2 Round NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Super Bowl
While the Super Bowl is yet to be played, the 2024 NFL Draft cycle officially began with the Senior Bowl coming to a close. We got to see multiple key players in the 2024 NFL Draft compete against each other, with all 32 NFL teams watching on. This leads me to my newest mock draft […]
While the Super Bowl is yet to be played, the 2024 NFL Draft cycle officially began with the Senior Bowl coming to a close.
We got to see multiple key players in the 2024 NFL Draft compete against each other, with all 32 NFL teams watching on.
This leads me to my newest mock draft and my first of the cycle that extends into round two. For explanations of each pick, scroll past the draft picks to the team-specific section, or use the table of contents to find your favorite team below.
Round 1
1. Chicago Bears via Carolina Panthers
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
2. Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
3. New England Patriots
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
4. Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
5. Los Angeles Chargers
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dam
6. New York Giants
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
7. Tennessee Titans
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
8. Atlanta Falcons
Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
9. Chicago Bears
Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
10. New York Jets
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
11. Minnesota Vikings
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
12. Denver Broncos
Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
13. Las Vegas Raiders
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
14. New Orleans Saints
Byron Murphy II, IDL, Texas
15. Indianapolis Colts
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
16. Seattle Seahawks
Jackson Powers-Johnson, OC, Oregon
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
18. Cincinnati Bengals
Jer'Zhan Newton, IDL Illinois
19. Los Angeles Rams
Amarius Mims, OT, Georiga
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
21. Miami Dolphins
Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
23. Houston Texans via Cleveland Browns
T'Vondre Sweat, IDL, Texas
TRADE Minnesota sends 42, 108 & 2025 2nd to the Cowboys for 24
24. Minnesota Vikings via Dallas Cowboys
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
25. Green Bay Packers
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
27. Arizona Cardinals via Houston Texans
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
28. Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
29. Detroit Lions
Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
30. Baltimore Ravens
Troy Fautanu, OT/OG, Washington
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
32. San Francisco 49ers
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Round 2
33. Carolina Panthers
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georiga
34. New England Patriots
Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
35. Arizona Cardinals
Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
36. Washington Commanders
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
37. Los Angeles Chargers
Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
38. Tennessee Titans
Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
39. New York Giants
Graham Barton, OG/OT, Duke
40. Washington Commanders via Chicago Bears
Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
41. Green Bay Packers via New York Jets
Kris Jenkins, IDL, Michigan
42. Dallas Cowboys via Minnesota Vikings
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
43. Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
44. Las Vegas Raiders
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
45. New Orleans Saints via Denver Broncos
Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
46. Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
47. New York Giants via Seattle Seahawks
Braden Fiske, IDL, Florida State
48. Jacksonville Jaguars
Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
49. Cincinnati Bengals
Kingsley Suamataia, OT/OG, BYU
50. Philadelphia Eagles via New Orleans Saints
Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
51. Los Angeles Rams
Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
52. Pittsburgh Steelers
Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
53. Miami Dolphins
Christian Haynes, OG, UConn
54. Philadelphia Eagles
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas,
55. Cleveland Browns
Javon Bullard, S, Georiga
56. Dallas Cowboys
Leonard Taylor III, IDL, Miami
57. Green Bay Packers
Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama
58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sedrick Van Pran, OC, Georiga
59. Houston Texans
Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
60. Buffalo Bills
Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
61. Detroit Lions
DeWayne Carter, IDL, Duke
62. Baltimore Ravens
Brenden Rice, WR, USC
63. Kansas City Chiefs
Michael Hall Jr., IDL, Ohio State
64. San Francisco 49ers
T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Carolina Panthers
- Pick 33: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georiga
Due to their big trade-up for the top pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Panthers will be waiting until the second round to make their first selection. And there are a lot of directions they could go with this pick. But with so much riding on Bryce Young's development, I think grabbing him a quick route-winning safety blanket like Georiga's Ladd McConkey is a perfect fit. McConkey had a great week at the Senior Bowl, and I think he would open up more possibilities for last year's 2nd round pick, Jonathan Mingo, who the Panthers are hoping makes a significant sophomore leap.
Washington Commanders
- Pick 2: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
- Pick 36: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
- Pick 40: Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
The Commanders coming out of nowhere to steal Kliff Kingsbury away from the Raiders to become their new offensive coordinator has caused quite the reaction in the NFL Draft world. The obvious connection to Caleb Williams from coaching him this past year at USC, and while I have heard Washington is interested in making a move up to one to get that done it takes two to tango. At the moment, I don't think the Commanders will be able to talk the Bears out of the top pick, so they stand pat at two and take a QB, but not the one that I have been predicting. Instead, I have them taking LSU's Jayden Daniels. While I have North Carolina's Drake Maye ranked higher than Daniels I think the reigning Heisman winner is more likely to catch Kingsbury's eye and is an overall better fit.
After taking Daniels, I have the Commanders adding Arizona's Jordan Morgan at offensive tackle. I think Morgan had a solid week at the Senior Bowl and will project as a starter in the NFL from day one. The Commanders need help on the offensive line, and with a rookie QB coming, they should be ecstatic with Mason in the 2nd. The Commanders got an additional 2nd round pick by trading edge rusher Montez Sweat to the Bears, and I have them using that pick to draft his replacement in Washington's Bralen Trice. I think Trice is one of the most underrated edge rushers in this class. He flashed true game-wrecking potential multiple times last season and would likely get to learn while playing early with the Commanders.
New England Patriots
- Pick 3: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
- Pick 34: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
With Daniels going at two, I have a different pick for the Patriots from my past mocks with North Carolina's Drake Maye. I honestly think it's very possible that Maye is the top QB on the Patriots board so if he's there at three, I have a hard time seeing them pass on him. Maye would be able to start day one and begin to develop under the new-look Patriots with rookie head coach Jerod Mayo. After drafting Maye, I have the Patriots grabbing him his college WR from last year, Devontez Walker, out of North Carolina. Due to the NCAA's ruling, we didn't get to see the duo play a full season together, but in this mock, they get to continue where they left off and begin their professional careers together in New England.
Arizona Cardinals
- Pick 4: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
- Pick 27: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
- Pick 35: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
The Cardinals may have the easiest decison to make at four in the history of the NFL if each team in front of them goes QB. With Marvin Harrison Jr. out of Ohio State sitting there, it's the obvious pick. Whether they retain Marquise Brown or not, giving Kyler Murray a WR prospect like Harrison Jr. without having to trade up would be a massive win for Arizona. After Harrison Jr., I have the Cardinals grabbing Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry. The Cardinals need more talent at CB and McKinstry gives them a player with upside to become their top CB of the future. And with their final pick in this mock, I went with the raw edge rusher out of Penn State Chop Robinson. Robinson had been in the first round of my recent mocks, but here I have him just missing, which allows the Cardinals to pounce on the athletic edge rusher.
Los Angeles Chargers
- Pick 5: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
- Pick 37: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
Pick five is one of the hardest spots to predict in the upcoming draft. But I think giving franchise QB Justin Herbert a more ideal situation going forward. So to begin, I paired Chargers LT Rashawn Slater with Notre Dame's Joe Alt. I think both can play either side, which will allow the Chargers to have one of the best young tackle duos in the entire NFL. And it will show that this new regime's priority is keeping Herbert healthy. With their second pick, I have the Chargers grabbing one of new head coach Jim Harbaugh's best players at Michigan in WR Roman Wilson. There wasn't a player who had a better showing at the Senior Bowl than Wilson. He lit up the first two days with his speed and route running, and I think he would fit perfectly with Herbert and will be able to hit the ground running with a solid understanding of Harbaugh's offense.
New York Giants
- Pick 6: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
- Pick 39: Graham Barton, OT/OG, Duke
- Pick 47: Braden Fiske, IDL, Florida State
The Giants are coming off quite the letdown after winning a playoff game in 2022; they are now picking sixth in the 2024 NFL Draft. They have to add offensive playmakers, especially with Saquan Barkley's future with the team up in the air. I landed on LSU's Malik Nabers, who feasted after the catch this past season and would be able to help the Giants get the most out of Daniel Jones, who they seem stuck with currently. After getting Jones a new top WR, I have the Giants grabbing offensive line help, which they desperately need. Graham Barton, out of Duke, can play both tackle and guard on either side, which offers the Giants some flexibility, but most likely would pencil him in as a starting guard for next season. With their final pick in this mock, I have then grabbed Florida State's Braden Fiske to add more stability inside after trading Leonard Williams away last season. Fiske had a great Senior Bowl week and capped it off with a great showing in the game that has many believing he could hear his named called early on day two of the draft.
Tennessee Titans
- Pick 7: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
- Pick 38: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
Some will be shocked that I bypassed offensive line for the Titans at seven, but I love the fit of Rome Odunze with Will Levis too much. Levis lives with his eyes downfield, and Oduzne was one of the best contested-catch WRs in all of college football last season. The Titans need at WR is just as glaring as their offensive line needs, which makes me think this could actually happen. But after going WR in the first, the Titans have to look at OT in the 2nd, and luckily for them, a Senior Bowl standout is on the board here with Patrick Paul out of Houston. Paul projects as a day-one starter and moves really well for his size, and he put that on display in Mobile last week. Passing on OT in the first is a risk, but I think this OT class is deep enough to warrant the decision.
Atlanta Falcons
- Pick 8: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
- Pick 43: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
I'm sure a lot of Falcons fans are hoping for a trade-up to land one of the draft's top three QBs, but with them all out of reach here, I have them taking my top edge rusher in the class in Alabama's Dallas Turner. Turner has flashed top-tier pass rusher potential, and I think it will lead to him being the top defender drafted come April. The Falcons obvious need for an edge rusher makes this a great fit for me. For their second pick, I have them grabbing Washington's Michael Penix Jr., whose big arm and vertical threat style would fit great with the nucleus in place in Atlanta. If the Falcons decided to move this pick for a QB I also like the fit of trading this pick to Chicago for Justin Fields.
Chicago Bears
- Pick 1: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
- Pick 9: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
I have the Bears standing pat and taking Caleb Williams, even with the loud rumors of Washington wanting to move up. It takes two to strike a trade, and I think the Bears end up prioritizing drafting their top QB in the class, and from what I heard down in Mobile, I believe that is USC's, Caleb Williams. With their second first-round pick, I have them grabbing an edge rusher to play opposite Montez Sweat in UCLA's Laiatu Latu. Latu had as dominant a practice that I've ever seen on day two of the Senior Bowl. He was unblockable all day long and showed just how deep his pass rush bag is. He will struggle in the run game, but Sweat has that covered off the edge, which should allow Latu to do what he does best, and that's attack the QB.
New York Jets
- Pick 10: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Jets need to add talent on the offensive line, and they luck out with one of my top two OTs in this year's class falling in their lap here at ten. I think Olumuyiwa Fashanu, out of Penn State, is the best pass blocker in the entire class and would be an incredible addition to block for Aaron Rodgers' blind side as the Jets LT next season.
Minnesota Vikings
- Pick 11: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
- Pick 24: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan (TRADE)
With the Vikings first pick, I have them adding my top CB in this class in Clemson's Nate Wiggins. I think Wiggins will be able to play day one with the idea of developing him into a true lockdown CB 1 in the NFL. And that would be an incredible addition for the Vikings and their defense. With their second selection, I have them getting aggressive and moving up from the second round to select QB J.J. McCarthy out of Michigan and secure the desired fifth-year option. McCarthy has a lot of room to grow as a QB, but with him just now turning 21 in January, his timeline works out well for the Vikings. The talk around the Senior Bowl led me to believe that many around the NFL believe that McCarthy will be the next QB to hear his name called after the top three in this class.
Denver Broncos
- Pick 12: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
Some will want to see the Broncos take a swing at QB here, but I just don't see the value with the top three already off the board. So instead, I have them grabbing the best edge rusher remaining on the board in Florida State's Jared Verse. The Broncos have moved off their top pass rushers in recent years and need to add impactful players at the spot. Verse showed signs of being a real difference-maker last season, and I've been told that there are some around the NFL that have him ranked as the top-edge rusher in this draft class.
Las Vegas Raiders
- Pick 13: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
- Pick 44: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
The Raiders are another team that I've heard would love to move up for a QB if the opportunity showed itself. But with that not happening, I have them grabbing a dynamic talent on the offensive line in Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga. Just about every defensive lineman I asked shared that Fuaga was the toughest offensive lineman they faced during last week's Senior Bowl. In the second round I have the Raiders taking a swing on a QB in Oregon's Bo Nix. I found out in Mobile that the NFL is much higher on Nix than I am as a prospect. His arm talent, athletic ability, and experience at both Auburn and Oregon have teams excited about his transition to the pros. With no clear starter on the Raiders roster a rookie with so much playing experience like Nix could end up being their day one starter.
New Orleans Saints
- Pick 14: Byron Murphy II, IDL, Texas
- Pick 45: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
The Saints were hoping for a division title but instead fell short and saw their rival, the Buccaneers, go on to win the NFC South and a playoff game. With multiple glaring needs, I have them targeting one of the thinner positions in this class by adding Texas' DT Byron Murphy II. There are multiple teams that view Purphy II as the top DT in this draft class, and I think he would improve the Saints defensive line from day one as a true impact player in both the run and pass game. A lot of mock drafts, you will see, have the Saints going WR in the first round, but with the top three off the board, I feel it would be wise for them to wait till round two with this class being loaded at WR. Their patience works out here as they land the talented WR out of South Carolina Xavier Legette. Legette is coming off a productive Senior Bowl week, where he showed a solid balance of strength and speed that I think will make him highly coveted by NFL teams. I love the idea of the Saints pairing Chris Olave with Legette as a young WR duo just waiting on them to pull the trigger on a young QB.
Indianapolis Colts
- Pick 15: Brock Bowers, TE, Georiga
- Pick 46: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
There may not be a better fit in this draft than Georgia TE Brock Bowers in Shane Steichen's offense with Anthony Richardson. Bowers ability to be both a safety blanket and a walking big play at the TE position has him viewed as one of the best TE prospects of all time. Both teams set to play in the Super Bowl have two of the best TEs in the NFL in Travis Kelce and George Kittle. And Even the runner-ups in both conferences had two highly drafted TEs with Mark Andrews and Sam Laporta; it seems obvious how important a true game-changer at the TE position can be for an NFL offense.
After going Bowers, I have the Colts targeting help in the secondary in round two in Minnesota's safety Tyler Nubin. The Colts have a big need in the secondary, and some will be confused not seeing a CB drafted with either of their first two picks, but I'd argue that a ball-hawk FS that they can rely on is just as big of a need. Nubin is coming off his best season in coverage, finishing the year with five interceptions. I think he would be a perfect fit for the Colts to pair with SS Julian Blackmon if they choose to resign the veteran.
Seattle Seahawks
- Pick 16: Jackson Powers-Johnson
The Seahawks only have one pick in this mock after sending their second-round pick to the Giants for Leonard Williams ahead of the trade deadline this past season. It makes it even more important to land a day-one impact player. And I think Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson is exactly that. He can slide in as the Seahawks starting center on day one, and we saw at the Senior Bowl how dominant he can be.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Pick 17: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
- Pick 48: Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
The Jaguars have needs in the secondary and on the offensive line, which makes their first-round pick hard to predict. In this mock, I have them going with Iowa CB Cooper DeJean. DeJean offers some unique flexibility to whichever team drafts him. Some around the NFL believe he could be a better fit at safety, and he has experience playing outside and in the slot at corner. The Jaguars have a clear need across the board in the secondary and could allow DeJean to head into training camp and compete for multiple spots to find his ideal position in their defense. And with their second pick, I do have them targeting the offensive line with Kansas State's Cooper Beebe. Beebe played mostly LG in college but also spent time at both LT and RT. I think Beebe will most likely play guard in the NFL, but his experience at tackle would offer the Jaguars some flexibility to field the best five offensive linemen come training camp.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Pick 18: Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
- Pick 49: Kingsley Suamataia, OT/OG, BYU
The Bengals have to improve their offensive line this offseason, but they also have the tall task of replacing the elite production they got from DJ Reader, who has a long road of recovery ahead of him after tearing his right quad tendon late this season. Due to the lack of depth at IDL in this class, I have them targeting that position first in this mock, and they land Illinois' Jer'Zhan Newton. It won't be easy to replace Reader in their defense, but if there is a player in this class, I'd feel comfortable putting in that role. Its Newton. With their second pick, I do have them adding to their offensive line with one of my favorite players from this year's Senior Bowl in BYU's Kingsley Suamataia. Prior to the Senior Bowl, I thought Suamataia projected strictly as a guard at the NFL level, but he opened my eyes after a strong week of playing both tackle and guard. He displayed his brute strength all week long by stonewalling defenders who tried to bull rush him, and he was much quicker off the line of scrimmage than i gave him credit for.
Los Angeles Rams
- Pick 19: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
- Pick 51: Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
The Rams are a difficult team to predict in the first round. We haven't seen them make many first-round selections in recent years, so there isn't an exact track record to follow. A player that I think ends up going higher than people are projecting is Geoirgai OT Amarius Mims, who, this time last year, was being projected as a top-ten pick. His injury this past year led him to only play in seven games, which has hurt his draft stock, but there will be teams questioning if the player many viewed as a blue chip prospect just a year ago is still in there. With their second pick I have them taking North Carolina State LB Payton Wilson. I have Wilson as my top LB in this upcoming class and his incredible ability in coverage will be an asset for whichever NFL team selects him. And with the Rams having to face so many dynamic playmakers in the NFC West getting a player like Wilson in the second round could be a match made in heaven.
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Pick 20: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
- Pick 52: Zach Frazier, OC, West Virginia
The Steelers finally hit on a rookie CB with Joey Porter Jr. looking like the real deal last season. And I have them trying to double up by adding Alabama's Terrion Arnold. I have Arnold as my CB 2 in this upcoming class, but many view him as their top CB. Getting Porter Jr. a reliable running mate will allow the Steelers to better matchup with the dynamic WRs in the NFL today and also let both young CBs develop without either having to consistently cover the opposing teams top WR. With their second pick, I have them targeting West Virginia center Zach Frazier. The poor play of QB Kenny Pickett is losing him supporters quickly, but the Steelers offensive line has done him no favors. They added a talented rookie tackle last draft in Broderick Jones, but they still have a lot of work to do before their offensive line is viewed in a positive light. Frazier is viewed by many to be the second-best center in the upcoming class and projects as a day-one starter, which would be a big win for Pittsburgh here in the second.
Miami Dolphins
- Pick 21: Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
- Pick 53: Christian Haynes, OG, UConn
The Dolphins, at one point, looked like a Super Bowl favorite in the AFC, but their inability to stack up against the elite NFL teams became a clear problem throughout the regular season. And it appeared again in the playoffs, where the Chiefs knocked them out during wildcard weekend. The Dolphins now have to make changes on both sides of the ball, and one big decision they have to make will be impending free agent DT Christian Wilkins. If they elect to let him walk, a unique player that I think could be a fit with Miami is Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson. Robinson has the ability to play just about everywhere on the DL, which opens up a lot of possibilities for whatever team he lands with, but scouts that I have spoken to believe his best position is on the interior as a three-tech.
In the second round, I have the Dolphins looking to replace another impending free agent in guard Robert Hunt. I have them going with UConn guard Christian Haynes. Haynes had a really strong week at the Senior Bowl, where he stacked up well against other top guards in the 2024 class and, at times, looked like the best one out there. I think he has the ability to play right away in the NFL, with a lot of room to grow and develop. This move would allow the Dolphins to spend money elsewhere if they elect to let Hunt walk.
Philadelphia Eagles
- Pick 22: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
- Pick 50: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
- Pick 54: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
The Eagles secondary was viewed d as a strength coming into the season, but as the year went on, their struggles became a massive detriment to their team. Adding an impactful corner and safety early in this draft should be a top priority for Philadelphia, and I did just that. With their first pick, I grabbed Senior Bowl star CB Quinton Mitchell. Mitchell shined during practice at the Senior Bowl during one-on-ones and excelled in both man and zone coverage. I think he will be a day-one impact player at the pro level and has the upside to become the best CB in this entire class.
For their first, second-round selection, I have the Eagles adding Miami safety Kamren Kinchens. The Eagles defense excelled with C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the hybrid safety role, and I think that exact role is perfect for Kinchens. The Eagles could bring that important role back into the fold with a young player on a rookie contract. With their final second-round pick, I have the Eagles adding Texas WR Xavier Worthy. I think Worthy's speed and ability in the underneath game would perfectly complement what the Eagles already have with outside WRs AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. And if they want to see QB Jalen Hurts and their offense bounce back next season, it doesn't hurt to give him as many weapons as humanly possible.
Cleveland Browns
- Pick 55: Javon Bullard, S, Georiga
When you don't have a first-round pick, it makes it significantly harder to add day-one impact players. And with the Browns coming off a playoff birth, that's exactly what they will be looking to do. With their only pick in this mock coming in the second round, I have them selecting Georiga safety Javon Bullard. I think this safety class has a ton of talent, and with none being drafted in the first round of this mock, it gives the Browns the chance to add a potential day-one starter in Bullard. Bullard has shown ability in both the pass and run game, and projects best as a FS at the next level.
Dallas Cowboys
- Pick 42: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas (TRADE)
- Pick 56: Leonard Taylor III, IDL, Miami
I have the Cowboys trading out of the first round and adding two day two picks this year and one next year. The funny thing is a player I believe they would consider in the first is Texas WR Adonai Mitchell, who is also the pick here at 42. I think Mitchell’s skill set would complement CeeDee Lamb’s game really well. And with it looking like the Cowboys are going to tie themselves to Dak Prescott long term, I think they will look to get younger at wideout, with Mitchell being the WR two over Brandin Cooks.
With the Cowboys next second-round pick, I have them adding a DT in Miami’s Leonard Taylor III. They have gotten elite pass-rush production out of their edge room, but they lack a true difference-maker on the inside that can take some of the pressure off Micah Parsons. And I think Taylor III could do just that for the Cowboys.
Green Bay Packers
- Pick 25: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
- Pick 41: Kris Jenkins, IDL, Michigan
- Pick 57: Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama
The Packers have three picks in this mock draft and are in an interesting spot. While nearly every team in the NFL will be looking to add a WR, they have no need to do so early in the draft, which opens them up to multiple talented players who may fall further than they should as a result. With their first pick, I gave them taking OT out of Alabama, JC Latham. Latham can start at RT day one for the Packers, with the chance of developing into the LT apparent when David Bakhtiari either moves on to his next team or retires. With the first of their two second-round picks, I have the Packers adding Michigan interior defensive lineman Kris Jenkins. The Packers need more impactful players in the run game, and Jenkins can come in day one and be a solid rotational piece that will improve that area every time he is on the field. With their final pick in this mock, I have the Packers adding Alabama edge rusher Chris Braswell. Braswell has all the tools to be a real disruptor off the edge. This past week at the Senior Bowl, he showed how strong he is, and pairing that with his next-level athleticism raises his floor tremendously.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Pick 26: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
- Pick 58: Sedrick Van Pran, OC, Georiga
Replacing one of the greatest players in franchise history isn't easy, but with Mike Evans expected to hit free agency, it's the reality for the Buccaneers. And if he does sign elsewhere, I like the idea of the Buccaneers targeting LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. as his replacement. Thomas Jr.'s college teammate Malik Nabers deservingly gets a lot of hype, but I think there will be teams with Thomas Jr. ranked over him on their boards. It wouldn't shock me if one of those teams was Tampa Bay due to his long frame and athletic ability, making him one of the best options in this class to replace a player like Evans.
With their second-round pick, I have the Buccaneers replacing another long-time starter in center Ryan Jensen, who announced his retirement from the NFL. They will have to find a player who can play right away, whether via free agency or the draft, and I think Georgia's Sedrick Van Pran is a great fit. He is a well-rounded blocker who shined in both the run and pass game. He would be able to be a solid young center for Baker Mayfield, and by the time the Buccaneers decide to take a swing on a young franchise QB, he will have had time to develop into a reliable starting center.
Houston Texans
- Pick 23: T'Vondre Sweat, IDL, Texas
- Pick 59: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
The Texans have been looking for an anchor on the interior of their defense ever since they lost DJ Reader to the Bengals via free agency. And after seeing T'Vondre Sweat out of Texas dominate the Senior Bowl, I think he could be a great fit. Sweat's brute strength made him difficult to block all week long. His ability to bull rush is second to none in this class and will likely be something his NFL team asks him to do at a significantly higher rate than he did in college.
If Houston bypasses WR in the first round, many will expect them to add one on day two of the draft. And Washington's Ja'Lynn Polk may not seem like a sexy option, but I really like how he'd complement Nico Collins and Tank Dell in the passing game. Polk would be able to line up opposite Collins on the outside and also has experience playing in the slot, to allow him and Dell to swap places at times via the play call.
Buffalo Bills
- Pick 28: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
- Pick 60: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
One of the most polarizing players in this year's WR class is Florida State's Keon Coleman. At one point, he was considered the number two player in this class after Marvin Harrison Jr., but he has since fallen down many people's boards due to him struggling to create separation last season and relying on his ability to make contested catches. His tape at Michigan State prior to transferring to Florida State shows me a player who, when needed, is a solid route runner and can get open when needed, and I think an NFL coaching staff will be able to highlight that part of his game. Give him Josh Allen and watch him flourish.
I was between LB and safety with the Bills second-round pick, but with three of the top safeties already being selected, I like the value in them adding a player like Texas A&M’s Edgerrin Cooper. Cooper lined up all over the defense last year and projects as an NFL starter. I think Sean McDermott and the Bills would be one of the spots in the NFL to allow Cooper to have a creative role in their defense, which would allow him to display his entire skill set.
Detroit Lions
- Pick 29: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
- Pick 61: DeWayne Carter, IDL, Duke
The Lions came so close to reaching the promised land this year after losing to the 49ers in the NFC Championship game. One of the areas that they have to improve for next season is their secondary, which allowed too many big plays in the playoffs. A CB I like for them is Missouri's Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who may be flying under the radar in the NFL Draft world because of his recent injury, but his talent is undeniable. If the Lions can land a CB prospect with legit potential of becoming their top CB in the future this late in the first, they should pounce.
In the second round, I have the Lions turning to interior defensive lineman DeWayne Carter out of Duke. Carter is coming off a successful week in Mobile, Alabama, at the Senior Bowl, where he turned multiple people's heads as he was impactful in both the pass and run game during practice. He has a solid balance of strength and speed on the interior that will cause some interior offense lineman trouble at the next level, which would be perfect for Detroit.
Baltimore Ravens
- Pick 30: Troy Fautanu, OT/OG, Washington
- Pick 62: Brenden Rice, WR, USC
The Ravens are another team that need to add talent to both their WR room and their offensive line. And luckily for them, this is an excellent draft for both of those areas. In the first round, I have them going with Washington's Troy Fautanu. I think his positional flexibility would allow the Ravens to let him compete at tackle and guard on both sides of the line and help them field the best five come Week 1. In the second round, I went WR, and if I were in charge in Baltimore, I'd be looking for a strong WR with a long frame to pair with Zay Flowers. And I think USC's Brenden Rice would be a perfect fit with a late second-round pick. Rice is coming off a strong week at the Senior Bowl, where he used his strength to win the majority of his one-on-one oppuruntuities. Adding a player like Rice would give Lamar Jackson another big, strong target besides TE Mark Andrews, which was shown to be a need, in my opinion, when he had to miss time this year.
Kansas City Chiefs
- Pick 31: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
- Pick 63: Michael Hall Jr., IDL, Ohio State
One of my favorite fits for any WR in this class is Oregon's Troy Franklin with Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes. Franklin's route-running ability and sure-fire hands will make an NFL team very happy. And the Chief's struggles at WR this year are well-documented, and they need more reliable targets for Mahomes. Franklin would immediately be able to start opposite Rashee Rice, and I think he would be a true offensive rookie of the year candidate in this system. With their second pick, I have them adding strength to their interior line with Michael Hall Jr. out of Ohio State. I think Hall, at the very least, is going to be a reliable rotational piece at the NFL level, but I think he can fit great next to Chris Jones and be tasked with stopping the run to open up Jones' preferred role of rushing the passer.
San Francisco 49ers
- Pick 32: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
- Pick 64: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Last but not least is the 49ers, who have one of the best rosters in the NFL. But with them having both of their first two picks this year, they will have the ability to add some solid players from this talented draft class. In the first, I have them selecting Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton. Guyton's athleticism at the tackle position will excite teams, and there's no better player for him to play opposite of and learn from than veteran Trent Williams. Guyton can begin his NFL career on the right side playing with Williams, to develop and one day be Williams' replacement at LT. In the second round, I have the 49ers adding a long and athletic CB from Iowa State in T.J. Tampa. Tampa is 6'2" and expected to run faster than a 4.50 40-yard dash at the upcoming combine. The 49ers have enough talent on the defensive side of the ball that they don't necessarily need Tampa to start day one, but he is talented enough to bring into training camp and compete for a starting job, and with him only being 21 years old they could also be patient with his development.
The biggest takeaways around the NFL from the 2024 Senior Bowl
Compiling everything I saw on the field and heard from people around the NFL at the 2024 Senior Bowl.
