With Madden season in full swing, most enthusiasts will be looking to edit player ratings to their liking and create the players they want to see in the game. As much as this game is updated every year, those of us who love college football want to see our favorite players in the game sooner rather than later. In Madden that is. Understanding the excitement and anxiousness of using the college stars of the NFL’s future now, I decided to make this fun and put together a 2023 NFL mock draft with every offensive devy prospect available to be drafted. Why not see what it would look like if all devy players were eligible now, Madden style? The draft order is based on preseason power rankings. Enjoy!
1.01 C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
There is no telling how Davis Mills is going to turn out, but when you are on the clock and have a talent like CJ Stroud, you pull the trigger. The development that CJ Stroud showed throughout the season last year was very impressive. He ultimately will take another step in his development this year and proved to be a top five pick in the 2023 NFL draft. The Texans find their franchise QB with the first overall pick.
1.02 Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Obviously, Marcus Mariota is not the answer for the Atlanta Falcons at QB. The 2022 Heisman award winner, Bryce young, is sitting there for them; of course, the Falcons will not hesitate to select him. Although Bryce young doesn’t have prototypical size, he’s immensely talented and has the football IQ to change a franchise and make players around him better. The Atlanta Falcons are ecstatic to select him with the second overall pick.
1.03 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
What the Bears have done at the wide receiver position is downright disrespectful to Justin fields and the offense as a whole. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a no-brainer pick here. Fields teams back up with his dominant receiver, and the two looked to turn around the Bear’s offense single-handedly.
1.04 , Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Seahawks trade away Russell Wilson and somehow think they can replace him with Geno Smith and Drew Lock. With Caleb Williams transferring to USC, he has the opportunity to skyrocket his draft stock with the amount of talent around him and a fresh start in a new atmosphere. The Seahawks are looking for a franchise QB who can be a dual threat, and Williams provides just that.
1.05 Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
The Jaguars tried their best to add weapons for Trevor Lawrence this offseason, but they didn’t do enough to find the blue chip that Lawrence needs. Kayshon Boutte is a top receiver in the 2023 NFL draft and will provide a massive upgrade on offense to propel Lawrence’s development and the overall success of the Jaguar’s offense.
1.06 Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Jet’s offense is coming together tremendously, and on paper, it looks like one of the best in the league, pending the development of Zack Wilson. Although they have some options at tight end, Notre Dame has produced an elite talent in Michael Mayer. Adding Mayer to this offense would give Wilson another dynamic weapon and provide him with a player that is an outstanding blocker and excellent receiver. The Jets immediately become better with Mayer’s addition.
1.07 Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama
After trading for Baker Mayfield, the outlook for the Panther’s offense is much better. Adding another weapon to put alongside DJ Moore would be highly beneficial. With Jermaine Burton transferring from Georgia to Alabama, he could easily have just catapulted his draft capital and found his way into the first round. The Panthers just found another playmaker in Burton.
1.08 Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Jared Goff has proved to be a serviceable quarterback for the Lions. The Lions need a quarterback that provides the upside for them to finally show that they deserve to be taken seriously in the postseason. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is an incredible talent, and even though he still needs to prove himself, he has the make-up of being a next-level quarterback that could immediately help an NFL team like Detroit.
1.09 Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Giants don’t seem to know what they’re doing when it comes to developing talent and improving their team as a whole. The offense has looked dreadful for a few years now, and if they are going to try to get anything out of Daniel Jones, they need more weapons. Marvin Harrison Jr. has proven from the start of his college career that he has what it takes to be a future NFL wide receiver. The sky is the limit for his upside, and the Giants should feel lucky they were able to get him at this point in the draft.
1.10 Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami
This one is pretty simple as Carson Wentz has not proven that he can stay healthy or play at a high level, as we have seen before. Tyler Van Dyke proved himself right away after hitting the field and was allowed to lead the Hurricanes. He has shown to have NFL talent and make NFL throws necessary to lead receivers open and put the ball where it needs to be for additional yards to be facilitated. How Van Dyke performs this upcoming season will play a huge role in his draft capital, but to this point, he looks to be an NFL franchise quarterback.
1.11 Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Xavier Worthy to the Steelers could be considered a questionable pick, but if you look at the team as a whole, this could benefit their first-round QB Kenny Pickett. Chase Claypool has not proven to be that go-to weapon as of yet. Diontae Johnson was just resigned for three more years, but who knows how he will develop. Adding another dynamic playmaker alongside George Pickens would be huge for the development of Pickett. Worthy is a field stretcher with the elite speed that could damage opposing defenses and vastly improve the Steeler’s offense.
1.12 Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The fantasy community probably won’t like this pick, but what Bijan Robinson could do in the Patriot’s offense could be insane. Robinson is an NFL running back at this point in his college career and will only get better. He can do everything asked, including being a dynamic pass catcher out of the backfield. He will complement what Mac Jones can do, and this is a pick that Bill Belichick is excited to make.
1.13 Jordan Addison, WR, USC
At one time, the Browns had Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. That time has quickly gone away, and now the Browns are looking again to restock their wide receiver room. Jordan Addison could excel this season in Southern California with Caleb Williams as his QB. He would be an outstanding addition to the Browns and help Deshaun Watson return to form as he once was with the Texans.
1.14 TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
The Saints have needs all over the offense, and as much as a quarterback or wide receiver would make sense here, there is no way they pass up on one of the best running backs in college football that can improve their offense on day one. Yes, they have Alvin Kamara, but with the suspension on the horizon and who knows what the future holds, the Saints will reload in the backfield with TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson currently looks like one of the best backs to come out of Ohio State since Ezekiel Elliott and the Saints want to make sure they secure their backfield and maintain their identity on offense. Henderson provides just that and more.
1.15 Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Vikings may look at the quarterback position or receiver, but with Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson in place, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers provides the help needed for this offense to take the next step. Bowers is a dynamic athlete, outstanding receiver, and tenacious blocker. He gives this offense precisely what it’s been missing, and Kirk Cousins is getting another weapon that can soak up targets in the middle of the field and gain yards after the catch.
1.16 Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
Transferring to Alabama was the best move that Jahmyr Gibbs could have made for himself. He most likely went from a mid to late-round NFL draft pick to possibly finding himself drafted at the end of day one or early day two with how he performs this upcoming season. The Dolphins have been striving to find an identity in the backfield and have just been adding names to make it work. Gibbs has alien athleticism and the pass-catching ability of a true receiver. Just imagine the speed of Gibbs, Jaylen Waddle, and Tyreek Hill in the same offense. Who says no?
1.17 Josh Downs, WR, UNC
The Titans traded away A.J. Brown to the Eagles and drafted Treylon Burks. They still have Robert woods on the roster but need that dynamic athlete to stretch the field and soak up targets in zone coverage. North Carolina receiver Josh downs proved last year that he could do both. He would be an excellent addition to the Tennessee offense and take some pressure off Burks, who is still developing to become an NFL receiver.
1.18 Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Although the Raiders just acquired Davante Adams and have Hunter Renfrow, adding a receiver like TCU Quentin Johnston would be a massive upgrade and provide the physicality and catch radius that will only help Derek Carr. We should see a considerable jump in targets for Johnston this season, and he should take his game to the next level.
The Chargers are not expected to resign Mike Williams and need a physical receiver with strong hands to take over that role. David Bell has been absolutely dominant at Purdue since he stepped onto the field. Bell produced at a high level even with a playmaker such as Rondale Moore in the same offense. Team him up with Justin Herbert, and this is a duo we will be talking about for years.
1.19 Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
The Eagles are hoping for Miles Sanders this season, but adding another running back with power, athleticism, and pass-catching ability would be huge for the Eagle’s offense. Auburn running back Tank Bigsby had a down year last season when you look at the box score. When you turn on the film, you see an angry runner who proves to do anything possible to get additional yards. Pop on the 2021 film, and you see a running back hungry to succeed. Bigsby lands in a nice spot with an upcoming Eagles offense.
1.20 Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
The 49ers have done an excellent job putting together an offense with speed, play strength, and intelligence. Signing Deebo Samuel to an extension was a smart move by the organization, but they still need another dynamic option outside of Brandon Aiyuk. Marvin Mims has been outstanding during his time at Oklahoma and plays much bigger than his listed size. He has exceptional hands and is explosive throughout his route stem. He would fit the 49ers scheme perfectly.
1.21 Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
The Cardinals currently have James Conner as their primary lead back. The touchdown-dependent tailback is very talented, but it is about to hit the cliff, and the Cardinals will be looking for a replacement. Zach Evans transferred from TCU to Ole Miss and has an outstanding opportunity to boost his stock and show that he can be a workhorse. Adding him to the Cardinals backfield would be a benefit to everyone on the offense.
1.22 Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
There’s no doubt this pick is going to get criticism, but this is a fake NFL Madden mock, so let’s take a second and think about that. Matt Ryan is not the answer for the future of the Colt’s offense. What Anthony Richardson provides in his arm strength and rushing ability si something special. He looks to be the starter for the Gators this upcoming season, and if he delivers as Cam Newton did for Auburn years back, the Colts would be ecstatic to get him at this point in the draft.
1.23 Mario Williams, WR, USC
It’s hard to analyze the Bronco’s offense and determine their needs. They have done an excellent job of building a roster with great offensive weapons. Adding a playmaker like Mario Williams out of USC only helps Russell Wilson. Williams transferred from Oklahoma to USC, and similar to Jordan Addison, he has the opportunity to improve his draft capital with a quarterback like Caleb Williams under center. This could almost be considered a luxury pick by Denver.
1.24 Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland
A year ago, the Cowboys looked like they were in good shape at the receiver position, but that has quickly changed. Amari Cooper landing with the Browns and injuries to their other receiving options leaves a massive vacancy on offense. Maryland receiver Rakim Jarrett hasn’t even touched his ceiling yet and has the talent to be a solid wide receiver at the NFL level. He could easily replace what the Cowboys were hoping to get out of Michael Gallup, and that is a win no matter how you look at it.
1.25 Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka might not be a brand name just yet, but he will be by the end of next season. He displays excellent physicality for his size and is twitchy as an athlete showing elusive separation within his body movements. The Ravens don’t have a massive need at receiver, but once you add a talent like Egbuka to the offense, it will become evident that he just might have been the missing piece for Lamar Jackson.
1.26 Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
What kind of mock draft would this be if we didn’t introduce true freshmen that need to be known? From his time as a recruit to even the spring game, Luther Burden has shown a skill set and tendencies that of a future NFL receiver. Sure it’s way too early to project him as a unique player in the NFL, but there are glimpses that this could be the case. The Packers have always needed to add a true number one option at the receiver position in their offense. They tried with Christian Watson, but Burden is in a different stratosphere. Keep his name on your radar because the Packers in this draft have been.
1.26 Michael Trigg, TE, Ole Miss
The Chargers are another organization that has done an outstanding job of building an offense designed to score points. They had been looking for a replacement at the tight end position, and it looks like they have found their guy in Ole Miss tight end Michael Trigg. A big, physical, athletic prospect that could be the missing link for the Charger’s offense.
1.28 Evan Stewart, WR, Texas A&M
Sure the Chiefs just added JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes Scantling to the offense, but they lost Tyreek Hill. The addition of Skyy Moore could help replace what Hill provided, but there is a true freshman with the speed the Chiefs are looking for that could help this franchise not skip a beat. That player is Texas A&M true freshman receiver, Evan Stewart. A dynamic playmaker with elite speed and above-average athleticism that would fit the Chief’s offense like a glove. Right now, Stewart looks like the real deal, and hopefully, the Aggies will develop him as their history of receiver development has not been promising.
1.29 Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse
The Bucs have added additions in the backfield through free agency and the draft. Leonard Fournette looks to be the guy this season, but after that, Tampa could flip a coin at who gets the next shot. Syracuse running back Sean Tucker has done nothing but produce since he touched the field. He has solid size with great physicality, athleticism, and speed. He’s a proven pass catcher that shows the ability to gain yards after the catch. He could be the answer that Tampa Bay has been looking for for a long time.
1.30 Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
Who knows what the future holds for Joe Mixon and the Bengals, but it is time for Cincinnati to begin thinking about developing a replacement. Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen is a bully out of the backfield and has excellent athleticism for his immense size. He was recruited as a defensive back, so it’s even more impressive that he was so productive in his first year as a running back. He is only beginning to learn the position, which is scary when you think about it. Adding him to an offense with physical playmakers would make this Bengals team deadly.
1.31 Branson Robinson, RB, Georgia
When you think of a Bills running back, you’d think of strength, physicality, and brute size. Not precisely what Buffalo has at the current moment. Incoming freshmen running back Branson Robinson already looks like he should be running out of the backfield on Sundays. He’s a muscle factory that shows great physicality as a runner and incredible agility for his size. He looks to be one of the next great Georgia running backs and could be one of the next great Bills running backs as well. At least it’s fun to think about it that way.
1.32 Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
Let’s keep the freshman running back momentum going and introduce another physical tailback in Nicholas Singleton. Last year, Penn State did not have a high-caliber talent in the backfield, but Singleton changed that. He’s easily the most talented running back the Nittany Lions have had since Saquon Barkley. Singleton also has the opportunity to showcase his ability this upcoming season. If he comes out and performs at a high level, he will skyrocket up dynasty draft boards as he should. There’s an excellent chance we could talk about Singleton being the number one overall devy prospect two years from now, so acquiring him now would be the smart move.
