Alabama

Prospect Ranking: 11

Two recent hot press reports link the Jaguars to a cornerback, and feel their preferred target. They also reportedly want to get more physical on defense. Although it's optimistic to presume Terrion Arnold will still be on the board here, I could see the Colts taking Mitchell over him (see pick no. 15) in the scenario they draft defensively, leaving Arnold on the board in a clear win-win scenario for both franchises.

As one can tell from my rankings, this would be a steal for Jacksonville. Terrrion Arnold is my CB1 (by a fraction) and is a plug and play starter either on the outside or in the slot. Tyson Campvell, Rodarius Williams and Terrion Arnold could be one of the better nickel package trios in the NFL, and Arnold could be a long-term replacement for either cornerback, as both are due to hit free agency in 2025. Arnold is unanimously viewed as the better pro prospect versus Kool-Aid McKinstry.

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Alternative Option:

Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo) - As of now, Arnold and Mitchell could both end up in the AFC South. Question is; which order, and to which team?

Georgia

Prospect Ranking: 10

Death, taxes, and OL struggles for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals continue to have a big need along their offensive line. Jonah Williams is a free agent, and I doubt they look to extend him given he’s been average at best for them. JC Latham is a popular pick here, but instead, I finally slot a personal favorite OT of mine who can lock down the RT position Day 1, and has the athletic ability to replace Orlando Brown Jr. at LT if he continues to underperform.

Amarius Mims is amongst my favorite prospects of any position in this class with a top-5 physical skill-set; however, as any draft fan will know, he has minimal tape due to injury in 2023 and wasn’t a starter prior to then. Mims was dominant on the tape he did put out, and he's such a freakish athlete that he’s likely to go top-20 regardless of the question marks. If he can remain healthy, the sky's the limit for the Georgia product.

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Alternative Option:

Byron Murphy II (DT, Texas) - The Bengals often draft defensively in the 1st round, and they would be tempted to forgo their OL need to Day 2 if Byron Murphy was to fall. I think it’s unlikely he’d slide this far, but crazier things have happened.

Clemson

Prospect Ranking: 21

The Rams are one of the harder teams to predict, as Les Snead hasn’t had a 1st round pick since 2016 (!). The Rams did a very good job drafting in the mid-rounds, coming away with Kobie Turner and Byron Young who respectively had 9 sacks as rookies. They then draft Puka Nacua in Round 5, who went for 1486 yards and earned All-Pro honours as a rookie. Looking at their roster, their secondary is the most obvious place in need of investment. They could do with Jared Verse, but I have a high grade on Nate Wiggins as a true replacement for Jalen Ramsey.

Wiggins is no longer my CB1, but has a starting boundary corner skill-set in this draft class, with good range, size and athletic ability. His ball skills aren’t exceptional, but he is very disruptive and a balanced corner between man and zone and would be an instant upgrade for the Rams. He should be a safe mid-to-late 1st round selection, although a combine injury and reported character concerns are something to monitor.

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Alternative Option:

Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State) - Turner, Latu and Verse are the only sure 1st round edge rushers, and the Rams could do with more quarterback hunters. I think Verse is a better hand in the first 4-3 DE fit but has some scheme versatility to play in 3-4 base defenses, too.

Oregon

Prospect Ranking: 22

Joey Porter Jr. was excellent as a rookie, but the Steelers have a clear and obvious need at cornerback alongside him. With the top-3 corners gone, though, they would be better switching their attention to their offensive line. Center is a dire need for this team, and although not a premium position, has a top-25 caliber option which is justifiable with the top corners off the board.

Jackson Powers-Johnson feels like a terrific fit for the Steelers. He’s a tough as nails center with the ability to transition to guard should an injury or future free agency require it. He’s not an elite athlete but is a really good football player and superb run blocker, which are two things the Steelers’ offensive line needs. Powers-Johnson was exceptional at the Senior Bowl.

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Alternative Option:

Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo) - The Steelers are likely Mitchell’s floor at this point. Perhaps they move up for him.

Arizona

Prospect Ranking: 25

The Dolphins would be devastated in this scenario, as Jackson Powers-Johnson appears to be a perfect fit for what they need. However, should he be gone, there will likely be other IOL options available. The Dolphins are cash strapped and due to lose both Connor Williams and Robert Hunt in free agency; Terron Armstead at LT also appears unlikely to finish his contract after toying with the idea of retirement before committing to returning in 2024.

Although I have JC Latham higher than Morgan, the latter feels like a better fit. Jordan Morgan is a hyper athletic tackle who might project best to guard in the pros, which is where he'd start for Miami Day 1. Morgan is a “finesse” blocker, but played really well in 2023, and is now a likely 1st round pick. Morgan is a tough and versatile lineman who has a lot of athletic upside and relatively few flaws as a multi-year starter. He could replace Robert Hunt Day 1 at guard and be groomed as developmental Left Tackle of the future, whereas JC Latham is more of a RT for the NFL.

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Alternative Option:

Jackson Powers-Johnson (C, Oregon) - JPJ to Miami is amongst the cleanest fits in this draft. If available, I’d be surprised if he was not the pick.

Florida State

Prospect Ranking: 24

The Eagles almost exclusively draft OL, DL or WR - to a notorious extent at this point. This has come at the cost of their putrid secondary, but I have them sticking to the script here with their lack of true difference makers at defensive end. With Josh Sweat struggling in 2023, and Brandom Graham a free agent (possibly even retiring), the Eagles could use a “hands in the dirt” Defensive End.

Jared Verse was touted as a top-5 prospect entering the season, but has fallen from grace with teams having borderline 1st/2nd round grades on him. Verse tends to run hot and cold and is still pretty raw after only 2 years in top-division football, but is a talented edge rusher. I still like Verse a lot with his knack at getting to the quarterback, with 9 sacks a piece in 2022 and 2023. I could easily see him going in the 20-32 range to a 4-3 team like Philadelphia, Houston, Detroit or San Francisco, which was corroborated by Charlie Campbell’s recent hot press report at the combine.

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Alternative Option:

Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia) - Could the Eagles finally break their MO and draft a defensive back in R1? The Eagles also love former Georgia Bulldogs on defense, so perhaps they’d be interested in late 1st rounder Kamari Lassiter.

LSU

Prospect Ranking: 16

WR wouldn’t be in my top-3 list of needs for the Texans, as I like Nico Collins and Tank Dell, but with the top-3 cornerbacks gone, top-3 edge rushers gone, and DL being a bit of a reach at No. 23, I have Brian Thomas Jr. as my clear best BPA by 7-8 ranks. Drafting defense for the sake of defense feels unwise. CJ Stroud was exceptional as a rookie, and although they will likely extend Nico Collins, their remaining WR group has question marks. Tank Dell probably levels out as a speedy WR2, Robert Woods is a journeyman at this point in his career, and John Metchie is more of a role player who was overdrafted in 2022. Giving CJ Stroud a high-upside WR1 a-la CeeDee Lamb to Dallas in 2020 makes a world of sense.

Brian Thomas Jr. is a top-10 pick in terms of skill and upside, but is in a crowded receiving draft and is still raw, as well as lacking the toughness his size would indicate. I am a big believer in Thomas, though. He is exceptionally fast and a lethal threat with the ball in his hands - also having a lot of upside to grow and develop. He’d likely become the Texans’ long-term No. 1 receiver over Collins or Dell, despite their 2023 campaigns.

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Alternative Option:

Darius Robinson (EDGE, Missouri) - Robinson feels like Arik Armstead 2.

Oklahoma

Prospect Ranking: 17

The Cowboys are a team that prioritizes the trenches in the draft, and Dallas may have some to make such an investment once again. Reports seem to indicate that Tyron Smith is unlikely to return to Dallas; the end of an era. It’s possible that Tyler Smith will move to Left Tackle again, but he was so elite at guard that they may opt to draft a future LT and leave Smith (TyLER, that is) where he excelled in 2023.

As I mentioned in my previous mock, I’m a huge fan of Guyton. However, since the last mock, some questions have arisen. He reportedly has some maturity concerns (partially eased via combine interviews), and also had a mixed performance at the combine in my opinion. Guyton has a lot of upside, however, and wouldn't be criticized on my part as a top-16 pick. I have a hard time thinking that Jerry Jones would pass on the Sooner tackle if he slipped to no. 24.

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Alternative Option:

Graham Barton (G, Duke) - Barton feels like an excellent fit in Dallas. He likely wouldn’t start at OT but could be a stellar NFL center or guard (Tyler Biadascz is also an unrestricted free agent). If the Cowboys would prefer to assign Tyler Smith at LT, Barton may be a better schematic fit.

Iowa

Prospect Ranking: 23

For anyone who read my 2023 mocks, I perennially mocked Zay Flowers to the Ravens and then made a last minute switch against my instincts - had I not done that, I would have gotten 10-11 picks correct rather than 8. I’m unlikely to change this pick unless information arises for similar reasons (unless a report of a team in the top-20 loving him surfaces) as Cooper DeJean feels like a prototypical Gutekunst pick, offering the exact versatility the Packers weak secondary for a program they’ve recently trusted. This is also within his goldilocks draft range of the mid-20’s.

Cooper DeJean is a quality playmaker with good ball skills and safety/slot ability. He’s a comparable prospect to solid rookie DB Brian Branch but with far superior athleticism, and would be an option in a couple of positions of need for the Packers. They desperately need a playmaker with athletic upside.

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Alternative Option:

Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson) - Of the top 3 CB’s, Wiggins feels the most likely to slide. He’d also be a good schematic fit with the Packers likely overhauling their secondary in 2024.

Penn State

Prospect Ranking: 29

The Buccaneers have drafted front-seven defensive prospects in 4 of their last 5 drafts. Given the lack of top-end edge rushers available and their need with Shaq Barret aging/Joe Tryon disappointing, the Bucs may empty that well once again

Robinson was trending downwards as a potential R1 pick thanks to an inconsistent 2023 season, not putting up much production. He is, however, an exceptionally twitchy edge rusher with a ton of upside. He also interviewed well, has high character marks, and tested really well in Indianapolis. Robinson is back in the 1st round bubble, and would be a good fit in Tampa Bay.

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Alternative Option:

Cooper DeJean (S, Iowa) - Antoine Winfield Jr. is incredible, but they have a hole at free safety and nickel. Their boundary corners also underperformed in 2023. Like the Packers, DeJean would be able to help in whichever way the Buccaneers felt best studied his sill-set.

Alabama

Prospect Ranking: 20

The Cardinals are devoid of defensive talent and could justify any range-worthy selection at any level of their defense here, as well as possibly offensive line. I was split between DL and CB here as other options, but their OL is a shambles outside promising 1st round pick of 2023 Paris Johnson Jr. Of all available players, I had the highest grade on JC Latham.

This pick remains the last time. This sort of slide may seem unprecedented, but I am quite a bit cooler on JC Latham than the consensus. Latham has a high floor and is a capable starter early on, but has less upside than the other tackles taken before him. He is amongst the strongest offensive linemen I’ve seen at the collegiate level, but his lack of lateral quickness really concerns me, and there are better guard prospects in this class. Latham’s similar to former alumni Evan Neal insofar that his footwork and athleticism may hinder him from starting at tackle in the pros. This wouldn’t be a crazy slide in my opinion, but would provide decent value for Arizona. Latham wouldn’t shock me at No. 10, nor as a low as the early 2nd round.

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Alternative Option:

Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan) - I have Jenkins just sliding out my first round, but Charlie reported lots of teams like him as a 1st round option, and a better prospect than 2023 former Wolverine 1st rounder Mazi Smith (No. 26, Dallas). Jenkins is a high character individual with football pedigree and would fill a multi-year need for Arizona.

Texas

Prospect Ranking: 31

The Bills need to give Josh Allen more receiving weapons - and address their defensive gaps (including their thin pass rush and interior defensive line post-2024). At this range, receiver makes the most sense with a bunch of receivers grading similarly as late 1st - mid 2nd round prospects; they are likely to lose Gabe Davis in free agency, and Stefon Diggs’ dissatisfaction with the Bills’ coaching staff is an annual narrative.

I have the two Xavier’s - Legette and Worthy - graded very similarly, and both had exceptional combines. I think Worthy is the slightly more complete receiver than Legette, and his lethal speed - evidenced by breaking the combine 40-yard dash record - could be a formidable skill with Josh Allens herculean arm.

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Alternative Option:

Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan) - Similar to the above, Jenkins is being overlooked as a potential 1st rounder. There are a few potential homes for him in the 25-32 range.

Missouri

Prospect Ranking: 33

The Lions front office is one of the more impressive in the NFL and have done an incredible job re-building a forgotten franchise and making them a top NFC squad within 3 drafts. The Lions have drafted several cornerstone players including Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch and Alim McNeill. A relative weakness for them continues to be their secondary, specifically their boundary corners. However, it feels more in their front offices’ M.O. to hit big with a high character guy who fits their M.O., and Darius Robinson - a local product from Southfield, Michigan - feels like a hand-in-glove fit for Detroit.

Robinson would be a perfect fit in Detroit’s 4-3 scheme. My comp for him is Arik Armstead - a player who can genuinely play inside or on the edge without being a tweener between each position. Robinson would allow the Lions to fortify their front in either/or/both manner, and spending the year more as a DE in 2023 accumulated 8.5 sacks. With several underperforming defensive ends outside of stud Aidan Hutchinson, and the depth of cornerbacks potentially available on Day 2, this feels like a good solution.

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Alternative Option:

Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia) - Based purely off need, Lassiter would probably be the best pick. The Lions need to heavily invest in their secondary, as their patchwork approach in free agency didn’t really work last season (largely due to injury).

Georgia

Prospect Ranking: 30

The Ravens’ have a few needs considering how good they were in 2023. They clearly hit on Zay Flowers, but the rest of their receiving corps is middling. Rashod Bateman has disappointed, and OBJ/Agholor are not long-term solutions at this point in their careers if re-signed. They also have long-term issues at LT, as Ronnie Stanley is a shadow of his former self, and Morgan Moses is not a long-term solution at RT. However, beyond the oft injured Marlon Humphries, the Raven’s cornerback group is pretty thin. Jalyn Armour-Davis hasn’t really worked out thus far, and Brandon Stephens is upgradable. He’s an underrated option.

Lassiter is a very talented cornerback who has put himself in the 20-32 conversation after some great tape in 2023. He is not very productive in terms of interceptions, but his instincts have clearly improved and is very disruptive. I am of the opinion that Lassiter is being overlooked, and have him as CB4 above the more popular names of Kool-Aid McKinstry and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., both of whom I have as 2nd round prospects.

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Alternative Option:

Darius Robinson (EDGE, Missouri) - The Ravens’ defensive line is due to be hit by free agency, and the rushing linebacking group has underwhelmed. Robinson could be a quality 3-4 DE if they are unable to retain Madubuike.

Duke

Prospect Ranking: 27

I'll move the “always the bridesmaids, never the bride” label I gave to Buffalo and give it to my team. Although a painful Super Bowl loss, the 49ers have reason to be optimistic - they appear to have their franchise QB and can likely keep their nucleus in tact a little while longer. I also strongly believe Aiyuk will be extended much like all our other home-grown stars have been, albeit in August. Difficult decisions are inevitable in the intermediate future, though, and this draft is about (a) re-building their offensive line, as per the Chiefs in 2021, and (b) stocking up on mid-round talent to replace free agents in 2025 like Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward and Dre Greenlaw.

The 49ers’ draft interviews at the combine and Senior Bowl typically line up with how they actually draft, and OT and WR were by far the most top-heavy groups they interviewed. They interviewed just about anyone with hands over 300lb, and have had serious blocking issues.Spencer Burford has been a liability this season; Aaron Banks at LG was marginally better. Graham Barton plays LT for the Blue Devils, but is more of a guard or even center at the next level, similar to ‘23 draft pick Peter Skoronski. Barton was up and down in 2023, but is a high floor starter with fringe 1st/2nd round ability. In a pinch, he could play all 5 positions on the offensive line.

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Alternative Option:

Tyler Guyton (OT, Oklahoma) - I don’t mock trades, but the 49ers seem prime candidates to move up. They have been aggressive in the draft in recent years, and have a devastating need along their OL - especially RG and RT with an otherwise highly competitive roster. Whilst depth is needed, they do not need 11 picks, as many of our depth picks in 2023 weren’t even active. Moving up for a RT, G or DE makes a lot of sense. Guyton feels like a perfect RT candidate who can slide to LT once Trent Williams retires.

South Carolina

Prospect Ranking: 32

Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on your 3rd Super Bowl. Now let some of us get in on the action. In all seriousness, the Chiefs java consolidated themselves as a dynasty, but outside of talented rookie Rashee Rice made things unnecessarily hard at the wide receiver position. Toney and Moore are busts, and Valdes-Scantling a cap casualty. OT should get some consideration here, but based on how this draft has panned out, receiver has the most range-worthy options.

Legette had a good 2023 season and has also had a very good pre-draft process, so teams reportedly think Legette could get 1st round consideration. He may not cleanly profile as a WR1, but could be an excellent WR2 in the NFL and is an after-the-catch threat who exploded in 2023.
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Alternative Option:

Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama) - CB is a dark horse here if Sneed is tagged and traded. I imagine they find a way to bring him back; otherwise, they could look to take a cornerback here. McKinstry was vastly overrated earlier in the process, and is finally being recognised as a fringe 1st/2nd round pick. McKinstry in the 25-40 range is fine, though, as despite his issues is a solid football player with a reasonably high floor.