RADIO
We've now reached the point in the year where the disappointment of there not being any live football until the fall has subsided and hope has begun to renew for each fanbase heading into draft season. The first wave of NFL Free Agency has also passed and the rosters of all 32 teams have begun shaping up. Certain teams have even tipped their hand before the 2024 NFL Draft and we have a better idea of what they might do on draft night.
The Minnesota Vikings have already engaged in a pre-draft trade with the Houston Texans where they now have two first-round picks in 2024, presumably to come up for a quarterback! This year's class features an impressive array of offensive firepower and your team is in luck if they need help at Wide Receiver or Offensive Tackle. The offensive smorgasbord in this year’s draft is a fantasy football and dynasty football fan's dream. While the running backs haven't been catching any of the draft buzz, there are plenty of talented guys available in Rounds 3-4.
Keep in mind, this Mock Draft is never about what I would do, but rather a strategic stitch-up of team needs and draft analytics. It's a blend of roster scanning, scuttlebutt from beat reports, GM draft tendencies, and scheme fits: all brewed into one giant concoction. Sure, the draft landscape will still shift a bit over the next four-plus weeks, but things are taking shape. Here at RotoBaller, we’re dishing out monthly mock drafts, simmering with insights right up until the 2024 Draft's grand unveiling. Ready to dive into the draft drama? Let's roll!
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!
The Top 10 Draft Picks - 2024 NFL Mock Draft
1. Chicago Bears (through Carolina) - Caleb Williams - QB, USC
There was still a large contingent of the Bears fanbase who wanted to build around QB Justin Fields and for them to trade down in the draft, even if most of us on the inside realized months ago that GM Ryan Poles and the organization were moving on. What we can agree on, however, is the fact that Fields fetching just a sixth-round pick that could become a fourth based on playing time was ridiculously low given his upside. You're telling me that Justin Fields is less valuable than Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, or Mac Jones? C'mon man.
It's understandable for many in the city of Chicago to be skeptical given the team's prior history at quarterback, but if anything it means that the fanbase is long overdue for a good one. When you add in the fact the Bears own the top pick and didn't have to give up a fortune to get it, this is easily the best scenario for a QB going first overall maybe ever. Add in RB D'Andre Swift, WR Keenan Allen, WR D.J. Moore, TE Cole Kmet, and some solid pieces on the offensive line, it's a great situation for Caleb to step into. He'll have a lot of weight on his shoulders, but I'd say Chicago is doing the right thing to reset their QB situation and by giving Fields a much-needed fresh start elsewhere.
This (⬇️) calm and creative side of Caleb Williams's game is what makes him a different type of player, I do think this trait will help him succeed early in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/6AUvLyT4PE
— Jeremy (@PopesFFH) March 24, 2024
2. Washington Commanders - Jayden Daniels - QB, LSU
Another team that seems to have tipped their hand as to their plans, the Commanders recently traded away QB Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks for two pick swaps. Howell had shown some flashes, but with their being an entirely new regime in the nation's capital, it's understandable why they wanted to turn the page. Washington has also taken the slow and steady approach in free agency despite having some of the most cap room. While adding guys like RB Austin Ekeler, TE Zach Ertz, and MLB Bobby Wagner might not make a lot of sense given their timeline, it's pretty clear that the front office wants to have plenty of vets in the locker room to be a good influence around their incoming rookie quarterback.
Jayden Daniels, the LSU gunslinger, didn't just play football this year; he set the gridiron on fire, snagging the Heisman Trophy with a show that was nothing short of spectacular. Imagine this: 40 touchdowns flying through the air, only four picks, and a whopping 3,811 yards passing. And just for the thrill of it, he ran for 1,250 rushing yards and 10 more TDs! But hold onto your hats, because the cherry on top is his average depth of target (ADOT) as a passer—a sizzling 10.5. It's the kind of stuff that makes you double-take. Sure, there's chatter about him needing to dodge sacks better and dish it more across the middle, but let's be real—it's hard not to get whipped into a frenzy over Daniels' potential, especially for fantasy.
3. New England Patriots - Drake Maye - QB, North Carolina
A lot of the chatter has been that New England is going to stay here and take a QB, but just because the pick hasn't been dealt yet doesn't mean they won't be interested come draft night. The Patriots front office is doing their due diligence on every quarterback in this class, but what if their guy isn't there at this pick? Could they trade down? It's obvious that Minnesota wants to come up, but I'd add Denver, Las Vegas, and even potentially the New York Giants to that list. Might they get an offer from someone that they simply can't refuse? Not at all insinuating it's the most likely outcome, but it's in the range of possibilities.
Whichever team ends up picking here, it's likely going to be a quarterback. Maye had the most big-time throws in all of college football in 2023: 34 per PFF, and has a lot of traits that have wowed scouts everywhere. Maye has all the size and measurables that you want in a signal-caller: 6-foot-4, 223 lbs, and enough athleticism to make some plays with his legs. Some might argue that Maye had a down year in 2023 compared to the one prior, but his supporting cast and overall talent around him were much worse. He still managed to throw for 3,608 yards to go with 24 TDs to just nine INTs.
Drake Maye on back-to-back plays carrying that horrible UNC offense
Drake Maye's biggest strength is Jayden Daniel's biggest weakness.
His ability to maintain his eyes downfield while scrambling and navigating the pocket is 🎯#NFLDraft2024 pic.twitter.com/n8bK5h6Kh4
— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) March 20, 2024
4. Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr. - WR, Ohio State
The Cardinals have the luxury of landing arguably the best player in the draft at number four. While there has been some buzz about GM Monti Ossenfort being open for business to move down from this spot, why would Arizona pass up a player of Harrison Jr's talent when they're already tied for the most draft picks with eleven? Arizona has seven picks in the Top 104 as well! They're legitimately holding all of the cards here and letting the son of a Hall of Famer slide past them doesn't seem likely.
The Cardinals could use another playmaker on offense, badly. The front office seems committed to building around QB Kyler Murray, and giving him Harrison Jr. to pair with TE Trey McBride all of a sudden makes their offense very dangerous. Harrison Jr is that rare blend of X-receiver and speed demon, boasting the kind of nimble quickness you’d expect from a much smaller receiver. Ohio State has been cranking out WR talent like it’s their job and MHJ isn't just following in the footsteps of the greats; he’s on track to leapfrog right over them, potentially casting a shadow that looms even larger than Ja'Marr Chase's sensational rookie year. Talk about setting the stage for a show-stopping NFL entrance!
5. Minnesota Vikings (from LA Chargers) - J.J. McCarthy - QB, Michigan
TRADE ALERT. Vikings receive: 5, 140. Chargers receive: 11, 23.
Word is Minnesota's been chomping at the bit to trade up, and McCarthy's like a keg of dynamite just waiting for the fuse to be lit. Barely 21 and already causing NFL scouts to snap their necks with double-takes, he's the kind of prospect that front offices dream about. Standing tall, with an arm that could launch rockets and agility that would make a cat jealous, he's oozing with those je ne sais quoi vibes. While there have been some questions about the lack of on field production for McCarthy, he has all of the intangibles and upside that teams are looking for in a quarterback.
With the success story of Jordan Love, who turned heads after marinating on the sidelines, could another NFC North squad be eyeing a similar path for McCarthy? Vikings fans are probably rubbing their chins, musing over a future post-Kirk Cousins with worry. Here’s my hot take: Let J.J. marinate on the bench for at least half a season, absorbing the wisdom from O’Connell, and then unleash him with an all-star supporting cast around him.
6. New York Giants - Malik Nabers - WR, LSU
The Giants are backed into a corner here. They shelled out some big money to QB Daniel Jones last offseason and their 2023 season was nothing short of a disaster. TE Darren Waller is on the back nine of his career and RB Saquon Barkley has now departed for rival Philadelphia. The Giants have WRs Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Isaiah Hodgins, and Darius Slayton, but none of them strikes fear into the heart of defenses. Landing a true WR1 like Nabers helps transform the Giants' offense and gives Daniel Jones some hope of re-finding his 2022 magic.
Nabers finished his 2023 campaign with 86 receptions for 1,545 yards and 14 TDs. The most underrated part of his game is his awareness of space. Nabers knows exactly where the opposing defensive backs are at all times and cashes in on his yards-after-catch (YAC) opportunities. He's got the vision of an owl being able to turn its head around 360 degrees. Yet he can beat you deep in the same breath. Nabers is going to be a real problem for the NFL to defend.
Marvin Harrison Jr. holds the lead over Malik Nabers in the production department, BUT man, I see why some of the film peeps are gravitating toward Nabers.
Just plays with an edge -- rugged and explosive would be the best way I can describe it. Fun fun fun to watch.
— Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) March 22, 2024
7. Tennessee Titans - Joe Alt - OT, Notre Dame
The Titans are standing at the crossroads with QB Will Levis. In the last two years, their roster's had more talent gaps than a moth-eaten sweater, largely thanks to an O-line more jittery than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Enter stage left, Joe Alt—yeah, the offspring of the guy who used to protect Joe Montana's blind side in Kansas City. This kid’s the draft's top tackle, a veritable Hercules in cleats standing at 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds.
Remember the Titans? You know, back when they ruled the trenches like kings? Well, if they want to give Levis a real shot, it's time to beef up that line. The clock’s ticking, and DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley aren't getting any younger, while Treylon Burks is practically on a first-name basis with the medical staff. So, don't be too surprised if the Titans’ draft playbook opens with nabbing a tackle, betting big on giving Levis the pocket fortress he needs so the front office can properly evaluate what they have at quarterback. Having Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears in the backfield helps too.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Edge/OLB - Dallas Turner, Alabama
Atlanta was hoping to get an extra 2024 second from the Jaguars re-signing WR Calvin Ridley, but that didn't happen and they had to settle for a 2024 third instead. The good news is that their offense is pretty set after the addition of QB Kirk Cousins, so the Falcons take arguably the best edge rusher off the board. Atlanta's defense is solid, but they haven't had a bona fide stud off the edge since the days of John Abraham. Turner is slightly undersized at 6-foot-2 and 247 lbs, but he ran a 4.49 forty with a 1.54 10-yard split at the NFL Combine. He's an absolute speed demon who finished the 2023 season with 55 total pressures and 11 sacks per PFF. With the early run on defense, the Falcons get the first defensive player off the board at No. 8. That's a big win.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Chicago) - Rome Odunze - WR, Washington
TRADE ALERT. Jaguars receive: 9. Bears receive: 17, 48, 153.
The Bears only have four draft picks in this draft at the moment: 1, 9, 75, and 122, so it only makes sense that they'd attempt to recoup some draft capital by moving back. The Jaguars recently lost WR Calvin Ridley and need to get a WR1 for QB Trevor Lawrence. There's been a lot of chatter about Jacksonville calling the 49ers about WR Brandon Aiyuk, so they want to get something done in that department.
Step right up and witness the marvel that is Rome Odunze! With stats that read like a fantasy league wish list – 92 grabs, an eye-popping 1,640 yards, and 13 trips to the end zone – this guy is practically shouting from the rooftops, “I’m NFL-ready!” Odunze isn’t just good; he’s a master of aerial acrobatics, with body control that defies gravity, and a knack for turning contested catches into highlight-reel fodder. Jacksonville needs a true offensive playmaker in their passing game badly.
Rome Odunze has a phenomenal catch radius to go with 6’3 frame & excellent body control which led to
💥21 Contested Catches (1st)
💥75% Contested Catch Rate (1st)
💥74 1st Downs (1st)
💥Deep Yards: 783 (1st)
💥2160 Intended Air Yards (1st) pic.twitter.com/zJxNYOSzA7— Dynasty Dad (@DynastyDadFF) February 13, 2024
10. New York Jets - Olumuyiwa Fashanu - OT, Penn State
The Jets, catching a giant wave of excitement with Aaron Rodgers steering the ship, smacked into a stormy sea right out of the gate with Rodgers' season torpedoed by a gut-wrenching Achilles injury in Week 1. Now, the Jets are pot-committed to Rodgers, shackled to a hefty load of guaranteed cash stretching to 2025. Their game plan? Beef up the O-line into an impenetrable fortress, hoping Rodgers can tap into his MVP magic once more. Rodgers isn’t even flirting with retirement, so the Jets are all in at this point and there's no turning back.
Enter Fashanu, the unsung hero who's yet to surrender a sack in college, per PFF's tally. With the draft’s QB and WR frenzy, he slides right into the Jets' lap – a hidden gem to shore up their shaky line. The Jets are going all-in, playing their poker hand with Rodgers till the last card is dealt. While they've shored up their offensive line this offseason, they need additional pieces for the future and Fashanu is exactly that. Instead of worry about where he fits, we're seeing a lot of teams just putting their best five offensive lineman out there and figuring it out later.
NFL Draft Picks #11-21 - Will There Be Some Defense?
11. Los Angeles Chargers (from Minnesota) - Brock Bowers - TE, Georgia
There's been a lot of talk about teams picking high in the draft trading back, but with this star-studded group, it's not the year for it. Most of the teams picking in the top 10 likely prefer to stay there unless another team makes them an offer they can't refuse. The Chargers have a new regime in town, but quarterbacks coach Shane Day was brought back at QB Justin Herbert's request. You're telling me the front office just let his top two pass catchers go in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and there's no plan to replace them? Not buying it.
There's an identity shift taking place with the Chargers this offseason as they transition to more of a run-heavy offense as evidenced by the hiring of offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Nonetheless, Brock Bowers is a special talent who will give Jim Harbaugh the physicality and effort he's looking for in the run game and he'll be a safety blanket for Herbert. He's been the best tight end in college football for arguably the last three seasons. There's nothing he can't do as evidenced by his 14.5 yards per reception and 2.64 career yards per routes run. This would be a complete slam dunk for their offense. Having pick 23 helps the Chargers retool their aging roster as well.
Pretty insane that Brock Bowers was able to turn the corner and get the first down considering the situation when he caught the ball pic.twitter.com/EXVuXauPvC
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) March 20, 2024
12. Philadelphia Eagles (from Denver) - CB - Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
TRADE ALERT. Eagles receive: 12, 207. Broncos receive: 22, 53, 171.
The Broncos don't have a second-round pick and are limited in their draft capital after moving on from QB Russell Wilson. Being that the top four QBs are off the board, it only makes sense for them to move down a bit. There has been some chatter about the Broncos calling to see what it would cost to move up into the top three, but it would likely be incredibly expensive. Possibly to the tune of the 12th pick, CB Pat Surtain II, and their 2025 first. Would Broncos fans want to give that up? Moving back in the draft might be the better play for now.
This wouldn't be a customary Howie Roseman type of move, but with Darius Slay hitting 33 and James Bradberry at 30, Philly's secondary is screaming for some fresh legs, especially after getting torched in the latter half of the season. In today’s NFL, snagging a CB who can muzzle the opponent’s top receiver is like striking gold. Enter Mitchell, a lightning fast player who personifies the 'need for speed,' proving that in the pass-happy NFL, stacking the secondary isn’t just smart—it’s downright critical to survive.
Would #Eagles be making the right decision selecting Toledo DB Quinyon Mitchell at pick #22?
2022:
42 TOT, 27 SOLO, 5 INT, 2 TD2023:
41 TOT, 32 SOLO, 1 INTpic.twitter.com/nQpj2TIQlj— The Swoop Scoops (@TheSwoopScoops) March 19, 2024
13. Las Vegas Raiders - Terrion Arnold - CB, Alabama
In a division where you're duking it out with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, stacking your secondary is less of a strategy and more of a survival tactic. Enter Arnold, who's got the buzz as the draft’s potential top cornerback. With a 2023 highlight reel boasting five picks and 12 deflected passes, Arnold is more than just a cover guy; he's a physical force who's not shy about mixing it up in the run game. Sure, his 4.50 forty-yard dash at the NFL Combine didn’t set the world on fire, but this dude's got football IQ in spades. He’s not just some rookie to mold; Arnold’s the kind of savvy, instinct-driven player the Raiders can plug in from day one and watch him go to work.
14. New Orleans Saints - Taliese Fuaga - OT, Oregon State
Head Coach Dennis Allen sadly announced that RT Ryan Ramczyk could miss the entire 2024 season and the Saints continue to walk the financial high wire with the salary cap. GM Mickey Loomis is like the Harry Houdini of cap space, pulling off yearly budgetary magic tricks to get the Saints' books to play nice. One has to wonder, what's the hidden price tag of this cap contortionism? Despite the fiscal gymnastics, the Saints are betting big, locking arms with QB Derek Carr and handing coach Dennis Allen the reins for another year. Enter Fuaga, the O-line Swiss Army knife, technically polished and versatile enough to slot in at guard or tackle. With left tackle Trevor Penning not quite hitting first-round expectations, he might be shuffled inside to guard, paving the way for Fuaga to step up and fortify the Saints' front.
15. Indianapolis Colts - Brian Thomas Jr. - WR, LSU
Chris Ballard, the Colts' GM, has a keen eye for Combine standouts, and Thomas lit up the Combine like his own personal highlight reel. With WR Michael Pittman Jr. snug under his new deal and CB Kenny Moore secured as well, the Colts are committed to crafting a winning environment around QB Anthony Richardson. Snagging Thomas is a no-brainer for a team keen on bolstering their roster with top-tier talent, making sure Richardson has all the tools he needs to succeed and a receiver who can get downfield in a hurry to help showcase what their QB does best.
Brian Thomas Jr. is a WR prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 9.82 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 58 out of 3121 WRs from 1987 to 2024.
Pro day pending.https://t.co/UQzFM7GSyH pic.twitter.com/7D0peoTHrq
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 16, 2024
16. Seattle Seahawks - Troy Fautanu - OT/OG, Washington
Another talented offensive lineman in a star-studded class, the Seahawks are doing cartwheels of joy to snag him at this spot. With no screaming needs and the cream of the QB crop already picked, Seattle plays it cool, scooping up the best player on their board. Hailing from Washington, Fautanu's college days were nothing short of stellar, crowned as the top offensive lineman in the Pac-12 by those who know best—his fellow trench warriors. Plus, the guy's got the chops to slide inside and dominate at guard, adding that spicy versatility to the Seahawks offense.
17. Chicago Bears (from Jacksonville) - Laiatu Latu - Edge, UCLA
Now that the Bears have recouped some of their draft capital, they can sit back and go best player available. With Montez Sweat now in the fold, Chicago stacks him up with a pass-rushing partner, someone to crank the dial back to the days when the Monsters of Midway were the stuff of offensive nightmares. Enter Latu, with stats that make you sit up and take notice—64 total pressures and a hefty 11 sacks under his belt, the buzz is getting louder that Latu could be the first edge-crasher to strut his stuff on the draft stage.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - J.C. Latham - OT, Alabama
With Joe Burrow taking some untimely knocks and missing out on too much game time, shielding him has skyrocketed to mission-critical status for the Bengals. Their shopping list reads OT, WR, and DT for the long haul. The scout’s chorus is singing that Latham’s got the makings of a right tackle star, but in this era of defensive disguises and trickery, both ends of the offensive line are important. With Trent Brown just inked to a one-year deal for the right side, could the Bengals be scheming to shuffle Latham to guard for a bit? In the trench warfare of the NFL, versatility is gold, and it seems like Cincinnati might just be plotting to make the most of Latham’s adaptability.
19. Los Angeles Rams - Byron Murphy II - DT, Texas
The Rams are feeling the sting of losing DT Aaron Donald, one of the best to ever do it, to retirement. With his departure, they've got some colossal cleats to fill. Sure, they’ve splashed the cash beefing up the O-line in free agency, hinting that their Round 1 draft gaze might pivot to patching up the defensive breach. Enter Murphy, not the biggest guy in the trenches at 6-foot and 297 pounds, but don’t let the size fool you. In 2023, the guy was a wrecking ball—45 total pressures and 6 sacks, per PFF's tally. Seems like the Rams have a soft spot for compact dynamite on the D-line. After all, the last time they gambled on a not-so-giant DT in the first round, it turned out to be a grand slam.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jackson Powers-Johnson - C, Oregon
The Steelers are old school when it comes to the draft, eyeballing the best player on the board with a devil-may-care attitude about the so-called analytical draft value. Jackson Powers-Johnson, fresh from stealing the show at the Senior Bowl, could be that guy. He’s got that unicorn mix of bulk, brawn, and ballet-like finesse and could easily slot in at guard. Here’s the kicker: Pittsburgh is practically sending out an SOS for a center, and given their love affair with the ground game, snagging JPJ feels like destiny.
Sure, there’s some static about their QB situation long-term, but with Russell Wilson helming the ship and Justin Fields in the bullpen, the Steelers are set for a wild ride in 2024 either way. Don’t be surprised if they also cast a longing glance at a first-round wide receiver. After all, who doesn’t love a shiny new toy for their QBs?
NFL Draft Picks #21-32 - Who Else Goes off the Board?
21. Miami Dolphins - Amarius Mims - OT, Georgia
As the tackle train chugs along in the draft, Miami jumps on board and bags Mims. He might be on the younger side with a resume that's not bursting at the seams, yet his athletic chops could steal the draft spotlight. Despite nursing some injuries in 2023, the buzz from scouts about his 2022 Peach Bowl showdown with Ohio State’s fierce edge rushers is loud and clear: elite potential.
The Dolphins have had to navigate some choppy waters during free agency this offseason, but with LT Terron Armstead not getting any younger, the clock's ticking on finding his heir. Enter Mims, whose athletic marvel could make him the golden boy in McDaniel's dynamic offense, lighting up the line like a Miami beach sunrise.
Amarius Mims Career Stats at Georgia:
🐶 402 Pass Block Snaps
🐶 Zero Sacks Allowed
🐶 Zero QB Hits Allowed
🐶 6 Pressures Allowed pic.twitter.com/qknV75XLtK— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 19, 2024
22. Detroit Lions (from Denver through PHI) - Jared Verse - DE/Edge, Florida State
TRADE ALERT. Lions receive: 22. Broncos receive: 29, 73.
GM Brad Holmes wasn't shy about coming up in the draft for RB Jahmyr Gibbs last year and here the Lions come up to grab another edge rusher. While they could use a little more versatility on edge (as Verse is more of a hand-in-the-dirt type of pass rusher), his talent and relentless motor are something the Lions will undoubtedly fall in love with. This team is all-in on trying to get to the Super Bowl after narrowly missing it last season. All the important pieces are in place for this team as Lions fans bask in the glory of the draft being in Detroit this year. Verse needs to work on adding more pass rush moves to his arsenal, but his bull rush is arguably the best in this class.
23. Los Angeles Chargers (from MIN through CLE/HOU) - Graham Barton - OT/OG/OC, Duke
It's no secret that Harbaugh and Co. want to establish the run. Barton spent his college days playing left tackle, but most scouts have him pegged as an interior offensive lineman and he played/practiced at center during the Senior Bowl. There aren't many offensive line prospects who can play all five spots up front and Barton gives the Chargers offense some important versatility up front.
24. Dallas Cowboys - Tyler Guyton - OT, Oklahoma
The Cowboys' season took a nosedive with that Wild Card stunner against the Packers. They've always been big on beefing up the O-line, treating those big guys up front like Texas treats its oil reserves—essential and never enough. Time's ticking on, and those once-young studs in the trenches are eyeing the twilight of their careers as veteran left tackle Tyron Smith moved on this offseason. With the cash register set to cha-ching big time for QB Dak Prescott and WR CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys are looking to get some fresh muscle on the line. Enter Guyton, the Oklahoma sensation who's been skyrocketing up draft boards of late. He's still a developing player, but the elite upside is there.
25. Green Bay Packers - Cooper DeJean - CB, Iowa
Green Bay is probably still doing victory laps over their 2023 saga, smoothly handing the QB reins to Jordan Love and not missing a beat. Cashing in big-time on trades for Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have been laughing all the way to the draft bank. GM Brian Gutekunst usually plays it safe with early picks, favoring the big fellas in the trenches. But hey, DeJean is the kind of defensive chess piece that's too good to pass up. Is he a cornerback, slot whisperer, or a safety? Who cares! The guy’s got skills that could turn any piece of the field into his playground. The Packers know a top-notch player when they see one, and DeJean is just that.
Would #Eagles be making a good decision by drafting Iowa DB Cooper DeJean with pick #22 in the 2024 NFL Draft?
2022:
75 TOT, 59 Solo, 8 PD, 5 Ints, 3 TD2023:
41 TOT, 26 Solo, 5 PD, 2 Ints— The Swoop Scoops (@TheSwoopScoops) March 17, 2024
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kool-Aid McKinstry - CB, Alabama
Tampa has a solid core in place and was able to bring back QB Baker Mayfield and WR Mike Evans, which is a big boost to their offense, as well as them being able to build off of their 2023 season where they won the NFC South and a playoff game. Kool-Aid was considered the top corner in the summer of 2023, but his play fell off a little bit. Nonetheless, he's a physical type of CB who fits in well with what head coach Todd Bowles loves to do: blitz. After the Bucs traded away corner Carlton Davis last week, they might want to shore up the secondary with their first pick.
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston) - Nate Wiggins - CB, Clemson
28. Buffalo Bills - Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton - DT, Illinois
It's been hip to mock a wide receiver to the Bills here, but typically it hasn't been how GM Brandon Beane has operated. After the Bills did a variety of remodeling this offseason by releasing a handful of veterans to get younger and shed salary cap space, it does feel more likely that Buffalo could go offensive or defensive line early. While DT Ed Oliver was re-signed, it never hurts to have depth at the position. Newton didn't do much at the NFL Combine as he was recovering from a minor injury, but he had a masterful 2023 season with 43 total pressures and 8 sacks (per PFF). Having an interior defensive lineman who can also get after the passer is a rarity and they usually cost a fortune to pay for in free agency.
29. Denver Broncos (from Detroit) - Bo Nix - QB, Oregon
Alright, Broncos fans. Your time to pick is finally here. After moving back twice, Denver ends up receiving 29, 50, 73, and 171 for picks 12 and 207. Not a bad haul at all. As the team currently sits in limbo at quarterback, you can't help but wonder if a player like Bo Nix might be on head coach Sean Payton's radar. Nix has the most starts in college football history under his belt and is adept in the short passing game. That's a staple of the Saints' offenses when they were coached by Sean Payton. The draft grades and projections for Nix are all over the board, but he's a high-character guy with a lot of experience who loves the game and has a better arm than he gets credit for. Seriously though, trading back for Denver makes a lot of sense.
Based on NFL defenses opting to play more 2-high safety looks and soft shell coverage to limit explosive plays, Oregon QB Bo Nix fits the current meta like a glove. More below ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/gvIAt1ol3b
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) February 20, 2024
30. Baltimore Ravens - Adonai Mitchell - WR, Texas
This is what the Ravens do every year. They methodically sit back and draft some player who the other teams let fall and then he turns into a bona fide Pro Bowler. Mitchell was held back by injuries early on in college and ended up transferring from Georgia to Texas for the 2023 season. He was a big part of Texas's Playoff Run and Big 12 title. Mitchell is an electric athlete who ran a 4.35 40-yard dash and sits at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds. He can stretch the field and would open up things underneath for WR Zay Flowers and TE Mark Andrews.
31. San Francisco 49ers - Jordan Morgan - OT, Arizona
San Francisco waved goodbye to Mike McGlinchey, saw him off to the free agency sunset before 2023 rolled in, and now Trent Williams is eyeing the big 3-5. Shanahan’s playbook? It’s like a love letter to the run game, always on the lookout for those nimble big men up front. Morgan is not just a tackle; the guy can shuffle inside and rock the guard spot too. The 49ers, sitting pretty with their pick, could go wild card and snag anyone, but beefing up their O-line? That’s like sticking to a winning formula. Keeping the trenches strong is just the 49ers’ style, ensuring Shanahan’s ground-and-pound symphony plays on.
32. Kansas City Chiefs - Kingsley Suamataia - OT, BYU
The Chiefs have made it very clear that they don't mind drafting developmental type of players in Round 1, as evidenced by the selection of edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah last year. The Chiefs could go a variety of ways here, but have to feel better about their wide receiver room with the addition of Marquise Brown. Suamataia is a former five-star recruit who initially enrolled at Oregon. He's the cousin of Lions OT Penei Sewell and is a physically imposing player. The Chiefs don't have a long-term plan at left tackle and could bring in a high-ceiling player like Kingsley to develop for a season or two before letting him take over.
Conclusion
If you want to see all of the picks for Rounds 2 and 3, they can be found here. The NFL Draft is just 31 days away and it's going to be here before you know it! This isn't just any draft; it's the grand buffet of offensive firepower where fantasy football dreams are made, and legends are born. Can you feel that? It’s the electric buzz of potential, the sizzle of raw talent about to hit the big league grill.
So, as we countdown to this gridiron gala, let's not just idly wait; let's revel in the possibilities, debate the prospects, and maybe, just maybe, get ready to witness the next generation of NFL greatness. The 2024 NFL Draft isn’t just an event; it’s the prologue to the next chapter of football history. Are you ready for the ride of your life? Because the clock is ticking, and soon, that first pick will ignite the spark that sets the NFL world on fire!
Got a beef with any of the selections in this mock draft? Let’s tango on Twitter/X and chew the fat. And hey, don’t forget, RotoBaller is your round-the-clock retreat for the NFL lowdown. Here’s to wring out every ounce of football thrill and kicking off a stellar new year!
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