2023 NFL mock draft: Chiefs trade up to select TCU WR Quentin Johnston

After defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, the Chiefs will soon again be the center of the NFL world, with Kansas City playing host to the 2023 NFL draft in April. There has already been quite a bit of speculation about how general manager Brett Veach might handle the first round of the draft, including consideration given to whether he’d consider trading up or trading out of the first round. Our friends over at Draft Wire think he’ll do the former in their latest three-round mock draft.

Who are the Chiefs trading up for? Well, of course, it’s another weapon for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Check out the details of the trade down below and who else they take in the first three rounds:

Trade: 19. TCU WR Quentin Johnston

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The Chiefs send the Buccaneers picks No. 31 and No. 63 in order to acquire pick No. 19 in the first round. With pick No. 19, Brett Veach adds the 6-foot-4 and 215-pound junior from TCU, Quentin Johnston. Here’s a look at what Luke Easterling had to say about the trade and player choice:

“After watching this year’s top corners come off the board ahead of them, the Bucs could be willing to bail from this pick. With no receivers gone yet, the Chiefs deal their second-round pick to jump up from the last pick in the first round for Johnston, who has the traits to be a superstar in this explosive offense with Patrick Mahomes.”

Some envision Johnston as the No. 1 receiver in this draft class, so securing that player at pick No. 19 would be a coup for Kansas City. He caught 60 passes for 1,069 yards and 6 touchdowns for the Horned Frogs this season. Johnston boasts NFL-ready route-running and releases, on top of size, speed, agility and major yard-after-catch ability. I think if there’s one knock on his game, it’s that he doesn’t always handle physical, press coverage well. He has the size to come down with vertical contested catches, but if he needs to play through a defender, he’s hit or miss.

95. Oklahoma OT Wanya Morris

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In my eyes, Morris was one of the biggest winners of the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He was dominant during the week of practice, showing punch and poise in one-on-one team drills. At 6-foot-4 and 317 pounds, he’s consistently providing movement in the run game and anchoring in pass protection. Should the Chiefs be unable to make a commitment to RT Andrew Wylie, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, adding Morris would be a wise move. He’s plug-and-play ready on the right side of the line.