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SRH have a great plan A Now they need a plan C
With 15 days until the 2024 NFL draft -- Round 1 begins at 8 p.m. ET on April 25 on ESPN, ABC and ESPN+ -- it's time to dig a little deeper. I'm going two full rounds in a new mock draft, filling roster holes for every team from pick No. 1 to No. 64. There isn't much drama for the Bears at the top of the board, but it could get chaotic quickly after that.
What's new in this mock draft? Well, I'm projecting three trades, all of which are for teams moving up for a quarterback. I think you'll find the deals I proposed intriguing. There are a few risers and fallers throughout the two rounds based on what I've heard in my discussions with NFL execs and coaches. I'm using my Big Board rankings as a guide, and I tried to note where I debated other positions and prospects.
With team needs mostly set after free agency, we have a good idea of the directions most teams will go, barring a megatrade in the next two weeks.
Let's dig into my predictions for the first 64 picks. Check out the "SportsCenter Special: NFL Mock Draft 4.0" on Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and the ESPN App, and I'll be all over ESPN's shows through the end of the month. And, of course, if you're not listening to the "First Draft" podcast, are you actually an NFL draft fanatic?
Jump to the first pick for each team: ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
ROUND 1 1. Chicago Bears (via CAR)Caleb Williams, QB, USC
I don't think we need to spend much time debating the direction the Bears will go here. Justin Fields is gone, and Williams is the clear best quarterback in this class. With Keenan Allen, DJ Moore and Cole Kmet as his top three targets, he's going to have a chance to hit the ground running in a way that Bryce Young just couldn't in Carolina last season.
Williams is a supreme talent with top-tier arm strength, accuracy and improvisational skills in and outside the pocket. Chicago doesn't have a second-round pick as a result of its trade for edge rusher Montez Sweat in October, so it has to add a high-ceiling starter with the No. 9 selection. The question is: Will it go with help for Williams on offense or an edge rusher to play on the other side of Sweat?
2. Washington CommandersJayden Daniels, QB, LSU
I'm sticking with Daniels, whom I've projected to the Commanders in my three previous mock drafts. Why? I have him ranked higher than Drake Maye (North Carolina) and J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) and really like his fit in an offense designed by Kliff Kingsbury.
Washington traded away 2023 starter Sam Howell last month, clearing a spot for a rookie quarterback to take the reins. Daniels, who produced more than 15,000 combined passing and rushing yards at Arizona State and LSU, has all the tools to be a Pro Bowl passer. The Commanders need to keep building the infrastructure around him, though, and they have four picks on Day 2 -- two in the second round, two in the third -- to help.
3. New England PatriotsDrake Maye, QB, North Carolina
I made the case for the Patriots trading down in my Mock Draft 3.0, but if this is the way the board shakes out, I think they're more likely to take Maye and secure their franchise quarterback. Of course, they thought they were doing that in 2021, when they drafted Mac Jones in Round 1, and Jones is now the backup in Jacksonville. Evaluating quarterbacks is hard, but I have a top-10 grade on Maye, who is an elite deep-ball thrower.
New England largely brought back all of its key free agents this offseason, but it hasn't added much to an offense that ranked 29th in yards per play (4.6) last season. Drafting Maye is a start, but the Pats still have a long ways to go to compete for the AFC East title.
4. Arizona CardinalsMarvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
I know, I know, I've been chalk in these first four picks, but I just don't see Arizona passing on its chance to take the top wideout in the class. For me, that's Harrison, but Malik Nabers (LSU) and Rome Odunze (Washington) aren't far behind. The reality is NFL teams will have clear preferences for each position, so Arizona will know which receiver it likes most and should take him here. Kyler Murray has to get some help, especially with Marquise Brown leaving in free agency.
Projected trade: Vikings use their extra Round 1 pick to move upOK, here we go with my first projected trade of the 2024 cycle. I have to believe there was a reason the Vikings made the deal last month with Houston to acquire a second first-rounder (No. 23). They needed extra capital to move up. With this trade, Minnesota would send Nos. 11 and 23 along with a first-round selection in 2025 to Los Angeles, who could drop six spots and still get an offensive tackle. The Chargers and new coach Jim Harbaugh have multiple needs to fill.
5. Minnesota Vikings (via mock trade with LAC)J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
At this point in the process, based on everything I've heard, I don't think the Vikings can afford to wait until No. 11 if they want one of the top four quarterbacks. They're going to have to trade up. Are they giving up too much? It's certainly possible. But if they believe McCarthy can be their long-term Kirk Cousins replacement, shouldn't they be OK with sending out their 2025 first-rounder?
I have McCarthy at No. 14 on my Big Board, but I can see on tape why a team might take him in the top five. He has intriguing physical traits and took a huge step forward as a precision passer in 2023. In Minnesota, with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson catching his passes, he would have the playmakers around him to succeed as a rookie.
6. New York GiantsMalik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Giants' pass offense fell apart last season as they finished 30th in the league in yards per dropback (4.9). Sure, most of that was without quarterback Daniel Jones, but he struggled in his six games before his ACL injury too, throwing three times as many interceptions (six) as touchdown passes. New York also ranked 30th in yards after the catch (1,601), which showed its need for outside playmakers.
Nabers could solve that problem, as he's ferocious after the catch. He can run any route, creating separation on even the best cornerbacks. This is how the Giants could instantly turn around their offense.
7. Tennessee TitansJoe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Here's another pick I've stuck with in all four of my mock drafts. Alt can step in and play left tackle as a rookie for the Titans, who parted ways with veteran Andre Dillard last month. Yes, they took an offensive lineman in Round 1 a year ago, but Peter Skoronski played mostly as guard as a rookie, and I ranked him as my No. 1 guard before the 2023 draft. Tennessee stills needs O-line help. The 6-foot-8, 321-pound Alt is a pure left tackle who started 33 games there for the Fighting Irish.
8. Atlanta FalconsDallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
Atlanta's pass rush was abysmal last season -- it ranked last in the league in pass rush win rate (30.9%) -- and general manager Terry Fontenot hasn't done much to address the issues this offseason. That must mean he knows he can get help in the draft, right? The Falcons have an extra third-round pick to work with, too.
Turner is the most well-rounded edge rusher in this class. He had 10 sacks last season and 22.5 over three seasons at Alabama, and he can hold his own in the run game.
9. Chicago BearsRome Odunze, WR, Washington
This would be a dream scenario for the Bears, right? They would be adding an elite wideout on a rookie contract to play with Keenan Allen and DJ Moore, and they wouldn't have to move up from No. 9 to do it. Remember that Allen is a free agent in 2025, so wide receiver is a bigger need for Chicago than it might seem. The 6-foot-3 Odunze was a nightmare for defenses to deal with in college. He had 92 catches last season, 23 of which came on vertical routes, the most in the FBS, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
If the Bears pass on a wideout, look for them to target an edge rusher. Laiatu Latu (UCLA) and Jared Verse (Florida State) are next up in my rankings.
10. New York JetsBrock Bowers, TE, Georgia
This is really the first logical match I see for Bowers, the two-time Mackey Award winner who is head and shoulders above the other tight ends in this class. If the Jets are all-in around quarterback Aaron Rodgers this season, taking Bowers would give them the best chance to make a playoff run. They brought in left tackle Tyron Smith and right tackle Morgan Moses last month, which lessens the need for an immediate starter at tackle. This just makes sense.
11. Los Angeles Chargers (via mock trade with MIN)JC Latham, OT, Alabama
We're back to the Chargers, whom I projected to trade down six spots while adding pick No. 23 and a 2025 first-rounder. This is a super-talented and deep tackle class; teams can find rookie starters at the end of this round. That's why Jim Harbaugh & Co. should be OK with this move.
Latham is the best right tackle in this class, which fits perfectly with L.A.'s open spot along the O-line. He started 27 games there for the Crimson Tide. He's extremely powerful in the run game and is light on his feet as a pass-protector. Now the question is: Can the Chargers get their wide receiver of choice at No. 23?
12. Denver BroncosQuinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
I thought hard again about giving the Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (Oregon), but I talked myself out of it. I just don't think Nix is a first-round signal-caller. I have a Round 2 grade on him based on everything I've seen on tape. He lit up defenses for the Ducks the past two seasons -- he had 74 touchdown passes to just 10 picks -- but there's some risk involved based on what he was asked to do in the Oregon offense. His average pass traveled 6.3 yards downfield last season, which was sixth shortest among 125 qualified FBS quarterbacks, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
Instead, Denver can look to improve a defense that ranked 30th in yards per play allowed (5.8) last season and pair Mitchell with Pat Surtain. Mitchell, my top-ranked cornerback, had 46 pass breakups in four seasons at Toledo, and he ripped off an elite 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He's ready to play early and often as a rookie.
13. Las Vegas RaidersTaliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Las Vegas could be another team to watch for the edge rushers, but I don't think it can ignore its void at right tackle, particularly in this great class. Fuaga, one of my favorite prospects in this draft, is a punishing blocker who plays with nastiness. He allowed just one sack over the past two seasons while playing right tackle for the Beavers. He and veteran Kolton Miller would make a solid duo of bookends. Cornerback is the other position I considered for the Raiders, with Terrion Arnold (Alabama) likely to go in this range.
14. New Orleans SaintsOlu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
This is a pairing I've projected for the past two months, as the Saints should be concerned with 2022 first-rounder Trevor Penning's play over his first two seasons. Penning hasn't proven to be an NFL-level left tackle. Fashanu, on the other hand, has high-end traits in a 6-foot-6 frame. He allowed just one sack in almost 700 pass-blocking plays in his college career.
15. Indianapolis ColtsTerrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
This is an easy match, right? Cornerback is the Colts' biggest need, and Arnold is my second-ranked corner. He had five interceptions last season as he developed into the Crimson Tide's top defensive back. He played a ton of press coverage in college, so he understands angles and knows how to knock receivers off their routes. He would have a chance to be Indianapolis' top CB as a rookie.
16. Seattle SeahawksTroy Fautanu, G, Washington
The Seahawks traded away their second-round selection for defensive tackle Leonard Williams, which means they don't have the luxury of waiting to fill their biggest hole, which is at guard. They have to get their guy here. Day 3 picks Anthony Bradford and Olu Oluwatimi didn't prove last season that they could be starters.
Fautanu is an ideal fit if he makes it to this pick. He started 28 games at left tackle in college, but I see a higher ceiling for him if he moves inside at the next level. At 6-foot-4, 317 pounds, he could develop into an elite guard.
17. Jacksonville JaguarsCooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
This is a spot to watch for the fourth wide receiver off the board, with Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU), Xavier Worthy (Texas) and Xavier Legette (South Carolina) next up in my rankings. Jacksonville could try to replace Calvin Ridley's production with one of these rookies. Still, I see cornerback as a necessary addition for the Jaguars, who signed Ronald Darby to a two-year deal but need more competition across from Tyson Campbell.
DeJean, who suffered a broken leg in November, was a shutdown defender and an electric return man in college. He allowed only one completion of 20-plus yards in 2023.
18. Cincinnati BengalsByron Murphy II, DT, Texas
As of now, I'm assuming the Bengals are keeping wideout Tee Higgins, who was franchise-tagged but requested a trade last month. If they plan to give Higgins an extension, they could instead to look toward a defense that ranked last in the league in both yards per play allowed (6.0) and yards per pass attempt allowed (8.1) last season.
Murphy led the Big 12 with 33 QB pressures last season, which is even more impressive when you consider he played nearly all of his snaps along the interior. He has a lightning-quick get-off at the snap. He's the best 3-technique tackle in this class.
19. Los Angeles RamsLaiatu Latu, OLB, UCLA
It might have gone under the radar outside of L.A., but the Rams got nine sacks from rookie defensive tackle Kobie Turner and eight sacks from rookie edge rusher Byron Young last season. Wideout Puka Nacua wasn't their only rookie who broke out. Still, they could use more help in the front seven, particularly with Aaron Donald now retired.
Latu is the best pure edge rusher in this class, and he already has an array of pass-rush moves. He ranked first in the FBS in total pressures (55) and had 13 sacks in 2023. I haven't heard any recent red flags around his medical reports, as there were some questions last fall because he medically retired from football because of a neck injury he suffered when he was at Washington in 2021.
20. Pittsburgh SteelersGraham Barton, C/G, Duke
Cornerback, wide receiver, center -- I wouldn't be surprised with any of these positions for Pittsburgh, which has made a few intriguing additions this offseason. The Steelers parted ways with starting pivot Mason Cole in February, and taking Barton, my top-ranked center, might even be an upgrade. Barton played center as a freshman but spent the past three seasons at left tackle for the Blue Devils, and I see his pro future along the interior. He allowed just three sacks over the past two seasons.
21. Miami DolphinsJared Verse, DE, Florida State
Yes, Miami has Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips as its top edge rushers, but both are coming off serious season-ending injuries. Phillips tore an Achilles in late November, while Chubb tore an ACL in early January. There's no guarantee either is 100 percent healthy when training camp starts. That's why the Dolphins could take Verse, who has impressive power in his 254-pound frame. His 50 QB pressures last season were the eighth most in the FBS. Miami has to replace a few starters after offseason subtractions, but Verse would be a no-brainer selection if he's still on the board.
22. Philadelphia EaglesNate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Philadelphia's defense fell apart at the end of last season, and top corners Darius Slay and James Bradberry are in their 30s. It's time to add an injection of youth in the secondary. Wiggins surrendered just one completion of 20-plus yards in 2023, and he has outstanding speed -- he ran 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine. The blend of cover skills and physical tools should make him an early contributor.
23. Los Angeles Chargers (via mock trade with MIN through CLE/HOU)Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Here's where the Chargers could add a receiver to an underwhelming corps (on paper). After parting ways with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, their top three wideouts are Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis, who combined for four touchdowns last season. That's not good enough for quarterback Justin Herbert.
You might know Worthy for his speed -- he set the combine record for fastest 40-yard dash (4.21 seconds) -- but he has a well-rounded game. He had 26 career touchdown catches for the Longhorns, who used him on vertical routes, screens and crossers. He's tough to tackle once he gets a full head of steam. He also has a ton of value in the return game.
24. Dallas CowboysTyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
This has to be a tackle, right? Tyron Smith is gone, and Tyler Smith, a first-round pick in 2022, has played extremely well at left guard. Would Dallas move Tyler Smith outside and take the risk that he's only an above-average left tackle? If I was the general manager, I'd take Guyton, one of the most physically impressive players in this class. At 6-foot-7, 322 pounds, he moves like a tight end. He played mostly right tackle in college, but he could make the move to Dak Prescott's blind side for the Cowboys.
25. Green Bay PackersAmarius Mims, OT, Georgia
While it's possible Rasheed Walker, a seventh-rounder in 2022, could be the long-term replacement for David Bakhtiari at left tackle in Green Bay, I'd take a tackle with upside here. Again, this is the draft in which teams should pursue a first-round tackle.
The 6-foot-8, 340-pound Mims started just eight games in college, but he was excellent when he was on the field. Once he locks into edge rushers, they get swallowed up in his massive wingspan. He didn't allow any sacks in his career. The Packers have an extremely young offense, and Mims would be another pillar to build around.
26. Tampa Bay BuccaneersChop Robinson, OLB, Penn State
How about Tampa Bay as the team for Robinson, an intriguing pass-rusher with upside? The Bucs have gotten just three sacks in two seasons from 2022 second-rounder Logan Hall, and 2021 first-rounder Joe Tryon-Shoyinka still hasn't broken out (13 sacks in three seasons). Robinson had 9.5 sacks over his final two college seasons, but his 18% pressure rate last season -- which ranked sixth in the FBS -- showed he can create havoc even if he doesn't take down the quarterback.
Cornerback is another position the Bucs might consider. I have T.J. Tampa (Iowa State) and Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) next up on my Big Board.
27. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU)Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
I have the Cardinals taking receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with their top pick, and they should go defense with their selections at Nos. 27 and 35. They ranked near the bottom in several categories on D last season, including QBR allowed (57.3), yards per play allowed (5.7) and sacks (33). They also haven't made many impact moves this offseason.
Robinson was one of the best prospects at the Senior Bowl in early February; he overpowered blockers in one-on-one drills. At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, he's a tweener between end and tackle, but he should take snaps at both positions at the next level. That versatility is valuable.
28. Buffalo BillsBrian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
What, exactly, is the Bills' plan at wide receiver? They just traded Stefon Diggs, and they let Gabe Davis walk in free agency. Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins top their depth chart at the position. Could Buffalo be a team to watch for a trade up into the top 10 for either Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers? I wouldn't rule it out, but it would be costly, likely forcing the franchise to sacrifice its 2025 first-rounder.
In this scenario, though, a talented wideout could fall into the Bills' lap. Thomas was an incredible vertical threat for Jayden Daniels last season, leading the country in touchdown catches with 17, 10 of which came on go routes or fades. He ran a stellar 4.33-second 40 at the combine. He could be a legit No. 1 WR, which quarterback Josh Allen now needs.
29. Detroit LionsAdonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Detroit general manager Brad Holmes had a tremendous 2023 draft class, which featured impact contributions from tight end Sam LaPorta, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, defensive back Brian Branch and linebacker Jack Campbell. Can he do it again? Looking at this Lions roster, there aren't many holes to fill. I could make the case for them taking a depth interior offensive lineman, an edge rusher or a corner, but receiver also stands out, particularly one who could run vertical routes and play on the other side of Jameson Williams.
Mitchell could be a fit. At 6-foot-2, he ran a 4.34-second 40 at the combine, showing off impressive physical tools. He had 11 touchdowns last season. You might consider this a luxury pick, but this roster is so talented that the Lions can afford to take Mitchell.
30. Baltimore RavensKool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
I had been focused on a tackle for the Ravens in my previous mock drafts, but I don't think we can discount their need at cornerback. Marlon Humphrey was limited to 10 games last season, and while Brandon Stephens emerged as a starter-level player, there aren't many other players on the roster capable of playing outside corner.
That's why McKinstry, a physical corner who allowed only one touchdown catch as the nearest defender in coverage over the past two seasons, could make sense. He's not the biggest defender (6-foot, 199 pounds), but he has experience matching up with the best of the best in the SEC. He's also a dynamic punt returner.
31. San Francisco 49ersRoger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
I'm going to stick with my projection from Mock Draft 3.0, as Rosengarten could challenge Colton McKivitz for snaps at right tackle. Rosengarten didn't allow any sacks in his 1,158 pass-blocking snaps for the Huskies. He also has some familiarity with one of San Francisco's stars, as Christian McCaffrey's dad, Ed, was his high school coach for two seasons at Valor Christian in Colorado.
32. Kansas City ChiefsXavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Another mock draft, another wideout connected with Chiefs to end Round 1. Legette made a leap in 2023, putting up 1,255 receiving yards with seven touchdowns. He had just 167 yards in the entire 2022 season. He then ran an eye-popping 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine, solidifying himself among the top 10 prospects at his position. Kansas City added Marquise Brown but needs to add more pass-catchers this offseason.
ROUND 2 Projected trade: Giants jump 14 spots to get their guyHow about a trade to kick off Day 2? These teams just did a deal together when Carolina sent edge rusher Brian Burns to New York for pick No. 39 and a 2025 fifth-rounder, so how about one more? In this projection, the Giants would send No. 47 -- which they got from Seattle in the Leonard Williams trade -- and their second-round pick in next year's draft to move up 14 spots.
If that sounds a little steep, remember that there will be competition for this pick -- there's a lot of time for the Panthers to work the phones once Round 1 ends. New York has just six picks in this draft, so it can't afford to give up its third-rounder, which is why it would need to look to 2025. For Carolina, a team that isn't likely to contend this season and traded away what ended up being the No. 1 pick, getting an extra second-rounder next year would be huge.
33. New York Giants (via mock trade with CAR)Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Surprised? Maybe we shouldn't be. Daniel Jones is locked in as the Giants' starter in 2024, but the team could part ways with him next offseason, when his guaranteed money drops. And if general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll are down on Jones after a tough 2023 that ended with a torn ACL in November, now is the time to start thinking ahead at the position.
Nix started a whopping 61 college games in stints at Auburn and Oregon, throwing for 15,352 total yards. He leveled up in 2023, with 45 touchdown passes and three picks while completing 77.4% of his throws. The question for NFL teams: Do you trust he has enough arm strength to succeed? He was asked to get the ball out quickly and around the line of scrimmage for the Ducks, putting his receivers in a position to make plays after the catch. That's why I have a Round 2 grade on him. There likely will be a team that falls in love with Nix in this range; why can't it be the Giants?
34. New England PatriotsKeon Coleman, WR, Florida State
New England's depth chart at receiver needs to be beefed up if quarterback Drake Maye -- whom I projected to the Patriots at No. 3 -- is going to succeed. The Pats ranked 29th in receiving yards by receivers (1,909) last season. Coleman doesn't have great speed, but he can win contested catches with his 6-foot-3 frame. He had 11 touchdown catches last season, five of which came on fade routes.
35. Arizona CardinalsT.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
I'm a big fan of Tampa. He's fast, physical, experienced -- he started 29 games in his career -- and has long arms for his 6-foot-1 frame. The Cardinals brought in Sean Murphy-Bunting this offseason but have to add more talent at cornerback. Tampa likely would slot in as a starter on the outside, which would give Arizona three impact players with its top three selections.
36. Washington CommandersJordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
With Charles Leno Jr. released this offseason, the Commanders have a hole at left tackle. Morgan started 35 games there in college. His tape is extremely consistent -- in both the pass and run games, he rarely blew his assignments.
Projected trade: Rams see an opening for a dramatic moveThis deal would see the Chargers moving back down the board again after I had them sliding back in Round 1 and adding both of the Vikings' top picks (plus a 2025 first-rounder).
To move up 15 spots, the Rams would need to give up Nos. 52, 83 and 196. They can afford to do the deal because they have a bunch of extra comp selections. As for the Chargers, they'd end up with two picks in the first, third and fourth rounds in this draft.
Why would the Rams make this deal? Well, don't they need to start thinking about the future at quarterback?
37. Los Angeles Rams (via mock trade with LAC)Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Yes, the Rams have Matthew Stafford. Yes, they brought in Jimmy Garoppolo. And yes, they drafted Stetson Bennett in Round 4 last year. But Stafford is 36 and has dealt with serious injuries in recent years, while Garoppolo is on a one-year deal and Bennett spent his rookie season on the reserve/non-football illness list. There's a lot of uncertainty in L.A. past 2024.
Penix could be the future franchise signal-caller for coach Sean McVay and the Rams. He is accurate to every level of the field and is a great decision-maker. He had 67 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions in his two seasons at Washington. I have a Round 2 grade on him, just behind Bo Nix in my rankings.
38. Tennessee TitansRicky Pearsall, WR, Florida
The Titans signed Calvin Ridley to a big contract last month, but 2022 first-rounder Treylon Burks has disappointed over two seasons and DeAndre Hopkins will be a free agent in 2025. There's room for a young wideout on this roster. Pearsall had 98 catches and nine touchdowns in his two seasons at Florida, and his 4.41-second 40 at the combine solidified himself as a top-50 pick.
39. Carolina Panthers (via NYG)Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
McConkey is a versatile and shifty receiver who caught 119 passes and had 18 touchdowns over three college seasons. He can play inside and outside, and he has the speed -- he ran a 4.39-second 40 at the combine -- to blow by cornerbacks. The Panthers improved their receiving corps with the trade for Diontae Johnson, but they had one of the league's worst units a year ago and should add more talent.
40. Washington Commanders (via CHI)Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Now that I gave the Commanders their quarterback and left tackle of the future, it's time to focus on the defense. They ranked last in the league in passing yards allowed to receivers (3,167) and lost Kendall Fuller in free agency. Melton was one of my risers after the combine. The four-year starter has the physical traits to be an early contributor.
41. Green Bay Packers (via NYJ)Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
Here's a spot for my top-ranked off-ball linebacker to come off the board. Green Bay parted ways with De'Vondre Campbell and doesn't have a replacement on its roster. Cooper, who had 14 tackles for loss in 2023, could slot in as a rookie. He has stellar range as a run defender and doesn't have to come off the field in passing situations.
42. Houston Texans (via MIN)Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
This is Houston's first pick in the draft after it moved out of Round 1 via last month's trade with the Vikings. It owns the No. 59 pick as well. Newton is one of the best interior pass-rushers in this class. He had 7.5 sacks last season, which was the most in the FBS from a defensive tackle. The Texans signed Folorunso Fatukasi to a one-year deal this offseason, but they also traded away Maliek Collins, creating a void at the position.
43. Atlanta FalconsKamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
If the Falcons address their pass rush in Round 1, they should take the best available cornerback in Round 2. They picked off just eight passes last season and need to add competition on the other side of A.J. Terrell.
Lassiter, who has some experience playing in the slot, held opposing quarterbacks to a 29% completion rate as the primary defender in coverage, according to ESPN Stats & Info. That was the seventh-best mark in the FBS.
44. Las Vegas RaidersEnnis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
The Raiders were in flux at cornerback last season, as they brought in former Patriots corner Jack Jones at midseason and then released veteran Marcus Peters in late November. Starter Amik Robertson left for Detroit in free agency. There are still issues here. Rakestraw is a fiesty defender who does the little things well and doesn't get beaten deep.
45. New Orleans Saints (via DEN)Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
With Michael Thomas gone, the Saints' wide receiver depth chart suddenly looks thin outside of Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. With Corley, they could find a productive playmaker who thrives after the catch. He's a tackle-breaking machine. Corley led the FBS with 253 receptions since the start of the 2021 season, and he had 29 scores over that time frame.
46. Indianapolis ColtsTroy Franklin, WR, Oregon
I thought about an edge rusher for Indianapolis, but there's value in taking a second-round receiver based on the depth of the class. General manager Chris Ballard has used Day 2 picks on wideouts in each of these past two drafts (Josh Downs, Alec Pierce), but the Colts don't have a press-coverage beater like Franklin, who had 23 touchdown catches in his final two seasons at Oregon.
47. Carolina Panthers (via mock trade with NYG through SEA)Jackson Powers-Johnson, C/G, Oregon
I addressed Carolina's wide receiver corps at No. 39, and let's stay on offense with the pick from the projected trade with the Giants. Do the Panthers trust Austin Corbett to be an above-average starter after moving him from guard to center? I'm not so sure. Powers-Johnson might be an immediate upgrade on departed starter Bradley Bozeman. The Rimington Trophy winner allowed just two total pressures last season.
48. Jacksonville JaguarsKris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
How about some more beef for Jacksonville's defensive line? The team signed Arik Armstead to a big deal in free agency, but he's likely to play most of his snaps on the edge. The 299-pound Jenkins has the versatility to play end or tackle, but I like his ability to penetrate from the interior. He's strong and stout against the run, too.
49. Cincinnati BengalsRoman Wilson, WR, Michigan
Here's a spot for Cincinnati to snag a No. 3 wideout. Wilson moved up in my rankings after he ran a 4.39-second 40 at the combine; he ran away from defenders on crossers on tape, but I wasn't totally sure how he'd test. He had 12 touchdowns last season. He can be a movable playmaker in Zac Taylor's offense.
50. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
Philadelphia is another team that could benefit from this talented offensive tackle class. If it goes defense in Round 1, it might still be able to find a future OT starter here. Paul could serve as a swing tackle as a rookie, as Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson are entrenched as the starters. Johnson, however, has dealt with nagging injuries in recent years, so acquiring depth is important. Paul started 39 games at left tackle for the Cougars.
51. Pittsburgh SteelersJalen McMillan, WR, Washington
George Pickens is the Steelers' clear No. 1 wideout with Diontae Johnson traded to Carolina, but who's their No. 2? Van Jefferson? I'm not sold. If they can add a difference-maker in Round 2, Russell Wilson would have a really solid group of pass-catchers. McMillan was overshadowed by Rome Odunze at Washington, but he's a dynamic slot receiver. He missed a few games with injury last season, but he had 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022.
52. Los Angeles Chargers (via mock trade with LAR)Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
Time for another Chargers selection after two projected trades down. I gave them JC Latham and Xavier Worthy in Round 1, which would help with their holes at right tackle and wide receiver. Now I'm looking toward the defensive line, where the Chargers ranked 29th in pass rush win rate (35.1%) last season. The 6-foot-4, 294-pound Orhorhoro has some juice as an interior pass-rusher, and he could kick outside and defend the run as an end.
53. Philadelphia EaglesJa'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
That's right, a third Huskies wideout in the top two rounds. Polk is a big-play threat who averaged 17 yards per catch in his final two college seasons. He put up 1,159 receiving yards with nine scores in 2023, doing most of his damage on deep balls. I already address the Eagles' issues at cornerback and offensive tackle, which means they could add to their pass-catching corps with this selection.
54. Cleveland BrownsBraden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Cleveland, without a first-round pick as a result of the Deshaun Watson trade from March 2022, could look for a wide receiver or offensive lineman in Round 2, but I see depth along the D-line as a more pressing hole. Fiske, my second-ranked defensive tackle, had a stellar combine workout, showing top-level physical traits. He had 12 sacks in his two seasons at FSU.
55. Miami DolphinsChristian Haynes, G, UConn
Miami has faced some upheaval along the offensive line this offseason, creating a hole at guard. The Dolphins ranked 31st in pass block win rate (49.2%), so change could be good. Haynes started 49 games at right guard in college, and he allowed just one sack over his final three seasons. He's my No. 3-ranked player at the position.
56. Dallas CowboysJonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
This has been a popular pairing based on Dallas' offseason plan at running back. It doesn't have a lead back on its roster. Brooks, who rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns before tearing an ACL in November, has the tools to be an impact player as a rookie. He showed some upside as a pass-catcher, too. He's my top-ranked back.
57. Tampa Bay BuccaneersZach Frazier, C/G, West Virginia
Ryan Jensen's unfortunate retirement due to a lingering knee injury has impacted the Bucs' O-line plan. Cody Mauch, a second-round pick last year, started every game at right guard, but I think they could upgrade at center. They ranked 32nd in run block win rate (67.3%) last season. Frazier was the pivot for a West Virginia line that allowed just 10 sacks last season. He could end up at center or guard at the next level. Frazier might have gone higher, but he's recovering from a broken leg he suffered in mid-November.
58. Green Bay PackersJavon Bullard, S, Georgia
Bullard is a fun player to watch, because he can play as a slot corner, as a center fielder or closer to the line of scrimmage, where he can make plays in the run game. He's a little undersized (5-foot-11, 198 pounds), but he'll get after it in coverage. Green Bay signed Xavier McKinney in free agency and is turning over its safety position. The Packers had just seven interceptions last season, which ranked 31st in the league. Bullard had two picks in 2022 and two more in 2023.
59. Houston TexansMike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
Sainristil is the best slot cover corner in this draft. He had 6 picks, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles for the national champs last season. Houston signed veteran Desmond King to play as its nickelback, but I don't think he is guaranteed to make the Week 1 roster. At 5-foot-9, 182 pounds, Sainristil just makes plays. I'd want him on my team.
60. Buffalo BillsCole Bishop, S, Utah
The Bills moved on from veteran safety duo Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer this offseason, and they have long-term questions at the position. Bishop has some versatility -- he even played some off-ball linebacker for the Utes -- and he's a great blitzer. He had 7.5 career sacks and had 25 presses over the past two seasons, one of the best marks in the FBS for a defensive back.
61. Detroit LionsAdisa Isaac, DE, Penn State
Isaac was overshadowed a bit by Chop Robinson, but he actually outproduced his teammate last season, racking up 7.5 sacks. He's not as explosive as Robinson, but he's a well-rounded defender who has an impressive get-off at the snap. At 247 pounds, he could play in the edge-rushing rotation in Detroit, which needs to get more out of its pass-rushers not named Aidan Hutchinson.
62. Baltimore RavensCooper Beebe, G, Kansas State
The Ravens lost both starting guards in free agency, as both Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson signed with new teams. While they're likely to promote from within for one of those spots, they should add competition with one of the top picks. Beebe has played tackle and guard, but he's my sixth-ranked guard -- he has short arms for his 6-foot-3 frame. He allowed only one sack over the past three seasons.
63. San Francisco 49ersDru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
I thought about defensive line for the 49ers, but Phillips could add immediate depth to a secondary that needs a talent infusion. He allowed just a single touchdown catch as the nearest defender in coverage over the past two seasons. He has intriguing physical traits, but he's a little raw as a cover corner.
64. Kansas City ChiefsKingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
With 2023 starter Donovan Smith unsigned, the Chiefs have Wanya Morris at left tackle but not much else. They should bring in competition. Suamataia, my No. 9 OT in this class, took snaps at both left and right tackle in college, but he made huge strides while playing on the left side last season. He's strong and quick, and he has the feet to get to the second level in the run game.
