Michigan football: 3 players appear in The Athletic's 2023 mock draft
The 2023 NFL Draft deadline has come and gone with another chunk of Michigan football players set to make the leap to the pros. Three of them appear in the latest 2-round mock draft from Dane Brugler of The Athletic – defensive tackle Mazi Smith, cornerback DJ Turner and EDGE defender Mike Morris.
None of the Michigan players in Brugler’s mock appeared in the first round, but Smith was the first off the board at No. 42 overall to the Cleveland Browns.
“Would Mazi Smith be the best defensive tackle on the Browns roster the moment he’s drafted? It’s no mystery that is a position of need for Cleveland,” Brugler wrote.
The Draft Network scouting report on Smith says: “Smith has a two-down appeal right now as an NFL prospect. His value as a run defender is high. If defenses continue to run the two-high safety sets next season, he will be valued well. He does not offer high-end passing-down value. There is some ability to impact quarterbacks with interior pressure but he will need to play quicker and more refined technically.”
Next up was Turner, who came off Brugler’s board at No. 58 overall to the Dallas Cowboys.
“Neither of Dallas’ Day 2 cornerbacks from the 2021 draft (Kelvin Joseph, Nahshon Wright) have been dependable. It is time to reinvest in the position,” Brugler said.
The Draft Network scouting report: “An NFL team will be receiving one of the better cover corners in the 2023 draft class. Turner’s blend of athleticism, competitiveness, instincts, and coverage flexibility gives him a high floor and ceiling heading into the NFL. Turner looks his best in tight man-to-man coverage. This is where his quiet footwork and smooth transitions are an advantage. Teams that need a young cornerback that can step into the CB2 spot as a rookie will be happy with Turner.
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Morris held down the back of the second round in Brugler’s mock with the Kansas City Chiefs selecting him with the No. 62 selection.
“Mike Morris possesses the height, weight, and arm length you desire for a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end. Morris’ versatility and skill set are enticing. He stands up as an outside linebacker and reduces inside to rush interior gaps,” The Draft Network said.
“From a recognition standpoint, he epitomizes the phrase ‘slow until you know.’ Morris does not fall for the typical pre-snap eye candy by the offense. His play strength and length are a visible advantage versus the run. He holds up at the point of attack and uses his reach to stack/shed blocks once the ball carrier’s path has been determined. Morris plays with a physical and violent temperament, he attacks blocks with aggression. He’s athletically capable of dropping into zones for on-fire zone blitz calls. As a 6-foot-6 defender, Morris plays with good pad level and leverage at the point of attack. “
The 2023 NFL Draft is set for April 27-29 and will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, home of the Chiefs. The Chicago Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s class. We will see which Michigan players wind up coming off the board.
