2024 NFL Mock Draft 3.0; 2-Round Mock with Trades
By: Hayden Shapiro
It is officially draft month! April is here and so is my Mock Draft 3.0 with 2 ROUNDS! As awlays if you like what you read, hit that follow button. Stay cool, much love, grab some snacks, and enjoy. 2 Round Mock starts now.
1 CHI: Caleb WIlliams, QB USC
The pink nail polish, pink phone, and what looked like lip gloss doesn’t bother me. Joel Klatt said it best, it’s this generation’s Joe Namath, white shoes and fur coat. Anyways, Williams is a generational prospect and the Bears trading Justin Fields pretty much does everything but pencil in Williams here at one. The USC product extends plays like an NFL veteran and is the most accurate thrower on the run I’ve seen in quite some time. He has the ability to throw from different arm slots and is elite in almost every QB category. Williams checks off every box and passes the eye test with flying colors. It’s hard to not love the way Caleb plays, and I think the Bears feel that way too.
2 WSH: Jayden Daniels, QB LSU
The Commanders have options here, but in my mocks, they almost always take Jayden Daniels, and here’s why. Daniels fits new OC Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme so well, it’s kind of scary. The ex-Tiger can use his legs and throws an unbelievably pretty deep ball, two things Kyler Murray excels at, and Kingsbury jumped all over him back in 2018. Daniels’ ability to do damage in the ground game is special, almost Lamar Jackson-like, but what really stands out to me is his leadership and professionalism. He just holds his head high and seems so confident in his game. His Heisman campaign is being underrated constantly for some reason, so with all that being said, I do think all signs point to him being the pick here at 1.02.
3 MIN (TRADE W/ NE): Drake Maye, QB UNC
Watching Maye is really intriguing simply because he does everything well. He is so accurate over the middle, has the body and athleticism to make plays outside of the pocket, and what really stands out to me is how he places balls where only his WR can get it. He allows so much space for his wideout to run after the catch, almost predicting where the receiver will be at the end of his route, doing so at the very beginning. He is completely in play at two, but here, Minnesota moves up for their guy. They give the Patriots some draft capital and are ready to start a new chapter, not a rebuild, a new chapter. I say it like that because this is a very talented roster who just lacks in one department: the QB position. This trade-up gives them a day-one starter and a guy who can really get hot.
4 ARI: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR Ohio St
If it isn’t obvious, I am obsessed with MHJ. He is special in so many ways and checks the boxes of every single WR category. The body control, soft hands, and sheer football IQ make him the best wideout in the class. Arizona nabs him here at four, giving Kyler Murray a true number one option and a guy who’ll make an impact from the get-go.
5 LAC: Rome Odunze, WR Washington
Odunze is my WR2, and for good reason, I think. His big frame and strong hands allow him to be a threat in the red zone and down the field. With that being said, he is dynamic after the catch despite not being the fastest guy. Very similar to Cooper Kupp, he sees the field extremely well, on par with a running back. He can be utilized on screens and drags just as frequently as he can be on deep passes and jump balls. The Chargers desperately need WR help losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, and Odunze has all the tools to be a future WR1 in Los Angeles.
6 NYG: JJ McCarthy, QB Michigan
If no one trades up in front of the G-Men, I really do think that they select McCarthy. Yes, Daniel Jones is still under contract, but McCarthy has shown flashes of greatness and has won at every level. The buzz around the league is that so many teams are in on the ex-Wolverine, so if he’s there at six, why not hold a QB competition in East Rutherford? JJ is really accurate on short and medium range throws and has the athletic ability you want from your QB. He uses his legs very well and has some really impressive tape when extending plays at Michigan. I don't think he’s as raw as people are thinking, so the Giants take a shot on him here at 1.06.
7 TEN: Joe Alt, OT Notre Dame
Alt is a mountain on the line, one who doesn’t budge on power rushers due to his extremely strong base. He is a very polished pass-blocker and has the agility to be an anchor in the run game as well. If Tennessee wants Will Levis to succeed, he needs to be protected at all costs, and Alt is that guy. The only worry I have is that when he faced smaller, faster rushers, he struggled. But this can be improved with NFL coaching and a slight morale boost from being the first tackle off the board.
8 ATL: Dallas Turner, EDGE Alabama
Dallas Turner is an athletic freak who led the EDGE position in every category at the combine, besides the 40-yard dash. He has an 83-inch wingspan, yes, 83 inches. That’s equivalent to some NBA stars, and he uses it to his advantage. His high motor would be a welcomed addition in the ATL and these freakish traits along with his sheer pass-rush ability is quite frankly unreal. He is going to be a double-digit sack guy year in and year out, as he joins a line that includes Arnold Ebikitie, a guy who looked really solid last season. Turner has impressed at every level and seems to make an impact on every play, run or pass, disrupting in the backfield and torturing SEC signal callers every Saturday. He’s got the type of game that’ll translate very well to the pros, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he is the first EDGE off the board.
9 DEN (TRADE W/ CHI): Malik Nabers, WR LSU
It’s a rough time in Denver. They lack weapons on offense and their secondary desperately needs help after Justin Simmons’ departure, but Malik Nabers being here at nine forces a trade up. Nabers adds some much-needed firepower on the outside, something they just couldn’t get from Jerry Jeudy who struggled to stay healthy and inevitably was dealt to Cleveland. Nabers is arguably the most explosive player in the draft, using his strong legs and soft hands to do damage on jump balls and after the catch. This is a little bit of a reach of a comparison, but he truly reminds me of AJ Brown. The way he follows blockers and his versatility on offense is special and would be a very welcomed addition in the Mile High City.
10 NYJ: Brock Bowers, TE Georgia
The Jets have a short super bowl window, and drafting tackle may not be the right thing to do here at 10. They signed two vets in Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses at that position, guys who are win now answers, but are not long-term solutions. With that being said, the front office understands where this team is on paper, so why not add a dynamic weapon like Bowers to the mix and really take this offense to a new level. Bowers can block, run routes crisply, and do what he does best, bounce off tacklers. He is so dangerous with the ball in his hands and opens up a completely new dimension in this New York offense. He would quickly become a favorite target of a now healthy Aaron Rodgers and supplies even more firepower to this vertical offense. This is a scarily good fit and Bowers would not only be a day one starter, but a future all-pro at his position.
11 NE (TRADE W/ MIN): Brian Thomas Jr, WR LSU
I absolutely love this pick. I didn’t expect the combine we got from Brian Thomas Jr, but he really impressed me. He is not your typical X wide receiver. He’s got great speed and a very quick release, two things that’ll really help the New England offense. They wait on QB, gain draft capital, and land one of the biggest sleepers of the first round. If you think this is a reach, go to YouTube and look up Thomas Jr’s highlights, he is really, really good. Since this is a two-round mock, I do have the Pats selecting QB later, so stay tuned to see who’s throwing balls to the Bayou Boy at Gillette Stadium next year.
12 CHI (TRADE W/ DEN): Jared Verse, EDGE Florida St
Verse is an absolute force on the line. He’s a TFL monster who makes getting into the backfield look easy and splits double teams like a seasoned vet. Verse is the best run-stopper in this class, but it doesn’t take away from his pass-rush ability. He has insanely strong arms and a deep repertoire of power rush moves, two things that will serve him very well in Chicago. A tandem of Verse and Montez Sweat would be a nightmare to prepare for as they both have such different skill sets. I am quickly falling in love with this fit. The Bears have had the best offseason in the league, adding talent all over their roster, and selecting Caleb Williams at one (at least in this mock), and getting a guy like Verse AFTER getting more draft capital from Denver would just be the cherry on top.
13 LV: Byron Murphy II, DT Texas
It’s safe to say that Byron Murphy II is a product of hype and popularity, but it’s completely justified. He just has a nastiness about his game that makes him so intriguing. The ex-Longhorn plays every down like it’s his last. This all-or-nothing attitude combined with his stellar combine leads to a big jump in mock drafts. He rushes the passer so unbelievably well, it’s really a joy to watch the way he just gets his way. His strong arms and uber-aggressive playstyle ultimately makes him the first DT off the board. Headed to Vegas, a team that added Christian Wilkins in FA, this defense is getting scary. A second-year jump from last year’s first round selection, Tyree Wilson, combined with a very underrated secondary makes this Raiders team a sleeper in the AFC. They seem to always play spoiler, but with this squad, especially on defense, they could do some damage in the West.
14 JAX (TRADE W/ NO): Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo
Usually, Jacksonville takes a little risk on a guy who is getting a lot of hype. Travon Walker and Travis Ettiene Jr are perfect examples of this strategy, but there is quite frankly zero risk with Mitchell. Coming from a small school like Toledo, Quinyon was bound to face criticism due to strength of schedule, but this guy has silenced the doubters every opportunity he’s had. At the senior bowl, he was arguably the best player on the field, and during the combine he looked like the best CB in the class. He has the speed, instincts, and ball skills to be a true number one corner in this league. For those reasons and many more, the Jags trade up to get him at fourteen, making Mitchell the highest Toledo Rocket ever selected in a draft, along with him being the first corner off the board.
15 IND: Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama
Back-to-back corners is so fun, and this position battle is looking like it’ll come down to the wire, but it’s no consolation prize for Indy getting Arnold at 15. His story is great, a great student and person, along with a special talent on the gridiron. The Colts are getting a physical and twitchy corner here at 15, one who can lock up any wideout given his aggressive playstyle and impeccable instincts. He takes such calculated risks, rarely gets beat, and can be put on an island with no safety help. They desperately need help opposite young corner JuJu Brents. A secondary consisting of Colts legend Kenny Moore II, who was just re-signed, and Arnold will be huge for the Colts. It’s been an area where they struggle every year and that ends now, as in my opinion, Arnold is the best defensive player in the class.
16 SEA: Troy Fautanu, OT/G Washington
Fautanu adds depth and versatility to a line that desperately needs it. Losing Damien Lewis is huge, and Fautanu can come in and start at guard, along with supplying a reliable backup OT. He excels in pass-pro but pulls well enough to block for the run. He provides a solid base and strong arms, two things that will help him in the pros. He did not allow a single sack this year as a Husky, per PFF.
17 NO (TRADE W/ JAX): Olu Fashanu, OT Penn St
This is the absolute best-case scenario for New Orleans. They trade back with Jacksonville, acquiring some more draft capital and maybe an expiring contract, and still get their guy at 17. Fashanu was my OT1, but injury concerns and a subpar pro day leads to a bit of a slip in my rankings. Despite the flaws, he is a mauler in the run game and paves huge paths for his backs. Trevor Penning simply did not work out, Derek Carr is aging, and we know little to nothing about Ryan Ramczyk’s future. So, the Saints go younger on the line and get a guy who was a leader and multi-year starter in Happy Valley.
18 CIN: Johnny Newton, DT Illinois
I really love Newton’s game. He plays with urgency and splits double teams with ease. He uses speed moves, arm swipes, and ducks better than any other DT in this class. He needs to improve at stopping the run, which was honestly my reasoning for why he’s lower than Byon Murphy II, but Newton is really talented at rushing the passer and is going to make an immediate impact in Cincy.
19 LAR: Nate Wiggins, CB Clemson
A small frame and zone issues make me skeptical of Wiggins’ ability at the next level, but his athleticism and speed are hard to ignore. The Rams are masters of developing talent no one else wants to take a swing on, so I think this pick just makes too much sense to not mock. Wiggins provides a solid outside corner option who can keep up with anybody.
20 PIT: Amarius Mims, OT Georgia
I love when teams reunite former teammates, not just because it’s fun, but it really improves chemistry, especially on the line. Selecting Mims here at 20, who by the way is one of the most physically imposing OT’s I’ve ever seen, allows Broderick Jones to move back to LT and gives Russell Wilson even more protection. This selection would solidify the Steelers’ plan of making a run because their window is short, really short, so they need to build this line fast. Mims plays with really heavy hands and moves freakishly well for his insane frame.
21 MIA: Taliese Fuaga, OT/G Oregon St
A little slide for Fuaga leads to him ending up in Miami, and I’m all here for it. This fit would not only be fun, but it makes total sense. Fuaga has the ability to play guard and tackle which is great for two reasons. First, he can start at guard from day one. He’s polished in the pass game and plows over anyone in his way when run blocking. Secondly, he can be an immediate replacement for an aging Terron Armstead when he decides to hang up the cleats. Fuaga can literally go as high as 10 to the Jets, so the value here is also amazing.
22 PHI: Cooper DeJean, DB Iowa
DeJean just has Philly written all over him. He can line up literally all over the field, in the box, in the slot, or down the field over the top. His instincts are incredible, and he is a more than willing tackler. DeJean consistently knocks balls out of WRs hands in the flats and DeJean is an absolute work horse, meaning he plays every down. Injury concerns may lead to a bit of a fall, but if he’s here at 22, I expect the Eagles to jump all over him.
23 MIN: Chop Robinson, EDGE Penn St
An unreal combine and some really impressive tape solidify Chop as a first-round pick. Yes, there are concerns about his size and injury history, but his jump off of the line and high motor are just too much to pass up on. Robinson’s burst and timing on the snap is up there with the best I’ve ever seen from a prospect and Brian Flores loves to blitz; the problem is his rushers just don’t get to the quarterback. That’s where the ex-Nittany Lion comes in, a dynamic, twitchy EDGE who uses speed and timing to get home.
24 DAL: JC Latham, OT Alabama
Latham is another tackle who can go as high as seven to Tennessee, but the way this mock shaped up has him falling a bit, but the slip stops in Dallas. Latham has such a powerful and fluid game. He’s a guy that’s ready to start from week one and gives the Cowboys someone with the versatility to start at either tackle spot.
25 GB: Edgerrin Cooper, LB Texas A&M
Cooper absolutely flies all over the field. He’s consistently making plays behind the line of scrimmage and has the speed/size combo to cover opposing TEs. Him and Quay Walker would be a scary duo at Lambeau, and we know how much Green Bay values the LB spot. The Texas A&M product can play on or off-ball, allowing this scheme to stay the same and giving them a picture-perfect fit as a rookie, ready to start from day one.
26 TB: Laiatu Latu, EDGE UCLA
Latu is so talented, but he just did not impress me at the combine, and I worry about his injury history. His pass-rush toolbox is so deep, and he is probably the purest pass rusher in the class, but he lacks the top end speed and length that the top dogs have. Tampa needs help at EDGE after releasing Shaq Barrett and Latu has the ability to line up with his hand in the dirt or standing up. I think this fit is perfect, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Latu isn’t available because he truly does have top 15 talent.
27 ARI: Xavier Worthy, WR Texas
AN absolute fireball on the field, Worthy stretches the defense and shimmy’s his way through tacklers underneath. After breaking records at the combine, the hype is real, and I think he goes in the first. This gives Kyler Murray a really impressive deep threat who also opens stuff up underneath; simply because of how worried teams will be about him over-top. He is an amazing Hollywood Brown replacement, and also a guy who was so gosh darn consistent at Texas, never having a season under 900 yards. I am quickly falling in love with this fit, even after they select MHJ at four.
28 BUF: Adonai Mitchell, WR Texas
The ultimate Gabe Davis replacement. A guy with a similar skillset, but a much higher ceiling. Mitchell ran very well at the combine and his pro-day, as well as possessing all the tools to succeed at the next level. He would quickly become the A1 red zone target in Buffalo and allow Stefon Diggs more opportunities to get the ball, which is weird to say because the old Diggs excelled at creating separation.
SIDEBAR: I’m going to go in depth a little more about why having two deep threats/WR1’s is so important.
This Buffalo pick is a perfect example of why having two great WRs who do damage down the field is a huge piece to a playoff team. It allows for at least one to be consistently open, simply because of how much attention one star garners. For example, Arizona selecting MHJ and Xavier Worthy may seem odd, but if you think about it, Worthy needs attention over-top, or else he’ll beat his defender on every play. That attention means that someone needs to leave their zone and follow X, leaving Y open either over the middle, underneath, or on the sideline. Teams just can’t succeed with only one true WR1 anymore, which was perfectly represented in San Francisco last year; where Deebo Samuel needed multiple defenders on him, leaving breakout star Brandon Aiyuk open more often than not.
29 DET: Darius Robinson, DL Mizzou
Robinson grew up in Detroit, plays all over the line, and has the attitude Dan Campbell adores. He can stop the run, eat up blockers due to his gigantic frame, and rush the passer. His senior bowl was uber-impressive, and he looked HUGE at the combine. The Missouri veteran is a guy who can start from day one and quite frankly is quickly becoming one of my favorites late first round players. If the hype continues, he may not even be available at this spot, but he is in this mock and Detroit nabs him at 29.
30 BAL: Ricky Pearsall, WR Florida
Before you say, “what the heck, who is this?” hear me out. Baltimore desperately needs help at the wide receiver position. Rashod Bateman can’t stay on the field and Zay Flowers looks great on the outside but doesn’t have the route running or hands to play in the slot. That’s where Pearsall comes in. Is this a bit of a reach? Sure. But the ex-Gator has some really, really impressive tape and speed, as well as crisp route running and soft hands. If you don’t know him, search him up and tell me that you wouldn’t love to see Lamar throwing him balls underneath and outside the numbers. He is an older prospect, a guy who started every single game at Florida, and one who will be ready for the league right from the jump. I love this fit and can truly see something like this happening, even before Keon Coleman or Troy Franklin.
31 SF: Tyler Guyton, OT Oklahoma
Guyton is a project, but why not build for the future? AN aging Trent Williams is still playing at such a high level, but there’s no one you’d rather a young OT learn from than him. Guyton is raw but holds all the tools to improve and succeed down the line. He has a strong base and heavy hands, as well as fast feet, things that serve him extremely well in the pass-pro game. Where he needs work is blocking for the run, one reason we might see an IOL pick here at 31, but in this edition, San Fran opts to build for the future. A Graham Barton or Christian Haynes also wouldn’t surprise me here.
32 KC: Ladd McConkey, WR Georgia
Shifty, shifty, shifty. McConkey is so good after the catch, it’s really a joy to watch. If he has open space, watch out, because he’s always looking to take it to the house. The ex-Bulldog is an amazing route runner who excels at finding the soft spot in zones, giving his QB a reliable target over the middle. Mahomes would love to have a true WR1, something he hasn’t had since Tyreek Hill. The addition of Hollywood Brown and emergence of Rashee Rice have kept this KC offense at the top of the totem pole, but why not add even more talent and firepower to a team that’s looking for a three-peat!
33 CAR: Payton Wilson, LB N.C. State
If Luke Kuechly says he likes a guy, believe him. Wilson is a missile of a middle linebacker who seems to be in on every single play. He has sideline to sideline ability and would really bolster up a defense who lost two stars in free agency (Frankie Luvu and Brian Burns). The Panthers need every position on defense, but linebacker is a glaring hole. The additions of Josey Jewell and Jadeveon Clowney are huge, but this defense needs more help, so they opt for Wilson.
34 NE: Michael Penix Jr, QB Washington
Let me just make this clear: Penix Jr has first round grade from me. His arm talent is ridiculous, and he just ran a 4.4–40 at his pro day, the dude is just an athletic freak. He throws one of the prettiest deep balls I have ever seen and took the college football world by storm during the 24–24 season. He led a Washington team to the National Championship and did so while battling an injury history and doubters all along the way. Him to New England would not only be fun, but it makes so much sense. The Pats love to stretch the field, and after opting for Brian Thomas Jr earlier in this mock, Penix Jr has weapons surrounding him. This offense is starting to really take shape and the Heisman runner-up can really speed up this rebuild. He’s got a great pass-catching back in Rhamondre Stevenson, a solid line, one that will be addressed later in the draft, and a fan base that would VERY QUICKLY fall in love with someone like Mike. He is a true leader and proven winner. I love this pick and think it’s a no brainer if he is available.
35 ARI: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB Alabama
Some real injury concerns lead to McKinstry falling out of the first round, but boy are the Cardinals getting a good player here at 35. His tape from 2022 is amazing and he can be put on the opposing team’s number one option week in and week out. His long arms lead to turnovers and many passes knocked down. He needs to work on his tackling, badly, but he is a true perimeter corner who can shut down pretty much anyone when he’s actually on the field.
36 WSH: T.J. Tampa, CB Iowa St
Tampa is a long and strong corner who excels in press-man coverage. He uses his strength to knock WRs off of their routes and is so aggressive playing the ball. I love this fit in Washington opposite last year’s first round pick Emmanuel Forbes.
37 LAC: T’Vondre Sweat, DT Texas
Nose tackle is such an underrated and undervalued position in the league nowadays and I have no explanation or clue why. Sweat eats up blockers, drawing so much attention which would allow star EDGEs Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa to get one-on-one matchups, which they win more often than not. Sweat bursts through the line and moves so well for his simply unreal size. He is 366 pounds but moves like he’s 320. I love Sweat and think this fit is perfect.
38 TEN: Ennis Rakestraw Jr, CB Mizzou
Rakestraw has an attitude and nastiness to him and I’m all here for it. He is so sticky in man coverage and consistently knocks wideouts off of their route. He uses his long arms extraordinarily well in press coverage and is so quick to the ball. He needs to improve his tackling skills but has the size and length to do so.
39 CAR: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OC Oregon
Carolina signed two star guards this offseason, but the center position is a real need. Power-Johnson has the talent to go in the first round but ultimately falls in this mock. The Panthers are getting a guy who can start from week one and really puts this Giants pick to use. Dare I say this team is looking better and better by the day, even after losing multiple key pieces on defense.
40 WSH: Mohamed Kamara, EDGE Colorado St
This might be a little bit of a reach, but boy can Kamara get to the QB. He only stands at 6’1, but he has so much power and uses leverage better than anyone else in the class. He dips and ducks under tackles and has an extremely high motor. He would be a really nice addition to a blitz heavy Dan Quinn defense.
41 GB: Kamari Lassiter, CB Georgia
Lassiter plays like he is 6’5, 220 pounds. What this means is that he isn’t afraid of anything or anyone. He wins battles against receivers no matter their size and is a menace in the flats. The ex-Bulldog is a very good tackler and would fit best in the slot. Lassiter reminds me a lot of Devon Witherspoon; he’s got the attitude and is always looking for the game-changing play.
42 HOU: Keon Coleman, WR Florida St
Keon Coleman is a big target who excels at finding the soft spots in zone. He’s a true possession receiver, a guy who may not run the fastest or be the strongest, but he has phenomenal hands as well as great body control. Coleman gives Stroud yet another big target to work the sidelines and garner attention over the middle.
43 ATL: Xavier Leggette, WR South Carolina
Leggette is so dangerous after the catch, bouncing off tacklers and using elite change of direction, always searching for the big play. He gives Kirk Cousins a real threat underneath and on screens, as he already has Drake London and Kyle Pitts down the field. With this selection, Atlanta gains yet another young offensive weapon.
44 LV: Bo Nix, QB Oregon
They brought in Gardner Minshew and seem content with Aidan McConnell, but adding Nix here just makes too much sense. He may not be as exciting or flashy as the other QBs in the class, but Bo Nix is a really, really polished passer. He is extremely accurate over the middle and is great at reading defenses. He rarely turns the ball over and is very patient. I like the fit in Vegas and think he could be a starter for them down the line.
45 NO: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT Clemson
Ruke is quickly becoming one of my favorite prospects in the draft due to his sheer size and explosiveness. He can line up inside and out, in a 4–3 or 3–4, and gives New Orleans another young piece on their D-Line. He splits doubles with force and rushes the passer with urgency. The ex-Tiger could very well end up being the steal of the second round.
46 IND: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE Texas
Sanders is one of those modern day TEs. He’s a guy who can take the top off of a defense and out run linebackers, the position that is often covering him. Where he struggles is in the run game as he really can’t block. With that being said, Indy has Mo Alie-Cox, a polished run blocker at his position and adding Sanders gives Anthony Richardson a big target over the middle of the field
47 NYG: Kam Kinchens, S Miami (FLA)
Losing Xavier McKinney may be a bigger loss than some expect. So, they nab Kinchens here at 47, a guy who reads the QBs eyes from way downtown and plays like a lurking center fielder. Kinchens times his PBUs so well and is a threat in the flats, as he is a willing tackler with amazing instincts.
48 JAX: Graham Barton, OG Duke
Barton’s got quick feet and a strong frame. He excels at blocking for the run but has really improved as a pass-blocker. He started all over the Blue Devils line and could be an amazing heir-apparent to an aging Andrew Norwell.
49 CIN: Christian Haynes, OG UConn
As the IOL starts to come off the board, I’m not sure anyone is as good a pull-blocker as Christian Haynes. He can play Center as well. Cincy desperately needs to protect Joe Burrow and Haynes is just the start.
50 PHI: Bralen Trice, EDGE Washington
Bralen Trice was the highest graded pass-rusher in football, per PFF, and uses his strong hands and large frame to get home. Philly brought in Bryce Huff, but also traded Haason Reddick, so they are in the market for a pass-rusher. Trice can line up sitting or standing, in a 4–3 or 3–4 package and is a really polished EDGE. He needs work setting the edge on outside runs, but that’s completely coachable.
51 PIT: Max Melton, CB Rutgers
The release of Patrick Peterson opens up a hole opposite Joey Porter Jr, and Max Melton is the answer. Melton is so physical and was extremely impressive at the combine. He uses his strong arms to knock wide receivers off of their routes and has impeccable ball skills, especially in the red zone. If you have the time, look at Melton’s combine highlights, the dude looks like a linebacker.
52 LAR: Marshawn Kneeland, DL Western Michigan
Sort of the Walmart version of Darius Robinson, Kneeland lines up all over the defensive line and brings a huge frame to LA. Him and Kobie Turner would be really fun to watch, and he fills an obvious void after Aaron Donals premature retirement.
53 PHI: Roman Wilson, WR Michigan
The Eagles have shown in past drafts that they simply do not care what their receivers weigh, and Wilson’s sleight frame may not affect him at all in Philly. He can absolutely fly and is a crisp route runner. I expect them to take WR at some point in this draft, and if Wilson is here at 53, they are going to run to the podium with his name on the card.
54 CLE: Braden Fiske, DT Florida St
Fiske arguably had the best combine of any interior defender. He looked so strong and ran the fastest 40 of any DT. Fiske gives Cleveland even more juice up the middle in a blitz heavy defense.
55 MIA: Caelon Carson, CB Wake Forest
Carson is a speedy, long corner who is very good in zone coverage. His long arms allow him to sit in zone and jump routes at the last second, ultimately making the play. This would be a great replacement for Xavien Howard, who was released earlier this offseason.
56 DAL: Junior Colson, LB Michigan
Colson is a lean, lightning-fast middle linebacker who can cover TEs as well as rush the passer. He fits the mold in Dallas too well not to mock, as they love their skinnier, speedy linebackers.
57 TB: Zach Frazier, OC/G West Virginia
Frazier is versatile and has some really impressive tape. He can play anywhere on the inside of a line and is a great run-blocker.
58 GB: Tyler Nubin, S Minnesota
Nubin is an absolute ball hawk, recording 6 picks in 2023–24 at Minnesota. He gives Green Bay a surefire day one starter at the top of their defense.
59 HOU: Leonard Taylor III, DT Miami (FLA)
Great speed rusher who uses his strong arms very well. Taylor III is a pure pass-rusher who needs work stopping the run, but he really splits double teams well and gets home very quickly.
60 BUF: Kingsley Suamataia, OT BYU
The BYU product is absolutely huge and uses that to his advantage. He may need a bit to sit and learn, but he also holds the ability to start right away. He would be learning from an all-pro in Dion Dawkins, something so undervalued nowadays in the league.
61 DET: Jordan Morgan, OT Arizona
Morgan’s got long arms and an extremely strong base. He excels in pass-protection but is a more than capable run blocker.
62 Cooper Beebe, OG Kansas St
Beebe is a fast guard who is really good at blocking for the run. He uses his quick feet to his advantage and is extremely impressive on outside runs.
63 SF: Renardo Green, CB Florida St
Green is a physical, strong corner who pushes receivers off of their routes. He uses his aggressiveness in press but lacks the ideal speed to jump routes in zone.
64 KC: Patrick Paul, OT Houston
Patrick Paul might be raw, but his tape is really impressive. He could be a spot starter in KC, but also may be fast enough to kick inside.
