Mock Draft 3.0

Mock Draft 3.0

The Details:

  • 11 selections stay the same from January’s Mock Draft 2.0 (including the top two).

  • 18 offensive selections, 14 defensive selections.

  • 9 of the first 10 picks are offensive players.

  • Shorter explanations of each pick, more streamlined information regarding the selection.

  • FEBRUARY 10TH, 2024

  • Titans ignore tackle, loading up the arsenal of weapons for Levis.

  • The Raiders nab the first defensive back off the board at thirteen (NOT Wiggins).

  • Houston opts to pick in state and beef up in the trenches.

  • Packers, stuck in no man’s land, don’t choose a cornerback.

  • Keon Coleman falls to a team certain to maximize his potential.

Washington EDGE Bralen Trice; USA TODAY

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins celebrates after breaking up a pass in the third quarter of the Tigers’ game against South Carolina; The Draft Network

1. Caleb Williams, Quarterback, USC

Let’s get this out of the way now: this is what I believe WILL happen, not what I MYSELF would do. To the Bears front office — who did not draft Justin Fields and has felt nothing but the pain of losing the last two seasons — getting “their guy” in the form Caleb Williams would feel pretty gratifying judging as both Eberflus and Poles enter 2024 on the hot seat. Williams is cheaper, younger, more explosive, and a more developed passer than Fields, who is entering a contract year, is at this point.

2. Drake Maye, Quarterback, UNC

The Commanders also enter this April with new ownership and a different vision towards the future than Ron Rivera did. Sam Howell will not be apart of those plans. While it is unfair to say Howell got his “shot” at being a starter, to ownership who has zero attachment to him, he did. Maye used to back-up Howell at Chapel Hill, and with a swift, undermining kick, Maye ends Howell’s time as an NFL starter and paves his own professional path. Maye possesses elite processing skills and the necessary athletic ability to extend plays, two traits new OC Kliff Kingsbury will be sure to maximize.

3. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, OSU

There are two philosophies contrasting surrounding this pick. Get your quarterback of the future in the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU, or build the core of the team with sure-fire and explosive weapons and slide the quarterback in at a later date. I went with the latter. Patriots fans witnessed what happened to Mac Jones firsthand; a slow, dilapidating death caused by poor protection and even worse outside play. While Jones is not completely off the hook for the disaster that 2022 and 2023 were for New England, what could he have done with Kenderick Bourne as his most capable weapon? Drafting the best wide receiver since Calvin Johnson and a sure-handed, confident catcher in Harrison will secure both the bridge quarterback as well as the quarterback selected later down the board a reliable and safe option down the field.

4. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Jonathan Gannon seems rather adamant in his choice to stick with Kyler Murray, who will be fully healed from his ACL tear and ready to lead Arizona back to the playoffs. With two first round picks, I would not be surprised if Arizona trades this pick — whether it be up or down. Since there are no trades here (I don’t have PFF+), I decided to grab Malik Nabers as Arizona’s go-to weapon. With Marquise Brown’s future being uncertain and Rondale Moore leaving more questions than answers in 2023, Nabers feels like the right pick here. An explosive, elite after the catch, smooth operating runner out of LSU… seems familiar. Pairing Nabers with a proven stud in Trey McBride and a developing Michael Wilson will sure-up an Arizona passing attack that looks to rebound in 2024.

5. Joe Alt, OT, ND

Brock Bowers this, Brock Bowers that. A tight end inside the top five is not feasible. Selecting the mammoth of a man in Joe Alt to create a brick wall around the edges of your offensive line with Rashawn Slater is the safer, and ultimately, smarter pick. Not only does Alt provide unforeseen size, the Irish-alum also comes with loads of experience and well-developed technique to protect a quarterback in Herbert who lost his season pre-maturely due to a hand injury.

6. Olumuyiwa Fashuanu, OT, PSU

The first pick I believe is instigated by pressure from other team’s selections. The Giants don’t have the ammunition to trade up, meaning they are likely stuck here at six unless they choose to move down, but, like we said, no trades here. New York can go a multitude of directions with the player they select, but with the thought of Evan Neal sliding inside to help salvage his first round selection, the Giants will need another tackle. Fashuanu has the highest ceiling out of any offensive lineman in this class. Despite being somewhat raw as a player, Fashuanu’s athletic skills offer a lot for NFL teams to like. In a last ditch attempt to help both Evan Neal and Daniel Jones, the Giants take Fashuanu here at six.

7. Rome Odunze, WR, WASH

With both of the top tackles stolen in back to back picks, Tennessee opts to grab Will Levis a weapon in Rome Odunze at seven. The U-Dub receiver was the kingpin weapon on a historically good Husky offense. His size is an obvious plus, but Odunze’s incredible route running abilities will make NFL teams salivate. He has a big, slippery frame that offers the ability to grow and shrink as the play requires. There aren’t a lot of flaws in the Nevada-native’s play.

8. Jayden Daniels, Quarterback, LSU

With Daniels escaping the frozen-hands of New England, Atlanta sits and waits for the Heisman winner at eight. With Desmond Ridder flopping — albeit in Arthur Smiths’s system — Atlanta is on the prowl for a new quarterback to fit the scheme of a new regime. Daniels is an optimal fit for Atlanta, as his combination of legs and arm make him a desirable player inside the top ten.

9. Jer’Zhan Newton, IDL, ILL

The first defensive player comes off the board here with Chicago’s second top-ten pick. Newton is a high floor prospect with the tools to evolve into the next Aaron Donald. The Bears need a force on the interior of a stout defense to sure up the run game and take this unit to the next level. As a day one starter, Newton does that for Chicago. His raw power and ability to contort blocks makes him a threat right off the bat for opposing offenses.

10. Taliese Fuaga, OT, OrST

A fairly common mock has been Fuaga to the Jets at ten. Apparently GM Joe Douglas is enamored with the Beaver tackle and will make his best efforts to take him at ten. There is a lot to like about the tackle; size, attitude, strength, quickness — but what alludes Fuaga is consistent pass blocking technique. Protecting Aaron Rodgers is a necessity, and while Fuaga will be developing in 2024, will he be good enough to satisfy the iron-fist Rodgers? I love Fuaga as a prospect, but am a bit worried for him if he lands in New York under pressure from both Rodgers and the multi-billion dollar media.

11. Jared Verse, EDGE, FSU

It will be quarterback or edge in the first round for Minnesota. At pick eleven, the Vikes find themselves cornered between trading up inside the top three for a blue-chip quarterback, or reaching for a McCarthy, Nix, or Penix of sorts to quench the need for a QB if Kirk Cousins walks. I went with edge here — like I did last month — because every fiber of my being believes that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will make the sensible pick and improve a possibly Danielle Hunter-less pass rushing unit over reaching for a quarterback twenty spots before they’re due. With that being said, Minnesota has not been super-aggressive in terms of taking quarterbacks since the miagma that was Christian Ponder (Bridgewater excluding). While Verse will only be six years younger than Danielle Hunter this year, the Seminole edge-rusher offers a complex array of moves and the physical traits to develop into a fearmongering presence for Minnesota.

12. JJ McCarthy, Quarterback, MICH

Sean Payton has been the coach during a lot of lucrative moments in his team’s histories. This would be no different. Payton wants a quarterback, that is widely known at this point. Denver doesn’t necessarily have the ammunition to trade up, so Payton will be “forced” to reach for one here at twelve. McCarthy does receive a bit more flack than he deserves in my opinion, as his raw athletic ability does make him a rather appetizing prospect for an offensive guru like Payton to form. His arm strength is apparent, as well as his natural ability to win. While winning is not necessarily a quarterback stat, look at what the quarterbacks before McCarthy at Michigan since Tom Brady. They did nothing.

13. Terrion Arnold, CB, ALA

The first defensive back goes off the board to a secondary-needy team in Las Vegas. Arnold’s aggressiveness and eye-discipline make him an intriguing prospect despite his lack of NFL size. Arnold is battle tested, as teams deferred from throwing McKinstry’s way, scared of his ability, and decided to target the inexperienced Arnold all season. All season long, Arnold put in a clinic, putting to use his dynamic skills and earning CB1 honors in this draft.

14. Amarius Mims, OT, UGA

With the once-prolific Saints offensive line falling apart from the outside in, New Orleans decides to keep Carr around and enlist him some protection in Amarius Mims. The Bulldog-alum is one of the most refined tackles in this cycle, with the ability to play four out of five spots on the line. Receiver was an option here as well, but with the board playing the way it did, I opted to roll NOLA a tackle to rebuild the offensive line.

15. Nate Wiggins, CB, CLEM

General manager Chris Ballard has shown his admiration for lanky, athletic prospects over the “meat and potatoes” physicality aspect of players. Wiggins is every bit the former, with his pure size and speed ratio intimidating most quarterbacks from throwing his way. When he is thrown at, Wiggins is like a vulture to the ball. Surely not another Andrew Booth Jr.!

16. Dallas Turner, EDGE, ALA

In what will most likely be a trade spot for Seattle, I went with Turner to bolster the defensive front for an improving defense. New head coach, new scheme, and Macdonald’s defensive background makes me believe his first pick will be a defensive player. Turner is a freak, and has been since 2021, evolving into a monster quickly for the Tide. If his progression stays linear, Turner will be an immediate impact player for Seattle.

17. Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, ORE

The Jaguars nab the “all-name first team” center out of Oregon at seventeen. No, but seriously, Powers-Johnson’s ability to handle opposing defenders and manipulate blocking surfaces makes him a sure-fire first round pick. With not a ton of holes on the roster, Jacksonville plugs whatever they can in order to ready the ship for a championship run in 2024.

18. Brock Bowers, TE, UGA

The fall of Bowers once again stops at eighteen, and Cincinnati. With not a ton of teams outside of the Chargers and Seahawks needing a tight end, there is reasonable suspicion as to why Bowers will take a bit of a tumble this April. Pairing Bowers with Joe Burrow, Jamar Chase, and possibly Tee Higgins will provide a lethal passing attack for a recovering Bengals squad.

19. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, TOLE

Most of you have never heard of Toledo, never mind a Toledo player being picked in the first round. Mitchell’s reported 4.30 forty and 95% arm length make him a desirable prospect for a team in dire need of an outside corner. He does need help in press coverage, as well as double-move discipline, but Mitchell has the potential to develop into a true CB1 in LA.

20. JC Latham, OT, ALA

Latham’s recent draft stock fall can be accredited to his less than ideal Rose Bowl performance against Michigan. The massive tackle out of Tuscaloosa needs to work on hand placement, footwork, and discipline in order to transition to the NFL, where, in this mock draft, he will be paired with Broderick Jones.

21. Troy Fautanu, IOL, WASH

Although Fautanu is listed as a tackle, he profiles a lot better as an IOL in the NFL. He is a powerful, striking presence that explodes onto blocks and finishes defenders regardless of their position on the field. Miami is desperate for interior help, and the former-Husky standout does just that. He was the steady presence on Washington’s line all year, and will look to carry that element of his game over to Miami.

22. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, ALA

Listen, I’m pretty sure Philly would allow a retired Champ Bailey to come play for whatever excuse of a secondary they put out in 2023. James Bradberry’s regression was evident, and Darius Slay’s step back was subtle but costly. Kelee Ringo is developing, but you need at least three corners in today’s NFL to succeed. That is what McKinstry brings as a prospect; a high floor, low risk player sure to patch glaring holes in a secondary.

23. Byron Murhpy II, IDL, TEX

A playoff appearance for first year coach Demeco Ryans gives us raised expectations for Houston in 2024. The way they can meet — and exceed — these expectations is by beefing up a defensive front that was lacking in their playoff loss to Baltimore. Not only does Murphy stay in state, but the Longhorn pass rusher provides excellent pressure from the interior and is able to play with enough leverage to capture runningbacks as they squirm through interior holes.

24. Cooper DeJean, DB, IOWA

If there is one area of the now Dan Quinn-less Cowboys defense needs to improve, it would be cornerback. With Trevon Diggs and Daron Bland generally fitting the same archetype as players, Dallas needs a corner who will lock down — not necessarily turn over — opposing receivers. DeJean offers that and more for Dallas. A sticky, quick footed athlete, the Iowa product has the potential to play any position in the secondary with efficiency.

25. Tyler Guyton, OT, OU

Stuck between corner and tackle — or, realistically, a trade down — Green Bay is forced to stay here and pick a tackle who I am not entirely sure will be a first round player. With most of the true first round corners gone, 25 is a little high for a Lassiter or Nubin, so I went with Guyton out of disdain for Green Bay. Sorry, maybe I’ll trade this pick next time.

26. Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

I personally love this pick for Tampa, who adds their second consecutive first round defensive lineman. Latu has the potential to be selected inside the top ten, but with looming health concerns, I am a bit cautious with Latu and may not jump the gun with the Bruin star. He is by far the most complete pass rusher in the cycle, and offers the highest floor out of any pass rusher in this class.

27. Bralen Trice, EDGE, WASH

Double dipping in the first round is pretty cool, huh Arizona? Flipping to the other side of the ball, getting Trice in the back end of the first is a good way to suture up a lacking defensive front for Arizona. Trice plays with an excellent motor and will be a day one leader for the Cardinals.

28. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Replacing Stefon Diggs — if he leaves — should be the first priority for Buffalo this off season. Falling just short of the AFC Championship this January, the Bills will need to replenish their weapons if they wish to contend in a loaded AFC. Josh Allen cannot do it just through his tight ends, however, and that is where the dynamic playmaker Brian Thomas Jr. comes into the fold. A true WR1 potental, Thomas has the tools to evolve into a big bodied stud on the outside.

29. Kamren Kinchens, DB, MIA

Kinchens is a versatile athlete who can cover grass and maneuver across the field at will. Exactly what killed Detroit in their NFC Championship loss to San Francisco is everything Kinchens is not. This would be a solid, back end of the first pick-up for a Detroit team on the surge in 2024.

30. Kamari Lassiter, CB, UGA

Lassiter is a true “starfish” type player. He isn’t the strongest, heaviest, quickest, or most athletic on the field, but boy does he ware down on receivers. Similar to the way a starfish slowly kills its prey, Lassiter makes a living by slowly tiring out receivers throughout a game. With the regression from Marlon Humphrey being felt, Baltimore finds a nice replacement in the former Bulldog.

31. Jordan Morgan, OT, ARI

The Niners have just lost the Super Bowl and are grieving loss by tormenting each other on social media for their offensive line failures. Drafting a steady presence on the outside will help quell these tensions. Morgan is a nimble-footed athlete who can move in space; perfect for the San Fran scheme.

32. Keon Coleman, WR, FSU

Coleman falling to the very last pick in the first round is becoming more likely as teams begin to find the talent in Brian Thomas Jr. Boy would this unlock the Chiefs offense, though. Coleman is a quintessential “go up and get it” type guy, something KC missed this season (along with receiving prowess all-together).