There is still a very long way to go before the NFL Draft commences on April 25. Some of us will become parents between now and then. Others will go down a different path. The possibilities are endless. But it’s never too late to project what might happen in the form of a digestible 2-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft.
2-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft | Round 1
The order of this mock draft stems from the FREE PFN Mock Draft Simulator.
1) Chicago Bears (From CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
A trade with the Atlanta Falcons earlier in this fictitious offseason made this an obvious decision. Caleb Williams is an incredible playmaker at the QB position. His creation ability is otherworldly. We have rarely seen a player with that kind of Houdini style with the vision, arm angles, and arm talent to make all of the throws.
But he is overhyped.
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board
That doesn’t mean he’s bad. But he’s not as clean a prospect as Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, or Andrew Luck. The NFL game is exponentially faster than the college level, and Williams’ pace is already slow in the USC offense. While there are flashes of NFL processing, he’s simply not forced into quick decision-making often enough, which leads to him passing on his first (open) read to attack downfield.
But with a new regime coming to town, it was time for a fresh start for Justin Fields and the new front office.
2) Chicago Bears: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Conversely, Marvin Harrison Jr. is not overhyped. There is no hyperbole when it comes to discussing the Ohio State WR. Harrison is almost certainly the most dominant prospect in this class, and he’s arguably the first WR in a long time to come out of college without a legitimate weakness in his game.
Adding him to DJ Moore makes for a one-two punch that can go toe-to-toe with any other twosome in the NFL from Day 1. Harrison is already a professional wide receiver from top to bottom and one of the safest prospects of this generation.
3) Las Vegas Raiders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Drake Maye is an incredible physical talent who is already playing at NFL processing speeds in North Carolina’s offense because if he doesn’t, he would be physically assaulted by the defensive front on most occasions.
Maye has a massive arm, more than enough athleticism to make plays with his legs as a runner and passer, and toughness under pressure. There will be instances that the “bozo” gene comes out and he makes a critical error, but that’s not something Raiders fans aren’t already used to from watching Derek Carr and now Jimmy Garoppolo.
Additionally, Maye won’t have to start immediately, which is a nice luxury in the modern league.
4) Denver Broncos: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Dallas Turner has slowly migrated North to potentially become the best defensive player in the 2024 NFL Draft class. He has upped his power output from a season ago, playing stronger on the edge as a run defender while also displaying more power as a rusher.
Through four weeks of play, the Broncos rank 28th in pressure rate and 23rd in sack rate. They paid a pretty penny for Randy Gregory in free agency, but after just one season and four games, they moved on from him. They need a dominant edge defender.
5) Minnesota Vikings: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Some marriages are perfect.
Kool-Aid McKinstry is one of the best zone coverage defenders we’ve seen in the past half-decade at cornerback. He’s a schematic savant, and his ability to play freely from off-coverage will be a perfect match for Brian Flores, who likes to show Cover 0 as often as humanly possible.
6) New York Jets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
We’re all in agreement that this is the only choice to make, right? Seriously, the Jets went into 2023 with AARP member Duane Brown and the much-maligned Mekhi Becton as their two offensive tackles.
Sure, they weren’t going to necessarily need them to play at a super high level with Aaron Rodgers because of how quickly he gets the ball out of his hands, but that was always a poor plan.
Olu Fashanu is special. He has the holy trinity of prospect traits. He’s young, technical beyond his years, and an unbelievable athlete.
7) New England Patriots: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Patriots would love a shot at one of the top two quarterbacks in the NFL Draft, but unless they continue to be injured at a ridiculous rate, they likely won’t be bad enough to be in contention. However, a difficult schedule could change that.
As it stands, they need help on the outside. Emeka Egbuka is the kind of receiver who should be relatively QB-friendly because he’s such a natural separator. That’s a skill that is not currently present on the Patriots’ roster.
8) Cincinnati Bengals: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Goodbye, Tee Higgins, and hello, Keon Coleman. The Florida State wide receiver will not be a universal fit at the NFL level, at least not as he’s currently constructed as a player. Coleman must become a sharper route runner if he wants to be a target-rich player.
But with Joe Burrow, Coleman could be completely unlocked. He needs a quarterback with excellent placement and a lack of fear when delivering passes. That is exactly what Burrow offers. He will throw those 50/50 balls leveraged away from defenders, and Coleman’s ball skills will let him win more of those than he loses.
9) Arizona Cardinals: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Brock Bowers might be the very best player in the class, but being a tight end will, and probably should, scare a lot of teams off. But through four weeks, Zach Ertz is second on the Cardinals with 30 targets and 20 receptions. He hasn’t been particularly efficient, but he has been a large part of the offense so far.
MORE: Kyle Pitts Doesn’t Think Brock Bowers Should Be Drafted High?
Bowers isn’t the same kind of player or athlete that Kyle Pitts is. He’s more of a tight end than Pitts, but Bowers is still very much someone who can thrive on the outside as a weapon against cornerbacks, safeties, and linebackers. He is springy and creative after the catch and on designed runs and is incredibly difficult to bring down on the first try.
10) New York Giants: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Evan Neal is struggling, and this past week during the game, he went in on the fans at the stadium. Although he later apologized, the New York media doesn’t necessarily forgive and forget, and neither do the fans.
The tough part is that Neal was legitimately a great prospect, and we’ve seen the Giants — with the last regime and this one — struggle to bring along offensive linemen. Even Andrew Thomas took a while to shape up. And while there is no guarantee that JC Latham will come in and be an All-Pro, going into 2024 with Neal coming off another terrible season is not a viable option.
11) Green Bay Packers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
David Bakhtiari is out for an extended period after having a fourth knee surgery and may never again don a Packers uniform. So, this selection seems straightforward.
Joe Alt has been so good so far in 2023 that he’s closed the gap on Fashanu despite the Penn State blocker’s advancements. Getting a player of Alt’s caliber outside of the top 10 shows how outrageous the potential is in the 2024 class.
12) New Orleans Saints: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Cooper DeJean is a bit of a unicorn, and the New Orleans Saints love do-it-all defensive backs. DeJean has the size and physicality necessary to survive in the box as a dime linebacker while also possessing the fluidity and long speed to play as an outside cornerback.
But because he plays so ferociously while facing the action, DeJean might be the best safety prospect in the class. And he hasn’t even really played the position since high school.
13) Arizona Cardinals (From HOU): Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Cardinals already went offense with their first pick in Round 1, so they pulled an Uno-reverse card and went defense with their second selection. They would have loved to get McKinstry or DeJean, but neither fell to them, and they didn’t want to potentially lose out on Bowers.
Jared Verse entered the year as arguably the top defensive player in the class, but he’s been surpassed by Turner because Alabama’s pass rusher has the more desirable physical skill set. Turner is the bendy rusher teams covet, whereas Verse resembles former Seminole Jermaine Johnson a bit. He plays with great length and power but lacks ideal flexibility.
14) Los Angeles Chargers: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
Kalen King is an absolute dog in the secondary. And the attitude he’ll bring in the secondary will fit in nicely with Derwin James and Asante Samuel Jr.
King has a quick trigger to close on underneath routes from depth, and he is one of the best we’ve seen at immediately diagnosing screens and blowing them up. Although that has its drawbacks from time to time.
15) Houston Texans (From CLE): Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Houston Texans offense has done a 180 from a season ago, and much of it has to do with their impressive rookie quarterback. And they’re doing this without a legitimate No. 1 WR on the outside to hog targets.
As of now, C.J. Stroud is splashing the ball around. Imagine having Malik Nabers winning on the outside with the athleticism and violence he plays within his 6’0″, 190-pound frame. Nabers possesses the speed to unlock a downfield element while still being technically refined enough to be a target-rich pass catcher in the short and intermediate areas of the field.
16) Washington Commanders: Andrew Mukuba, S, Clemson
I mean, we all watch the same football, right? We see the continuous downfield attack coming from opposing offenses against the Washington defense. Although they improved midway through 2022, they’re back on their bull in 2023. While they may need a new defensive structure and play-caller entirely — they’ll likely have an entirely new staff for 2024 — they need a rangy safety.
Enter Andrew Mukuba. Mukuba has the foot speed and fluidity to be a full-time slot defender, but his range on the back end is his greatest weapon. He is simply a complete coverage player, which is exactly what the Commanders need.
17) Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
Even with a healthy DaVon Hamilton, the Jaguars could use a bit of juice on their defensive interior. They’re just now beginning to find production from their EDGE rushers in the form of sacks, but adding a dominant rusher from the B gap could take Jacksonville’s defense to the next level.
18) Los Angeles Rams: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
In a similar vein, while the Rams could go several different directions with their roster, adding a gap-slicing interior defender to learn from the best wouldn’t be a bad thing. Jer’Zhan Newton has been filling up the stat sheet so far in 2023, and his length, athleticism, and strength make him an alignment-versatile player on the line.
19) Chicago Bears (From ATL): Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Note: Atlanta trades Pick No. 18, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2025 third-round pick for Justin Fields.
Even though we don’t know what kind of defensive front will be the norm for the new-look Bears defense in 2024, 270-pound defensive ends with the kind of athleticism Bralen Trice possesses never go out of style, and they find their way on the field no matter what a defensive coordinator prefers to do with their pass rushers on the outside.
20) Indianapolis Colts: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
As Snoop Dogg once famously exclaimed on The Breakfast Club… WHO!?!?
If you’re a breakout age truther, avert your eyes. If you have seen the Colts double, triple, and quadruple down on outrageous athleticism in the NFL Draft over the past few seasons and are a fan, hello.
Xavier Legette likely won’t be a first-round pick, but the height/weight/speed freak could find a fun home with the Indianapolis Colts. Legette is a big-play machine for South Carolina with the catch radius of a Pterodactyl and the long speed of the Peregrine Falcon. But he also has some surprising technical prowess for a “one-year wonder.”
Some (one person) might even believe he might be a better prospect than Coleman is.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The corpse of Patrick Peterson isn’t going to be a viable option in 2024. Spending assets on the defensive backfield when the two pass rushers are already locked up is quality team-building. But those players must pan out.
Nate Wiggins was playing an incredible game against the Seminoles’ talented receivers before he left the field with an injury that won’t hinder his draft process in the slightest. He possesses ideal length and athleticism for the position.
22) Tennessee Titans: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
The Titans tend to prefer beefy receivers like A.J. Brown, Treylon Burks, and to a lesser extent, even DeAndre Hopkins. However, Xavier Worthy has a lot of DeVonta Smith in his game. He’s slight but insanely tough, and that toughness, paired with outrageous flexibility, allows him to bounce and glance off blows and keep his feet after the catch.
The main difference between himself and Smith is the pass-catching issues that are prominent on his tape. However, with enough production and splash plays down the field, drops can be forgiven.
23) Seattle Seahawks: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
Death, taxes, and the Seattle Seahawks having an entirely underwhelming interior offensive line. A healthy Damien Lewis is fine, but he’s in the final year of his rookie contract, leaving the Seahawks searching for answers in free agency and the draft.
Although his toughest battles still lurk on the horizon, Donovan Jackson has played well so far in 2023.
24) Dallas Cowboys: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
While Tyler Smith could end up being the Cowboys’ long-term answer at left tackle… why?
He has been a dominant force at left guard for Dallas so far in his young career, and the Cowboys have a prime opportunity to draft Tyron Smith’s replacement with Kingsley Suamataia. For reference, Suamataia is allegedly more athletic than Blake Freeland, who posted elite explosion and speed scores at offensive tackle.
25) Detroit Lions: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (FL)
Maybe the Lions bring C.J. Gardner-Johnson back on another one-year deal. But if they don’t, a trio of Kerby Joseph, Tracy Walker, and Kamren Kinchens could be a lot of fun as the team’s base defense. Teams are using three-safety sets more than ever at the NFL level, and Kinchens can wear multiple hats on the back end.
26) Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The Miami Dolphins have a few holes to fill along their offensive line, so why shouldn’t they draft a player who could potentially be this year’s version of Peter Skoronski?
Although Graham Barton is not the same caliber of prospect, he is someone who could survive on the outside without adequate anatomical length but will likely be a stalwart on the interior.
27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Maason Smith, DT, LSU
The Bucs need a new hall monitor. They need someone who can play in multiple alignments alongside Vita Vea and not be used as a human rag doll.
Maason Smith is still an inexperienced player, considering he missed all but one drive of the 2022 season with an injury. However, his frame and athleticism are an unfair combination.
28) Buffalo Bills: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Gabe Davis is a free agent in the offseason, and there’s no telling what kind of market there will be in the upcoming free agency class. Although Buffalo could very well keep him around for the long haul, it might not be a bad time to start looking at receivers who could eventually take over Davis’ role in the offense.
MORE: Top WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Rome Odunze is a perfect fit for that role. He has a blazing reported speed, possesses ideal size and length, and has already proven to be an outrageous downfield weapon for the Washington Huskies.
29) Baltimore Ravens: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Ravens fans have every right to look at another Ohio State running back drafted near the top and think… “Is this necessary?”
Normally, the answer would be no. But in a league where speed is becoming more and more of an advantage by the week, adding TreVeyon Henderson to this roster would be a ton of fun. Lamar Jackson already complicates defensive run fits. Adding a home-run-hitting running back would be icing on the Ravens’ run-game cake.
30) San Francisco 49ers: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Taliese Fuaga is still seemingly a secret to all but the nerdiest of NFL Draftniks. But when there is so much smoke circulating such a small circle, it’s worth checking out if there is some fire. With Fuaga, there most certainly is.
The massive right tackle has been nearly perfect so far in 2023. He possesses outstanding length and incredible athleticism for the position. There’s a good chance he could be gone well before this by the time April rolls around. But the 49ers need an RT, and he would fit right in.
31) Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Adonai Mitchell isn’t too much unlike Odunze. Yet, he’s likely more violently explosive.
Although he struggled to get onto the field consistently at Georgia, Mitchell has fit right into Steve Sarkisian’s offense in Austin. He possesses blistering speed and length to win over defensive backs along the sidelines.
32) Philadelphia Eagles: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Teams aren’t even targeting Kamari Lassiter at the moment. He’s seen only 14 targets in five games, according to PFF. He’s allowed only seven receptions for 53 yards, and his performance against a pesky (and talented) South Carolina passing attack stood out most so far in his 2023 tape.
2-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft | Round 2
33) Carolina Panthers: Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State
Austin Corbett, Brady Christianson, and Chandler Zavala will all likely still be on the roster for 2024, but that doesn’t mean they should ignore improving their offensive line in the NFL Draft.
34) Chicago Bears: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
The Bears took their thunder earlier with Trice, and now they pair him with the lightning of Chop Robinson. Robinson is an explosive pass rusher who continues to show improvement in his hands.
35) New Orleans Saints (From DEN): Brandon Dorlus, EDGE, Oregon
Find someone who loves you as much as the Saints love themselves defensive ends who run over 270 pounds. Brandon Dorlus has slid inside on Oregon’s defensive line more often in 2023 but could be seen as everything from a 3-technique to a 7 at the NFL level, depending on who drafts him.
36) Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The Minnesota Vikings currently do not have a backup plan for the QB position. Kirk Cousins is in the final year of his deal, and there is no guarantee that the new leadership will want to extend that relationship.
J.J. McCarthy still has room to grow, but his outrageous arm would be perfect at attacking intermediate and deep in the Vikings’ passing attack.
37) Green Bay Packers (From NYJ): Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
The Packers could go many different ways next offseason, but upgrading the safety position should be a priority for them heading into 2024. Tyler Nubin is a ball-hawking free safety who would be a nice fit in split-safety looks or as a single-high player.
38) New England Patriots: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Mac Jones is not necessarily a bad quarterback, but he’s also not one that an organization can win because of. If the situation surrounding him was perfect, say, if he’d been drafted third overall by a West Coast team, maybe we’d be looking at him in a different light.
But the Patriots need someone who can create because their weapons surely can’t. It’s possible they look to Bo Nix to being that guy.
39) Cincinnati Bengals: Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest
Chidobe Awuzie is in the final year of his contract. Mike Hilton only has two years left on his deal. While D.J. Turner is already on the roster waiting in the wings, the Bengals have consistently added defensive backs to the roster in the NFL Draft, even when from an immediate roster construction perspective, it hasn’t necessarily made sense.
But they need to go the inexpensive route on defense because they have mouths to feed on offense.
40) Arizona Cardinals: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Bears already doubled up on pass rushers, and now it’s the Cardinals’ turn to throw their hat in the ring.
Laiatu Latu exploded against Coastal Carolina in Week 1, and the Bruins’ pass rusher is on pace for another uber-productive season in the Pac-12. The Cardinals need a ton of help on defense, but throwing assets at pass rush is key for Jonathan Gannon’s defense moving forward.
41) New York Giants: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
It’s finally time for the linebackers to have their turn. Barrett Carter will likely be a first-round pick in April. The talent is there, but the position as a whole has been devalued as the use of safeties in place of linebackers has risen. However, Carter possesses the modern skill set necessary to thrive on the second level.
42) Las Vegas Raiders: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
After struggling as a sophomore, Denzel Burke is back on the horse he rode in on as a true freshman at Ohio State. Burke looks better than he did as a freshman.
He alone cannot fix what is wrong with the Raiders’ defense, but his addition could be a step in the right direction.
43) Philadelphia Eagles (From NO): Rod Moore, S, Michigan
Philadelphia’s defense needs spinal fusion surgery. Reed Blankenship has been a pleasant surprise out of Middle Tennessee. Sydney Brown could very well be a player in the NFL, but his best role might be in the slot.
Rod Moore could be exactly what the Eagles need to fortify their third level in 2024 and beyond.
44) Houston Texans: Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Florida
Imagining a fully developed version of Princely Umanmielen on the opposite side of Will Anderson Jr. could bring a tear to one’s eye. Umanmielen is outrageously flexible, but his length and strength as an edge setter are most impressive. The only thing that must come along is a better rush plan and more consistent hands. But even that has improved in 2023!
45) Los Angeles Chargers: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
Okay, the Chargers’ offense might become unfair with Ja’Tavion Sanders. The Texas TE is a missile, despite playing at over 240 pounds. He’s great with the ball in his hands and is an impressive route runner to boot. Although Sanders shares space with Mitchell and Worthy, his receptions have been the most explosive, on average.
46) Cleveland Browns: Antwane Wells Jr., WR, South Carolina
Antwane Wells Jr. hasn’t played a ton of football so far in 2023. He’s been trying to (unsuccessfully) play through a nagging foot injury that has now completely sidelined him.
However, he doesn’t need a strong final campaign to command this draft capital. Like former Gamecocks WRs, Wells is a menace with the ball in his hands at 6’1″, 210 pounds.
47) Washington Commanders: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
The Washington Commanders have been searching for competent LB play for some time now. Next season will almost certainly come with a new defensive mindset, but having at least one adequate player at the second level is critical to success. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is a nice blend of old and new school.
48) Jacksonville Jaguars: Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
After adding an athletic player to the defensive interior, the Jaguars turned around and did the same for their offense. Luke Fortner continues to struggle, and Sedrick Van Pran has arguably been the best center in college football each of the past two seasons.
49) Los Angeles Rams: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Amarius Mims may not feel he’s played enough football to declare, but he’s one of the most impressive talents on the field when he has seen it. Mims was great before injuring his ankle in Week 3, leading to a tightrope surgery. The massive right tackle was also outstanding in relief a season ago as an entirely green player.
50) Green Bay Packers: Raheim Sanders, RB, Arkansas
One massive running back exits, and another enters. Raheim Sanders would be a nice ying to Aaron Jones’ yang, just like the Packers have done over the past four seasons with AJ Dillon. Sanders is a big-play threat because of his contact balance and long speed, which is impressive for a back his size.
51) Indianapolis Colts: Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State
The Colts still need some help in the defensive backfield (probably), but the hope here is that Chris Ballard takes care of that in free agency (obviously for a very low cost).
MORE: Top Tight Ends in the 2024 NFL Draft
Jaheim Bell, to stick with the theme in Indianapolis, is an outstanding athlete for the position. And if we know one thing about TEs, it’s that high-end athletic ability is often a prerequisite for their success.
52) Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Please keep throwing darts at this offensive line. Kenny Pickett is seeing ghosts in the pocket, and it’s because he can’t trust what’s happening in front of him. Tyler Guyton has been proving his fans right so far with his play in 2023 on the right side of the Sooners OL.
53) Tennessee Titans: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Listen… anybody but Andre Dillard.
54) Atlanta Falcons: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Jack Sawyer probably didn’t help his draft stock after getting locked up by Alt, but he’s been the better of the Buckeyes’ draftable edge rushers in 2023. The Falcons are a mix of aging veterans and young players who have failed to elevate their game at the NFL level thus far.
55) Dallas Cowboys: Cole Bishop, S, Utah
If Dan Quinn is still the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator in 2024, there is simply no way he can watch the class without falling in love with Cole Bishop. Bishop has the size, athletic ability, and playmaking ability that would fit right into the Cowboys’ secondary. However, this pick would also mean that Jayron Kearse will be elsewhere in 2024.
56) Seattle Seahawks: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Seattle doesn’t have to do this. Geno Smith is only 32, and he has been remarkable since winning the starting job in Seattle.
However, the three-year deal he got from the Seahawks doesn’t necessarily lock him into anything after 2023. Although Seattle should keep him around even if they draft Michael Penix Jr., getting the lefty up to speed quickly would benefit their roster construction the most.
In the end, it’s hard to win the big game without one of the true elites or a great QB on a rookie deal. Even then, it’s damn hard. But Penix has been unbelievable in 2023.
57) Miami Dolphins: Ty’Ron Hopper, LB, Missouri
Jerome Baker is not playing well right now in Vic Fangio’s defense and could end up being a cap casualty heading into next season. Ty’Ron Hopper plays a lot like former Missouri Tigers linebacker Nick Bolton. Neither are the biggest or the most athletic guys, but each is an innate playmaker with instantaneous triggers.
58) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Baker Mayfield may very well be back, and this selection could look entirely foolish by the time the NFL season ends.
MORE: Top QBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
However, Quinn Ewers could be a second-round pick worth developing for a few seasons in Tampa before taking over. It would be like going all-in with a nut flush draw instead of a 7-2 off-suit.
59) Buffalo Bills: D.J. James, CB, Auburn
D.J. James is a good football player. His tape is not too dissimilar from that of Emmanuel Forbes a season ago. However, we’re seeing the downside of playing at 165 pounds at the NFL level from Forbes, and the same could hold for James.
James is struggling to finish tackles, but this is the first time in his career that has been an issue. In the end, James can cover. He’s a gnat. The tricky part will be weighing those coverage abilities with the threat of being a complete liability when his man catches the ball or when teams run at him.
60) Detroit Lions: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
It’s a great time to want a 6’3″ wide receiver. They can be had in abundance in the 2024 NFL Draft, should they decide to declare in such a saturated market.
Troy Franklin also fits that mold. Marvin Jones Jr. and Josh Reynolds are on one-year deals, so there will likely be a need on the outside of Amon-Ra St. Brown in 2024.
61) Baltimore Ravens: McKinnley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M
PLEASE HAPPEN!
Mike Macdonald might be a head coach next season. But if he isn’t, being able to add someone like McKinnley Jackson to the defensive interior could be the straw that breaks the offensive camel’s back.
This defense is already dangerous, and they’re consistently playing shorthanded. Jackson may be a nose tackle, but he’s a nose that’s shed some weight and is showing off why he was a five-star recruit. At his size, his lateral mobility and explosiveness are a lot of fun.
62) San Francisco 49ers: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
The 49ers have three defensive backs from the 2021 NFL Draft class. Those three enter the final years of their rookie deals in 2024. Having a cornerback like Max Melton waiting in the wings and coming along at his own pace in Year 1 would be some nice foresight from the 49ers’ front office.
63) Kansas City Chiefs: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
Chris Jones deserves every penny he should receive from the Chiefs, but it’s not a bad idea to double down on disruptive interior defenders.
Ruke Orhorhoro possesses some alignment versatility as well, meaning he could be interchangeable with Jones, depending on where Steve Spagnuolo wants to exploit with his top-10 NFL player.
64) Philadelphia Eagles: Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State
Yes, the Philadelphia Eagles don’t care about the position. But spending what is essentially a third-round pick to pair with Nakobe Dean next season has to be a better plan than what the Eagles tried to go with to begin 2023.
