Hayden Shapiro’s 2024 NFL Mock Draft 4.0; TWO ROUNDS!
We are one week away from the 2024 NFL Draft and what better way to celebrate that than my second to last mock! This is a two-round mock draft with trades. For the first time in history, we see four quarterbacks go in the first four picks as well as a Denver trade up for an LSU wide receiver. In what order do these QBs go, you ask? Keep reading to find out! Grab a beverage, maybe some popcorn, and enjoy. Two-round mock starts now.
FIRST ROUND
1 CHI: Caleb Williams, QB USC
Put in chalk, put it in sharpie, and put it in stone, Caleb Williams is going to be a Chicago Bear. His ability to extend plays and throw on the run is on par with an NFL veteran, and the way he zips passes into tight windows is up there with the best we’ve ever seen from a prospect. He throws from every arm slot and is extremely accurate inside + outside the numbers. The ex-Trojan checks every single box and is going to be a superstar in this league if all the stars align. Adding the former Heisman winner to a revitalized Chicago offense featuring Keenan Allen, D.J. Moore, and D’Andre Swift is pure bliss to Bears fans. What an offseason they’ve had in the Windy City.
2 WSH: Jayden Daniels, QB LSU
Hiring Kliff Kingsbury is a huge tell to what Washington will do with number two overall, as he loves mobile QBs who can throw the ball miles down the field; two traits Daniels has. The Heisman winner throws one of the prettiest deep balls I’ve ever witnessed and always gives his receivers room to maneuver after the catch. Washington likes to stretch the field and run vertical routes with their receiver's, something Daniels is very used to having played at LSU. He has weapons going in like Terry Mclaurin, who has been a superstar with extremely lackluster quarterback, as well as Austin Ekeler, whom they brought in during free agency. Ekeler is a great pass-catching back and will be a safety outlet for Daniels. This fit just makes too much sense not to mock.
3 NE: J.J. McCarthy, QB Michigan
I’ve officially boarded the J.J. McCarthy hype train and its final destination, in my eyes, is Foxborough. First of all, this pick just feels right. A Michigan QB, one who’s won at every level, going to New England? Okay, we’ve seen this before. McCarthy’s arm talent is undeniable, and although the arm strength is questionable, the guy is insanely accurate over the middle and outside the numbers. He’s also an extremely underrated athlete which he showed off during the College Football Playoff. Re-signing Kendrick Bourne and getting off of Devante Parker’s hideous contract means the Pats need someone throwing balls to their wideouts, and I think McCarthy is their guy. The ex-Wolverine would be coming into a run-heavy offense, something he’s very used to, as well as an offense that dunks and dunks, another thing he excels at. I think he’s much more than a game manager and it’s no secret he is a proven winner.
4 MIN (TRADE w/ ARI): Drake Maye, QB UNC
For the first time in NFL Draft history, all four picks are QBs, well at least in this mock. Arizona could certainly go with Marvin Harrison Jr here, but I think the package that Minnesota will offer is going to be too enticing. Arizona gets 11 and 23, as the Vikings trade up for their signal-caller of the future in Drake Maye. Maye to many is a bit of a wild card, but I have a different take on him. Look, he does everything well. He can throw down the field, he’s a good athlete, and his pocket presence is amazing. He’s confident on every throw and really shined at leaving room for his wideouts after the reception. With that being said, he does not have one singular trait that jumps off the page. Unlike the other guys, Maye kind of does everything at a decently high level, but once again he just doesn’t have that “X-factor” that the top-dogs do, in my opinion. Minnesota trades up for him here at four, giving Justin Jefferson a new QB and avoiding a complete rebuild. I like the fit, I’m just not sold on Maye as a day one starter.
5 LAC: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR Ohio St
The Chargers would probably love to trade down here, but if MHJ is available, they can’t not take him. Their number one receiver is Quentin Johnson after losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, so it goes without saying that wideout is a position of need. Harrison Jr is not just an ordinary wideout, though. He has A+ body control, amazing hands, and a slipper frame that allows him to bring down contested catches and find soft spots in the zone. This would give Justin Herbert a really shiny, new tool to utilize and really help this offense start their reboot. Jim Harbaugh probably had nightmares coaching against Harrison Jr, and now he can give opposing coaches the scares with the ex-Buckeye on his squad.
6 NYG: Rome Odunze, WR Washington
Odunze over Nabers is just a character thing for me. The Giants desperately need weapons, and with the top QBs off the board, they go after a guy with a deep toolbox and extremely complex skillset. Odunze can stretch the defense over the top but is such a dangerous option underneath. He see’s blockers so well, very reminiscent of Cooper Kupp, a guy without top-end speed but one who makes running after the catch look easy. In a receiver room with just Wandale Robinson and young buck Jaylin Hyatt, Odunze brings a large frame and a day one presence. I just have a feeling he’s going to be really, really good in New York, no matter who’s throwing him the ball.
7 TEN: Joe Alt, OT Notre Dame
This is another one of those picks that’s almost guaranteed. If Alt isn’t there at seven, Tennessee could definitely dip into Brock Bowers, but they are too desperate for a tackle to pass on Alt if he’s available. The Titans haven’t found an answer at LT since Taylor Lewan’s premature retirement; and taking the Fighting Irishman here in the back end of the top ten gives them their franchise left tackle. Alt is an uber-talented, polished pass protector. He uses his huge frame to shield off opposing rushers and has extremely heavy hands which help him with smaller, faster edge’s. He solves the left tackle problem right away in Nashville.
8 DEN (TRADE w/ ATL): Malik Nabers, WR LSU
This one’s a little bit of a surprise trade up, but Denver really needs help at the wide receiver position; maybe even as much as they do at quarterback. With Nabers still on the board, they send some future picks and an expiring contract to Atlanta to move up to eight and take the LSU product. Given Jerry Jeudy’s struggles to stay on the field, it was somewhat inevitable that he would be dealt. So now the WR room is stuck with an aging Courtland Sutton and struggling KJ Hamler, a weak one to say the least. Nabers is an electric playmaker with strong hands and crisp route running. He’s an undeniably good red zone threat and makes getting open look easy. He comes into Denver ready to go from day one and gives them some flexibility later in the draft to explore the QB position, rather than reaching for Nix or Penix Jr at 12. I expect them to be very active in the first few rounds because they need help all over their roster.
9 CHI: Jared Verse, EDGE Florida St
Verse being the first EDGE off of the board may be a bit of a shock, but it shouldn’t be. In my opinion he’s the best run-stopper in this class; a master at setting the edge and stuffing outside/zone runs. He uses sheer power and brute strength to get into the backfield. Playing with extremely heavy hands and a quick first step, Verse also holds the ability to rush the passer. Chicago’s got a pretty complete roster, but their one glaring hole is opposite Montez Sweat on defense, and Verse brings a completely different skill set than Sweat. This allows Chicago to throw multiple looks at opposing lines and a tandem of Sweat + Verse would be a nightmare to gameplan for. Not to mention, Verse’s story to stardom is unbelievable. He started at JUCO, made his way to a SUNY (State University of New York) school in upstate NY (Albany), ultimately becoming a star at Florida State. The long journey to success pays off as he is selected in the top ten, something he probably didn’t even think was possible. I just wanted to mention it because it shows his work ethic and dedication to the game. This would be a home run pick for the Bears.
SIDEBAR: If you haven’t checked out his journey to Florida State, I really recommend it. There are plenty of YouTube videos on it and the perseverance needed to go through that path and end up in the draft is simply unreal. Really cool story for a really great football player.
10 NYJ: Taliese Fuaga, OT/G Oregon St
The Jets have a plethora of options here at 10. They could go Bowers, they could even opt for Brian Thomas Jr, but they end up nabbing Taliese Fuaga to bolster up their line for the future and the present. Fuaga is the most powerful player in this class. He uses sheer power to pave huge holes for his backs to run behind/through, and his quick feet allow him to play anywhere on the line. The Jets did just sign Morgan Moses and superstar Tyron Smith, but we’ve seen more than a fair share of injuries on the Jets line over the years, so why not go with a guy who can be a plug-and-play tackle who also starts at guard? It’s like taking two players at once. His short arms may force him to begin his career inside at guard, but I have no doubt he can be a franchise starting tackle down the line for a really complete Jets team. They build for the future here at 10, while also getting their starting guard for the now. Love this selection and Jets fans should too. Fuaga’s definitely the “least boring” of the tackle picks, even though I love taking lineman high in the draft. It’s such a valuable position and if you can get one who can start from the jump, it’s a success.
11 ARI (TRADE w/ MIN): Byron Murphy II, DT Texas
Attitude, strength, and charisma that the ex-Longhorn plays with is so intriguing; the reason why he’s the pick for Arizona here at 11. They get some picks, including this one and 23, and they already have 27, so they are adding four players in just the first round which is actually insane. Back to Murphy, though. The guy plays with a nastiness that’s just so fun to watch. He splits double teams with ease and bowls over anyone in his way. He can line up anywhere on the interior, 3–4 or 4–3, and his ability to take on multiple blockers at once is special. Arizona is getting a bonafide stud here at 11, one who can stuff the run and eat up blockers while still paving his way into the backfield pressuring the quarterback. I’m obsessed with Murphy II’s game if you couldn’t tell. He looked so good at the combine and put on an absolute masterclass in the College Football Playoff. Arizona is getting a guy who plays with such intensity; one who doesn’t get stopped often, and when he does, he makes up for it on the very next play. As mentioned before, they now have FOUR picks in the first round. This trade down just makes so much sense for the Cardinals.
12 ATL (TRADE w/ DEN): Dallas Turner, EDGE Alabama
The Falcons could very well just take Turner at eight, but if Denver or even Minnesota offers them a good deal, why not trade down and get whatever EDGE is left? In this mock, they get the guy that they would have selected regardless, a win-win situation in the ATL. On a team who’s sack leaders were both on the wrong side of 30, one being 38 (Calais Campbell), they need some youth and juice on the defensive line. Turner gives the Falcons exactly that. He has an 83-inch wingspan, which for the record is longer than some NBA stars and uses his length very much to his advantage. He seems to be involved in every play; run or pass. He also can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up. Turner gives the Falcons some firepower at the EDGE position and his unbelievably high motor allows him to get into the backfield, forcing throwaways and inaccurate passes, two things this very underrated secondary would jump all over. Turner would be a very welcomed addition in Atlanta and new coach Raheem Morris excels at turning young rushers into superstars. Just look at Kobie Turner and Byron Young in LA, two guys who were selected later than this and had an immediate impact. I just think this pick is perfect and may even be my favorite one of the first-round, fit-wise.
13 LVR: JC Latham, OT Alabama
The Raiders just lost Jermaine Eleumenor, their starting right tackle, and I feel that their secondary is good enough to wait to address until day two. So, with that being said, they opt for a true right-side protector in JC Latham. Latham uses his pure power to fend off opposing rushers and is a mauler in the run game. He’s got extremely fast feet and good footwork for his mammoth size. In this mock I do have the Raiders trading back into the first for a QB, so stay tuned for that, but here at 13 they get their franchise right tackle in the Tuscaloosa product.
14 BUF (TRADE w/ NO): Brian Thomas Jr, WR LSU
Absolutely huge trade up for Buffalo here; a team who's number one and two receivers departed this offseason. They move up 14 spots, sending draft capital and an expiring contract to New Orleans, and they select Brian Thomas Jr. In my opinion Thomas Jr is the most underrated prospect in the entire first round. He can beat safeties over the top with his great speed, as well as do damage underneath given his crisp route running. He would be a perfect fit in Buffalo as he excels in the red zone, a spot the Bills have had struggles with for what seems like forever. He would quickly become Josh Allen’s favorite target and would be a nice addition to this wideout room that, well to be brutally honest, is completely subpar. Budding star Khalil Shakir and the ex-LSU Tiger in Brian Thomas Jr would be a really nice combination, as they both have completely different play styles.
15 IND: Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama
Arnold probably deserves to go much higher than this, as he’s a shutdown corner with loads of impressive tape. He isn’t the biggest, but he plays so physically with impeccable ball skills. He can be put on an island as he’s so sticky in man coverage without being penalized. His instincts are off the charts, and he times his jumps so well. I love Arnold as a prospect and think he is up there with the best players on the defensive side of the ball throughout the class. In a secondary that has really struggled outside the numbers, Arnold would be a more than welcome addition. The Colts boundary defenders right now are Juju Brents and Dallis Flowers, a guy who I don’t even know much about. Re-signing Kenny Moore II to a record deal shows how willing the Colts are to bolster up this secondary, and Arnold would have a day one impact in Indy. He’s got extremely long arms and is a phenomenal person off the field. After his final season at Alabama, he went back to his high school to speak with teachers who helped him along the way and even gifted his old janitor one of his game-worn, signed jerseys. Just a good dude who happens to also be an extraordinary football player. Love this fit in Indy and love Terrion Arnold
16 SEA: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C Oregon
The Seahawks’ run blocking has been an issue for years and they finally choose to address it here with Powers-Johnson at 16. The departure of LG Damien Lewis is going to be felt, and the ex-Duck is going to help that wound fairly quickly. He is a very powerful run blocker who is fully capable of starting from the get-go. We’ve seen multiple first-round centers become all-pros just a couple years into their tenure in the NFL (Creed Humphrey, Tyler Linderbaum, Tyler Biadasz). I think Powers-Johnson is the best IOL in the class; one who can kick into guard and still show off his uncanny ability to pave paths for his backs. Seattle looks like they’ve found two gems at tackle so now it’s time to boost the interior and that’s exactly what they do with the Oregon center.
17 JAX: Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo
This corner class has so much talent, but it’s become a position that’s so often addressed in free agency. With that being said, both of my top corners (Arnold and Mitchell) fall outside of the top ten eleven though they undeniably have the talent to both be top-10 picks. Mitchell has been the best player on the field at every level this past year. He was the best player throughout the senior bowl, his Toledo tenure was simply unreal, and he looked unbelievable at the combine. His speed and instincts allow him to take very calculated risks, and if he is beaten, which doesn’t happen often, he’s got the quickness to get right back into coverage. People are talking about him as a pure man-to-man corner, but I think his zone ability is really underrated. He is a home-run type guy; one who makes the big plays when it matters most. He would immediately be a starter in Jacksonville, especially after they cut Darious Williams, a questionable move to say the least. Mitchell steps in as the automatic CB1 for the Jags and I think he has all the tools to be a future superstar in this league. All the small-school stuff ends with Mitchell, as he has proven at every level through the pre-draft process that he is fully equipped for the league. It’s so tempting to have him going earlier, but the way this draft seems to be going, corners are falling, and OTs are rising. I play on that here in this mock with Arnold and Mitchell falling outside of the top half of the first round, which gives teams like Indianapolis and Jacksonville the chance to grab guys with extraordinary skill and make selections with sky-high value.
18 CIN: Brock Bowers, TE Georgia
It may seem weird to see Bowers fall to 18, but I think if no one trades up specifically for him, he’s going to slip. Don’t ask me why, I just have a gut feeling. Bowers’ route running is simply unreal; and his ability to make plays after the catch is actually insane. With that being said, we’ve seen less and less TEs be top 10 or even 15 picks simply because it’s such a “system-oriented position.” Bowers to Cincinnati would also be really, really fun. He gives Joe Burrow a threat over the middle. In an extremely vertical heavy offense, Bowers is going to consistently open over the middle and in the flats, two places where he would have the chance to do what he does best; bounce off tacklers and make things happen with the ball in his hands. I also need to mention how great a blocker that Bowers is. He can line up anywhere on the field including the slot and on the perimeter. This is a dream scenario for the Bengals as they now choose to address tackle later in the draft simply because if Bowers is here at 18, it’s going to be really tough to not write his name on their draft card. They might not be expecting him to fall down here, but even if they haven’t done their full due diligence on the Georgia product, they won't let anyone else grab him just because of how inevitable it seems that he’ll be a star for years to come in the league. Cincinatti hasn’t had a viable TE option since Tyler Eifert, yeah, it’s been a while. This pick would not only be insane value, but it would help their run game given his blocking ability and it adds yet another weapon to an already high-powered Bengals offense.
19 ARI (TRADE w/ LAR): Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT Penn St
Arizona uses one of the picks they acquired from Minnesota to move up and take Olu Fashanu, a player who can play either tackle spot or one who plays with such an edge/attitude that’s always a joy to watch. He didn't allow a SINGLE SACK throughout his entire college football career in the Happy Valley. This selection is not only a great value pick, but it allows the Cardinals line some flexibility on who they want at left tackle. They could move last year's first-round pick, Paris Johnson Jr, back to left tackle which is his natural position. This also allows Arizona to get out of D.J. Humphries’ abysmal contract. This would just be an amazing pick for the Cards and really put them on the right path to be relevant in the NFC West again, protecting Kyler Murray and adding some power on the line for James Connor to run behind. Fashanu has unreal strength and doesn’t let anyone past him; he’s a guy who is going to be a nightmare to gameplan for just because of how quick he moves for his size. The x-Nittany Lion is strong enough to stuff opposing EDGEs who use power and quick enough to fend off faster rushers. Great value pick, great trade up, great first round so far for Arizona.
20 PIT: Amarius Mims, OT Georgia
I’m actually a really big Amarius Mims fan and love the fit for him in Pittsburgh. Steelers fans might think that this is a boring selection, especially after going tackle last year, too, but Mims can slot in at right tackle and allow his old Georgia teammate Broderick Jones to move back to his natural position on the left side. Mims is a gigantic human being who has impeccable footwork for his size. He excels at blocking for the run and plays with an insane amount of power and strength. He’s an amazing run blocker and has the raw talent to improve in pass-pro.
21 MIA: Troy Fautanu, OT/G Washington
It was kind of a nightmare offseason for Miami. Losing Christian Wilkins, Robert Hunt, and questions about Terron Armstead’s future have loomed in the Vice City. They could go DT here in Johnny Newton, but they opt for Fautanu, a guy who can play guard or tackle and does both at extremely high level. He is a great pass blocker while still possessing the power to be a force in the run game. It’s like taking two players at once; it adds depth, gives Miami a plug-and-play option on the line, and gives them a day one starter at guard.
22 PHI: Nate Wiggins, CB Clemson
Size concerns, injury woes, and attitude questions are all there; but Wiggins’ talent is undeniable. He stands at 6’2 and excels in zone coverage. He doesn’t allow anyone to beat him over the top, using his blazing speed to stay with wideouts all the way to the end of their route. If the ball is thrown his way, he has the ball skills to bat it down or make a play on the pigskin. He adds to a desperate secondary that was ranked last in all of football last year, per PFF. Bring back C.J. Gardner Johnson, retaining Darius Slay, and now adding Wiggins would make this Philly secondary feared throughout the league once again.
23 LAR (TRADE w/ ARI from MIN): Laiatu Latu, EDGE UCLA
I like Latu, I really do, but he just didn’t impress me at the combine and his injury history just can't be ignored. If he is healthy, he has a chance to be the best EDGE out of this class. The Rams are notorious for taking somewhat questionable defensive players and turning them into superstars. Just look at Kobie Turner and Byron Young. Aaron Donald’s retirement leaves a gaping hole on the D-Line and Latu can quite literally play everywhere. He can line up with his hand in the dirt or standing up on the edge. He needs to improve as a run-stopper, but he is an absolute pass-rush technician. He’s got a deep bag of tools to get to the quarterback and hold records at UCLA for pressures and sacks. His quick hands and good frame allow him to beat tackles, and his size gives him the ability to swim past guards. Great value here for the Rams, and as I said before, if he can stay on the field this would be a home-run selection for the Rams. Especially after trading down and still getting their guy.
24 DAL: Kingsley Suamataia, OT BYU
I love this pick for Dallas. They are getting a guy who may be a bit more of a project than the other tackles, but the raw talent is extremely intriguing. Suamataia could benefit from sitting for a year, although I think he’s more than capable of starting from day one. He’s got extremely long arms, and his sheer power helps him fend off opposing edge rushers. The BYU product could do some damage down the line in this league and adding him to an already stout Dallas front five is music to my ears.
25 GB: Cooper DeJean, DB Iowa
DeJean’s pro-day was ridiculous. He’s bigger than most corners, he’s faster than most corners, and his tackling ability is uber-impressive. He can line up literally everywhere on the field and his nose for the football is something you don’t often see from just a draft prospect. He consistently makes big plays and even can rush the QB when lined up in the slot. To me, he’s like a Jamal Adams type player except with great coverage and ball skills. There is a really good chance he doesn’t slip to 25, but if he’s here Green Bay will jump all over him and the versatility he brings.
26 TB: Chop Robinson, EDGE Penn St
For a while I questioned Chop’s size and injury woes, but this dude can flat out ball. He’s got the quickest first step off the line I’ve ever seen from a prospect and his high motor allows him to have an impact on what seems like every play. He adds to a subpar Tampa Bay EDGE room and brings a unique speed + power combination to defense that needs to put more pressure on opposing QBs.
27 ARI: Xavier Worthy, WR Texas
We all know Worthy can fly, and he proved it at the combine where he broke the 40-yard dash record. But in my opinion, he’s much more than just speed. The ex-Longhorn has an uncanny ability to find the soft spots in zone, and despite his size, he is almost as dangerous over the middle as he is over top. Worthy can be used in multiple ways; screens underneath, slants giving him room to run, and of course fly routes where he really excels.
28 NO (TRADE w/ BUF): Graham Barton, IOL Duke
New Orleans trading back is starting to make so much sense, even if it is 14 picks. They gain draft capital, create cap space, and still get a guy who can be an immediate impact player for them. Barton played every position on the line at Duke, and he is a very good pull-blocker, something so valuable in a somewhat west-coast/zone heavy Saints offense. Corner is definitely a possibility here at 28, but I think the value with Barton is too strong to pass up on him here.
29 DET: Darius Robinson, EDGE/DT Mizzou
Robinson to Detroit is becoming one of those “cement” picks in the first round. Arguably the biggest riser of the draft, post-senior bowl and combine, the hype is real. The Mizzou product is a phenomenal run-stuffer who can line up anywhere on the D-Line. He uses brute strength and powerful rush moves to make his way into the backfield. Robinson is from Detroit, grew up a Lions fan, and just seems like a Dan Campbell guy. He’s ready to start from day one and gives this young Lions defense another great piece to the puzzle. This Detroit team is a true contender already, and with the addition of Robinson, their defense gets even scarier.
30 BAL: Adonai Mitchell, WR Texas
Mitchell is a physical wideout who can go up and get it, but his speed was one of the biggest surprises from the combine. He runs crisp routes and is really, really good at drawing attention. This pick would not only give Lamar Jackson a big-framed weapon, but also open up more opportunities for Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers simply because of how he needs to be defended (multiple guys needed).
31 LVR (TRADE w/ SF): Michael Penix Jr, QB Washington
I’m going to go on a limb and say teams are going to really, really regret passing on Penix Jr, and the Raiders won’t be one of them. He met with them earlier last week and reports are that it went very well. Antonio Pierce can’t be content with starting O’Connell or Minshew, so they take a big swing on the Heisman runner-up and allow him to develop in a system that loves to throw the ball down the field. Penix Jr throws the prettiest deep ball that I have EVER seen from a college quarterback. He is so accurate on deep throws and holds the arm strength to fit passes into tight windows. There’s no better fit for him as he has weapons like Davante Adams and Jakobi Myers right off the bat. The Raiders send some picks to San Francisco and take their QB of the future; one who I think is going to be a bonafide superstar in this league.
32 KC: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB Alabama
A bit of a wild card here for KC, but they need help in the secondary after dealing L’Jarious Sneed to Tennessee. McKinstry is amazing in zone, just like Sneed was, and the Chiefs run more zone coverage than any other team in the NFL. Injury concerns are there, and so is some questionable tape from 2024, but his 2023 campaign makes him the last pick of the first round.
SECOND ROUND
33 CAR: Zach Frazier, IOL West Virginia
This Panthers team needs help pretty much everywhere, but there is a gaping hole in the center of their line. Frazier is a powerful run-blocker who’ll bolster this unit from day one.
34 NE: Tyler Guyton, OT Oklahoma
Guyton could go in the first round, but his talent is raw; it needs some sanding around the edges. Going to New England would allow him to sit for a little and learn from budding star, Mike Onwenu.
35 ARI: Ennis Rakestraw Jr, CB Mizzou
Rakestraw Jr is a physical corner who is so good at timing his pass breakups. He is phenomenal in zone coverage but can get flagged for being a little too handsy. Arizona’s secondary is abysmal and adding a true playmaker like Rakestraw Jr would just be the start of building up this area of defense.
36 WSH: Patrick Paul, OT Houston
Paul’s got extremely long arms and a heavy base. He excels in pass protection but holds all the tools to improve in the run game. He goes to Washington, a team with an aging line; one who needs some youth.
37 LAC: Johnny Newton, DT Illinois
Johnny Newton really fell in this mock, partly due to the emergence of Byron Murphy II, and somewhat due to the fact that the DT position is so replaceable in free agency. Nevertheless, the Bolts need help really badly on the inside of their line as they have struggled stopping the run ever since releasing Linval Joseph. Newton can stop the run just fine, but where he really makes his presence felt is rushing the passer. He’s got a unique set of skills in that area; he’s so big that he can plow through guards, but he uses finesse moves better than anyone I’ve seen at his size.
38 TEN: T.J. Tampa, CB Iowa St
Quickly becoming one of my favorite players in this class, Tampa uses his long arms and wide frame to keep receivers outside the numbers and push them off the line in press. The Iowa State product is so strong and physical but does it without being penalized. He’s got the speed to keep up with smaller wideouts and the ball-skills to be a true number one boundary corner.
39 CAR: Keon Coleman, WR Florida St
Coleman won’t dazzle you with his speed, but he has extremely strong hands combined with horse-like strides. He reminds me a lot of Mike Evans in the way he can go up and get any ball thrown his way along with his elite body control. He gives Bryce Young a huge target on the outside and would open up more opportunities over the middle for guys like Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo.
40 WSH: Jaden Hicks, S Washington St
Hicks has quickly risen up boards following his great combine and underrated tape. He was the best defensive player on the field for Washington St this past year and excels at reading the QBs eyes from way down the field. Along with his vision, he can step up in the box and make tackles with the best of safeties, something Washington lost in Kam Curl this offseason. Hicks would be an immediate starter for the Commanders as they start to look better and better as the offseason progresses.
41 GB: Edgerrin Cooper, LB Texas A&M
I’m sure Green Bay would even contemplate taking Cooper at 25, but here he falls right into their lap at 41. Cooper flies all over the field, he can mark tight ends, and shoot gaps on zone runs. He may not have the ideal size of an on-ball backer, but as an outside guy who can get to any place on the field with dazzling speed, he’s very dangerous.
42 HOU: Payton Wilson, LB N.C. State
Both top LBs going back-to-back is not only fun, but it makes perfect sense. I get the feeling that most teams will have reasons to pass on Payton Wilson, but they shouldn’t. Injuries are a concern with him but when he’s on the field, he might be the most fun linebacker to watch in all of college football. He runs like a wide receiver and has the strength of a defensive end. Wilson would step in as the starter for Houston and would give them a guy who can guard TEs, stop the run, and his sideline-to-sideline speed is truly special.
43 ATL: Max Melton, CB Rutgers
Melton is literally a running back playing corner. His huge frame allows him to knock receivers off of their routes and his speed gives him the opportunity to take risks because he can get right back into the play. He’s a more than willing tackler and Atlanta getting him here at 43 negates the regret they might have from not selecting either Arnold or Mitchell at eight, or in this mock 12 because of a trade down.
44 SF (TRADE w/ LV): Braden Fiske, DT Florida St
Fiske arguably had the best combine out of any defensive player in this class. He looked so fluid and smooth in his drills while still showing off the power and recklessness he plays with. He splits double teams with ease and would add to an already stout San Francisco defense.
45 NO: Marshawn Kneeland DT/EDGE, Western Michigan
Kneeland is a strong, big-framed presence on the line. He plays very similarly to Darius Robinson but without the quickness. The Western Michigan product shot up boards after the combine, and for good reason. He can line up with his hand in the dirt or standing up.
46 IND: Ladd McConkey, WR Georgia
Ladd McConkey, in my opinion, is a first-round talent. His ability after the catch is so intriguing and the way he so effortlessly finds the soft spot in zones is something you just don’t see from a prospect. He may fit best in the slot but has good enough speed to line up outside as well. He goes to a Colts offense that utilizes the middle of the field a lot, something McConkey is more than comfortable with.
47 NYG: Tyler Nubin, S Minnesota
Nubin is great in coverage and would fill the hole left by Xavier Mckinney after he went to Green Bay in free agency. The ex-Gopher can also step up into the box, another area Mckinney was prevalent in. This selection is just a perfect fit. They could also go corner here but with how deep this cornerback class is, they opt to wait and take safety.
48 JAX: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT Clemson
Ruke is an absolute beast, physically and in his style of play. He’s a reckless pass rusher, bowling his way through double teams while still maintaining his quickness allowing him to disrupt outside runs. Jacksonville needs help badly on the interior of their d-line and that’s what they are getting with the Clemson product.
49 CIN: Jordan Morgan, OT Arizona
Morgan might be raw, but he’s got very long arms and quick feet. If he can’t start right away, he can sit for a year and learn the NFL game. It gives the Bengals a tackle that they can develop into Joe Burrow’s protector; a thing he simply hasn’t had, leading to injuries and record high sack numbers.
50 PHI: Bralen Trice, EDGE Washington
Trice was one of the most successful pass-rushers in all of college football last year and Philly needs a guy who can beat his man with power. They have a lot of speed on the edge with Bryce Huff and Josh Sweat, but Trice plays with brute strength and heavy hands which would give a different look constantly to opposing lines.
51 PIT: Kamari Lassiter, CB Pittsburgh
In my opinion, Kamari Lassiter is being wildly undervalued throughout the pre-draft process. He plays so much bigger than he is, breaking up passes in the flats, along with being a more than willing tackler. He is best fit in the slot but has long enough arms and solid enough speed to line up outside, too. Patrick Peterson’s departure leaves a spot open in Pittsburgh’s secondary, a spot Lassiter can step in and fill right away.
52 CAR (TRADE UP): Junior Colson, LB Michigan
Carolina needs to be active on day two and three of this draft, and it starts with them moving up to 52 to select Junior Colson. Losing Frankie Luvu was awful; he was their best defensive player, and I don’t believe it’s close. A treacherous offseason for the Panthers without the cushion of a first-round pick puts them in a really rough spot. They begin their defensive re-tooling with the Michigan linebacker. Colson plays with such a unique speed and power combination. He can line up anywhere, even over the center, and gives some much-needed juice to this Panthers defense.
53 PHI: Troy Franklin, WR Oregon
Franklin was a second team all-pro in his final season at Oregon as well as Bo Nix’s go-to target. He is a very good route runner and can stretch the field, adding to a Philly wideout room with loads of talent to begin with.
54 CLE: Xavier Legette, WR South Carolina
Legette is one of the true wild cards of this class, and even though I do have a first-round grade on him, he falls right into Cleveland’s lap here at 54. The 6’2, 220-pound wideout is an extremely dangerous player after the catch and gives Cleveland a return man option as well. The drop problems worry me slightly, but his frame and ability to just bounce off tacklers is special.
55 MIA: Christian Haynes, IOL UConn
Haynes is a polished run blocker and can play every position on the interior of the line. The Dolphins lost Robert Hunt in free agency, so Haynes might be thrown into the deep end as a rookie, but I think he’s more than capable of being a solid guard right away. This Dolphins offense also gets the ball out of Tua’s hands faster than any other team in the league, so it’s kind of a perfect situation if you did have to start him from day one.
56 DAL: Jonathan Brooks, RB Texas
This is just me being fun, but there’s also reasoning. The doctor who did Brooks’ knee surgery is the Cowboys team surgeon, so there’s a connection there. With that “coincidence” out of the way, let’s talk about why Dallas goes RB here. Their number one back is Royce Freeman. That’s it, that should be all the reasoning you need. Brooks is great in the open field and runs with a lot of lateral speed, moving east and west. I like this fit for both parties and it also keeps JB in Texas.
57 TB: Mike Sanristril, NB Michigan
This would put a smile on my face even as a Panthers fan. Mike Sanristril is a leader and winner. He was Michigan’s defensive captain for three years and is so good at marking smaller, quicker wideouts. He is a true nickel/slot corner, one who excels at breaking up passes in the flats and tackling runners on outside runs.
58 GB: Ricky Pearsall, WR Florida
Pearsall has a special combination of speed and size. He will quickly become one of Jordan Love’s favorite targets in the red zone and down the field.
59 HOU: Leonard Taylor III, DT Miami
Taylor needs to work on stopping the run, but his pass-rush repertoire is too intriguing to pass up on here at 59. Great value pick as this Houston defense just continues to get younger and younger.
60 NO (TRADE UP): Kiran Amegadjie, OT Yale
Very raw talent but his size and pretty remarkable tape make him the pick for New Orleans here at 60. He has long arms and a strong base, two things you look for in a young tackle.
61 DET: Caelon Carson, CB Wake Forest
Carson can absolutely fly. The guy is quick to react on drags and slants, along with great ball skills down the field.
62 BAL: Javon Bullard, S Georgia
Javon Bullard is such a good tackler, and he can line up anywhere in the secondary. Baltimore is already home to superstar safety Kyle Hamilton, but why not add to the room with someone like Bullard who can step up into the box, and even play slot if need be.
63 SF: Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, IOL Georgia
San Francisco can basically just go best player available and maintain their super bowl contender status; and that’s exactly what they do here at 63.
64 KC: Roman Wilson, WR Michigan
Wilson won’t be here, but in this mock he is. He gives KC even more firepower and speed, along with a great return man. Great hands and phenomenal route running, Wilson is going to be a great slot guy in the league.
My final mock will be out sometime next week. Thanks for reading and KEEPPOUNDING.
