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

[GunnerBill]

- - - - - WARNING: LONG POST - - - - -

 

Drum roll please!!! As always, in the week after the conference Championship games here comes version 1 of my 2024 Mock Draft. For any new readers I do three mocks every year:

 

Version 1 - a two rounder, no trades, released late January;

Version 2 - a one rounder allowing myself trades after free agency;

Version 3 - a one rounder, no trades, in the 48 hours before the draft and that is the one I then score myself against for accuracy (the last two years have been pretty good scores).

 

So here we go - version 1.0 - can someone put the Chicago Bears on the clock?

 

 

- - - Round 1 - - -

 

1. Chicago Bears – Caleb Williams – Quarterback, USC

The Bears have three options here. They can draft Williams (which is what I’d do), they can trade down and collect picks (which is what they did last year) or they can stand pat and draft a non-Quarterback (which would be crazy). For now I’m going with them trading Justin Fields and starting over at QB.

 

2. Washington Commanders – Drake Maye – Quarterback, North Carolina

At the time of writing the Commanders don’t yet have a coach, but they do have a General Manager – Adam Peters – who came from the 49ers and lived the Trey Lance experience. I don’t expect him to repeat that mistake here and therefore I think his search for a franchise QB will weigh Maye’s ability to transition quickly to an NFL offense higher than the physical potential of Jayden Daniels.

 

3. New England Patriots – Jayden Daniels – Quarterback, LSU

Which leaves Daniels for New England. They just have to find a Quarterback. And while I think of the three teams at the top of this draft the Patriots are the most likely to go the veteran route in 2024, for now I have them in the sweepstakes and I think Jerod Mayo might be more willing than Bill Belichick to go away from the traditional pure pocket passer template in picking Daniels.

 

4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jnr – Wide Receiver, Ohio State

The Cardinals seem to be sticking with Kyler Murray so they need to get him a legit #1 wide receiver again. His most productive spell of NFL football came when he was first paired with DeAndre Hopkins and Harrison is the guy who profiles best to be a true #1 wideout – though I don’t quite buy the “best WR prospect ever” hype.

 

5. Los Angeles Chargers – Malik Nabers – Wide Receiver, LSU

The Chargers offensive weaponry has been predicated on size at receiver for as long as I can remember. That was former GM Tom Telesco’s MO. But Mike Williams is a potential cap casualty, Keenan Allen is increasingly old and brittle and Quentin Johnston had an in and out rookie year. They need a speedy separator who can work inside the numbers as well as downfield. Nabers is the perfect fit.

 

6. New York Giants – Rome Odunze – Wide Receiver, Washington

With no standout defensive difference maker at the top of this class the table is set for three Quarterbacks and three receivers to make up the first 6 picks. Welcome to the NFL in 2024. The Giants just have to find a true #1 receiver who can threaten downfield and dominate outside.

 

7. Tennessee Titans – Ola Fashanu – Offensive Tackle, Penn State

When Taylor Lewan departed last February I said the Titans needed to draft a left tackle. Instead they tried to get by with Andre Dillard and drafted Peter Skoronski to play guard. Skoronski did okay for a rookie but Dillard was a disaster. Fashanu or Joe Alt should be the pick and as the Titans pivot towards being a Will Levis team and not a Derrick Henry team I prefer Fashanu as a pass protector.

 

8. Atlanta Falcons – Dallas Turner – EDGE, Alabama

Everyone knows Atlanta needs a Quarterback but they have hired a defensive coach in Raheem Morris and in this scenario the first three Quarterbacks are off the board. I suspect that means the veteran Quarterback option rather than a rookie and if they do go that route their other glaring need is pass rusher. 37-year-old Calais Campbell led the team with 6.5 sacks in 2023.

 

9. Chicago Bears – Joe Alt – Offensive Tackle, Norte Dame

The Bears cannot trot Braxton Jones out at left tackle again while also pretending they are trying to win. Their plan to take a college right tackle in Darnell Wright and switch him back to the left side has yet to take shape and he won’t be up to it if it ever does. They need a franchise left tackle. Alt is plug and play for a decade.

 

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

The Jets would be gutted to miss out on the top two tackles at this spot. Offensive line is by far their biggest need. They don’t have much at tight end though either and many would have Bowers ranked among the best available at this spot.

 

11.  Minnesota Vikings – Kool-Aid McKinstry – Cornerback, Alabama

The Vikings have to get better a corner. They drafted Andrew Booth two years ago but he has been constantly hurt and they brought in Byron Murphy as a mid-range free agent but he failed to shore things up. This is a muddled corner class that lacks a true star but McKinstry’s ability in press man projects well into Brian Flores’s defense.

 

12. Denver Broncos – Laiatu Latu – EDGE, UCLA

The Broncos got great value when trading away Bradley Chubb but since then have struggled for a consistent pass rush and have had to resort to frequent blitzing. That has had an impact on their coverage unit whose performance dipped this year. Latu is an explosive, bendy edge rusher who will add some pop to their defensive front.

 

13. Las Vegas Raiders – Jer’Zhan Newton – Defensive Tackle, Illinois

I have no idea what the Raiders’ plan at Quarterback is. Could they take a shot on Penix, McCarthy or Nix here? They definitely could. But they are brutal in the middle of their defensive line. No penetration, no strength at the point of attack in the run game, no nothing. Newton doesn’t have prototypical size but he will be a disruptor at the next level. Immediate upgrade.

 

14. New Orleans Saints – Jared Verse – EDGE, Florida State

Cam Jordan is going to be an interesting Hall of Fame debate when his time comes, he only has six sacks fewer than classmate Von Miller who everyone considers a lock. But 2023 was the year when he finally fell off the cliff. The Saints need to draft his replacement and Verse fits their scheme.

 

15. Indianapolis Colts – Nate Wiggins – Cornerback, Clemson

The Colts are not well stacked in the secondary. JuJu Brents was a second round pick last year and was okay as a rookie but the situation opposite him at the other corner spot is brutal. Nate Wiggins is a perfect scheme fit for the cover 3 style that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley likes to run.

 

16. Seattle Seahawks – Michael Penix Jnr – Quarterback, Washington

Geno Smith has been a serviceable placeholder the past two years but selecting Penix would allow the new regime in Seattle to remould this team around him and he would come into a decent situation on offense with bookend tackles and a couple of decent receivers to begin his career.

 

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

The Jags need help at a lot of premium positions. Josh Allen is a free agent on the edge, Calvin Ridley is a free agent at receiver, the corner situation opposite Tyson Campbell is a mess and they could stand to upgrade from Cam Robinson at left tackle. But speed on the outside is the priority. Thomas is already getting buzz in the process and all expectations are he will blow up at the combine.

 

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

Another team with some major needs is the Bengals. They have been turning water into wine at corner the past couple of years but that luck seemed to run out in 2023. Receiver could also be an issue if Higgins and Boyd both walk. However, Jonah Williams was as bad at right tackle as he had been at left and is a free agent anyway, so JC Latham as a plug and play right tackle makes sense.

 

19. Los Angeles Rams – Cooper DeJean – Cornerback, Iowa

I have heard the theory that the Rams can afford to be position agnostic and take the best player on the board. I think they have a need in the secondary and adding talent there must be a priority for a front office not used to having 1st round picks. Some see DeJean as a corner, some a safety, others as a Kyle Hamilton type swiss army knife. I think he’d upgrade the Rams however he is used.

 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Tyler Guyton – Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

The Steelers started last year’s draft by going offensive tackle in round one then corner with the first pick of round two. Yet I feel both positions remain their biggest needs on the roster. Broderick Jones had some bumps at right tackle as a rookie but still outperformed Dan Moore who allowed 55 pressures and 8 sacks from left tackle. You probably want to start Guyton on the right and slide Jones over to the blindside but Guyton has potential to play left tackle down the road.

 

21. Miami Dolphins – Taliese Fuaga – Offensive Tackle, Oregon State

Here comes the offensive line run as a third tackle flies off the board in four picks! Terron Armstead is talking retirement which would leave a gap at left tackle for the Dolphins to plug, but even if he stays around Fuaga could start immediately at guard where Robert Hunt is a pending free agent.

 

22. Philadelphia Eagles – Terrion Arnold – Cornerback, Alabama

If there was a center worthy of this pick that might be the direction I’d go in given Jason Kelce’s retirement - but there isn’t. The Eagles have struggled this year at corner as James Bradberry and Darius Slay began to look their age. Terrion Arnold is my #1 corner and could be the first off the board. I have him 3rd here because of specific scheme fits earlier on but he’d be a steal at this spot.

 

23. Houston Texans – Byron Murphy II – Defensive Tackle, Texas

This pick originally belonged to the Browns but was flipped in the Deshaun Watson trade. The Texans have a promising young roster but they could do with some more pop in the middle of their defensive front. Byron Murphy is undersized but explosive and with him in the middle and Will Anderson on the edge this would be a defensive line to fear.

 

24. Dallas Cowboys – Troy Franklin – Wide Receiver, Oregon

The Cowboys offense is very CeeDee Lamb centric. Brandin Cooks is past his best, Michael Gallup is inconsistent and Jalen Tolbert hasn’t quite broken through despite flashes. They need another legit target outside and Franklin has the vertical speed to open things up and allow for Lamb to work the middle of the field.

 

25. Green Bay Packers – Troy Fautanu – Guard, Washington

One of the Packers’ last 12 first round picks has been spent on offense (Jordan Love). In that time they have picked five first round defensive backs and that is a possibility here with question marks over Jaire Alexander’s future and holes at safety. But I have them leaning offense and upgrading the interior of their offensive line with Fautanu a college tackle who will likely play guard in the NFL.

 

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Quinyon Mitchell – Cornerback, Toledo

Mitchell has been one of the buzziest players in the first month of draft season and a lot of respected analysts see him making his way into round 1. I like this fit. The Buccs have not been afraid to select smaller school guys early in the draft and he plays with the aggressiveness that Todd Bowles loves in his corners.

 

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

The Cardinals’ sack leader in 2023 was Dennis Gardeck, a former UDFA out of West Virginia State, hardly a household name even in his own household. They have to find a pass rusher. Chop Robinson is raw, and he doesn’t have the sack production numbers in college to be a first round pick. But the ceiling is huge and on a rebuilding team like Arizona they can afford to let him develop.

 

28. Buffalo Bills – Xavier Legette – Wide Receiver, South Carolina

The Bills have to get more dynamic at wide receiver and Legette has some size and could run in the 4.3s at the combine. He is primarily a vertical, outside receiver, but he can catch a short pass and take the ball the distance too as he showed vs Mississippi State. The doubts around him are one season of production and age (he will be 23 by the draft) but the upside is worth the risk.

 

29. Detroit Lions – Kamari Lassiter – Cornerback, Georgia

The Lions have had a great season but they still have an achilles heel at corner. Brian Branch was borderline elite in the slot as a rookie but they need boundary help badly. Lassiter didn’t give up a single touchdown in coverage in 2023, and while he needs to improve his ball skills to make some of those game changing plays he would be an upgrade in Detroit.

 

30. Baltimore Ravens – Bralen Trice – EDGE, Washington

The Ravens have one of the more complete rosters in football. But at outside linebacker both Jadaveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy played on one-year deals. Former first rounder Odafe Oweh has never really cemented his spot and Bralen Trice just feels so Baltimore. Intelligent, high-motor, decent burst and needs to play as an outside rusher in a 3-4, so is a definite scheme fit.

 

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Adonai Mitchell – Wide Receiver, Texas

The Chiefs receivers were among the worst in the NFL in 2023 and despite Rashee Rice having a nice rookie year I expect Kansas City to be aggressive in seeking an upgrade in this draft. Mitchell has the size but lacks the explosion of some of those who have gone ahead of him. But he has excellent hands (1 drop in 2023) and for a team that has suffered with drops that must make him appealing.

 

32. San Francisco 49ers – Amarius Mims – Offensive Tackle, Georgia

The 49ers lost Mike McGlinchey in free agency last year and haven’t quite cracked the right tackle conundrum since. When you add to that the fact that Trent Williams is 36 this summer and could even hang them up if the 9ers win the Superbowl and the need at tackle is acute. Mims is raw, but the potential is there. He would start at right tackle but in the long term could play on the blindside.

 

- - - Round 2 - - - 

 

33. Carolina Panthers – Jordan Morgan – Offensive Tackle, Arizona

Two years ago when Icky Ekwonu was coming out I said he is really talented but he is a guard at the NFL level and lacks the footspeed to play on an island at tackle. He gave up eleven sacks this year. Some of that was on Bryce Young holding the ball but a lot was on Ekwonu. Jordan Morgan’s feet are ballerina-esque in comparison. Plug him in at left tackle and move Ekwonu inside to guard.

 

34. New England Patriots – Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver, Texas

Having taken a Quarterback in round one the Patriots should help that guy out with some speed and explosiveness at wide receiver. Their offense has been painfully one paced for years now and while Worthy projects to me as more of a good #2 than a #1 receiver he fits a need here.

 

35. Arizona Cardinals – Jackson Powers-Johnson – Center, Oregon

The Cardinals have so many needs it is tricky to work out where they go next with their third pick in this draft. Corner is probably the most glaring need but the next couple od guys on the board there are not natural scheme fits. Powers-Johnson would be an immediate upgrade to an interior offensive line that really struggled in 2023, whether he starts at center or guard.

 

36. Washington Commanders – Chris Braswell – EDGE, Alabama

The mid-season fire sale of pass rushers in Washington has left them with very little pop on the edge and the top three guys in their rotation by the season’s end are all free agents. They have to address that need.  Braswell is more a power rusher than a speed rusher but he would at least solidify a spot.

 

37. Los Angeles Chargers – T’Vondre Sweat – Defensive Tackle, Texas

When I think about Jim Harbaugh teams I think about big, powerful, trench players. Nick Williams and Austin Johnson have underwhelmed in the Chargers’ defensive interior and both are free agents. Sweat is a huge guy with unusual explosion at that size. He’d be a day 1 starter.

 

38. Tennessee Titans – Ennis Rakestraw – Cornerback, Missouri

The Titans haven’t yet confirmed a defensive coordinator which could affect this pick as Rakestraw reminds me of Kaiir Elam – he HAS to play in a man heavy scheme and struggles with zone transitions. But both of Tennessee’s starting corners are free agents and he is one of the best players remaining on the board.

 

39. New York Giants – JJ McCarthy – Quarterback, Michigan

The Giants are tied to Daniel Jones for one more year, and there are a couple of interesting prospects still on the board here in round two. I’m not as high on McCarthy as some but I could imagine him running some of Brian Daboll’s passing concepts at least as well as Daniel Jones and for a lot less money. He gives the franchise a shot to re-set at Quarterback.

 

40. Washington Commanders – Graham Barton – Guard, Duke

We are now hitting the second offensive line run. If, as expected, Ben Johnson is the next coach in DC he needs to start upgrading the offensive line, which was a key building block of his offense in Detroit. Barton is a college tackle who would likely begin at guard in Washington.

 

41. Green Bay – Kamren Kinchens – Safety, Miami

Even if the Packers can resist the temptation to take a defensive back in round one they will definitely select at least one on day two. Both of their starting safeties are free agents and it doesn’t sound like former first rounder Darnell Savage will be brought back. Kinchens reminds me some of Savage and would step straight into that void.

 

42. Minnesota Vikings – Bo Nix – Quarterback, Oregon

Kirk Cousins is a free agent. I think the Vikings will bring him back but I don’t expect a long term commitment. I think Bo Nix needs a situation where he can sit for a year and learn the NFL game before being pressed to start. This pick could work out for all parties.

 

43. Atlanta Falcons – Ladd McConkey – Wide Receiver, Georgia

The Falcons have nothing at all at receiver beyond Drake London and the JAGs they do have are all about to be free agents in any event. McConkey is a guy you can line up outside or in the slot and do a lot of horizontal game with to allow London to focus on threating downfield.

 

44. Las Vegas Raiders – Kingsley Suamataia – Offensive Tackle, BYU

The Raiders are another team that needs to upgrade their offensive line. Their starting right tackle is a free agent and they haven’t had good production from that spot opposite Kolton Miller in any event. Suamataia played left tackle this past year but was more impressive in 2022 on the right side of BYU’s line.

 

45. New Orleans Saints – Keon Coleman – Wide Receiver, Florida State

This is where the fall ends for Coleman as the Saints finally accept that Michael Thomas is never going to be the guy he was before the injuries hit and add the Florida State wideout as the big body compliment to Chris Olave’s game breaking speed.

 

46. Indianapolis Colts – Jeremiah Trotter – Linebacker, Clemson

The Colts cut ties with Darius Leonard halfway through the 2023 season as it was clear he had declined as a player from his all-pro pomp. They could look to replace him by snagging Clemson’s Trotter who has the explosiveness and coverage skill to be a modern three down linebacker.

 

47. New York Giants – Leonard Taylor III – Defensive Tackle, Miami

The Giants need help on both lines, but on the offensive line they need vets to solidify things now having already spent good draft capital. On the defensive side Dexter Lawrence is a stud but needs a running mate inside and Taylor is a big, explosive, penetrator from the 3tech spot.

 

48. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jonah Elliss – EDGE, Utah

As mentioned previously, Josh Allen is a free agent. Most people expect the Jaguars to retain him but even if they do they need more pass rush potential around him. Enter Elliss, with 13 sacks and an impressive pass rush win rate for the Utes in 2023. I think his relative lack of size probably means he has to play as an outside ‘backer in a 3-4 so Jacksonville’s scheme makes sense.

 

49. Cincinnati Bengals – Devontez Walker – Wide Receiver, North Carolina

I do think it is likely that Tee Higgins has played his final snaps for the Bengals and therefore Ja’Marr Chase will need a new running mate. Walker arguably took a step back this year and struggled to separate vs man coverage but as a #2 who excels in contested catch situations he fits here.

 

50. Philadelphia Eagles – Jonathan Brooks – Running Back, Texas

D’Andre Swift had a 1,000 yard season as Philadelphia’s lead back but is now a free agent and is likely beyond their budget to retain with other needs more pressing. I think Brooks is pretty much a perfect fit for what the Eagles do in the run game and while this might feel early for him I love the fit.

 

51. Los Angeles Rams – Adisa Isaac – EDGE, Penn State

The second Penn State edge rusher comes off the board. Again, I feel like this is possibly a tad early for him based on talent, but he reminds me of raw version of Leonard Floyd who found success in this scheme using his long limbs to create a bull rush in passing situations.

 

52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Edgerrin Cooper – Linebacker, Texas A&M

The Steelers defense goes as their front goes, by and large, but that is at least in part because they are sub-par at linebacker. When I think of great Steeler defenses they had an aggressive downhill player at the second level and Cooper would give them that skillset.

 

53. Miami Dolphins – Kris Jenkins – Defensive Tackle, Michigan

Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis and Da’Shawn Hand are all impending free agents and even if Wilkins was able to be retained they would need to fortify around him. Jenkins is a versatile player who is big enough to hold up against the run but who offers some interior pass rush potential too.

 

54. Philadelphia Eagles – Jermaine Burton – Wide Receiver, Alabama

Who knows what is going on with AJ Brown? But even if that situation resolves itself the Eagles have a sneaky need at receiver because behind Brown and Devonta Smith the cupboard is pretty much bare. Burton is an effective deep threat but also can be moved around the formation and I expect him to sneak into round 2 as a result.

 

55. Cleveland Browns – Ja’Lynn Polk – Wide Receiver, Washington

The Browns need a reliable compliment to Amari Cooper and with basically no free agent cash to spend at the position they have to look to the draft. Polk had over 1,000 yards in Washington’s run to the National Championship game and is a well-rounded prospect even if he lacks a bit of pop.

 

56. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Paul – Offensive Tackle, Houston

The Cowboys success (at least in the regular season) in recent years has been in no small part down to their offensive line. They have been willing to spend high picks to keep it well stocked and Patrick Paul gives them a potential upgrade at right tackle or an option at left tackle if Tyron Smith retires.

 

57. Green Bay Packers – TJ Tampa – Cornerback, Iowa State

I have already referenced the uncertainty of Jaire Alexander’s future and without him the cupboard starts to look a little bare at corner for Green Bay. TJ Tampa is an excellent fit for zone heavy schemes and that seems to be the direction the Packers’ search for a new coordinator is heading.

 

58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tyler Nubin – Safety, Minnesota

Having gone corner in round one the Buccs go back to the well in the secondary snagging Nubin who many believe is the top pure safety in the class. Both starting safeties (Antonie Winfield and Ryan Neal) are free agents so it is likely Tampa needs a guy who can start right away.

 

59. Houston Texans – Ja’Tavion Sanders – Tight End, Texas

Dalton Schultz had a nice season for the Texans at tight end but he was playing on a one year deal below his true market value. It would likely cost more to keep him and in that situation drafting a young, athletic, tight end with excellent hands to grow with CJ Stroud might be the play.

 

60. Buffalo Bills – Calen Bullock – Safety, USC

The Bills need help on the defensive line and at safety given expiring contracts and age concerns. However, the defensive line run has already taken place in this round leaving better value at safety. Bullock will need to improve his technique as a tackler but he is a bigger safety who can play in the box or be a match up weapon in coverage.

 

61. Detroit Lions – Brandon Dorlus – Defensive Tackle, Oregon

We know that the Lions General Manager Brad Holmes believes in building front to back and Dorlus as an interior rusher who is versatile enough to play a couple of spots in their 5 man front and then play a more conventional 3 tech when they go to a 4 man front makes some sense.

 

62. Baltimore Ravens – Trey Benson – Running Back, Florida State

JK Dobbins career with the Ravens is full of what ifs as the injury bug has bitten him hard. Gus Edwards has been a reliable deputy but he is a free agent. Benson could well run in the high 4.3s and that speed next to Zay Flowers and Lamar Jackson could be a nightmare for defenses.

 

63. Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Newton – Cornerback, TCU

The Chiefs are not exactly desperate at corner but at the moment L’Jarius Sneed is scheduled to hit free agency and after proving himself a high level outside corner, rather than just an excellent slot, he is going to get paid. Josh Newton has similar traits to Sneed and Trent McDuffie – inside / outside flexibility and sticky in man coverage.

 

64. San Francisco 49ers – Christian Haynes – Guard, Connecticut

This man was born to play for Kyle Shanahan. The perfect zone blocking guard, athletic, excellent technique, quick feet and high football IQ. He is a small school guy who could really benefit from the exposure of this week’s senior bowl and rise up boards but he is such a perfect fit for the 9ers.

 

 

Okay TSW.... feel free to flame away!!!

Edited Thursday at 01:55 PM by GunnerBill

[FireChans]

2 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

- - - - - WARNING: LONG POST - - - - -

 

Drum roll please!!! As always, in the week after the conference Championship games here comes version 1 of my 2024 Mock Draft. For any new readers I do three mocks every year:

 

Version 1 - a two rounder, no trades, released late January;

Version 2 - a one rounder allowing myself trades after free agency;

Version 3 - a one rounder, no trades, in the 48 hours before the draft and that is the one I then score myself against for accuracy (the last two years have been pretty good scores).

 

So here we go - version 1.0 - can someone put the Chicago Bears on the clock?

 

 

- - - Round 1 - - -

 

1. Chicago Bears – Caleb Williams – Quarterback, USC

The Bears have three options here. They can draft Williams (which is what I’d do), they can trade down and collect picks (which is what they did last year) or they can stand pat and draft a non-Quarterback (which would be crazy). For now I’m going with them trading Justin Fields and starting over at QB.

 

2. Washington Commanders – Drake Maye – Quarterback, North Carolina

At the time of writing the Commanders don’t yet have a coach, but they do have a General Manager – Adam Peters – who came from the 49ers and lived the Trey Lance experience. I don’t expect him to repeat that mistake here and therefore I think his search for a franchise QB will weigh Maye’s ability to transition quickly to an NFL offense higher than the physical potential of Jayden Daniels.

 

3. New England Patriots – Jayden Daniels – Quarterback, LSU

Which leaves Daniels for New England. They just have to find a Quarterback. And while I think of the three teams at the top of this draft the Patriots are the most likely to go the veteran route in 2024, for now I have them in the sweepstakes and I think Jerod Mayo might be more willing than Bill Belichick to go away from the traditional pure pocket passer template in picking Daniels.

 

4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jnr – Wide Receiver, Ohio State

The Cardinals seem to be sticking with Kyler Murray so they need to get him a legit #1 wide receiver again. His most productive spell of NFL football came when he was first paired with DeAndre Hopkins and Harrison is the guy who profiles best to be a true #1 wideout – though I don’t quite buy the “best WR prospect ever” hype.

 

5. Los Angeles Chargers – Malik Nabers – Wide Receiver, LSU

The Chargers offensive weaponry has been predicated on size at receiver for as long as I can remember. That was former GM Tom Telesco’s MO. But Mike Williams is a potential cap casualty, Keenan Allen is increasingly old and brittle and Quentin Johnston had an in and out rookie year. They need a speedy separator who can work inside the numbers as well as downfield. Nabers is the perfect fit.

 

6. New York Giants – Rome Odunze – Wide Receiver, Washington

With no standout defensive difference maker at the top of this class the table is set for three Quarterbacks and three receivers to make up the first 6 picks. Welcome to the NFL in 2024. The Giants just have to find a true #1 receiver who can threaten downfield and dominate outside.

 

7. Tennessee Titans – Ola Fashanu – Offensive Tackle, Penn State

When Taylor Lewan departed last February I said the Titans needed to draft a left tackle. Instead they tried to get by with Andre Dillard and drafted Peter Skoronski to play guard. Skoronski did okay for a rookie but Dillard was a disaster. Fashanu or Joe Alt should be the pick and as the Titans pivot towards being a Will Levis team and not a Derrick Henry team I prefer Fashanu as a pass protector.

 

8. Atlanta Falcons – Dallas Turner – EDGE, Alabama

Everyone knows Atlanta needs a Quarterback but they have hired a defensive coach in Raheem Morris and in this scenario the first three Quarterbacks are off the board. I suspect that means the veteran Quarterback option rather than a rookie and if they do go that route their other glaring need is pass rusher. 37-year-old Calais Campbell led the team with 6.5 sacks in 2023.

 

9. Chicago Bears – Joe Alt – Offensive Tackle, Norte Dame

The Bears cannot trot Braxton Jones out at left tackle again while also pretending they are trying to win. Their plan to take a college right tackle in Darnell Wright and switch him back to the left side has yet to take shape and he won’t be up to it if it ever does. They need a franchise left tackle. Alt is plug and play for a decade.

 

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

The Jets would be gutted to miss out on the top two tackles at this spot. Offensive line is by far their biggest need. They don’t have much at tight end though either and many would have Bowers ranked among the best available at this spot.

 

11.  Minnesota Vikings – Kool-Aid McKinstry – Cornerback, Alabama

The Vikings have to get better a corner. They drafted Andrew Booth two years ago but he has been constantly hurt and they brought in Byron Murphy as a mid-range free agent but he failed to shore things up. This is a muddled corner class that lacks a true star but McKinstry’s ability in press man projects well into Brian Flores’s defense.

 

12. Denver Broncos – Laiatu Latu – EDGE, UCLA

The Broncos got great value when trading away Bradley Chubb but since then have struggled for a consistent pass rush and have had to resort to frequent blitzing. That has had an impact on their coverage unit whose performance dipped this year. Latu is an explosive, bendy edge rusher who will add some pop to their defensive front.

 

13. Las Vegas Raiders – Jer’Zhan Newton – Defensive Tackle, Illinois

I have no idea what the Raiders’ plan at Quarterback is. Could they take a shot on Penix, McCarthy or Nix here? They definitely could. But they are brutal in the middle of their defensive line. No penetration, no strength at the point of attack in the run game, no nothing. Newton doesn’t have prototypical size but he will be a disruptor at the next level. Immediate upgrade.

 

14. New Orleans Saints – Jared Verse – EDGE, Florida State

Cam Jordan is going to be an interesting Hall of Fame debate when his time comes, he only has six sacks fewer than classmate Von Miller who everyone considers a lock. But 2023 was the year when he finally fell off the cliff. The Saints need to draft his replacement and Verse fits their scheme.

 

15. Indianapolis Colts – Nate Wiggins – Cornerback, Clemson

The Colts are not well stacked in the secondary. JuJu Brents was a second round pick last year and was okay as a rookie but the situation opposite him at the other corner spot is brutal. Nate Wiggins is a perfect scheme fit for the cover 3 style that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley likes to run.

 

16. Seattle Seahawks – Michael Penix Jnr – Quarterback, Washington

Geno Smith has been a serviceable placeholder the past two years but selecting Penix would allow the new regime in Seattle to remould this team around him and he would come into a decent situation on offense with bookend tackles and a couple of decent receivers to begin his career.

 

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

The Jags need help at a lot of premium positions. Josh Allen is a free agent on the edge, Calvin Ridley is a free agent at receiver, the corner situation opposite Tyson Campbell is a mess and they could stand to upgrade from Cam Robinson at left tackle. But speed on the outside is the priority. Thomas is already getting buzz in the process and all expectations are he will blow up at the combine.

 

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

Another team with some major needs is the Bengals. They have been turning water into wine at corner the past couple of years but that luck seemed to run out in 2023. Receiver could also be an issue if Higgins and Boyd both walk. However, Jonah Williams was as bad at right tackle as he had been at left and is a free agent anyway, so JC Latham as a plug and play right tackle makes sense.

 

19. Los Angeles Rams – Cooper DeJean – Cornerback, Iowa

I have heard the theory that the Rams can afford to be position agnostic and take the best player on the board. I think they have a need in the secondary and adding talent there must be a priority for a front office not used to having 1st round picks. Some see DeJean as a corner, some a safety, others as a Kyle Hamilton type swiss army knife. I think he’d upgrade the Rams however he is used.

 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Tyler Guyton – Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

The Steelers started last year’s draft by going offensive tackle in round one then corner with the first pick of round two. Yet I feel both positions remain their biggest needs on the roster. Broderick Jones had some bumps at right tackle as a rookie but still outperformed Dan Moore who allowed 55 pressures and 8 sacks from left tackle. You probably want to start Guyton on the right and slide Jones over to the blindside but Guyton has potential to play left tackle down the road.

 

21. Miami Dolphins – Taliese Fuaga – Offensive Tackle, Oregon State

Here comes the offensive line run as a third tackle flies off the board in four picks! Terron Armstead is talking retirement which would leave a gap at left tackle for the Dolphins to plug, but even if he stays around Fuaga could start immediately at guard where Robert Hunt is a pending free agent.

 

22. Philadelphia Eagles – Terrion Arnold – Cornerback, Alabama

If there was a center worthy of this pick that might be the direction I’d go in given Jason Kelce’s retirement - but there isn’t. The Eagles have struggled this year at corner as James Bradberry and Darius Slay began to look their age. Terrion Arnold is my #1 corner and could be the first off the board. I have him 3rd here because of specific scheme fits earlier on but he’d be a steal at this spot.

 

23. Houston Texans – Byron Murphy II – Defensive Tackle, Texas

This pick originally belonged to the Browns but was flipped in the Deshaun Watson trade. The Texans have a promising young roster but they could do with some more pop in the middle of their defensive front. Byron Murphy is undersized but explosive and with him in the middle and Will Anderson on the edge this would be a defensive line to fear.

 

24. Dallas Cowboys – Troy Franklin – Wide Receiver, Oregon

The Cowboys offense is very CeeDee Lamb centric. Brandin Cooks is past his best, Michael Gallup is inconsistent and Jalen Tolbert hasn’t quite broken through despite flashes. They need another legit target outside and Franklin has the vertical speed to open things up and allow for Lamb to work the middle of the field.

 

25. Green Bay Packers – Troy Fautanu – Guard, Washington

One of the Packers’ last 12 first round picks has been spent on offense (Jordan Love). In that time they have picked five first round defensive backs and that is a possibility here with question marks over Jaire Alexander’s future and holes at safety. But I have them leaning offense and upgrading the interior of their offensive line with Fautanu a college tackle who will likely play guard in the NFL.

 

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Quinyon Mitchell – Cornerback, Toledo

Mitchell has been one of the buzziest players in the first month of draft season and a lot of respected analysts see him making his way into round 1. I like this fit. The Buccs have not been afraid to select smaller school guys early in the draft and he plays with the aggressiveness that Todd Bowles loves in his corners.

 

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

The Cardinals’ sack leader in 2023 was Dennis Gardeck, a former UDFA out of West Virginia State, hardly a household name even in his own household. They have to find a pass rusher. Chop Robinson is raw, and he doesn’t have the sack production numbers in college to be a first round pick. But the ceiling is huge and on a rebuilding team like Arizona they can afford to let him develop.

 

28. Buffalo Bills – Xavier Legette – Wide Receiver, South Carolina

The Bills have to get more dynamic at wide receiver and Legette has some size and could run in the 4.3s at the combine. He is primarily a vertical, outside receiver, but he can catch a short pass and take the ball the distance too as he showed vs Mississippi State. The doubts around him are one season of production and age (he will be 23 by the draft) but the upside is worth the risk.

 

29. Detroit Lions – Kamari Lassiter – Cornerback, Georgia

The Lions have had a great season but they still have an achilles heel at corner. Brian Branch was borderline elite in the slot as a rookie but they need boundary help badly. Lassiter didn’t give up a single touchdown in coverage in 2023, and while he needs to improve his ball skills to make some of those game changing plays he would be an upgrade in Detroit.

 

30. Baltimore Ravens – Bralen Trice – EDGE, Washington

The Ravens have one of the more complete rosters in football. But at outside linebacker both Jadaveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy played on one-year deals. Former first rounder Odafe Oweh has never really cemented his spot and Bralen Trice just feels so Baltimore. Intelligent, high-motor, decent burst and needs to play as an outside rusher in a 3-4, so is a definite scheme fit.

 

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Adonai Mitchell – Wide Receiver, Texas

The Chiefs receivers were among the worst in the NFL in 2023 and despite Rashee Rice having a nice rookie year I expect Kansas City to be aggressive in seeking an upgrade in this draft. Mitchell has the size but lacks the explosion of some of those who have gone ahead of him. But he has excellent hands (1 drop in 2023) and for a team that has suffered with drops that must make him appealing.

 

32. San Francisco 49ers – Amarius Mims – Offensive Tackle, Georgia

The 49ers lost Mike McGlinchey in free agency last year and haven’t quite cracked the right tackle conundrum since. When you add to that the fact that Trent Williams is 36 this summer and could even hang them up if the 9ers win the Superbowl and the need at tackle is acute. Mims is raw, but the potential is there. He would start at right tackle but in the long term could play on the blindside.

 

- - - Round 2 - - - 

 

33. Carolina Panthers – Jordan Morgan – Offensive Tackle, Arizona

Two years ago when Icky Ekwonu was coming out I said he is really talented but he is a guard at the NFL level and lacks the footspeed to play on an island at tackle. He gave up eleven sacks this year. Some of that was on Bryce Young holding the ball but a lot was on Ekwonu. Jordan Morgan’s feet are ballerina-esque in comparison. Plug him in at left tackle and move Ekwonu inside to guard.

 

34. New England Patriots – Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver, Texas

Having taken a Quarterback in round one the Patriots should help that guy out with some speed and explosiveness at wide receiver. Their offense has been painfully one paced for years now and while Worthy projects to me as more of a good #2 than a #1 receiver he fits a need here.

 

35. Arizona Cardinals – Jackson Powers-Johnson – Center, Oregon

The Cardinals have so many needs it is tricky to work out where they go next with their third pick in this draft. Corner is probably the most glaring need but the next couple od guys on the board there are not natural scheme fits. Powers-Johnson would be an immediate upgrade to an interior offensive line that really struggled in 2023, whether he starts at center or guard.

 

36. Washington Commanders – Chris Braswell – EDGE, Alabama

The mid-season fire sale of pass rushers in Washington has left them with very little pop on the edge and the top three guys in their rotation by the season’s end are all free agents. They have to address that need.  Braswell is more a power rusher than a speed rusher but he would at least solidify a spot.

 

37. Los Angeles Chargers – T’Vondre Sweat – Defensive Tackle, Texas

When I think about Jim Harbaugh teams I think about big, powerful, trench players. Nick Williams and Austin Johnson have underwhelmed in the Chargers’ defensive interior and both are free agents. Sweat is a huge guy with unusual explosion at that size. He’d be a day 1 starter.

 

38. Tennessee Titans – Ennis Rakestraw – Cornerback, Missouri

The Titans haven’t yet confirmed a defensive coordinator which could affect this pick as Rakestraw reminds me of Kaiir Elam – he HAS to play in a man heavy scheme and struggles with zone transitions. But both of Tennessee’s starting corners are free agents and he is one of the best players remaining on the board.

 

39. New York Giants – JJ McCarthy – Quarterback, Michigan

The Giants are tied to Daniel Jones for one more year, and there are a couple of interesting prospects still on the board here in round two. I’m not as high on McCarthy as some but I could imagine him running some of Brian Daboll’s passing concepts at least as well as Daniel Jones and for a lot less money. He gives the franchise a shot to re-set at Quarterback.

 

40. Washington Commanders – Graham Barton – Guard, Duke

We are now hitting the second offensive line run. If, as expected, Ben Johnson is the next coach in DC he needs to start upgrading the offensive line, which was a key building block of his offense in Detroit. Barton is a college tackle who would likely begin at guard in Washington.

 

41. Green Bay – Kamren Kinchens – Safety, Miami

Even if the Packers can resist the temptation to take a defensive back in round one they will definitely select at least one on day two. Both of their starting safeties are free agents and it doesn’t sound like former first rounder Darnell Savage will be brought back. Kinchens reminds me some of Savage and would step straight into that void.

 

42. Minnesota Vikings – Bo Nix – Quarterback, Oregon

Kirk Cousins is a free agent. I think the Vikings will bring him back but I don’t expect a long term commitment. I think Bo Nix needs a situation where he can sit for a year and learn the NFL game before being pressed to start. This pick could work out for all parties.

 

43. Atlanta Falcons – Ladd McConkey – Wide Receiver, Georgia

The Falcons have nothing at all at receiver beyond Drake London and the JAGs they do have are all about to be free agents in any event. McConkey is a guy you can line up outside or in the slot and do a lot of horizontal game with to allow London to focus on threating downfield.

 

44. Las Vegas Raiders – Kingsley Suamataia – Offensive Tackle, BYU

The Raiders are another team that needs to upgrade their offensive line. Their starting right tackle is a free agent and they haven’t had good production from that spot opposite Kolton Miller in any event. Suamataia played left tackle this past year but was more impressive in 2022 on the right side of BYU’s line.

 

45. New Orleans Saints – Keon Coleman – Wide Receiver, Florida State

This is where the fall ends for Coleman as the Saints finally accept that Michael Thomas is never going to be the guy he was before the injuries hit and add the Florida State wideout as the big body compliment to Chris Olave’s game breaking speed.

 

46. Indianapolis Colts – Jeremiah Trotter – Linebacker, Clemson

The Colts cut ties with Darius Leonard halfway through the 2023 season as it was clear he had declined as a player from his all-pro pomp. They could look to replace him by snagging Clemson’s Trotter who has the explosiveness and coverage skill to be a modern three down linebacker.

 

47. New York Giants – Leonard Taylor III – Defensive Tackle, Miami

The Giants need help on both lines, but on the offensive line they need vets to solidify things now having already spent good draft capital. On the defensive side Dexter Lawrence is a stud but needs a running mate inside and Taylor is a big, explosive, penetrator from the 3tech spot.

 

48. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jonah Elliss – EDGE, Utah

As mentioned previously, Josh Allen is a free agent. Most people expect the Jaguars to retain him but even if they do they need more pass rush potential around him. Enter Elliss, with 13 sacks and an impressive pass rush win rate for the Utes in 2023. I think his relative lack of size probably means he has to play as an outside ‘backer in a 3-4 so Jacksonville’s scheme makes sense.

 

49. Cincinnati Bengals – Devontez Walker – Wide Receiver, North Carolina

I do think it is likely that Tee Higgins has played his final snaps for the Bengals and therefore Ja’Marr Chase will need a new running mate. Walker arguably took a step back this year and struggled to separate vs man coverage but as a #2 who excels in contested catch situations he fits here.

 

50. Philadelphia Eagles – Jonathan Brooks – Running Back, Texas

D’Andre Swift had a 1,000 yard season as Philadelphia’s lead back but is now a free agent and is likely beyond their budget to retain with other needs more pressing. I think Brooks is pretty much a perfect fit for what the Eagles do in the run game and while this might feel early for him I love the fit.

 

51. Los Angeles Rams – Adisa Isaac – EDGE, Penn State

The second Penn State edge rusher comes off the board. Again, I feel like this is possibly a tad early for him based on talent, but he reminds me of raw version of Leonard Floyd who found success in this scheme using his long limbs to create a bull rush in passing situations.

 

52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Edgerrin Cooper – Linebacker, Texas A&M

The Steelers defense goes as their front goes, by and large, but that is at least in part because they are sub-par at linebacker. When I think of great Steeler defenses they had an aggressive downhill player at the second level and Cooper would give them that skillset.

 

53. Miami Dolphins – Kris Jenkins – Defensive Tackle, Michigan

Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis and Da’Shawn Hand are all impending free agents and even if Wilkins was able to be retained they would need to fortify around him. Jenkins is a versatile player who is big enough to hold up against the run but who offers some interior pass rush potential too.

 

54. Philadelphia Eagles – Jermaine Burton – Wide Receiver, Alabama

Who knows what is going on with AJ Brown? But even if that situation resolves itself the Eagles have a sneaky need at receiver because behind Brown and Devonta Smith the cupboard is pretty much bare. Burton is an effective deep threat but also can be moved around the formation and I expect him to sneak into round 2 as a result.

 

55. Cleveland Browns – Ja’Lynn Polk – Wide Receiver, Washington

The Browns need a reliable compliment to Amari Cooper and with basically no free agent cash to spend at the position they have to look to the draft. Polk had over 1,000 yards in Washington’s run to the National Championship game and is a well-rounded prospect even if he lacks a bit of pop.

 

56. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Paul – Offensive Tackle, Houston

The Cowboys success (at least in the regular season) in recent years has been in no small part down to their offensive line. They have been willing to spend high picks to keep it well stocked and Patrick Paul gives them a potential upgrade at right tackle or an option at left tackle if Tyron Smith retires.

 

57. Green Bay Packers – TJ Tampa – Cornerback, Iowa State

I have already referenced the uncertainty of Jaire Alexander’s future and without him the cupboard starts to look a little bare at corner for Green Bay. TJ Tampa is an excellent fit for zone heavy schemes and that seems to be the direction the Packers’ search for a new coordinator is heading.

 

58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tyler Nubin – Safety, Minnesota

Having gone corner in round one the Buccs go back to the well in the secondary snagging Nubin who many believe is the top pure safety in the class. Both starting safeties (Antonie Winfield and Ryan Neal) are free agents so it is likely Tampa needs a guy who can start right away.

 

59. Houston Texans – Ja’Tavion Sanders – Tight End, Texas

Dalton Schultz had a nice season for the Texans at tight end but he was playing on a one year deal below his true market value. It would likely cost more to keep him and in that situation drafting a young, athletic, tight end with excellent hands to grow with CJ Stroud might be the play.

 

60. Buffalo Bills – Calen Bullock – Safety, USC

The Bills need help on the defensive line and at safety given expiring contracts and age concerns. However, the defensive line run has already taken place in this round leaving better value at safety. Bullock will need to improve his technique as a tackler but he is a bigger safety who can play in the box or be a match up weapon in coverage.

 

61. Detroit Lions – Brandon Dorlus – Defensive Tackle, Oregon

We know that the Lions General Manager Brad Holmes believes in building front to back and Dorlus as an interior rusher who is versatile enough to play a couple of spots in their 5 man front and then play a more conventional 3 tech when they go to a 4 man front makes some sense.

 

62. Baltimore Ravens – Trey Benson – Running Back, Florida State

JK Dobbins career with the Ravens is full of what ifs as the injury bug has bitten him hard. Gus Edwards has been a reliable deputy but he is a free agent. Benson could well run in the high 4.3s and that speed next to Zay Flowers and Lamar Jackson could be a nightmare for defenses.

 

63. Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Newton – Cornerback, TCU

The Chiefs are not exactly desperate at corner but at the moment L’Jarius Sneed is scheduled to hit free agency and after proving himself a high level outside corner, rather than just an excellent slot, he is going to get paid. Josh Newton has similar traits to Sneed and Trent McDuffie – inside / outside flexibility and sticky in man coverage.

 

64. San Francisco 49ers – Christian Haynes – Guard, Connecticut

This man was born to play for Kyle Shanahan. The perfect zone blocking guard, athletic, excellent technique, quick feet and high football IQ. He is a small school guy who could really benefit from the exposure of this week’s senior bowl and rise up boards but he is such a perfect fit for the 9ers.

 

 

Okay TSW.... feel free to flame away!!!

Penix to Seattle if he’s there is about as much of a lock as I can think at the moment. Regionally makes sense, and they are definitely in the QB market imo with Pete out the door. 

[DrDawkinstein]

I always get jealous seeing guys go to other teams, but ending up with Legette and Bullock would be a decent take. Especially with all the competition for WRs.

[ChevyVanMiller]

It’s too early in the process for me to make any kind of an educated guess as to what players should go where. With that said, if the Bills walk away with that wide receiver and that safety after the first two rounds I would be over the moon.

[Aussie Joe]

I like Leggett…. Not so much Bullock as the pick in Round 2…

 

If Leggett runs 4.3 … he will be gone by Pick 20…

 

 

Edited January 29 by Aussie Joe

[Gregg]

Even if the Jets miss out on the two top tackles, I still expect they will go OL. They are dead if Rodgers gets hurt again. Their current OL is a train wreck.

[JohnBonhamRocks]

I like Worthy better than Leggett personally so would be upset to see us take the latter before the former falls to NE. 

[BADOLBILZ]

8 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

- - - - - WARNING: LONG POST - - - - -

 

Drum roll please!!! As always, in the week after the conference Championship games here comes version 1 of my 2024 Mock Draft. For any new readers I do three mocks every year:

 

Version 1 - a two rounder, no trades, released late January;

Version 2 - a one rounder allowing myself trades after free agency;

Version 3 - a one rounder, no trades, in the 48 hours before the draft and that is the one I then score myself against for accuracy (the last two years have been pretty good scores).

 

So here we go - version 1.0 - can someone put the Chicago Bears on the clock?

 

 

- - - Round 1 - - -

 

1. Chicago Bears – Caleb Williams – Quarterback, USC

The Bears have three options here. They can draft Williams (which is what I’d do), they can trade down and collect picks (which is what they did last year) or they can stand pat and draft a non-Quarterback (which would be crazy). For now I’m going with them trading Justin Fields and starting over at QB.

 

2. Washington Commanders – Drake Maye – Quarterback, North Carolina

At the time of writing the Commanders don’t yet have a coach, but they do have a General Manager – Adam Peters – who came from the 49ers and lived the Trey Lance experience. I don’t expect him to repeat that mistake here and therefore I think his search for a franchise QB will weigh Maye’s ability to transition quickly to an NFL offense higher than the physical potential of Jayden Daniels.

 

3. New England Patriots – Jayden Daniels – Quarterback, LSU

Which leaves Daniels for New England. They just have to find a Quarterback. And while I think of the three teams at the top of this draft the Patriots are the most likely to go the veteran route in 2024, for now I have them in the sweepstakes and I think Jerod Mayo might be more willing than Bill Belichick to go away from the traditional pure pocket passer template in picking Daniels.

 

4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jnr – Wide Receiver, Ohio State

The Cardinals seem to be sticking with Kyler Murray so they need to get him a legit #1 wide receiver again. His most productive spell of NFL football came when he was first paired with DeAndre Hopkins and Harrison is the guy who profiles best to be a true #1 wideout – though I don’t quite buy the “best WR prospect ever” hype.

 

5. Los Angeles Chargers – Malik Nabers – Wide Receiver, LSU

The Chargers offensive weaponry has been predicated on size at receiver for as long as I can remember. That was former GM Tom Telesco’s MO. But Mike Williams is a potential cap casualty, Keenan Allen is increasingly old and brittle and Quentin Johnston had an in and out rookie year. They need a speedy separator who can work inside the numbers as well as downfield. Nabers is the perfect fit.

 

6. New York Giants – Rome Odunze – Wide Receiver, Washington

With no standout defensive difference maker at the top of this class the table is set for three Quarterbacks and three receivers to make up the first 6 picks. Welcome to the NFL in 2024. The Giants just have to find a true #1 receiver who can threaten downfield and dominate outside.

 

7. Tennessee Titans – Ola Fashanu – Offensive Tackle, Penn State

When Taylor Lewan departed last February I said the Titans needed to draft a left tackle. Instead they tried to get by with Andre Dillard and drafted Peter Skoronski to play guard. Skoronski did okay for a rookie but Dillard was a disaster. Fashanu or Joe Alt should be the pick and as the Titans pivot towards being a Will Levis team and not a Derrick Henry team I prefer Fashanu as a pass protector.

 

8. Atlanta Falcons – Dallas Turner – EDGE, Alabama

Everyone knows Atlanta needs a Quarterback but they have hired a defensive coach in Raheem Morris and in this scenario the first three Quarterbacks are off the board. I suspect that means the veteran Quarterback option rather than a rookie and if they do go that route their other glaring need is pass rusher. 37-year-old Calais Campbell led the team with 6.5 sacks in 2023.

 

9. Chicago Bears – Joe Alt – Offensive Tackle, Norte Dame

The Bears cannot trot Braxton Jones out at left tackle again while also pretending they are trying to win. Their plan to take a college right tackle in Darnell Wright and switch him back to the left side has yet to take shape and he won’t be up to it if it ever does. They need a franchise left tackle. Alt is plug and play for a decade.

 

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

The Jets would be gutted to miss out on the top two tackles at this spot. Offensive line is by far their biggest need. They don’t have much at tight end though either and many would have Bowers ranked among the best available at this spot.

 

11.  Minnesota Vikings – Kool-Aid McKinstry – Cornerback, Alabama

The Vikings have to get better a corner. They drafted Andrew Booth two years ago but he has been constantly hurt and they brought in Byron Murphy as a mid-range free agent but he failed to shore things up. This is a muddled corner class that lacks a true star but McKinstry’s ability in press man projects well into Brian Flores’s defense.

 

12. Denver Broncos – Laiatu Latu – EDGE, UCLA

The Broncos got great value when trading away Bradley Chubb but since then have struggled for a consistent pass rush and have had to resort to frequent blitzing. That has had an impact on their coverage unit whose performance dipped this year. Latu is an explosive, bendy edge rusher who will add some pop to their defensive front.

 

13. Las Vegas Raiders – Jer’Zhan Newton – Defensive Tackle, Illinois

I have no idea what the Raiders’ plan at Quarterback is. Could they take a shot on Penix, McCarthy or Nix here? They definitely could. But they are brutal in the middle of their defensive line. No penetration, no strength at the point of attack in the run game, no nothing. Newton doesn’t have prototypical size but he will be a disruptor at the next level. Immediate upgrade.

 

14. New Orleans Saints – Jared Verse – EDGE, Florida State

Cam Jordan is going to be an interesting Hall of Fame debate when his time comes, he only has six sacks fewer than classmate Von Miller who everyone considers a lock. But 2023 was the year when he finally fell off the cliff. The Saints need to draft his replacement and Verse fits their scheme.

 

15. Indianapolis Colts – Nate Wiggins – Cornerback, Clemson

The Colts are not well stacked in the secondary. JuJu Brents was a second round pick last year and was okay as a rookie but the situation opposite him at the other corner spot is brutal. Nate Wiggins is a perfect scheme fit for the cover 3 style that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley likes to run.

 

16. Seattle Seahawks – Michael Penix Jnr – Quarterback, Washington

Geno Smith has been a serviceable placeholder the past two years but selecting Penix would allow the new regime in Seattle to remould this team around him and he would come into a decent situation on offense with bookend tackles and a couple of decent receivers to begin his career.

 

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

The Jags need help at a lot of premium positions. Josh Allen is a free agent on the edge, Calvin Ridley is a free agent at receiver, the corner situation opposite Tyson Campbell is a mess and they could stand to upgrade from Cam Robinson at left tackle. But speed on the outside is the priority. Thomas is already getting buzz in the process and all expectations are he will blow up at the combine.

 

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

Another team with some major needs is the Bengals. They have been turning water into wine at corner the past couple of years but that luck seemed to run out in 2023. Receiver could also be an issue if Higgins and Boyd both walk. However, Jonah Williams was as bad at right tackle as he had been at left and is a free agent anyway, so JC Latham as a plug and play right tackle makes sense.

 

19. Los Angeles Rams – Cooper DeJean – Cornerback, Iowa

I have heard the theory that the Rams can afford to be position agnostic and take the best player on the board. I think they have a need in the secondary and adding talent there must be a priority for a front office not used to having 1st round picks. Some see DeJean as a corner, some a safety, others as a Kyle Hamilton type swiss army knife. I think he’d upgrade the Rams however he is used.

 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Tyler Guyton – Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

The Steelers started last year’s draft by going offensive tackle in round one then corner with the first pick of round two. Yet I feel both positions remain their biggest needs on the roster. Broderick Jones had some bumps at right tackle as a rookie but still outperformed Dan Moore who allowed 55 pressures and 8 sacks from left tackle. You probably want to start Guyton on the right and slide Jones over to the blindside but Guyton has potential to play left tackle down the road.

 

21. Miami Dolphins – Taliese Fuaga – Offensive Tackle, Oregon State

Here comes the offensive line run as a third tackle flies off the board in four picks! Terron Armstead is talking retirement which would leave a gap at left tackle for the Dolphins to plug, but even if he stays around Fuaga could start immediately at guard where Robert Hunt is a pending free agent.

 

22. Philadelphia Eagles – Terrion Arnold – Cornerback, Alabama

If there was a center worthy of this pick that might be the direction I’d go in given Jason Kelce’s retirement - but there isn’t. The Eagles have struggled this year at corner as James Bradberry and Darius Slay began to look their age. Terrion Arnold is my #1 corner and could be the first off the board. I have him 3rd here because of specific scheme fits earlier on but he’d be a steal at this spot.

 

23. Houston Texans – Byron Murphy II – Defensive Tackle, Texas

This pick originally belonged to the Browns but was flipped in the Deshaun Watson trade. The Texans have a promising young roster but they could do with some more pop in the middle of their defensive front. Byron Murphy is undersized but explosive and with him in the middle and Will Anderson on the edge this would be a defensive line to fear.

 

24. Dallas Cowboys – Troy Franklin – Wide Receiver, Oregon

The Cowboys offense is very CeeDee Lamb centric. Brandin Cooks is past his best, Michael Gallup is inconsistent and Jalen Tolbert hasn’t quite broken through despite flashes. They need another legit target outside and Franklin has the vertical speed to open things up and allow for Lamb to work the middle of the field.

 

25. Green Bay Packers – Troy Fautanu – Guard, Washington

One of the Packers’ last 12 first round picks has been spent on offense (Jordan Love). In that time they have picked five first round defensive backs and that is a possibility here with question marks over Jaire Alexander’s future and holes at safety. But I have them leaning offense and upgrading the interior of their offensive line with Fautanu a college tackle who will likely play guard in the NFL.

 

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Quinyon Mitchell – Cornerback, Toledo

Mitchell has been one of the buzziest players in the first month of draft season and a lot of respected analysts see him making his way into round 1. I like this fit. The Buccs have not been afraid to select smaller school guys early in the draft and he plays with the aggressiveness that Todd Bowles loves in his corners.

 

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

The Cardinals’ sack leader in 2023 was Dennis Gardeck, a former UDFA out of West Virginia State, hardly a household name even in his own household. They have to find a pass rusher. Chop Robinson is raw, and he doesn’t have the sack production numbers in college to be a first round pick. But the ceiling is huge and on a rebuilding team like Arizona they can afford to let him develop.

 

28. Buffalo Bills – Xavier Legette – Wide Receiver, South Carolina

The Bills have to get more dynamic at wide receiver and Legette has some size and could run in the 4.3s at the combine. He is primarily a vertical, outside receiver, but he can catch a short pass and take the ball the distance too as he showed vs Mississippi State. The doubts around him are one season of production and age (he will be 23 by the draft) but the upside is worth the risk.

 

29. Detroit Lions – Kamari Lassiter – Cornerback, Georgia

The Lions have had a great season but they still have an achilles heel at corner. Brian Branch was borderline elite in the slot as a rookie but they need boundary help badly. Lassiter didn’t give up a single touchdown in coverage in 2023, and while he needs to improve his ball skills to make some of those game changing plays he would be an upgrade in Detroit.

 

30. Baltimore Ravens – Bralen Trice – EDGE, Washington

The Ravens have one of the more complete rosters in football. But at outside linebacker both Jadaveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy played on one-year deals. Former first rounder Odafe Oweh has never really cemented his spot and Bralen Trice just feels so Baltimore. Intelligent, high-motor, decent burst and needs to play as an outside rusher in a 3-4, so is a definite scheme fit.

 

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Adonai Mitchell – Wide Receiver, Texas

The Chiefs receivers were among the worst in the NFL in 2023 and despite Rashee Rice having a nice rookie year I expect Kansas City to be aggressive in seeking an upgrade in this draft. Mitchell has the size but lacks the explosion of some of those who have gone ahead of him. But he has excellent hands (1 drop in 2023) and for a team that has suffered with drops that must make him appealing.

 

32. San Francisco 49ers – Amarius Mims – Offensive Tackle, Georgia

The 49ers lost Mike McGlinchey in free agency last year and haven’t quite cracked the right tackle conundrum since. When you add to that the fact that Trent Williams is 36 this summer and could even hang them up if the 9ers win the Superbowl and the need at tackle is acute. Mims is raw, but the potential is there. He would start at right tackle but in the long term could play on the blindside.

 

- - - Round 2 - - - 

 

33. Carolina Panthers – Jordan Morgan – Offensive Tackle, Arizona

Two years ago when Icky Ekwonu was coming out I said he is really talented but he is a guard at the NFL level and lacks the footspeed to play on an island at tackle. He gave up eleven sacks this year. Some of that was on Bryce Young holding the ball but a lot was on Ekwonu. Jordan Morgan’s feet are ballerina-esque in comparison. Plug him in at left tackle and move Ekwonu inside to guard.

 

34. New England Patriots – Xavier Worthy – Wide Receiver, Texas

Having taken a Quarterback in round one the Patriots should help that guy out with some speed and explosiveness at wide receiver. Their offense has been painfully one paced for years now and while Worthy projects to me as more of a good #2 than a #1 receiver he fits a need here.

 

35. Arizona Cardinals – Jackson Powers-Johnson – Center, Oregon

The Cardinals have so many needs it is tricky to work out where they go next with their third pick in this draft. Corner is probably the most glaring need but the next couple od guys on the board there are not natural scheme fits. Powers-Johnson would be an immediate upgrade to an interior offensive line that really struggled in 2023, whether he starts at center or guard.

 

36. Washington Commanders – Chris Braswell – EDGE, Alabama

The mid-season fire sale of pass rushers in Washington has left them with very little pop on the edge and the top three guys in their rotation by the season’s end are all free agents. They have to address that need.  Braswell is more a power rusher than a speed rusher but he would at least solidify a spot.

 

37. Los Angeles Chargers – T’Vondre Sweat – Defensive Tackle, Texas

When I think about Jim Harbaugh teams I think about big, powerful, trench players. Nick Williams and Austin Johnson have underwhelmed in the Chargers’ defensive interior and both are free agents. Sweat is a huge guy with unusual explosion at that size. He’d be a day 1 starter.

 

38. Tennessee Titans – Ennis Rakestraw – Cornerback, Missouri

The Titans haven’t yet confirmed a defensive coordinator which could affect this pick as Rakestraw reminds me of Kaiir Elam – he HAS to play in a man heavy scheme and struggles with zone transitions. But both of Tennessee’s starting corners are free agents and he is one of the best players remaining on the board.

 

39. New York Giants – JJ McCarthy – Quarterback, Michigan

The Giants are tied to Daniel Jones for one more year, and there are a couple of interesting prospects still on the board here in round two. I’m not as high on McCarthy as some but I could imagine him running some of Brian Daboll’s passing concepts at least as well as Daniel Jones and for a lot less money. He gives the franchise a shot to re-set at Quarterback.

 

40. Washington Commanders – Graham Barton – Guard, Duke

We are now hitting the second offensive line run. If, as expected, Ben Johnson is the next coach in DC he needs to start upgrading the offensive line, which was a key building block of his offense in Detroit. Barton is a college tackle who would likely begin at guard in Washington.

 

41. Green Bay – Kamren Kinchens – Safety, Miami

Even if the Packers can resist the temptation to take a defensive back in round one they will definitely select at least one on day two. Both of their starting safeties are free agents and it doesn’t sound like former first rounder Darnell Savage will be brought back. Kinchens reminds me some of Savage and would step straight into that void.

 

42. Minnesota Vikings – Bo Nix – Quarterback, Oregon

Kirk Cousins is a free agent. I think the Vikings will bring him back but I don’t expect a long term commitment. I think Bo Nix needs a situation where he can sit for a year and learn the NFL game before being pressed to start. This pick could work out for all parties.

 

43. Atlanta Falcons – Ladd McConkey – Wide Receiver, Georgia

The Falcons have nothing at all at receiver beyond Drake London and the JAGs they do have are all about to be free agents in any event. McConkey is a guy you can line up outside or in the slot and do a lot of horizontal game with to allow London to focus on threating downfield.

 

44. Las Vegas Raiders – Kingsley Suamataia – Offensive Tackle, BYU

The Raiders are another team that needs to upgrade their offensive line. Their starting right tackle is a free agent and they haven’t had good production from that spot opposite Kolton Miller in any event. Suamataia played left tackle this past year but was more impressive in 2022 on the right side of BYU’s line.

 

45. New Orleans Saints – Keon Coleman – Wide Receiver, Florida State

This is where the fall ends for Coleman as the Saints finally accept that Michael Thomas is never going to be the guy he was before the injuries hit and add the Florida State wideout as the big body compliment to Chris Olave’s game breaking speed.

 

46. Indianapolis Colts – Jeremiah Trotter – Linebacker, Clemson

The Colts cut ties with Darius Leonard halfway through the 2023 season as it was clear he had declined as a player from his all-pro pomp. They could look to replace him by snagging Clemson’s Trotter who has the explosiveness and coverage skill to be a modern three down linebacker.

 

47. New York Giants – Leonard Taylor III – Defensive Tackle, Miami

The Giants need help on both lines, but on the offensive line they need vets to solidify things now having already spent good draft capital. On the defensive side Dexter Lawrence is a stud but needs a running mate inside and Taylor is a big, explosive, penetrator from the 3tech spot.

 

48. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jonah Elliss – EDGE, Utah

As mentioned previously, Josh Allen is a free agent. Most people expect the Jaguars to retain him but even if they do they need more pass rush potential around him. Enter Elliss, with 13 sacks and an impressive pass rush win rate for the Utes in 2023. I think his relative lack of size probably means he has to play as an outside ‘backer in a 3-4 so Jacksonville’s scheme makes sense.

 

49. Cincinnati Bengals – Devontez Walker – Wide Receiver, North Carolina

I do think it is likely that Tee Higgins has played his final snaps for the Bengals and therefore Ja’Marr Chase will need a new running mate. Walker arguably took a step back this year and struggled to separate vs man coverage but as a #2 who excels in contested catch situations he fits here.

 

50. Philadelphia Eagles – Jonathan Brooks – Running Back, Texas

D’Andre Swift had a 1,000 yard season as Philadelphia’s lead back but is now a free agent and is likely beyond their budget to retain with other needs more pressing. I think Brooks is pretty much a perfect fit for what the Eagles do in the run game and while this might feel early for him I love the fit.

 

51. Los Angeles Rams – Adisa Isaac – EDGE, Penn State

The second Penn State edge rusher comes off the board. Again, I feel like this is possibly a tad early for him based on talent, but he reminds me of raw version of Leonard Floyd who found success in this scheme using his long limbs to create a bull rush in passing situations.

 

52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Edgerrin Cooper – Linebacker, Texas A&M

The Steelers defense goes as their front goes, by and large, but that is at least in part because they are sub-par at linebacker. When I think of great Steeler defenses they had an aggressive downhill player at the second level and Cooper would give them that skillset.

 

53. Miami Dolphins – Kris Jenkins – Defensive Tackle, Michigan

Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis and Da’Shawn Hand are all impending free agents and even if Wilkins was able to be retained they would need to fortify around him. Jenkins is a versatile player who is big enough to hold up against the run but who offers some interior pass rush potential too.

 

54. Philadelphia Eagles – Jermaine Burton – Wide Receiver, Alabama

Who knows what is going on with AJ Brown? But even if that situation resolves itself the Eagles have a sneaky need at receiver because behind Brown and Devonta Smith the cupboard is pretty much bare. Burton is an effective deep threat but also can be moved around the formation and I expect him to sneak into round 2 as a result.

 

55. Cleveland Browns – Ja’Lynn Polk – Wide Receiver, Washington

The Browns need a reliable compliment to Amari Cooper and with basically no free agent cash to spend at the position they have to look to the draft. Polk had over 1,000 yards in Washington’s run to the National Championship game and is a well-rounded prospect even if he lacks a bit of pop.

 

56. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Paul – Offensive Tackle, Houston

The Cowboys success (at least in the regular season) in recent years has been in no small part down to their offensive line. They have been willing to spend high picks to keep it well stocked and Patrick Paul gives them a potential upgrade at right tackle or an option at left tackle if Tyron Smith retires.

 

57. Green Bay Packers – TJ Tampa – Cornerback, Iowa State

I have already referenced the uncertainty of Jaire Alexander’s future and without him the cupboard starts to look a little bare at corner for Green Bay. TJ Tampa is an excellent fit for zone heavy schemes and that seems to be the direction the Packers’ search for a new coordinator is heading.

 

58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tyler Nubin – Safety, Minnesota

Having gone corner in round one the Buccs go back to the well in the secondary snagging Nubin who many believe is the top pure safety in the class. Both starting safeties (Antonie Winfield and Ryan Neal) are free agents so it is likely Tampa needs a guy who can start right away.

 

59. Houston Texans – Ja’Tavion Sanders – Tight End, Texas

Dalton Schultz had a nice season for the Texans at tight end but he was playing on a one year deal below his true market value. It would likely cost more to keep him and in that situation drafting a young, athletic, tight end with excellent hands to grow with CJ Stroud might be the play.

 

60. Buffalo Bills – Calen Bullock – Safety, USC

The Bills need help on the defensive line and at safety given expiring contracts and age concerns. However, the defensive line run has already taken place in this round leaving better value at safety. Bullock will need to improve his technique as a tackler but he is a bigger safety who can play in the box or be a match up weapon in coverage.

 

61. Detroit Lions – Brandon Dorlus – Defensive Tackle, Oregon

We know that the Lions General Manager Brad Holmes believes in building front to back and Dorlus as an interior rusher who is versatile enough to play a couple of spots in their 5 man front and then play a more conventional 3 tech when they go to a 4 man front makes some sense.

 

62. Baltimore Ravens – Trey Benson – Running Back, Florida State

JK Dobbins career with the Ravens is full of what ifs as the injury bug has bitten him hard. Gus Edwards has been a reliable deputy but he is a free agent. Benson could well run in the high 4.3s and that speed next to Zay Flowers and Lamar Jackson could be a nightmare for defenses.

 

63. Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Newton – Cornerback, TCU

The Chiefs are not exactly desperate at corner but at the moment L’Jarius Sneed is scheduled to hit free agency and after proving himself a high level outside corner, rather than just an excellent slot, he is going to get paid. Josh Newton has similar traits to Sneed and Trent McDuffie – inside / outside flexibility and sticky in man coverage.

 

64. San Francisco 49ers – Christian Haynes – Guard, Connecticut

This man was born to play for Kyle Shanahan. The perfect zone blocking guard, athletic, excellent technique, quick feet and high football IQ. He is a small school guy who could really benefit from the exposure of this week’s senior bowl and rise up boards but he is such a perfect fit for the 9ers.

 

 

Okay TSW.... feel free to flame away!!!

 

 

Thanks for the content and takes.

 

Did you change your mind on Brian Thomas Jr. or did you just slot Troy Franklin behind him because you think those teams will not see it the way you felt last week(that Franklin was a better prospect than Thomas Jr.)?

 

Also,  I sorta' expect Beane to botch his second round pick.........not been a great round for him..........but I just can't get behind drafting for positional need at safety there.   They can find value at that position in day 3.   Follow the free agent board Beane.......the safety position is usually stacked come mid-March.  And if they aren't worth extending at market value if they pan out........well they aren't worth using early round picks on.  Both of their starting safeties the past 7 years were day 3 guys and I could easily see Bullock just curing on the pine all of 2024 behind some $1.7M vet.   

[GunnerBill]

6 minutes ago, Gregg said:

Even if the Jets miss out on the two top tackles, I still expect they will go OL. They are dead if Rodgers gets hurt again. Their current OL is a train wreck.

 

Definitely possible. Personally I think there is a clear drop off from Fashanu and Alt to the other OTs and I'd consider any of the rest a significant reach at #10. Now if they wanted to slide back 5 or 6 spots, collect a pick or two and then take a tackle there I'd see the logic. 

[Iverwig]

Bowers will be gone before the Jets pick and he is also from UGA not Bama. I will be shocked if the Jets don’t go OL.
 

Falcons won’t draft McConkey because they rarely take players from UGA. what the issue is no one knows. 

 

I am not sold on Legette in the first round due to him having only one year of production. He will probably be drafted in the first I just hope it’s not the Bills drafting him. 
 

Thank you for your mock draft. 

[GunnerBill]

2 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

Thanks for the content and takes.

 

Did you change your mind on Brian Thomas Jr. or did you just slot Troy Franklin behind him because you think those teams will not see it the way you felt last week(that Franklin was a better prospect than Thomas Jr.)?

 

Also,  I sorta' expect Beane to botch his second round pick.........not been a great round for him..........but I just can't get behind drafting for positional need at safety there.   They can find value at that position in day 3.   Follow the free agent board Beane.......the safety position is usually stacked come mid-March.  And if they aren't worth extending at market value if they pan out........well they aren't worth using early round picks on.  Both of their starting safeties the past 7 years were day 3 guys and I could easily see Bullock just curing on the pine all of 2024 behind some $1.7M vet.   

 

Yea I think teams will be enticed by Thomas. Not a change in my mind... as of now I  have the second tier stacked: Legette, Franklin, Thomas in that order although all pretty tightly and it is trying to project them into the offenses as much as anything. 

2 minutes ago, Iverwig said:

Bowers will be gone before the Jets pick and he is also from UGA not Bama. I will be shocked if the Jets don’t go OL.
 

Falcons won’t draft McConkey because they rarely take players from UGA. what the issue is no one knows. 

 

I am not sold on Legette in the first round due to him having only one year of production. He will probably be drafted in the first I just hope it’s not the Bills drafting him. 
 

Thank you for your mock draft. 

 

Thanks for the spot on Bowers. I'd had a Bama player in that spot at one point and when I moved things around didn't spot I'd left the college in wrong. I just think if the top two tackles are gone then taking the next best tackle at 10 is reaching in a way you should never do with a top 10 pick. 

[Gregg]

1 minute ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Definitely possible. Personally I think there is a clear drop off from Fashanu and Alt to the other OTs and I'd consider any of the rest a significant reach at #10. Now if they wanted to slide back 5 or 6 spots, collect a pick or two and then take a tackle there I'd see the logic. 

 

They could also try to trade up and get one these guys. I live about 20 minutes from MetLife. So, I am in Jets territory with the media/fanbase. It's been talked about many times here on TV, newspapers, WFAN. They will look at everything from the draft, FA, trades to improve the OL. That and a better backup QB. Keeping Rodgers healthy is priority #1 for next season. 

[DasNootz]

You might as well pencil in a trade up by KC to jump Buffalo. 

Edited January 29 by DasNootz

[GunnerBill]

2 minutes ago, Gregg said:

 

They could also try to trade up and get one these guys. I live about 20 minutes from MetLife. So, I am in Jets territory with the media/fanbase. It's been talked about many times here on TV, newspapers, WFAN. They will look at everything from the draft, FA, trades to improve the OL. That and a better backup QB. Keeping Rodgers healthy is priority #1 for next season. 

 

They absolutely could trade up for one of the top two. That is definitely in play. Atlanta is a prime spot IMO. If the first 6 picks are 3 QBs and 3 WRs (DJ had it that way too and I have seen others) then get to Atlanta's spot you are guaranteed one of the top 2. 

[Mr. WEO]

Hard to imagine that Raiders would not pick a QB in round 1.  

 

Also, I've never watched McCarthy and thought "wow", he's a lot better than Daniel Jones.  Whiffing again on a mediocre QB wouldn't be survivable for Daboll and Scheon. 

[GunnerBill]

2 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

Hard to imagine that Raiders would not pick a QB in round 1.  

 

Also, I've never watched McCarthy and thought "wow", he's a lot better than Daniel Jones.  Whiffing again on a mediocre QB wouldn't be survivable for Daboll and Scheon. 

 

No to be honest, nor do I. I think he is the same player again basically. I suppose my thinking is it allows you to start re-distributing some of the money elsewhere. The Giants roster is a mess. 

[Mr. WEO]

1 minute ago, GunnerBill said:

 

No to be honest, nor do I. I think he is the same player again basically. I suppose my thinking is it allows you to start re-distributing some of the money elsewhere. The Giants roster is a mess. 

 

 

Agreed.  Schoen was not ready for that job. 

[DCOrange]

I doubt Legette will be my preferred choice (or even one that I'd be happy with in general), but I wouldn't be surprised if he's one of the guys we consider. Having said that, Dane Brugler reported earlier this morning that most teams have a 3rd round grade on Legette, and that could potentially fall further after he measured 2-3 inches shorter than expected. He does admittedly have the physical traits to potentially really impress people, but I think there's a lot of physical traits types in this class and I'd probably rather opt for one of the younger ones if we go that route.

 

A few thoughts on the QBs as that's really the only position I've really scouted thus far:

• I'm very early in my Penix review but I really liked what I've seen thus far. We'll see if that continues.
• Along the same wavelengths as the Brugler report on Legette, he also discussed Penix vs. Bo Nix and basically said Penix is currently viewed as a late 2nd or 3rd round prospect. He also added that he wouldn't be surprised if Michael Pratt ultimately jumps over Penix. Nix is viewed as a borderline 1st and could potentially go as high as top 10 if he has a strong Senior Bowl week.
• I ended up with a 4th round grade on Jayden Daniels (though I may watch some more film to try to understand what other people are seeing that I'm not), so needless to say, I'd be thrilled if the Patriots take him in the top 3.
• I have JJ as my #3 QB at the moment but only a 2nd round grade on him. I know most of the draft media thinks he'll be a 1st rounder, potentially to Seattle.

 

Lastly, I think I'd lean towards Odunze over Nabers at the moment, but that's really just based off of some stuff I noticed while watching their QBs on All 22 as well as some of the metrics that I've posted in the WR thread.

Edited January 29 by DCOrange

[GunnerBill]

3 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

Agreed.  Schoen was not ready for that job. 

 

I was told by a very well placed source when he was here - Joe is the scout. Brandon's the brains. Doug Whaley was a good scout too. He couldn't do the GM job. 

[RyanC883]

always love the content here.

 

Would be very happy to get Legette in Rd. 1

 

As far as Rd. 2, I think we end up trading up to get Kinchens or Nubin in Round 2.  But I know, no trades in this draft.  With that said, taking Bullock is a good decision.  Might consider WR Wilson from Michigan but that's the only nitpick here.     

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, DCOrange said:

I doubt Legette will be my preferred choice (or even one that I'd be happy with in general), but I wouldn't be surprised if he's one of the guys we consider. Having said that, Dane Brugler reported earlier this morning that most teams have a 3rd round grade on Legette, and that could potentially fall further after he measured 2-3 inches shorter than expected. He does admittedly have the physical traits to potentially really impress people, but I think there's a lot of physical traits types in this class and I'd probably rather opt for one of the younger ones if we go that route.

 

A few thoughts on the QBs as that's really the only position I've really scouted thus far:

• I'm very early in my Penix review but I really liked what I've seen thus far. We'll see if that continues.
• Along the same wavelengths as the Brugler report on Legette, he also discussed Penix vs. Bo Nix and basically said Penix is currently viewed as a late 2nd or 3rd round prospect. He also added that he wouldn't be surprised if Michael Pratt ultimately jumps over Penix. Nix is viewed as a borderline 1st and could potentially go as high as top 10 if he has a strong Senior Bowl week.
• I ended up with a 4th round grade on Jayden Daniels (though I may watch some more film to try to understand what other people are seeing that I'm not), so needless to say, I'd be thrilled if the Patriots take him in the top 3.
• I have JJ as my #3 QB at the moment but only a 2nd round grade on him. I know most of the draft media thinks he'll be a 1st rounder, potentially to Seattle.

 

I have seen Dane's reporting on Legette and he is definitely a credible guy. I suppose we will see. I don't know what the film knock on him is that is what I haven't really seen explained so far. 

[Nephilim17]

I'm not a college fan but after some cursory reading/viewing on various prospects be very pleased with Legette. The dude is in the 220's and would be a beast to bring down and could offer elite speed. That means he can both separate and win in 50/50 battles. That's worth the 23 age factor. He should have about 8 prime years which coincides with Josh's prime years. 

I'd be really afraid of drafting a speed guy who is 180 pounds soaking wet.

Let's get a WR who is a beast and who can outrun and outmuscle anyone's CB or safety. 

[Mr. WEO]

3 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I was told by a very well placed source when he was here - Joe is the scout. Brandon's the brains. Doug Whaley was a good scout too. He couldn't do the GM job. 

 

This is one problem with staffing the coaching ranks and FO's in the NFL.  Guys get in and want to bring in their buddies or "promote from within" (in order to maintain authoritative control).   

[Mat68]

I can see them going WR saftey.  Im not sure about either guy.  I would rather have the guys that went later.  Worthy, Mitchell, Coleman even Polk before Leggett.  Possibly losing Hyde, Poyer and Rapp I think saftey is a big need.  An under sized guy from a bad defense seems like a stretch for him to be ready out of the gate.  

[JGMcD2]

1 hour ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

This is one problem with staffing the coaching ranks and FO's in the NFL.  Guys get in and want to bring in their buddies or "promote from within" (in order to maintain authoritative control).   

Is that what happened here in our front office? 

[Mr. WEO]

10 minutes ago, JGMcD2 said:

Is that what happened here in our front office? 

 

McD gets Beane in.  Then, within 5 seasons, Daboll is gone, replaced by the QB coach, who then is out, replaced by the next QB coach.....

[QB Bills]

For someone who watches zero college football, I appreciate this content. 

 

One lingering thought after going through the post though...Kool-Aid?!?

Edited January 29 by QB Bills

[Freddie's Dead]

Like the picks for the Bills.  We have enough Smurfy WRs and DBs.  Also nice to have a Gamecock finally.

[Einstein]

Legette would be quite the reach at 28... no?

Or are you thinking the draft prognosticators are wrong right now?

[BADOLBILZ]

2 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I was told by a very well placed source when he was here - Joe is the scout. Brandon's the brains. Doug Whaley was a good scout too. He couldn't do the GM job. 

 

 

People think I hate on Beane when I point out his (and McD's) costly early pro personnel mistakes and assorted draft errors............but I have always maintained that what Beane brought to the table as an executive was more important than what he lacked as a personnel evaluator.

 

You can always find scouts.

 

Finding a GM who could basically run the franchise for an ownership group that really is WAY out of their area(s) of expertise like the Pegula's.....and at the same time surround himself with good people and keep them happy while he learned how to make better personnel decisions was quite fortunate, IMO.

 

People complain about how we can't beat the Chiefs but the fact that we are in the mix with a football-family run organization like the Hunt's....given where this organization started......is an accomplishment in itself.    This could easily have turned into another Dan Snyder Washington Comanches situation with the Pegula's if they didn't find someone who could convince them to hand over the keys.

 

 

Edited January 29 by BADOLBILZ

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, Einstein said:

Legette would be quite the reach at 28... no?

Or are you thinking the draft prognosticators are wrong right now?

 

I don't think he is a reach. He is my WR4. He seems to be going early 2nd in mocks I have seen but I know some have him going later and a few who have him earlier. Personally I think he will have a good week this week at the senior bowl, he will blow up the combine and he will be a first round pick.

 

The questions on him are mainly - 1 year of production and why did it all click suddenly age 22 (old in college terms)? But the 2023 tape is excellent. If he backs that up in the process I think he goes day 1.

 

[BigAl2526]

I like your mock for the Bills, though Bullock is a bit light.  Hopefully, he can add some quality weight and not lose speed.  You have Brian Thomas going a lot sooner than any mock draft I've seen.  Do you think he's going to time faster than the 4.47 I've seen estimated for him?

[GunnerBill]

Just now, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

People think I hate on Beane when I point out his (and McD's) costly early pro personnel mistakes and assorted draft errors............but I have always maintained that what Beane brought to the table as an executive was more important than what he lacked as a personnel evaluator.

 

You can always find scouts.

 

Finding a GM who could basically run the franchise for an ownership group that really is WAY out of their area(s) of expertise like the Pegula's.....and at the same time surround himself with good people and keep them happy while he learned how to make better personnel decisions was a quite fortunate, IMO.

 

People complain about how we can't beat the Chiefs but the fact that we are in the mix with a football-family run organization like the Hunt's....given where this organization started......is an accomplishment in itself.    This could easily have turned into another Dan Snyder Washington Comanches situation with the Pegula's if they didn't find someone who could convince them to hand over the keys. 

 

Yea absolutely. You don't have to be an exceptional scout to be a good general manager. The job is more than that. 

 

 

4 minutes ago, BigAl2526 said:

I like your mock for the Bills, though Bullock is a bit light.  Hopefully, he can add some quality weight and not lose speed.  You have Brian Thomas going a lot sooner than any mock draft I've seen.  Do you think he's going to time faster than the 4.47 I've seen estimated for him?

 

Yea I am not in love with the Bullock pick. But not sure where else I'd go given that board. 

 

And yes on Thomas. I do think he will run faster than 4.47. 

[MiracleAtRich1393]

2 hours ago, Nephilim17 said:

I'm not a college fan but after some cursory reading/viewing on various prospects be very pleased with Legette. The dude is in the 220's and would be a beast to bring down and could offer elite speed. That means he can both separate and win in 50/50 battles. That's worth the 23 age factor. He should have about 8 prime years which coincides with Josh's prime years. 

I'd be really afraid of drafting a speed guy who is 180 pounds soaking wet.

Let's get a WR who is a beast and who can outrun and outmuscle anyone's CB or safety. 

Isn't that the knock on him though? That despite his size/speed he doesn't separate in college and is more of a RAC beast?

[Billl]

3 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

L’Jarius Sneed is scheduled to hit free agency and after proving himself a high level outside corner, rather than just an excellent slot

I knew you'd come around eventually.

[GunnerBill]

6 minutes ago, Billl said:

I knew you'd come around eventually.

 

I hold my hands up on him this year. He has completely changed my opinion. He has had a great year.

[Nephilim17]

8 minutes ago, MiracleAtRich1393 said:

Isn't that the knock on him though? That despite his size/speed he doesn't separate in college and is more of a RAC beast?

I'm no college guy, but, yes, some reports cite a lack of separation while others say he can do it.

I suspect his rawness in route running is the issue there and he can be coached. He has elite long speed and is a RAC monster so I'll take that and hope the separation on shorter routes can come with time.

[GunnerBill]

10 minutes ago, MiracleAtRich1393 said:

Isn't that the knock on him though? That despite his size/speed he doesn't separate in college and is more of a RAC beast?

 

I think he separates plenty. I haven't heard that as the knock on him. If it is that is surprising to me. I don't see that on film.

[BillsShredder83]

3 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

24. Dallas Cowboys – Troy Franklin – Wide Receiver, Oregon

The Cowboys offense is very CeeDee Lamb centric. Brandin Cooks is past his best, Michael Gallup is inconsistent and Jalen Tolbert hasn’t quite broken through despite flashes. They need another legit target outside and Franklin has the vertical speed to open things up and allow for Lamb to work the middle of the field.

F***. I been thinking this revenge pick from last draft, was going to happen, and hate to see it even in early writing. This feels around where hes going. Think he even pushes up boards as we get closer, hope we have a plan in place to leap frog.

[PrimeTime101]

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU  same type player but only 21 years old.