Today is the NFL Draft and here is what I think will happen tonight in Detroit. I don’t expect to be 100% accurate as the NFL Draft is one of the most unpredictable things in all sports.
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams (QB USC)
The most no-brainer pick in this draft. Despite how much he gets ragged online, Williams is a potential generation quarterback and baller. The bears don’t want to repeat a mistake from 2017 that has haunted them ever since.
Player Analysis: Caleb Williams is one of the best improvisers I have seen at the Quarterback position. The only problem I see with him is that he holds onto the ball too long and he hesitates on his reads at times.
Notable Achievements: 2022 Heisman winner, 2022 Maxwell Award winner, 2022 Walter Camp Player of the Year, 2022 PAC-12 Offensive Player of the Year, 2022 First Team All-American.
2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye (QB UNC)
“Maye or Daniels?” has been a question many Commanders fans have been asking themselves but I think it should be Maye who the keys to the franchise should be handed to. I have him over Jayden Daniels due to his age and Maye has the playstyle that Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury likes.
Player Analysis: Drake Maye has the size and arm power you want in a quarterback. I have a problem with his game: he plays too aggressively and might cost you a game with that aggressiveness.
Notable Achievements: 2022 ACC Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, and 2023 Second Team All-ACC.
3. New England Patriots: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR THE Ohio State University)
FIRST SHOCKER OF THE DRAFT. The New England Patriots pass up on Jayden Daniels to take generational Wide Receiver prospect Marvin Harrison Jr. The Pats WR room is Ugly and needs some help before they even think about drafting their franchise guy.
Player Analysis: Marvin Harrison Jr. might be the most perfect Wide receiver prospect I have ever seen from his route running to his hands. I see little to no flaws. He is a generational blue-chip prospect
Notable Achievements: 2023 Biletnikoff Award, 2x First-team All-American, 2x Big Ten Conference WR of the Year, and 2x First-team All-Big Ten Conference.
- Arizona Cardinals: (Trade with Las Vegas Raiders)
Trade package
Arizona Cardinals receive:
Jakboi Myers (WR)
2024 first-round pick (13th overall)
2024 third-round pick (77th overall)
2025 first-round pick
2026 first-round pick
Las Vegas Raiders receive:
2024 first-round pick (4th overall)
2024 third-round pick (90th overall)
4. Las Vegas Raiders: Jayden Daniels (QB LSU)
BLOCKBUSTER TRADE. With Marv Harrison Jr. off the board, the Cardinals look to trade back, and with Jayden Daniels still on the board the Antonio Pierce-led Las Vegas Raiders go all in and trade up to get their guy. Jayden Daniels and Vegas have mutual interests. Coach Pierce has known Daniels since he was 14 and has always spoken highly of Daniels. As for the trade, the Raiders will have to out bid teams like the Minnesota Vikings and the Denver Broncos to get the 4th overall pick and I think Jakobi Myers will be the cherry on top for the Cardinals as they need some height in the WR room to help Kyler Murray.
Player Analysis: Jayden Daniels always has the potential to break out a big play when things break down, but when things break down and he takes off he doesn’t take care of himself causing some concern about his durability.
Notable Achievements: 2023 Heisman winner, Walter Camp player of the year, Davey O’Brien Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, First Team All-American, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All-SEC.
- Los Angeles Chargers: (Trade with Minnesota Vikings)
Los Angeles Chargers receive:
2024 first-round pick (11th overall)
2024 first-round pick (23rd overall)
2026 second-round pick
Minnesota Vikings receive:
2024 first-round pick (5th overall)
5. Minnesota Vikings: J.J McCarthy (QB Michigan)
BACK TO BACK BLOCKBUSTER TRADES. With Kirk Cousins leaving the Vikings for the Atlanta Falcons, the future of their Superstar Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson in jeopardy, and the New York Giants potentially taking J.J McCarthy. The Minnesota Vikings make a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers to answer those problems with Michigan’s very own J.J McCarthy.
Player Analysis: J.J. McCarthy has all the tools to be successful in the NFL but is more of a question mark than a sure thing. It will be interesting to see how he plays in a more pass-heavy scheme rather than a run-first scheme.
Notable Achievements: National Champion, 2022 Third Team All-Big Ten, 2023 Griese-Brees Big Ten QB of the Year, First Team All-Big Ten, Finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers (WR LSU)
New York has one of the worst Wide Receiver rooms in the league so to help make that corps better I have the Giants selecting Malik Nabers out of LSU as they should stick with Daniel Jones for at least one more year before looking to move on from him.
Player Analysis: Malik Nabers was 2 in receiving yards this previous season he doesn’t have elite size like the other receivers in this draft class and has trouble beating presses, but he makes that up with his speed and control of leverages.
Notable Achievements: 2021 Freshman All-SEC Team, 2023 First Team All-American, First Team All-SEC, Finalist for the Biletnikoff Award.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt (OT Notre Dame)
Offensive Tackle seems to be a big problem for Tennessee even though they need help at receiver. I have them taking the consensus top Tackle prospect in the draft in Joe Alt.
Player Analysis: Joe Alt is physically elite and technically elite as well he is in a tier of his own when it comes to ranking the other tackle prospects. Another blue-chip prospect in this draft.
Notable Achievements: 2x First Team All-American, Finalist for the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner (ED Alabama)
With Raheem Morris’s hiring and bringing over a 3-4 scheme on defense. I expect them to address the lack of star power at the edge position by drafting Alabama’s very own Dallas Turner.
Player Analysis: Dallas Turner is an athletic freak at the edge position. His speed off the ball and ability to disengage blocks is elite, but is a bit inconsistent and might not have the strength to overpower Tristan Wirfs.
Notable Achievements: 2021 Freshman All-SEC, 2023 First Team All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-SEC, Finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of the Year Award
Chicago Bears: (Trade with Cincinnati Bengals)
Trade package
Chicago Bears Receive:
Tee Higgins (WR)
2024 first-round pick (18th overall)
2024 third-round pick (97th overall)
Cincinnati Bengals receive:
2024 first-round pick (9th overall)
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Brock Bowers (TE Georgia)
I predict Cincy will move on from Higgins despite reports saying otherwise. The Bears get another solid WR to pair up with Caleb Williams and ensure his development is smooth. As for the Bengals, they get Joe Burrow a new weapon to play with.
Player Analysis: Brock Bowers is the only Tight End ever to win the John Mackey Award twice (Best TE in the nation). After the catch, he is incredibly difficult to bring down and not only is he good at receiving, he can put a linebacker on his back when asked to. The only thing he can’t do is put a DE on his back. If this class wasn’t so loaded with QB needy teams he would be a top 5 pick.
Notable Achievements: 2x National Champion, 2x John Mackey winner, 3x First Team All-SEC, 2x finalist for the Lombardi Award (goes to best lineman)
10. New York Jets: Rome Odunze (WR Washington)
The Jets don’t have many weapons besides Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, so to get the attention off of those two they draft a big-body receiver in Rome Odunze.
Player Analysis: Rome Odunze standing at a mighty high 6 ‘3 was the nation’s receiving yards leader (1,640). He can moss a naysayer and make them look like they need a map in back-to-back plays. My only concerns are his long speed and his ability to make a play after the catch.
Notable Achievements: 2022 Third Team All-American. First Team All-PAC-12, 2023 First Team All-American, First Team All-PAC-12, Finalist for the Biletnikoff Award
11. Los Angeles Chargers (trade with Minnesota Vikings): Olu Fashanu (OT Penn State)
The Los Angeles Chargers are one of two teams that have too many holes to count. I think they will address the protection of their franchise Quarterback Justin Herbert first before they try to bring in new weapons for Herbert or bring in someone new in defense.
Player Analysis: Olu is one of the strongest tackles in this class. He’s great at both run blocking, pass protection, and hand placement. He does open up too much when blocking and doesn’t have a great change of direction.
Notable Achievements: 2022 Second Team All-Big Ten, 2023 First Team All-American.
12. Denver Broncos: Laiatu Latu (EDGE UCLA)
The other team that has too many holes to count is the Denver Broncos. Denver seems directionless. They could reach for a QB here like Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix, but I think a good place to find a sense of direction is by drafting an Edge rusher.
Player Analysis: Latu is someone I am a big fan of. His power, speed, and technique are top-tier. He is up there in age as he’ll be 24 before the season ends and has some injury concerns.
Notable Achievements: 2022 First Team All-PAC-12 Conference, 2023 Lombardi Award winner (nation’s top OL/DL), Ted Hendricks Award winner, First Team All-American, PAC-12 Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-PAC-12.
13. Arizona Cardinals (trade with Las Vegas Raiders): Brian Thomas Jr. (WR LSU)
“Didn’t they just get Jakobi Myers in a trade?” Yes, yes they did. However, Jakobi just by himself can’t save the Cardinals WR corps. Now if they draft another piece for it, it will be significantly improved.
Player Analysis: Brian Thomas led the nation in receiving Touchdowns with 17 and is an athletic freak. He runs a 4.33 40-yard dash at 6 ‘3. His route running could use some work along with his hands.
Notable Achievements: 2023 Third TeamAll-American and Second Team All-SEC
14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga (OT Oregon State)
Saints Right Tackle, Ryan Ramczyk is dealing with a potential career-ending knee injury New Orleans sets out to draft his replacement in Oregon State’s Offensive Tackle Taliese Fuaga.
Player Analysis: Taliese Fuaga is an underrated prospect, he’s explosive, fluid, and very technical, and his pass blocking is excellent. His cons are that his run blocking isn’t as good as his pass blocking and has some trouble guarding the C gap against faster Edge Rushers.
Notable Achievements: 2022 Second Team All-PAC-12, 2023 Second Team All-American. First Team All-PAC-12
15. Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold (CB Alabama)
The Indianapolis Colts take the first Corner off the board with Terrion Arnold as they need someone on the outside. I see Arnold as corner 1A and Quinyon Mitchell as 1B. I have Terrion going to Indy instead of Mitchell because I believe his playing at an SEC school boosts his stock up more.
Player Analysis: Arnold is an outside Corner. He has great speed, and fluid hips, and can make tackles most corners can’t. His strong suit is man coverage but he can excel in zone as well.
Notable Achievements: First team All-American, First team All-SEC, Freshman All-SEC, and had 5 interceptions in 2023.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu (OT Washington)
Seattle has always somewhat ignored the O-Line problems they have always had. I believe that with this coaching regime, they won’t be ignored any longer. Troy Fautanu is a perfect fit for Seattle, especially considering he played at the University of Washington. If he gets drafted by the Seahawks he’ll be an instant fan favorite.
Player Analysis: Troy Fauntanu is a very versatile lineman. He played both Guard and Tackle at Washington. His hand placement when exploding off the snap is great. Pass Protection is top-notch. His run blocking could use some work as well as his inside leverage.
Notable Achievements: 2022 Second Team All-PAC-12, 2023 Third Team All-American, First Team All-PAC-12, and a part of a Joe Moore award-winning Offensive Line.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Mitchell (CB Toledo)
Cornerback is one of Jacksonville’s thinnest positions on their depth chart. It makes sense for them to go for a Corner at 17. I wouldn’t be surprised if they go for something else at this pick like an Offensive Tackle.
Player Analysis: Quinyon Mitchell was a star at Toledo. He played on the outside most of the time. Mitchell has a great burst to finish off plays and tackles like a safety. Despite playing at Toledo I’d say Quninyon has the experience. His route anticipation could use some work
Notable Achievements: 2023 Second Team All-American, First Team All-MAC, 2022 Third Team All-American, has 46 pass breakups.
18. Chicago Bears (trade with Cincinnati Bengals): Jared Verse (ED FSU)
Montez Sweat is an amazing edge rusher but could use some help on the other end. Enter Jared Verse who will compliment Sweat’s speed with his power.
Player Analysis: Jared Verse is a powerful man. His first step and power moves are elite. His counter moves could use some work also he’s older than you would like a rookie to be as he will be 24 during his rookie season.
Notable Achievements: 2x First Team All-ACC, 2023 Second Team All-American, had 9 sacks this past season.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Johnny Newton (DT Illinois)
With the retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, Los Angeles has a very big spot to fill on their defensive line. I was debating whether to have LA select Newton or Murphy, but I have them getting Newton due to him looking better on film.
Player Analysis: Johnny Newton is a threat in both the passing and run games. His hand placement and leverage against interior offensive linemen make it possible to shed blocks quickly. He is a bit smaller than I would like a defensive tackle to be, although to be fair so was Aaron Donald.
Notable Achievements: 2023 First Team All-American, 2x First Team All-Big-Ten, Big Ten defensive player of the year, and 2022 Second Team All-American.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: J.C Lathem (OT Alabama)
Pittsburgh with this pick could either go corner or offensive line. In this mock I have them going O-line due to how below-average their offense and everything starts at the offensive line.
Player Analysis: Lathem has the strength and size you want at the tackle position. He is clean and aggressive while blocking. The problem he has is that he opens up too much at times and that can cause power moves to beat him.
Notable Achievements: Second Team All-American and First-team All-SEC
21. Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton (OL Duke)
Dolphins need some help in the interior of their offensive line. I have them getting that help with the selection of Graham Barton
Player Analysis: Graham Barton is the most versatile Lineman I have ever seen. He played snaps at Center and Left Tackle at Duke which is insane. He is consistent in his blocking and has the strength to beat the average NFL D-lineman. At times he’s a tick-off when the ball is snapped and opens up too wide as well.
Notable Achievements: 2x First Team All-ACC
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Jackson Powers-Johnson(C Oregon)
The Philadelphia Eagles have holes in the secondary and front seven, so why do I have them taking a Center? It’s because of the retirement of Future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce and without him, they might not be able to do their signature move the now famous “ Tush Push” or “Brotherly Shove”, he made that play work like no other.
Player Analysis: Jackson Powers-Johnson is the consensus best center in this draft. He has also played some snaps at guard at Oregon. Powers-Johnson has shown the ability to identify blitzes and has also shown he’s great at both pass protection and run blocking, however, he lacks quickness and leverage exploding off the snap.
Notable Achievements: 2023 First Team All-American, First Team All-PAC-12, and Rimington Award Winner.
23. Los Angeles Chargers (trade with Minnesota Vikings): Adonai Mitchell (WR Texas)
With the loss of starting Wide Receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Wiliams, the Los Angeles Chargers have one of the least desirable Receiving Corps in the league. I don’t think their current starters can cut it for Herbert at the moment, so it makes sense for them to go for a Wide Receiver at this pick.
Player Analysis: Adonai Mitchell was the #2 receiver at the University of Texas. He’s a big play machine; he can Moss a man and make a play after the catch. One thing to note is that for some reason it seems like he takes games off for some reason.
Notable Achievements: 2x National Champion and Second Team All-BIG-12
Dallas Cowboys: (Trade with San Francisco 49ers)
Trade package
Dallas Cowboys receive:
2024 first-round pick (31st overall)
2024 fourth-round pick (124th overall)
2024 fourth-round pick (135 overall)
San Francisco 49ers receive:
2024 first-round pick(24th overall)
2025 fifth-round pick
24. San Francisco 49ers: Amarious Mims (OT Georgia)
I have the 49ers moving up 7 spots in the draft to select their future Right Tackle Amarious Mims. I have this happening due to the threat that the upcoming teams might take him. The biggest problem last year for San Francisco was the lack of adequate blocking on the right side of the offensive line. Last year’s starter (Colton McKivitz) allowed 9 sacks and 59 pressures at the Right Tackle position.
Player Analysis: Mims is a giant standing at 6’8 and 340 Lbs. His size and weight make it difficult to get past him, but he is a bit inexperienced and has an injury history.
Notable Achievements: 2x National Champion
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan (OT Arizona)
With the departure of David Bakhtiari, I expect the Packers to draft someone to replace his spot to keep Jordan Love well-protected.
Player Analysis: Jordan Morgan played all of his snaps at Arizona as a Left Tackle. He’s quick but needs to be a bit more explosive off the snap
Notable Achievements: 2023 First Team All-PAC-12
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nate Wiggens (CB Clemson)
Trading away starting Cornerback Carlton Davis to the Detroit Lions made a big hole in Tampa’s secondary. I expect Tampa Bay to repair that hole with Clemson’s Nate Wiggens
Player Analysis: Nate Wiggens has the traits to be successful but what worries me about him is his weight. He currently weighs 173 lbs which is a bit lighter than the average NFL Cornerback.
Notable Achievements: 2023 First Team All-ACC
27. Arizona Cardinals: Chop Robinson (ED Penn State)
Arizona needs all the help they can get and I have them selecting the best player available and that would be Penn State star Chop Robinson.
Player Analysis: Chop Robinson has been a very decisive prospect this off-season. It’s mostly because he’s super explosive off the snap but doesn’t show enough with his hands.
Notable Achievements: 2023 Third team All-American. First-team All-Big Ten
28. Buffalo Bills: Ladd McConkey (WR Georgia)
Trading away Stefon Diggs and losing Gabe Davis are huge blows, but drafting a receiver can soften it. I was debating if Buffalo would go with FSU’s Keon Coleman or Georgia’s Ladd McConkey. I have them going with Ladd McConkey due to him having a higher floor than Keon Coleman.
Player Analysis: Ladd McConkey might not have the big frame or blazing-fast speed you want in a first-round receiver, but his route running makes up for all of that. He is one of this class’s best route runners.
Notable Achievements: 2x National Champion, 2021 Freshman All-SEC, 2022 Second Team All-SEC
29. Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB Alabama)
Even with the trade for Carlton Davis, I don’t believe Detroit is done adding to their secondary. One of last year’s starters (Cam Sutton) has recently gotten into a lot of legal trouble this off-season and thus has been released by Detroit.
Player Analysis: Kool-Aid McKinstry was Alabama’s other outside corner besides Terrion Arnold. He’s fluid in coverage, but his burst at the end of plays isn’t top-end speed.
Notable Achievements: 2023 First Team All-American, 2x First Team All-SEC, Cool name
30. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Guyton (OT OK)
With Morgan Mosess being shipped off this off-season to the Jets, Baltimore needs someone to fill the hole at the tackle position and I believe Tyler Guyton will be the guy to fill that hole.
Player Analysis: Tyler Guyton has great hands including the arm length to keep ends at bay, but lacks natural leverage against ends.
Notable Achievements: Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Conference
31. Dallas Cowboys (Trade with San Francisco 49ers): Jonathon Brooks (RB Texas)
Every year the draft has one questionable choice. Last year it was the Detroit Lions with Jahmyr Gibbs at #12. This year I think it will be the Dallas Cowboys making the questionable pick with Jonathon Brooks. I have this pick because Dallas is in true need of a RB1 and I believe Brooks will be that guy for them.
Player Analysis: Brooks is not only amazing at running with the ball but he’s great at catching it as well. His acceleration is elite and can make a man miss. The cons are that he is coming off a torn ACL and can be hesitant when it comes to choosing lanes.
Notable Achievements: Second-team All-Big 12 Conference
Kansas City Chiefs (Trade with New England Patriots)
Trade package
Kansas City Chiefs receive:
2024 second-round pick (34th overall)
2025 third-round pick
New England Patriots:
2024 first-round pick (32nd overall)
32. New England Patriots: Bo Nix (QB Oregon)
This pick might raise a bunch of questions. I’ll do my best to answer them
“Why didn’t they just draft a QB at #3?” Marvin Harrison Jr. is a generational prospect that you can’t miss, even with Jayden Daniels on the board still.
“Why move up 2 spots when you can grab him at #34?” If Bo Nix succeeds they have the 5th year option due to him being selected in the first round and that’s a huge thing to have for a franchise guy. I also don’t believe New England will go into this upcoming season with the current QBs they have.
Player Analysis: Bo Nix is one of the oldest Quarterbacks entering the draft this year (24 years old), however with his age comes experience as he has 61 games started between his tenures at Auburn and Oregon. Bo was one of the most accurate QBs last year at the collegiate level (77% Completion rate). He was throwing dots even on the run. That completion percentage is a bit pumped up as he threw a lot of short passes. Nix is also a dual threat as he can make a play on his legs when things break down.
Notable Achievements: 2019 SEC Freshman of the Year, 2023, Third Team All-American, PAC-12 Offensive Player of the Year, Third in Heisman voting.
