2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0 For Local Players: Pre-Combine
Feb 27, 2023, 4:40 PM | Updated: Apr 21, 2023, 5:11 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – Multiple college football players with ties to the state of Utah appeared as 2023 NFL Draft selections in our latest roundup of mock drafts.
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The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri from April 27-29.
Local players from universities and high schools in the Beehive State are expected to be selected during the seven-round event, including the first round.
#LocalsInTheNFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0
Dalton Kincaid – Tight End – Utah
Mock Draft:
NFL.com – Daniel Jeremiah’s 2023 NFL mock draft 2.0 (from February 21)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 15
NFL Team: Green Bay Packers
Analysis:
“Kincaid is one of my favorite players in the draft. I think he’s the most dynamic pass-catching tight end in the class.” – Daniel Jeremiah
Not hyperbole to say Dalton Kincaid has some of the best ball skills I've ever seen from a TE prospect
– 2 drops on 108 catchable last two seasons
– 16/27 in contested situationsLegit 1st Round talent at a position I don't often advocate for that early pic.twitter.com/Ju1RPtJJpO
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) February 26, 2023
Mock Draft:
NFL.com – Cynthia Frelund’s 2023 NFL mock draft 1.0 (from February 10)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 15
NFL Team: Green Bay Packers
Analysis:
“The Packers add a productive tight end (70 catches, 890 yards last year) who is great after the catch.” – Cynthia Frelund
Mock Draft:
NFL.com – Chad Reuter’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 13)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 11
NFL Team: Tennessee Titans
Analysis:
“Kincaid’s hoops background is evident on the field, as his hands and body control make him a great target down the seam, on the sideline and in the red zone.” – Chad Reuter
Mock Draft:
NFL.com – Lance Zierlein’s 2023 NFL mock draft 1.0 (from February 7)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 24
NFL Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Analysis:
“Quite frankly, I’m not sure Kincaid makes it to this spot. But if he does, Trevor Lawrence will get a playmaker from the slot with ridiculously sticky hands.” – Lance Zierlein
Mock Draft:
ESPN – Todd McShay’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 15)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 28
NFL Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Analysis:
“Cincinnati could really use a top-tier pass-catcher there to open things up more on the outside for the Bengals’ trio of wideouts, provide a security blanket for Burrow over the middle and stretch the seam for chunk plays. With a big 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame, Kincaid is coming off two straight seasons with 500-plus yards and eight TDs..” – Todd McShay
Mock Draft:
ESPN – Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from January 25)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 25
NFL Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Analysis:
“Both Kincaid and Luke Musgrave (Oregon State) have a chance to be Round 1 picks, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a few teams preferred one of them over Michael Mayer (Notre Dame) as the top-ranked tight end in this class. Kincaid had 16 touchdowns over the past two seasons, while Musgrave was in line for a breakout before he suffered a knee injury in October that prematurely ended his season. Kincaid has more speed, but Musgrave’s size (6-6, 250 pounds) and upside intrigues NFL scouts. Cincinnati would upgrade with either player here.” – Mel Kiper Jr.
Mock Draft:
ESPN – Matt Miller’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 6)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 33
NFL Team: Houston Texans
Analysis:
“After landing a quarterback and wide receiver in Round 1, the Texans could keep the offensive theme going by selecting a tight end with huge potential in Kincaid. His back injury has to be vetted, but his run-and-catch ability makes him perfect for today’s NFL. Kincaid has the highest floor as a pass-catcher from this loaded tight end group — as long as he’s healthy.” – Matt Miller
Mock Draft:
CBS Sports – Josh Edwards’ 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 27)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 28
NFL Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Analysis:
“Cincinnati has some unsettled offensive questions regarding the future of Tee Higgins and/or Tyler Boyd. The loss of either obviously strips quarterback Joe Burrow of a weapon, so Dalton Kincaid bridges that gap.” – Josh Edwards
Mock Draft:
CBS Sports – Kyle Stackpole’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 27)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 28
NFL Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Analysis:
“Hayden Hurst a free agent? No problem, as the Bengals add the best pass-catching tight end in the Dalton Kincaid. More playmakers for Joe Burrow.” – Kyle Stackpole
Mock Draft:
CBS Sports – Garrett Podell’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 22)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 24
NFL Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Analysis:
“Why pay up for Evan Engram when you can draft the new Evan Engram if you’re the Jacksonville Jaguars? Kincaid is arguably the most polished route-runner of all the tight ends in this draft, regularly lining up in the slot. He can also make people miss after the catch. Pairing him with Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk and Zay Jones gives Trevor Lawrence a solid arsenal of pass-catchers.” – Garett Podell
Mock Draft:
Tankathon (from February 24)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 29
NFL Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Mock Draft:
Athlon Sports – Bryan Fischer’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 27)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 18
NFL Team: Detroit Lions
Analysis:
“After trading away T.J. Hockenson, the Lions would love to find a replacement early on in the draft with the vast amount of capital they have at their disposal. Kincaid is a versatile weapon and will give a fun offense an additional dimension.” – Bryan Fischer
Mock Draft:
Pro Football Network – Arif Hasan’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 25)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 39
NFL Team: Carolina Panthers
Mock Draft:
Pro Football Focus – Trevor Sikkema’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 27)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 15
NFL Team: Green Bay Packers
Analysis:
“The Packers will need some new offensive weapons, and while Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer is a common selection, Kincaid’s superior athleticism in the passing game gives him the nod here.” – Trevor Sikkema
Mock Draft:
Draft Wire – Natalie Miller’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 27)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 25
NFL Team: New York Giants
Analysis:
“While the Giants would likely want one of the top receivers in the draft, they opt instead to take the top receiving tight end of the class in Kincaid. He will become an immediate security blanket for Daniel Jones, and can be used in a variety of ways, as he is as dynamic as they come at the position. It would not be a shock if he led the Giants in receiving right away.” – Natalie Miller
Mock Draft:
Draft Wire – Luke Easterling’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 23)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 28
NFL Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Analysis:
“It feels unfair to give Joe Burrow another weapon, but most of this tight end room is headed for free agency this offseason, and the position is vital when it comes to taking advantage of the attention paid to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Kincaid’s pass-catching ability would make him an instant-impact playmaker in this offense.” – Luke Easterling
Mock Draft:
Touchdown Wire – Doug Farrar’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 25)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 45
NFL Team: Green Bay Packers
Clark Phillips III – Cornerback – Utah
Mock Draft:
NFL.com – Chad Reuter’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 13)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 50
NFL Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Clark Phillips III is just getting started. pic.twitter.com/DzkVUHrhWi
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) December 19, 2020
Mock Draft:
ESPN – Matt Miller’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 6)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 58
NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys
Analysis:
“Phillips had six interceptions in 2022, and he has the toughness and instincts to excel playing inside or outside cornerback at 5-10 and 183 pounds. No, he doesn’t have ideal NFL size, but his on-the-ball production over the past two seasons proves he can make an impact.” – Matt Miller
Mock Draft:
The Athletic – Diante Lee’s NFL mock draft (from February 8)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 23
NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings
Analysis:
“Clark Phillips III is a bit on the smaller side in comparison to the other top corners in this class, but Minnesota must improve its coverage defenders. Also, Phillips is a competitive guy and doesn’t back off because of physical disadvantages. He’s a fluid mover, makes plays at the catch point and tackles well for his weight. Minnesota also might consider a player such a Baylor DT Siaki Ika here.” – Diante Lee
Mock Draft:
CBS Sports – Josh Edwards’ 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 27)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 44
NFL Team: Atlanta Falcons
Mock Draft:
Tankathon (from February 24)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 45
NFL Team: Atlanta Falcons
Mock Draft:
Pro Football Network – Arif Hasan’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 25)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 38
NFL Team: Atlanta Falcons
Mock Draft:
Pro Football Focus – Trevor Sikkema’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 27)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 22
NFL Team: Baltimore Ravens
Analysis:
“With Marcus Peters likely on the way out in free agency, Baltimore will need a cornerback with ball skills. Phillips brings that with a ton of confidence as a smaller-sized outside cornerback. He had six interceptions and seven forced incompletions in 2022.” – Trevor Sikkema
Mock Draft:
Touchdown Wire – Doug Farrar’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 25)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 23
NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings
Analysis:
“Phillips is an underrated, sticky cornerback who can follow just about any receiver through just about any route, and he’d thrive in the kinds of stuff Flores likes to throw at opposing offenses.” – Doug Farrar
Mock Draft:
Draft Wire – Luke Easterling’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 23)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 37
NFL Team: Seattle Seahawks
Jaren Hall – Quarterback – Maple Mountain High/BYU
Mock Draft:
Pro Football Network – Arif Hasan’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 25)
Round: 3
Overall Pick: 102
NFL Team: Detroit Lions
Jaren Hall with an absolute DIME 🎯 pic.twitter.com/gFbtZbgN40
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 30, 2022
Blake Freeland – Offensive Lineman – Herriman High/BYU
Mock Draft:
NFL.com – Chad Reuter’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 13)
Round: 3
Overall Pick: 84
NFL Team: Miami Dolphins
Blake Freeland vs SMU in the New Mexico Bowl:
🔷 83.9 PFF Grade
🔷 Zero Pressures Allowed
🔷 78.8 Run Block Grade pic.twitter.com/0JfoUviDzC— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 19, 2022
Mock Draft:
CBS Sports – Josh Edwards’ 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 27)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 62
NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Mock Draft:
Tankathon (from February 24)
Round: 3
Overall Pick: 78
NFL Team: Miami Dolphins
Mock Draft:
Pro Football Network – Arif Hasan’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 25)
Round: 3
Overall Pick: 80
NFL Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Mock Draft:
Touchdown Wire – Doug Farrar’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 25)
Round: 3
Overall Pick: 91
NFL Team: Buffalo Bills
Mock Draft:
Draft Wire – Luke Easterling’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 23)
Round: 3
Overall Pick: 65
NFL Team: Denver Broncos
Siaki Ika – Defensive Tackle – East High/Baylor
Mock Draft:
NFL.com – Eric Edholm’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 (from February 3)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 20
NFL Team: Seattle Seahawks
Analysis:
“The Seahawks are always good for a surprise in the first round, but the massive Ika could help fill a big void for one of the worst run-stopping defenses last season. Pete Carroll wasn’t kidding when he said the front seven needs help.” – Eric Edholm
Become familiar with #Baylor NT Siaki Ika #62.
Verified 6-4, 354 pounds with nimble feet and natural power. LSU transfer. He looked like Vita Vea on the Ole Miss tape.
Early DT preview for the 2023 NFL Draft: https://t.co/lDrbY5gpPw pic.twitter.com/AZ71M03qEo
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) August 9, 2022
Mock Draft:
NFL.com – Chad Reuter’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 13)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 21
NFL Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Mock Draft:
ESPN – Matt Miller’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 6)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 54
NFL Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Analysis:
“Los Angeles went edge rusher in Round 1 and tries to fix the run defense with Ika — the draft’s best nose tackle — here. He is massive (6-4 and 358 pounds) and fits the modern nose tackle projection with his size, power, length and surprising quickness when allowed to rush the passer. The Chargers gave up 5.4 yards per rush last season, by far the worst in the NFL.” – Matt Miller
Mock Draft:
Tankathon (from February 24)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 43
NFL Team: Cleveland Browns
Mock Draft:
Athlon Sports – Bryan Fischer’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 27)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 18
NFL Team: Detroit Lions
Analysis:
“Rush defense was a bit of an issue for the Jags during key stretches last year. Enter Ika, who can quickly turn the team’s fortunes around in the trenches given how big he is and the way he forms just a wall in the middle of the field.” – Bryan Fischer
Mock Draft:
Pro Football Network – Arif Hasan’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 25)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 42
NFL Team: Seattle Seahawks
Mock Draft:
Draft Wire – Natalie Miller’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 27)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 29
NFL Team: New Orleans Saints
Analysis:
“The Saints take their pick they received for Sean Payton and find some interior defensive line help in the talented Ika. He possesses excellent athleticism for his size, and a ton of strength to help bolster this Saints line right away.” – Natalie Miller
Mock Draft:
Touchdown Wire – Doug Farrar’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 25)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 42
NFL Team: Cleveland Browns
Mock Draft:
Draft Wire – Luke Easterling’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 23)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 49
NFL Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Noah Sewell – Linebacker – Orem High/Oregon
Mock Draft:
NFL.com – Chad Reuter’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 13)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 48
NFL Team: Detroit Lions
INTERCEPTION! Noah Sewell!#GoDucks x @B1essah pic.twitter.com/DVNTOF0k2g
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) November 20, 2022
Mock Draft:
Tankathon (from February 24)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 55
NFL Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Mock Draft:
Pro Football Network – Arif Hasan’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 25)
Round: 3
Overall Pick: 67
NFL Team: Carolina Panthers
Mock Draft:
The Sporting News – Vinnie Iyer’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 23)
Round: 1
Overall Pick: 31
NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Analysis:
“The Eagles may not bring back T.J. Edwards in free agency and might be in the market for a new clean up in the middle of their defense. Sewell is an absolute terror vs. the run as a rangy tackling machine with untapped upside in coverage.” – Vinnie Iyer
Mock Draft:
Touchdown Wire – Doug Farrar’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 25)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 37
NFL Team: Seattle Seahawks
Mock Draft:
Draft Wire – Luke Easterling’s 2023 NFL mock draft (from February 23)
Round: 2
Overall Pick: 62
NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Local 2023 NFL Draft Prospects
- BYU
- Christopher Brooks
- Lorenzo Fauatea
- Blake Freeland
- Jaren Hall
- Houston Heimuli
- Harris LaChance
- Puka Nacua
- Gunner Romney
- Payton Wilgar
- Utah
- Braeden Daniels
- Mohamoud Diabate
- Solomon Enis
- R.J. Hubert
- Dalton Kincaid
- Logan Kendall
- Clark Phillips
- Gabe Reid
- Tavion Thomas
- Utah State
- Logan Bonner
- Brian Cobbs
- Hunter Reynolds
- Calvin Tyler Jr.
- High Schools
- Siaki Ika (East/Baylor)
- Noah Sewell (Orem/Oregon)
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
