# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Caleb Williams | QB | ||||
This hasn't changed since last August and I never understood why any other player was in the QB1 conversation these last 4-5 months. Williams is a special talent, and the Bears have done a good job of putting pieces in place to support him. |
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2 | Jayden Daniels | QB | ||||
No player improved more over the last 12 months than Jayden Daniels. He has a big arm, throws with touch to all three levels and has the athleticism to rip off 50-yard runs and make it look easy. |
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3 | Drake Maye | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: NE This isn't breaking news but the Vikings have to get a QB in this class and I've heard that they prefer Maye at this spot. The problem: it's going to be costly to get up to No. 3 but if Maye is your guy, it's an easy decision. |
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4 | J.J. McCarthy | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: ARI Like the Vikings, the Broncos need a QB, especially in that division, and especially if they can beat their AFC West rivals to the punch. |
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5 | Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | ||||
Mock Trade from: LAC The Cardinals aren't afraid to move down -- and then back up -- the draft board (see last year) and if they can move down from No. 4, and then get back to No. 5 and still land Marvin Harrison Jr. feels like best-case scenario. (For our purposes here, Arizona moved down from No. 4 to No. 12, then traded back up to No. 5 to get Harrison Jr.) |
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6 | Malik Nabers | WR | ||||
The Giants will try to get Drake Maye and if they can't pull off that trade-up, they have to get Daniel Jones some help. |
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7 | Joe Alt | OT | ||||
I desperately wanted to give the Titans a wide receiver here, and new coach Brian Callahan might be leaning in that direction, but instead they get the most NFL-ready left tackle in this class. |
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8 | Jared Verse | EDGE | ||||
It'll be interesting to see which edge rusher goes off the board first but Jared Verse can take over games and in Atlanta he fills a huge need |
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9 | Olumuyiwa Fashanu | OT | ||||
Mock Trade from: CHI Saints GM Mickey Loomis ain't afraid to trade up and given their needs at the tackle position (potentially both left and right), this would be the least surprising development of Thursday night. |
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10 | Taliese Fuaga | OT | ||||
Even with Rome Odunze still on the board, GM Joe Douglas gets the offensive lineman he was reportedly enamored with going back to the Senior Bowl. |
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11 | Rome Odunze | WR | ||||
Mock Trade from: MIN The Patriots trade down and and find Rome Odunze sitting in their laps. He's a top-8 talent all day long, but because of all the trade-ups for QBs and OTs, Odunze lasts until pick 11. |
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12 | JC Latham | OT | ||||
Mock Trade from: DEN Latham's NFL future may eventually be at guard but he'll get every chance to win the RT job where he was dominant for Alabama the last two seasons. |
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13 | Quinyon Mitchell | CB | ||||
Vegas needs a QB but if they don't trade up, they'll target the bet OT or CB. In Mitchell, they land the best cornerback in this class. |
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14 | Byron Murphy II | DL | ||||
Mock Trade from: NO The Bears could take an edge rusher here and it would make all the sense in the world, or they could take the best defensive player in this class in Byron Murphy II. |
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15 | Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | ||||
The Colts could be in the market to trade up for a WR but instead stay put and land one of the best deep threats in this class. |
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16 | Michael Penix Jr. | QB | ||||
This feels out of left field, but there are the obvious connections too; Ryan Grubb, the Seahawks new offensive coordinator, was Penix's OC and QB coach for the Huskies. Geno Smith, meanwhile, will be 34 in October and his contract expires after the 2025 season. |
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17 | Dallas Turner | EDGE | ||||
Turner could be off the board 8 or 9 picks earlier but somehow lasts until the middle of Round 1. He'll be EDGE1 on a lot of teams' boards. |
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18 | Terrion Arnold | CB | ||||
Mock Trade from: CIN The Eagles need to solidify the secondary and they're trading up here to do it. |
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19 | Laiatu Latu | EDGE | ||||
The Rams could target defensive line here but if they've cleared Latu medically, he would make a lot of sense. |
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20 | Troy Fautanu | IOL | ||||
The Steelers could go in any number of directions here, from WR to CB to interior offensive line, but they target the tackle position with Fautanu, who has the flexibility to play all five positions. |
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21 | Graham Barton | IOL | ||||
Barton played left tackle at Duke but his NFL future will be inside at either guard or center. |
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22 | Amarius Mims | OT | ||||
Mock Trade from: PHI Brock Bowers is still out there but the Bengals consider the offensive line a bigger need here. |
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23 | Tyler Guyton | OT | ||||
Mock Trade from: MIN Guyton played right tackle at Oklahoma but some teams think he has the ability to move to the left side, which is a huge need for the Patriots. |
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24 | Jordan Morgan | OT | ||||
Morgan played left tackle at Arizona and he may kick inside at the next level; wherever he ends up, he'll play alongside Tyler Smith. |
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25 | Cooper DeJean | CB | ||||
The Packers could go offensive or defensive line, but instead add depth to the secondary. I like DeJean as an outside CB but some teams think he'll be best suited at nickel or safety. |
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26 | Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | ||||
The Bucs could love an interior offensive lineman here but they also need to improve the secondary and McKinstry could be a target here. |
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27 | Johnny Newton | DL | ||||
Mock Trade from: ARI The Texans traded this pick to the Cardinals a year ago as part of the Will Anderson deal and now they're trading back into Round 1 to get a much-needed defensive tackle. |
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28 | Adonai Mitchell | WR | ||||
Xavier Worthy was a consideration here but the Bills have Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir; Mitchell is a big, fast, physical target who can win on short, intermediate and deep routes. |
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29 | Darius Robinson | EDGE | ||||
Robinson can plays on the edge or inside and he'll make it tougher for opponents to double-team Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit. |
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30 | Nate Wiggins | CB | ||||
Wiggins only weighed 173 at the combine but he's the best cover corner in this class -- and plays with the type of confidence you typically see in a Ravens defense. |
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31 | Brock Bowers | TE | ||||
Mock Trade from: SF Maybe Bowers goes to the Jets, or even the Bengals -- but both teams could also target an offensive linemen. And if the Panthers are able to trade up a few spots to get him here, that almost feels like stealing. |
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32 | Xavier Worthy | WR | ||||
I know, the Chiefs have Hollywood Brown and Kadarius Toney on the roster too, but Worthy's 4.21 is hard to ignore. It's also hard to ignore his weight, 165 pounds at the combine, but he lined up in the slot and outside for the Longhorns and it's hard to imagine how the rest of the league will defend this Chiefs offense with someone like Worthy on the field. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Caleb Williams | QB | ||||
The Commanders aren't even meeting with Williams before the draft. He's going to be a Chicago Bear soon enough. And it's the correct decision. |
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2 | Jayden Daniels | QB | ||||
For as much as I do think Drake Maye is in consideration here, the Commanders will ultimately decide on Daniels at No. 2. |
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3 | Drake Maye | QB | ||||
Maye has enough upside for the Patriots to pick him here in hopes of a big leap in 2025. |
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4 | Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | ||||
When all is said and done, after all the draft-board maneuvering Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort did last year, I think he'll just stay put and pick Marvin Harrison Jr. |
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5 | JC Latham | OT | ||||
After all the talk of a trade down, the Chargers ultimately stand pat and pick a powerful right tackle from Alabama, who's a plug-and-play type. Jim Harbaugh -- and Justin Herbert -- rejoice. |
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6 | Rome Odunze | WR | ||||
With Daniel Jones still making a pretty penny in New York, the Giants pass on the top quarterbacks in this class completely and are perfectly content landing Rome to play in the Big Apple. |
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7 | J.J. McCarthy | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: TEN The Vikings would've loved Drake Maye but are happy with McCarthy here, especially considering they don't have to move mountains to get him. |
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8 | Malik Nabers | WR | ||||
Mock Trade from: ATL The Colts see Nabers slipping and make a move to get Anthony Richardson an electric weapon on the outside. |
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9 | Byron Murphy II | DL | ||||
Without any of the "Big 3" receivers available, the Bears go with the first defensive prospect, a serious upfield rusher, on the interior. Murphy has dynamic athleticism and refined skill. |
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10 | Brock Bowers | TE | ||||
The Jets are as all in as one franchise can get, and Bowers should provide an instant spark in the middle of the field for Gang Green's passing offense. |
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11 | Joe Alt | OT | ||||
Mock Trade from: MIN How about this slide down by GM Ran Carthon? Still gets Alt! In this move, Tennessee sends No. 7 and No. 38 to Minnesota for No. 11, No. 23 and No. 108. |
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12 | Terrion Arnold | CB | ||||
Mock Trade from: DEN The Eagles desperately need youthful stability in the cornerback room, which is why they get aggressive to land the squeaky clean Arnold. |
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13 | Taliese Fuaga | OT | ||||
Fuaga is an instant starter with All-Pro upside at right tackle because of his width, power, and pass-pro ability. |
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14 | Olumuyiwa Fashanu | OT | ||||
Fashanu is a young, highly productive left tackle with elite traits and balance in pass pro. Nice find here at No. 14 for the Saints. |
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15 | Dallas Turner | EDGE | ||||
Mock Trade from: IND Another team that trades down and still gets the edge rusher they probably wanted inside the Top 10. Perfect prospect-team pairing here. This move includes the Falcons obtaining No. 46 and No. 117 from Indianapolis. |
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16 | Cooper DeJean | CB | ||||
Mock Trade from: SEA Seahawks GM John Schneider and Packers GM Brian Gutekunst worked together in Kansas City in the 1990s and for years in Green Bay before ascending to their current roles, a history which helps this trade go down. Green Bay gets a versatile weapon in the secondary in DeJean. |
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17 | Quinyon Mitchell | CB | ||||
Mitchell has the size, speed and collegiate production to be an instant impact type on the perimeter in Jacksonville. |
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18 | Jared Verse | EDGE | ||||
The Bengals go edge rusher given the uncertainty of Trey Hendrickson's future. Yes, they have Myles Murphy waiting in the wings but keeping the edge-rusher room filled is always smart. |
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19 | Xavier Worthy | WR | ||||
Mock Trade from: LAR Ran strikes again. After trading back from No. 7 to No. 11, he uses the picks added in that trade -- No. 23 and No. 108 -- to give Will Levis another weapon in the record-setting Worthy. |
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20 | Amarius Mims | OT | ||||
The Steelers recreate the Georgia offensive-tackle tandem of a few years ago with Broderick Jones and now the even larger, Mims. |
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21 | Laiatu Latu | EDGE | ||||
Mock Trade from: MIA The Dolphins are fine moving back here, while the Cardinals, loaded with early draft capital pounce on the possibility of adding the polished Latu to the defense. |
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22 | Bo Nix | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: PHI The Broncos work some magic -- trade back, get a second-round pick (No. 50) and a fifth-round selection (No. 161) from Philly, and still get their quarterback in the first round. Bravo. |
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23 | Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | ||||
Mock Trade from: MIN This pick changed hands about five times before the Rams actually made a selection with it, and how about another fun weapon for Matthew Stafford in this offense?! |
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24 | Graham Barton | IOL | ||||
The Cowboys begin to rebuild the offensive line with Barton, who can play left guard next to Tyler Smith who's likely going to move to left tackle in 2024. |
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25 | Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | ||||
Mock Trade from: GB The Seahawks slide back, earn a third-round pick (No. 91) and a 2025 third-round pick, and get a high-floor cornerback to pair with Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen. |
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26 | Troy Fautanu | IOL | ||||
The Buccaneers could just an infusion of young talent with positional flexibility up front, and that's precisely what Fautanu would provide. |
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27 | Tyler Guyton | OT | ||||
Mock Trade from: ARI The Dolphins have seen the athletic Austin Jackson blossom under Mike McDaniel and view Guyton in a similar light, a big, long, physical specimen who needs proper coaching to reach his monstrous potential. GM Chris Grier secures a third-round pick (No. 90) from Arizona along with the rights to this pick. Solid. |
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28 | Ladd McConkey | WR | ||||
The Bills stay and get a well-rounded receiver to align anywhere in the formation for Josh Allen. |
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29 | Chop Robinson | EDGE | ||||
The Lions would feel with D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill inside and Aidan Hutchinson opposite him, Robinson would see plenty of one-on-one matchups on the edge, where his speed, bend, and burst would really shine. |
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30 | Marshawn Kneeland | DL | ||||
Late Round 1 surprise with Kneeland, a long, athletic specimen with plenty of untapped potential. Baltimore needs more pass-rush juice on the perimeter of its defensive line. |
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31 | Xavier Legette | WR | ||||
Another big, physical YAC type from South Carolina for Kyle Shanahan to deploy all over the field. |
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32 | Adonai Mitchell | WR | ||||
Mock Trade from: KC The Chiefs love the depth at offensive tackle and receiver in this class and obtain No. 34 and a fifth-round pick (No. 137) in this move back. The Patriots leapfrog the Panthers at No. 33 to gain the smooth Mitchell. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Caleb Williams | QB | ||||
There is no drama expected at No. 1 overall. The only question is whether or not Chicago will use their full allotment of time to reveal the inevitable. |
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2 | Drake Maye | QB | ||||
Drake Maye is more highly rated for me personally but there is a palpable buzz linking Washington and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels. Is it a smokescreen or where the wind is genuinely blowing right now? The next week will provide more clarity. |
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3 | Jayden Daniels | QB | ||||
New England is faced with a choice between LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels and another Michigan quarterback. There have been rumors about the franchise's interest in Daniels dating to Bill Belichick's time. |
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4 | Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | ||||
Who will be the first wide receiver off the board? There is a case for any one of the three most commonly mentioned in my opinion. Arizona has traditionally favored bigger-bodied wide receivers like Larry Fitzgerald and A.J. Green. |
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5 | J.J. McCarthy | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: LAC Minnesota makes a move up the board to add their quarterback of the future. J.J. McCarthy is an accurate passer who will play on time just as Kevin O'Connell desires. |
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6 | Malik Nabers | WR | ||||
New York gets a No. 1 wide receiver to pair with Wan'Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt. Malik Nabers could be the first wide receiver off the board, the second or the third. It really depends on which teams are there to pick those players and what they want out of the position. |
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7 | Joe Alt | OT | ||||
Joe Alt to Tennessee has felt as much of a lock as Caleb Williams to Chicago. The Titans will have added offensive linemen in the first round in consecutive years, which will go a long way toward protecting Will Levis and his interests. |
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8 | Dallas Turner | EDGE | ||||
If Atlanta stays put at No. 8 overall, then Dallas Turner feels like a slam-dunk choice. One situation to monitor: if the Cardinals or Chargers trade back, do not be surprised if either moves back up ahead of Chicago in the event one of those top receivers is still available. |
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9 | Rome Odunze | WR | ||||
Rome Odunze is the third wide receiver off the board and another example of Chicago supporting its young quarterback. Few rookies have walked into a better situation than the one in Chicago where Williams will be throwing to D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet and now Odunze. |
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10 | Brock Bowers | TE | ||||
New York will be faced with a decision to go all in to potentially win a championship now or plan for the future. Selecting an offensive tackle would be a nod to the future while the selection of Brock Bowers is a win-now move. |
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11 | JC Latham | OT | ||||
Mock Trade from: MIN Jim Harbaugh is familiar with JC Latham going back to his high school recruitment. The Chargers need a right tackle and Latham will be able to solidify that role blocking for Justin Herbert. |
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12 | Quinyon Mitchell | CB | ||||
The Broncos would likely try to trade back if they found themselves in this position. Perhaps a team would be looking to come up for an offensive tackle. As it stands, they stand pat and draft Quinyon Mitchell to play opposite Patrick Surtain II. Good luck throwing against the Broncos. |
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13 | Taliese Fuaga | OT | ||||
Las Vegas' offense is a tower of cards. The unit depends a lot on Davante Adams and the offensive line, outside of Kolton Miller, is not much to write home about. The Raiders look to start changing the narrative tabbing Taliese Fuaga as their new starting right tackle. |
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14 | Olumuyiwa Fashanu | OT | ||||
The offensive tackle position has quickly become New Orleans' biggest need. Trevor Penning has not yet lived up to expectations and the structural stability of Ryan Ramczyk's knee has been called into question. Olu Fashanu is a plug-and-play starter. |
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15 | Cooper DeJean | CB | ||||
Cooper DeJean over Terrion Arnold may surprise some but Indianapolis values athleticism and DeJean showed more of it at his pro day. Cornerback is a big need for the franchise as evidenced by their involvement in trade discussions for L'Jarius Sneed. They discuss it here in the first round. |
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16 | Troy Fautanu | IOL | ||||
Troy Fautanu to Seattle is one of my favorite potential fits of the first round. He would reunite with his offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from Washington while serving as an immediate upgrade at offensive guard and also serving as insurance at offensive tackle in the event that both starting offensive tackles get injured again. |
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17 | Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | ||||
Jacksonville can find a few cornerbacks to throw into the equation later in the draft but Brian Thomas Jr. gives the Jaguars that X potential that they will now be missing with the departure of Calvin Ridley. |
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18 | Byron Murphy II | DL | ||||
I like the idea of throwing Byron Murphy II into the fold with B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins. It gives the Super Bowl contender depth and a future at the position. Los Angeles would love to have Murphy one pick later. |
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19 | Laiatu Latu | EDGE | ||||
Defense makes a lot of sense for Los Angeles in Round 1. After missing out on Byron Murphy, they take Laiatu Latu, who is the draft's most pure pass rusher, to play opposite Byron Young. |
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20 | Jackson Powers-Johnson | IOL | ||||
There has been a lot of buzz linking the Steelers to Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson. The franchise has made attempts to address the position in recent free agent classes but those have not worked out. The Steelers add an immediate starter with their first pick. |
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21 | Graham Barton | IOL | ||||
Graham Barton has positional flexibility. The franchise signed Aaron Brewer in free agency so Barton can slot in at guard to replace Robert Hunt, who signed a lucrative free agent contract with Carolina. |
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22 | Jared Verse | EDGE | ||||
Philadelphia always values the offensive and defensive lines in the first round. The Eagles are often a franchise positioned to take value when it is presented to them and that is exactly what Jared Verse represents at this stage of the first round. |
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23 | Terrion Arnold | CB | ||||
Mock Trade from: MIN Los Angeles picked up an additional first-round pick by trading back with Minnesota. After taking JC Latham earlier in the round, the Chargers address another massive need with the selection of Terrion Arnold. |
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24 | Amarius Mims | OT | ||||
Luck falls in favor of Dallas, which needed a left tackle to replace the absent Tyron Smith. Tyler Smith remains at guard with the selection of Mims, who played right tackle but has the athleticism to make the transition to the left side. |
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25 | Nate Wiggins | CB | ||||
Rasul Douglas was shipped to Buffalo at the trade deadline. Carrington Valentine was up and down. Jaire Alexander elected himself a captain one game. Green Bay may be facing more changes at the position and the addition of Nate Wiggins brings some stability. |
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26 | Chop Robinson | EDGE | ||||
Shaq Barrett departed in free agency for Miami. Tampa Bay needs more juice off the edge and that is exactly what Chop Robinson brings at the end of the first round. There is still some development that must take place for him to reach his potential but there may not be a better athlete at the position. |
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27 | Johnny Newton | DL | ||||
The Cardinals add a high-motor interior rusher as they reset the course of the franchise. Jonathan Gannon has an opportunity to give the entire unit a makeover with six selections in the top 100. |
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28 | Adonai Mitchell | WR | ||||
Wide receiver became a massive need for the Bills when they traded away Stefon Diggs. Fans should not expect Adonai Mitchell to be a 1-to-1 replacement but he has potential to be an impact X receiver down the line. |
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29 | Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | ||||
A year after taking Alabama defensive back Brian Branch in the second round, Detroit now takes his former teammate in the first round. Kool-Aid McKinstry was at one time viewed as a top-10 selection and that potential is still inside of him. |
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30 | Tyler Guyton | OT | ||||
After trading Morgan Moses to the Jets, Baltimore had a void at right tackle. The selection of Tyler Guyton is a reinvestment in the position. Ronnie Stanley has been unable to stay healthy on the left side so the Ravens really do need to achieve some stability in those roles. |
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31 | Jordan Morgan | OT | ||||
San Francisco has one former first-round selection on its offensive line (Trent Williams) and he could retire at any time. The 49ers reinvest in the position with the selection of Jordan Morgan, who will be given a look at guard or right tackle. |
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32 | Kingsley Suamataia | OT | ||||
San Francisco has one former first-round selection on its offensive line (Trent Williams) and he could retire at any time. The 49ers reinvest in the position with the selection of Jordan Morgan, who will be given a look at guard or right tackle. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Caleb Williams | QB | ||||
There's no secret to what this pick will be, no matter how hard anybody attempts to convince you there is. Caleb Williams has been destined to be a Chicago Bear for months now. |
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2 | Jayden Daniels | QB | ||||
It's possible the Commanders could go with Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy or shock the world and take Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix. However, I'm confident it'll be a quarterback here, and putting together all the context clues suggests the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is the most likely selection. |
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3 | Drake Maye | QB | ||||
Drake Maye remains the No. 2 QB on my board, and while I've tinkered with the idea of the Patriots going different directions here in prior mocks, quarterback makes the most sense to me. Maye has plenty of kinks to work through (every rookie QB does), but his upside is sky-high. |
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4 | Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | ||||
Should things break this way, I can see the Cardinals being convinced to trade down by a team with a burning desire for a quarterback, but Arizona already has plenty of draft capital in 2024. Is there truly a desire to move down? Particularly when they'd choose the top player on their board? Marvin Harrison Jr. could be a Hall of Fame player. |
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5 | J.J. McCarthy | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: LAC I'm hardly the first person to connect the dots of what the Vikings hope to do with their two first-round picks. Minnesota moves up to grab the quarterback it wants and the one who fits best what Kevin O'Connell asks his QB to do. |
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6 | Malik Nabers | WR | ||||
There's been some recent scuttlebutt the Giants are open to moving up and taking a quarterback, even with Daniel Jones still on the roster. I can't rule it out, but they don't have two firsts to offer like the Vikings do. So, with all the top QBs off the board, the Giants have to settle for a possible game-changing receiver in Malik Nabers! |
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7 | Joe Alt | OT | ||||
If Joe Alt is on the board at No. 7 we could see the Titans racing to get the pick in. Alt is the best of the bunch in a draft class that is heavy on offensive tackles and provides Tennessee with a franchise cornerstone player. |
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8 | Dallas Turner | EDGE | ||||
I'm interested in seeing what happens here. Even if there are four quarterbacks taken by the time Atlanta is on the clock, I can see teams looking to move up to get a tackle or receiver. The problem is I don't have an obvious deal to mock given what I have with the first seven picks, so the Falcons stand pat and address a need on defense. |
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9 | Rome Odunze | WR | ||||
The Bears have added Keenan Allen already this offseason to pair with D.J. Moore, but as talented as Allen is, he hasn't played a full season since 2019, nor is he a long-term answer. So the Bears take Odunze to give Caleb Williams another weapon. I could also see the Bears going tackle here. |
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10 | Brock Bowers | TE | ||||
Bowers is a tough evaluation for me. Historically, tight ends taken in the first round haven't had a high hit rate. I certainly understand the appeal of Bowers, however, as he brings a lot to a team's passing attack as a big-bodied target with after-the-catch ability. |
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11 | JC Latham | OT | ||||
Mock Trade from: MIN I'm high on Latham and believe he can stick at left tackle in the NFL, but some evaluators believe he's better suited at right tackle. That's fine with the Chargers, who will happily put him on the right side since they have Rashawn Slater on the left. |
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12 | Troy Fautanu | IOL | ||||
Mock Trade from: DEN Washington has plenty of draft capital and a rookie quarterback to protect in Jayden Daniels. The Broncos don't have many picks and have been connected routinely to Bo Nix. So the Broncos move down to the early second, where taking Nix makes more sense, and the Commanders move up to get a left tackle. |
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13 | Terrion Arnold | CB | ||||
I had a conversation this week with somebody much smarter than I am and whose opinion I respect. They told me that if Terrion Arnold is on the board when the Raiders are up, they'd be shocked if he wasn't the pick. So, I'm taking their word for it! It would make plenty of sense. |
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14 | Olumuyiwa Fashanu | OT | ||||
The Saints need to upgrade at left tackle, and while Fashanu's stock has taken some hits in recent months, I still believe he's a premier pass-blocking left tackle. You bank on that and hope you can round out his ability in the run game. |
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15 | Quinyon Mitchell | CB | ||||
I mentioned in my last mock that I worry about taking a corner from the MAC, given the lack of success stories, but I can see Mitchell being the first. He's big, long, athletic and plays like the offense stole the football from him, and he will do anything to get it back. |
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16 | Jared Verse | EDGE | ||||
I can see Seattle going in multiple directions here, and it's hard to know what the new regime in charge will target with its first pick. All that said, when I watch Jared Verse play, it's like he's already in a Seahawks uniform. He's the kind of well-rounded edge-setter who has flourished in Seattle over the years. |
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17 | Nate Wiggins | CB | ||||
I've been higher on Wiggins than most throughout the entire draft process, and I believe he'd be a good fit in Jacksonville, where the Jaguars can use an upgrade at corner. |
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18 | Byron Murphy II | DL | ||||
The Bengals need help on the interior of their defensive line, and while it may not be their biggest need, having their choice of the top interior lineman here has them pulling the trigger on it. I've mocked Murphy here, but it could also be Illinois' Johnny Newton. |
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19 | Laiatu Latu | EDGE | ||||
The Rams make their first first-round draft pick since taking Jared Goff in 2016, and use it on UCLA edge rusher Laitu Latu. There were medical concerns about Latu early in the draft process, but those have quieted down since. Plenty of teams consider Latu the top edge player in the class. Perhaps the Rams are one of them. |
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20 | Taliese Fuaga | OT | ||||
The Steelers look like a team ready to Establish The Run in 2024, so they add the best run-blocking tackle in the class to their offensive line. I love watching Taliese Fuaga's tape. He emasculates opponents regularly. |
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21 | Amarius Mims | OT | ||||
The Dolphins have plenty of needs to address, and this is something of a Best Player Available at one of those needs picks. Mims offers a lot for any team to dream on. The concern is the overall lack of reps during his time at Georgia, but he's a massive human being with incredible athleticism, not just for his size but for anybody. |
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22 | Cooper DeJean | CB | ||||
DeJean's entire draft process has been stunted by the broken leg he suffered late in the season, but he's a first-round talent. He's only taken four Top 30 visits, and one of those was to Philadelphia, which has a big need at corner. |
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23 | Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | ||||
Mock Trade from: HOU There have been plenty of mock drafts with the Chargers taking LSU's Malik Nabers at No. 5, but after trading down with the Vikings, they end up with a new right tackle and Nabers' teammate at LSU. Nabers garnered more of the spotlight, which helped Thomas thrive, but he's a big-play threat from Day 1 with the ability to develop into a true No. 1 WR. |
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24 | Tyler Guyton | OT | ||||
Given their needs, cap situation, and lack of picks, I wonder if the Cowboys would like to trade down. For this mock, I have them addressing their biggest need with a player they met at the combine and watched at his pro day. |
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25 | Jordan Morgan | OT | ||||
The Packers haven't drafted an offensive lineman in the first round in a while, but it would make sense to do so this season. I really like Jordan Morgan, whom some believe is destined to move to guard, but I believe he has a chance to be an above-average NFL tackle. |
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26 | Chop Robinson | EDGE | ||||
I've mentioned before I'm not overly high on the edge rusher class, and I have Chop Robinson as having the highest upside when it comes to getting after the quarterback. The Bucs grab his ability to do so while hoping Robinson can develop into more of a three-down player. |
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27 | Mike Sainristil | CB | ||||
Another player I've been higher on throughout the process than others, as I mocked him to the Lions a few mocks ago. Sainristil will likely be a nickel corner at the next level, but have you seen the guys nickels are asked to cover? Sainristil can do so and has a knack for making big plays. |
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28 | Johnny Newton | DL | ||||
It's expected the Bills will address their receiver need in the draft, but given what's left on the board and the depth of talent at receiver in this class, Buffalo would be better served addressing another need at this spot. Newton is a disruptive force on the interior. |
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29 | Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | ||||
The Jones fracture McKinstry suffered in his foot has left a cloud over his draft stock, but he's a talented player at a position of need for the Lions, and he has that tough-guy mentality you know this front office covets. |
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30 | Graham Barton | IOL | ||||
Nearly everybody you talk to believes Graham Barton is a good player; they just can't reach a consensus on where he'll be a good player. But that's kind of the selling point. Barton can play across the entire offensive line, and the Ravens could find a home for him at guard or right tackle. |
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31 | Bo Nix | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: SF And the Broncos are back in the first round! After trading down from 12, Denver moves back into the end of the first round to get Nix and get the fifth-year option on him. |
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32 | Adonai Mitchell | WR | ||||
It made plenty of sense for the Chiefs to go after receiver in the draft, and the uncertainty around Rashee Rice only makes it a more significant need. Mitchell is not a complete player yet, but he's big, talented, and as sure-handed as it gets. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Caleb Williams | QB | ||||
In just under two weeks, Caleb Williams will join the Bears as the No. 1 pick. |
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2 | Jayden Daniels | QB | ||||
The Commanders are meeting with Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy and Drake Maye next week, but it seems like the Heisman Trophy winner will be the pick here. |
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3 | Drake Maye | QB | ||||
A trade down wouldn't be shocking considering the other needs the Patriots have, but by far the biggest priority is locking down a franchise QB. They draft Drake Maye believing he can be that guy. |
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4 | Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | ||||
If the Cardinals move down, they miss out on Marvin Harrison Jr. They opt to stay and take one of the best WR prospects in recent memory. |
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5 | J.J. McCarthy | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: LAC "There are multiple [quarterbacks] that we are in love with just on an outright basis," Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said this week. Based on everything that has transpired during the pre-draft process, I have to believe J.J. McCarthy is one of them. |
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6 | Malik Nabers | WR | ||||
The Giants miss out on a QB, but they get Daniel Jones a bona fide No. 1 WR for the first time in his career. |
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7 | Joe Alt | OT | ||||
I don't think I've changed this pairing during mock draft season, and I'm not going to start now. |
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8 | Dallas Turner | EDGE | ||||
I so badly wanted to give the Falcons Rome Odunze, but new head coach Raheem Morris is a defensive guy, Atlanta badly needs an edge rusher and Dallas Turner has all the tools to consistently disrupt QBs from Day 1. |
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9 | Rome Odunze | WR | ||||
Unable to find a trade partner to move back, the Bears give Caleb Williams a big-time weapon in Rome Odunze. The No. 1 pick would be set up very nicely in Chicago. |
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10 | Taliese Fuaga | OT | ||||
Drafting Brock Bowers was tempting here, but beefing up the offensive line in front of Aaron Rodgers was more important. Drafting Taliese Fuaga will ensure New York puts out the best five players to protect the future Hall of Fame QB. |
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11 | JC Latham | OT | ||||
Mock Trade from: MIN Jim Harbaugh wants to build through the trenches, and JC Latham would be an immediate upgrade over current right tackle Trey Pipkins. |
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12 | Brock Bowers | TE | ||||
The Broncos add a top-10 talent to a tight end room that didn't do much of anything last season. |
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13 | Quinyon Mitchell | CB | ||||
Instead of selecting the fifth quarterback off the board or reinforcing the offensive line, the Raiders opt to select Quinyon Mitchell to play opposite Jack Jones. |
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14 | Olumuyiwa Fashanu | OT | ||||
Already an elite pass blocker, Olu Fashanu will be able to keep Derek Carr upright from the moment he arrives in New Orleans. |
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15 | Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | ||||
It was between Brian Thomas Jr. and Terrion Arnold. Ultimately, getting Anthony Richardson a big, explosive, speedy wideout was too good to pass up. |
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16 | Troy Fautanu | IOL | ||||
The Seahawks lost guard Damien Lewis and center Evan Brown in free agency, and they haven't re-signed their other guard from last season in Phil Haynes. That tells me they're locking in on offensive line in Round 1, and Troy Fautanu is a worthy choice. He played left tackle at Washington but will probably be best suited inside in the NFL. |
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17 | Terrion Arnold | CB | ||||
The Jaguars signed veteran Ronald Darby after releasing Darious Williams, but they need more firepower at the position. Terrion Arnold has the production, physicality and mindset to challenge receivers in the AFC South and across the league. |
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18 | Amarius Mims | OT | ||||
The Bengals need to protect Joe Burrow at all costs, and Amarius Mims can slide in at right tackle while Trent Brown mans the left side. |
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19 | Laiatu Latu | EDGE | ||||
Laiatu Latu gets to stay in California, and the Rams get a technician at the pass rusher position |
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20 | Graham Barton | IOL | ||||
The Steelers get their replacement for Mason Cole at center. |
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21 | Jared Verse | EDGE | ||||
Despite already having Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips -- albeit coming off major injuries -- the Dolphins continue stocking the defensive line with Jared Verse, who is too talented to pass up here. |
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22 | Cooper DeJean | CB | ||||
The Eagles cornerbacks aren't getting any younger, and Cooper DeJean can do a bit of everything in the secondary (in addition to being a dangerous punt returner). |
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23 | Byron Murphy II | DL | ||||
Mock Trade from: HOU First Jim Harbaugh goes offensive line, and then he goes defensive line. Byron Murphy II should be gone before this point, so the Chargers get a steal. |
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24 | Tyler Guyton | OT | ||||
The Cowboys need a Tyron Smith replacement. Tyler Smith can move over to the left side while another Tyler (Guyton, out of Oklahoma) slots in at right tackle. |
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25 | Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | ||||
The Packers have used 12 of their past 13 first-round picks on the defensive side of the ball -- with the lone offensive player being Jordan Love -- and I expect that to continue this year. Kool-Aid McKinstry brings length and high-football IQ to the secondary. |
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26 | Chop Robinson | EDGE | ||||
The explosive Chop Robinson replaces Shaq Barrett in Tampa Bay. |
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27 | Darius Robinson | EDGE | ||||
The Cardinals improve their edge-rushing presence by bringing on Darius Robinson, who can help on the interior as well. |
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28 | Adonai Mitchell | WR | ||||
Good value here for the Bills, who get the No. 4 WR off the board without having to trade up. |
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29 | Ennis Rakestraw Jr. | CB | ||||
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. just feels like a Dan Campbell guy. His energy and physicality will be welcomed in the Lions secondary. |
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30 | Jordan Morgan | OT | ||||
The Ravens draft the best available offensive lineman to make sure they have the best protection possible for Lamar Jackson. |
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31 | Ladd McConkey | WR | ||||
The 49ers WR corps for 2024 appear set (we'll see what happens with Brandon Aiyuk), but adding Ladd McConkey would give Brock Purdy an inside-out weapon who just knows how to get open. And in Kyle Shanahan's offense, McConkey would shine. |
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32 | Nate Wiggins | CB | ||||
Absolute steal for the Chiefs, who get a player who should probably go top 20 at the end of Round 1. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Caleb Williams | QB | ||||
They have been locked in on him from the start. Will he end up being their first true franchise passer since Sid Luckman? It's been a long time, Chicago. |
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2 | Jayden Daniels | QB | ||||
They have a great opportunity to land their quarterback, no matter which one they take. But I think the right one is Daniels and the word is they agree. He will be electric. |
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3 | Drake Maye | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: NE The Giants make the bold move to go up and get Maye, beating the Vikings to the punch. Daniel Jones can give you another year and this move might give the current regime a chance to stay on longer -- and we know how that matters. |
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4 | Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | ||||
They had offers for this pick, but in the end I think they stay put and take Harrison. He would give Kyler Murray a true No. 1 receiver. |
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5 | JC Latham | OT | ||||
I put him here because Jim Harbaugh loves offensive linemen and I think he's a better fit for what they want to do than Joe Alt, who is a left tackle. Latham is also a better run blocker, which is what Harbaugh loves to do. |
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6 | J.J. McCarthy | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: NYG The Patriots move down, add some picks, and still land a quarterback. McCarthy is a guy teams like a lot more than I do. The word around the league before the draft is that the Patriots really like him. |
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7 | Joe Alt | OT | ||||
The Titans end up with their left tackle in this draft. Alt is a big, physical blindside protector for Will Levis. The Titans line would be so improved in 2024. |
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8 | Dallas Turner | EDGE | ||||
They need to find and edge player and Turner has the tools to be a top pass rusher. I think his best football is coming on the next level. Their leading returning sacker from last season had six sacks. This would work. |
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9 | Malik Nabers | WR | ||||
They would be thrilled to see him fall to this spot. Nabers might be better than Harrison in the long run. This would be a great pick for Williams if it falls this way. |
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10 | Rome Odunze | WR | ||||
They could consider offensive tackle or even tight end Brock Bowers here, but I think they take a wide receiver in this spot to amp up the passing. Odunze would be a nice complement to Garrett Wilson for the long run. |
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11 | Michael Penix Jr. | QB | ||||
The Vikings don't make the move to get a quarterback and sit here and take Penix. I think this is a move that will work out well for them in the long run. |
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12 | Terrion Arnold | CB | ||||
Mock Trade from: DEN The Eagles go up to get the best corner in the draft. They had issues in coverage last year and age is creeping up in a big way at corner for them. Their pass defense has to improve. |
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13 | Taliese Fuaga | OT | ||||
The Raiders need help at right tackle and Fuaga could be a plug-and-play guy. He would give them a physical mauler on the right side. |
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14 | Olumuyiwa Fashanu | OT | ||||
They have major problems at tackle, so this makes a ton of sense. They get a left tackle who excels in pass protection, which is something they badly need. |
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15 | Brock Bowers | TE | ||||
Taking Bowers would give second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson a nice weapon to work with for the years to come. All young quarterbacks need a crutch and Bowers would be that for Richardson. |
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16 | Byron Murphy II | DL | ||||
The Seahawks have to get a nice inside pass rush and Murphy is a lot like Baltimore's Justin Madubuike, who was the key to the Ravens front. New Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald coordinated that Baltimore defense. |
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17 | Quinyon Mitchell | CB | ||||
The Jaguars have issues at corner and Mitchell would give them a guy who can step in and play right away. Tyson Campbell is entering the final year of his contract and Ronald Darby isn't a kid. |
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18 | Amarius Mims | OT | ||||
They signed Trent Brown to a one-year deal to play right tackle, but Mims would be their guy for the long haul and may actually win the job next season. He doesn't have a lot of experience, but the talent is there. |
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19 | Laiatu Latu | EDGE | ||||
The Rams need to amp up their outside pass rush, so taking the hometown kid would work. There is talk the Rams could be leaning offense, but with Latu here they would have to take him. |
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20 | Graham Barton | IOL | ||||
The Steelers have had a storied history when it comes to centers and they now have a hole there. Landing Barton would fill it as he moves inside from tackle. |
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21 | Jared Verse | EDGE | ||||
They have injury issues with their edge players, so getting one here would be a nice pickup. If Verse fell this far, they would likely race the card to the podium. |
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22 | Bo Nix | QB | ||||
Mock Trade from: PHI The Broncos move down, add some picks, and take a young quarterback in the Drew Brees mold. Sean Payton won a lot of games with Brees. They have to get a young passer. |
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23 | Johnny Newton | DL | ||||
The interior of their defense lacks a player who can push the pocket. Newton can be that guy to give Brian Flores a nice inside player. |
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24 | Troy Fautanu | IOL | ||||
He can play guard or tackle, which would give them options on how they prefer to play Tyler Smith. If he is here in this spot, it would be a heck of pick. |
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25 | Cooper DeJean | CB | ||||
They like guys who can be versatile and DeJean is that type of player. The Packers could also consider offensive line here, but I think DeJean makes too much sense. |
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26 | Chop Robinson | EDGE | ||||
They lack a dynamic edge player, although YaYa Diaby has talent, so why not add to it? Robinson might end up being the best pure edge rusher in this class. They also could move him all around the front seven. |
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27 | Tyler Guyton | OT | ||||
Getting a starting tackle this late would be a heck of a move. The Cardinals could then move Paris Johnson to the left side and let Guyton play right tackle. |
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28 | Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | ||||
He is big and can run, which the Bills badly need. They would consider edge or corner here, but Thomas fits a major need and would give Josh Allen a No. 1 receiver. |
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29 | Jaden Hicks | S | ||||
Hicks is the type of player who can do a lot of things, which is why I think he would be a good fit. They took Brian Branch last year and Hicks could provide more versatility for the back end. |
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30 | Jordan Morgan | OT | ||||
They could consider receiver Xavier Worthy here, but in the end I think their line needs more help. Morgan could play right tackle or slide inside to guard. |
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31 | Darius Robinson | EDGE | ||||
When in doubt, the 49ers like to pick defensive linemen in the first round. Robinson is an impressive looking edge who can slide inside on passing downs in some situations. He looks like a 49ers player. |
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32 | Kingsley Suamataia | OT | ||||
They pass on receiver here -- they can get one or two later -- to take a tackle who can step in and play on the left side. Tackle was a major issue last year for the Chiefs. |
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1:13
NFL Draft Day 3 Recap: Top QB Selection From Day 3
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1:45
NFL Draft Day 3 Recap: Top Offensive Playmaker Selection From Day 3
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1:55
NFL Draft Day 3 Recap: Top Defensive Playmaker Selection From Day 3
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2:16
NFL Draft Day 3 Recap: Biggest Winner From 2024 NFL Draft
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2:33
NFL Draft Day 3 Recap: Biggest Loser From 2024 NFL Draft
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3:40
NFL Draft Day 3 Recap: New Draft Record of 137 Straight Picks Without QB Taken
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3:40
GM Perspective To NFL Draft: Why Teams Go Heavy On RB In Round 4
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1:20
GM Perspective To NFL Draft: Needs vs. Values On Draft Boards
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2:34
GM Perspective To NFL Draft: First Impressions Of New General Managers
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1:54
Hidden Gems: Spencer Rattler Falls To Saints At Pick 150
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1:42
Hidden Gems: Jets Take Chance On Jordan Travis In 5th Round
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1:11
Hidden Gems: Dolphins Bolster Pass Rush With Addition Of Mo Kamara
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1:19
Hidden Gems: Jets Add CB Qwan'tez Stiggers In Round 5
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1:31
Hidden Gems: Texans Nab Jamal Hill In 6th Round
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2:37
AFC North Draft Grades: Cleveland Browns
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1:40
AFC North Draft Grades: Pittsburgh Steelers
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2:32
AFC North Draft Grades: Baltimore Ravens
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1:35
AFC North Draft Grades: Cincinnati Bengals
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2:03
AFC West Draft Grades: Kansas City Chiefs
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2:04
AFC West Draft Grades: Los Angeles Chargers