[2024 WR Draft Class]

17 minutes ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Is there a medical issue with Mitchell?  I thought that I heard them allude to one on SiriusXM, but I didn’t hear what the issue might be.  I can’t find anything about one on the net.  Anyone hear about a medical on Mitchell?

A high ankle sprain cost him almost the enitre 2022 season. That’s the only injury I know about him

[TSW Mock Draft 1.0 - Completed]

With the 44th pick in the 2024 NFL draft the Las Vegas Raiders select Michael Penix, QB, Washington.

The Maxwell award winner was in consideration for the Raiders at pick 13. Antonio Pierce was able to keep Bowl Cut Mark at bay and picked up the lefties blindside protector instead.

 

Mark Davis reportedly “grilled” potential GMs about their plan for getting the Raiders a QB. With that type of mandate, the Raiders will take a QB early in this draft.

 

Of the ones likely to be available, Penix is the best fit for Luke Getsy’s offense. Getsy used play action the 7th and 16th most in the league in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Penix used play action the most and was the highest graded play action QB in this class per pff. 
 

Getsy also had a lot of deep passes baked into his offense as Chicago threw the sixth and forth most 20+ yard passes in the league the past two seasons. Penix has a huge arm and a beautiful deep ball. The injury concerns and age are a concern, but when you feel like you need a QB you take a swing.

 

@frostbitmic and the Saints are now in the clock

[Beane's First-Round Deals]

1 hour ago, Virgil said:

 

Was it?  Crap, my brain is broke.  I thought we traded back into the 1st for Edmunds

Nah we still had KCs first from the Mahomes trade. So we used the third we got from Cleveland in the Tyrod trade (1st pick of the third round) to move up from 22 to 16 to get Edmonds

[TSW Mock Draft 1.0 - Completed]

Just now, Logic said:

Agreed. I think that what he does well is what I want in a wide receiver. He somehow is perceived to lack the "flash" and ceiling of some of the other guys in the class, but I think he's going to be a top level NFL target for a long time. Speed, quickness, route running, separation. I don't know if it's just his body size/type that people don't like or what, but I think he'll be a good one.

If the Bills aren't trading up for one of the big three or four guys, I'd love it if they took Franklin, wherever they deem it appropriate to do so, value-wise.

Yea I think his poor combine started the slide and then people are hoping for a bigger bodied WR who can win contested catches which is not Franklins strong suit. I hope Beane is thinking Logic-ally!

[TSW Mock Draft 1.0 - Completed]

8 minutes ago, Logic said:

I actually like Troy Franklin a lot. I prefer him to AD Mitchell. I voted for him in the poll. I think he's massively underrated. After the big 3 and Brian Thomas, he's probably my favorite guy this year.

I realize I'm on a small island with this opinion, and I'm fine with the draftniks telling me what an idiot I am. We'll see in time whether I'm crazy or whether my eyes are telling me the truth.

I feel the same way, Franklin is my WR4 of this class. I’ve watched a lot of the WRs this year. People have posted YouTube videos of every 2023 target of Brian Thomas, AD Mitchell, Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey. And when you do enough digging you can find just about every snap of Franklin, Legette, Baker, Coleman, etc. I’m not a scout, but I thought Franklin was the most consistently good player across his targets who still had big time moments mixed in where his speed flashed. I’m still hoping he is a Bill in a few weeks.

[Diggs traded to Texans for picks]

7 minutes ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

 

I know losing Diggs is a big deal. But we still have a lot of spots on the roster that need young players besides WR. Trading away a lot of picks including next years first isn’t worth it when a good WR will be there at 28 imo. 

[Who Should the Bills draft at 28 (TSW community mock version 1.0)) 2024]

1 minute ago, Logic said:

The knock on AD Mitchell is his body language and effort when the ball isn't going his way.

Call me crazy, but the LAST thing I want after trading Stefon Diggs away is a guy whose default mode when not getting the ball is "phoning it in".

Combine that with his failure to ever crack 1,000 yards in a season or truly dominate as a college receiver, and I couldn't in all good conscience vote for him.

For what it's worth, if this exact scenario presented itself to Buffalo come draft night, I think they'd draft Kool-Aid McKinstry. That's not who I voted for, because that's not what I would do. But I believe it's what Beane would do if this is how the draft played out.

That is one knock on Mitchell, the other is that he only average 3.2 yards after the catch despite being a 4.3 speed guy. 

[2024 WR Draft Class]

1 minute ago, GunnerBill said:

 

But why does Washington want to come up? That is what I struggle with.

My buddy who is a Washington fan wants them to trade up for a LT to protect their rookie QB. So if it happened, that would be my guess.

[Who Should the Bills draft at 28 (TSW community mock version 1.0)) 2024]

30 minutes ago, Virgil said:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Xavier Legette WR South Carolina someone the Bills have spent a lot of time with?

 

Senior Bowl, combine, and attended his pro day. I wouldn’t say that’s a lot of time but we haven’t been getting much news about top 30s and private workouts yet so their may be more we don’t know about.

[2024 WR Draft Class]

1 hour ago, HappyDays said:

 

I think my preferred option would be trading back with Washington to get their 3rd rounder this year. Take best WR available at pick 36, then use one of next year's 2nds to trade up in the 2nd round for another top 50 WR. Come away with two of these players - Legette, Franklin, Coleman, Mitchell, Worthy, McConkey. That looks amazing on paper. Depending on how the rookies perform it's decently possible we would immediately have a better WR room than we had last year.

Yea I am fully in the trade back camp. I wanted to draft two WRs early this year but had resigned myself to the idea that 1 would be the max this year and the Diggs replacement would come next year. With that timeline pushed up, I think we have to get 2 early WRs this year and the only way to do that would be to add more day 2 picks. (Miscalculating that comp pick really keeps hurting more and more).

 

 Once you get past the top 3, I think guys 4-9 I’d be about equally as happy with and then once you get outside the top 12 non-slot guys it feels like the exciting talent is gone. 
 

So getting two of this top 9 guys would be amazing and feel like 2 first round picks in my own mind. Though I think  the third we pull in the trade back packaged with our second would probably be enough to move up high enough to pull this off

[Diggs traded to Texans for picks]

He was a really good WR for us most of the time

 

Not sure we will miss playoff Diggs and his 21 yards against the chiefs last year. Or the 35 yards against the Bengals in 2022. Or the 7 yards agains the chiefs in 13 seconds (he did catch the two point conversion then at least)

 

Good luck Stef

[2024 WR Draft Class]

19 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

My top 15 were published here the other day: https://www.twobillsdrive.com/community/topic/253033-gunners-2024-mock-draft-v20-now-live-p8/page/11/#comment-9001407

 

I have a further 5 after that: Polk, Cowing, Corley, Rice and McMillan in my top 100 making it 20 in my top 100. What I think has been a bit under discussed in this talk about the depth of the WR group is that it does drop off a bit after that. I think there are 20 maybe even 21 (I have Malik Washington not far outside my top 100) who legit could go in the first two days.... but then when I get into day 3 receivers that I like as developmental pieces..... it is relatively slim pickings compared to some other years. I like Thrash some as a round 4 guy, Cornelius Johnson as a late 4th rounder and then McCaffrey and Johnny Wilson are 5th round grades for me. After that you are into Jha'Quan Jackson and Anthony Gould as return guys who can play some gimmick receiver in a pinch for you who I think are draftable. 

 

Some of the other guys I have seen talked about as day 3 prospects - Isaiah Williams, Jalen Coker, Jordan Whittington, Xavier Weaver.... they are 7th round flier / UDFA types to my eye.

The Gould, Tahj Washington, Jha’quan Jackson group of WR is the late day 3 guys where I think one could emerge into a productive player.

 

Gould in addition to being an excellent returner that should secure a spot on a roster is a bit of a metrics and film guy darling. Top yprr against man in the class, Greg Cosell is a big fan too. 

I really like watching Tahj Washington and think he is probably the better USC receiver. Jackson probably has the most NFL ready body of the 3. 

[TSW Mock Draft 1.0 - Completed]

With the 13th pick, the Las Vegas Raiders select Taliese Fuaga, OT, OSU . @frostbitmic Is now on the clock. 
 

Laitu was so enticing, we had to hold Antonio Pierce back. Though we want the defensive line to be a strength we don’t want to hamper the growth of Tyree Wilson. Cornerback was also in consideration for this pick but we like the depth later in the draft.

 

Since we blew up our offensive line a few years ago we have been looking to rebuild it. Once we do that we can think about adding a top QB prospect next year. Adding Fuaga gives us a cornerstone RT. HC Pierce is an old school linebacker so you know he believes in setting the tone and being nasty up front. 

[2024 WR Draft Class]

These are my rankings, 20 deep of the 2024 NFL draft. Can’t wait for the draft to be here!

 

1. MHJ

2. Nabers

3. Odunze

Pretty Consensus.

 

4. Troy Franklin

Quote

A three level WR that is useable in screens and great at slants, posts and comebacks. It is rare he is pressed at the line because opponents respect his speed. When defenders do close the space, he has a nice release package to quickly get into a slant, or dip his shoulder and get vertical. This combination of speed and technique led him to be THE most explosive WR in draft. He was also always on the same page as Bo Nix nickeling and dining defenses. One of my favorite games of his was against Oregon State where he and Nix option routed and combacked OSU to death. Literally had defenders shaking their head after another Franklin catch. It is the sign of a very mature game. Now to the one glaring concern - his hands are not the best. We all saw it at the combine gauntlet drill and it does pop up in his game where he lets balls get into his body.    His hands and arms are not very big and it leads to a smaller catch radius than someone his size should have. But he was so effective even with those concerns, I think he will overcome and be a really good pro.

 

This earlier post further delves into my admiration for Franklin

 

5. Xavier Worthy

Quote

Worthy has his warts. He is very small and can get rag dolled easily. His hands are inconsistent and he can be lax with the ball allowing it to get punched out while picking up RAC. But man his combination of route running and speed make him worthy of a top pick. His fluidity in his routes and ability to decelerate on a dime are lethal. He also has some dog in him too despite being on the smaller size which lets him win some tackle attempts or fights for the ball. He will be best playing off the line in the NFL, but he can improve any team.

6. Brian Thomas Jr

Quote

Mr. Built in a lab. What he does very well is very valuable - stretch the field. He doesn’t have a ton of development to his game at this point, but his threat of hitting the deep ball does open up the curls, slants and crossers underneath as CBs give him a lot of cushion. Though other receivers had more big plays than Thomas, his size, speed, length and yac creativity combination make him the most intimidating presence in the draft. Some concerns for Thomas is that he did only really have one year of production and his career drop rate was higher than you’d like. The drops are partly a function of his continued development and his useage as a downfield player. 

7. Javon Baker

Quote

One of the more difficult decisions in this draft process. I’m going to start with the negatives: He is a goofy player. There are times he is late off the line after the snap because he was distracted by something. He had a high drop rate over the last two years exceeding 10% both years, and the misses do show up spectacularly. Whether it is kicking an interception into a CBs hands that would have otherwise fallen incomplete or dropping a few touchdowns on the goal line - he is goofy. Despite those flaws, he is too good to pass up. It all starts with his route running, he fires low out of his stance and is very fluid with his movements. Good at using this to set up CBs and then break the other way. When CBs try to get physical with him he is able to rip through with his hands or just catch the ball over them through the contact. Aside from Legette, he is the best jumper in the draft able to get great air off of one leg which leads to him winning a lot of jump balls and putting some awe inspiring highlights on tape. In addition to being physical through the catch, he shows great physicality with his yac often spinning away from would be tacklers. Though his speed is not elite he has enough juice to run away from defenders. He has a rare combination of high ADOT and good run after the catch. A very complete receiver and I think getting out of the Gus Malzaan offensive monstrosity and into an NFL team with a QB that doesn’t spray balls everywhere will mitigate some of his drop concerns.

End of Day 1 Receivers

 

8. AD Mitchell

Quote

AD Mitchell is probably the second best receiver in this class if the rule was you couldn’t run after the catch. His route fluidity and ability to create separation is amazing and it’s no wonder he excelled in crunch time in the playoffs. But despite his amazing combine, he just is bad with the ball in his hands. Whether it’s going down on first contact or slipping on the turf, he just can’t seem to break a big play after the catch. Some players just don’t have the vision to be good runners. Now his skill set is valuable and he could still be a top WR in the league, but his game is not as well rounded as I would like and could limit him if the wrong team selects him. 

9. Ladd McConkey

Quote

McConkey is the back breaker. When defenses think they have everything covered, McConkey catches a first down or scoots into the end zone. Against zone he has that Dalton Kincaid-like instant transition into a runner, is great on screens where he is elusive in the open field and can get vertical after turning his defender around. I thought he really grew his game this year showing a more vertical component to his game. The downside to Ladd is I don’t think he will ever be a WR1 in the league, but an awesome compliment to a passing offense. The injuries that shortened and hampered his 23 season also worry me.

10. Jermaine Burton

Quote

Burton played in a game against Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell this year and was the best receiver on the field. He had 3 TDs that game - catching a tipped pass in the EZ, breaking a long catch and run for another TD, and finally tracking a deep ball in the corner of the EZ. Unfortunately for Burton and Alabama, the first two were negated by penalties away from the play. What I like about Burton is he is very effective as a downfield receiver, especially if he is able to get a step on his defender. Though he was credited with 0 drops this year, there were moments where the defenders won at the catch point against him and he dropped the ball. Despite that he does show the aggressiveness that I think he can improve at the catch point, and he is willing and able to put his body on the line to make a play. His biggest concern is going to be his immeasurables. He had an ugly incident with a fan last year, and Alabama fans were not impressed prior to last year. If teams feel confident with his character, I liken him a lot to last years Marvin Mims and think he will go day 2

 

11. Roman Wilson

Quote

Scrappy slot receiver who has the speed to go vertical out of the slot which is becoming more important in today’s game. Money on third down and in the redzone this year. People point to JJs third down percentage being the best of this years prospects. He should give some of that signing bonus to Roman. 

12. Xavier Legette

Quote

Humans should not have that type of hangtime when they jump and his coordination in bringing in those contested balls was very impressive. You see the physicality and speed overwhelm some of these defenders on his crossers especially. I was also surprised how much his useage reminded me of Tyreek Hill’s where SC would give him a running start after bringing him in motion pre snap or even have him start in the backfield. Having him release like that did accentuate his physical gifts and mitigate what is still a very raw game where he is not creating separation using route running. Since he was a pretty good kick returner, I was surprised by how unimpressed I was with him as an open field runner. He did have his moments but there were a lot of plays where he was tackled one on one by guys who went to Furman or who were probably 50 pounds less than him. I think the Clemson game is a good example of where his boom/bust nature could land in the darkest timeline. He started the game off dropping a backward pass that went for a scoop and score, the next play he got out jumped (on a badly underthrown ball by Ratler) for a pick, next catch he got submarined by the defender and was hurt, when he returned he caught the ball on an out at the two yard line and got caught and tackled one on one before the end zone. My biggest concern for him though is his injury history. Injuries cost him many games before 2023, which contributed to his infamous late breakout. I dont think he ever looked the same after his injury against Mizzou, though he did fight through it to still have a really good back half of the year. His up and down Senior Bowl was marred by an injury as well. I still have him ranked pretty high because it’s tough to predict injuries and his traits are tough to ignore. All reports I have read from SC fans is he is one of the hardest workers on the team so hopefully he can get better.

13. Keon Coleman

Quote

This lower ranking doesn’t mean I don’t love Coleman. The second youngest receiver in this draft. What he did at Florida State offense - which was limited with Travis and vomit inducing without him - leaves some to be desired but I think he is someone who will be better in the pros. His ceiling is the question. I think it has to start with his receiving technique: he has great hands but is raw and too often will only use one hand to try and bring in the catch. Many times it works! But being more consistent getting both hands up I think will lead to many more explosive plays for him. 

14. Malik Washington

Quote

Muscle Hamster WR alert. Washington’s game is that of a top 10 WR but his slot only role limits his value. But this isn’t the Cole Beasley type of player, he is more like a rocker up Christian Kirk. It was impressive his ability to get vertical out of the slot even though he has only average at best speed. His contact balance allows him to have value after the catch and his TD against UNC was an impressive showing of his physicality. 

 

15. Brenden Rice

Quote

I’m too high on Brenden Rice. He should be listed as a day 3 guy. The way he runs is funny, pumping his arms and legs like he is trying to run through a wall. But man do I like him. He won’t be a top end receiver but he is low end starting X in this league. Not many players have that X size, physicality, and never stop attitude. The Oregon game was my favorite of his where he showed how he could just out strong the press to get open. Or he could push off late against a defender, flash his hands and catch a crucial Redzone touchdown. Or you could get him into a slant and let him just be a big guy getting yards after the catch with defenders tearing his Jersey. Any team with a QB who likes to extend the plays should value him as a depth player as he was very helpful to Caleb Williams late in the play to get out of trouble.

16. Devontez Walker

Quote

Walker may be the most raw receiver in the draft. His ability to stack defenders is really good and he has an immediate role as a deep threat. His intermediate game is lacking as he rounds routes. Despite his limited routes, he got the better of Nate Wiggins in their matchup even though Drake Maye struggle terribly in the game. Walker is not someone ready to do anything more than run 9s and screens in the NFL, but there is talent in there to develop. Being in one system for 4 years will probably help him a lot as he has bounced around colleges. By the end of his contract he may really start to flash.

17. Malachi Corley

Quote

A RB playing WR. I’m skeptical his hard running style will hold up against NFL defenders like they did against C-USA defenders. He does have tools to work with including a great build with big hands and long arms but I think he has a long way to go.

 

End of day 2 guys

 

18. Jalyn Polk

Quote

Polk is a very smooth athlete. I like him running crossers, can fight through contact, and he has the ability to get deep on a defense. I do think he is very inconsistent. He went without a catch against OSU and WSU and displayed some terrible drops over those two games. 

19. Ricky Pearsall

Quote

In addition to a great Senior Bowl and Combine showing, I like Pearsall’s versatility. Someone who can line up at each position and even do some end arounds and screens effectively. Despite his testing, the athleticism isn’t high end but is good enough to pull away from defenders. He sinks his hips and can wiggle in his routes to get DBs to flip their hips and then beat them to the opposite shoulder. The Florida/SC game was a bit of a back and forth between Pearsall and Legette as both players put their team on their backs. I do think the best role to maximize his talents will be in the slot where he won’t be pressed as much and can get into his bag of tricks a little easier.

20. Jamari Thrash

Quote

Jamari can really shine in highlights. His route running and yards after catch are both good. His touchdown against Notre Dame was an impressive showing of getting open at all costs. But he does struggle significantly with drops and is at best a short and intermediate weapon

 

[TSW Mock Draft 1.0 - Completed]

Vegas, chargers, atlanta

[2024 WR Draft Class]

21 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

Yes, I think that’s ultimately the difference here. Guys like you and me are okay with a Franklin or McConkey or whomever and we realize them may never be an elite # 1 type WR but will have a good 10 year career. While the ceiling is higher on Thomas Mitchell Legette the floor is they bust out of the league and I really like Thomas game. 
 

I still like McConkey at 28 but I’d say the likelihood of him is slim, ultimately we’re all gonna root for the guy they take and hope for the best 

Exactly and I think Franklin and McConkeys ceiling is still pretty high. What I would love if the Bills drafted McConkey (my WR5) is to pair him with Kincaid. McConkey was SO good working on the same side of the field as Bowers and affecting each other’s defenders. It was a beautiful two man game.

[2024 WR Draft Class]

15 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

Yeah, I'm not understanding the people who are like "look at the tape" when it comes to Franklin. 

 

As I've said before, I think "the tape" refers to YouTube highlight reels.  When you dig deeper than that, there's a lot of uninspiring stuff in the footage. Stuff that the Combine performance seemed to confirm.

 

Leading up to the Combine, fans on this board were way higher on him than a lot of the experts were. Now that we get further and further away from the Combine, there's a push by the people that fell in love with the highlight reel to say "forget about what you saw at the Combine, just look at the shiny highlight video".

 

They also seem to want to go "oh, he was sick? That explains everything, pay no mind to the Combine". A couple major problems with that for me:

 

1.) Sickness had no bearing on him being 2" shorter than he was listed and having under 9" hands.

 

2.) If his sickness contributed to his slower than expected times - why didn't he re-run the 10 yard split and 40 Yard Dash at his Pro Day?

 

There also seems to be this idea that us having a Private Workout with him means that we're heavily interested in him. In all actuality, that's not a good thing. Top Prospects aren't generally asked to re-do their workouts or agree to do that on a visit. Us asking and him agreeing to do that speaks to how badly he looked at the Combine and how they view him now.

 

Long story short, the "tape" isn't anywhere near as strong as the few minute highlights would lead you to believe. And the Combine dispelled the things that made me think he was a 1st Round guy before I watched more than just highlight reels and seemingly confirmed the concerns I had from when I did.

 

Troy is not one of the 8 WR's I have a 1st Round Grade on. He's my WR10 and I'd only be interested if we went with another position in Round 1 and couldn't get one of the first 9 guys I have above him.

One of the things I love about this time of year is that different people can see different things when trying to project players to the NFL. I will agree that Franklin has his share of lowlights, but so does every WR in the draft. Personally, if I see the same good plays over and over, I do forgive the times the play is missed. 
 

Im not a combine hater at all. I think testing numbers both good and bad are a reason to go back and watch to see if the testing shows up on the field. Some guys run a fast 40 but can’t run away from anyone on the field, etc. As DCOrange mentioned upthread, the gauntlet kind of confirmed Franklins hands are not a strong suit and his catch radius is a bit limited which you do see show up and he did have a 10% drop rate this year and his hands are sub 9 inch. 
 

I do not blame him though for being a little shorter than reported like everyone else usually is or for him not rerunning a 40 -that he did clock a good 4.41 time - at a pro day. I dont think I’ve ever seen 10 yard split times reported from any pro day but maybe I’ve missed that. As for the private workout for the Bills, I don’t think it means the Bills have him listed above the other receivers or want to retest his numbers. They had Josh for a private pre draft workout because they wanted to know him better.

 

I’ll try to show you some non-highlight reels and why some of us are high on Franklin as a player.

 

Utah 2022 3:59

this is from his sophomore season against Clark Phillips iii (4th rounder of the Falcons last year). Facing soft press near the end zone, he is excellent at planting and exploding off that outside leg on slants

 

Washington State 2023

 

You see the same play at :14 seconds against the Senior MVP of the National team Chau Smith-Wade. The following play he gets vertical out of the slot against CSW.

 

2023 Pac12 Championship game

 

8:06 in the video. Same play, 4th down need to have it play. This was after Franklin got injured in the first half and was gutting out the game.

 

Oregon State 2023

This whole cut up is a great example of how on the same page Franklin and Nix were this season. Option routed and comebacked the OSU defense to death.

 

Arizona State 2023

Started the cut up with a beautiful post route touchdown. You see him later blow past his guy immediately for a long touchdown (1:37).

 

Utah 2023

 

This is a good example of what I like about Franklin and where his weaknesses are - you see him fight for yac on a screen, followed by a deep comeback, then he blows past his guy and misses the deep catch, hits the post. Skipping ahead to 1:16 he makes Cole Bishop (mid round draftee this year) whiff and catches the touchdown.

 

Washington (2023)

Washington is going to have several people in their secondary drafted eventually. Jabbar Muhammad (#1) is an aggressive player and should be an early round corner when he comes out. He beats him deep with a subtle push off at :45 causing a PI penalty when 1 tries to recover. Then 2:39 he avoids the jam and you see the speed as he beats Dominique Hampton who will likely get drafted this year to the corner of the EZ. Then finally, he Beats 1 fast off the line and has to turn his body to make the one handed catch with 1 holding onto his other hand. This was as they tried to close out the game - which they didn’t lol

 

In addition to everything you see in these cut ups. two stats I love for him. 1. He averaged over 3 yprr against both man and zone this year. 2. He had a catch of 30 yards or more in 12 of his 13 games (the one miss being the championship game when he got hurt) which was by far the most in this class. I love this latter stat because it shows no matter who he was playing he could generate explosive plays.

 

So anyway, Franklin is my WR4. Some other players may be more dominant than him out of this class. But he is just too good in too many ways not to be a good pro imo. I think he would be really good in Buffalo.

[Bills top 30 visits]

5 minutes ago, Special K said:

 

I always make sure to watch a Pitt game or two during the College season just to check out their secondary, because I know the Bills have a history of drafting them👍

Yea their system just translates really well to ours for DBs

[2024 WR Draft Class]

6 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

My very humble opinion as well

Why do you say so ?

They can draft pure speed as a luxury pick later on.

 lol Imo he is much more than just speed

[2024 WR Draft Class]

26 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

I thought Franklin was the best fit for the Bills and strayed away from that after the combine but as we get closer I find myself drawn back to him again as best fit 

He is still my top realistic pick for the Bills as well. The combine sucked for him but the most concerning parts of the combine - his size, his 10 yard split, his gauntlet just didn’t match what he looked like in game and he weighed more at the pro day. Outside of the top 3, I think he has the best combination of releases at the line, route running, yac, and - most important for the Bills - explosive plays. I do think he is more of a Diggs successor than a Gabe replacement. A well rounded player.

[2024 WR Draft Class]

18 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

He had a really bad senior bowl I won’t argue that but he had a really good combine more than just athletic testing. I also feel that if you’re a big Legette fan then you should be a big Tez Walker fan. Basically the same size, Walker had better testing, and both win a lot of contested balls in tight coverage. 
 

I actually think that Walker made Maye look better than he is 

Agreed, he is not a refined route runner and separator which is part of the reason he looked bad at the senior bowl but he is an excellent deep ball tracker and the long speed is real. Felt like he really good game against Nate Wiggins who is a really good corner on a day that Maye really struggled against Clemson. Late in the second I could see him being one of the better receivers left if their is a run like expected

[Gunner's 2024 Mock Draft - FINAL v3.0 NOW LIVE (p.13)]

4 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

Okay here is version 2.0, post free agency and with FOUR trades!!! Flame away!!

 

 

1. Chicago Bears – Caleb Williams – Quarterback, USC

It was a tentative pick in version 1.0, but trading away (maybe that should be “giving away”?) Justin Fields to the Steelers has set this in stone. Also, while I do believe the smoke that there are teams who don’t have Caleb Williams as QB1 the Bears are not one of them. He will be the pick.

 

2. Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels – Quarterback, LSU

Teams have tried sniffing around the number 2 pick looking at trade possibilities and have been firmly knocked back – the Commanders are taking a Quarterback. I had Drake Maye here in version 1.0 but it increasingly feels like the momentum is behind Daniels to Washington.

 

3. New England Patriots – Drake Maye – Quarterback, North Carolina

The trendy move here has been to have the Patriots trading out (normally with the Vikings). But I just don’t understand why they would do that. The Patriots have Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke as the Quarterbacks on the roster. They have to take a Quarterback and I believe they’d prefer Maye to Daniels in any event.

 

4. TRADE!! Minnesota Vikings – JJ McCarthy – Quarterback, Michigan (Minnesota gets #4 – 1800 value; Arizona gets #11, #23 & #167 – 2034 value)

Which means the draft starts here. Let me be clear I think #4 is too early for JJ McCarthy but it is the law of supply and demand. He seems to be the consensus 4th QB off the board and there as many as four teams potentially in the mix so if you don’t come up to take him here one of the others will. I suspect Minnesota are the most desperate and they have those two first rounders to dangle but keep an eye on the Giants as a dark horse for this trade because they have less distance to go to this pick and it would mean Arizona still gets one of the top two receivers at #6.

  

5. Los Angeles Chargers – Marvin Harrison Jnr, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

When Marvin Harrison Snr was an NFL rookie his Quarterback was Jim Harbaugh. In a scenario where the first four guys off the board are Quarterbacks the NFL will go full circle and in Marvin Harrison Jnr’s rookie season in the NFL his Head Coach will be Jim Harbaugh.

 

6. New York Giants – Malik Nabers – Wide Receiver, LSU

The Giants have to add playmakers for their passing game whoever the Quarterback is. They have spent day two picks on Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt the last two years but so far the contributions have been modest. They need a legit #1 threat. Nabers can be used the way Brian Daboll used Stefon Diggs in Buffalo.

 

7. Tennessee Titans – Joe Alt – Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame

As I said in version 1.0 the Titans tried to get by with Andre Dillard at left tackle in 2023 and it was a predictable car crash.  This season is all about evaluating Will Levis for new Head Coach Brian Callahan and that starts with giving him protection. Callahan Snr is coaching the offensive line and will love working with Alt who is a mean, nasty plug and play left tackle.

 

8. TRADE!! Arizona Cardinals – Rome Odunze – Wide Receiver, Washington (Arizona gets #8 – 1400 value; Atlanta gets #11, #90 & #186 – 1407 value)

We saw the Cardinals do this last year, when they traded back from #3 to #12 and then up again from #12 to #6. I think they want to sell #4 but also want to still snag one of the top 3 receivers which means getting ahead of the Bears and Jets. Odunze is an immediate upgrade for them.

 

9. Chicago Bears – Dallas Turner – EDGE, Alabama

The Bears traded for Montez Sweat mid-season and it paid off - his 6 sacks in 9 games led the team. However, the fact that someone who only joined at the trade deadline led the team in sacks is a concern in itself. Turner had 10 sacks for the Crimson Tide last year and adds some juice to that unit.

 

10. New York Jets – Brock Bowers – Tight End, Georgia

I had Bowers here in version 1.0 because the top two tackles were off the board. Since then the Jets have attacked their offensive line in free agency leaving them free to take Bowers here as an offensive match up weapon for Aaron Rodgers.

 

11. (From Minnesota via ARZ) Atlanta Falcons – Jared Verse – EDGE, Florida State

Having addressed Quarterback with Kirk Cousins the Falcons are the favourite to win the NFC South. However, they still have a need for additional pass rusher help. 37-year-old Calais Campbell led the team with 6.5 sacks in 2023, he is a free agent and hasn’t been replaced.

 

12. Denver Broncos – Bo Nix – Quarterback, Oregon

The Broncos are in a horrible spot. They have to get a QB (Jarret Stidham and Ben DiNucci are all that’s on the roster). They don’t have the capital to compete with other teams who might trade up; they don’t have a second rounder and can’t wait and hope to get one in round three and they can’t even trade back to maximise value because the Raiders, another Quarterback needy team, are right behind them at #13. I feel like they have to pick Best Quarterback Available at #12 and the consensus is that will be Bo Nix.

 

13. Las Vegas Raiders – Terrion Arnold – Cornerback, Alabama

The Raiders roster is pretty bad. They could go almost any direction at this spot and there isn’t a single pick here that would surprised me. It could come down to interior defensive line or corner and I think that ultimately their need in the secondary is even greater.

 

14. New Orleans Saints – Olu Fashanu – Offensive Tackle, Penn State

The noises from inside the building sound like the Saints are done with 2022 first round pick Trevor Penning and now we learn that right tackle Ryan Ramczyk’s could miss the season with a degenerative knee condition. Fashanu would be an immediate starter at left tackle.

 

15. Indianapolis Colts – Quinyon Mitchell – Cornerback, Toledo

The Colts have a solid roster and have been quiet in free agency. But one obvious hole is at corner where return specialist Dallis Flowers, with five career starts to his name, is top of the depth chart opposite second-year man JuJu Brents. Mitchell is trending towards being CB1 and is a great scheme fit.

 

16. Seattle Seahawks – Troy Fautanu – Offensive Tackle, Washington

I list Fautanu as a tackle but it is likely the Seahwaks would see him at guard where the interior offensive line needs significant work. This is becoming a popular mock choice not least because Fautanu’s college Offensive Coordinator, Ryan Grubb, now occupies the same position in Seattle.

 

17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brian Thomas Jnr – Wide Receiver, LSU

The Jags added Devin Duvernay and Gabe Davis to Christian Kirk in their receiver room during free agency, but Calvin Ridley moved on. If Quinyon Mitchell or Arnold were here I might have gone corner but, in their absence, a big, fast, athletic freak of a receiver feels on brand for GM Trent Baalke.

 

18. Cincinnati Bengals – JC Latham – Offensive Tackle, Alabama

Corner and receiver are possibilities (especially if they were to trade away Tee Higgins) but I still think the achilles heel of this team is their offensive line, especially with an injury prone Quarterback. They need a right tackle and they like bigger guys so Lathan fits the bill.

 

19. TRADE!! Dallas Cowboys – Amarius Mims – Offensive Tackle, Georgia (Dallas gets #19 & #196 – 888 value; Los Angeles gets #24 & #87 – 895 value)

If this was a no-trade draft then Amarius Mims to the Steelers at #20 would be as close to a lock as it gets. They appear to have really focussed in on him for some time. However, another team that appear to love his skillset is the Cowboys and they showed when drafting Tyler Smith out of Tulsa two years ago that they are willing to take a risk on raw talent up front. Mims either starts in place of the departed Tyron Smith at left tackle and lets Tyler stay at guard or is an immediate upgrade on the right side.

 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Taliese Fuaga – Offensive Tackle, Oregon State

Pittsburgh drafted Broderick Jones last year and started him at right tackle as a rookie but they have one of the worst starting left tackle in the NFL. The plan is surely to switch Jones to the left in 2024 which would create a hole at right tackle that Fuaga would fill.

 

21. Miami Dolphins – Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver, Texas

This is my wildcard. We know Mike McDonald loves speed on offense and while this feels like a luxury pick given their defensive needs and the fact they have Hill and Waddle already, good luck to the defensive coordinator trying to cover all three of them.

 

22. Philadelphia Eagles – Cooper DeJean – Cornerback, Iowa

The Eagles secondary is a series of question marks. Veterans Darius Slay and James Bradberry struggled in 2023, Kelee Ringo made little impression as a rookie and their safeties were bad. They have brought back CJ Gardner-Johnson from Detroit but DeJean is a versatile playmaker who could become a mainstay on the back end.

 

23. (From Cleveland via HOU and MIN) Arizona Cardinals – Jackson Powers-Johnson – Center, Oregon

The Cardinals would have three firsts in this scenario which might give them the freedom to invest in the center position where they have long since had a hole. Powers-Johnson had an impressive week at the Senior Bowl and vaulted himself right into day 1 contention.

 

24. (From Dallas) Los Angeles Rams – Byron Murphy II – Defensive Tackle, Texas

The Rams didn’t just lose a defensive tackle when Aaron Donald retired, they lost probably the greatest player in franchise history. While it is unfair to ask any rookie to come in and replace that level of impact Murphy is a good penetrative defensive tackle who will replace some of the pass rush juice they have lost.

 

25. TRADE!! Kansas City Chiefs – Jordan Morgan – Offensive Tackle, Arizona (Kansas City gets #25 – 720 value; Green Bay gets #32 & #95 – 710 value)

The Chiefs come up the board, but it is not for a wide receiver. They have tried the vet route to fix the left tackle spot, trading for Orlando Brown and signing a Superbowl winner in Donovan Smith. It might be time to draft a long term answer and Morgan is an out and out left tackle who excels as a pass blocker. He could lock down Mahomes’ blindside for a decade.

 

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Laiatu Latu – EDGE, UCLA

Latu is my #1 edge rusher in the class but the health concerns are likely to push him down the board. I have heard the Packers (who originally have the pick before this one) and the Buccs linked to him frequently so I feel like this is the range he comes off the board.  The Buccs lost Shaq Barrett in free agency so have a need.

 

27. Arizona Cardinals – Chop Robinson – EDGE, Penn State

This is a pick I’m leaving unchanged from version 1.0. In a world where the Cardinals have just the two first rounders unlike the three they end up with in this mock it is clear to me that they have to get a wide receiver and a pass rusher. Chop is raw, but his ceiling is high.

 

28. Buffalo Bills – Adonai Mitchell – Wide Receiver, Texas

I can see a scenario where the Bills move from this spot, either up or down. But if they stay here I still think it will be a receiver. Mitchell’s tape is not as impressive as his combine numbers but the physical talent is obviously there. If the consistency in his play can follow he has true WR1 potential.

 

29. Detroit Lions – Jer’Zhan Newton – Defensive Tackle, Illinois

This would be the steal of round one. I have a top 10 grade on Newton but possibly because he didn’t work out at the combine with injury or because he is from unfashionable Illinois he hasn’t had the buzz his talent deserves. The Lions have Alim McNeill and DJ Reader at defensive tackle, but they are both really 1 techs. Here is the interior penetrating 3 tech they require.

 

30. Baltimore Ravens – Graham Barton – Guard, Duke

The Ravens lost both starting guards in free agency – Zeitler to the Lions and Simpson to the Jets. They did draft Andrew Vorhees last year in round seven despite his ACL tear at the combine and he might step into one spot. Barton can arguably play all five spots on the line but would start at guard.

 

31. San Francisco 49ers – Tyler Guyton – Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

I had Mims here in version 1.0 but this time it is Guyton who slides to San Francisco. The 49ers lost right tackle Mike McGlinchey in free agency last year and Guyton would presumably start there as a rookie but he might even be a long term in-house replacement for Trent Williams.

 

32. (From Kansas City) Green Bay Packers – Nate Wiggins – Cornerback, Clemson

Green Bay have only spent one of their last thirteen first round picks on offense and that was when they drafted Jordan Love. No team has spent more recent first round capital on defensive backs, with five in the last decade. They have a need there again with the Jaire Alexander situation looking dicey and a hole opposite him.

Nice job. I do think that is how the order the first 5 QBs and 3 WRs go - whether the Vikings go to 4 or 5 is the only question.

 

I like the Jets taking Bowers because ARod has never really used TEs in his GB offenses. Probably just because the best one he ever had was Jermichael  Finley. But the dream is for ARod to leave Bowers watching Allen Lazard getting targets rather than throwing to him. 
 

It’s hard to say where exactly he will go - maybe the Jets still - but I think Fuaga goes a little earlier than 20. 
 

I think Dejean may slip out of the first round since he is a bit of a tweener. And with the Eagles losing Fletcher Cox and both Sweat and Reddick not being happy I could see another DLine addition here as is the Eagles way.

 

As for the Bills pick, I agree I think they will pick a WR at 28. AD is lower on my rankings than others but if he was the pick I would understand it. He is excellent until the ball is in his hands which is very useful, just wish he was a bit better after the catch. I would be happy they got Josh a playmaker. Jer’zhan Newton is one of the guys I would take after my top 4 WRs are gone though so it would hurt to pass on him for AD.

 

Good mock as usual Gunner

[Bills top 30 visits]

Would be a good day 3 addition to the CB room

[One month out, who are Your Guys in the draft?]

Troy Franklin is my WR4 after the normal top 3 receivers

 

i think if someone takes Byron Murphy ahead of Johnny Newton they are going to regret it.

 

Payton Wilson is the most fun LB to watch in this draft but Nathaniel Watson will be the biggest bargain

 

Chris Abrams-Draine is small but looked good in reps against Nabers and Legette

 

Give me Mo Komara and Marcus Harris on day 3

 

 

[2024 WR Draft Class]

1 hour ago, Roundybout said:

 

Give me all the Troy Franklin and Brenden Rice stock

One thing to keep in mind with McConkey - who is a great receiver - on this chart is he only had about 150 pass plays this year per @DCOrange Google doc which is less than half most the other top guys so the smaller sample size may affect it.