounded route-runner, the efficiency in his game has gone up tremendously. Odunze nabbed 75 catches for 1,145 yards and 7 TDs. The Giants still seem like they need a top-end skill guy…for whomever the long-term vision is at QB.
16. Denver Broncos: DL Chop Robinson (Penn State)
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Denver plays in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. As such, you know rushing after these guys with quality athletes is imperative. This is where Robinson comes in. Robinson was named as a Pro Football Focus All Big 10 first team selection. He flashed last season with 10.0 tackles-for-loss and 5.5 sacks. Now a junior, most people are projecting a real step up to come when it comes to production.
17. Houston Texans: DL Maason Smith (LSU)
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Had he not gotten injured last year, LSU’s Maason Smith would have likely had one of the best seasons for a collegiate defensive lineman. Smith was limited to just seven games after suffering a torn ACL which sidelined him for the remainder of the Tigers’ campaign. As an interior defender, Smith provides plenty of pass rush skills and finishing ability. A former top recruit, Smith fits in nicely with a Texans defense that desperately needs help up front.
18. Miami Dolphins: OT J.C. Latham (Alabama)
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Already one of the most stacked rosters in football, the Dolphins add to their embarrassment of riches with one of the top tackle prospects in the class. Latham has solidified the right tackle spot for the Crimson Tide, and projects to do the same at the next level. Nick Saban’s teams are always built up front, and Latham is one of the pillars of a terrific offensive line. Additionally, his familiarity with the right side coincides well with southpaw QB Tua Tagovailoa — as Latham would be protecting his QB’s ‘blind side’.
19. Seattle Seahawks: DL Tyleik Williams (Ohio State)
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What can you mock to a team that basically has everything? The Seahawks are a talented bunch from top-to-bottom thanks to a couple of shrewd signings and home run draft picks. Though, if they showed one weakness last year, it was a leaky run defense. Williams has shown an inconsistent motor, but is a potential game-wrecker in the middle. After shedding nearly 40 pounds prior to last season, Williams enjoyed a tremendous year in his slimmer frame. He was one of the highest graded DT’s in college football last year, and is still just 20 years old.
20. New Orleans Saints: WR Xavier Worthy (Texas)
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With Michael Thomas’ future in flux, the Saints could be in the market for another wideout. While the team seemingly nailed the Chris Olave selection, there isn’t much depth behind the former Ohio State standout. If the Saints intend on building a WR room with complementary skillsets, Xavier Worthy is an ideal pick. Worthy is a quick-twitched athlete with tremendous burst and route-running ability. He could serve as the premier deep threat while Olave operates in the intermediate range. Though Worthy’s slender frame could keep him out of the first round, we’ve seen time and time again teams are willing to draft ‘smaller’ receivers with game-breaking speed.
21. Minnesota Vikings: DT Michael Hall (Ohio State)
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Michael Hall Jr. can sometimes be forgotten on a stacked Ohio State defensive line, but he arguably boasts as much potential as any interior defender in the country. In his first full year last season, Hall Jr. showed he can be an impact player up the middle. We could easily see him ending up with a first-round grade following another year with the Buckeyes. The Vikings really haven’t had much of a defensive identity in recent years. But, just one player can change all of that in an instant. In this scenario, Hall is their guy.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: RB Blake Corum (Michigan)
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Is Austin Ekeler’s time in Los Angeles coming to a close? One thing is for certain, scheduling impromptu Zoom meetings with the rest of the league’s running backs in an effort to receiver greater pay probably isn’t the greatest sign for Ekeler’s future with his current team. We usually end up seeing one running back go in the first round of nearly every draft, and Michigan’s Corum seems like the best bet to be the name that gets called. The 5-foot-8 rusher is coming off a tremendous 1,400-yard, 18-TD campaign.
23. Green Bay Packers: OL Christian Mahogany (Boston College)
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Another offensive lineman off the board with Boston College guard Christian Mahogany. The New Jersey native was considered one of the top guards in the nation, and was named a starter heading into his redshirt freshman campaign. He started all 22 games in ’20 and ’21 for the Eagles, but was sidelined with a torn ACL last year. Prior to the injury, several pundits thought Mahogany would declare for the NFL Draft following the ’22 campaign. Now, he’s back in college looking to rebuild his stock. Guards are becoming and more valuable at the next level, and Mahogany may very well be the best in the pool.
24. Baltimore Ravens: DB Kalen King (Penn State)
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Kalen King is looking to be the next Penn State defensive back to be drafted early. He saw his teammate Joey Porter Jr. selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and King has a chance to sneak into the first round. With Porter Jr. on the opposite side last year, teams often opted to throw King’s way. He collected three interceptions last year and defended 15 passes. With the way defenses are forced to play in today’s NFL, defensive backs with top-notch ball skills are highly valuable. King fits the mold, and would be joining a great infrastructure with the Ravens.
25. Detroit Lions: DB Jason Marshall (Florida)
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The Lions are among a select group of good teams that probably could use a QB, but aren’t going to be picking high enough to get any of the good ones. As such, adding to the cornerback room never hurts. The Jeff Okudah experiment is officially over in Detroit, as the former No. 3 overall pick signed with the Falcons this offseason. Detroit’s starting boundary corners heading into ’23 are Emmanuel Moseley (starting the year on the PUP list) and the undrafted Cameron Sutton. Florida’s Marshall is the prototype outside corner. He’s got great size at 6-foot-1 (and 200 pounds) and is extremely competitive in both coverage and run support.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: DB Calen Bullock (USC)
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Speaking of outside cornerbacks, USC’s Calen Bullock is one to watch out for. Bullock has elite size at 6-foot-3, allowing him to matchup with even the biggest wideouts at the next level. While Bullock isn’t as fluid as some of his peers, he makes up for it with a huge frame and solid ball skills. He’s much more comfortable in zone coverage as of now, but his frame certainly makes him an intriguing weapon to utilize against taller wideouts. The Jaguars’ defense came on strong late last year, and could use a bigger option opposite breakout star CB Tyson Campbell.
27. Dallas Cowboys: DB Kamari Lassiter (Georgia)
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What a surprise! Yet another Georgia defender. This time, a defensive back in the form of the uber-physical Kamari Lassiter. While Lassiter doesn’t matchup physically with some of the other top DB’s in the pool, he’s arguably the class’s best run support corner. And, as we’ve seen over the years, corners that are willing to mix it up in the run game are at a premium. Lassiter will be stepping into a new role as a team leader now that Kelee Ringo and Christopher Smith are gone from the DB room. Based on his performance thus far, he should thrive in that spot.
28. Buffalo Bills: OL Jack Nelson (Wisconsin)
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Jack Nelson is next in line for a program that has become known for producing elite offensive lineman. Nelson will test off the charts with his elite size and athleticism. He moves exceptionally well for a player standing 6-foot-7, and that’s could bode well for his potential as a stopper of pass rushers. Tackles are tasked with staying in front of edge rushers who are generally considered the best pure athletes in the league. Think Myles Garrett, Nick Bosa and Micah Parsons. Any lineman would have their hands full with those guys, but Nelson certainly has the foot-speed and length teams are looking for in a franchise tackle.
29. San Francisco 49ers: DL Jack Sawyer (Ohio State)
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The sixth Buckeye selected in this mock, Jack Sawyer could be the best player on the most stacked defense in the country. Sawyer will form an elite edge rush duo with J.T. Tuimoloau, as offenses will hardly have a chance trying to block this pair. Sawyer’s overall production has been a bit disappointing when you consider his ranking as a top recruit coming out of Ohio. Though, he’s mostly been used a rotational piece given the Buckeye’s immense talent up front. He’ll have a chance to star in ’23. If he plays well, teams and pundits will have no trouble handing him a first-round grade.
30. Cincinnati Bengals: LB Jeremiah Trotter (Clemson)
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Keep the legacy names coming. We already talked about Marvin Harrison Jr. earlier, and just in the last few years we’ve seen the sons of former Pro Bowlers Joe Horn, Patrick Surtain, Joey Porter, and Antoine Winfield selected. NFL teams usually aren’t too excited to select an off-ball backer in the first-round, but they might make an exception for the son of a four-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has excellent instincts — just like his dad — and can more than hold his own in pass coverage.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: DL Chico Bennett Jr. (Virginia)
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Virginia edge rusher Chico Bennett Jr. missed the entire ’21 season with a torn ACL, but dominated for his new team after returning last season. Bennett Jr. was formerly with Georgia Tech for two years before transferring to Charlottesville. NFL teams have always been enamored with his physical traits, but he finally paired his athleticism with strong production in ’22. Bennett Jr. collected seven sacks as a junior, and tackles could barely stay in front of the bendy, pass rusher. The Eagles seem to be stockpiling defensive studs, and they add another athletic option with Bennett Jr. here.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: LB Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State)
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Former shotput standout in the state of Ohio, Tommy Eichenberg built upon a breakout ’21 campaign with an even better season last year. Eichenberg is an energizer on the defensive side of the ball. While some may see him as more of a tweener, Eichenberg is a pure football player who can make plays in a number of ways. While he’s not quite the same talent level, we’ve seen guys like Micah Parsons find success immediately despite entering the league without a true position. Eichenberg can blitz, cover, and stop the run. A smart team will find a way to deploy him the right way.
2023 Draft Grades For all 30 NBA Teams
1. Atlanta Hawks: A-
Draft Picks: Kobe Bufkin (15), Mohamed Gueye (39), Seth Lundy (46)
Atlanta did really well in adding potentially two rotation pieces, along with a high-upside developmental type. Bufkin dropped slightly lower than his projected range. He gives the Hawks a creative scorer who can effectively be that of a 6th man (unless Trae Young is traded — which then would pave the way for Bufkin to start next to Dejounte Murray). Lundy is a fantastic shooter, and we know the premium teams put on that skill. Gueye is still a ways away from contributing on a high level. He needs to put on both weight and strength. With that said, the combination of length, athleticism, and skill is intriguing.
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2. Boston Celtics: B
Draft Picks: Jordan Walsh (38)
With only one pick, the Celtics took Jordan Walsh in the second round. Truthfully, we are a fan of his — and think he can play right away as an energizer off the bench. His physical tools have always been quite impressive. Walsh is a plus-athlete in terms of leaping ability and lateral quickness. These two traits could help him become a very good wing defender. However, he’s also got better-than-you-think ball skills — especially as a facilitator. Assuming he can improve his perimeter shot, the Celtics may have gotten a steal here.
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3. Brooklyn Nets: B+
Draft Picks: Noah Clowney (21), Dariq Whitehead (22), Jalen Wilson (51)
The Nets needed size (as last year’s playoff exit indicated). Noah Clowney is a high-upside kid with terrific length. He might not come in right away and start, but his best basketball is certainly ahead of him. The same can be said for Whitehead. Perpetually injured at Duke, we really didn’t get to see his full assortment of skills. Assuming he bounces back from his latest foot surgery, Whitehead could be a real difference maker. Jalen Wilson might be undersized for his position. However, he’s a winner — and guys like that are always good for your team culture.
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4. Charlotte Hornets: A
Draft Picks: Brandon Miller (2), Nick Smith Jr. (27), James Nnaji (31), Amari Bailey (41)
Hornets went for fit over potential upside when selecting Brandon Miller over Scoot Henderson. It does makes sense to pair a silky, sweet-shooting 6-foot-9 wing alongside a talent like LaMelo Ball. Miller instantly becomes one of the team’s marquee players. This draft down the line will be ultimately graded upon whether Miller turned out to be better than Scoot (or at least comparable). Nick Smith Jr. dropped in the draft — as did Amari Bailey. Both were elite talents coming out of high school a year ago. If the Hornets ‘hit’ on one of them, they’ll be elated. Center James Nnaji was an intriguing selection early in the second round. He might be a bit redundant with Mark Williams already at the five spot. With that said, Nnaji also has a high ceiling.
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5. Chicago Bulls: C
Draft Picks: Julian Phillips (35)
There’s not a whole lot to write about with the Bulls. The franchise has to figure out whether they’re going to tear it down and rebuild from the ground up…or if they’ll run it back with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine hoping for some sort of miracle. Julian Phillips is a talented player, potentially more in the realm of a ‘developmental type’ rather than a ‘help right now’ guy. Regardless, he won’t change the fortunes of this franchise either way.
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6. Cleveland Cavaliers: C
Draft Picks: Emoni Bates (49)
The Cavs are already a pretty young team. They need vets added to help in their quest to advance in the playoffs. As such, you knew Cleveland wasn’t going to add a plethora of fresh, young faces. Emoni Bates was taken late in the second round. We all know about his past exploits as a star high school player derailed by off-the-court issues and injuries. There’s certainly talent there as a scorer, though we’re a bit dubious in seeing how Bates will defend opposing wings.
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7. Dallas Mavericks: B
Draft Picks: Dereck Lively II (12), Olivier-Maxence Prosper (24)
Dallas knew it needed to improve its post defense. As such, it collected the best rim protector in the draft in Dereck Lively. Last year’s No. 1 high school prep prospect, he struggled at Duke with inconsistency and injury. Despite that, the talent is quite evident. You just don’t see players over 7-foot-1 with range out to the three-point line (in addition to elite shot blocking skills). In terms of a high-end comparison, think Tyson Chandler with a bit of Brook Lopez. If Dallas ‘hits’ on Lively, you’re looking at a guy with top-five talent. Marquette’s Olivier-Maxence Prosper was taken later in the first round after Dallas made a trade to get him. Most projections had him going in the second round. He’s a bit of a tweener, and the Mavs may have reached on him.
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8. Denver Nuggets: B-
Draft Picks: Julian Strawther (29), Jalen Pickett (32), Hunter Tyson (37)
Denver collected three picks between 29-37 in anticipation of losing some depth pieces off its title team (namely Bruce Brown). This strategy in getting young, cheap players with playable attributes is a smart move. Interestingly enough here, all three players taken — Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, Hunter Tyson — were multi-year college players. Denver surely is expecting these mature prospects to contribute sooner than later. None of them pop off the screen as potential starters down the line. Strawther was a very solid player for Gonzaga as a cutter/three-point shooter. Pickett was one of the Big Ten’s better lead guards. Tyson developed into a double-double guy at Clemson with three-point range. The upsides on each of these guys might not be through the roof. Still, you’re hoping that a couple of them can develop into solid rotation pieces down the line.
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9. Detroit Pistons: B
Draft Picks: Ausar Thompson (5), Marcus Sasser (25)
Detroit quietly continues to add quality pieces to its roster. Ausar Thompson is far from a proven commodity. His perimeter shot is a bit wonky. However, all of the other tools in his arsenal are bordering on very good to elite. He should slide in at the three immediately — giving Cade Cunningham a favored target in transition. Sasser went probably higher than people thought he would. With that said, he’s one of those guys who’ll stick in the league 10+ years due to his smarts and buy-in on the defensive end of the floor. A gritty, tough, role player in the best sense of those terms. Above all — Sasser gives Detroit a winner.
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10. Golden State Warriors: A-
Draft Picks: Brandin Podziemski (19), Trayce Jackson-Davis (57)
In the wake of the Chris Paul-Jordan Poole blockbuster, the Warriors added another wing/shooter to its backcourt in Santa Clara’s Brandin Podziemski. Most people will be unfamiliar with his game. He was a bench warmer at Illinois, transferred to Santa Clara and immediately become a bona fide NBA player. He averaged 19.9 PPG on .513 from the floor and .438 from three. He’s a plus athlete, super aggressive, and many analytics-based analysts believe he was among the top 15 prospects in this draft. At the very end of the draft, they took Indiana All-American forward Trayce Jackson-Davis. While TJD doesn’t shoot the ball from the perimeter, the lefty does everything else well. He’ll be a cheap, effective role player for this team towards the end of the bench. Also based upon where he was drafted, Jackson-Davis surely will have a chip on his shoulder.
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11. Houston Rockets: A
Draft Picks: Amen Thompson (4), Cam Whitmore (20)
Houston is fielding a roster of elite athletes. Arguably two of the top three athletes in this entire draft were gobbled up by the Rockets here in its journey for relevancy under Ime Udoka. Amen Thompson is projected as a very impressive playmaking wing with elite defensive upside. Cam Whitmore — who was projected as a top-10 pick for months — fell to pick No. 20 over health and character concerns (reportedly). If Whitmore can prove the naysayers wrong, he’ll be making a lot of NBA GM’s look foolish. The upside is there for Whitmore to be a game-changer with his powerful frame and explosive athletic ability. Credit Houston for taking a swing here for a prospect with a considerable ceiling.
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12. Indiana Pacers: B+
Draft Picks: Jarace Walker (8), Ben Sheppard (26), Mojave King (47), Isaiah Wong (55)
This was a solid draft for Indiana. Jarace Walker immediately slides into the four spot next to Myles Turner. He’s not the tallest player in the world, but makes up for the lack of height with a gigantic wingspan, high basketball I.Q., and a physical frame akin to a mound of granite. Walker’s playmaking ability and ferociousness on the boards should lead to second-chance points for Indiana’s talented backcourt. Speaking of which, the Pacers added some much-needed shooting with Ben Sheppard late in the first round. We also like the late draft selection of Miami’s Isaiah Wong (don’t be surprised if he sticks).
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13. Los Angeles Clippers: C-
Draft Picks: Kobe Brown (30), Jordan Miller (48)
The Clippers had one of the weirdest drafts on Thursday of any NBA team. Mizzou’s Kobe Brown was taken with the last pick of the first round. An undersized playmaking four, there were some mock drafts which didn’t even have Brown selected in Round 2. There’s not a lot of physical upside here, and Brown is among the oldest players in the draft. In fact, both Brown and second-round pick Jordan Miller are both already 23 years of age. Unless both become rotation guys sooner than later, there’s little reason to think the franchise can suddenly extract uncovered upside by the time these guys are into their mid-20’s.
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14. Los Angeles Lakers: B+
Draft Picks: Jalen Hood-Schifino (17), Maxwell Lewis (40)
The Lakers got terrific value with both of their picks in this draft. There were multiple mock drafts seeing Jalen Hood-Schifino going in the top-10. The Lakers nabbed him at No. 17 — giving LA another young, talented backcourt asset (which is also cover should D’Angelo Russell or Dennis Schroder leave). JHS is a combo guard with very good mid-range skills. He’s also a willing defender (garnering comparisons to Malcolm Brogdon). Maxwell Lewis — a local product from Pepperdine — is a plus-athlete with fast-twitch quickness and exceptional length. The Lakers spent over $4 million in cash to trade up and grab him here. Other mock drafts had Lewis potentially going late in the first round. At 6’7″, Lewis could crack the wing rotation immediately as a scorer off the bench.
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15. Memphis Grizzlies: D
Draft Picks: GG Jackson (45), Tarik Biberovic (56)
This wasn’t a great draft for Memphis. Picks were traded away in the Marcus Smart trade, which led to Memphis’ first pick coming at No. 45. GG Jackson reclassified in order to play in college a year early. His talent is immense, but his motor doesn’t always run hot. Being among the youngest players in the draft, we have a hard time seeing him enter a preexisting frontcourt rotation featuring Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke, Jaren Jackson Jr., Kenneth Lofton, David Roddy, and Xavier Tillman.
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16. Miami Heat: A-
Draft Picks: Jaime Jaquez Jr. (18)
The Heat only had one pick in this draft…but it was a good one. Universally, the Heat were praised for taking UCLA star forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. Dating back to his freshman year, the Southern California native exuded toughness, character, intelligence, and a will to win. He can score on all three levels, and has proven that on college basketball’s biggest stage repeatedly. Jaquez might not ever be a star. He’ll have to improve his three-point percentage, and uber-athletic players could give him issues off the dribble. With that said, if you’re looking for a guy who can help you win at all costs…it’s the guy they often refer to as triple-J.
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17. Milwaukee Bucks: B
Draft Picks: Andre Jackson (36), Chris Livingston (58)
Without financial flexibility or high-end draft capital, title contending teams must get creative when filling out their rosters. In this case, the Bucks did well in adding two second-rounders with nice upside. Both Andre Jackson and Chris Livingston are rangy wings with good defensive potential. Jackson is a freak athlete, and showed some impressive playmaking skills during UCONN’s title run. Livingston got lost in the chaotic Kentucky shuffle this year. While still raw, the tools are there for him to be a solid role player one day. For both prospects, the most important area of improvement would be working on their perimeter shots.
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18. Minnesota Timberwolves: B
Draft Picks: Leonard Miller (33), Jaylen Clark (53)
The Rudy Gobert trade led to Minnesota having only second round picks to play with. Both guys selected are far from sure-things — though each are intriguing prospects in their own rights. Leonard Miller is a jumbo wing with some real scoring ability. He’s still raw, but the size (6-foot-10) and athleticism is worth the gamble early in the second round. Jaylen Clark out of UCLA was selected late in Round 2. From a defensive instincts standpoint, he’s unparalleled with anyone in this draft. Clark has ridiculously quick hands, a long wingspan, and an intuitiveness one simply cannot teach. He’s coming back from an Achilles injury, and does struggle to shoot the ball with consistency. However, if he can come back healthy, Clark could be the next Bruce Brown — a versatile defender offering terrific energy and toughness.
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19. New Orleans Pelicans: B+
Draft Picks: Jordan Hawkins (14)
New Orleans hit it out of the park with this pick. Hawkins might be the most pure shooter of the entire draft. He’s excellent coming off screens for wide-open looks. However, Hawkins has even higher percentages when shooting contested 3’s. His ability to stretch the floor should work quite well with the current construction of New Orleans. He has to get bigger and stronger on the defensive end, but the shooting tool is undeniably great.
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20. New York Knicks: N/A
Draft Picks: none
The Knicks did not make any selections in Thursday’s NBA Draft. Their first-round pick from this year was given away in the Josh Hart deal. Based upon what Hart ended up meaning to the franchise, we have a hard time believing that a pick in the 20’s would’ve brought the same value to the Knicks comparatively speaking to Josh Hart.
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21. Oklahoma City Thunder: A
Draft Picks: Cason Wallace (10), Keyontae Johnson (50)
Oklahoma City continues to stockpile two-way players who will contribute to the team right away. After swapping spots with Dallas, the Thunder snagged Kentucky guard Cason Wallace. He’s a perfect fit alongside OKC’s core. Just like previous players drafted under the current regime, Wallace is an excellent defensive player who can also handle the rock. Pairing him with Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gives the Thunder a malleable core of two-way athletes. At the tail-end of the second, OKC added Kansas State standout Keyontae Johnson. While he’s a bit of an older prospect, Johnson has translatable skills which include a strong outside jumper and the ability to punish smaller defenders at the rim.
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22. Orlando Magic: B+
Draft Picks: Anthony Black (6), Jett Howard (11)
With two more lottery picks in hand, the Magic had some pressure entering the 2023 NBA Draft to add quality players around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. We think they did just that. Anthony Black is one of the best playmakers in the class — a 6-foot-7 point with defensive versatility. He has a great feel for the game, and is already a quick processor. Some might see Jett Howard as a reach with pick No. 11, but he’s another player with size and deep range on his jumper. Black, Howard, Banchero, and Wagner are all above 6-foot-7 — and have strong playmaking ability. It’s going to be fun watching this Magic team grow together.
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23. Philadelphia 76ers: N/A
Draft Picks: none
The 76ers passed on this year’s draft, as GM Daryl Morey has never been one for looking towards the future. The team’s first round pick was sent out in the deal for James Harden. And, their second rounder was forfeited after the team was slapped with a tampering violation during their acquisitions of PJ Tucker and Danuel House.
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24. Phoenix Suns: D
Draft Picks: Toumani Camara (52)
This is going to be the last Phoenix Suns draft pick for a long, long time. Phoenix essentially surrendered their next seven drafts in the trades for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. The team’s current core of Durant, Beal, and Devin Booker had better work out, because tanking is no longer an option for the Suns. With their lone pick this year, Phoenix drafted Dayton’s Toumani Camara — a defensive specialist who improved as a spot-up shooter during his senior year. The Suns need all of the depth they can get, and Camara could see instant playing time as a result.
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25. Portland Trail Blazers: A
Draft Picks: Scoot Henderson (3), Kris Murray (23), Rayan Rupert (43)
When Charlotte’s pick was announced, the Blazers basically rushed to the podium with their selection. The team was never passing up Scoot Henderson — regardless of Damian Lillard’s future with the team. Henderson may very well have been the No. 1 pick any other year. His upside is tremendous, and he plays with a high level of power and ferocity. Later in the first round, Portland snagged Kris Murray — the brother of Kings forward Keegan Murray. The Iowa product improved in several areas during his final season on campus, making him a candidate to earn early minutes for the Blazers. France’s Rayan Rupert had a first-round projection from some publications, and it’s easy to see why given his frame (6-foot-7 with a long wingspan) and defensive instincts.
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26. Sacramento Kings: B
Draft Picks: Colby Jones (34), Jalen Slawson (54)
Adding to its wing depth was a clear mission for this Kings front office. Sacramento traded with Charlotte to acquire the 34th pick, opting to take Xavier’s Colby Jones. Jones was the engine for a Musketeers team that finished second in the Big East. He’s a do-it-all type player who became a knockdown shooter in his final collegiate season. Jalen Slawson from Furman was certainly an intriguing pick. The burly forward shot .394 from three last season and was one of the most productive defenders in the draft (1.5 BPG and 1.5 SPG).
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27. San Antonio Spurs: A+
Draft Picks: Victor Wembanyama (1), Sidy Cissoko (44)
What’s there more to say about San Antonio’s draft? We knew they were taking French sensation Victor Wembanyama from the moment it was announced the Spurs won the lottery. Touted as a generational talent, Wembanyama will contribute immediately and could very well become the best player in the league at some point. Can’t ask for much more than that with the first overall pick. Of course, now it’s San Antonio’s job to fill out the roster around its star — and second-round pick Sidy Cissoko figures to be part of the plans. An opportunistic ball-hawk with playmaking chops, the 19-year-old Cissoko could be a potential steal at pick No. 44.
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28. Toronto Raptors: A-
Draft Picks: Gradey Dick (13)
Kansas’ Gradey Dick looks like he prepared to be drafted by the Raptors, sporting a snazzy red suit which certainly caught the attention of viewers. With only one pick in the draft, Toronto addressed its most obvious problem: Scoring. Dick put up 14.1 PPG as a freshman at KU — and it could have been far more if the team wasn’t so stacked with talent. He’s an excellent shooter and a good athlete who should be able to defend both 2’s and 3’s.
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29. Utah Jazz: A
Draft Picks: Taylor Hendricks (9), Keyonte George (16), Brice Sensabaugh (28)
This was a monster draft from the Jazz. Taylor Hendricks was one of the fastest risers on the board. He fits an archetype that every team is looking — a big wing (6-foot-9) with defensive versatility and an outside shot. He will be perfect alongside Lauri Markkanen at the forward spot. Next, Utah took one of the purest scorers in the draft in Keyonte George. His game is a bit reminiscent of Jamal Murray, and he should benefit greatly from NBA spacing. To wrap up their night, the Jazz selected Brice Sensabaugh — a stout, stretch-four who shot .405 from three as a freshman.
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30. Washington Wizards: B+
Draft Picks: Bilal Coulibaly (7), Tristan Vukcevic (42)
Washington selected two of the most interesting prospects of the entire draft. France’s Bilal Coulibaly gained momentum leading up the draft — buoyed by a stamp of approval from his former Met92 teammate Victor Wembanyama. While not many expected him to go seventh overall, the pick makes a lot of sense for the Wizards. He fills two clear roles — wing defender and offensive connector. He has great feel for the game, and will be a building block for a rebuilding Wizards group. In the second round, Indiana took a swing on Serbian big Tristan Vukcevic — a 6-foot-11 shooter who can put in the floor a bit and create.
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