PICK NO. 1:
JOHN- Chicago Bears: CALEB WILLIAMS: QB, USC. 6’1, 214 lbs.
VIA Carolina Panthers
With the Justin Fields era officially over in Chicago — after he was flipped to the Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick — the Bears make Caleb Williams the first overall pick, hoping that the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner can lead their franchise in a new direction. Williams has been the top quarterback throughout this entire cycle and would’ve been the first quarterback taken in last year’s draft as well. He brings almost Patrick Mahomes levels of arm talent and playmaking that give him a ceiling as a top-five quarterback in the league. Despite all the attempts to disparage his profile as a prospect, Williams is still the best player in this draft, and I have no doubt that he will be the first player to walk across the stage in Detroit.
BECK- Chicago Bears: CALEB WILLIAMS: QB, USC. 6’1, 214 lbs.
VIA Carolina Panthers
Williams has been unanimously labeled a future first-overall pick since his Heisman-winning 2022 campaign at USC. That year, Williams threw 42 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions and was also named a first-team All-American. His 2023 season was relatively underwhelming in comparison (30 TDs and 5 INTs), but his passer rating still increased to 170.1 after rating 168.5 in 2022. Despite USC’s struggles last year, Williams’ status as an explosive and dynamic playmaker remains unchanged. Had he been an eligible selection, Williams’ arm and playmaking abilities would almost certainly have secured him the first overall pick in last year’s draft. He’s extremely elusive under pressure and routinely makes Patrick Mahomes-level plays when forced out of the pocket. He may already be the best quarterback in Chicago Bears history, and he hasn’t even been drafted yet.
PICK NO. 2:
JOHN- Washington Commanders: DRAKE MAYE: QB, UNC. 6’4, 223 lbs
With the second overall pick, the Washington Commanders put their hopes and dreams on the shoulders of Drake Maye. Finally free from the albatross that was former owner, Daniel Synder, the Commanders are hoping to head in a new direction. New ownership has completely wiped the slate, bringing in former 49ers assistant general manager, Adam Peters, to run the team, hiring former Cowboys defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, as their new head coach, and dealing the incumbent starter, Sam Howell, to the Seahawks for a third-round pick. Maye looks like he was bred in a lab to be an NFL quarterback at 6-foot-4 with a rocket attached to his right shoulder. He will need to cut down on some of the unnecessary turnovers when he enters the league, but during his days as a Tar Heel, he proved time and time again that he can win both in the pocket and out of structure. I have a solid number one pick grade on Maye — only falling due to Williams’ greatness — and like him in a situation surrounded by talented pass catchers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.
BECK- Washington Commanders: DRAKE MAYE: QB, UNC. 6’4, 223 lbs.
The Commanders will certainly go for a quarterback, but it remains to be seen who that’ll be. Jayden Daniels is probably the only other contender at this spot, as earlier rumors linking JJ McCarthy to Washington seem to have faded. Daniels to Washington has become more popular recently, but I’ve gone with Maye. In 2022, Maye’s first year as a starter, he threw for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns. His 2023 stats aren’t so exceptional, but his build and game tape certainly are. He’s 6’4, 230 pounds with athleticism and a rocket arm to boot. That’s a build that works well in the NFL, as evidenced by passers like Justin Herbert and Josh Allen. He’s got great accuracy and his throws have palpable velocity. He’s also pretty mobile and throws well on the run. He’s forced some throws in the past, but he’s a prototypical franchise quarterback in terms of his build, arm and lofty ceiling.
PICK NO. 3
JOHN- New England Patriots: JAYDEN DANIELS: QB, LSU. 6’4, 210 lbs.
It’s a new day in New England, as for the first time since 2000, Bill Belichick will not have the final say on who the Patriots will be drafting. First-time head coach, Jarod Mayo, will be trying to rebuild the team in what is now the post-Belichick era, and taking Daniels to be the new franchise quarterback is the first step. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner is just about the opposite of New England’s last QB, Mac Jones, in every way and will immediately be the most exciting player Pats fans have seen since the end of Tom Brady’s time in Foxborough. Daniels set the college football world on fire last season, throwing for 3,812 yards while adding another 1,134 on the ground with 50 total touchdowns. Daniels is a fifth-year senior, having spent three years at Arizona State before transferring to LSU, but he has shown legitimate improvement year over year to put himself at the top of this year's draft. He will need to be more careful with the types of hits he takes to ensure his long-term durability, but he has the talent to be a franchise quarterback if he’s put in the right situation.
BECK- New England Patriots: JAYDEN DANIELS: QB, LSU. 6’4, 210 lbs.
Jayden Daniels’ 2023 campaign at LSU was an incredible one. He tallied 3,812 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, and only 4 interceptions. Thanks in part to a talent for touch passes and deep balls, Daniels’ QBR of 95.6 led the nation. However, it was his running ability that earned him the 2023 Heisman Trophy. He confounded defenses by running for an incredible 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns. Despite his ELITE athleticism, Daniels is a work in progress. He’s prone to taking absolutely massive and needless hits while running, something he can’t afford given his relatively slight frame. He’ll also want to improve his short-range accuracy and overall throw velocity. Thankfully for Daniels, the Patriots are in need of a serious rebuild and won’t be in “win now” mode for at least a season. Daniels has some elite tools on his belt and can already pose problems for NFL defenses. However, if he can continue to develop at the next level, Daniels could reestablish New England as the NFL powerhouse that it once was.
PICK NO. 4:
JOHN- Arizona Cardinals: MARVIN HARRISON JR: WR, Ohio State. 6’3, 209 lbs.
This is an easy pick for the Cardinals here, securing a generational receiver talent in Marvin Harrison Jr. for quarterback, Kyler Murray. Heading into last season, many people thought that Arizona would be in a position to draft a quarterback, but after a strong end to the season under first-year head coach, Jonathan Gannon, it looks like they’ll stick with Murray as their guy under center. Harrison is the best player in this draft, and in a year with a weaker quarterback class, he would be in the conversation for the number one overall pick. His name is more often brought up with the likes of Julio Jones, Ja’Marr Chase, and A.J. Green as the best receiver prospect of the last 15 years than it is with the other receivers in his class. Harrison brings an unreal combination of size, speed, route running, and ball skills to be a legitimate wide receiver one as a rookie, which will be a godsend for Murray, whose receiving group is currently headlined by Greg Dortch.
BECK- Arizona Cardinals: MARVIN HARRISON JR: WR, Ohio State. 6’3, 209 lbs.
Harrison Jr. is much like Caleb Williams in that he would almost certainly have been the first of his position drafted if he had been eligible last year. Both have been the most hyped college prospects at their positions for two years now. Harrison Jr.’s hype may be positionally greater, as he’s been called a generational talent by many (like John and myself). Harrison, 6’3 with an incredible catch radius, reminds me of Julio Jones in his ability to catch the ball wherever it’s thrown. He lacks Jones’ dominant physicality, but the spectacular jump-ball and sideline catch abilities are all there. He’s drawn comparisons to prime AJ Green. His 18.1 yards per catch was highest among receivers with 60+ catches in 2023, a season in which he finished with 1,211 catches and 14 touchdowns on just 67 catches. He spent much of the year covering for the underwhelming Kyle McCord, who struggled to reliably deliver quality targets. Despite McCord’s passing struggles, Harrison Jr. continued to establish himself as one of the best receiving prospects in recent memory. He is truly a generational prospect at receiver, and many analysts have him ranked as the draft’s best overall player.
PICK NO. 5:
JOHN- Los Angeles Chargers: MALIK NABERS: WR, LSU. 6’0, 200 lbs.
After they were forced to move on from both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams due to salary cap constraints, the Chargers will almost certainly look to give Justin Herbert a new top target with this pick. LA’s new head coach, Jim Harbaugh, inherited a team with not much established outside of the quarterback position. While that quarterback is one of the best three in the world, Harbaugh will need to build the team around Herbert to make the Chargers a real contender. Malik Nabers lit up the SEC last season as Jayden Daniels’ number-one option at LSU. He’s an explosive deep threat, perfect for Herbert’s cannon of an arm, and a dynamic threat after the catch. Paired with a quarterback of Herbert’s caliber, I wouldn’t be surprised if Nabers led all rookies in receiving yards next season.
BECK- Minnesota Vikings: J.J. MCCARTHY: QB, Michigan. 6’3, 219 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Los Angeles Chargers
Many fans and analysts expect Minnesota to trade up for McCarthy at some point. The only team that could feasibly draft a quarterback before the Vikings’ 11th pick is the Giants at 6, so I have the Vikings trading up from 11 to 5 to get their guy in McCarthy. The Chargers likely want either a pass-catcher or offensive tackle with their first pick, and I think they’d feel comfortable dropping to 11 in exchange for more picks. McCarthy led his undefeated Michigan Wolverines to a national championship victory in 2023 after appearing in the semifinals in 2022. His stats have never been exceptional: Neither of his two seasons as a starter produced 3,000 passing yards or 22 passing touchdowns. However, his completion percentage of 72.4 and QBR of 88.2 were sixth and third in the country respectively. Michigan’s level of dominance with McCarthy as a starter is certainly a contributing factor to McCarthy’s lower stats. The Wolverines were almost always dominating on the scoreboard, giving McCarthy limited opportunities to air it out. Furthermore, Michigan ran a run-heavy offense that relied more on short throws than deep balls, limiting McCarthy’s statistical production. As a result, many critics have attacked McCarthy’s ability to throw deep. However, McCarthy’s pro day performance indicated otherwise: McCarthy went viral online following a 65-yard bomb that had scouts in attendance audibly wowing. McCarthy is young (21) and still relatively inexperienced, so of course there’s room for development. His accuracy on the sidelines needs improvement, as does his footwork. However, his young age and potential for improvement are enticing. The bottom line is this: McCarthy has only lost one game as a starter, and his age gives him plenty of time to improve further. If he can improve as needed, he could be a longtime starter in the NFL.
PICK NO. 6:
JOHN- New York Giants: ROME ODUNZE: WR, Washington. 6’3, 212 lbs.
If any of the top three quarterbacks fall to the Giants, I think they jump at the opportunity to find their replacement for Daniel Jones. But with Williams, Maye, and Daniels going one-two-three, New York takes the best player available here, picking up Rome Odunze. Since they traded away Odell Beckham Jr. ahead of the 2019 season, the Giants have struggled to find receiving talent to surround Jones, missing in both the draft (Kadarius Toney) and free agency (Kenny Golladay). Odunze immediately fills the lead role in the Giants’ receiving room as a perfect complement to deep threat, Jalin Hyatt, and slot receiver, Wan’Dale Robinson. Odunze can attack the field to all three levels, using his incredible ball skills to catch passes over defenders and through traffic. He will instantly be the best receiver Jones has thrown to in years and will help set the stage for future decision-making, as Jones’ contract is not guaranteed after this season.
BECK- New York Giants: MALIK NABERS: WR, LSU. 6’0, 200 lbs.
If Nabers gets open over the middle, wave goodbye, because he’s absolutely lethal after the catch. I made Antonio Brown Nabers’ official pro comparison for that very reason. Nabers simply moves differently than any other receiver in this draft class, and his film speaks for itself as a result. Last year, he tallied an impressive 1,569 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 17.6 yards per catch. His career total of 3,003 yards across three seasons also makes him LSU’s all-time receiving yards leader. He didn’t measure at the combine but ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at LSU’s pro day. His quickness, top speed and ability to change direction make him a plug-and-play receiver that would help revive a depleted Giants receiving corps.
PICK NO. 7:
JOHN- Minnesota Vikings: J.J. MCCARTHY: QB, Michigan. 6’3, 219 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Tennessee Titans
Minnesota sends picks 11 and 23 to Tennessee in order to secure their new franchise quarterback. With the departure of former QB, Kirk Cousins, to Atlanta, the Vikings take a swing at the unknown that is J.J. McCarthy, hoping that he can develop into the future leader of their franchise. A former five-star recruit from LaGrange Park, Illinois, McCarthy took over the starting job at Michigan in 2022, leading the Wolverines to back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances and an undefeated National Championship season in 2023. McCarthy wasn’t asked to do much last year with Michigan having college football’s most dominant defense and run game, but he has won at every level and has enough tools to entice the Vikings into making him a top-10 pick.
BECK- Tennessee Titans: JOE ALT: OT, Notre Dame. 6’9, 321 lbs.
Tackle is a deep position this year, but Alt stands out the most. He’s massive and he possesses the quickness and flexibility needed to complement that size. He’s a two-time first-team All-American who started the last two and a half years (33 games) as Notre Dame’s left tackle. PFF ranked him second out of 628 college tackles in 2023. He’ll need to improve his balance and footwork if he hopes to become a truly elite NFL tackle, but he’s already an instant starter. I’ve seen talk that he’s the best tackle prospect since Oregon’s dominant Penei Sewell went seventh overall to the Lions in 2021. Sewell has since been named a first-team All-Pro. Alt could be just as good and would be a crucial addition to the Titans, who are looking to protect QB Will Levis as they build for their future.
PICK NO. 8:
JOHN- Atlanta Falcons: QUINYON MITCHELL: CB, Toledo. 6’0, 195 lbs.
After securing their quarterback position by signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract earlier in the off-season, new head coach, Raheem Morris gets the best defensive player in the draft in Quinyon Mitchell to bolster his secondary. Atlanta has one solid option in 2021 Second-Team All-Pro, AJ Terrell, but he has struggled with some consistency issues over the last two years. Their other starter on the outside, Clark Phillips, showed promise during his rookie season last year, but at 5-foot-9 and only 183 pounds, has a frame more suited to playing in the slot. Mitchell brings an exciting combination of speed (4.33-second 40-yard dash) and strength (20 bench press reps) that give him the tools to be a lockdown corner in the NFL. He may be coming out of a smaller program in Toledo, but he absolutely dominated his lower-level competition and was consistently the best defender during the Senior Bowl’s one-on-one reps.
BECK- Atlanta Falcons: DALLAS TURNER: EDGE, Alabama. 6’3, 247 lbs.
Atlanta’s thin defensive front struggled mightily in 2023, making Turner a quality choice. Turner’s 2023 campaign saw him named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and awarded first-team All-American honors. He led Alabama in sacks (10) and tackles for loss (14.5). He possesses quickness, top speed, length and athleticism, making him great in pursuit of scrambling quarterbacks and outside run plays. He’ll need to improve his overall strength and hand-fighting to get past blockers he can’t beat with pure speed, but there’s time to improve that. He has the length and athleticism of an elite edge rusher. I have him going to Atlanta, where he’ll fit right into the Falcons’ 3-4 scheme.
PICK NO. 9:
JOHN- Chicago Bears: DALLAS TURNER: EDGE, Alabama. 6’3, 247 lbs.
Having selected Caleb Williams with the first overall pick that they got from the Panthers in last year’s Bryce Young trade, the Bears now use their own first-round pick to take Dallas Turner, pairing him with last season’s trade deadline acquisition, Montez Sweat, off the edge. Turner is an explosive, long athlete with every tool that a coach could possibly want from an edge rusher. Other than Sweat, who racked up 12.5 sacks last season en route to his first Pro Bowl, Chicago doesn’t have much talent across their defensive line. Adding Turner would give them another option to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Turner will need to add more weight to his current 247-pound frame, but his combination of physical tools and high-level college production gives him a lot of potential as an edge rusher in the NFL.
BECK- Chicago Bears: BROCK BOWERS: TE, Georgia. 6’3, 243 lbs.
Bowers is the most hyped tight-end prospect since Kyle Pitts, and for good reason. The junior from Georgia is a two-time defending John Mackey Award (nation’s best tight end) winner. His acceleration and top speed allowed him to lead Georgia in receiving yards in each of his three seasons, two of which ended in national championships. He’ll immediately be one of the league’s hardest tight ends for linebackers to cover. Despite being a slightly undersized tight end, he’s also a two-time finalist for the Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation’s best offensive or defensive lineman. That’s due to his impressive blocking ability, which has earned him comparisons to elite 49ers TE George Kittle. Because of his smaller size, his blocks won’t be as dominant as Kittle’s. Despite that, Bowers’ athleticism and open-field abilities will make him a formidable receiving option. If Bears wideouts DJ Moore and Keenan Allen can open up the field, Bowers will be able to capitalize to great effect. The NFL has few truly elite tight ends, but if Bowers and future No. 1 pick Caleb Williams sync up, the league could gain one more.
PICK NO. 10:
JOHN- New York Jets: BROCK BOWERS: TE, Georgia. 6’3, 243 lbs.
The Jets opted to secure their offensive line in free agency, signing Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses to protect Aaron Rodgers, and take the best available pass catcher in Bowers to give him another weapon. New York recently added depth to their receiving core, signing Mike Williams to a one-year, $10 million contract to pair him with one of the best young receivers in the league, Garrett Wilson. Wilson has already proven he’s a star, somehow managing over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons despite catching passes from Zach Wilson, Trevor Semien, Tim Boyle, and Mike White. But Williams on the other hand, one of the NFL’s most often-injured receivers is no guarantee for production. Bowers is a dynamic pass catcher from the tight end position, and will immediately be one of the position’s most explosive playmakers upon entering the league. He’s a monster after the catch, leading FBS tight ends in YAC in each of the last three years, making him a big play waiting to happen at any moment. If Rodgers can recover from the Achilles tear that ended his 2023 season after four plays and return to form, Bowers has the chance to be the number two option on one of the NFL’s most explosive passing offenses.
BECK- New York Jets: ROME ODUNZE: WR, Washington. 6’3, 212 lbs.
I expect the Jets to target a receiver, and Washington’s Odunze would be an absolutely perfect fit. His 1,648 receiving yards led the nation last year. The deep-ball specialist tallied 13 touchdowns and only 3 drops, a testament to his hands. His 17.8 yards per catch was second only to Marvin Harrison Jr. among receivers with 60+ catches. He’s a talented route runner who tracks the ball exceptionally well downfield. Pro comparisons for Odunze often include the name Davante Adams, who was once considered the league’s best receiver when catching passes from Aaron Rodgers. By selecting Odunze tenth overall, the Jets are giving Rodgers a similar weapon and can hope for similar results. Odunze, paired with 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, would give the Jets perhaps the league’s best young receiving duo.
PICK NO. 11:
JOHN- Tennessee Titans: JOE ALT: OT, Notre Dame. 6’9, 321 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Minnesota Vikings
The Titans took Will Levis to be their future quarterback in the second round of last year’s draft and now look to protect him by taking the best offensive lineman available in Joe Alt. Tennessee has been struggling to find long-term replacements for former tackles, Jack Conklin and Taylor Lewan, since their respective departures in 2020 and 2023. By taking Alt here, they secure a franchise left tackle who can anchor their offensive line for the next decade. The son of a former Pro Bowl tackle, Alt towers over his opponents at 6-foot-9. Last season, he was the only FBS tackle to receive both a pass-blocking and a run-blocking grade over 85 from PFF. He uses an incredible combination of length and refined technique to wall off pass rushers, and I easily see him as the top tackle in this class. If Alt should find himself in Tennessee, he’ll be protecting Levis’ blindside for many years to come.
BECK- Los Angeles Chargers: TALIESE FUAGA: T, Oregon State. 6’6, 324 pounds.
VIA TRADE with Minnesota Vikings
The Chargers’ receiving options are essentially non-existent at the moment. Unfortunately, the drafting of Bowers and Odunze leaves the Chargers without a realistic receiving option at 11. I think LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. is great and could one day be seen as an obvious pick at 11, but I’m not sure NFL teams are ready to pull the trigger there yet. Under these circumstances, I have the Chargers taking Fuaga, a talented tackle who can also play guard. Fuaga didn’t allow a sack in 1,510 snaps across his last two seasons at Oregon State. Despite impressive pass protection ability, Fuaga is renowned most for his dominant run-blocking. Fuaga also excelled at the Senior Bowl and was voted the National team’s best offensive lineman. Teams will push him to develop his footwork, but he’s extremely versatile and a great building block for Jim Harbaugh to rebuild the Chargers around.
PICK NO. 12:
JOHN- Denver Broncos: BO NIX: QB, Oregon. 6’2, 214 pounds.
The Broncos have finally cut their losses on the disastrous Russell Wilson trade and extension, opting to release Wilson and taking on an $85 million dead cap hit that will be spread out over the next two seasons. With over 20 percent of their salary cap next year dedicated to ensuring that Wilson does not play quarterback for them, it would make sense for Denver to find a cheap, controllable QB on a rookie deal. Nix, who turned 24 in February, doesn’t bring the upside of the other top QBs in this class, but as the most experienced starter in college football history, brings a solid floor and a proven ability to run a successful offense. After transferring from Auburn to Oregon ahead of the 2022 season, Nix posted ungodly efficiency marks while leading the Ducks to a 22-5 record and two bowl game victories. He managed to take home the 2023 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year award despite playing in the same conference as Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr., and Rome Odunze, setting an NCAA record by completing 77.4 percent of his passes for 4,508 yards with 45 touchdowns to only three interceptions. I like his fit in a Denver offense helmed by Sean Payton, who helped Drew Brees (the NFL’s most accurate passer of all time) become a future first-ballot Hall of Famer during his time in New Orleans. Nix will likely never be a top-10 caliber starting quarterback, but if he’s put in the right situation, has the ability to lead a high-level NFL offense.
BECK- Denver Broncos: BO NIX: QB, Oregon. 6’2, 214 pounds.
Nix is the most experienced quarterback in college football history, and he played like it during his two seasons at Oregon. Both years were great, but his 2023 campaign was incredible: He threw 45 touchdowns and only three interceptions while setting the NCAA record for completion percentage in a season at 77.4 percent. He finished third in Heisman voting and was the 2023 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year. Critics are quick to point out Oregon’s QB-friendly system, which relies on quick reads and shorter throws. However, Nix has shown the ability to look downfield and make every throw in the book. He’s also extremely mobile inside and outside the pocket: He ran for 510 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022 and was sacked only five times in each of his two seasons at Oregon. He was unbelievably consistent at Oregon and provides a considerable threat out of play-action and read option looks. He’s 24, which is a downside, but he’s only two months older than Michael Penix Jr. and less than a year older than Jayden Daniels. He’s a much safer and more flexible option than Penix Jr., so I fully expect the Broncos to select him at 12 if he’s available. Given the right support, Nix could very well be the solution the Broncos have long been searching for at quarterback. Sean Payton’s success with the similarly equipped Drew Brees should give Broncos fans hope regarding Nix’s ceiling.
PICK NO. 13:
JOHN- Las Vegas Raiders: OLUMUYIWA FASHANU: T, Penn State. 6’6, 312 lbs.
The Raiders seem to have decided to wait for their time to strike at the quarterback draft market, settling for free agent, Gardner Minshew — signing him to a two-year, $25 million deal. Minshew is perfectly competent as an NFL starter, leading the Colts to a 7-6 record and a near-playoff birth last year while filling in for Anthony Richardson, but he isn’t a long-term solution to their quarterback problem. What he can do though is buy them time to figure that out while still keeping them competitive and in the mix. With that said, I think they opt for the best player available here and take Olu Fashanu, shoring up their offensive line for the quarterback that will eventually come. Kolton Miller has been a solid pass-protecting left tackle since he was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, but he will turn 29 at the start of next season and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025 season. 2021 first-round pick, Alex Leatherwood was a disaster at right tackle, having to be moved to guard before being released at the end of his rookie season, and his replacement, Thayer Munford Jr., a seventh-round pick in 2022, has been an inconsistent pass blocker across his first two years. Fashanu is a plug-and-play starter as a pass-protector, having not allowed even a QB hit in his 365 pass-blocking snaps in 2023. He’ll need some development as a run blocker but will make an instant impact and be a great pass protector for a long time.
BECK- Las Vegas Raiders: QUINYON MITCHELL: CB, Toledo. 6’0, 195 lbs.
Mitchell is an elite prospect and I consider him the best defensive player in this year’s draft. His 91.5 PFF grade ranked first out of 852 cornerbacks in 2023. That’s due to Mitchell’s combination of build, coverage skills and athletic ability. He’s a great tackler and possesses fantastic speed: He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the combine. He crashes well on comeback routes and forces incompletions at will. In 2022, he led the nation with 25 passes defensed and was voted a second-team All-American. Against Northern Illinois in 2022, he intercepted four passes and returned two for touchdowns. In 2023, he was voted a first-team All-American, becoming the first back-to-back All-American in Toledo history. He was also a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given to the nation’s best defensive player as judged by the Maxwell Football Club. Mitchell has serious potential as an immediate NFL starter. He could improve his pursuit angles on deeper routes, but he has the makeup speed necessary to cover for any early struggles. The Raiders have their share of holes and could potentially go for a quarterback, but I think that’s unlikely if UW’s Michael Penix Jr. is their best option at 13. Instead, they get a plug-and-play cornerback that has potential to make the kind of immediate impacts made by 2023 rookie cornerbacks Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez.
PICK NO. 14:
JOHN- New Orleans Saints: TALIESE FUAGA: T, Oregon State. 6’6, 324 pounds.
Ryan Ramczyk has been one of the league’s most consistent right tackles since he was drafted in 2017 but has recently dealt with an ongoing knee issue. Meanwhile, left tackle Trevor Penning has been far from consistent after being picked in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Here, New Orleans looks to upgrade their tackle position by taking Taliese Fuaga and plugging him in to make an immediate impact next year. Fuaga is as solid as they come as an edge protector, not allowing a sack in each of the last two years. He’s extremely productive as both a run and pass blocker, and can instantly fill in for Ramcyzk at right tackle before eventually sliding across the line to replace Penning.
BECK- New Orleans Saints: OLUMUYIWA FASHANU: T, Penn State. 6’6, 312 lbs.
Fashanu has prototypical size as a left tackle but is most known for his notable athleticism, which allows him to keep up with speedy edge threats. He’s fast and could afford to gain 10-20 pounds without much compromise to his athletic ability. In 2023, he was named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and also earned first-team All-American Honors. He’s been described by coaches as a positive locker room presence and was a Penn State team captain in 2023. Additionally, he was a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, given to the year’s “Academic Heisman”. Fashanu is a safe starter at tackle with room for further improvement, which is exactly what the Saints need. There’s potential for Fashanu to go earlier than at no. 14, so Saints fans would likely rejoice given the opportunity to draft him.
PICK NO. 15:
JOHN- Indianapolis Colts: TERRION ARNOLD: CB, Alabama. 6’0, 189 lbs.
The Colts ended up with a middle-of-the-road pass defense last season, but that was largely bolstered by a strong pass rush that finished fifth in sacks despite having the league’s lowest blitz rate at just 15.7 percent. 2021 Pro Bowler, Kenny Moore II, has been one of the NFL’s best nickel defenders since he was drafted in 2017, but the two corners currently set to start on the outside for them, 2023 second-round pick, JuJu Brentz, and 2022 undrafted free agent, Dallis Flowers, are largely unproven and have been mostly unproductive over the last two years. Arnold is a plug-and-play starter on the outside, with fluid movement skills and length that every team looks for from a starting corner. He’s excellent in press coverage, using a refined technique to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage and matching with receivers step-for-step before making high-level plays at the catch point. Arnold will make an instant impact for Indy’s defense, stepping in to be their CB1 and making them a potentially formidable force next season.
BECK- Indianapolis Colts: TERRION ARNOLD: CB, Alabama. 6’0, 189 lbs.
Indianapolis struggled mightily in pass coverage last season, so I have them targeting a potential solution in Arnold. Arnold’s talents in coverage have seen him almost unanimously ranked above teammate and fellow first-round cornerback prospect Kool-Aid McKinstry. In 2023, Arnold was named a first-team All-American and also received first-team All-SEC honors. His 17 passes defended and five interceptions ranked fifth and sixth in the country respectively. Arnold’s talents in coverage have seen him almost unanimously ranked above teammate and fellow first-round cornerback prospect Kool-Aid McKinstry. I’ve also seen plenty of draft boards that place Arnold ahead of Mitchell atop their cornerback rankings. I have Mitchell first, mostly due to the fact that Arnold’s measurables don’t jump out at you. He ran a 4.50 40-yard dash, while Mitchell ran a 4.33. Mitchell’s 10-yard split was also 0.03s faster than Arnold’s. While Arnold’s physical traits don’t jump off the page, he’s a natural in coverage and has potential to be a long-term starter with the Colts.
PICK NO. 16:
JOHN- Miami Dolphins: TROY FAUTANU: T, Washington. 6’4, 314 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Seattle Seahawks
Miami lost starting guard, Robert Hunt, to the Panthers on a five-year, $100 million contract during free agency, and they now head into 2024 with their two starters on the interior unproven and on one-year deals. With five-time Pro Bowl tackle, Terron Armstead, set to turn 33 this summer, the Dolphins look to move up here, capitalizing on one of the draft's most versatile linemen, Troy Fautanu. In this proposed trade, Miami would send picks 21 and 55 to Seattle in exchange for 16 and 108. There were originally many thoughts that Fautanu would be forced to move to guard at the NFL level, but after he measured with 34 ½-inch arms at the NFL Combine, he has proven to have the length necessary to stick at tackle long term. Fautanu was dominant as a tackle during his time at UW, helping take the Huskies to a national championship berth while leading their offensive line to the Joe Moore award as the best unit in college football. Fautanu can make an immediate impact, starting at guard for the first few years of his career, before moving to tackle when they are eventually forced to move on from Armstead.
BECK- Green Bay Packers: TROY FAUTANU: T, Washington. 6’4, 314 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have a few holes to fill and don’t pick again until the third round. There’s no one worth taking at no. 16 when trading back in the first round gets Seattle a second-round pick. As such, I have Seattle trading back to acquire a second-round pick. The Packers, who have two second and two third round picks, are well equipped to trade up without much harm to their overall draft class. After trading up from pick no. 25, I have the Packers selecting Fautanu, who can play outside as a tackle or inside as a guard. The Packers recently lost eleven-year starting tackle David Bakhtiari to free agency and management doesn’t seem sold on 2022 seventh-round pick Rasheed Walker. Jordan Love excelled in his first year as a starter, leaving the Packers much closer to “win now” mode than many fans expected. Protecting Love should be Green Bay’s top priority, and drafting Fautanu will do just that. He’s moderately sized among tackles, but he’s a great athlete that can move both laterally and vertically as a blocker. That athleticism allows him to move inside to guard or even center if need be. However, he started all 15 games last season at tackle, and that’s where I see him in the NFL. Like many other first-round tackles, his finesse could be improved. However, his positional flexibility and athleticism are enticing traits that could certainly motivate the Packers to trade up.
PICK NO. 17:
JOHN- Jacksonville Jaguars: COOPER DEJEAN: CB, Iowa. 6’1, 203 lbs.
Fourth-year corner Tyson Campbell has shown flashes since he was drafted in the second round of the 2021 draft but still needs to be more consistent. As of now, the Jags are set to start 30-year-old Ronald Darby opposite of him, who clearly isn’t their long-term solution. Having also lost former starting safety, Rayshawn Jenkins, in free agency to Seattle, with this pick they take the most versatile defensive back in the draft in Iowa’s Cooper DeJean. Also a productive punt returner, DeJean has the necessary speed and athleticism to stick on the outside as a corner, but also the physicality and strength to defend the run as either a nickel or safety. Jacksonville needs to add to their secondary across the board, and DeJean can successfully fill whatever role they need from him.
BECK- Jacksonville Jaguars: NATE WIGGINS: CB, Clemson. 6’1, 173 lbs.
Were it not for Xavier Worthy’s record-breaking 4.21-second 40-yard dash, Wiggins’ time of 4.28 seconds would have secured him this year’s fastest time. Wiggins used that speed to great effect at Clemson, scoring a team-high 9.5 pass breakups, two interceptions and a touchdown in 2023. His tackling and physicality need improvement, but he has enough recovery speed to fix some of his own mistakes. If he can round out his profile a bit, Wiggins will be a formidable cornerback. He’d be welcomed by the Jaguars, who are looking for at least one long-term starter at cornerback. Wiggins is strikingly similar to current Jaguars CB Tyson Campbell, who only just turned 24 but struggled with injuries and inconsistency in 2023. The addition of Wiggins would solve at least half of Jacksonville’s cornerback questions.
PICK NO. 18:
JOHN- Cincinnati Bengals: BYRON MURPHY II: DL, Texas. 6’1, 297 lbs.
Having shored up their offensive line with veteran tackle Trent Brown in free agency, pairing him with left tackle, Orlando Brown Jr., Cincinnati looks to fill the only glaring hole in their defense, the interior of their defensive line. Byron Murphy is an explosive force on the interior who can affect both the pass and run game at a high level. Both of Cincinnati's current starting d-tackles, Sheldon Rankins and B.J. Hill, have been relatively productive, but at 30 and 28, respectively, they won’t be reaching that next level anytime soon. Murphy will add juice to a defensive line that already features the likes of Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson on the edge. Though a bit undersized, Murphy plays with a strength and ferocity that makes him seem 20 pounds bigger. He’s extremely quick off the ball, immediately attacking linemen before disengaging to make either a sack or tackle for loss. With no immediate needs to address and a healthy Joe Burrow next year, the Bengals are just trying to take their Super Bowl contention to the next level.
BECK- Cincinnati Bengals: AMARIUS MIMS: T, Georgia. 6’8, 340 lbs.
There’s one narrative about Mims as a draft product: He has a towering frame and an equally high ceiling. He’s absolutely massive: His height, weight, wingspan, arm length, and hand size were all in the top 11 percent of this year’s tackles. He also turned heads with a 5.07-second 40-yard dash and a 111-inch broad jump, both of which measured in the top 15 percent. He’s only started eight games across two years, as he began starting during the 2022 playoffs and missed some time with injuries in 2023. That relative inexperience comes with associated deficiencies in finesse and footwork, so don’t expect to see the best version of Mims in year one. However, his size and length give him maybe the highest ceiling of any of this year’s tackles. Protecting Joe Burrow is essential to the Bengals’ continued success, and with a little development, Mims could be a long-term solution on Cincinnati’s offensive line.
PICK NO. 19:
JOHN- Los Angeles Rams: JER’ZHAN NEWTON: DL, Illinois. 6’2, 304 lbs.
Following the retirement of future Hall of Famer, Aaron Donald, this off-season, the Rams now have a glaring hole in the middle of their defensive line. Newton can slot right into Donald’s role, and even though he obviously won’t have the impact of a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, he will still instantly provide value where the Rams now desperately need it. Newton is a disruptive pass rusher from the three-technique, using a powerful base to explode into the lineman’s chest to bull rush them or disengage with a variety of pass-rush moves. He uses that same explosiveness to make plays in the run game, penetrating through the line of scrimmage to disrupt rushing attempts. He will need to work to become more disciplined in order to hone his raw power and aggression, but in a winning situation like L.A., I like Newton’s fit on a team now severely in need of a new interior presence.
BECK- Los Angeles Rams: BYRON MURPHY II: DL, Texas. 6’1, 297 lbs.
Legendary Rams DT Aaron Donald retired this offseason, and his replacement will have massive shoes to fill. I see the Rams targeting that replacement early by selecting Murphy. Murphy is only moderately sized and has rather short arms, but he plays with a high motor and exceptional quickness in both his hands and feet. He ran a 4.87 40-yard dash at the combine, where his overall athleticism turned some heads. His athleticism even warranted some offensive snaps at Texas: Murphy had one rush and one catch last season, both of which were one-yard touchdowns. While his modest size may concern some scouts, it’s worth remembering that Donald’s size was also once seen as a potential issue. It’s also worth remembering that Murphy’s strength made him the starting nose tackle at Texas, despite the presence of 360-pound teammate T’Vondre Sweat.
PICK NO. 20
JOHN- Pittsburgh Steelers: AMARIUS MIMS: T, Georgia. 6’8, 340 lbs.
Left tackle, Dan Moore has delivered substandard production across his first three seasons and will be a free agent at the end of 2024. Pittsburgh can take a high-upside swing here at Amarius Mims, hoping they can develop him into one of the top tackles in the league. Pairing him across from his former Georgia teammate, Broderick Jones, will give them two young tackles with high potential that they can develop while they figure out the future of their quarterback position. Mims is raw as a prospect, having only started eight games in college, but has every physical tool a coach could want from a tackle. At 6-foot-8, 340 pounds, Mims is simply a massive human being, also bringing incredible length with 36 ⅛-inch arms and 11 ¼-inch hands that place him in the 92nd and 94th percentiles, respectively. Despite this size, Mims moves much better than expected, with quick feet in his pass set and a relative athletic score that ranks 67th out of 1314 tackles since 1987. He will need work to develop better technique while gaining experience at the NFL level, but with this rare combination of overwhelming size and athleticism, he has the potential to be one of the best tackles in the entire league.
BECK- Pittsburgh Steelers: JACKSON POWERS-JOHNSON: IOL, Oregon. 6’3, 328 lbs.
“JPJ” was a unanimous first-team All-American and Rimington Award (nation’s best center) winner. JPJ has as wide a frame as you’ll ever see, and he possesses the strength and athleticism to match. He only started at center for one year, as his versatility made him a quality guard during his sophomore season. However, his success at both center and guard should make his relative positional inexperience a non-factor in the long run. The only real concern I’ve seen anywhere stems from his arm length, which measured in the 38th percentile. Thankfully, JPJ’s strength and quickness cover for that small shortcoming. Overall, JPJ is a brick house that can start at any of the three IOL positions. He’s a perfect fit for the Steelers and Russell Wilson, who historically thrived in Seattle’s run-first schemes. JPJ’s ability to move defenders and get to the second level would vastly improve Pittsburgh’s run offense and take defensive attention away from Wilson’s passing offense.
PICK NO. 21:
JOHN- Seattle Seahawks: JACKSON POWERS-JOHNSON: IOL, Oregon. 6’3, 328 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Miami Dolphins
After trading down to acquire a second-round pick, Seattle is able to secure some extra value while still targeting a position of need: the interior of their offensive line. It is a new era of Seahawks football as Mike McDonald — now the youngest head coach in the NFL — takes over for franchise icon, Pete Carroll, formerly the oldest head coach in the league who brought Seattle their first Super Bowl and led them to the sixth most wins in the NFL since he took the reins in 2010. McDonald is a prodigy of defensive scheming, helping lead the Ravens to the NFL’s best scoring defense last year as their defensive coordinator, after placing them third in 2022 and leading Michigan to a top-10 defense as their DC in 2021. The hope is that McDonald’s scheme can help fix a defense that was in the bottom 10 in both yards and points allowed last season, allowing GM, John Schneider to add offensive talent to help new offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb. The Seahawks have already locked down two young edge protectors in third-year tackles, Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, but they are only returning one starter on the interior of their offensive line. Anthony Bradford — a fourth-round pick in last year’s draft — struggled as a rookie while guard, Damien Lewis, signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Panthers, and center, Evan Brown, signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals in free agency. As of now, their replacements are set to be 2023 fifth-round pick, Olu Oluwatimi — who showed some promise as a pass protector in a very small sample size last year — at center, and free agent signee, Laken Tomlinson — a late addition on a one-year, $1.2 million deal — at their other guard spot. Jackson Powers-Johnson is about as good as it gets as an interior offensive line prospect. The 2023 Rimington Award winner and unanimous First-Team All-American absolutely dominated in his first year as the Ducks’ starting center. Last year, Powers-Johnson was the only center — and one of only two interior offensive linemen — to receive both a pass and run-blocking grade over 85 from PFF. In his first two seasons in Eugene, he played the majority of his snaps at guard before moving to center following the departure of Alex Forsythe, giving him the versatility to play at any spot on the interior. Pretty much as sure of a thing as there is, Powers-Johnson can fill whatever role Seattle needs from him and give them immediate impact and production from day one.
BECK- Miami Dolphins: GRAHAM BARTON: IOL, Duke. 6’5, 313 lbs.
Barton played his last three years of college football at left tackle, but his short 32-inch arms and Miami’s positional needs will almost certainly land him at center or guard. Miami’s offense flourished when running quick, lateral plays, but struggled to establish the dominant pocket-passing presence it could become given a better offensive line. Though Barton’s short arms are a real obstacle to success at the tackle position, he possesses advanced technique and finesse. At guard or center, where Barton has the necessary strength and toughness, length is much less important. Barton’s interior weaknesses are few and far between, as most of his struggles involved holding against speedy edge threats. That’s a minor issue at guard, where his only area of improvement involves overextending at the second level. Barton will instantly start somewhere on Miami’s offensive front, where he provides them with great positional flexibility.
PICK NO. 22:
JOHN- Philadelphia Eagles: NATE WIGGINS: CB, Clemson. 6’1, 173 lbs.
Having just missed out on their dream Jason Kelce replacement in Powers-Johnson, Philly looks to fill another glaring hole with this pick: their aging secondary. Starting corners, Darius Slay and James Bradberry, both bring years of production, accolades, and experience on their resumes but will be 33 and 31 years old, respectively, when the 2024 season kicks off. Wiggins has concerns surrounding his weight, having weighed in at only 173 pounds at the NFL Combine, but is an elite athlete with blazing speed, running a 4.28-second 40-yard dash — in the 99th percentile for corners across the last 10 combines. Even if you add some weight to his 6-foot-1 frame, he’ll still be one of the fastest corners in the league. He has experience on both the outside and in the slot, and brings high-level coverage chops that will make him a productive player from the jump. He can rotate into the Eagles’ secondary next year, learning from their veterans, before eventually taking over as their CB1.
BECK- Philadelphia Eagles: COOPER DEJEAN: CB, Iowa. 6’1, 203 lbs.
DeJean provides most upside as a cornerback and return specialist but can play safety or gunner as well. He had seven career interceptions at Iowa and returned three of them for touchdowns. He also returned a punt 70 yards for a game-winning touchdown against Michigan State and had an incredible would-be game-winner called back less than a month later against Minnesota. He was named a unanimous first-team All-American and also received the Big Ten Defensive Back and Return Specialist of the Year awards. He’s a zone corner who uses his good build and great athleticism to make big hits and big plays. He allowed only a single catch of more than 20 yards in 2023. Unfortunately for DeJean, his season ended in mid-November when he fractured his right fibula during practice. He recovered in time to host a private workout in early April, where his athleticism impressed attending scouts. His 40-yard dash times of 4.45 and 4.43 are encouraging given his significant size and recent injury. Despite his many talents, analysts have pointed out hip-flip flexibility issues that could leave him vulnerable to go routes, as well as length concerns that could make tackling difficult when his notable physicality doesn’t do the trick. That physicality would likely make him a fan favorite in Philadelphia, a city whose Eagles are in need of a defensive rebuild. DeJean anchored the famously good 2023 Iowa defense and could do the same in Philadelphia given the right scheme and support. He can also start right now on both sides of special teams. DeJean’s physical potential and positional flexibility make him clearly worth a first-round pick.
PICK NO. 23:
JOHN- Tennessee Titans: LAIATU LATU: EDGE, UCLA. 6’5, 259 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Minnesota Vikings VIA Cleveland Browns VIA Houston Texans
If we’re just talking talent, Latu is by far the best edge rusher in this class. The reason he falls into the 20s here has nothing to do with his play on the field — which has been excellent over the last two seasons — it’s simply a question of how long he will be able to play football at a high level. Latu, originally a Washington Husky, was forced to medically retire after suffering a neck injury during practice before the 2020 season. After missing the entire 2020 and 2021 seasons, Latu transferred to UCLA where, after completing a series of neck strengthening exercises, he was cleared by team doctors to be able to return to football. Since his return, he’s been arguably the best edge rusher in college football, ranking in the top 10 in PFF grade, pressures, sacks, pressure rate, and pass-rush win rate in both 2022 and 2023. Latu doesn’t have elite measurements, but his play on the field has proven that he can dominate any opponent. Tennessee’s defense ranked 22nd in PFF’s pass rush grade last season with the seventh-worst pressure rate in the league. Assuming that his medicals check out, Latu would provide immediate value off the edge to a team that has had sub-par pass-rush production for a few years.
BECK- Los Angeles Chargers: BRIAN THOMAS JR: WR, LSU. 6’3, 209 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Minnesota Vikings VIA Cleveland Browns VIA Houston Texans
The Chargers’ previous trade and resulting selection of Fuaga will pay off here. Thomas Jr. was the best-remaining receiver at pick no. 11, and they get him for a much more reasonable price at 23. The Chargers need more than one addition at wide receiver, but Thomas Jr. is a great first step. Thomas Jr. is a great combination of size and speed: His 4.33 40-yard dash was second among wide receivers, but he’s three inches taller and 30 pounds heavier than first-place Xavier Worthy. Thomas Jr. exploded into the spotlight in 2023 after two years of limited involvement, tallying 68 catches for 1,177 yards and a nation-best 17 touchdowns. No other Power 5 receiver managed more than 14. While his teammate Malik Nabers will certainly be drafted first, Thomas Jr.’s ceiling is sky-high. His catch-point physicality is an area of improvement for Thomas Jr.: Scouts wanted to see more aggression and dominance when attacking the football. He’s not the strongest, which is something NFL coaches will target for improvement. He’ll also want to become a more sophisticated and consistent route-runner, but he’s got all the physical tools necessary to do so. These issues should be improved upon but aren’t glaring weaknesses and clearly didn’t limit his production at LSU. He’s both fast and agile, so his route-running ceiling is high. He’s got a large frame, so his strength can feasibly improve. His ability to go deep will work well alongside Justin Herbert’s cannon of a throwing arm. I’m really high on Thomas Jr., and I think the Chargers getting him at pick no. 23 could one day be seen as even more of a steal than it already is.
PICK NO. 24:
JOHN- Dallas Cowboys: BRIAN THOMAS JR: WR, LSU. 6’3, 209 lbs.
After releasing Michael Gallup to clear up $7 million in cap space, Dallas now finds themselves without a reliable deep threat to open up space for All-Pro receiver, CeeDee Lamb. With Lamb spending over 50 percent of his time in the slot last season, the Cowboys’ current starters on the outside are set to be Brandin Cooks — who has been productive for a decade now but will turn 31 in September — and Jalen Tolbert — a third-rounder from 2022 who has 280 yards over his first two seasons. Dallas desperately needs a burner who can take the top off the defense to open up the rest of the field for their offense. At 6-foot-3, 209 pounds, Thomas showed off his field-tilting speed at the NFL Combine with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash. Even as the second option in LSU’s explosive passing, Thomas still finished the season with 68 catches for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns (the most in the country), an average of 17.3 yards per reception that placed him in the top 14 percent of receivers with at least 50 targets. He will need to work on his route running to take his game to the next level but Thomas can make an immediate impact as a deep threat, stretching the field to open things up for the rest of Dak Prescott’s weapons.
BECK- Buffalo Bills: ADONAI MITCHELL: WR, Texas. 6’2, 205 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Dallas Cowboys
The Bills recently traded star WR Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans for a 2025 second-round pick, leaving Buffalo with no real starting options at receiver. Curtis Samuel will work as WR2 or WR3, and KJ Hamler and Andy Isabella will provide depth. This team now needs a WR1, and with the second run on receivers beginning, I think the Bills need to trade up to get their potential WR1. With Thomas Jr. gone, I think Mitchell is this draft’s last wideout whom you’d feel at all comfortable having as your team’s best wideout. Despite teammate Xavier Worthy’s record-breaking combine performance, Mitchell grades out as a better pro. He’s not quite as fast as Worthy, but he’s still exceptionally fast (4.34 40-yard dash) and much bigger than Worthy. He’s excellent in jump-ball scenarios and is proficient at getting his feet down in bounds. He can also break tackles and has dangerous YAC potential. This comes with an impressive catch radius that’s also bigger than Worthy’s, though his hand-catching can be improved. The Bills will want him to improve the consistency of his routes, which seemed to fluctuate in effort at times. However, these issues aren’t the elephant in the room. Mitchell is already a dangerous combination of size, speed and agility, making him an ideal target for Josh Allen. A refined and disciplined Adonai Mitchell is a scary prospect for any defense.
PICK NO. 25:
JOHN- Green Bay Packers: GRAHAM BARTON: IOL, Duke. 6’5, 313 lbs.
The Packers did it again. From Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers and now Jordan Love. After sitting and developing behind Rodgers for three years, Love finally got his chance last year and took full advantage, finishing top 10 in yards, touchdowns, and QBR while leading Green Bay to a playoff win. The Packers have one of the youngest teams in the league and are now set for years of contention with only one major hole to fill: their offensive line. Green Bay lost guard, Jon Runyan Jr., and tackles, David Bakhtiari and Yosh Nijman, this off-season. Elgton Jenkins is a solid starting guard and under contract through 2026, and starting tackles, Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom, are both young and have shown promise early in their careers. Their hole comes on the interior of their line, where Josh Myers and Sean Rhyan have both produced less-than-stellar results. With 11 total picks in this draft, Green Bay can wait to address other potential needs like tackle, safety, and linebacker, and take Duke’s Graham Barton here. Barton started five games at center for Duke as a true freshman in 2020 before making the switch to left tackle in 2021, where he continued throughout the rest of his time as a Blue Devil. Despite his experience protecting the edge, Barton's length (32 ⅞-inch arms) profiles him more as an interior lineman. He may need some time to re-adjust to playing on the interior but brings a proven pedigree as both a run and pass blocker that should allow him to fill right in at either center or guard while even offering some value as a potential option at tackle if needed.
BECK- Seattle Seahawks: JER’ZHAN NEWTON: DL, Illinois. 6’2, 304 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Green Bay Packers
The Seahawks lack a second-round pick and have plenty of holes to fill. Furthermore, I don’t see anyone available at pick 16 that I wouldn’t consider a reach on the Seahawks’ part. As such, I see the Seahawks trading back to 25 and securing a late second or early third-round pick. After trading back, Seattle can comfortably select Newton at no. 25. Newton and the Seahawks have been linked across a number of mock drafts, and no. 25 is good value for the Illinois big man. Newton is moderately sized but uses hand-fighting and athleticism to provide an excellent combination of pass-rush and block-shedding capability. He’s explosive and moves with agility and intent. He’d be an excellent complement to Leonard Williams on Seattle’s defensive front. Seattle is looking to improve both pass rush and run defense, and Newton is an asset in both.
PICK NO. 26:
JOHN- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: JARED VERSE: EDGE, Florida State. 6’4, 254 lbs.
Unable to fill their needs on the interior of their offensive line in the first round with Powers-Johnson and Barton off the board, Tampa Bay looks to add pass-rushing depth to a group that recently saw the departure of veteran edge rusher, Shaquil Barrett. The Bucs' current starters on the edge, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Yaya Diaby, are yet to establish themselves as reliable options, so by adding Jared Verse they can bring in a new consistent presence to their edge rotation. Verse, though a bit older as a 23-year-old prospect after transferring from FCS Albany, brings multiple years of proven, high-level production — racking up 9 sacks in each of the last two years. He’s a powerful rusher off the edge, using that strength to explode into blockers before displaying a variety of pass-rush moves. That strength also gives him the versatility to line up on the inside, shooting past guards to make plays in the run game. He will be a 24-year-old rookie, but brings a really solid floor off the edge and the potential to become a highly productive pass rusher.
BECK- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LAIATU LATU: EDGE, UCLA. 6’5, 259 lbs.
Latu is one of the most interesting prospects in this year’s draft. Although he’s probably the best pure pass-rushing talent in this year’s draft, he’s struggled heavily with injuries in the past. After injuring his neck before his sophomore season at UW, Latu medically retired in spring 2021. He later transferred to UCLA, where he was cleared to play before the 2022 season. He tallied 10.5 sacks in 2022 and was named first-team All-Pac-12. In 2023, he tallied 13 sacks and led the nation in tackles for loss per game with 1.8. His PFF grade, a brilliant 96.3, was first out of 836 edge defenders in 2023. He’s shown no injury problems at UCLA, and he’s an extremely versatile and effective edge rusher. He’s also a quality run defender and can drop into coverage if needed. His health concerns will see him slide farther than his play merits, but he’d be great value for the Buccaneers if he can stay healthy.
PICK NO. 27:
JOHN- Arizona Cardinals: KOOL-AID MCKINSTRY: CB, Alabama. 6’0, 199 lbs.
VIA Houston Texans
The Cardinals have needed cornerback help for a while now, and in a deep wide receiver and corner class, can now secure both of their biggest needs in the first round. Arizona is currently set to start 2023 undrafted free agent, Starling Thomas V, on the outside, so by adding McKinstry they gain a high-level prospect who can make an immediate impact by starting for them this year. McKinstry has great length to become an effective press-man corner at the NFL level. At six feet tall with 32-inch arms, he can get physical with receivers at the line of scrimmage, disrupting their routes to keep them locked down. He brings enough athleticism to excel in off-coverage as well and has a high football IQ while playing with lots of awareness in zone coverage. His size and physicality make him an effective defender in the run game, and he’s not afraid to come downhill to make a tackle. There are some questions about his ball skills — only picking off two passes in three years — but he brings a proven pedigree of production and was a multi-year starter at Bama for a reason.
BECK- Arizona Cardinals: KOOL-AID MCKINSTRY: CB, Alabama. 6’0, 199 lbs.
VIA Houston Texans
McKinstry was a consistent press-man defender across his three years as an Alabama starter. He’s smart, confident, patient, and plays with poise. He’s not especially fast (4.48 40-yard dash) but he accelerates quickly, something he used effectively both in press coverage and as a punt returner. His impressive consistency is a point of constant discussion among analysts, making him an especially attractive prospect for teams drafting around this point. His lack of elite speed could be an issue for him, as it occasionally resulted in overly physical hand-fighting that could result in penalties. Despite his status as a press defender, he’s not a highly developed tackler, which coaches will likely target for improvement prior to the regular season. However, these are small flaws in a generally refined cornerback prospect. His consistency and intelligence should make him a viable starter in any scheme.
PICK NO. 28:
JOHN- Buffalo Bills: ADONAI MITCHELL: WR, Texas. 6’2, 205 lbs.
After Gabe Davis signed with the Jags in free agency and the Bills traded Stefon Diggs to Houston, Josh Allen’s top receiver is currently set to be either Curtis Samuel or Khalil Shakir. Not a great look for a team that should be trying to capitalize on the prime of a top-three QB in the league. Now don’t get me wrong, Samuel and Shakir are perfectly capable receivers, but more as a number two or three option, not as an X-receiver. Buffalo has talented pass catchers outside of their receiving room in tight ends, Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, and running back, James Cook, but adding Adonai Mitchell can give Allen a number-one receiver to target. Mitchell is a smooth route-runner with big-play potential and the size and physicality to make catches in traffic. He never put up elite production in college, but in deep receiving rooms at Georgia and Texas, there was tons of competition for targets, limiting his ability to put up big numbers. Mitchell’s floor might be slightly lower than some of the other receivers in this draft, but I think his ceiling is the highest of this second-tier of pass-catchers.
BECK- Dallas Cowboys: XAVIER WORTHY: WR, Texas. 5’11, 165 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Buffalo Bills
Worthy made headlines when his 40-yard dash time of 4.21 seconds broke the NFL Combine record. Because of that speed, he’ll require special defensive attention on every single play. That’s an underrated quality, especially if he’s sharing the field with Dallas’ Ceedee Lamb. Worthy’s speed and deep-threat status would stretch the defense vertically, giving room for Lamb’s elite route-running to open up holes underneath. He does need to improve his strength, both at the snap and while fighting for catches, and his slight size is also a concern. NFL coaches and nutritionists should be able to increase Worthy’s weight and strength without much compromise in speed, which could make Worthy a truly elite receiving threat. Until then, he’s a WR2 with tremendous upside. Thankfully for Worthy, that’s all Dallas needs from him, making this a match made in heaven for the Texas wideout.
PICK NO. 29:
JOHN- Kansas City Chiefs: JC LATHAM: T, Alabama. 6’6, 342 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Detroit Lions
With one of the draft’s top tackle prospects somehow still available at pick 29, the defending Super Bowl champs jump at the opportunity to leapfrog past fellow tackle-needy teams in Baltimore and San Francisco to snag Latham, sending picks 32 and 95 to Detroit to move up three spots. Kansas City opted to part ways with veteran tackle, Donovan Smith, this off-season after a season of less-than-stellar results protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. Additionally, right tackle, Jawaan Taylor, struggled in his debut season with the Chiefs, leading all tackles in penalties with 23 — 11 more than second-place Mekhi Becton. Latham is a long athlete, with a fluid pass set and the strength to move defenders in the run game. He has no career starts on the left side, but with his level of talent, I think it’s worth the risk for the Chiefs here, as Latham has all the necessary tools to become a franchise cornerstone protecting Mahomes’ blind side.
BECK- Detroit Lions: JARED VERSE: EDGE, Florida State. 6’4, 254 lbs.
Pick no. 29 is a considerable fall for Verse, who earned second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC honors in 2023. It’s also an interesting pick for the Lions, who have arguably greater holes at offensive line and cornerback. Despite options being available at both positions, I have Detroit picking Verse, who they may not have expected to drop to no. 29. Verse possesses an elite combination of size, explosiveness, speed and strength which he used to produce nine sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss and a blocked kick in 2023. In addition to his athletic ability, Verse uses his hands well and has a variety of pass-rush moves and counters at his disposal. He does have weaknesses: He’s not going to be dropping into coverage often, and his tackling could become more consistent and technique-based. Despite those weaknesses, Verse would provide excellent value on the Lions’ defensive front. Verse’s presence would take a portion of the attention and double-teams away from star edge threat Aiden Hutchinson, allowing for a more diverse pass-rush defense. The Lions have three picks in the next two rounds to fill their remaining holes. Verse could go significantly sooner than no. 29 and could one day be seen as a steal if he falls this far.
PICK NO. 30:
JOHN- Baltimore Ravens: CHOP ROBINSON: EDGE, Penn State. 6’3, 254 lbs.
Baltimore had the league’s best scoring defense last season but lost their defensive coordinator, Mike McDonald, to the Seahawks and will now need to re-tool their defense under new coordinator, Zach Orr. After losing Jadaveon Clowney — who finished second on the team while tying a career-high 9.5 sacks last season — the Ravens are currently set to head into 2024 with 33-year-old Kyle Van Noy starting opposite Odafe Oweh, clearly not a long-term pass-rush solution. Robinson is an explosive pass-rusher, with a quick get-off and the bend to dip and rip under tackles to get to the quarterback. He never put up truly elite production in college — only recording 11.5 sacks over three years — but has athleticism that gives him elite potential. In a situation where other high-level pass-rushers like Justin Madubuike can create disruption to ease Robinson’s responsibilities, he would have the opportunity to develop his game so that he can reach that potential.
BECK- Baltimore Ravens: JC LATHAM: T, Alabama. 6’6, 342 lbs.
Baltimore traded last year’s starting RT, Morgan Moses, to the Jets this offseason, creating a roster hole that JC Latham could immediately fill. Latham, who would likely be considered a steal at pick no. 30, was given first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American honors in 2023. His immense size and strength are evident, but he turned heads in a major way at his pro day when he ran a 4.85 40-yard dash, an incredible time for someone of Latham’s size and build. Latham has also garnered attention because of his history and potential at the guard position. He’d be pretty massive there, but he’s athletic enough to play there if need be. I think he fits best as a tackle, where he can protect the NFL’s reigning MVP, Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson. This class has incredible depth at tackle, and I think Latham is perhaps the last remaining plug-and-play option that I’d consider a true first-round talent.
PICK NO. 31:
JOHN- San Francisco 49ers: KINGSLEY SUAMATAIA: T, BYU. 6’5, 326 lbs.
The 49ers lost the Super Bowl because the right side of their offensive line couldn’t block Chris Jones, who recorded six pressures in the game — including blowing up a massive third down in overtime that forced San Francisco to settle for a field goal. They currently head into 2024 with right tackle, Colton McKivitz, and right guard, Jon Feliciano, set to return as starters, and could certainly use an upgrade to pair with three-time All-Pro, Trent Williams. Suamataia is an incredible athlete with the ideal frame to play tackle in the NFL. He has a smooth pass set and the necessary power to move defenders in the run game. Despite being just 21 years old, Suamataia brings starting experience at both tackle spots and could play right tackle next year before sliding to the blind side when Williams — who will turn 36 before next season — eventually retires.
BECK- San Francisco 49ers: TYLER GUYTON: T, Oklahoma. 6’8, 322 lbs.
Guyton is a work-in-progress whose appeal comes mostly from his frame and athleticism. Guyton switched from defensive end to tackle in college, having never played the position at the time. He’s only a redshirt junior and as such is still fairly inexperienced, something that can be visible in his blocking at times. Guyton is seen primarily as a pass-blocker and struggles to maintain blocks in the run game. He has a high center of gravity, making him vulnerable to being overpowered up the middle. Increased strength would make Guyton more effective in both departments. Thankfully for Guyton, being drafted by the 49ers would allow him to learn from future Hall of Fame tackle Trent Williams, which could allow Guyton to more rapidly reach his full potential. Give Guyton some time before you judge his overall value.
PICK NO. 32:
JOHN- Detroit Lions: DARIUS ROBINSON: EDGE, Missouri. 6’5, 285 lbs.
VIA TRADE with Kansas City Chiefs
The Lions held a 17-point lead at halftime of the NFC Championship game and were on the brink of their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history before they were outscored 27-7 in the second half by the 49ers. Detroit is in the midst of maybe their first championship window ever — with a chance to have three straight winning seasons for the first time since 1993-95 and consecutive 10+ win seasons for the first time in franchise history. The Lions have one absolute stud in Aidan Hutchinson on their defensive line, but other than that it's mostly a mixed bag of aging veterans. Marcus Davenport, their current other edge, was productive as a Saint but struggled last year while battling injuries in Minnesota and is now on a one-year contract with the Lions. Robinson fits the same type of profile as Hutchinson and Davenport as a jumbo-sized edge rusher with the versatility to line up at multiple spots across the defensive line. Robinson is a physical, high-energy pass-rusher who uses his combination of power and length to attack linemen before disengaging with a variety of moves. He could use some work to refine and polish his overall game, but I think he’s exactly the type of player who can fit right in with Dan Campbell’s kneecap-biting defense.
BECK- Kansas City Chiefs: LADD MCCONKEY: WR, Georgia. 6’0, 186 lbs.
McConkey would be a welcome addition to the Chiefs, who lack any sort of stability at the receiving position. This offseason, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown bolstered a Chiefs receiving corps that was previously composed entirely of Rashee Rice. Given Rice’s newfound legal troubles and Brown’s one-year contract, a long-term option is required. McConkey was limited by injuries in 2023, but he’s been Georgia’s WR1 for three seasons, two of which ended in undefeated national championships. His precise route-running is his primary attraction, but he shocked many fans at the combine when he ran a white-hot 4.39 40-yard dash. Given space, his quick cuts will get him open. If pressed, he has the ability to run right by overaggressive defenders. As a ball carrier, he possesses great vision, shiftiness, and top speed, making him an ideal slot receiver and trick-play guy. His modest strength and stature provide limits to his effectiveness, but he’s got literally every other tool in his belt. Still need convincing? Watch McConkey’s touchdown against Florida State in this year’s Orange Bowl. McConkey, the target of a screen pass, was supposed to throw a flea-flicker for a score. Instead, with his protection breaking down, McConkey improvised, making three men miss and running from sideline to sideline on his way to a thirty-yard touchdown. I’m really high on McConkey. His film makes me worry about what Andy Reid could draw up for McConkey and Patrick Mahomes to connect on. I think he’s easily the safest wide receiver left on the board, and that’s exactly that the Chiefs need.