2023 NFL Mock Draft: Baltimore Ravens trade Lamar Jackson for draft picks and select Bryce Young in the first round

(Author: Sahil Jain)

The Baltimore Ravens are set to trade quarterback Lamar Jackson to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a package of picks in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, according to a recent CBS Sports three-round mock draft. That move would free the Ravens to select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the 19th overall pick.

Young is considered one of the best potential quarterbacks in the draft, with a strong arm and excellent mobility. He could be an excellent replacement for Jackson, who has been the cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense since his selection in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

The New Orleans Saints, meanwhile, would add another talented quarterback to their roster, joining Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston. It remains to be seen how the team will use Jackson, but his versatility and playmaking ability could make him a valuable asset in their offensive scheme.

The mock draft also includes several other notable first-round picks, including the Detroit Lions selecting defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux from the University of Oregon, and the New England Patriots selecting wide receiver Garrett Wilson from Ohio State University. Also, the Los Angeles Chargers selecting offensive lineman Evan Neal from the University of Alabama.

In the second round, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to draft quarterback Malik Willis from Liberty University with the 34th overall pick. Willis is a highly athletic QB with a strong arm and could be a good option for the Vikings’ offensive scheme.

Other notable picks in the second round include the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting linebacker Christian Harris from the University of Alabama, the San Francisco 49ers selecting running back Kyren Williams from the University of Notre Dame and the Dallas Cowboys selecting cornerback Ahmad Gardner from the University of Cincinnati.

In the third round, the mock draft highlights the Baltimore Ravens selecting safety Bubba Bolden from the University of Miami, the Cincinnati Bengals selecting wide receiver Treylon Burks from the University of Arkansas and the New Orleans Saints selecting tight end Isaiah Likely from Coastal Carolina University.

Overall, the mock draft provides an interesting insight into which players could be selected in the early rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, based on current team needs and player evaluations. It remains to be seen how accurate these projections will be, but they do offer a glimpse of the next draft.