2024 NFL Mock Draft
I always find these early mock drafts interesting. For the most part, this far ahead of the draft, any conclusions we draw are pure speculation. We don’t really know how the first round of the draft will go or who teams are targeting with their picks. A lot can change between now and April 25th when the NFL draft officially kicks off. There is still a lot to be determined depending on how the rest of the playoffs play out, so many of these assumptions could prove wrong. Still, it doesn’t stop us from pointing to, what we believe is, the most likely outcome come draft day. There are many storylines in this year’s draft that analysts, experts, and enthusiasts find intriguing, but none are bigger than when and to whom the top quarterbacks will go. Determining the landing spots for USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. will be the topic of much discussion. It is a solid QB draft class and many NFL teams find themselves in need of an upgrade at the position. So while things could look a bit different a month or even a week from now here is my best prediction, based on what I know at this moment, on how the 2024 NFL Draft will go.
Round 1
(Teams without a first-round pick: Carolina, Cleveland)
Pick 1
New England (from Chicago Bears) – Caleb Williams, QB, USC
In this mock draft, I have the Bears trading the No. 1 overall pick to the New England Patriots. Both the Commanders and the Patriots need a quarterback, but after announcing that Bill Belichick will not be returning as the head coach it is clear the Patriots will be resetting the clock and trying to find a new identity, including at the most important position in football. I believe they’ll go with USC’s Williams over North Carolina’s Maye. Either would be a decent fit and both have strengths and weaknesses. Williams is an incredible playmaker who can do things other prospects can’t, but he is often reckless, throwing caution to the wind in the name of playmaking. But ultimately, the talent and potential will be too much to pass up.
Pick 2
Washington Commanders – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
With Williams off the board, and still in need of a new signal caller, the Commanders will turn their sights on North Carolina’s Drake Maye. Sam Howell has been a wonderful story and a fun one to watch. But, simply put, Howell is an average NFL starter (at best) and Maye’s physical talent surpasses Howell’s potential. While Maye’s ability to process and read a defense remains imperfect, as you would expect from someone coming out of college, he is beyond Williams in that category. He’s also an extremely good pocket passer and has been compared to Justin Herbert at times. Maye is also more than athletic enough to take off and run with it either through scrambling out of pressure or with designed runs. This should be as automatic of a pick as you get.
Pick 3
Chicago Bears (from New England Patriots) – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
This is the pick I struggle with the most. Not because I have any doubt about who the Bears would choose if selecting from this position, but because I’m still not sure if they’ll trade or keep the pick, and their recent coaching changes leave me even more confused. The Bears have let go of most of their coaching staff but kept Head Coach Matt Eberflus. This could either signal they’re resetting things for a new QB or that they’re keeping the basic system in place and getting a staff that can actually help develop Fields. In the end, I think the Bears will trade the No. 1 pick for the second straight year. But they won’t want to trade down past the third or fourth pick to ensure they get their target, Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. Harrison Jr. is effortlessly fast, endlessly fluid, has great field awareness, and is a pristine route runner. Adding Harrison Jr to a room that already includes D.J. Moore would give Fields another elite target and improve this offense instantly.
Marvin Harrison Jr has soft hands & plus play-making ability at the next level w 4.90 Yards After the Catch in 2023pic.twitter.com/dMbT6NRzIi
— Dynasty Dad (@DynastyDadFF) January 17, 2024
Pick 4
Arizona Cardinals- Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
This is the first pick we get to where what the Bears do with the No. 1 pick will have a major impact. If Marvin Harrison Jr. is available here, that will be the pick for Arizona. But assuming he’s gone the Cardinals will pivot to getting some protection for QB Kyler Murray. Joe Alt is an incredible left tackle prospect. He is relatively young for the position, but he has sound technique beyond that of nearly all his peers. But technical ability will get you only so far. Alt also possesses a rare combination of awareness, athleticism, and explosiveness, making him an elite prospect. There is some question as to whether Alt or Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu should be the first OT off the board but, for now, I’m giving the edge to Alt.
Pick 5
Los Angeles Chargers – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Chargers could easily decide that they prefer to get QB Justin Herbert more protection instead of more weapons. If they do then Fashanu will likely be the pick. But with uncertainty surrounding Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and younger players that are still developing and may never be more than a WR2 in this league the receiving corps has to become more dynamic for the Chargers to maximize what they can get out of Herbert. There are many drafts where Nabers could have been viewed as the WR1 in the draft class, but with Harrison Jr. in this class that was never going to be the case. Still, Nabers is a legitimate threat who can stretch defenses at every level. He has elite physicality and is great at creating separation. Selecting Nabers would give Herbert another solid receiving option and set the stage for when the team eventually moves on from its aging veterans.
Friendly reminder that Malik Nabers may be a Chicago Bear next year.
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bears (@OfficialJAYCHI) January 14, 2024
Pick 6
Atlanta (from New York Giants) – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Predicting draft-day trades is always hard. But if the Falcons can’t find what they’re looking for at QB this offseason then they will likely be looking to move up in the draft. At the eighth pick I don’t see trading with the Bears as a realistic option, so after the top two QB options are off the board, the Falcons will make a trade with the Giants to move up two spots to get their QB. Some may argue they wouldn’t have to do this, but with the Giants also in the market for a QB (but also many other pressing needs) the trade would make sense. No one has seen their draft stock rise more than Daniels has in his final collegiate season. Daniels throws a gorgeous deep ball and his versatility provides a level to his game that would be exciting for any head coach. But it is his explosiveness and agility (not unlike Lamar Jackson) that sets him apart. With his style of play, there’s always the risk of injury due to his slim build, but for the Falcons the reward will far outweigh the risk.
Pick 7
Tennessee Titans – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
This pick could easily be Alt if he is still available at this point in the draft (although I think that is unlikely.) Fashanu had a near-perfect collegiate career. Although in the eyes of many, he is not the prospect that Alt is, Fashanu possesses the smooth, explosive athleticism that makes him an elite OT prospect. What’s most impressive is his development at such a young age. Many believe that had he declared after 2022, Fashanu would have been the first tackle taken. The Titans’ have a real need at the position which makes this pick a no-brainer. Also, pairing Fashanu with guard Peter Skoronski (who was selected 11th overall last year) could be a match made in heaven for years to come. With the Titans entering a new era with Will Levis under center making moves to improve up front makes too much sense for GM Ran Carthan to pass on Fashanu.
Pick 8
New York Giants – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
If the Giants were to stay at the sixth pick then they would probably select either Alt or Fashanu here, but moving down will likely make that impossible. Enter Oregon State’s Fuaga. The Giants have a major need at the position and Fuaga could be a perfect fit. With Alt and Fashanu off the board, Alabama’s JC Latham could’ve been a consideration here as well, but in the end, I think three months from now the underrated Fuaga will prove why he deserves to leapfrog him. Fuaga is a massive right tackle, but his 330-pound frame does not seem to hinder his movement. He possesses strong, accurate hands and is solid as a run blocker and pass protector making him a high-floor prospect. As with any lineman, coaching will matter, but if he’s coached right then he could be a solid contributor for a long time.
Pick 9
Chicago Bears – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
After trading the No. 1 pick and selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 3 pick the Bears will continue to go all in on their offense. This will mean getting Fields more protection with the selection of Alabama OT JC Latham. In 2023, Fields was the fifth most sacked QB. Some of that is because Fields still tends to hold the ball too long, but a lot of it is simply because he did not have the protection up front. Latham flourished in Alabama. He is a massive RT and a great athlete with outstanding power. Yet, it is Latham’s footwork and explosiveness in pass protection (things you would not expect from a player of his size) that make him a first-round talent. There is the possibility that the Bears go defense hear, but after the acquisition of Montez Sweat the Bears’ defense played much better down the stretch making defense less of a priority, so going offensive line makes the most sense.
Pick 10
New York Jets – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Besides MHJ, Brock Bowers might be the biggest difference-maker among all the pass catchers in this draft. He’s a top-five talent but plays a position that often struggles early on in their NFL career. Whether it be college or the NFL, only a select few teams feature the TE position. But Bowers is explosive, fluid, and creative enough to be utilized in a variety of ways beyond that of your traditional pass-catching TE. Besides we just saw what Sam LaPorta was able to do this past season, so there is a chance that Bowers could produce early on. With the Jets investing in Aaron Rodgers, it would make sense to get him more weapons. Beyond Garrett Wilson and Breech Hall (as well as an elite defense), there is not much for Rodgers to be excited about on this team. After seeing the future Hall-of-Fame QB lost to injury in the first game of last season, revamping the offensive front might be the direction the Jets go here, but no rookie lineman will come in and make the same impact that Bowers could, helping ease some of the burden off Wilson.
Keep seeing the “Colts don’t need Bowers, TE isn’t a need.” posts.
Colts have TEs. They don’t have a Brock Bowers.
— Landon Oliver (@Landon3MR) January 10, 2024
Pick 11
Minnesota Vikings – Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
With Danielle Hunter hitting free agency and any number of teams rumored to be linked to the talented linebacker, retooling a middling pass rush could become a priority. Latu does bring with him some health concerns after retiring from Washington due to a neck injury before transferring to UCLA. But, when healthy, the Lombardi Award winner may be this class’ most skilled edge rusher. He might not be as physically gifted as Alabama’s Dallas Turner, but Latu has the technical prowess to wreak havoc among opposing defensive linemen and quarterbacks. We’ve seen other college prospects in the same mold not work out because they lack the proper physical tools to be a true difference maker in the NFL. That’s not a problem for Latu, whose fluidity and explosiveness make up for anything he may lack on the physical side of things. Even with questions at QB and RB, improving a defense that is arguably the biggest flaw on this team is essential to future success.
Pick 12
Denver Broncos – Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington
It’s hard to imagine a reality in which the Denver Broncos move forward with Russell Wilson under center. Both sides have soured on the relationship, and moving on is the most likely outcome. There have been also reports that Sean Payton wants to throw much more than he did in 2023, but if they invest in a rookie QB they will need one that can handle the offense. At this point in the draft, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. seems like the safest bet. Penix Jr. has been ascending draft boards as of late and brings with him an arm talent and willingness to throw the ball downfield that are undeniable. Penix Jr. will be 24 at the start of his rookie season. That along with his medical history and throwing mechanics do provide a certain amount of risk, but he has the requisite foundation on which to build, and working with a coach of Payton’s caliber will put him in the best spot to succeed.
Pick 13
Las Vegas Raiders – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
If the Las Vegas Raiders are smart they will make interim head coach Antonio Pierce the actual head coach and move on to more pressing matters. Since Pierce took over on Oct. 31 the Raiders have featured the league’s best scoring defense and managed a winning record (5-4). Plus, the team loves him. After securing Pierce they can then move on to other changes that have to be made, particularly on offense. Quarterback is a major question mark and veteran wide receiver Davante Adams could be traded. It also remains to be seen if Jakobi Meyers is a fit with the team long-term. If they decide, as is expected, that they want to reset the clock, then bringing in an elite, young WR, such as Washington’s Rome Odunze, would make sense. Odunze is a smart, natural route-runner who is very quarterback-friendly. He can play either inside or out, and while he is first and foremost a vertical ball-winner, he has enough athleticism to be used all over the field in a variety of situations,.
Pick 14
New Orleans Saints – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Picking at 14 should provide a unique opportunity for the New Orleans Saints. Offensive tackle is a position they invested in during the 2022 draft leading them to believe they had that position locked down. Unfortunately, 2022 first-round pick, Trevor Penning, has not panned out and is beginning to look like a potential miss. They do still have right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who is one of the team’s best players, but he has been dealing with a lingering knee issue that puts his future in jeopardy. All of a sudden, offensive tackle has become a priority. At 6’7” and 328 lbs, Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton has elite size to go along with his elite athletic ability, but he’s also raw. But better on his upside may be worth the risk. You could argue that he already has better feet and is more skilled in pass protection than Penning. He’s a work in progress but has the potential to become elite at the NFL level.
Pick 15
Indianapolis Colts – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Going into the 2024 NFL draft the Indianapolis Colts find themselves with several needs. They could look to improve their offensive line and get 2nd-year QB Anthony Richardson more protection. They could seek out one of the premiere pass rushers in this draft class to improve a defense in need of upgrades. Yet, after all things are considered I believe they’ll look to the receiving class. Michael Pittman Jr. is a good, exciting, young football player, but he has not yet proven that he is a legitimate No. 1. Keon Coleman has the tools to be exactly what the Colts are missing. After transferring from Michigan State, Coleman did not produce at Florida State how everyone hoped he would, but his combination of size (6’4”, 215 lbs.), ball skills, and route running is tough to find in a player his size. At one point he was considered a top-10 pick but with Odunze’s emergence, Coleman has suddenly become a great value and one that the Colts will not be able to pass up.
Pick 16
Seattle Seahawks – Troy Fautanu, G, Washington
The Seattle Seahawks did very well in the 2022 draft. They made a lot of great picks, but two of the more impressive were taking left tackle Charles Cross at No. 9 and future starting right tackle Abraham Lucas in the third round. Having these two players on the outsides provided some much-needed stability to the Seahawks’ offense. Still, the trio between the tackles is a weakness. This interior, while being solid in run blocking, was not nearly as proficient in pass protection. Washington’s Troy Fautanu is rated by many to be the top guard prospect in this rookie class, and he is also capable of sliding into a tackle position if need be. Fautanu is the recipient of the Morris Trophy, given to the Pac-12’s best offensive lineman. He has great length and power in the run game but is even better in pass protection. He has Pro Bowl potential and would fulfill a huge need for the Seahawks.
Pick 17
Jacksonville Jaguars – Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
It would appear that the Jaguars are intent on building around QB Trevor Lawrence and their defensive front. They already have a special talent in Josh Allen (who set the franchise’s single-season sack record), as long as they can retain him this offseason. Travon Walker’s growth has also been encouraging, but another pass-rusher with a different skill set would allow this team to work toward developing there preferred identity. Alabama’s Dallas Turner was a 5-star recruit but was forced to play behind Will Anderson, Jr. to start his career. Finally, out of his shadow, Turner became the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Turner’s athleticism gives him a high ceiling. He’s also shown the ability to win with power, making him an enticing prospect for a team that’s looking for someone who can help create pressure. Turner could enter the Jaguars lineup immediately as a pass-rush specialist opposite Allen, and be a major upgrade on an improving defense.
Pick 18
Cincinnati Bengals – Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
The Bengals were a bottom-two defense in 2023 but they have some good pieces to continue to build around. Trey Hendrickson has been very disruptive working off the edge since being signed as a free agent in 2021, and Sam Hubbard is a rock-solid defensive end. But their defensive interior lives or dies by DJ Reader (who is recovering from a season-ending quad injury and is a pending free agent) and when he isn’t healthy they are not nearly as effective. Even if the Bengals re-sign him, he could use some help. Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton is unique in the upcoming class because he’s a rare impact player from the defensive interior. As the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Newton accumulated 22.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks over the last two seasons. Newton lacks NFL size (6’2″, 295 lbs), which could prove to be too big of an obstacle for long-term success, but his tape is encouraging and worth taking a chance on.
Pick 19
Green Bay Packers – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The success of a cornerback in the NFL is hard to predict. What looks like an elite prospect coming out of college can turn into a disappointment if they are unable to adapt to the speed of the game and go toe-to-toe with NFL-caliber wide receivers. But if you find the right guy they can be special and a true difference-maker for any defense. For the Green Bay Packers, Nate Wiggins might just be the right guy. It’s not uncommon, unfortunately, to see lackluster effort from the CB position, but that is not an issue with Wiggins. Wiggins is long, fast, and consistently good in coverage. He is a downhill playmaker in zone defense and effortlessly athletic in man. But he also showed vast improvement in run support in 2023. If it weren’t for missing time due to injury and the emergence of fellow cornerback Terrion Arnold at Alabama Wiggins would be higher, which means the Packers could be getting a great player at a ridiculous value.
Pick 20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
Baker Mayfield is expected back at quarterback, so the Tampa Bay Buccaneers front office can concentrate on the rest of the roster. Tampa Bay has something in rookie YaYa Diaby, but Shaquil Barrett is entering the last year of his current deal and turns 32 next season, making defense a priority. At pick 20, the best player available to fulfill that need will likely be Penn State’s Chop Robinson. Robinson has an elite skill set unlike anything currently on the Bucs’ roster. Robinson’s production is a bit overwhelming but his tape shows that he has a potential that is through the roof. Whichever team drafts him will likely have to be patient, but with Robinson’s natural ability, strength, and quickness it could pay off in the long run. The Buccaneers need help at defense and The 21-year-old from Penn State can provide depth early on, fitting in as a rotational pass-rusher while he continues to improve and mature in other areas of his game.
Pick 21
Arizona Cardinals (from Houston) – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
The Cardinals landed an offensive tackle with the No. 4 pick and set their sights once again on offense (with the pick they got from the Texans) to get Kyler Murray a playmaking wide receiver. Mitchell is long, physical, and fast, but he is also capable of adapting as a shifty slot receiver on short and intermediate routes. Other teams could be in the market for a player of Mitchell’s skillset, but I think it will be Arizona who ultimately lands the talented wide receiver. WR1 Marquise Brown is set to become a free agent this offseason. Even if the Cardinals resign him, his production has been inconsistent at best and while there is some promising young talent behind him, they could still use an upgrade. Mitchell is explosive and provides uncanny flexibility, making him a threat in the red zone, and his downfield receiving ability could come in handy on an offense that possesses a QB who can keep plays alive with his legs. The Cardinals need more offensive firepower making Mitchell a solid pick.
Pick 22
Los Angeles Rams – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
In April, the Rams will finally have a first-round pick for the first time since they took Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 class. GM Les Snead has done a great job navigating the NFL draft, even while continuously trading away first-round picks. This team’s current rookie class is one of the best in the franchise’s history, led by fifth-round wide receiver Puka Nacua who just broke the NFL rookie receiving record. While they still have some obvious needs, they should use their first-round pick to beef up their secondary, a unit that finished among the league’s bottom half in passing yards allowed. The Rams will have a chance to do just that by selecting arguably the class’ top cornerback prospect in Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry. McKinstry is a long corner with an excellent frame that provides the versatility to be able to thrive in any coverage. He displays a knack for tracking the ball in the air as well as providing solid run support. Kool-Aid would immediately make this defense better and will have fans saying “Oh yeah” for years to come.
Pick 23
Pittsburgh Steelers – Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
The Pittsburgh Steelers need of a lot of help in all facets, but with a secondary that was toward the bottom of the league, I believe that will be their first-round focus. With the more traditional and highly-touted Wiggins and McKinstry off the board, the Steelers will select Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, which may be a blessing in disguise. With as many needs as they have, drafting a player that is potentially a Swiss Army knife in human form may be just what they need. DeJean flashes coverage skills with the vision and physicality of a free safety, and some even think he’ll be able to play all over the secondary in the NFL. But beyond his skills as a cornerback, DeJean also brings with him special teams ability as a return man. With seven interceptions last year (returning three for touchdowns) DeJean possesses the play-making ability to lift a secondary that ranked 29th in pass defense.
Pick 24
Miami Dolphins – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Dolphins are a dynamic, playoff-caliber team, and yet they are burdened by the narrative that they can beat lesser teams but struggle against good teams. Miami doesn’t have a ton of needs but investing in a few key positions could flip the script. Mike McDaniel’s scheme (which is really Kyle Shanahan’s scheme) is built around the play of its offensive line, which makes investing in the position a priority. Depending on how free agency goes the Dolphins’ offensive interior could look drastically different in 2024 which should put Fuaga on their radar entering the draft. For Miami’s high-flying, big-play pass game to truly soar they need to have a successful run game. This has often been difficult later in the season as injuries pile up. Fuaga could help. Fuaga is an impactful, skilled run-blocker who would help take some of the pressure off others along the line. If the Dolphins want to put an end to starting hot and fizzling out as the season goes on then they need to solidify their offensive line. Selecting Fuaga would be a great start.
Pick 25
Philadelphia Eagles – Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
This is a no-brainer. No one would argue that the Eagles offense doesn’t have an extremely high ceiling. Prioritizing it would make no sense. Their defense on the other hand? It needs some desperate help. Surrendering over 50 more yards per game this season compared to last while also turning defensive play-calling over to Matt Patricia late in the year, they struggled to find an identity that led to any sort of success. Some of this can be blamed on the departure of former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and multiple starters after last year’s run to the Super Bowl. An aging roster is also an issue, but whatever the reason, the Eagles could use upgrades at all three levels of their defense. Miami’s Kamren Kinchens is considered by many to be the top safety in this draft class. He could immediately come in and make an impact as a solid complement to Kevin Byard, forcing Reed Blankenship out of the starting lineup. Kinchens’ ability to play in multiple schemes and coverages is exactly what this team needs, and makes him ready on day 1 to be an early starter or at least a significant contributor.
Pick 26
Kansas City Chiefs – Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU
This should not be a hard sell. After what we’ve seen from the Kansas City wide receivers this season the group could look very different in 2024. While the progress from 2nd-year wide receiver Rashee Rice was promising, with an aging Travis Kelce and little else behind him, upgrading the receiver room should be a priority. LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. would be a good move toward doing exactly that, with great size (6’4”, 205) and WR1 ability he would make an immediate impact on a team that desires to air it out. Thomas is still refining his game, but he could already provide Mahomes the assistance he has so lacked this season. All the skills are there to help change the complexion of a Kansas City attack that looked off its’ game for much of the 2023 season. Thomas Jr. has good body control and traditional X receiver traits. He also brings impressive tracking as a downfield target and is extremely useful in the red zone. The Chiefs’ defense was a top-10 unit in 2023, so prioritizing the offense makes sense, and with pick 26, Brian Thomas Jr. will likely be the best available.
Pick 27
Houston Texans (from Browns) – Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
There are several ways I could see the Texans going with this pick. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that they continue to build around their young star QB C.J. Stroud, getting him more protection or another weapon. But with the emergence of wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell, that seems like less of a priority than improving a defense that ranked 30th in both pass and run defense. Verse may lack the high-end bend of a truly elite QB hunter, but that’s not the only way to have an impact on the game. Verse’s physical attributes which include great length, hands, and power make him an effective run defender while also being someone who can win quickly on the edge. He may never be the talk of the town in Houston with Will Anderson Jr. on the opposite side, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a key contributor and fill a need. He is an older prospect, but Verse had nine sacks in each season, with four multi-sack games in 2023. With depth to an already electric offense available later in the draft improving the defense in the first round makes the most sense.
Pick 28
Detroit Lions – Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
Don’t look now, but head coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes have made the Detroit Lions a legitimate contender. They have done this in part by creating a specific culture in Detroit, making the type of prospect they choose all the more important, with high character and physicality being two of the major selling points. Washington edge-rusher Bralen Trice is a perfect fit for this team. Trice led the nation in quarterback pressures over the last two seasons, and the one thing that stands out among all others when evaluating Trice is his physicality. Trice is strong at the point of attack as a run defender. Hit athleticism isn’t at the same level as others in this draft, it’s that physicality that will catch the eye of Detroit and make him a late first-round pick. With Aidan Hutchinson as the centerpiece of this defense, the Lions will be looking for a good complement to their star. Trice can be exactly that, creating a strength where there used to be a weakness and making this defense a problem for opposing teams.
Pick 29
Buffalo Bills – Byron Murphy, DL, Texas
With the uncertainty surrounding WR Stefon Diggs, the Bills could be in the market for a wide receiver. They could also be looking for more depth in the running back room or help up front on the offensive line. But when the time comes I think their biggest point of emphasis will be the defensive line. The Bills have six defensive linemen who could be free agents after the season, quickly forcing that position into priority status. Texas DL Byron Murphy II could be a good fit for the Bills. Murphy II has an excellent motor and is quick to locate the ball and make plays against the run, making him a great fit on a defense that prioritizes stopping the run. He also has strong hands which allow him to shed blocks and get penetration. There is value to be had on the offensive side of the ball later in drafts (Puka Nacua comes to mind) so targeting a position where the drop-off could be steep after the first couple of rounds will be the choice here.
Pick 30
Dallas Cowboys – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
With left tackle Tyron Smith set to be a free agent in 2024, the future of Dallas’ offensive front remains unclear. Keeping QB Dak Prescott upright while also improving blocking in the run game should be a priority. Arizona’s Jordan Morgan could provide some much-needed help in that department. Morgan plays like an experienced veteran and is rarely fooled by a defense. Morgan is an above-average athlete with good size (6’5”, 325 lbs.) and length. He also plays with an aggressiveness that can’t be coached setting the tone when pass-blocking. With a solid defense and key offensive weapons already in place, and with the offensive line being a major question mark a player with his versatility (although his best fit might be guard) and experience should be attractive to a team looking to fill a void in their offensive line, and with how things look now, the Cowboys will be one such team.
Pick 31
San Francisco 49ers- Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
To be honest, the San Francisco 49ers may be the most complete team in the NFL, although after how the Baltimore Ravens handled them, they may have a different opinion about that. Still, the 49ers don’t have any glaring needs, but it might be precisely seeing what a team like the Ravens were able to do against them that will make them go defense in round 1. Up to this point, this talented unit has been built around the play of its front seven and with names like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, and Chase Young who can blame them? But in building it in this manner very little attention has been paid to their secondary. I think this change come draft time by selecting Oregon cornerback Khyree Jackson. After transferring from Alabama, Jackson broke out and received a first-team All-Pac-12 selection. He is a big, physical defender with ball skills and a high ceiling. With great length (6’3”) and an NFL-ready skillset, he could become an impact player for years to come.
Pick 32
Baltimore Ravens -Graham Barton, OL, Duke
With all the talk about this Ravens team finally opening up the passing game after acquiring more receiving weapons for Lamar Jackson that failed to fully materialize. While he may have thrown slightly more, he attempted more than 30 passes in fewer than half of his games and the Ravens remained a run-heavy team. With the defense already looking like an elite unit and no 1st-round worthy offensive weapons available at pick 32 I think the Ravens will invest in the offensive line by selecting Duke’s Graham Barton. This would allow them to continue to be run-heavy if they prefer as well as provide more protection for Jackson allowing him to look downfield if the Ravens decide they want to open up the passing game in 2024. Baron is a fantastic option for the Ravens because we’re not entirely sure where he’ll slot in at the next level. But, there could be multiple different openings on the Ravens’ offensive line. Barton consistently plays beyond the whistle and has good feet to hold his own in pass protection. In the run game, Barton can explode off the line and get to the second level to do damage. His game needs refinement but he has the proper skillset to succeed at the next level in the right landing spot.
