NFL free agency mock draft 2023: Jimmy Garoppolo to Dolphins, Derek Carr to Commanders and 30 other moves

Imagine if the veteran market were conducted like a draft

Every NFL offseason, mock drafts take over, captivating eyeballs for weeks -- if not months -- at a time. But too often, they overlook the fact that an entire veteran market must unfold before teams turn their eyes to April's rookie class. Of course, that's not entirely true; long-term visions involving draft prospects can influence an organization's approach in free agency. But either way, the signings and trades of early spring are first on the docket.

So let's mock-draft free agency! Why on Earth would we do this, you ask? Well, No. 1, because it's fun. Half the reason the NFL offseason is a thrill is the sheer volume of scenarios we can dream up. No. 2, because it actually helps identify the year's most valuable free agents, as well as teams' top offseason needs.

Some ground rules, before we dive in: