Mel Kiper's 2023 mock draft: 5 boldest calls from NFL analyst's latest update

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has probably released NFL mock drafts for the longest time and with the most hype. Nowadays, there are so many mock drafts and variants that it may become disorienting and complicated to keep up with them all.

Kiper has released his most recent attempt to make sense of all the NFL draft antics using his network and expertise. Let’s discuss a few important details from Kiper's most recent mock draft.

#1 Baltimore Ravens could fill their needs with just five picks

Mel Kiper has never been shy about his love for his hometown team, the Baltimore Ravens, and he occasionally exhibits excessive favoritism.

However, there remains that core of reality that captures his assessment of the team going into the NFL draft. The areas that the Ravens have to concentrate on in the draft are clear to Kiper.

Kiper thinks the Ravens could still meet their equirements despite having only five picks — one in the first round, one in the third round, one in the fourth round, one in the fifth round and the last one in the sixth round. He claimed that while the current wide receiver crop is inferior to some previous ones, cornerbacks and tight ends are the two areas with the most talent.

The quarterback position is also near the top of his list. The Ravens must select a quarterback in the draft even as Jackson and the team need to resolve their contractual dispute.

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#2 New York Giants to select Jordan Addison

If the Giants are lacking anything, it's more dynamic playmakers. Even though they recently made some significant free-agent signings to improve their pass-catching, they still need a real weapon at the wide receiver position.

Jordan Addison of USC could become the Giants' most effective player in attack. According to Kiper:

"Addison put up enormous numbers for Pitt and USC over the past three years, and he could be a plug-and-play starter, getting reps in the slot and outside. This is how the Giants' passing attack can advance significantly."

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#3 C.J. Stroud is Kiper's No. 1 pick

In Mel Kiper's mock draft, Stroud is ranked above everyone else, including Bryce Young and Will Levis.

Due to ongoing conversations and arguments regarding which of the two passers should be selected first, CJ Stroud and Bryce Young are currently the subject of headlines. The Carolina Panthers have the answer to that dilemma, as they have the privilege of selecting first after trading for the Chicago Bears' first-overall pick.

CJ Stroud and Bryce Young were lauded for their skills, but Kiper also drew a distinction because of their different sizes. Young is shorter at 6' 0", while Stroud is four inches taller

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#4 Kiper has three Ohio State players in the first round

Paris Johnson Jr. of Ohio State looks on during the NFL Combine

Most NFL draft pundits consistently pick three players from Ohio State in the first round, and Kiper follows suit. In the first round, he named three players, but with different alternatives and teams from earlier mock drafts.

He predicts the Carolina Panthers to select CJ Stroud with the first overall pick. OT Paris Johnson Jr. is predicted to be selected by the Chicago Bears with the ninth overall pick. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a wide receiver from OSU, is the third player projected to leave in the first round. According to Kiper, the Seattle Seahawks will select Smith-Njigba with the 20th overall pick.

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#5 Seahawks to take a quarterback

Quarterback Anthony Richardson of Florida participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine.

The expectation following Russell Wilson's departure was that Seattle was going to choose its quarterback for the foreseeable future in this draft. However, Geno Smith's 2022 season cemented his status as the best comeback player of the year.

Anthony Richardson is generally regarded as a quarterback who won't be prepared to make an impact in the 2023 season. However, Kiper reckons the Seahawks would be the ideal organization for him to grow.

It has benefited many teams in recent NFL seasons to build first-round quarterbacks alongside experienced ones. Doing so might be the best course of action for Richardson and Co..