It’s still far too early in the 2024 NFL Draft process to try our hands at a predictive mock draft. Heck, much of the draft class remains a mystery. The transfer portal is the “Multiverse of Madness,” and we’ve already seen a few players surprisingly return to school.
2-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft | Round 1
The draft order was determined exclusively by the PFN Mock Draft Simulator, which operates entirely free of charge.
Normally, an NFL mock draft follows a specific theme. It could be predictive, reflecting what analysts believe will happen, or a personal preference draft where individuals select based on their preferences. Some mocks are designed to create specific scenarios, observing how those scenarios might impact the rest of the draft. While this mock draft loosely follows the latter theme, it primarily carries an energetic and spontaneous vibe.
1) Chicago Bears: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
This is what I mean. We haven’t seen a WR go No. 1 since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996. That was a smooth 28 years ago! In a draft class with two excellent quarterback prospects, how is it possible that the Bears don’t trade out of this pick?
The answer, at least with the current draft order, is simple. The teams looking to move up would have moved the Bears clear out of Marvin Harrison Jr. range, and they weren’t having that. The only trades they would have made were to pick No. 2 or pick No. 3, and the Cardinals aren’t drafting a QB.
That also means that for this simulation, the Bears are choosing to run with Justin Fields for at least one more season. Even as a Fields apologist, it’s not the decision I would make if I were the Bears, but this decision has an interesting domino effect on the rest of this class.
2)New England Patriots: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Choosing between Caleb Williams and Drake Maye may ultimately hinge on personal preference. If Bill Belichick remains with the team in 2024, his choice might become clearer. Until the decision is made, it remains uncertain.
While Maye possesses playmaking abilities, Williams stands out with his unique skill set, particularly in the aspect of creating opportunities. This quality holds significant value in an offense enriched with receiving talents such as…
In essence, the Patriots may require a quarterback who consistently extends plays, providing the receiving corps the freedom to improvise and catch defenders off guard. This becomes crucial, as the receivers are unlikely to gain separation solely on their own.
3)Las Vegas Raiders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Trade: Las Vegas trades pick No. 11, pick No. 42, 2025 first-round pick, and 2025 second-round pick. In return, the Arizona Cardinals send pick No. 3.
Although it might seem like a substantial package to surrender, it’s worth noting that the Texans made a comparable trade last season, moving from No. 12 to the same pick without incurring the quarterback tax.
The Raiders have other needs, sure, but until they have a quarterback on the roster, the rest doesn’t mean much of anything. If Maye can develop into the player we believe he can be, they could trade their entire draft, and it would be worth it for a 15-year franchise QB.
4)Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Trade: Tennessee trades pick No. 8, pick No. 39, and a 2025 third-round pick. In return, the Commanders send pick No. 4.
The Titans are determined not to miss out on Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu. Their previous attempt to address the left tackle position through free agency with Andre Dillard didn’t pan out as expected. Securing a young and reliable duo on the left side for the next decade simplifies the roster-building process and ensures the protection of quarterback Will Levis at all costs.
5) Chicago Bears: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The same goes for Fields in this scenario. Braxton Jones has been good on the left side of the Bears’ offensive line, but getting elite play on that side could help transform the offense. They need time to hit long-developing concepts because that is what Fields thrives in doing.
6) New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Any of the wide receivers in this class would realistically fit a need for the Giants. Despite their name, their “type” at wide receiver has been quite the opposite of their mascot. Getting a legitimately dominant three-level threat on the outside that is tall enough to ride all roller coasters would be a good start.
But which one should they choose? Malik Nabers and Keon Coleman are also excellent players. But while Coleman is an absolute alpha, he doesn’t have quite the overall route-running versatility or explosiveness of Rome Odunze. Nabers is the second-best receiver in this class for my money, but the gap isn’t astronomical.
7) Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Trade: Los Angeles sends pick No. 12, pick No. 74, and a 2025 third-round pick. New York sends pick No. 7.
Some picks needn’t an explanation. A trio of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams (while healthy), and Nabers is miles better than what the Chargers have going for them this season.
Nabers would be a devastating threat in the slot or out wide. He possesses incredible long speed and is acutely adept at winning downfield, much like former LSU Tiger Ja’Marr Chase.
8) Washington Commanders: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Trade: Tennesee sends pick No. 8, pick No. 39, pick No. 148, and a 2025 third-round pick. The Commanders send pick No. 4.
In this simulation, we’re projecting Eric Bieniemy as the Commanders coach in 2024. Hailing from the Andy Reid coaching tree, there should be no question concerning whether or not he should be able to maximize a tight end prospect as talented as Brock Bowers.
Bowers is incredibly versatile. Put the ball in his hands in the run game and in the screen game. He’s surprisingly elusive as a runner, endlessly explosive, and impressively powerful. But he is also an outstanding route runner, using his frame and athleticism very effectively.
9) New Orleans Saints: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Vibes. Will Jayden Daniels be a top-10 pick when all is said and done? It’s difficult to know for sure. All we know for sure is that having the LSU product remaining in Louisiana would be a whole lot of fun.
There have been more than a few players loosely compared to Lamar Jackson, but none have been such a close stylistic comp. Daniels is a natural downfield passer with borderline unbelievable lateral agility. And he can absolutely fly, too.
10) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Buccaneers are an awkward team to draft for because they don’t have a ton of absolute needs on the surface, but they could go in plenty of different directions. But Shaq Barrett is getting older, while Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has only one year left and hasn’t necessarily earned an extension, making Dallas Turner a potentially prudent fit.
The only other position that could really make sense here is a wide receiver or quarterback from a needs perspective, and we don’t know what’s going to happen with Mike Evans yet.
11) Arizona Cardinals: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Trade: Las Vegas sends pick No. 11, pick No. 42, 2025 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick. Arizona Cardinals send pick No. 3.
Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry could both realistically fit Jonathan Gannon’s defense, but watching Darius Slay have so much success with him makes Arnold feel like a great fit.
He’s unbelievably patient at the line when playing press. In that respect, his basketball background is obvious. After looking like a “return to school” candidate as a redshirt freshman and even early in 2023, he ascended to playing at a level no other cornerback could touch by the end of the season.
12) New York Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Trade: Los Angeles sends pick No. 12, pick No. 74, and a 2025 third-round pick. New York sends pick No. 7.
The Jets had a pretty good idea that at least one of the top four offensive tackles would be here. Additionally, wide receiver is another clear need on the depth chart, so they would have been happy with whatever would have been available here.
Taliese Fuaga exploded onto the scene this season, playing at an incredible level for the Beavers in the Pac-12. Considering the Jets need help at both tackle spots, they could realistically throw a dart at either side, depending on who is available.
13) Buffalo Bills: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Arnold played the best of any CB in the nation late in the year, but Nate Wiggins saw a similar ascension from a player with outstanding tools to a legitimately awesome cornerback prospect worthy of a high selection.
14) Denver Broncos: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Broncos decided to pair an Alabama cornerback with another Alabama cornerback. McKinstry isn’t as big, explosive, or fluid as Patrick Surtain II, but he offers similarly elite coverage intelligence.
15) Seattle Seahawks: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Leonard Williams and Mario Williams are free agents in the offseason. Jarran Reed is under contract through 2024. Why not add an incredible interior disrupter like Jer’Zhan Newton for a fraction of what Williams would cost in an extension?
MORE: Top DTs in the 2024 NFL Draft
And if there’s no redundancy in keeping Williams and pairing him with a player like Newton. He’s endlessly powerful for being an “undersized” defensive lineman. But his athleticism and explosiveness make him an alignment-versatile player.
16) Atlanta Falcons: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Trade: Atlanta sends pick No. 19 and pick No. 53. Los Angeles sends pick No. 16.
Likening the Michigan and Atlanta offenses would be an oversimplification, but they are thematically similar. Both teams lean on the run, play from under center a lot, and use play-action throws as the main focus of the passing attack.
J.J. McCarthy has a rocket launcher of a right arm and the athleticism necessary to be a creator at the next level. In fact, he might be one of the faster quarterbacks in the class, but he prefers not to lean on that athleticism as a crutch.
He almost certainly won’t be a finished product if he has to start immediately, but he possesses the mental and physical tools to be a high-end starter at the next level.
17) Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Orlando Brown Jr. was a clear message. The Bengals wanted to get more physical on the front line. With Jonah Williams likely moving on this offseason, his replacement could fall into their laps midway through the first round.
Whether JC Latham or Fuaga from Oregon State, each player would be a seamless fit for the Bengals offense.
18) Arizona Cardinals: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
It would be unfair to compare any college prospect to DeAndre Hopkins, but Coleman’s trajectory at the NFL level, if successful, looks a lot like Hopkins’ story. He’s not the most explosive WR on the field, and he certainly isn’t the most nuanced route runner.
But line him up against anyone, and he will dunk on their heads. He is a ball-winning alpha, and we’ve already seen Kyler Murray have a ton of success with Hopkins in the past. He has no problem throwing passes into contested windows with the expectation that his guy will make a play.
19) Los Angeles Rams: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Trade: Atlanta sends pick No. 19 and pick No. 53. Los Angeles sends pick No. 16.
The Rams moved back four picks, added a second-round pick, and still selected the player they would have at No. 16. The Rams will remain one of the youngest teams in the league in 2024, but they’ve shattered expectations in 2023 for everyone who is not a diehard fan of the team.
Chop Robinson adds another high-ceiling pass rusher to the defensive depth chart to pair with and complement Byron Young while also helping take some pressure off of Aaron Donald, should he choose to remain employed in 2024 instead of sipping margaritas on a beach somewhere.
20) Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Although Cooper DeJean played cornerback almost exclusively at Iowa, his skill set screams a transition to safety. However, it’s not a move made out of necessity. Most move because they lack the requisite reactive athleticism to survive at cornerback.
The Packers would be moving him because he could be a legitimately elite safety. He is incredible at playing with his eyes to the quarterback. At 6’2″ and well over 200 pounds with a predisposition for violence against ball carriers, he could thrive playing in the slot or in the box.
21) Minnesota Vikings: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
The Vikings hit a home run with Camryn Bynum playing safety, and Harrison Smith is practically thriving in Brian Flores’s defense. But they could still use some help at cornerback, and Denzel Burke got back to looking like his freshman self in 2023.
After getting injured in 2022, the athletic cornerback got back on track this season. His technical ability continues to improve as he sees the field more, and his 6’0″, 190-pound frame is the new prototype for the position.
22) Indianapolis Colts: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Michael Pittman Jr. is a good football player, but to unlock the next level of offensive efficiency in Shane Steichen’s offense, he needs a truly dominant X receiver on the outside. Brian Thomas Jr. could be that player for the Colts.
23) Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Reuniting Amarius Mims and Broderick Jones won’t necessarily save Kenny Pickett’s career, but it will give the Steelers a clearer picture of whether they can build a unit around Pickett that can help fix his current issues.
Mims played sparingly in 2022 and got injured in 2023, but he’s been unbelievable when on the field, particularly for his lack of experience. Playing beside James Daniels could help with his developmental curve as well.
24) Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Speaking of reuniting teammates, we have another reunion with C.J. Stroud and Emeka Egbuka. Egbuka is a different type of receiver than many of the behemoths in this class, but he’s also not undersized.
Tank Dell is your explosive weapon. Nico Collins looks like a borderline No. 1 on the outside. Noah Brown provides some interesting depth. But Egbuka is a natural separator who can win on all three levels, play anywhere on the field, and be an addition in the WR run game as well.
25) Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
The Kansas City Chiefs need as much help on the outside as any team in the NFL not named the Patriots or Panthers. Those teams have four combined wins in 2023.
Adonai Mitchell hasn’t been able to produce the same gravitational pull as Xavier Worthy in the Texas offense, but he has been the Longhorn’s biggest touchdown threat.
He possesses truly impressive fluidity and explosiveness for his size. If he was a bit more technically refined as a route runner, he could have legitimately competed with the likes of Odunze and Nabers. But his speed, size, and tracking ability could immediately unlock the downfield element that’s currently missing in Kansas City.
26) Jacksonville Jaguars: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Walker Little has positional flexibility between tackle and guard. Cam Robinson is entering the final year of his deal and could be a cap casualty this offseason. Troy Fautanu has been touted as a guard convert at the next level, but he’s played left tackle at a high level for a long time now.
MORE: Top OTs in the 2024 NFL Draft
That positional flexibility provides Jacksonville with options on the offensive line, which the Jags desperately need.
27) Dallas Cowboys: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
Cowboys fans likely want me to stub my toe on the corner of the dresser for drafting a linebacker in the first round. However, this particular linebacker could be of great use to Dallas. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. posted 11.5 sacks for the Tigers over the past two seasons, along with 28.5 total tackles for loss.
In other words, he’d be another pawn in Dan Quinn’s pressure games. Alongside Marquise Bell and Damone Clark, the Cowboys would have a versatile trio on the second level.
28) Detroit Lions: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Lions absolutely need someone on the opposite side of Aidan Hutchinson to take some pressure off the pass rusher. Having Laitu Latu fall into their laps because of his injury history is a dream, even if those injuries are concerning to see on paper.
Latu might be the best pass rusher in the class. He possesses the bend, plan, and hands to win consistently at the next level, even without being an overwhelmingly explosive athlete.
29) San Francisco 49ers: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The 49ers don’t need to pair an All-Pro on the opposite side of Nick Bosa. Jared Verse has the length and technical prowess to make for a high-end complementary defensive end at the next level. He lacks the flexibility to be a consistently dangerous pass rusher, but that’s not what San Francisco needs.
Verse is a strong run defender and a relentless competitor with outstanding power at the point of attack.
30) Baltimore Ravens: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
Troy Franklin or Xavier Legette might fit the downfield presence that Baltimore yearns for a bit better, but while Zay Flowers has the gravity to demand manufactured touches along with his normal receiving duties, the Ravens could use another natural separator on the outside.
Ladd McConkey is the best of a few worlds. He’s not the behemoth player Legette is or the lengthy pass catcher Franklin is, but he is still a downfield threat because of his outstanding long speed and acceleration. It also doesn’t hurt that he is a professional route runner from Day 1.
31) Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
There is no telling what position on the offensive line the Miami Dolphins may need. So why not draft the player who has experience at center and tackle during his career at Duke? Graham Barton is a fantastic athlete with enough length to play left tackle at the NFL level.
Connor Williams likely won’t be with the team next season. Terron Armstead is immensely talented, but he’s about as injury-prone as he is talented. The left guard spot is a sore spot, and right guard Robert Hunt is in the final year of his deal.
32) Philadelphia Eagles: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Although Legette would be the No. 3 WR in Philadelphia’s offense, their passing attack is built around the ability to create explosive plays, and arguably no wide receiver in college football is more explosive than Legette.
The South Carolina WR was an incredibly late bloomer, but his outrageous size and explosiveness are almost secondary to his unbelievable ability to high-point passes downfield. He’s also a much more sudden route runner than one would expect from a nearly 230-pound WR.
2-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft | Round 2
33) Carolina Panthers: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Getting the 10th wide receiver off the board sounds like a bad thing for a team that needs to find a legitimate No. 1 on the outside. However, the 2024 NFL Draft, as it stands today, is riddled with potential top guys on the outside.
Troy Franklin isn’t a perfect prospect, but he’s like a point guard. With the ball in his hands, he can make people miss and get to the bucket. But he needs to work on how he moves off the ball if he wants to become as dangerous as Steph Curry.
34) New England Patriots: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
The Patriots would have been perfectly fine with either of the remaining two wide receivers worthy of significant capital. He is certainly… worthy… of being the top target in New England’s passing attack.
While the concentration drops can be frustrating at times, his downfield tracking ability is arguably the best in the class, and his ability to take passes at the line of scrimmage as a manufactured touch player helps give the Patriots’ offense options.
Worthy is a perfect pairing for a quarterback like Williams.
35) Arizona Cardinals: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
If we’re keeping a tally, the Cardinals have now selected a cornerback, a wide receiver, and a safety. They could very easily draft another cornerback with one of their many selections in the 2024 NFL Draft if not two more.
Budda Baker only has another year left on his deal, but the Cardinals could have moved him at the deadline for more draft capital. He feels like a pillar for them while they build a young roster through the draft.
Tyler Nubin is a great option as a single-high free safety or a split-field safety in a quarters-based defense.
36) Washington Commanders: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
The Commanders have three of the next five picks, so they attacked the position they thought was thinning out, and one that the next few teams may have looked at.
Jordan Morgan was a potential first-round pick last season before tearing his ACL. He returned in 2023 and was fantastic, but he’s admittedly gotten lost in a ridiculously talented class. But his relative loss is the Commanders’ gain at left tackle.
37) New York Giants: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
We all were rooting for Evan Neal. But it’s been so bad in his first two seasons that as long as the opportunity presents itself, the Giants need to seriously consider replacing him in free agency or the draft.
Kingsley Suamataia’s athleticism is legendary at BYU, a school that just saw Blake Freeland and his 9.89 RAS come through the building. And while athleticism doesn’t make a defensive tackle, it sure does help.
38) Green Bay Packers: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Aaron Jones has one year remaining on his contract and hasn’t stayed healthy in 2023. AJ Dillon is in the final year of his deal. With the league leaning on explosiveness and big-play ability at the RB position, it’s about time the Packers get on board with this notion, and taking TreVeyon Henderson would be a significant step in that direction.
39) Washington Commanders: J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
There are a lot of sad situations along NFL rosters, but a defensive end unit consisting of James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill, KJ Henry, Andre Jones Jr., and Jalen Harris is enough to terrify even the most desensitized horror film fans.
We have no idea who will be leading the Commanders’ defense next season, but for this exercise, we’re assuming they will implement a similar scheme on that side of the ball.
J.T. Tuimoloau has a long way to go as a pure pass rusher, but his power output is outrageous, and he’s insanely explosive for his size. He lacks bend, but the Ohio State defensive end plays with great leverage as a run defender.
40) Washington Commanders: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Bralen Trice isn’t too different from Tuimoloau in the grand scheme of things. However, because the Commanders have Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne on the roster, they do not solely rely on the edges for their pass rush.
41) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Sign Baker Mayfield to an inexpensive two-year deal and see if Bo Nix can develop some of Mayfield’s chutzpah by proxy. The Oregon offense can do wonders for a passer’s efficiency, but if all you ever do is practice your wedge game, your mid- and long irons are going to suffer.
Nix has the arm and athletic ability to be a franchise quarterback. But he needs to be able to pull out the long stick on drivable par 4s more often.
42) Arizona Cardinals: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Byron Murphy II and T’Vondre Sweat made up the best interior duo in college football this season. Murphy was the lightning to Sweat’s thunder. His ability to generate interior pressure is necessary to make life easier for the back-end talent selected earlier in the draft.
43) Los Angeles Chargers: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
JT Woods flashed as a rookie for the Chargers, but he’s missed most of the season on the NFI list, and Alohi Gilman is in the final year of his rookie deal. Kamren Kinchens is a true free safety at heart. While he could stand to be more consistent in coverage, he’s an outstanding playmaker at the position.
44) Philadelphia Eagles: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
Kalen King is perfect for a Vic Fangio/Sean Desai defense. He’s not as physically gifted as some of the top-end talents in the class, but his mental trigger for action moving in front of him is instantaneous, and his scrappy style fits Philadelphia’s culture.
45) New Orleans Saints: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
Andrus Peat is their final hope at left tackle. Do whatever you must do to feel better about yourself with Trevor Penning. Move him to guard or keep him as a backup, it does not matter. They can’t go into 2024 with an offensive line of similar construction to what it is right now, making Patrick Paul the pick here.
46) New York Giants: Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
Fun fact: I once tweeted that Cooper Beebe looks like he eats tree bark, and he and his entire family liked that tweet. That’s the kind of attitude the Giants need on the front line. Now they have addressed center, right tackle, and one of the guard spots in a two-draft span while already having one of the best right tackles in the game.
47) Los Angeles Rams: Sedrick Van Pran, OC, Georgia
The Rams are in a position where they curiously don’t have a massive amount of needs, but the offensive line could use work. However, they could really use a left tackle, and they’ve been just out of position to get one with their selections in this simulation.
But they have other needs on the offensive line, including at center. Sedrick Van Pran is an excellent athlete who effortlessly climbs to the second level of defenses, while also providing more than enough sand in his pants to properly anchor against A-gap pressures.
48) Cincinnati Bengals: Leonard Taylor, DT, Miami
Re-sign D.J. Reader, draft Leonard Taylor and eventually prosper. It might take time for Taylor to become a three-down player at the NFL level, but B.J. Hill has another year remaining on his current deal, so Taylor can come along at his own pace, and the Bengals provide us another example of drafting a year ahead of their needs.
49) Pittsburgh Steelers: Zach Frazier, OC, West Virginia
Trade: Pittsburgh sends pick No. 54 and pick No. 119. Buffalo sends pick No. 49.
Replacing Mason Cole is a few years in the making now. Reports recently surfaced about the Steelers considering replacing Kenny Pickett with Mitchell Trusbisky before the ankle injury, so maybe someone like Michael Penix Jr. would be an option here, but they’re sticking it out for Year 3 with Pickett in this simulation while trying to build the environment around him. Therefore, Zach Frazier is the pick here.
50) Houston Texans: Beau Brade, S, Maryland
DeMeco Ryans brought Jimmie Ward along with him from San Francisco, but the veteran safety is a versatile player who could very easily slide into the slot or play in a rotational role with Beau Brade and Jalen Pitre on the back end.
There is no such thing as having too much depth at safety, and Brade is the kind of playmaker you dream of at the position. His route recognition and click and close are high-class.
51) Green Bay Packers: Calen Bullock, S, USC
Darnell Savage is in the final year of his deal, but even if he returns to the Packers, Green Bay has options after selecting DeJean in Round 1 and taking Calen Bullock in this spot.
52) Minnesota Vikings: Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
Few teams absolutely need to replace their running backs, but the Vikings are the one team in the NFL that absolutely can not go into 2024 with the same situation on their depth chart. Trey Benson is an impressive all-around back who runs angry but has enough juice to consistently be a threat on outside zone runs.
53) Los Angeles Rams: T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
The Rams haven’t frequented the big-bodied nose tackle, but Sweat isn’t your normal 340-pound player. Although he’s not as freaky as Vita Vea or Jordan Davis, Sweat has the explosiveness and hand usage to be a menace as a one-gap player.
He was the Big 12 DPOY for a reason. Although he won’t be a consistent pass-rushing threat, he plays with his pants on fire and will round out an incredibly athletic front unit in Los Angeles.
54) Buffalo Bills: Rod Moore, S, Michigan
Trade: Pittsburgh sends pick No. 54 and pick No. 119. Buffalo sends pick No. 49.
The Bills must start thinking about life after Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. They’re both over 30, and the Bills could use some solid depth on the back end anyway, making Rod Moore a prudent selection here.
55) Cleveland Browns: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Tyleik Williams is a 330-pounder who can legitimately be a difference-maker as a pass-rushing threat. There’s a bit of Dalvin Tomlinson to his game, and playing on the same defensive line could help mold the young Ohio State nose tackle into a frenetic all-around defender at the NFL level.
But don’t think because they’re similarly styled that they’re redundant. The better way to think about it would be that they’re interchangeable between alignments along the defensive front.
56) Indianapolis Colts: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
There isn’t a single player I want to go to a team more than Ja’Tavion Sanders going to Shane Steichen and the Colts. We’ve seen Sanders be a YAC wizard at Texas, and the fit for the Dallas Goedert role is perfect.
57) Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Dorlus, EDGE, Oregon
The NFL is getting trickier. While Brandon Dorlus is technically a defensive end, he’s not really an EDGE in the traditional sense because he’ll likely be playing inside Josh Allen or Travon Walker.
He’d be replacing Adam Gotsis in a perfect world. At 6’3″, 280 pounds, he played on the outside for Oregon, but he should be able to slide inside as a 4- or 5-technique at the NFL level.
58) Kansas City Chiefs: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
The Chiefs love their alignment-versatile defensive tackles, and that fits Ruke Orhorhoro like a fitted tee. The Clemson defensive lineman is explosive and long. His natural power is unbelievable, but he’s still ironing out the finer points of his game.
59) Detroit Lions: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
If anything has been apparent over the past month, it’s that the Lions absolutely need help defensively. Pairing a complementary defensive end with a high-IQ zone defender in Kamari Lassiter is exactly what Detroit needs to keep the top on their defensive lid.
60) Dallas Cowboys: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Re-sign Stephon Gilmore and hope that Trevon Diggs comes back fully healthy from his injury. However, coming back from an ACL tear is tough for proactive positions, and it becomes even more difficult for defensive backs. Quinyon Mitchell had five INTs in 2022, and he’s posted 37 passes defended over those two seasons. Dallas loves their ball hawks, flaws and all.
61) Baltimore Ravens: McKinnley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M
McKinnley Jackson’s draft stock seems to have tumbled a bit over the past few months. However, he feels like a fantastic fit alongside Michael Pierce, and he remains one of my favorite players in the class. He’s a powerful and intelligent run defender with more than enough athleticism to wreak havoc on the defensive interior.
62) San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
The 49ers love themselves a nasty run blocker, and that’s exactly what Tyler Guyton brings to the table. He’s still a relatively inexperienced player, but he’s already shown marked improvements as a pass protector.
63) Miami Dolphins: Cole Bishop, S, Utah
The Dolphins have their nail on the back end, but they need a hammer. Cole Bishop has the size and physicality to be the hammer. However, he isn’t some stone-footed pseudo-linebacker either. He can play down in the box, on the back end, or in the slot. But in Vic Fangio’s base split-safety defense, Bishop can do what he does best, which is come downhill from his safety alignment and poach.
64) Philadelphia Eagles: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
Listen, we all know that Howie Roseman would rather simultaneously get a root canal and a colonoscopy without anesthesia.
But the Eagles need to address the position, no matter how unimportant they feel the position is. Edgerrin Cooper has incredible length and an innate feel for attacking the line of scrimmage and making plays.
But that length is also a weapon as a rusher and in passing lanes playing in zone coverage.
