MOCK DRAFT / 1.0
February 18th, 2024
1
Caleb Williams
The move away from Justin Fields, no matter which QB you are drafting, is obvious. Reset the clock and allow the better player to turn your franchise around. Williams is a no-brainer in this offense and will instantly make Chicago competitive.
QB | USC | 6'1 | 215
2
Jayden Daniels
With a new regime in place, Washington will look for their franchise QB at pick 2. It's a toss-up between Maye & Daniels, but Kliff Kingsbury's history & recent comments may suggest they are looking to employ a more mobile attack.
QB | LSU | 6'4 | 210
3
Drake Maye
Don't overthink this one. New England brought in various QB-oriented coaches to nail this pick. Maye, our QB1 in the draft, falls into their lap at 3. Probably the best fit for Van Pelt's offense and an instant jolt to a lacklustre franchise.
QB | NC | 6'4 | 230
4
Marvin Harrison Jr.
With 3 QBs going right away, the Cardinals are left with an easy decision. Draft arguably the greatest WR prospect of all-time and reignite this once-scary passing attack. The arm of Murray & the tools of Harrison Jr. will be a sight to see.
WR | OHIO STATE | 6'4 | 205
Carolina Panthers
5
Malik Nabers
Mike Williams is likely a cap-casualty, Keenan is getting older, and Quentin Johnston disappointed last season. The Chargers get Herbert his partner in crime by selecting one of the most exciting players in the draft--a guy who can truly do it all.
WR | LSU | 6'0 | 200
6
Brock Bowers
The Giants need to acquire a true go-to offensive weapon. Odunze could be in play here, but I like the fit better with Bowers. The Georgia TE will instantly provide excitement, volume, and identity to a boring team.
TE | GEORGIA | 6'4 | 240
7
Joe Alt
Although I'm not high on Levis, it was difficult to play behind that offensive line. By adding Alt to the OL group, you're getting an elite protector for a decade plus. The tandem of Alt & Skoronski instantly creates a young tandem in the trenches.
OT | NOTRE DAME | 6'8 | 315
8
Terrion Arnold
I could see a QB here if they don't find one in FA. But, for the time being, Atlanta looks to their secondary. After A.J. Terrell (whose future is in doubt), the Falcons desperately need a CB. Arnold is a blue-chip defender and one of my favourite prospects.
CB | ALABAMA | 6'0 | 196
9
Rome Odunze
I think Braxton Jones is good enough to pass up an OT here. Odunze, the big and physical pass-catcher, is the perfect compliment to DJ Moore, the dynamic and elusive one. The trio of Williams, Moore, and Odunze will instantly create energy in Chicago
WR | WASHINGTON | 6'3 | 215
10
Olu Fashanu
The Jets can't make the same mistake as last year and ignore the OT position. It's an urgent need. Fashanu is a no-brainer here. His well-rounded and powerful skillset will help Aaron Rodgers have the storybook season he always wanted.
OT | PENN STATE | 6'6 | 319
11
Dallas Turner
If Kirk Cousins goes elsewhere - this pick could be much different. But for now, Minnesota looks to replenish their DL & LB core. What better way to do that than by adding the versatile, skilled, and high-upside Alabama product?
EDGE | ALABAMA | 6'4 | 242
12
JJ McCarthy
Sean Payton wants his own guy. This might be early for McCarthy, but I don't think he cares. McCarthy brings a blend of maturity, IQ, acumen, and a huge developmental upside. The praise from Harbaugh helps too.
QB | MICHIGAN | 6'3 | 202
13
Kool-Aid McKinstry
Antonio Pierce will want to establish the Raider's defensive identity. Right now their CB group is depleted, to say the least. McKinstry brings size, physicality, technical ability, and an impressive football pedigree. A needed secondary boost in a division with Mahomes & Herbert.
CB | ALABAMA | 6'1 | 195
14
Jared Verse
Cameron Jordan is 34 years old, and beyond him, this D-line could use some talent. Verse is a powerful and pro-ready EDGE rusher who can learn from the accomplished veteran.
EDGE | FLORIDA ST. | 6'4 | 260
15
Keon Coleman
The Colts will look to surround Anthony Richardson with as much talent as possible--maximizing his development and rookie window. By adding Coleman, Indianapolis will be building a team full of mismatches. The aligned skillset of Richardson and Coleman will be very fun to watch.
WR | FLORIDA ST. | 6'4 | 214
16
Jackson Powers-Johnson
Seattle has good young building blocks at the OT position, but their interior line completely lacks it. Mike McDonald witnessed the first-hand impact of Tyler Linderbaum in Baltimore and will look to replicate that with the best IOL in this year's draft.
OC | OREGON | 6'3 | 320
17
Quinyon Mitchell
Trent Baalke loves athleticism, length, and upside on the defensive side of the ball. Mitchell's performance at the Senior Bowl likely solidified him as a first-round pick in April. He can instantly provide talent to this weak underperforming secondary.
CB | TOLEDO | 6'0 | 196
18
JC Latham
The Bengals finally do it. No veteran free-agents, no bargain contracts, just a young and talented offensive tackle who can truly keep Joe Burrow healthy. Latham has the size and skill to be a very good player in this league.
OT | ALABAMA | 6'6 | 360
19
Cooper DeJean
The Rams just infused their D-line with great talent in the 2023 draft. Now, they do the same to the back-end of the defense. DeJean is a versatile, skilled, and competitive DB who can be used all over the place and transform this unit.
CB | IOWA | 6'1 | 207
20
Taliese Fuaga
The Steelers finally invested in their O-line last year with the selection of Broderick Jones. They go down the same avenue once again, turning their weakness into a strength. Fuaga is an elite run-blocker with the tape and traits to become a very good pass-protector.
OT | OREGON ST. | 6'6 | 334
21
Laiatu Latu
The Dolphins got screwed last year with injuries to their best pass-rushers. They need to add more talent upfront if they want to compete in the playoffs. Latu & Jaelan Phillips would be a nightmare duo for opposing offences.
EDGE | UCLA | 6'5 | 265
22
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
The Eagles secondary is no longer a strength. They need young talent. Rakestraw is a well-rounded CB who can go toe-to-toe in coverage and make a felt impact in run support. He's got the demeanour and ability to play in the Philadelphia environment.
CB | MISSOURI | 6'0 | 188
23
Brian Thomas Jr.
The Texans don't have too many glaring holes and also possess a ton of cap space to address any. This can be a luxury pick for them. Why not surround Stroud with even more talent--perhaps a 6'4 WR with all the tools in the book?
WR | LSU | 6'4 | 205
24
Tyler Guyton
With Tyron Smith's future in question, it's time for the Cowboys to maintain their dominant O-line identity. Guyton has some developing to do, but his upside is undeniable. Dallas has a great track record with players like this.
OT | OKLAHOMA | 6'7 | 327
25
Amarius Mims
The Packers have a huge hole at both OT spots. For Lafleur's impressive system to keep moving, they're going to need to address this. Mims has a lot of likeable traits and can become Jordan Love's protector for a long time.
OT | GEORGIA | 6'6 | 340
26
Chop Robinson
What was once a dominant unit is now slowly deteriorating. Chop Robinson is a maniacal/high-motor EDGE rusher who will fit Todd Bowles' trigger-happy defense and continue the Buccaneer's up-front success.
EDGE | PENN STATE | 6'3 | 250
27
Byron Murphy II
After going offense at pick 4, Jonathan Gannon finally gets his young defensive talent. Murphy instantly plugs a big hole in the interior of Arizona, and gives them a building block up-front.
DL | TEXAS | 6'1 | 308
28
Troy Franklin
Whether Diggs is in Buffalo or not, the Bills need to add another WR to get over the hump. Franklin has the length and speed to be a go-to big play target for Josh Allen.
WR | OREGON | 6'3 | 187
29
Jer'Zhan Newton
Although Hutchinson has been great for the Lions, they still need help on the interior. Newton, a talented, high-effort DT, will fit right into the culture and plug a big hole in the middle. Great value at the end of round 1.
DL | ILLINOIS | 6'2 | 295
30
Darius Robinson
Baltimore is known for this kind of pick. Robinson is a high-upside EDGE rusher with amazing versatility. His landing spot with the Ravens could be the outcome he needs to turn this potential into production.
EDGE | MISSOURI | 6'5 | 296
31
Graham Barton
After some offensive line struggles in the Super Bowl, the 49ers desperately need some versatile and trustworthy talent on the interior. Barton fits this description. He can play tackle or guard and will fit perfectly into this offense.
OL | DUKE | 6'5 | 314 |
32
Ladd McConkey
Although they got the job done, the Chiefs were clearly lacking a go-to WR1. McConkey is arguably the best route-runner in the class and would simply be unfair with Mahomes. He is the perfect compliment to Rashee Rice.