SALT LAKE CITY – ESPN’s Todd McShay projected two local players are first round picks in his Way-Too-Early mock for next year’s 2023 NFL Draft.

On Thursday, May 5, the NFL Draft expert published his first 2023 mock draft less than a week after the conclusion of the 2022 NFL Draft.

This year’s draft featured three local selections, including first round pick Devin Lloyd by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In 2023, McShay predicts that former Orem High star Noah Sewell and Utah Utes cornerback Clark Phillips III will go in the opening round of the NFL Draft.

WAY-too-early 2023 Mock Draft is here! Shaping up to be an exciting class of QBs (5 in this first round projection), WRs (5), RBs (2) and DL (6). Two reminders: 1. I did not create the draft order! 2. Prospects should not base future decisions on this! https://t.co/YLfv5eESGN

— Todd McShay (@McShay13) May 5, 2022

Click here to see McShay’s early 2023 NFL mock draft.

McShay has Sewell going in the middle of the first round and Phillips landed with a team five picks later.

If either player goes in the first round, the pick will give the state of Utah its fourth consecutive year with a local player selected in the opening round.

• 2020
  • Jordan Love (Utah State)
    • No. 26 overall – Green Bay Packers
• 2021
  • Zach Wilson (BYU)
    • No. 2 overall – New York Jets
• 2022
  • Devin Lloyd (Utah)
    • No. 27 overall – Jacksonville Jaguars

About Noah Sewell

Following a standout high school career with the Orem Tigers, Sewell decided to head out of state to play with the Oregon Ducks.

During his two seasons at Oregon, Sewell has accumulated 158 total tackles, 78 solo tackles, five pass breakups, six sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception.

NOAH SEWELL 4th DOWN STOP 💪#CFB
pic.twitter.com/6IzSdw9tWd

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 11, 2021

He was named first-team All-Pac-12 in 2021.

He is the younger brother of Penei Sewell (Detroit Lions), Nephi Sewell (New Orleans Saints), and Gabriel Sewell Jr. (USFL’s Philadelphia Stars).

About Clark Phillips III

Prior to his time at the University of Utah, Phillips III attended La Habra High School in California. The Southern California native originally committed to Ohio State before deciding to join the Utes out of high school. He’s the highest-rated recruit to ever sign with the Utah football program.

Phillips III became a starter for Utah’s defense as a true freshman in 2020.

During his two seasons with the Utes, the cornerback has recorded 86 total tackles, 67 solo tackles, 15 pass breakups, one forced fumble, three interceptions, and two touchdowns.

Icing on the cake. Clark Phillips III with the pick six on his birthday! What a second half performance by this team!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/Un7IReDSZZ

— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 19, 2020

The 2023 NFL Draft is slated to take place in Kansas City, Missouri from April 27-29.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).

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