Before we jump into my mock draft, I feel I need to clarify a few things.
This mock draft is what I would do, and not what teams have indicated. This means that even if a team has zeroed in on a certain player, I would choose another player if I feel the fit is not right.
I did not include mock trades because I felt that all teams in this draft were perfectly placed to draft a player which wouldn't have been a reach for them to draft, given their position in the draft.
Positional value was not considered for this mock draft. What I only thought was the quality of the player and whether he fits the needs of a team.
With that cleared out of the way, let's jump into my draft!
​
#1 - Chicago Bears via Carolina Panthers - Marvin Harrison Jr. - WR, Ohio State
With this pick, Harrison Jr. becomes the WR to be drafted first overall since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996. While drafting a QB may be more appealing to Bears fans, especially sitting at No. 1 in a draft class loaded with talent at the QB spot, the prospect of passing up on one of, if not the best WR prospect in NFL Draft history is too good to pass up.
#2 - Washington Commanders - Caleb Willams - QB, USC
While there may be concerns regarding Williams’ attitude, there is no denying that Williams has been one of the best QBs in the college game over the last few years. The Commanders are reportedly keen on drafting Williams, a Washington local, and reports have even suggested that they may be willing to trade up to No.1 overall, to secure the former Heisman winner.
#3 - New England Patriots - Malik Nabers - WR, USC
The Patriots have been starving for an elite-level WR for the past few seasons, with many QBs in New England struggling to play to their fullest potential, due to the lack of a receiving corps. WR Kendrick Bourne was the team’s most productive WR in the 2022 season but only managed to find the endzone four times. The Patriots can then hold out for an exciting QB talent such as Shedeur Sanders or Quinn Ewers in the following draft while continuing to strengthen the overall strength of their roster.
#4 - Arizona Cardinals - Dallas Turner - EDGE, Alabama
The Cardinals’ GM Monti Ossenfort was in awe of Turner after the prospect ran a 4.49 at the Combine. Turner, apart from having earned the admiration of Ossenfort, would also be of great use to the Cardinals’ defensive line, who could only manage a measly 33 sacks in the 2023 season. Furthermore, Dennis Gardeck, who led the Cardinals in sacks in 2023, is entering the final season of his contract with the team, thereby perpetuating the need for a superstar defensive lineman.
#5 - Los Angeles Chargers - Olumuyiwa Fashanu - OL, Penn State
New HC Jim Harbaugh recently spoke on how he felt the OL is central to how well other positions can play on the field. The Chargers’ OL room could do with an improvement, seeing as how they had allowed 43 sacks in the 2023 season. Moreover, Fashanu, an All-American who didn’t allow a single sack in 2023, looks to be the best player available on the draft board.
#6 - New York Giants - Drake Maye - QB, North Carolina
The Giants have a reported interest in drafting the North Carolina QB, with reports suggesting that Maye will be working out for the Big Blue. Multiple reports have also suggested that the Giants are interested in drafting Maye, making this selection even more plausible. With Daniel Jones leading the Giants to five losses in six starts, a change in signal calling may be the best option for the team.
Following Will Levis’ promising performances in the 2023 season, the Titans should now prioritise bolstering their OL to better protect the second-year QB. Seeing as how the Titans have not replaced Andre Dillard in free agency, addressing the need for an offensive lineman is essential for the Titans. Joe Alt, a two-time All-American, would slot brilliantly into left tackle for the Titans.
#8 - Atlanta Falcons - Quinyon Mitchell - CB, Toledo
The Falcons have addressed their needs on the offensive side of the ball through free agency, by signing QB Kirk Cousins and improving their receiving corps by signing WR Darnell Mooney. Drafting a CB to pair with A.J. Terrell would be most beneficial for the Falcons. Mitchell impressed at his Combine, running his 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds.
#9 - Chicago Bears - Jayden Daniels - QB, LSU
Capping off a nearly perfect draft for the Bears, Daniels fills the hole created by Justin Fields’ departure. Daniels, who won the most recent edition of the Heisman Trophy, given to college football’s best player, would pair well with Harrison Jr., making the Bears’ offense a force to be reckoned with. At least, on paper.
#10 - New York Jets - Rome Odunze - WR, Washington
Aside from Garrett Wilson, the Jets seem to lack a quality WR. The Jets boast an excellent OL, a future HOF QB in Aaron Rodgers, along with one of the NFL’s best defenses. Odunze may be the catalyst in making the Jets’ offense a juggernaut, giving Rodgers another talent to target.
#11 - Minnesota Vikings - Jared Verse - EDGE, Florida State
The Vikings lost star EDGE rusher Danielle Hunter through free agency to the Houston Texans this offseason, creating a need for a quality replacement. While this move would be surprising, given how the Vikings lost their starting QB in free agency as well, Verse is arguably the best player on the board that fits the needs of the Vikings.
#12 - Denver Broncos - Terrion Arnold - CB, Alabama
In picking Arnold, who is a former All-American, the Broncos can pair him with Patrick Surtain II, potentially creating one of the best secondary units in the NFL. Having already met with the Broncos in the Combine, the Broncos’ interest in the Alabama product is undeniable.
#13 - Las Vegas Raiders - Tailese Fuaga - OT, Oregon State
The Raiders have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, something which they look to address in the draft, before bringing in a new QB for the future. Fuaga looks to solidify the tackle spot for the Silver and Black. Fuaga has the honour of not giving up a single sack in his entire collegiate career. If this dominance can translate over to the professional game, Fuaga would be a keystone in the Raiders’ OL.
#14 - New Orleans Saints - Brock Bowers - TE, Georgia
Looking at the examples of the Chiefs and the 49ers, there’s no denying the importance of having an elite-level TE in contributing to a team’s success. The Saints’ best TE, Foster Moreau, is a block-first TE, rather than a receiving weapon. Bowers was one of the best offensive weapons in a loaded Georgia team and would form an exciting receiving partnership with wideout Chris Olave.
#15 - Indianapolis Colts - Laiatu Latu - EDGE, UCLA
Latu was one of the best defensive players in college football last season, in which he won the 2023 Pac-12 DPOY and the Vince Lombardi Award, given to the nation’s best defensive lineman. There is no denying Latu’s importance to the Colts, who despite having one of the best defenses in football, have lacked a quality EDGE rusher.
#16 - Seattle Seahawks - Byron Murphy II - DL, Texas
Arguably the best defensive lineman in the draft, Murphy has reportedly met with the Seahawks, during the Combine, showing the team’s interest in the former Longhorns standout. Murphy will bolster a mediocre defensive line for the Seahawks, which is in desperate need of young talent.
#17 - Jacksonville Jaguars - Brian Thomas Jr. - WR, LSU
The Jaguars allowed their best WR, Calvin Ridley, to walk in free agency to the Tennessee Titans, leaving a big hole in the position. Thomas Jr., who had a breakout season for the LSU Tigers last season, would give Trevor Lawrence a reliable wideout that he can target.
#18 - Cincinnati Bengals - Amarius Mims - OT, Georgia
The Bengals extended Joe Burrow last offseason, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history. The Bengals have to prioritise protecting Burrow, as their offensive line has always been ranked as one of the worst over the past few seasons. Burrow also endured an injury-riddled 2023 campaign, thereby perpetuating the need to protect the former No.1 overall pick. Although the Bengals just signed Trent Brown to bolster their offensive line, Mims could serve as a long-term replacement for the 30-year-old.
#19 - Los Angeles Rams - JC Latham - OT, Alabama
Rams OL Rob Havenstein is now approaching the end of his playing career, while Alaric Jackson only has one year left on his contract. By drafting Latham, the Rams can ensure that the position is well looked after, once the pair leave Hollywood. Latham can form a core of young players that the Rams can look to build around, once the more experienced players either leave the Rams or eventually retire.
#20 - Pittsburgh Steelers - Troy Fautanu - IOL, Washington
The Steelers attended Fautanu’s pro day at Washington, met with him during the Combine and also met with him in a pre-draft visit, showing their interest in the offensive lineman. All with good reason, as the Steelers could desperately use an upgrade at the tackle position, replacing Dan Moore Jr., whose performances have been mediocre. Fautanu can pair with 2023-first-round pick Broderick Jones, to ensure good protection for incoming Steelers QB Russell Wilson.
#21 - Miami Dolphins - Chop Robinson - EDGE, Penn State
The Dolphins could do with better depth in the EDGE position - Jaelan Phillips has constantly struggled with issues pertaining to injuries. Cameron Goode also faces an uphill battle to be healthy in time for the season’s kickoff. Miami’s EdgeEDGE rusher’s room is also an ageing group. This means that Robinson will not just be a solution to Miami’s injury problems and could be groomed into a future starter for the Dolphins.
#22 - Philadelphia Eagles - Adonai Mitchell - WR, Texas
The Eagles parted ways with WR Quez Watkins and Olamide Zaccheaus this offseason, creating a void in the WR position. While a WR may not be the Eagles’ most pressing need, as the team have two Pro Bowl calibre receivers in AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, it is important to note that the Eagles’ offense fell off a cliff in the latter half of the 2023 season, and drafting an offensive weapon might be necessary to turn the offense’s fortunes around. AJ Brown has also posted cryptic messages regarding his future on his social media, which may prompt the Eagles’ front office to prepare for life after Brown.
#23 - Minnesota Vikings via Houston Texans - J.J. McCarthy - QB, Michigan
The Vikings finally bring an end to McCarthy’s slide, by drafting him to replace longtime signal-caller Kirk Cousins, who departed for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. McCarthy’s performances for Michigan have earned him the plaudits of his former coach and current Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh, who labelled him as the best QB in the 2024 draft class. McCarthy could form a stellar connection with superstar WR Justin Jefferson and RB Aaron Jones, potentially making Minnesota’s offense one of the most exciting in the NFL.
#24 - Dallas Cowboys - Kool-Aid McKinstry - CB, Alabama
McKinstry will be expected to fill the void created by Gilmore’s departure in free agency. Despite fracturing his foot this offseason, the Alabama CB is expected to make a recovery before the season starts. McKinstry, at 24 years of age, also offers a level of experience that is unmatched by his peers.
#25 - Green Bay Packers - Nate Wiggins - CB, Clemson
The Packers’ secondary was one of the worst in the NFL in 2023, picking off opposing QBs only 16 times throughout the entire season. With doubts surrounding Eric Stokes’ ability to stay on the field for extended periods of time, and Carrington Valentine having done little to prove his quality at CB, drafting Wiggins could give Jaire Alexander much-needed assistance.
#26 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Darius Robinson - EDGE, Missouri
The Buccaneers had a middle-of-the-pack pass rush in 2023. This offseason, they lost Devin White, and Antoine Winfield Jr.’s future at Tampa looks uncertain, as they placed the franchise tag on him this offseason. The Bucs will thus look to strengthen their defense, through Robinson, who was one of the standout players for Missouri last season.
#26 - Arizona Cardinals via Houston Texans - Ladd McConkey - WR, Georgia
Following the departure of Hollywood Brown, the Cardinals’ WR room is now one of the worst in the NFL, with QB Kyler Murray not having a quality WR that he can target. Rondale Moore, although capable and having shown flashes of brilliance, has not proven that he can lead the Cardinals in receiving. If Murray can form a solid partnership with McConkey, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Cardinals in the playoff picture this season.
#28 - Buffalo Bills - Cooper DeJean - CB, Georgia
Arguably the steal of the draft, DeJean was considered one of the top prospects, before a leg injury hampered his draft stock. One of the most versatile players in the draft, the Iowa prospect can even play safety and nickelback. With this pick, the Bills have the choice of starting DeJean in multiple positions, which would undoubtedly benefit an already elite Bills defense.
#29 - Detroit Lions - Kris Abrams-Draine - CB, Missouri
Despite boasting a juggernaut offense in 2023, the Lions’ defense was less-than-stellar, which hurt the Lions’ chances against formidable opposition. The Lions also released CB Cameron Sutton, creating a big hole for the Lions to fill in their secondary. Abrams-Draine also offers great athletic potential, which means the Lions could even use him on special teams.
#30 - Baltimore Ravens - Xavier Worthy - WR, Texas
Despite the Ravens achieving great success over the years, the need for an elite WR has remained ever-present. Worthy, who posted the fastest 40-yard dash in NFL Combine history, has had a stellar career with the Longhorns, earning several individual accolades. Worthy would serve as the perfect replacement for outgoing WR Odell Beckham Jr., with his speed, and thin frame.
#31 - San Francisco 49ers - Jackson Powers-Johnson - OT, Oregon
The 49ers struggled to find a quality right tackle throughout the 2023 season, opting to rotate duties between offensive linemen. For a team with Superbowl aspirations such as that of the 49ers, this must be addressed as soon as possible. Powers-Johnson has shown his ability to star in every position on the offensive line in his collegiate career. This versatility may be of great use to the 49ers, should they wish to rotate players in the OL.
#32 - Kansas City Chiefs - Braden Fiske - DL, Florida State
Partnering Fiske alongside Chris Jones would push the Chiefs’ defense to indomitable heights and would ensure that the Chiefs have a long-term replacement for Jones when he chooses to leave Arrowhead. With explosive speed and agility, Fiske’s addition would see the Chiefs’ trenches get elevated to one of the best in the NFL.
​