2024 NFL Mock Draft 2.0; Raiders Trade Up to Get Their Guy
By: Hayden Shapiro
It’s that time again! Here’s another mock draft, but this time with some shake ups. Where does JJ McCarthy land? How do the Raiders get up to get a signal caller? Both of those questions will soon be answered in this mock. As always, if you like what you read, hit that follow button. Leave some comments down below, much love, and stay cool. Without further ado, here’s my mock draft 2.0!
1 CHI — Caleb Williams, QB USC
Williams is a generational prospect who makes so much sense financially for the Bears. It gives them a fresh rookie contract and a spectacular player who can extend plays like Patrick Mahomes with the accuracy of Aaron Rodgers. This guy is simply remarkable, and this selection immediately makes Chicago Bears football relevant again.
2 WSH — Drake Maye, QB UNC
Maye has unreal arm talent and is a super underrated athlete. His big frame goes almost unnoticed and when he absolutely dominates the combine, I expect there to be no speculation of what quarterback Washington takes at two.
3 NE — Marvin Harrison Jr, WR Ohio St
Harrison Jr has future all-pro written all over him. His uncanny body control and ability to track the ball while it’s in the air is special. He does things you just don’t see from a WR prospect and will be an immediate impact for New England. The former Buckeye will be the highest wideout selected since Calvin Johnson out of Georgia Tech, and dare I say he has more talent coming in than Megatron did.
4 LV (Trade w/ ARI) — Jayden Daniels, QB LSU
At this spot, Vegas realizes how many teams truly need a new signal caller, so they decide to go all on and move up to four. They snag Jayden Daniels and his insane athleticism and couldn’t be happier about this selection. Daniels’ Heisman campaign is widely underrated, and people are so mesmerized by his scrambling ability that they forget how crazy accurate he is down the field. He goes into an offense with a phenomenal number one option, Davante Adams, that is if he remains in the black and silver.
5 LAC — Joe Alt, OT Notre Dame
Alt is a safe pick for the Chargers, who desperately need help pretty much everywhere. They chose to get it on the offensive line here at five. Alt has great footwork and a gigantic frame, 6’8 to be exact. He is a polished pass blocker but needs to work on his finesse and power in the run game.
6 NYG — Malik Nabers, WR LSU
Nabers is quickly becoming one of my favorite players in the class due to his unreal ability to make defenders miss after the catch and his insane first step. He creates a boatload of separation on his routes and is going to be a quarterback’s best friend at the next level. I see a lot of Deebo Samuel in Nabers, he’s going to/should be used all over the field.
7 TEN — Rome Odunze, WR Washington
For Will Levis to succeed, Tennessee needs to surround him with weapons. An aging DeAndre Hopkins and underwhelming first round pick in 2022, Treylon Burks, simply are not going to cut it. They go Odunze here at seven. Odunze is so dangerous with the ball in his hands. His ball carrier vision is impeccable, and he sees blocks like a running back. He can also go up and get if you need to. He is a dynamic playmaker who would quickly become relevant in an offense that likes to throw the ball down the field.
8 ATL — Jer’Zhan Newton, DL Illinois
As my number one defensive player in this class, Newton’s tenacious play lands him inside the top 10 here in Atlanta. He plays like a tiger being let out of his cage and the size concerns simply don’t bother me one bit. His style of play is so unique and his ability to be a game wrecker against both the pass and run lead to him being the first defender off the board. He fits in both a 4–3, as a DT, or a 3–4 as an end.
9 CHI — Jared Verse, EDGE Florida St
Verse is a TFL machine. The dude uses his insanely strong arms and high motor to consistently beat his blocker and ultimately get into the backfield. I love Verse’s style of play and feel that it will translate very well into the league. Along with his remarkable tactics on setting the edge, he can rush the passer with the best of them. He also causes a lot of turnovers, flushing the QB out of the pocket or punching the ball out of the ball carrier’s hands.
10 NYJ — Taliese Fuaga, OT Oregon St
Fuaga plays with a mean streak and I’m all here for it. He is extremely physical in the run game and slots directly in at right tackle for the Jets. He plays downhill as a tackle, something scouts are going to drool over. The beaver is going to test out extremely well at the combine, to the point where he may be the first tackle selected. Watch out for this guy to rise even higher than he already has because he has all the tools to start right away in a tackle-needy NFL.
11 MIN — J.J. McCarthy, QB Michigan
On paper, the Vikings have a pretty complete roster, but injuries have derailed their playoff hopes for the last few years. If they are able to re-sign Cousins, something I think they need to do, McCarthy gives them an immediate successor. McCarthy is a winner with great arm talent. Although the decision-making needs work, scouts around the league seem to be all over this guy.
12 DEN — Dallas Turner, EDGE Alabama
Turner’s high motor and ability to be involved on what seems like every play are things that are going to serve him very well at the next level. He rushes the passer with passion and feistiness, using the plethora of pass rush moves in his arsenal to get home. Reigning DROY, Will Anderson Jr, even said Turner is more pro-ready than he was coming out of Alabama. Denver desperately needs pass rush help and Turner solves that problem immediately.
13 ARI (Trade w/ LV) — Olu Fashanu, OT Penn St
This is the absolute best-case scenario, a fairy tale story for Arizona. They get the guy they may have ended up taking at four if they didn’t trade down. Getting Fashanu at 13 is a blessing by itself, but doing so while acquiring draft capital is simply an amazing move by this young front office. Fashanu is an all-around polished tackle, my number one in the class. He uses his big frame and very smooth footwork to keep defenders out at all costs. He is ready to start from day one and allows Arizona to move on from D.J. Humpries and his abysmal contract.
14 NO — Brock Bowers, TE Georgia
Bowers is a playmaker in the pass game and the run game. He plays a lot like George Kittle. His ability to block is something most rookie TE’s struggle with and his prowess after the catch is unbelievable. I think he is debatably the most pro-ready TE to come out since TJ Hockenson, this readiness along with his amazing football IQ make him ready to compete for a starting job from day one. Health concerns lead to a slight fall, but I could see him going as high as five to the Chargers.
15 IND — Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama
Arnold has solidified himself as CB1 in my book for two main reasons. For one, he has extremely long arms that allow him to give some cushion to the wideout he is marking, but still be able to make a play. Secondly, he plays with an attitude and feistiness that corners in today’s league need. He talks his talk but walks the walk. I know that’s cliche, but it’s true. Arnold is a willing tackler and is always looking to make the big play. He also forces a lot of fumbles, he’s just a playmaker. Arnold fits this young Colts secondary so well and this is quickly becoming one of my favorite picks in the draft.
16 SEA — Troy Fautanu, OL Washington
If you couldn’t tell, I value guys who can play multiple positions. Especially on the offensive line. That’s exactly what Fautanu can do. He can kick into guard because of his power but can also play tackle given his finesse and phenomenal footwork. I like this pick for Seattle because they need immediate help on the interior of their line but Abe Lucas and Charles Cross look like solid tackles. If an injury happens, Fautanu can literally slide in wherever. For a young coach, having a guy like this, one who is so reliable and ready to go from day one, is so valuable.
17 JAX — Ladd McConkey, WR Georgia
McConkey is so good after the catch, it’s really a joy to watch. He creates so much separation that he almost always has room to run after the ball reaches his hands. He can play all over the field, the slot, outside, and even in the return game. He is one of the biggest climbers on everyone’s boards post-super bowl and for good reason. The dude can flat out make people miss. His tape from Georgia is unreal and I could legitimately see him going as high as this.
18 CIN — Byron Murphy II, DL Texas
Murphy II excels at rushing the passer, mainly because that’s what he was asked to do at Texas, but he possesses all of the traits to be a capable run stuffer as well. He uses leverage very well, getting under his blocker, and quite literally has tree trunks for arms. His swipe and swim moves are so polished which leads me to believe he is ready to go from day one. As well as other draft experts, he grew very quickly on me. He isn’t as dynamic as Newton, who I have going in the top eight, but Murphy is going to test out very well at the combine and could end up catching scouts’ eyes very soon.
19 LAR — Laiatu Latu, EDGE UCLA
Latu is so technically sound that seeing him fall this far is weird to me, but that’s just how this mock shaped up. I changed things up and Latu ended up being one of the guys who just slipped. He comes in with health concerns, but if he can stay on the field, he is going to be a force. He can line up sitting or standing and brings a tenacious attitude. He uses his hands very well and can set the edge like a seasoned vet. It all comes down to health and the combine for him, because if he shows up there, he could very well end up being the first EDGE selected.
20 DEN (Trade w/ PIT) — Bo Nix, QB Oregon
Woah! Surprise, surprise. Denver trades back up into the first to grab a guy who fits their scheme better than their current QB. If Wilson is released, the Broncos will immediately be searching for a QB. I could see them trading for an Andy Dalton or Josh Dobbs type guy, but having a successor ready like Nix is so valuable. He doesn’t turn the ball over and is a very undervalued athlete. He was not great in the senior bowl, but we’ve seen him at his best in a Ducks uniform, and he looks like a pro. He may need to sit for the first half of the season or even a year, but he’s got all the tools to succeed. It’s just a matter of who is willing to be patient and deal with some of his quirks.
21 MIA — Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL Oregon
I love when there is a center like Jackson Powers-Johnson in drafts. Mainly because of how undervalued the center position is. Think about it, they touch the ball on every single play and are the main reason for some of the league’s best backs getting to show off their skill. Their name goes under the radar, but they show up every Sunday and do their job. My dad always used to say, “If you don’t hear the center’s name all game, that means he is doing his job.” This is so true for Powers-Johnson. He isn’t a crazy athlete, he’s not the most powerful blocker, but he just comes in and does his job. The Dolphins desperately need help on the interior and this duck is ready to go from day one. He could make a name for himself very quickly, much like former first round picks at the center position, Creed Humphrey (2x pro-bowler and all-pro) and Tyler Linderbaum (1x pro-bowler). Both of those guys are under 25 years of age.
22 PHI — Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo
How much I love Mitchell is borderline stalkerish, but I’m proud of it. I watch a lot of football tape, especially on DB’s, and Mitchell’s man coverage is the best in the class. He is so sticky in man yet doesn’t rack up penalties. He takes very calculated risks but isn’t always searching for the home run play. He doesn’t get beat deep because of his speed and his quickness allows for him to follow his mark over the middle inside the numbers. Yes, he’s from a small school, but this guy plays like an NFL corner and was the best player at the senior bowl. Don’t be surprised if he ends up going in the top 15 picks because he has the talent to be a game changer at the next level.
23 HOU — Darius Robinson, DL Mizzou
Robinson was one of the senior bowls biggest winners. His versatility and size allow for him to play all over the line. He would add a huge presence in Houston. One who can stop the run with ease and split doubles to get to the QB. His tape at Mizzou was not exceptional, but the athleticism and power are there. He is a bit of a project, but the Texans have solidified themselves as threats in the AFC and have the best defensive minded coach in the league. This would be a perfect fit for Robinson even if it’s a little early.
24 DAL — JC Latham, OT Alabama
On paper, Dallas might have the best offense in the NFL. With that being said, they just cannot translate their regular season prowess into the playoffs. Getting a guy like Latham isn’t flashy or groundbreaking, but it allows them to sign some more skill position players who will make an impact (Calvin Ridley, Saquon Barkley, Michael Pittan) and let an aging Tyron Smith walk.
25 GB — Kamren Kinchens, S Miami (FLA)
Kinchens is a true ballhawk. He can read the quarterback’s eyes from way down the field and consistently jumps routes using his remarkable football instincts. The Miami safety is always looking to make a big play and excels at meeting the receiver right when the ball hits his hands, ultimately forcing an incompletion.
26 TB — Keon Coleman, WR Florida St
The Bucs had a really good season. Their main highlight was knocking off the Eagles in the wildcard round. WIth that being said, Mike Evans is a pending free agent and Baker is not one who does well without a top-end weapon. They nab Keon Coleman at this spot, a guy who is very consistent and a very solid possession receiver. His ceiling might have a limit, but his floor is pretty high, meaning he is safe. He can play on the outside or shift into the slot given his great route running.
27 ARI — Brian Thomas Jr, WR LSU
If this is how the draft goes, I think the Cardinals would be the biggest winners of the first round. Brian Thomas Jr is not a traditional X wideout. He is great going deep, don’t get it twisted, but his prowess in the red zone cannot go unseen. He is a pure red zone threat and Kyler Murray is going to love throwing the ball his way. He’s got strong hands and a stringy frame. Thomas Jr isn’t knocked off his routes by opposing corners and has great body control. This would be an A+ selection for Arizona in my book.
28 BUF — Troy Franklin, WR Oregon
Franklin would be a great replacement for Gabe Davis, a pending free agent. He stretches the field so well, constantly getting behind the safeties and deep corners using his high-level speed. He is going to test out very well at the combine but lacks the ability to make plays inside the numbers and his route running needs work. Reminds me a lot of Travis Benjamin, going way back for that one.
29 DET — Kamari Lassiter, CB Georgia
I just feel like Lassiter is such a Dan Campbell guy. The Lions need help in the secondary and Lassiter gives you that and much more. He is a more than willing tackler, often blowing up screens and outside runs. He plays so much bigger than he is and is always going 110%, very high motor. The dude can really lay the boom but he’s also very sticky in man coverage. Doing so without racking up penalties.
30 BAL — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB Alabama
Kool-Aid had an average second half of the CFB season, leading to a bit of a slip in the draft. He has all the tools to be a top corner. He’s got long arms, great ball skills, and can run with top wideouts. The one thing that worries me is that he doesn’t like to tackle. I saw it multiple times in the CFP where he missed on outside runs or attempted just an arm tackle on wideouts after the catch. McKinstry might prove everyone wrong, and a lot of his stock is dependent on the combine.
31 SF — Amarius Mims, OT Georgia
Mims would really benefit from sitting a bit and who better to sit behind than future HOFer Trent Williams. Mims plays with a nastiness and has an edge to his game. He has the power to move inside but has great footwork that would allow him to stay at tackle.
32 KC — Xavier Leggette, WR South Carolina
I like Leggette a lot, especially for Kansas City. They need a playmaker other than Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice. Rice is great at finding the weak spot in the zone and working underneath, which would open up so much room for the speedy Leggette to run. Leggette bounces off tacklers and is so good with the ball in his hands, it’s really incredible.
