RADIO
With the Super Bowl behind us, it is officially the NFL's offseason. That means free agency, trades, and a countdown to camp is in store for many. However, for a special group, the time between February and April has just one purpose. That purpose is the NFL Draft.
If you’re like those of us who grew up wanting to be Mel Kiper Jr. and you play Madden just to manage rosters in Franchise Mode, few things excite you more than the NFL Draft. It’s the time when all teams have hope, all fan bases believe they could add the next superstar, and it’s a time when the foundations of dynasties are built.
With this exciting period underway, it's a perfect time to conduct a mock draft. Remember that the projections below are based on what I think NFL teams will do. If the pick is close, my rankings and/or schematic fit will be the tiebreaker. Otherwise, I will do my best to guess what these NFL teams will do based on the talent available to them.
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Round 1
1. *Chicago Bears - Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Minutes after Williams stepped onto the field for OU as a true freshman and beat Texas, I told my fellow Rotoballers he would be the #1 overall pick in two years. Since then, Williams has done little to change my opinion. He has a big arm, very good mobility, and his ability to make plays off-schedule is almost on par with Patrick Mahomes.
There are concerns surrounding Williams, namely family distractions and questions about his dedication. His 2023 season was also a disappointment compared to his Heisman-winning year, but a lot of those hiccups were due to a leaky offensive line and limited weapons. All told Williams has warts, yet his draft grade is still the highest I’ve given a QB since Trevor Lawrence.
2. Washington Commanders - Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Daniels is behind Drake Maye on my board, but this isn't about what I would do. Based on the 2023 film, Daniels is the safer prospect and better athlete. He has the rushing ability to be a fantasy stud, he has Bill Parcells’ preferred experience, and his touch on deep passes is tremendous. Daniels is a top-ten talent in this draft class and should go in the first five picks.
While Daniels is the choice in this mock, Maye is far from out of this race. A lot will depend on Washington GM Adam Peters and his views on the Trey Lance pick he was involved in three years ago. Did Lance scare him away from drafting gifted but raw passers who need a coach to help them smooth the inconsistencies and wild throws out of their game?
3. New England Patriots - Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Maye had far too many head-scratching throws in 2023, but his 2022 film and production were elite. He led the Tarheels in rushing in his first year as a starter, and his arm strength is upper echelon. The common comparison for him is Justin Herbert, and that’s exactly what I saw on Maye’s tape. He has the same build, arm strength, and mobility. The only thing Maye lacks is consistency.
4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
We stay chalk with the Cardinals’ pick. Arizona needs a star receiver that Kyler Murray can lean on. Marvin Harrison Jr.’s draft grade is tied with Ja’Marr Chase for the highest I’ve given a receiver since Calvin Johnson. If one player in this class becomes the best in the NFL at his position, odds favor it being Marvin Harrison's son.
5. Los Angeles Chargers - Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
With Harbaugh and Greg Roman leading Los Angeles’ offense, this pick feels like an offensive lineman (Joe Alt or a spicy reach for Taliese Fuaga). However, receiver could be the bigger need if Mike Williams and Allen are cap casualties. Odunze has the best-contested catch ability in this class and a big body that shields defenders. He fits what Harbaugh and Herbert like in a receiver better than Nabers does.
6. New York Giants - Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Giants may send the Chargers a gift basket if things shake out this way. Nabers is arguably the best playmaker to come out of college in two years, and he fits exactly what the Giants have needed since OBJ left. He is explosive off the line, elusive with the ball in his hands, and he makes plays at all three levels. A few focus drops aren't enough for the Giants to pass on this talent.
7. Tennessee Titans - Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
For the past year, Olu Fashanu has been the presumptive top tackle in this class. His star is falling a bit and Alt’s is rising, though. The son of an NFL starter, Alt will be 21 years old this entire season, yet he’s the most polished and consistent blocker in the class. He has a big body, moves well, and his instincts in blitz pickup are phenomenal. Alt is the definition of safe.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Raheem Morris’s 3-4 scheme asks a lot of its outside linebackers. They must rush the passer, help in run support, and drop into coverage. Turner has experience doing all of that. That experience, along with his length and bend, make Turner an ideal fit for Morris’ needs. While Jared Verse is my top-rated defender, Turner isn’t far off and he’s a much better fit for this defense.
9. Chicago Bears – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Bears signed Cole Kmet to a relatively generous deal last offseason, but they can save $30 million over the next three years if they designate him as a post-June 1st cut or trade. Bowers is a much better receiver and athlete than Kmet, and Chicago must focus on giving Caleb Williams zero reasons to fail. Bowers is the best player on the board and would give Williams an elite outlet.
10. New York Jets - Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The tackle-needy Jets will be fortunate if Fashanu falls to them, and buzz is building that he could. The Nittany Lion is the best athlete in this offensive line class with fantastic feet, the ability to absorb power into his long frame, and he has the flexibility of a ballerina. In short, he would help shore up Gang Green’s biggest need, which is finding blockers who can keep Aaron Rodgers healthy.
11. Minnesota Vikings - Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Justin Fields isn’t getting traded within the division. So, this team will be led by Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, Russell Wilson, or a rookie. For our money, Cousins is better than any of those options. However, signing Cousins to a new contract could mean Minnesota can’t afford to bring back Danielle Hunter, putting pass rusher atop their list of needs.
Whether or not Hunter leaves, an edge rusher will be a need for the Vikings. Latu is the most polished edge in this class. He is also a perfect fit for Minnesota’s 3-4 scheme, which is why Jared Verse isn’t the pick here. Assuming Latu is cleared medically, he is the best combination of fit and value for the Vikings in this mock.
12. Denver Broncos - J. J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
With Denver committed to winning in the short term while moving on from Russell Wilson, they have little option other than to draft a quarterback. They could chase Cousins or Mayfield, but neither is likely to land in Denver. The Broncos also don’t have a second-round pick, meaning they can’t afford to get involved in the Justin Fields sweepstakes or wait to draft a passer.
As a prospect, McCarthy is a plus athlete with a good feel for pressure, an above-average arm, a winning pedigree, and legs that can get more than the first down. However, the fact he never had to carry Michigan on his back will give some teams pause. The buzz is hot around McCarthy, though. Odds favor some team taking a gamble on his upside and reaching to take him high.
13. *(Trade) Philadelphia Eagles - Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
As I predicted in my mocks last year, one of the Eagles' aging corners suffered a significant drop-off in play this year. James Bradberry was borderline awful in 2023, giving up ten touchdowns and a 114.2 quarterback rating when targeted. The Eagles have the offense and defensive line to contend, but they must improve at corner. In this scenario, they trade up for the best one in the class.
As for Las Vegas, the top four quarterbacks are now off the board. With Justin Fields getting traded elsewhere in a pre-draft trade for this mock, the Raiders are left deciding between a defensive tackle, a right tackle, or trading back. They elect for the latter, dealing with an Eagles team that has an extra second-round pick to spare.
Trade Details…
Eagles Receive- Pick #12
Raiders Receive- Picks #22, #53, and a 5th round pick in 2025
14. New Orleans Saints - Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
The Saints are truly one of the worst-managed franchises in the NFL. They spend big money on average veterans like Derek Carr, give away future first-round picks for iffy tackles like Trevor Penning, and strive to win eight or nine games in a bad division each year. Now they are stuck with Carr, an aging defense, and an offensive line that has underperformed at almost every position.
Guyton is a supremely talented athlete and a great competitor, but he's raw. He will rip someone's head off on one play and completely whiff on the next. Guyton is a work in progress, but his upside is high enough that NFL execs reportedly voted him the most exciting player at the Senior Bowl. He also has the agility and length to play left or right tackle.
15. Indianapolis Colts - Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
Quinyon Mitchell would be a tremendous fit for Indianapolis. He played tons of off and zone coverage at Toledo, which the Colts ran more than every team but one in 2023. Mitchell had the best instincts and film in zone coverage, too. That said, Jared Verse is just too good to pass on. His ability to convert speed to power is elite, and he wrecks double teams when fully engaged.
16. Seattle Seahawks - Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
As a tackle, Fautanu has some of the most consistent film of any offensive lineman in this class. He allowed a combined two quarterback pressures against Utah, Texas, and Michigan. His athletic limitations have some moving him inside to guard, where he has Pro Bowl-caliber potential. However, I believe he can thrive at right tackle, too.
This discussion is noteworthy because the Seahawks’ right tackle (Abraham Lucas) took a big step backward in 2023, struggling with injuries and playing poorly once he returned. They also got zero help from their starting guards last year. Fautanu has the versatility to improve Seattle’s right guard position immediately or step in for Lucas if the need arises.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - BrIan Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
The Jaguars’ offense was significantly more potent when Zay Jones was on the field in 2023. That wasn't because Jones was good but because the team needed a deep threat to stretch defenses and open things underneath. Brian Thomas Jr. can do that in spades while also dominating on crossing patterns and back shoulder throws in the corner of the endzone.
The Jaguars will reportedly owe the Falcons a second-round pick if they re-sign Calvin Ridley, but Ridley’s production doesn’t merit a new deal plus that pick. The smarter play is to let Ridley go and bring in the cheaper, longer, faster rookie. Thomas has the length of Mr. Fantastic, tracks the deep ball very well, and is effective in the red zone. He could finally tap into Trevor Lawrence’s potential.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Bengals have needed help at right tackle since before they drafted Ja’Marr Chase over Penei Sewell. Those issues are more apparent now that Joe Burrow has suffered through his second injury-riddled season, and disappointing right tackle Jonah Williams is set for free agency. Fuaga is a people mover who would be an improvement over Williams in all facets, especially the run game.
19. Los Angeles Rams - Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Mitchell earned raves at the Senior Bowl, but the primary thing he did there was prove he could thrive in all types of coverage against bigger competition. His film at Toledo proved he has elite ball skills and is a predator when the play develops in front of him. He can potentially lead the NFL in interceptions at some point in his career and is especially potent in off-coverage.
20.*(TRADE) Chicago Bears - Cooper DeJean, CB/S, Iowa
Cooper DeJean is the best player left on this board, and he has a history of playing both shutdown corner and safety. The Bears created a need at safety by releasing Eddie Jackson, but they could also stand to improve over Tyrique Stevenson, who is talented but inconsistent at corner. DeJean fills a need no matter where Chicago wants him, plus he can help in the return game.
As for this trade, it makes too much sense. Rumors are Mike Tomlin has coveted Justin Fields for some time. It will also be difficult for the Steelers to sell Kenny Pickett as the future when he was a healthy scratch in the playoffs. While many insist Fields can be had for a second-round pick, Atlanta's second is more valuable than Pittsburgh's, so the Steel City has to give up a first.
Trade Details…
Bears Receive- Pick #20
Steelers Receive- Justin Fields and the Bears’ 2025 3rd round pick
21. Miami Dolphins - Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
The Dolphins’ linebacker corps could be a mess next year. Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are dealing with significant injuries they suffered late in the year, while Miami's interior linebackers were wildly inconsistent. The advantage of drafting Cooper is he can fill multiple needs with his fantastic length, pass-rush ability, and elite athleticism. He can play wherever Miami needs him.
22.*(Trade Back) Las Vegas Raiders – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
The Raiders must get more talented at the quarterback position. Aidan O’Connell did an admirable job, but you’ve seen his physical upside already. He is the definition of a game manager and is best suited as a backup quarterback. That’s where Penix comes in. He has the big arm that the Raiders love, is mobile, and Antonio Pierce will love that he's a winner.
23. Houston Texans - Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
This may seem like a luxury pick, but it isn’t. Houston’s offensive scheme is from the Kyle Shanahan tree, meaning the center position is vital to their run game working as intended. That is a major reason why they couldn’t run the ball consistently in 2023. The Texans’ starting center struggled regularly and earned poor grades in all categories from PFF.
Jackson Powers-Johnson is the undisputed top pivot in this class. He has a thick frame, good instincts, great power, and enough bend that he won’t break under extreme pressure. He dominated the Pac-12 this season and did the same at the Senior Bowl. He would help Houston open their run game and help keep C.J. Stroud safe inside.
24. Dallas Cowboys - Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
One of the chief problems for Dallas in their loss to Green Bay was their lack of pass-rush outside of Micah Parsons. Demarcus Lawrence is aging, and their interior pressure is inconsistent at best. While there are questions about Newton’s arm length, there are few doubts about his pass rush instincts or power, and he would form a formidable interior duo with Mazi Smith.
25. Green Bay Packers - Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Green Bay could stand to get better at run blocking, but they thrived as a pass-blocking unit last year. Zach Tom is established as the team's right tackle, with more than a season of plus pass blocking on the edge. Meanwhile, seventh-round pick Rasheed Walker stepped in for the injured David Bakhtiari and thrived. With those young options turning a weakness into a strength, expect Green Bay to target the secondary here.
Nate Wiggins is arguably the best athlete among this year's corners, and his motor runs hot. He has good size and deep speed, plus he plays through the whistle. Wiggins would turn Green Bay's cornerback position into a major strength and likely contribute to the team’s morale.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The Buccaneers feel like they have their offensive tackle spots sewn up right now, and the projected return of Baker Mayfield takes quarterback off the board. That leaves Tampa to decide between Barton and Chop Robinson, who would be a fine fit for the Buccaneer’s scheme. Barton is the safer player and would fill a bigger need, so he is the pick.
The Duke product has experience playing all positions on the offensive line, but he is best suited to play center. That is a position Tampa has struggled to fill since Ryan Jensen was first injured. Now that Jensen has retired, Tampa has no attractive starting options. Barton would be a massive upgrade at any interior lineman spot.
27.*Arizona Cardinals - Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Cardinals had arguably the worst cornerback room in football in 2023, with only one corner allowing a completion percentage below 71.4%. That's abysmal. McKinstry isn't the best athlete or the strongest corner, but he is an intelligent player who can quickly diagnose and react. His instincts and savvy would be a big benefit against the NFC West’s creative offenses.
28. Buffalo Bills - Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
The Bills must keep trying to outscore the Chiefs. Coleman can help do that with great size, length, and the ability to make acrobatic contested grabs. There are some questions about his speed, but Coleman has superior hands to Troy Franklin and looks to be just as fast as Gabe Davis. The Florida State product is a natural replacement for the free agency-bound Davis.
29. Detroit Lions - Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
With this pick, I wanted to go with Rakestraw's teammate, Darius Robinson. He plays like a Dan Campbell guy. However, cornerback is by far the biggest need for Detroit. Rakestraw is a feisty corner with very good man coverage skills, showing the ability to play off and in press. He is a bit light and he had just one interception in college, but opponents avoided him.
30. Baltimore Ravens - J.C. Latham, OL, Alabama
Morgan Moses played well at right tackle for Baltimore in 2023, but he's about to turn 33 and has one year left on his contract. Meanwhile, starting guard Kevin Zeitler will be 34 and is a free agent. Latham played both guard and right tackle at Alabama. He is a massive, imposing player who can replace Zeitler inside in 2024 and then move outside in 2025.
31. San Francisco 49ers - Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The Falcons call the 49ers about trading up to get Bo Nix on a fifth-year option, but San Francisco cannot pass on Mims if he falls here. Mims is raw and has injury concerns, but he has great size and mobility for that size. He shows power and improving instincts in the zone, too. The 49ers' biggest issue is at right tackle, and Mims would address that.
32. Kansas City Chiefs - Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
The Falcons also call the Chiefs about a trade-up, but Kansas City likes what they see on the board. Troy Franklin's hands are inconsistent, and his routes are limited, but he is a long strider who is effective on deep balls. Franklin can also make people miss with the ball in his hands. The former Duck would be an upgrade over Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who the Chiefs can cut and save $12 million.
Round 2
33. Carolina Panthers - Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
The Panthers must improve their interior offensive line and receiver spots for the sake of Bryce Young. The team can’t properly evaluate Young without first giving him real help. Thus, the pick comes down to Ladd McConkey or Jordan Morgan. We go with McConkey because his crips routes and sudden movement skills would give the Panthers an outlet who can get open quick when pressure comes.
34. New England Patriots - Jordan Morgan, OL, Arizona
The Patriots were hoping McConkey would fall here, but they also need youth all over their offensive line. Morgan is experienced and mobile, though his recognition and decision making in zone needs to improve. He can fill several holes for New England, regardless of if he can stick at tackle or not.
35. Arizona Cardinals - Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
The Cardinals were so bad at corner in 2023 that they can afford to double up at the position in this mock. Adding Lassiter and McKinstry in one class would vastly improve their secondary, offering two experienced and smart corners. You need multiple corners to cover the receivers in the NFC West.
36. Washington Commanders - Darius Robinson, DE, Missouri
The Commanders traded away both of their starting edge rushers in 2023, making that a clear need. Robinson could improve one of those spots immediately. He dominated the Senior Bowl from multiple positions and registered 8.5 sacks in the SEC this year. Robinson is a powerful edge who runs through tackles instead of around them and is strong in run support.
37. Los Angeles Chargers - Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
This would be a dream scenario for the Chargers since they've desperately needed an influx of talent at defensive tackle for years. Murphy could go in the first round of the real Draft, but this kind of fall is also plausible. If he does slip, the Chargers should be his safety net. Their need for his skills on their interior is too great to pass up, even if Kris Jenkins is buddies with Harbaugh.
38. Tennessee Titans - Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
If the Titans roll with the strong-armed Will Levis, they need someone who can take advantage of his deep ball. Worthy is one of the fastest players in this class, and he is shifty on screens. Tennessee isn't run by Mike Vrabel and Arthur Smith anymore. They should look to throw the ball more often, and they don't currently have the receivers to do that.
39. New York Giants - Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
The Giants have spent considerable assets drafting offensive linemen recently, yet they only had one (Andrew Thomas) who was effective against pass rushers in 2023. While there may still be hope for Evan Neal and John Michael-Schmitz, that leaves two open positions on the line. Suamataia is raw, but he’s a good athlete with long arms and plus pass protection film. He’d let Big Blue move Neal inside.
40. *(TRADE) Atlanta Falcons - Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
The Falcons finally find someone to trade with, helping them jump the Vikings and get the last quarterback who could realistically start in 2024. Nix is a good distributor with solid ball placement to the intermediate areas of the field. He has limited athleticism and arm strength, but his decision-making and accuracy are both better than Atlanta is used to.
Trade Details…
Falcons Receive- Pick #40
Commanders Receive- Pick #43 and Atlanta’s 2025 4th round pick
41. *Green Bay Packers - Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
The one spot on Green Bay’s offensive line where they struggled in all facets was at center. Josh Meyers was a second-round pick for them in 2021, but he’s been a below-average pass blocker ever since. Frazier would be an immediate improvement over Meyers in that regard while offering a boon in run support.
42. Minnesota Vikings - Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
With no attractive options at center or quarterback left on the board, the Vikings double up on edge rushers. I am not the biggest Trice fan, as he lacks the speed or bend to compensate when he doesn't win with power or handwork. However, he is a talented power rusher with experience standing up and dropping into coverage, though. Trice fits this scheme and should be an asset against the run.
43.*(TRADE BACK) Washington Commanders – Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn St
NFL teams and analysts have always overvalued the undersized edges who don't produce in college. Using a first on guys like K’Lavon Chaisson and Barkevious Mingo never made sense. The bust factor was always too high. Just consider that the top five pass rushers in this league were all productive sack artists in college, or they offered more than sacks to round out their profiles.
That said, Chop Robinson differs from those LSU duds for two reasons. One, he can be had at a much cheaper price. Two, his first step is special. While I didn't see it with Mingo or Chaisson, you can't miss Robinson's special takeoff. He’s often rounding the corner before a tackle can get out of his stance. His lack of production and size keeps him out of the first, but he shouldn't fall far.
44. Las Vegas Raiders - Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
The Raiders have an elite end in Maxx Crosby, and Malcolm Koonce has been a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, last year's first-round pick, Tyree Wilson, was terrible in his rookie year, and Vegas didn't have much depth after him. Braswell would cure that problem with good length, solid power, and adequate bend around the edge. He is an inconsistent prospect but showed enough flashes to go this high.
45.*New Orleans Saints - Adisa Isaac, DE, Penn State
Isaac is another undersized Penn State edge who is inconsistent but explosive. Isaac would add badly needed depth on a Saints defensive line that is getting old quickly. They don't have anyone as quick off the snap as Isaac is.
46. Indianapolis Colts - Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
The Colts have invested in the tight end position multiple times over the past few years, but those players have yet to be anything but adequate. Sanders is one of only two tight ends in this class who are worthy of a first or second-day selection. He isn't a consistent blocker but he has good size, consistent hands, and is a great route runner.
47. *New York Giants - Jonah Elliss, DE, Utah
Elliss needs to add size, but he’s a polished pass rusher who gives his all on every play. The Giants need to add to their pass rush rotation, and this productive NFL legacy makes sense. Elliss is the best available pass rusher in this scenario, even if his ideal fit may be as a 3-4 edge if he can’t add more muscle.
48. Jacksonville Jaguars - Christian Haynes, G, Connecticut
The Jaguars had major pass-blocking issues at left guard and center in 2023. Haynes is a quality zone blocker with good movement skills. He raised his stock at the Senior Bowl, lifting him from a third-round option to a near second-round lock. He would slide in as an immediate offensive starter for a Jacksonville team that must be laser-focused on helping Trevor Lawrence break out.
49. Cincinnati Bengals - Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Mitchell is another player I am lower on than most. Translation: I have him falling here, but he could go as high as 32nd overall to the Chiefs.
Mitchell is a deceptive route runner who is tall, thick, and makes plays after the catch. His effort and blocking weren’t always there, though. The Bengals could need depth at receiver, with Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins entering free agency. Mitchell would be a natural replacement for Higgins, or he could play a big slot role if Higgins returns.
50. Philadelphia Eagles - Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
The Eagles struggled to stay healthy at linebacker all year, so they made a mid-season move to bring in an over-the-hill Shaquille Leonard. Unfortunately, Leonard and the rest of Philly’s linebackers were underwhelming even when healthy.
Trotter Jr. is the son of a former Eagles star and a very good athlete in his own right. He could be the top tackler on this team immediately and offer a five or six-sack bonus. While Trotter didn't play up to his hype as a recruit, he flashed elite upside in all phases of the game. He could end up a better pro than a college player.
51. Pittsburgh Steelers - Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
The Steelers' pass-blocking metrics and film were well below average last year, though Broderick Jones showed enough flashes to suggest he should be their long-term left tackle. Adding Paul would improve multiple spots on the line with one pick. It would allow Jones to move to his more natural left side, it would upgrade at right tackle with Paul, and it would get Dan Moore Jr. inside.
52. Los Angeles Rams - Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (FL)
Kinchens is a human missile. He has the range and cognition to cover the entire back end as a deep safety, but he’s extremely active at the line and in run support. Sure, he had some lapses in judgment and focus that cost Miami last year. He also ran headfirst into offensive linemen and knocked them into the running back. He's a fun player who fills a need for the Rams.
53.*(TRADE) Las Vegas Raiders - Kris Jenkins Jr., DT, Michigan
The Raiders are thin on the defensive interior, and it impacted their run support in 2023. Jenkins was a plus run defender for Michigan, regularly closing gaps and collapsing holes. He would be an immediate starter for Vegas.
54. Cleveland Browns - Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
Walker's time at North Carolina was extremely limited, but he had five impressive showings in eight games with Drake Maye. He is a tall receiver and a long strider with a good feel for gaps in zone, but he struggled with drops in key parts of the season. Those drops showed up at the Senior Bowl, too. The talent is too good for Walker to drop past a receiver-needy Browns team, though.
55. Miami Dolphins - Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
It’s hard to find tape on Amegadjie, but what is out there shows he is very effective as a zone run blocker. That is the specialty of the Dolphins' staff. The Yale product is raw and can learn behind Terron Armstead before taking over for the veteran in a year or two.
56. Dallas Cowboys - Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
The book on Pearsall is he’s a deep threat. His film suggests he isn’t just that. The Gator flashes at every level of the field. He can beat both man and zone coverage, force missed tackles, and bring in the deep ball. With Dallas needing to improve its receiver corps behind CeeDee Lamb, Pearsall is a logical pick.
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Tampa Bay needs to add depth at corner behind aging veterans Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean. T.J. Tampa is a similar player to those vets. He has long arms, good size, and good press skills. He takes too many risks and gives up too many big throws, but he is fluid in transition and regularly stays in position to make a play. The fact his name is Tampa, and he's going to Tampa, is just icing.
58. Green Bay Packers - Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Nubin is an experienced safety who diagnoses plays well and has lighting quick decision-making skills. He drops into the box when the run shows itself but can also break on the ball with good anticipation. He had five interceptions this season, proving he’s a ballhawk, and he fills another need for the ascending Packers.
59. Houston Texans - Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
Two of the Texans’ top linebackers are free agents, which could open a need at the position if neither returns. Those veterans are also older and inferior athletes compared to Colson. He would give DeMeco Ryans a linebacker who can play the run and cover, much like the ‘backers he was used to when coaching for San Francisco.
60. Buffalo Bills - Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State
The Bills defense struggled when Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard both went down. They had no one on the roster to replace either. While Wilson could be viewed as a luxury pick, a player who would ideally see 30% of the snaps, he would give them valuable insurance. Wilson has also flashed as a pass rusher, meaning he could fill in at multiple positions and allow for diverse fronts.
61. Detroit Lions - Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan
The Lions need depth on the edge, and that pool is drying up fast in this mock. Kneeland doesn’t always pop on film, but he did a lot as the sole headache on Western Michigan’s defense in 2023. He has a good frame and plays with power, fitting the profile of a Detroit defensive lineman.
62. Baltimore Ravens - T’Vondre Sweat, NT, Texas
Sweat is a prototypical nose tackle. He didn’t disclose his weight at the Senior Bowl, leading many to believe he may be over 380 lbs. That would mean he has little to no shot of playing more than half of his team’s defensive snaps. However, he throws that weight around with great force and is a headache to run through. He feels like a Raven.
63. San Francisco 49ers - Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
With no attractive edge options available, why not give the 49ers a guy who calls himself a YAC monster? Corley has a big frame and runs through defenders with regularity. No one is Deebo, but he does a lot of Deebo things… admittedly at a lower level of competition. With Deebo aging fast and both Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings needing new deals, receiver depth is a sneaky priority.
64. Kansas City Chiefs - Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Fiske has shorter arms than you'd like, but he was consistent against the run in 2023 while earning six sacks and 28 pressures. He made a positive impression at the Senior Bowl, too. By no means is he a replacement for Chris Jones, but he would help a Chiefs line that had zero interior players who graded positively against the run and just one (Jones) who graded positively against the pass.
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