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NFL Combine Week is a perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for the two months leading into the NFL Draft. Team needs will crystallize throughout free agency, and player values will shift based upon Combine performances. Setting a benchmark now identifies a starting point to track shifts throughout the process.
Round 1
1. Chicago Bears - Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Operating in a post-Justin Fields world, Williams is the pick. Atlanta is Fields' landing spot for this mock, primarily due to enjoying the narrative paths. I like narratives. The Falcons will hold an extra second if the Jaguars re-sign Calvin Ridley, upgrading their incoming pick 79 to pick 48. They use that pick and a conditional 2025 pick to land Fields.
2. Washington Commanders - Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Daniels or Maye? That is the intrigue. Wild internet speculation has new owner Josh Harris running the Commanders like an NBA team. The NBA philosophy leads to rolling the dice on a higher-upside player. That is Daniels. His athleticism opens up avenues Maye can not.
3. New England Patriots - Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Patriots allow the Commanders to decide for them, taking whichever quarterback is left. Either Daniels or Maye will give the team a new image as they reset in the front office and with the departure of Bill Belichick. New offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt has spent time with Aaron Rodgers, Baker Mayfield, and Deshaun Watson. He will provide strong coaching.
4. Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio St.
Harrison Jr. is an easy pick, given the value and team needs. He immediately pairs with tight end Trey McBride to give the team two young receiving talents with high upside.
5. Los Angeles Chargers - Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Chargers are resetting their offensive scheme under Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Left tackle Rashawn Slater missed most of 2022 but bounced back with a strong season in 2023. Alt can plug in immediately at right tackle, giving the team a strong pair of young bookends. The team is up against the cap, and restructuring to move on from right tackle Trey Pipkins can help provide a solution.
6. New York Giants - Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Nabers resets the receiving room, giving the team a proper number-one receiver and allowing young receivers Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson to play more natural supporting roles. The team needs a player like him as their other receivers are highly specialized, and he can play any role.
7. Tennessee Titans - Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn St.
Fashanu is the perfect marriage of value and team need at left tackle. The team tried multiple angles to lock down that position, signing Andre Dillard in free agency and trying Nicholas Petit-Frere. Fashanu and 2023 1st round pick Peter Skoronski can lock down the left side and allow the team to find a successful combination to round out the line.
8. Denver Broncos - J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Broncos Trade #12, #76, 2025 3rd for #8
McCarthy is the biggest wildcard in the draft. He has gained steam as the draft process has built, and multiple teams picking in the teens have a huge need at quarterback. The Falcons line up as the ideal trade-down candidate. Here, the Broncos pull the trigger to jump Minnesota. Giving Sean Payton a young quarterback of McCarthy’s caliber to mold is exciting. Payton should be able to tap into his athletic traits and arm talent, allowing Denver to play with a vertical attack.
9. Chicago Bears - Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The Bears immediately do what they did far too late with Fields, giving Williams a weapon and adding to the offensive line. Odunze is an excellent complement to DJ Moore, bringing physicality to the position. The pair of receivers would immediately form one of the better duos in the NFL.
10. New York Jets - Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon St.
Three offensive tackles have positioned themselves at the draft's top. The Jets are praying to land one. Fuaga can emerge as OT1 in this class. Fuaga has primarily played right tackle and is a mauling run blocker. He likely needs to shift to the left side to realize long-term value, but the lack of experience differentiates him from Alt and Fashanu at the top of the class.
11. Minnesota Vikings - Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
The Vikings lose out on the McCarthy derby and pivot. The defense is in flux, but Murphy can create consistent pressure inside, complimenting the teams’ depth at edge.
12. Atlanta Falcons - Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
The Falcon's defense took a step forward from one of the worst in the league to average. Pass rush is still a significant need. Turner could be the pick at eight, but this path allows them to step back, build capital, and still get their player. Turner possesses the tools to be a star.
13. Las Vegas Raiders - Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Raiders’ defense played well after Antonio Pierce took over as head coach but lacked a proper shutdown corner. Arnold has that ability.
14. New Orleans Saints - Jared Verse, Edge, Florida St.
Verse to the Saints is a popular pick for a reason. They struggled to get consistent pressure, ranking 29th with 34 sacks. Verse adds to that need immediately. His versatility stands out. The team has invested heavily on the defensive line, with Payton Turner in the 1st in 2021 and Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey their top two picks in 2023, but none of them look to have Verse’s upside as a cornerstone pass rusher.
15. Indianapolis Colts - Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
This position is challenging. The Colts have drafted four tight ends in the last three drafts. They have more significant needs. But Bowers is the best player available and can potentially transform their offense. Bowers and receivers Michael Pittman Jr and Josh Downs give Anthony Richardson a young core of receivers with extreme upside.
16. Seattle Seahawks - Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Pick 16 is high for a center, but the Seahawks have a glaring need in the middle of their line, and Powers-Johnson is one of the more revered center prospects to enter the draft. The Seahawks are light on early capital following a trade for Leonard Williams, but Powers-Johnson can solidify the line's interior immediately.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Jacksonville is another team light on early capital, assuming they re-sign Calvin Ridley. Mitchell is a Senior Bowl riser and could come off the board earlier; the Jaguars should be thrilled with this pick as he can develop into a lockdown corner in a division and conference filled with young quarterback talent. Darious Williams was excellent in 2023 but will be 31; while Tyson Campbell is solid at the other corner, Mitchell solidifies what was quietly one of the better defenses in 2023.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
While Tee Higgins has justly captured the spotlight for looming free agency, right tackle Jonah Williams is also a big decision. As the team starts transitioning into their next phase with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Higgins moving into large contracts, they need to solidify a blue chip position like tackle with a cost-controlled player. Mims fits into the profile the Bengals have successfully targeted to rebuild into a championship contender, primarily a plus athlete from a blue-chip school.
19. Los Angeles Rams - Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
The Rams keep Latu in Southern California following an award-winning final college season. He adds versatility and rush ability to a young, developing defense.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The offensive line remains a need despite the first-round selection of Broderick Jones in 2023. Jones shifting the left side is a natural progression, and Latham can lock down the right side.
21. Miami Dolphins - Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Speed is the bedrock of the Dolphins' offense, and Franklin pours it on. The team needs a bigger receiver, which Franklin provides with a 6'3" frame, but he adds another threat to an offense that stretches defenses thin. Tyreek Hill commented before 2023 that he planned to play three more seasons. One down and potentially just two to go. Franklin is a long-term Hill replacement and a short-term complement that NFL defenses would not want to see.
22. Philadelphia Eagles - Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Passing attacks shredded the Eagles' secondary at the end of 2023. Enter Vic Fangio. Wiggins is the type of long cornerback Fangio has preferred in his scheme. The Eagles took Kelee Ringo in Round 4 in 2023 but still rely on older players outside. Wiggins has star potential.
23. Houston Texans - Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn St.
Coach DeMeco Ryans continues to build his pass-rushing options, adding Robinson into the rotation. Robinson fits into the mold filled by Jerry Hughes and can be a long-term compliment to Will Anderson.
24. Dallas Cowboys - Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Fautanu can immediately solidify the Cowboys' right tackle position. He brings physicality and will help the team reestablish a power-running identity they lost in 2023.
25. Green Bay Packers - Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
The Packers broke their three-pick Georgia first-round defender streak to select Lukas Van Ness in 2023's first round. An Iowa defender is the next best thing without a Georgia player worth taking. The team needs safety and corner; DeJean hopefully locks down a corner spot but can slide to safety if necessary.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama
A rebuilt defensive line featuring rookie DT Calijah Kancey and edge YaYa Diaby was vital in a surprising season, but the team still needs high-end talent on the edge. Braswell was a pass-rushing specialist at Alabama before taking over as a full-time player for Will Anderson. He slots in as a long-term replacement for Shaq Barrett while upgrading the rotation immediately.
27. Arizona Cardinals - Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
McKinstry possesses the upside to go much higher. Take a moment and name one Cardinals’ corner. The position is a significant need.
28. Buffalo Bills - Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Wide receivers are a strength of the 2024 draft, and they must start coming off the board at some point. Thomas could land much higher, but he would be an upgrade over free agent Gabe Davis. This ability to attack downfield paired with Josh Allen's arm would be a dream.
29. Detroit Lions - Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
The Lions frequently found themselves in shootouts due to one of the best offenses in the NFL but a defense that struggled to put games away. Newton is a disruptive interior pass rusher who can work well with Aidan Hutchinson.
30. Baltimore Ravens - Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri
With Justin Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney, and Kyle Van Noy slated to hit free agency, edge stands as a significant need for the Ravens. Robinson is an ideal 3-4 defensive end for the teams’ scheme.
31. San Francisco 49ers - Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Barton was a three-year starter at left tackle for Duke. The 49ers have to add to the line, and he has the versatility to play multiple positions, slotting into his best long-term fit.
32. Kansas City Chiefs - Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Worthy brings a consistent speed element the Chiefs have lacked since the departure of Tyreek Hill. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is an easy cap cut, and Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney have been disappointments, falling out of the rotation. Worthy can stretch the field while also working well in the short passing game that has come to define the Chiefs' offense in their back-to-back Super Bowl runs.
Round 2
33. Carolina Panthers - Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
This pick may seem rich for a slot player, but McConkey is a creative option and can give Bryce Young a much-needed safety blanket. Adam Thielen’s production fell off hard over the last seven weeks of the season, going from 72 yards per game through Week 10 to just 41 over the back half. Outside of him, the team has no one they can trust. And that’s saying they can trust a 34-year-old wide receiver.
34. New England Patriots - Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
The team lacks weapons, and Wilson will immediately provide a remedy. His speed will open the field for a physical running attack, and he is a willing blocker, fitting the scheme well. Wilson can pair with slot Demario Douglas as the team builds to support their quarterback selection.
35. Arizona Cardinals - Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
Opting for a double tap at the position, Rakestraw is BPA in Round 2. The Cardinals possess 12 picks in the draft, with three more in Round 3, providing ample opportunity to infuse young talent throughout the roster.
36. Washington Commanders - Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Guyton is raw but athletic, splitting his college career between H-Back and tackle. The Commander’s tackle position is in long-term trouble, with Charles Leno entering his age 33 season in the final year of his contract and Andrew Wylie an emergency stopgap signing last winter.
37. Los Angeles Chargers - Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
Center Corey Lindsley expects to retire. Frazier is a physical tone-setting replacement. He and Alt begin the makeover of this line.
38. Tennessee Titans - Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
New coach Brian Callahan’s Bengals offense relied heavily on receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Titans brought DeAndre Hopkins in late for 2023, and he was the only player to see at least five targets per game. 2022 1st-round pick Treylon Burks has been a disappointment. Mitchell rounds out the room, giving Will Levis a player who can win vertically and take advantage of his arm strength.
39. New York Giants - Jordan Morgan, OL, Arizona
Offensive line is a significant need. Morgan can work with Evan Neal to determine the best option for tackle and guard opposite left tackle Andrew Thomas.
40. Washington Commanders - Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Corner is not in good shape, with Kendall Fuller a free agent and 2023 1st-round pick Emmanuel Forbes struggling in his first season. Lassiter is a high-upside former four-star prospect from Georgia. His length fits what new coach Dan Quinn has looked for in corners.
41. Green Bay Packers - Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Like the first-round pick, DeJean, Nubin also brings defensive flexibility to the secondary. Pairing these two gives the Packers the ability to get creative on the back end of their defense.
42. Minnesota Vikings - Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Kirk Cousins’ future is in question. Taking Nix in Round 2 gives the team a young, cost-controlled option to develop as a potential long-term replacement. This path allows them to add a blue-chip defender if Nix does not work out.
43. Atlanta Falcons - Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Adding Justin Fields and Legette to an offense that features Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts would be very intriguing. Legette's game complements what the team needs from a second receiver. He can stretch the field and work as an after-catch threat.
44. Las Vegas Raiders - Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
Jenkins solidifies another critical need on the defensive interior, pairing with Maxx Crosby and Tyree Wilson for a young and talented defensive line. Jenkins’ father Kris was in New York as a Jet while Pierce was starring as the Giants’ middle linebacker.
45. New Orleans Saints - Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
Suamataia is another player who could find his way into round one and would be a substantial value for the Saints early in Round 2. Trevor Penning has been a disappointment, and the team has already moved him around the line. Suamataia gives another piece to attempt to find a cohesive lineup.
46. Indianapolis Colts - Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
Secondary is a considerable need, and they address it with Sainristil. Profiling best as a nickel back, Sainristil has a nose for the football, and the team can determine his best long-term fit between corner and safety.
47. New York Giants - T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa St.
Corner is another need. Tampa brings excellent size at 6-foot-2 and could go much higher. New defensive coordinator Shane Bowen arrives from Tennessee, where he preferred physicality at corner while limiting big plays. Tampa is a stylistic fit.
48. Chicago Bears - Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
Paul is a Senior Bowl riser and a natural left tackle. He would pair with 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright to give young bookends. Braxton Jones has been a nice find but is far from a franchise-level player. Paul could go much higher; this pick gives the Bears a shot at cost-controlled youth on their line.
49. Cincinnati Bengals - Leonard Taylor, DT, Miami
Taylor is another need who fits the profile of a plus athlete the Bengals have targeted. A five-star recruit and the number four player in the 2021 recruiting class, Taylor can be a Combine riser.
50. Philadelphia Eagles - Christian Hayes, OG, UCONN
Jason Kelce has all but officially retired; while he could have a change of heart, that decision is coming at some point. Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens were college centers; one should slide over as a natural replacement. Hayes steps in to fill that vacancy. The interior of the Eagles' offensive line has been critical in their offensive scheme, and Hayes is a Senior Bowl riser who brings physical run-blocking ability to the position.
51. Los Angles Rams - Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
Pratt is the surprise pick over the still-available Michael Penix. Pratt is an excellent fit for Sean McVay’s system, bringing mobility and a strong arm paired with quick processing. This selection may be earlier than many have Pratt valued, but if the Rams think Pratt can succeed Matthew Stafford, their recent late-round success with players like Puka Nacua should give them the courage to lock that quarterback up.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB, Louisville
Brownlee is another Senior Bowl standout. He brings a physical mentality to the corner position that has long been the Steelers' defense bedrock.
53. Miami Dolphins - Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
Both Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are dealing with injuries that could make them miss early time. Trice is a needed depth pick who can immediately contribute and provide valuable rotational snaps.
54. Philadelphia Eagles - Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
Sanders is one of the more fun picks. The team is set at outside receiver with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and has tight end Dallas Goedert locked in. They've relied on players like Julio Jones, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Quez Watkins to round out the skill rotation. Sanders is a tweener, but he is an excellent fit on this team as a slot / second tight end and can be a matchup problem. Interestingly, the team signed Jacob Harris to a futures contract. Harris is a college receiver who has attempted to transition to tight end. Sanders is that type at an extremely high end.
55. Cleveland Browns - Keon Coleman, WR, Florida St.
Surprisingly, the team traded Donovan Peoples-Jones midseason to give Cedric Tillman a chance to see significant time. Tillman did not run away with the opportunity, allowing David Bell to see work as well. Amari Cooper will be 30, and the team needs more young players they can trust. Coleman’s vertical game works well in the Browns’ scheme.
56. Dallas Cowboys - Jaden Hicks, S, Washington St.
Hicks is the type of big athlete with multiple position flexibility the Cowboys have liked in their defense. He can play either safety position or as a third defensive back moving up to a coverage linebacker.
57. Green Bay Packers - Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
Wright is the only running back selected in this mock, and he lasts almost into the third round. There are around eight running backs with similar values, and the order is a mystery. Once one back goes, expect a domino effect. Wright should have a strong Combine and potentially push himself to the top of the class. He can immediately pair with Aaron Jones for an explosive backfield and take over long-term.
58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
The team has two veteran corners, Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean, but needs more young options with upside. Phillips declared after his junior year. He is the type of project the team can wait on.
59. Houston Texans - Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
Wilson locks down the interior at linebacker with Denzel Perryman, a free agent. Wilson will be a tackling machine in the NFL, giving the team a defensive leader.
60. Buffalo Bills - T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
The Bills' entire defensive interior are free agents, except Ed Oliver. Sweat is a huge classic nose tackle inside who may be restricted to early downs but hopefully provides enough pass rush to work rotationally.
61. Detroit Lions - Jonah Elliss, Edge, Utah
The Lions pour gasoline into their pass rush with these two picks. Elliss is an outside rusher whose father played for the Lions for nine seasons between 1995 and 2003.
62. Baltimore Ravens - Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas St.
Beebe is a mauler inside at guard, a significant long-term need. Kevin Zeitler is 34, and John Simpson has struggled in his four years. Both are free agents. Beebe has experience on both the left and right side, and his run blocking is an ideal scheme fit.
63. San Francisco 49ers - Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, WR, Georgia
Jauan Jennings is a pending free agent and an underrated contributor to the offense. Rosemy-Jacksaint is a plus athlete whose surrounding talent and offensive system held back his production. He is a strong run blocker and a capable receiver in the intermediate and deep games. With a large deal looming for Bradon Aiyuk, the team needs to augment the offense with some young, cost-controlled production.
64. Kansas City Chiefs - Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio St.
Hall is an interior disruptor to add to the team's pass-rush rotation. He is another Senior Bowl riser; while he is a bit undersized, he can create consistent pressure inside and give the team some insurance with Chris Jones.
