2024 NFL Mock Draft - Rounds 2 and 3 Predictions (Post-Free Agency Update)

36. Washington Commanders - Chop Robinson - Edge, Penn State

Longtime draft scout, Dane Brugler of The Athletic is quoted as saying that Chop has the most explosive first step of any edge rusher in this class. While he didn't have the biggest production in college (just 64 total pressures and eight sacks the last two years per PFF), Robinson just turned 21 years old and has plenty of untapped upside. He also measured in at 254 lbs. and ran a 4.48 forty-yard dash with a 1.54 ten-yard split at the NFL Combine. The athleticism is elite. After losing Montez Sweat and Chase Young, the Commanders need someone who can get after the opposing team's quarterback.

37. Los Angeles Chargers - Payton Wilson - LB, N.C. State

If you haven't taken notice that new head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to build a physical brand of football in Los Angeles, you haven't been paying attention. Can't help but find the irony that a city of glitz and glam like LA now features two blue-collar, smashmouth type of football teams. The only real knock on Wilson is his prior injury history, as he suffered a torn ACL in high school and one during his sophomore year in college. The silver lining is it's already baked into the price. With a clean bill of health, Wilson is probably a Top 20 pick.

38. Tennessee Titans - Tyler Nubin - S, Minnesota

GM Ran Carthon and the Titans have come out swinging this offseason, deciding that they have the flexibility with QB Will Levis on a rookie deal to spend up on the rest of the roster. It's not a bad strategy provided Levis begins tapping into his potential. After taking OT Joe Alt in Round 1, Tennessee grabs the first safety off the board. Nubin is a rangy player with experience who should be able to step in right away. After trading for CB L'Jarius Sneed, the Titans are attempting to get back to their old stout defensive ways.

39. Las Vegas Raiders (from CAR through NYG) - Michael Penix Jr. - QB, Washington

TRADE ALERT. Las Vegas receives: 39. Carolina receives: 44, 112.

There's been some chatter of Penix going in Round 1, but after the Raiders pick at 14, his list of suitors diminishes without another team in the 33-40 range trading back up. New Raiders GM Tom Telesco drafted Justin Herbert when he was with the Chargers, and the Raiders move up here to make sure they get their guy. Penix Jr. can really spin it, but at 24 years old, Las Vegas needs to see what they have in him sooner rather than later. Injuries had a large impact on Penix's college career, but there's no denying his toughness and willingness to persevere. This team needs a long-term answer at quarterback.

If there’s a translation of Bend it Like Beckham in American football terms, it’s “Spin It Like Michael Penix” pic.twitter.com/f4WzFHRhsq

— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) March 28, 2024

40. Washington Commanders (from Chicago) - T.J. Tampa - CB, Iowa State

Washington gained this pick after trading edge rusher Montez Sweat before last year's trade deadline. The Commanders have holes everywhere on their roster and need to start loading up with good football players. Tampa is a long, physical type of cornerback who fits with what new head coach Dan Quinn likes to do on defense.

41. Green Bay Packers (from NY Jets) - Kiran Amegadjie - OT, Yale

This one might surprise, but given the early run on offensive tackles, GM Brian Gutekunst selects Amegadjie here. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 326 lbs, Amegadjie has plenty of athleticism to go with his size. He's still learning to play the position (as evidenced by his 24 career games in college), but he's got a lot of upside. After having to move on from left tackle David Bakhtiari this offseason, the Packers know the importance of protecting QB Jordan Love's blindside.

42. Houston Texans (from Minnesota) - Troy Franklin - WR, Oregon

NFL Draft Picks #43-52 - Will There Be Another QB off the Board?

43. Atlanta Falcons - Ennis Rakestraw Jr. - CB, Missouri

Many mocks have Rakestraw going in Round 1, but he lacks some of the top-end speed of the league's best corners. Rakestraw is a tough, determined cornerback who does everything asked of him. A personal favorite of NFL.com's, Daniel Jeremiah, Rakestraw lands to the Falcons here. After taking edge rusher Dallas Turner in Round 1, Atlanta is shaping up to be a formidable foe on both sides of the ball.

44. Carolina Panthers (from Las Vegas) - Ruke Orhorhoro - DT, Clemson

After having limited draft capital from the Bryce Young trade, Carolina is happy to oblige the Raiders' request and slide back a few spots for an extra fourth. Orhorhoro, pronounced "Oh-row-row-row," is a player of Nigerian descent who has drawn some comparisons to Ravens DT Justin Madubuike. Orhorhoro had five sacks from the interior in 2023. Many feel that he still has his best football ahead of him.

45. New Orleans Saints - Chris Braswell – Edge, Alabama

The defense has been a staple for the Saints in recent years, but their pass rush fell off in 2023. Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson had just 10.5 sacks between them. New Orleans is all-in for 2024 given their roster construction, so trying to add an edge rusher with the benefit of a rookie contract only makes sense. Braswell didn't play much in his first two seasons in Tuscaloosa but shined last year with 56 total pressures and 13 sacks per PFF.

46. Indianapolis Colts – Braden Fiske – DT, Florida State

A star at the NFL Combine, Fiske was a big part of what helped make Florida State's defense so successful in 2023. On the game film, Fiske was often taking on two different blockers and routinely blowing up the LOS. The Colts don't have a ton of glaring needs, but they might move on from DT DeForest Buckner sooner rather than later. Fiske helps Indy to shore up in the trenches and add some insurance just in case.

47. New York Giants (from SEA) – Edgerrin Cooper – LB, Texas A&M

Cooper might end up higher than this when it's all said and done, but he's a versatile type of linebacker who can do a lot of things. Cooper had five sacks against Alabama and LSU alone in 2023 to go along with 84 total tackles as well. The Giants need some help at linebacker and Cooper fills a big area of need.

48. Chicago Bears (from JAC) – Ladd McConkey – WR, Georgia

After passing on a wide receiver at ninth overall and opting to trade back instead, the Bears land McConkey here. How long will WR Keenan Allen remain in Chicago? With all the top offensive linemen gone, they opt to surround QB Caleb Williams with as many weapons as possible. McConkey has dealt with some injuries in the past but features a different type of skill set where he could be lethal as the WR3 in this offense.

Ladd McConkey dusting defenders

This man runs a devastating out route pic.twitter.com/HBQ4ZqMPNj

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 27, 2024

49. Cincinnati Bengals – Roman Wilson – WR, Michigan

Here comes the wide receiver run! A lot of these guys lasted on the board longer than they should have, but some of the landing spots didn't fit. The Bengals and their future with WR Tee Higgins is the elephant in the room, and they likely should try to cash in on his value while they can for resources to shore up the rest of their roster. Paying QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja'Marr Chase, and Higgins big money all at once just doesn't make good financial sense, even if Bengals fans might not want to hear it.

50. Philadelphia Eagles – Xavier Legette – WR, South Carolina

There's talk of Philadelphia potentially moving WR DeVonta Smith inside. Enter Legette, who is a physical freak in his own right and would likely thrive with two stars ahead of him. The Eagles' depth chart at wide receiver is incredibly top-heavy, and they should take advantage of the depth at WR in this class to help shore up the room. The range of outcomes for Legette in mock drafts is a wide one. He had a slow start to his college career but blew up in year five with 71 receptions for 1,255 yards and five TDs. Some scouts have been asking the hard question: what took him so long?

51. Pittsburgh Steelers – Keon Coleman – WR, Florida St.

One of the most talented wide receivers in this draft, Coleman falls a bit after running just a 4.61 at the NFL Combine. While that might be screaming "red flag" to some teams, his metrics tell a different story. Coleman reached 20.3 mph during the gauntlet drill, the fastest of any WR in the last two years. This guy won't even turn 21 until after the draft and was largely held back by poor QB play during his first two years at Michigan State before transferring to Tallahassee in 2023. Coleman has an insane catch radius and can also be a YAC monster. The biggest question is just how well can he separate at the NFL level, but the talent is there. If there's a team that knows a thing or two about drafting receivers on Day 2 it's Pittsburgh.

Keon Coleman is #good pic.twitter.com/VdAT9MYIKc

— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) March 24, 2024

52. Los Angeles Rams – Mike Sainristil – CB, Michigan

One of the toughest and smartest players in this year's class, Sainristil was considered the team captain at Michigan and a huge part of why they won the National Championship. The Rams are pretty set on offense but need to continue shoring up their defense, especially after the retirement of DT Aaron Donald. Sainristil is best suited as a nickel but has the versatility to be a vital piece of the Rams' secondary. He had an impressive six INTs in 2023, and always seems to be around the ball.

NFL Draft Picks #53-64 - Who Else Goes off the Board?

53. Denver Broncos (from Philadelphia) – Kamari Lassiter – CB, Georgia

The Broncos have needs everywhere and are just attempting to go with the best player available the rest of the way as the front office looks to re-tool the roster. Lassiter was considered a potential first-round pick in the fall but had an underwhelming showing at his Pro Day after it was reported that he ran between a 4.61 and 4.63. Lassiter has a ton of playing experience for a player who just turned 21 years old. Denver is happy to buy the dip.

54. Cleveland Browns - Marshawn Kneeland - Edge/DE, Western Michigan

Kevin Stefanski snagged Coach of the Year again, twice in four years. This was even more impressive considering all the injuries the Browns had. They are all-in on QB Deshaun Watson, with no draft escape hatch thanks to that blockbuster trade. They’re financially handcuffed to Watson till 2026—no refunds on this roller coaster. Now, opposite Myles Garrett, there’s a vacancy for a havoc-wreaking pass rusher, and enter Kneeland. Don’t let the small-school tag fool you; this dude’s engine is always revved up, packed with potential that could turn the Browns’ D-line into a no-fly zone.

55. Miami Dolphins – Michael Hall Jr. – DT, Ohio State

There are always a couple of surprises in every draft, and Hall has been rising up draft boards of late. While he still has yet to put together a complete body of work, Hall is likely a Top 20 pick in next year's draft had he returned to Columbus for the 2024 season. The Dolphins front office has done a nice job this offseason trying to shore up their roster despite the loss of DT Christian Wilkins. Hall had just 29 pressures and two sacks last fall, but the undeniable talent is there.

56. Dallas Cowboys – Jonathon Brooks - RB, Texas

The doctor who performed the ACL surgery on Brooks this offseason also happens to be the Cowboys' team medical doctor. If not for the injury, Brooks probably goes in the 33-40 range. He's a terrific receiver out of the backfield who also shines as a runner. After letting Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard walk in consecutive seasons, Dallas reloads with Brooks. They've got massive extensions looming with QB Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb, and Edge/LB Micah Parsons which are all going to be expensive. It's fair to question how the Cowboys' front office has managed this offseason because many in the fanbase are currently scratching their heads at the team's lack of action, and justifiably so.

Jonathon Brooks is one of the best RBs in College Football 💨

The #1 RB Prospect according to PFFs Big Board 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DS67d4q5nx

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) February 1, 2024

57. Tampa Bay Bucs – Jonah Elliss – Edge, Utah

After cutting edge rusher Shaquille Barrett, the Bucs need to continue reloading up front. While they are still developing Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and hit on Ya'Ya Diaby in last year's draft, GM Jason Licht knows one can never have enough depth on the edge. Elliss is a young player who just recently turned 21 and came up big for the Utes last season with 39 total pressures and 13 sacks per PFF.

58. Green Bay Packers – Brandon Dorlus – DT, Oregon

A tweener at 6-foot-3 and 283 lbs, some say Dorlus is best inside as a gap-shooting DT, others say he's best as a bigger DE in a 3-4 front. Given the variety of looks that NFL defensive coordinators feature these days anyway, having guys who can play multiple spots is a plus. Dorlus was a big part of Oregon's 12-2 season and finding a guy who can rush the passer from the interior is hard to find. Dorlus finished his 2023 campaign with 46 total pressures and four sacks per PFF. GM Brian Gutekunst usually favors loading up on the offensive and defensive lines early in drafts, and so far 2024 is no exception.

59. Houston Texans - Kris Jenkins - DT, Michigan

The son of a former NFL star by the same name, Jenkins was a big part of Michigan's 15-0 season and stifling defense that won a National Championship. The Texans have prioritized building on their defensive line, which is no surprise from head coach De'Meco Ryans's time in San Francisco. The Texans should be considered real Super Bowl contenders heading into 2024.

60. Buffalo Bills – Jaden Hicks – S, Washington St.

Many might be disappointed with how this draft is shaping up for Buffalo, but GM Brandon Beane and the team are taking their medicine in 2024 and doing all the right things knowing that as long as QB Josh Allen is under center, their Super Bowl window is always open. After landing DT Johnny Newton in Round 1, the Bills load back up a secondary that saw CB Tredavious White and safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde all depart this offseason. Hicks is a rangy player who clocked a 4.48 forty-yard dash time at his Pro Day.

61. Detroit Lions – Khyree Jackson – CB, Oregon

The Lions value tough players and Jackson is no exception. Even after trading for CB Carlton Davis from the Bucs this offseason, they still need help in the secondary. There are questions about Jackson's overall speed and fluidity when covering smaller and faster receivers, but he moves well for a DB who is almost 6-foot-4.

62. Baltimore Ravens – Patrick Paul - OT, Houston

Paul has slid down draft boards of late, but the Ravens are happy to land him here. No team lost more talent this offseason than Baltimore did, but if there's any team that is arguably the best at drafting while plotting to land plenty of compensatory picks in next year's draft it's the Ravens. Paul has plenty of experience after starting at Houston for the last three seasons and could slide in at right tackle immediately.

63. San Francisco 49ers – Max Melton – CB, Rutgers

The 49ers have had an impressive five-year run where they've reached the NFC Championship in four out of five, but have come up just short against Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl twice. As their core is now aging, the team is going to need to hit in the draft to keep the assembly line of players going as QB Brock Purdy only has two years left on his rookie deal. Melton is a player that a lot of teams like. He's mostly an outside corner but can line up in the slot or as a nickel if needed.

64. Kansas City Chiefs – Ja’Tavion Sanders – TE, Texas

The rest of the NFL better pray this doesn't happen. After deciding to pass on an offensive weapon for QB Patrick Mahomes in Round 1, GM Brett Veach selects TE Travis Kelce's eventual replacement here. Sanders is a speedy tight end who shined at Texas these past two seasons and would've had bigger stats had he not been surrounded by three other wide receivers who will likely get drafted. There probably isn't a better landing spot for him than in Kansas City.

Every target & catch Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders had against Baylor this year. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/pya4d6fOUX

— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) March 30, 2024

 

Conclusion

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! Thank you for reading!

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