NFL Mock Draft 1.0 – Falcons secure 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 rumor and evaluating each team’s needs. So let’s dive into it:
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. Marvin Harrison Jr. – WR – Ohio State
The Patriots have plenty of work to do when it comes to their disappointing offence which sat rock bottom of the league in PPG last season (13.9). Adding a big dynamic threat, who also happens to be the best non-QB in the draft, may help to fix this. In this scenario, the Pats would likely need to trade for a QB like Fields, or test their luck later on in the draft.
4. Jayden Daniels – QB – LSU
(via Cardinals)
Great arm strength combined with elite speed, trading up to the 4th overall pick might take a lot, but it seems clear that Ridder isn’t the man for the job, especially under a new regime.
5. Olumuyiwa Fashanu – OT – Penn State
Fashanu is an extremely powerful blocker with the versatility and skill-set to start in either tackle position. 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. Malik Nabers – WR – LSU
With Shepard and Paris Campbell set to hit free agency, Nabers will be the ideal choice to complement Hyatt & Robinson. Can excel both in the slot and outside as well as being a great yac weapon.
7. Joe Alt – OT – Notre Dame
Nobody could deny the fact that the offensive line is a position of need for the Titans going into the offseason. Only time will tell whether they address this through free agency or the draft. If Joe Alt, a player ranked as the best offensive lineman in college by PFF both in 2023, and 2022 is sat right in front of them, it would be an opportunity silly to pass.
8. Dallas Turner – EDGE – Alabama
(via Falcons)
Cardinals not only allowed 4.7 ypc but they also ranked 29th in sacks (33 total), as such, defence should be their main priority, and adding a natural pash rusher who excels in the run game will undoubtedly help improve their numbers.
9. Rome Odunze – WR – Washington
You’ve secured your franchise of the future, now it’s time to give him a weapon. With Darnell Mooney set to hit free agency, the Bears WR room is looking particularly empty. Odunze would pair up with star D.J Moore in what could quickly become an explosive offense.
10. Taliese Fuaga – OT – Oregon State
After allowing 3.8 sacks a game, it’s clear that the Jets need to protect Rodgers this upcoming year. Fuaga measured at 6’6” 334 pounds with great athleticism shown in the run game combined with polished hands when engaging with pass rushers.
11. Laiatu Latu – EDGE – UCLA
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. Laiatu Latu is this draft’s most polished pass rusher whom if he remains healthy, will become a great contributor for Brian Flores.
12. J.J McCarthy – QB – Michigan
The general consensus right now is that Russel Wilson will not be a Bronco heading into the next season. With little to no realistic free agent QB targets for the Broncos to targets, it seems like a very real possibility that they will draft one instead. With standout accuracy and mobility, drafting the Michigan QB would give Sean Payton a nice piece to build around.
13. J.C Latham – OT – Alabama
Whether the Raiders make a move at QB or run it back with Aidan O’Connell, Latham will be there to protect him with his exceptional size and strength while also giving the run game a boost.
14. Brian Thomas Jr – WR – LSU
Saints are currently last in cap space (- 82M) and as such, aren’t expected to bring back Michael Thomas meaning that they only have Olave and A.T Perry in the roster (Shaheed ERFA). Thomas Jr’s size and speed will give Carr a consistent outlet, especially in the end zone where he excelled in 2023 with 17 TDs.
15. Brock Bowers – TE – Georgia
While there is question marks around the positional value of his position, Brock Bowers is no ordinary tight end. The Colts could look at many different positions here, but we see no reason why they wouldn’t want to add a generational talent to their young offense.
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. Terrion Arnold – CB – Alabama
The Jags need help at the cornerback position. Darious Williams is approaching the last year of his deal. There is no reason why not to play Arnold in the slot in his rookie year, a position which he played 205 snaps in last season.
18. Quinyon Mitchell – CB – Toledo
Mitchell enjoyed a solid senior bowl which put a lot of questions regarding playing in a ‘lower‘ conference to rest. He’s got ideal speed and size which is demonstrated by his production, 6 INT with 37 passes defended in his last 2 years.
19. Troy Fautanu – OT – Washington
The Rams haven’t had a first round pick since 2016. After already over-performing in the 2023 season, a well-built, tough and physical offensive tackle could just take them to the next level.
20. Jordan Morgan – OT – Arizona
With Mims’ injury record seen as a cause for concern, the Steelers might look towards a more available option to pair opposite to Broderick Jones. He’s got great length which is well demonstrated in his run blocking. His 4.61% pressures allowed ranks as one of the highest in the class so that will be something to keep an eye on come regular season.
21. Amarius Mims – OT – Georgia
The Dolphins finished the 2023 season ranked 31st at pass-blocking win rate, and Terron Armstead’s future remains unclear. Georgia tackle Mims would bring not only size (6ft7, 360 pounds), but also speed to the Dolphins line.
22. Nate Wiggins – CB – Clemson
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 Nate Wiggins at 22 will be an automatic improvement on that unit.
23. Jer’Zhan Newton – DT – Illinois
The Texans are predicted to bolster their defensive line this offseason. Newton can play all over the defensive line, and would be a great addition to Demeco Ryan’s already impressive defence.
24. Jackson Powers-Johnson – IOL – Oregon
Assuming Tyler Biadasz isn’t returning, Center will be a position of need for America’s team. 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.
25. Cooper DeJean – CB – Iowa
Entering the offseason, the Packers find themselves with holes all over their secondary. Welcome Iowa state star Cooper DeJean, who has the ability to play at corner, in the slot, or at safety. He is a well-rounded versatile and athletic player who would be a great addition to Jeff Haffley’s defence.
26. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. – CB – Missouri
Missouri secondary enjoyed 2 of the best cornerback prospects in this class, Abrams-Draine and Rakestraw Jr. Rakestraw separated himself in the run game with his relentless motor and physical plays and consistently managed to. Injuries are a concern but for a defence who ranked 29th in pass defence, they will need to improve personnel.
27. Keon Coleman – WR – Florida State
The Cardinals need a wide receiver badly, the drop in productivity at the position over the last few seasons has been apparent.With Rondale Moore set to hit free agency, and Marvin Harrison heading to New England, the 6’4 Florida State receiver Keon Coleman would be a great consolation prize for Arizona, and would be set to cause opposing secondaries nightmares.
28. Kool-Aid McKinstry – CB – Alabama
The fall of Kool-Aid McKinstry ends here joining a Bills secondary that will look much differently in 2024 than they did in 2023 with multiple players set to hit free agency. In particular, Dane Jackson and Cameron Lewis, making cornerback a position in need of depth.
29. Byron Murphy – DL – Texas
As an undersized (6ft1), but explosive gap penetrator who can disrupt the pocket and create big problems for opposing o-lines, Murphy would fit nicely into Aaron Glenn’s defence. As a pass rusher, he produced an incredible 40 total pressures, which included 30 QB hurries, 4 QB hits, and 6 sacks over the last season.
30. Tyler Guyton – OT – Oklahoma
With John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler set to hit free agency, the Baltimore offensive line needs fortifying.Shooting up the draft boards, Oklahoma Tyler Guyton would bring size (6ft7) and speed to the Ravens line, undoubtedly elevating their run game.
31. Graham Barton – IOL – Duke
While Feliciano and Trent Williams are outstanding, there are still some gaps in the Niners o-line. Multiple scouts and analysts have found themselves naming Barton ‘this year’s Peter Skoronski’. He is an outstanding offensive lineman who will offer a team a long-term solution as a bonified starter.
32. Troy Franklin – WR – Oregon
Regardless of their Super Bowl win, the Chiefs still have a glaring need to add to the WR position. The likes of Sky Moore, Kadarius Toney and Mecole Hardman have not quite lived up to expectations in recent times. Starting alongside Rashee Rice, Oregon prospect Troy Franklin could quickly develop into a go-to playmaker.
