Mock Draft 2.0 – Giants get their QB of the future
The annual ritual of NFL Mock Draft season is upon us once again. As the league’s brightest prospects prepare to take the leap into professional football, fans and analysts alike are dissecting every rumour and evaluating each team’s needs. With the NFL combine now behind us, let’s dive into it version 2.0:
1. Caleb Williams – QB – USC
There is little doubt that the Bears will use their first overall pick on anyone but ‘The next Patrick Mahomes’. With a new offensive co-ordinator in town, grabbing one of the most physically talented passers in recent memory makes a lot of sense. Caleb would bring a combination of playmaking and accuracy to replace Justin Fields.
2. Drake Maye – QB – North Carolina
Just because the Commanders miss out on Caleb Williams, doesn’t mean they’re missing out on a QB. Sam Howell showed flashes but it’s unlikely the Commanders will show much loyalty to him. Drake Maye will give the Commanders a foundation to build on.
3. Jayden Daniels – QB – LSU
GMs will be licking their lips as Jayden Daniels, who just finished his finest season yet, continues to show growth every year. That dual-threat capacity should cause as much damage in the NFL as it did in college.
4. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Ohio State
Of the options open to the Cardinals, expanding their offensive toolkit seems particularly appropriate considering their large investment in Murray. They will not be passing up on a generational talent like Marvin Harrison Jr.
5. Joe Alt – OT – Notre Dame
Nobody could deny the fact that the offensive line is a position of need for the Chargers going into the offseason. Only time will tell whether they address this through free agency or the draft. Everywhere Harbaugh has been, the offensive line and run game have been a top priority, so it makes sense for the Chargers to beef up their line and protect franchise QB Justin Herbert.
6. J.J McCarthy – QB – Michigan
We think the Michigan QB will be gone much earlier than most people expect. With the top three QB’s off the board, the Giants will not be passing up on a proven winner like J.J McCarthy.
7. Olumuyiwa Fashanu – OT – Penn State
Fashanu is an extremely powerful blocker with the versatility and skill-set to start in either tackle position.
8. Malik Nabers – WR – LSU
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers expressed a preference for the Atlanta Falcons over the Tennessee Titans at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. If the Falcons do indeed pick up a QB through free agency, it would be wise to give them another weapon.
9. Rome Odunze – WR – Washington
The Washington WR has the speed, strength, and body control to give NFC North defences serious anxiety next season, and his ability to create separation will make him a go-to weapon in the NFL.
10. J.C Latham – OT – Alabama
After allowing 3.8 sacks a game, it’s clear that the Jets need to protect Rodgers this upcoming year. J.C Latham offers great athleticism shown in the run game combined with polished hands when engaging with pass rushers.
11. Dallas Turner – EDGE – Alabama
Hunter, D.J Wonnum and Davenport are set to hit free agency, and even though the Vikings are expected to bring Hunter back after having a career year, it will still remain a position of need. Dallas Turner is this draft’s most polished pass rusher whom if he remains healthy, will become a great contributor for Brian Flores.
12. Brock Bowers – TE – Georgia
The Broncos need playmakers on offence and Brock would quickly become one of their top options in the passing game. There is a big question mark over the QB position in Denver, but whoever the starter is next season will have a huge helping hand from Bowers.
13. Terrion Arnold – CB – Alabama
Offering versatility, athleticism and ball skills, the Alabama CB would be a game-changer in the Raiders defence for years to come.
14. Taliese Fuaga – OT – Oregon State
If the Saints are to have any hope with Derek Carr under centre next season, it would be wise for them to protect him with a stud rookie. Taliese Fuaga has the size, power and technique to be that player.
22. Quinyon Mitchell – CB – Toledo
15. Nate Wiggins – CB – Clemson
The Clemson corner showcased his flashy speed at the combine – running the second fastest 40-yard dash. His speed allows him to limit separation and to make plays on the ball when necessary.
16. Jared Verse – EDGE – Florida State
Nwosu’s injury showcased the lack of depth in the Seahawks Defensive Line. Verse is a 5 year senior who often shows great burst when rushing the passer as well as being relentless in the run game. At points he struggled with his bend and change of direction but he’s more than ready to become a day 1 starter for the new Mike MacDonald led Defense.
17. Brian Thomas Jr – WR – LSU
Should Ridley leave Jacksonville in free agency, the wise move for the Jags to fill this gap would be by drafting speedy LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
18. Amarius Mims – OT – Georgia
There is endless potential for Mims to develop at the next level. The overwhelming size and raw athleticism will have NFL teams rushing to draft him.
19. Cooper DeJean – CB – Iowa
Mel Kiper recently analysed this potential pick, stating: “He’s recovering from a broken leg suffered in November, but he still had seven interceptions over the past two seasons. That’d be huge for a defense that forced 15 takeaways in 2023, which ranked 30th in the league.”
20. Jackson Powers-Johnson – C – Oregon
Center is be a position of need for the Steelers. Declaring at only 20 years old, JPJ has risen in most draft boards and is widely considered as the best pure Center in this class, winning the Rimington Trophy emphasised those claims.
21. Laiatu Latu – EDGE – UCLA
Although Laiatu Latu didn’t test as well as the other elite edge rushers, he is extremely prolific and technically sound. These traits should translate through to the NFL.
Eagles pass defence massively struggle in 2023. Bradberry had an off year and was targeted multiple times when the game was on the line (Seahawks loss). Fangio will more than likely put emphasis on the secondary and Quinyon Mitchell at 22 will be an automatic improvement on that unit.
23. Byron Murphy – DT – Texas
The Texans are predicted to bolster their defensive line this offseason. Murphy can play all over the defensive line, and would be a great addition to Demeco Ryan’s already impressive defence.
24. Troy Fautanu – OT – Washington
The offensive line may be reorganised if Tyron Smith leaves the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, which would free up a slot for Troy Fautanu of Washington in the 2024 NFL Draft.
25. Adonai Mitchell – WR – Texas
(via Packers)
The Giants picked up their QB of the future earlier in this mock draft, now it’s time to trade up and provide him with sufficient weapons.
26. Keon Coleman – WR – Florida State
In addition to having arguably of the best awareness and ball tracking in this deep wide receiver class, Keon Coleman possesses all the metrics, fluidity, and physicality needed to create separation on his routes.
27. Chop Robinson – EDGE – Penn State
With a gap at the edge position, Chop is the versatile mauler type that Arizona could certainly fall in love with.
28. Xavier Worthy – WR – Texas
The Texas WR saw many of our jaws drop at the NFL combine, as he broke the 40-yard dash record; this will certainly see him selected in the first round.
29. Kool-Aid McKinstry – CB – Alabama
Kool-Aid has the football awareness, anticipation, and IQ to make plays as a long press cornerback. He would be a great addition to a struggling Lions secondary.
30. Ennis Rakestraw Jr – CB – Missouri
The Ravens need a young piece to build their secondary around for the future. Rakestraw would provide them with just that. His phenomenal body control allows him to follow routes and lockdown receivers with his speed, power, and physicality.
31. Tyler Guyton – OT – Oklahoma
While Feliciano and Trent Williams are outstanding, there are still some gaps in the Niners o-line. Guyton is an outstanding offensive lineman who will offer a team a long-term solution as a bonified starter.
32. Ladd McConkey – WR – Georgia
Mahomes gets a great weapon; who is a dynamic threat at all three levels thanks to his twitchy quickness and excellent hands.
