2 Round Mock - Chicago Builds Toward 2025

published on 1/20/2024


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Round 1

Picks 17-32
17. Jaguars: Prospect not selected

Jacksonville continues to build around Trevor Lawrence. With Fautanu off the board, the Jaguars add the speedy Troy Franklin to open up the offense.


18. Bengals: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Brock Bowers is a top 10 talent but the returns on the Tight End position, similarly to RB and Off-Ball Linebacker, show teams are better off targeting them in later rounds. Bowers, however, is as close to you can find when looking for a well-rounded TE.


19. Broncos: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State

*TRADE: Broncos trade with Rams

After trading back with the Rams, the Broncos add size and skill to their pass rush. Jared Verse has a strong punch with enough athleticism to create pressure on the QB.


20. Colts: Cooper DeJean, S/CB, Iowa

The Colts love selecting RAS score stars and Cooper DeJean should be at the top of their list. DeJean will not fit every scheme but he would excel in Gus Bradley's Cover 3/Palms scheme as an outside CB.


21. Dolphins: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

The Dolphins need to add toughness to the squad and fortify the offensive line so they select Jordan Morgan and find a spot for him up front.


22. Eagles: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

The Eagles were forced to resign and overpay for Darius Slay and James Bradberry and do not want to be in that position again. Depending on how the Combine plays out, Nate Wiggins could be the top CB selected. But here, the Eagles enjoy a talented player falling into their laps.


23. 49ers: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

*TRADE: 49ers trade with Texans

The 49ers jump ahead of the Cowboys to grab the ultra-athletic Tyler Guyton. Guyton is raw so they move him to LG to learn from the best in the game, Trent Williams. Guyton has the ability to become the LT of the future when Williams retires.


24. Cowboys: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

With Guyton off the board, the Cowboys grab Patrick Paul to compete at RT in 2024 with the long term goal of becoming the LT after Tyron Smith, allowing Tyler Smith to remain (and dominate) at LG.


25. Packers: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Green Bay selects the versatile CB which fits their defensive mindset. Terrion Arnold can play outside or in the slot and will push for starting time right away.


26. Buccaneers: Chris Braswell, OLB, Alabama

Tampa Bay needs to continue adding youth to their pass rush and Chris Braswell fits an athletic profile that I think the Bucs will love.


27. Cardinals: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA

The Combine will be huge for Laiatu Latu. His college production leans toward a top-10 pick but a poor medical check and/or athletic testing could push him into the second round. Here, the Cardinals grab a falling player and inserts him into their pass rush.


28. Chiefs: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina

I can see the Chiefs moving up for Jer'Zhan Newton if Chris Jones somehow leaves the team or Brock Bowers if they feel it's time to groom someone behind Travis Kelce. In this scenario, they stay put and select Tez Walker to become an athletic, yet reliable pass catcher to pair with Rashee Rice.


29. Bills: Leonard Taylor, DT, Miami

While tempted to add a WR, the Bills build the trenches with Leonard Taylor becoming a pocket-wrecking 3-Technique.


30. Lions: Chop Robinson, OLB/DE, Penn State

The biggest boom-or-bust selection of the 1st round, the Lions take a swing on the athletic Chop Robinson to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson.


31. Texans: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

CJ Stroud has enjoyed an amazing rookie season and the Texans look to take the offense to an even higher level by adding the talented Brian Thomas Jr.


32. Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

*TRADE: Vikings trade with Ravens

Minnesota trades back into the 1st round to select JJ McCarthy. In this scenario, Kirk Cousins signs a 2-year deal with the Vikings with McCarthy as the QB of the future. At 20 years old, this is a great spot for him to learn behind a true professional until it's time for him to take the reigns.


Picks 17-32