2024 NFL Mock Draft: B/R NFL Scouting Dept.’s Predictions Entering April

2024 NFL Mock Draft: B/R NFL Scouting Dept.’s Predictions Entering April0 of 32

Bleacher Report

With the 2024 NFL draft just over three weeks away, the ability to decipher what NFL teams actually want to do during full-blown lying season can be more difficult to navigate than Theseus working his way through the Labyrinth.

Rumors are flying fast and furious. Planted stories, either from organizations or player representation, are certainly in play. Certain information has been withheld and not made public.

The last few weeks leading up to a draft can be treacherous for those not accustomed to traveling this path.

Of note, two projected trades are included, with the teams trading up taking quarterbacks.

Three weeks may not seem like a lot of time until the actual event on April 25 in Detroit, but plenty of moving pieces are still in play.

1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina): QB Caleb Williams, USC1 of 32

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With the Chicago Bears finally trading Justin Fields, the organization’s decision to select USC’s Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick feels like a foregone conclusion.

“Williams has the goods,” Klassen said. “Whatever Williams lacks in ideal size (6’1”, 214 lbs), he more than makes up for in every other department.

“The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner has one of the most powerful and flexible arms that I’ve ever seen come out of the draft. Better yet, Williams controls that arm talent exceptionally well, showing the ability to both drive the ball into tight windows and layer throws with touch.

“Williams is also a wonderful pocket navigator and playmaker. Maybe it takes Williams a few months or a season to adjust to NFL offenses coming from USC’s scheme, but the growing pains will be well worth it.”

The biggest difference between Fields and Williams will be the situations in which they are placed. This offseason, the Bears added running back D’Andre Swift and veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, to go along with DJ Moore and tight end Cole Kmet. Chicago will almost certainly add another wide receiver and possibly an offensive lineman as the draft continues.

A better surrounding cast will allow Williams to flourish instead of being asked to shoulder the entire offense.

2. Washington Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU2 of 32

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The Washington Commanders are going to take a quarterback with the second overall pick.

Which one will they take once Caleb Williams is off the board? It may very well be a tossup with LSU’s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina’s Drake Maye both making a strong case to be the choice.

In this instance, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner gets the nod to play in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.

“Daniels brings two game-changing traits: athleticism and deep ball accuracy,” Klassen said. “Those two traits alone will give any Daniels offense an instant boost in explosive ability.

“The unanimous All-American throws down the field with great rhythm and touch, and he’s as slippery as it gets as a scrambler. Daniels is a generally accurate thrower, too. Sometimes he lacks the zip to make truly jaw-dropping throws, but his arm gets over the threshold to be a quality QB.

“Daniels’ outcome in the NFL will come down to how much he can improve his pocket management and attack the middle of the field.”

The Arizona State transfer’s trajectory has continually ascended. As long as Daniels protects himself as a runner—he takes some wicked hits—he has plenty of room to get even better at the professional level.

3. New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina3 of 32

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All the New England Patriots can do is be patient and wait to see which quarterback falls into their lap.

Jacoby Brissett is an excellent short-term bridge. But he’s not a long-term solution. North Carolina’s Drake Maye can be.

“Maye has it all,” Klassen said. “From a physical standpoint, Maye is 6’5” and 223 pounds with great explosiveness, agility and long speed. He has a booming arm that can both throw javelins down the field and darts into tight windows.

“As an operator, Maye is prone to trying to do too much at times. But the flashes of pocket presence, blitz management and creativity are definitely worth betting on.”

This scenario may be the best possible outcome for the Patriots since Maye is the B/R Scouting Department’s QB1. Maye’s 76 big-time throws ranked first among quarterbacks over the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus.

With Maye in the fold, the Patriots can officially move into the post-Bill Belichick era. New offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is an excellent mentor after playing in the league and then coaching Aaron Rodgers, Andy Dalton, Baker Mayfield, Deshaun Watson and Joe Flacco.

4. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State4 of 32

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The Arizona Cardinals must resist temptation and make the smart move by taking the best player in this year’s draft class, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

General manager Monti Ossenfort placed the “open” for business sign in the window at the NFL Scouting Combine. But the Cardinals’ primary goal should be to add the best available talent, which Harrison certainly is.

“Harrison excels in nearly every area,” Klassen said. “Across the board, Harrison is a very good athlete, especially in the quickness department. He is a clean and explosive route-runner.

“With the ball in the air, Harrison displays unreal ability to locate and adjust to the ball. Harrison’s YAC ability is more average than good, but it’s hardly a weakness. Harrison will instantly be a productive NFL receiver and change Arizona’s WR room.”

The organization is past the point where it needs to build a war chest of assets since the Cardinals already own six picks among this year’s initial 90.

Arizona is not going to get another chance to draft a wide receiver of this caliber, particularly if it moves out of the top 10 picks via a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos or Las Vegas Raiders.

5. Minnesota Vikings (from LAC): QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan5 of 32

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PROJECTED TRADE

– Los Angeles Chargers get: Two 2024 first-round draft picks (11th and 23rd overall), plus a potential middle-round pick or two
– Minnesota Vikings get: Fifth overall draft pick

The Minnesota Vikings already began their march toward a trade up into this year’s top five selections.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded 2024 second- and sixth-round selections, as well as a ’25 second-round pick, to the Houston Texans for this year’s 23rd overall pick and a seventh-round choice. Minnesota could stay in its initial slots and wait to see which quarterback remains available later in the first. But it’s far more likely the Vikings will be aggressive and move up for a quarterback.

In this particular case, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy is the target and ideal choice.

“McCarthy fits everything the Vikings offense wants to be,” Klassen said. “Though an imperfect prospect, McCarthy throws with good velocity, manages the pocket relatively well and is uber-aggressive over the middle of the field. That checks all the boxes head coach Kevin O’Connell needs to develop McCarthy into a worthwhile quarterback.

“With all of that said, it may take some time to clean up McCarthy’s footwork, improve his touch accuracy and generally get him up to speed with NFL processing.”

6. New York Giants: WR Rome Odunze, Washington6 of 32

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If the New York Giants have a choice between LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze, the decision may not be an easy one. Generally speaking, Odunze isn’t viewed as WR2, though he does hold a slight edge for that spot on the B/R draft board. This pairing is based primarily on fit.

“Odunze is the perfect force multiplier for a Giants receiver room littered with speed and slot players,” Klassen said. “Odunze brings an entirely different flavor by showcasing great size and route-running ability and ball skills.

“More than anything else, Odunze is a steady, reliable receiver who can get open at all three levels and finish plays with arguably the best ball skills in the class. Odunze has real deal WR1 potential.”

The days of Darius Slayton leading the Giants with fewer than 800 receiving yards should be done. Odunze is a 6’3″, 212-pound target with 4.45-second 40-yard dash speed while also being the highest-graded player on contested catches last season, according to Pro Football Focus. The combination can be deadly while finally giving quarterback Daniel Jones a consistent threat on the outside.

7. Tennessee Titans: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame7 of 32

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The Tennessee Titans taking an offensive tackle with the seventh overall pick may be the biggest no-brainer in the entire process after they finished with the league’s worst front five last season.

General manager Ran Carthon already went to work on improving the unit. It’s far from finished, though.

“After solidifying the center position with the signing of Lloyd Cushenberry III and adding a reclamation project at guard in Saahdiq Charles, new line coach Bill Callahan has the interior set with glaring holes left to fill at tackle,” Thorn said. “Enter the first lineman off the board in Joe Alt, a 6’8”, 321-pound, young (21) and polished blocker with high-end physical tools and a skill set ready to make an impact on day one.

“When paired with last year’s first-round pick, Peter Skoronski, on the left side, the Titans now have one side of their offensive line unit set for the foreseeable future, securing the blind side of quarterback Will Levis in the process.”

With the left side of Alt and Skoronski and Cushenberry at center, that’s a fantastic starting point for the rebuilt front, with some combination of Charles, Daniel Brunskill, Dillon Radunz, Nicholas Petit-Frere and Jaelyn Duncan hopefully securing the strong side.

8. Atlanta Falcons: WR Malik Nabers, LSU8 of 32

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Insert the “Hol’ up, let him cook” meme, because Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons could be deadly with LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers added to the mix.

The Falcons are already expected to be extremely dangerous with Cousins joining running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.

Four consecutive top-10 selections at the skill positions may seem like poor resource allocation. But the Falcons need to take full advantage of the investment they made at quarterback. Nabers can be electric in Zac Robinson’s offensive scheme.

“The Falcons have a good pass-catching duo in Pitts and London,” Klassen said, “but the offense needs some nitrous. That’s where Malik Nabers comes in.

“Nabers is explosiveness in human form. While Nabers is a snappy route-runner and quality vertical threat, it’s what Nabers does with the ball that dazzles. LSU’s all-time leading receiver turns into a runner with incredible efficiency and explosiveness, and he’s arguably the class’ toughest player to tackle in the open field. Nabers brings instant big-play ability to any offense.”

A wide receiver corps of Nabers, London, Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore will be a blast to watch.

9. Chicago Bears: Edge Jared Verse, Florida State9 of 32

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An offensive tackle or wide receiver tends to be a popular pick for the Chicago Bears at this spot. But left tackle Braxton Jones is serviceable and the Bears already added the reliable Keenan Allen to the passing game.

Instead, the Bears take the top-rated defensive player on the board in Florida State’s Jared Verse.

“After trading for and signing Montez Sweat to an extension last season, the Bears don’t have a pressing need for an edge defender, so this is a bit of a ‘best player available,'” Holder said. “That being said, Chicago could use a second defensive end to pair with Sweat, and adding Verse gives the defense two physical players on the edge who can contribute as pass-rushers and run defenders.

“Defensive-minded head coach Matt Eberflus should be thrilled with this selection as the Bears will have plenty of talent at all three levels on that side of the ball.”

Sweat played exceptionally well for the Bears after being acquired in a midseason trade. He’s clearly a difference-maker. However, no one else currently on the roster managed more than 3.5 sacks last season. Verse will make life so much better for Sweat and vice versa.

10. New York Jets: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia10 of 32

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The New York Jets are all-in this year, with their 40-year-old quarterback coming back from a ruptured Achilles tendon. The organization understands that Aaron Rodgers’ time is limited. The moves that general manager Joe Douglas made reflect that status.

Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses are the team’s new starting offensive tackles. They’re both 33 years old. Wide receiver Mike Williams signed a one-year, $10 million deal. The organization already acquired edge-rusher Haason Reddick, who turns 30 later this year, from the Philadelphia Eagles

The thought that the Jets may look to address a position without instant return is folly. In this case, Rodgers will be quite happy with the addition of Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.

“Bowers is the best non-Marvin Harrison Jr. pass-catcher in the class,” Klassen said. “Just because he’s listed as a tight end instead of a wide receiver should not scare people away from that fact.

“Bowers is a truly exceptional YAC threat. He’s quick, fast and balanced as a ball-carrier, not to mention he runs with the vision and confidence of a running back. The rest of Bowers’ game is plenty desirable, too. The two-time John Mackey Award winner is a clean, explosive route-runner and does enough as a blocker to not have to worry about having him out there.”

11. Los Angeles Chargers (from Minnesota): OT JC Latham, Alabama11 of 32

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An argument can be made whether Alabama’s JC Latham should be the second tackle off the board. But this pairing with the Los Angeles Chargers is as much about fit as it is talent.

“If you were to draw up the ideal right tackle in a Jim Harbaugh-led offense, he would look a lot like the massive Alabama right tackle JC Latham—6’6”, 342 pounds, with 35⅛-inch arms and 11-inch hands—whose punishing, powerful play style would offer a formidable contrast to LT Rashawn Slater’s pass-protection savvy.

“Latham is a bit rough around the edges as a pass protector but is a good enough mover with truly elite anchoring ability to hold his own while cratering defenses as a run-blocker.”

At each of Harbaugh’s last three stops as head coach-—Stanford, the San Francisco 49ers and Michigan—the coach employed a punishing running game and physical brand of football.

By trading down with the Minnesota Vikings, the Chargers add an extra first-round pick while still landing the type of offensive lineman who can be a tone-setter in Harbaugh’s preferred style.

12. Denver Broncos: Edge Dallas Turner, Alabama12 of 32

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How the Denver Broncos position themselves during the draft will be fascinating to watch.

The organization has a screaming need at quarterback but lacks the firepower and leverage to trade up for one of the top targets. Without a second-round pick, Sean Payton and Co. may be left holding the bag at the game’s most important position. A possible trade-down could occur to target one of the quarterbacks found among the position group’s second tier.

If the franchise stands pat, it shouldn’t just reach for a quarterback. Instead, the Broncos could add a prospect at a premium position with more upside than any other defender in this year’s class, Alabama’s Dallas Turner.

“The Broncos’ defensive line has a few quality interior defenders in Zach Allen, D.J. Jones and Malcolm Roach,” Holder said, “but they could use a difference-maker off the edge.

“Turner’s technique still needs some fine-tuning, but he can beat one-on-one blocks and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, especially with those three on the inside.

“If Denver can’t get the quarterback it wants with the 12th overall pick, look for it to invest in the Alabama product, who runs a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at nearly 250 pounds and has 34⅜-inch arms.”

13. Las Vegas Raiders: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State13 of 32

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Had Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu declared last season, he could have been a top-10 pick and almost certainly the first offensive tackle off the board. In this scenario, he’s the third tackle taken. But his slotting isn’t an indictment of his talent.

“A strong case can be made for Fashanu being the most pro-ready pass protector in this class, so securing him outside of the top 10 and pairing him with left tackle Kolton Miller would provide the Las Vegas Raiders with an extremely talented duo at a premium position,” Thorn said.

“Fashanu would need to bump over to a side he hasn’t played in college. But he has been repping both sides while training under OL Masterminds’ Duke Manyweather in preparation for the draft and will have an entire offseason to settle in before taking the field in Week 1.”

The Raiders can take an elite talent at a premium position and then possibly double-back to land their quarterback of the future later (more on that in a bit).

A quarterback at this particular point would be viewed as a reach. General manager Tom Telesco must manipulate the draft to the organization’s advantage, even if he isn’t typically known as draft-day wheeler-and-dealer.

14. New Orleans Saints: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama14 of 32

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Last season, the New Orleans Saints finished 10th overall in pass defense. But the franchise should expect much improved quarterback play in the NFC South this fall.

The Atlanta Falcons supercharged their passing game by signing free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is an obvious upgrade over Desmond Ridder. Baker Mayfield is back for Year 2 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a level of comfort he hasn’t had in a few seasons. Also, Bryce Young should be improved during his sophomore campaign after the Carolina Panthers added wide receiver Diontae Johnson and spent significant money on free-agent guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis.

The Saints are already quite talented in their secondary with Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor and Tyrann Mathieu. But Alabama’s Terrion Arnold provides further flexibility as a top cover corner with previous safety experience.

“Arnold is a versatile cornerback with a high football IQ to play in multiple schemes,” Giddings said. “When Lattimore went on injured reserve in the middle of the season, it showed the lack of depth in the Saints’ cornerback room. Arnold would also be in line to become CB1 before his rookie contract expires.”

15. Indianapolis Colts: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU15 of 32

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The Indianapolis Colts’ affinity for elite athletes has become a running joke. But general manager Chris Ballard makes no bones about what he prefers.

Said Ballard: “I want to make sure we’re getting the best guy with traits. Let’s bet on the traits. Bet on high-end, high-end traits.”

LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. is the biggest possible bet on traits in this year’s NFL draft class.

“Leave it to the Colts to land arguably the class’ scariest athlete at wide receiver,” Klassen said. “The 6’3”, 209-pounder is about as fast (4.33-second 40-yard dash) and explosive as a receiver his size gets. Thomas is an exceptional deep threat with flashes of serious route-running chops, especially on routes that play off that vertical stem.

“Thomas’ ball skills aren’t yet as consistent as you’d like, and he may enter the league with a trimmed route tree, but the size and speed are too exceptional to not bet on.”

The Colts have reached the full-blown build-around-Anthony Richardson phase to make sure last year’s fourth overall draft pick realizes his immense potential. Thomas provides the Colts with the vertical threat they lack opposite Michael Pittman Jr. to take full advantage of Richardson’s big arm.

16. Seattle Seahawks: IOL Troy Fautanu, Washington16 of 32

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The ties that bind are strong with Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu and the Seattle Seahawks. It’s not just geography, though. New Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and offensive line coach Scott Huff previously served in the same capacities with the Huskies program.

Fautanu is a natural fit with the Seahawks, though he’d be forced to make a position switch.

“Staying in the state of Washington, the collegiate left tackle would slide inside to the left guard spot while offering an insurance policy to the tackle spots if an injury would occur,” Thorn said. “Fautanu projects as an instant starter at any of the five positions with Pro Bowl upside across the interior, giving the Seahawks the most talented guard they’ve had since Mike Iupati.”

Damien Lewis started 61 games after Seattle made him a third-round pick four years ago. He signed with the Carolina Panthers this offseason. The Seahawks did sign Tremayne Anchrum Jr. in free agency. But Fautanu is a significant upgrade from a pure talent perspective. His familiarity with the staff and system will only help in his transition.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo17 of 32

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The incoming cornerback class lacks a true star prospect, but Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell has made the most of every opportunity throughout the evaluation process.

“Mitchell is one player who has constantly risen up the board,” Giddings said. “A twitchy athlete, he shows to be a sticky cover man with the ability to play the ball through the catch point.

“With the press-heavy scheme being instituted by the Jacksonville Jaguars defense, Mitchell can be an early starter and hold that position for years to come.”

The Jaguars have recently moved off what essentially became failed free-agent signings at cornerback, with the releases of Shaquill Griffin last offseason and Darious Williams this year.

As Giddings alluded to, Ryan Nielsen’s hire as the Jaguars new defensive coordinator brings a play-caller who had his unit “aligned in press coverage against a league-high 53.7 percent of wide aligned routes in 2023” while with the Atlanta Falcons, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Jacksonville needs corners who can cover and make plays. Tyson Campbell and a 30-year-old Ronald Darby aren’t enough. Enter Mitchell.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: IOL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State18 of 32

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The Cincinnati Bengals offensive line has been a work-in-progress basically since quarterback Joe Burrow joined the organization.

This offseason, former first-round left tackle-turned-right tackle Jonah Williams departed in free agency to join the Arizona Cardinals. The Bengals responded by signing Trent Brown. However, the soon-to-be 31-year-old offensive tackle will operate under a one-year deal this season.

The Bengals organization looks to address future needs a year before they become a hole. Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga can compete to start at guard as a rookie and then bump out to right tackle a year from now.

“The Bengals prioritize size, power and physicality on their line in a way few others across the league do,” Thorn said. “This would be more of a luxury pick considering both starting guards are returning for the third year in a row, but Fuaga would upgrade left guard with a long-term fit at right tackle being possible.

“Fuaga is on the short list for being the class’ best run-blocker, while a move inside can mitigate the few concerns he does have as a pass protector, elevating his upside as a Pro Bowl-caliber guard and giving the Bengals one of the most imposing units in football for 2024.”

19. Los Angeles Rams: Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA19 of 32

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Aaron Donald’s retirement leaves a hole along the Los Angeles Rams defensive front that can never be adequately filled. This fact shouldn’t stop the organization from adding juice to its defensive line.

“Replacing Donald will be extremely difficult and almost impossible to do with just one guy,” Holder said. “Luckily, the Rams already have a quality interior pass-rusher in Kobie Turner, who posted nine sacks last season and was an NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist.

“Still, Los Angeles will need to add someone else to replace Donald’s production, and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu might be the most natural rusher in this year’s draft class. Between him, Turner and Byron Young, the Rams will have a young but very promising pass rush to help fill the future Hall of Famer’s shoes.”

From a strictly statistical sense, Donald contributed only 13 sacks over the last two seasons. Obviously, his presence meant far more than those numbers could ever encapsulate. Even so, a prospect like Latu, with his well-rounded pass-rushing repertoire, can fit in nicely and provide similar sack production.

A lot will be asked of the Rams’ first opening-round pick since 2016, but Latu is capable of being a force off the edge.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon20 of 32

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Kudos are in order for how the Pittsburgh Steelers handled their inferior quarterback setup.

The team signed Russell Wilson to a veteran-minimum deal after he was released by the Denver Broncos, and then Pittsburgh traded a 2025 conditional sixth-round draft pick for Justin Fields. Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph are gone. The Steelers have the potential to improve significantly on offense after finishing in the league’s bottom 10 during each of the last five seasons.

Further upgrades are still necessary, specifically along the offensive line. The Steelers have a long lineage of great centers to serve as the spearhead for the entire offense. They haven’t had one since Maurkice Pouncey retired after the 2020 season.

“Pittsburgh currently does not have an established starter at the pivot and Powers-Johnson offers good value with high-level physical traits to slide into that spot or even kick out to guard down the road,” Thorn said. “JPJ would easily be the most talented center the team has had since Pouncey, giving the Steelers a true enforcer with the athletic ability and size (6’3″, 328 lbs) to be a weapon in the run game with plenty of runway and tread on the tires as a 21-year-old one-year starter to become a fixture in the lineup and city.”

21. Las Vegas Raiders (from Miami): QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington21 of 32

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PROJECTED TRADE

– Miami Dolphins get: 2024 second-round pick (44th overall), ’24 third-round pick (77th overall) and ’25 third-round pick
– Las Vegas Raiders get: 21st overall pick, ’25 fifth-round pick, ’24 sixth-round pick

The Las Vegas Raiders made a necessary move to ensure they got their guy at quarterback.

By trading with the Miami Dolphins, who don’t own a pick in this year’s third or fourth rounds, the Raiders don’t allow anyone else to out-leverage them for Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. while gaining the valuable fifth-year option on his rookie deal.

Penix has his issues, including a concerning injury history, sloppy footwork and inconsistencies against pressure. But his overall production over the last two seasons, ability to spin the ball, strong arm and surprising mobility provide the Raiders with an instant talent upgrade at the game’s most important position.

Plus, this move for this quarterback sends a message.

“If nothing else, Penix’s selection is an indication of what a team wants their offense to be. Penix is a human flak cannon,” Klassen said. “He has a booming arm and a penchant for attacking down the field whenever possible.

“In a lot of ways, Penix is a Bruce Arians style of quarterback. However, Penix’s aversion to pressure and lack of production over the intermediate middle of the field makes him a tricky projection.”

22. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia22 of 32

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The Philadelphia Eagles always want to be loaded in the trenches.

As Jason Peters’ career wound down, the Eagles invested draft picks in Jordan Mailata and Andre Dillard in back-to-back classes to ensure left tackle would be addressed. Mailata developed into one of the game’s best blind-side protectors.

Philadelphia chose Cam Jurgens in the second round of the 2022 class as the eventual heir apparent to Jason Kelce, who retired this offseason.

The same approach should be taken at right tackle. Lane Johnson turns 34 later this year, and he hasn’t played a full slate of regular-season contests since 2015. A better situation couldn’t be found for Georgia’s Amarius Mims.

“Philadelphia has developed an affinity for Georgia players over the last few draft cycles and not only would continue to add to their stockpile of former talented Bulldogs but also give renowned offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland a supremely gifted player to develop,” Thorn said. “Mims is probably the most physically gifted blocker in this excellent class, and the concern of having just eight career starts can be mitigated more than anywhere else in Philly due to the presence of Johnson and no pressure to play in 2024 barring injury.”

23. Los Angeles Chargers (from Minnesota via Houston): DL Byron Murphy II, Texas23 of 32

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After trading down from the fifth overall draft pick, the Los Angeles Chargers used the two first-round selections acquired from the Minnesota Vikings to address both sides of the trenches. It’s the Jim Harbaugh way.

First, the Chargers snagged a powerful tone-setter in Alabama right tackle JC Latham to complete their offensive front. Now, the organization adds the class’ top-rated defensive tackle in Texas’ Byron Murphy II.

“It’s no secret that Harbaugh likes to build his teams through the trenches as he talked about how important offensive line play is during the league’s annual meetings,” Holder said. “Murphy gives the Chargers a legitimate three-down player who will help form a nasty defensive line between him and Poona Ford on the inside, with Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu working off the edge.”

The importance of Murphy’s addition is that he adds another disruptive force. He led all of the incoming defensive tackles this past season with a 25.6 percent pass rush win rate on third and fourth downs, per Pro Football Focus’ John Owning.

24. Dallas Cowboys: OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma24 of 32

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With Tyron Smith’s free-agent departure to the New York Jets, Tyler Smith won’t automatically make the transition back to left tackle.

The younger Smith earned his first Pro Bowl bid this past season as a left guard.

“We’ll keep him at guard right now, see how it unfolds,” Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters at the NFL’s owners meetings. “… As of today. Let’s fill out the room, and then we’ll look at it.”

The room looks rather empty after it lost Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz. The addition of a first-round tackle prospect will go a long way to help offset these losses. Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton is a smart investment at this juncture.

“While having Smith would’ve been ideal for the former Sooner to learn from, the Cowboys are getting a blocker that has shades of Smith in his game,” Thorn said. “Guyton is a buttery smooth mover with a naturally strong anchor and plenty of work to do in the finer aspects of playing the position that will need time to iron out as a pro.

“While Year 1 could be rocky, Guyton has the toolkit to become an impact starter within his rookie contract.”

25. Green Bay Packers: CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa25 of 32

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The youth movement on the Green Bay Packers offense is extremely exciting. As such, general manager Brian Gutekunst can turn his attention to the other side of the ball, which is transitioning to a different scheme under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who should turn up the pressure quite a few notches after Joe Barry’s tenure.

Green Bay already features Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes and Keisean Nixon at cornerback.

Alexander has played 53 percent of the Packers games the last three seasons, though, and dealt with back and shoulder injuries during the 2023 campaign. Stokes played in all of three games last season, and the organization still has a decision to make regarding his fifth-year rookie option.

The selection of Iowa’s Cooper DeJean is as much of a safety net as it is adding a premium athlete and quality defender.

“DeJean is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the draft, if not the most versatile,” Giddings said. “Throughout his career, he has shown to be a true threat as a punt returner, averaging 13.1 yards a return.

“As a defender, DeJean has shown the twitch and ball skills necessary to play cornerback at the next level. With him being a Midwest guy, he’ll fit right into the Packers culture, while the team lands a long-term solution at defensive back.”

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama26 of 32

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As mentioned with the New Orleans Saints earlier, the NFC South is going to be far more difficult to handle this season with the improvements made by each team.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made it harder on themselves by trading their most experienced cornerback and a well-established starter in Carlton Davis III and a pair of sixth-round selections to the Detroit Lions for a third-round draft pick.

Beyond Jamel Dean, the Bucs lack another quality starting option at cornerback. The franchise is fortunate that Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry remains available.

“McKinstry is one of the most versatile cornerbacks in this year’s class,” Giddings said. “A prospect that excels in both man and zone schemes, he is a great fit for the Todd Bowles defense.

“The Buccaneers add youth, talent and a potential CB1 to their defensive room, which is even more important after Dean battled multiple injuries in the 2023 season.”

Considering how aggressive Bowles’ defense can be, general manager Jason Licht adds arguably the best pure man-coverage corner the class has to offer. The team will be forced to wait slightly on McKinstry’s on-field addition since he recently required surgery to repair a Jones fracture.

27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston): Edge Chop Robinson, Penn State27 of 32

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With Marvin Harrison Jr. already added, the Arizona Cardinals are simply looking to infuse talent into a roster that was arguably the league’s worst entering last season.

“There are a few directions or positions the Cardinals could go with here,” Holder said, “but their defense could really use an edge-rusher with Chop Robinson’s upside.

“Zaven Collins and Dennis Gardeck are about to enter contract years, and this could be a good situation for the Penn State product as he needs some time to develop and won’t have to play right away. BJ Ojulari was a B/R Scouting Dept. favorite last year, so pairing him with Robinson gives Arizona a couple of young pass-rushers who are promising players and could wreak havoc in the NFC West over the next few seasons.”

No one on the Cardinals managed more than six sacks last season. Their defensive unit finished among the bottom three in the category. For a former defensive coordinator like Jonathan Gannon, who came from the Philadelphia Eagles where the defensive line was a priority, further additions are necessary.

Arizona already spent on defensive tackles Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols this offseason. It’s time to add a little more juice off the edge.

28. Buffalo Bills: WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas28 of 32

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The Buffalo Bills have a history of fielding Smurf-like wide receivers since Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott became the franchises general manager and head coach. Once upon a time, McDermott went as far to publicly refer to his receivers as Smurfs.

The Bills do have bigger targets on the roster, but the team’s likely top three options this upcoming season are Stefon Diggs, Curtis Samuel and Khalil Shakir—all of whom are 6’0″ or under.

Texas’ Adonai Mitchell provides something completely different.

“The Bills love to draft players who are more ideas than ready-made contributors,” Klassen said. “Mitchell is right up their alley.

“A presumed Gabe Davis replacement, Mitchell brings size (6’2″, 205 lbs), length, speed (4.34-second 40-yard dash) and flexibility to the position. Mitchell is a fast yet graceful mover for a player his size. His best moments of route-running ability are tantalizing. That said, Mitchell has yet to put all his tools together to create a cohesive product.”

Mitchel never eclipsed 1,000 yards at the collegiate level or served as his team’s WR1. But his traits are far too tantalizing for the Bills, who need all of the talent they can get on the outside to take advantage of Josh Allen’s rare throwing ability.

29. Detroit Lions: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State29 of 32

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Amon-Ra St. Brown has been an amazing success story after the Detroit Lions drafted the wide receiver in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft. He’s already been named to two Pro Bowls and earned a first-team All-Pro nod this past season. Beyond St. Brown, the Lions require far more from their outside receivers.

Tight end Sam LaPorta was the team’s second-most productive target last season. Wide receiver Josh Reynolds finished third on the team with 608 receiving yards, but he signed with the Denver Broncos as a free agent. More should be expected from Jameson Williams this year, but Florida State’s Keon Coleman provides a different skill set from everyone else on the roster.

“The Lions need an X receiver. Badly,” Klassen said. “Coleman is their best bet at filling that void with this pick. A well-built 6’2” and 213 pounds, Coleman wins primarily with explosiveness and play strength.

“Coleman is a powerful short-area mover with surprising YAC skills and snap at the top of his routes (when he’s healthy, that is). Coleman also brings serious contested-catch skills, which the Lions will be missing without Reynolds.”

30. Baltimore Ravens: IOL Graham Barton, Duke30 of 32

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The Baltimore Ravens offensive line might as well consist of orange traffic cones because the unit is currently under construction.

Right tackle Morgan Moses, right guard Kevin Zeitler and left guard John Simpson are gone. That trio combined to start 52 games last season, including the postseason. Center Tyler Linderbaum and left tackle Ronnie Stanley are the holdovers from last year’s starting five.

Baltimore can’t go wrong with taking an offensive lineman in general, though it finds excellent value in Duke’s Graham Barton, who presents enough versatility to start at any of the five positions.

“Barton gives the Ravens an option to fill in at any of those recent openings,” Thorn said. “The 6’5″, 313-pound blocker is coming off an outstanding pro day after finishing rehab that kept him out of the Senior Bowl and combine, thus solidifying the athletic ability seen on tape. He likely takes over a guard spot in Baltimore, helping to fill the void left by Zeitler and Simpson, who signed free-agent deals with the Detroit Lions and New York Jets, respectively.”

31. San Francisco 49ers: WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina31 of 32

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The persistent Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors mean the San Francisco 49ers need to do something at the wide receiver position.

The organization isn’t necessarily forced to trade last season’s leading receiver. But the possibility exists that the 2020 first-round draft pick isn’t on the team for an extended period since his rookie contract ends after the upcoming campaign.

South Carolina’s Xavier Legette provides an ideal replacement and fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme.

“In the event Aiyuk gets shipped off to another team, Legette makes perfect sense as his successor,” Klassen said. “Legette is not a straight one-for-one replica of Aiyuk, but he wins in a lot of the same ways, primarily with the ball in his hands.

“Legette is all of 6’3″ and 227 pounds, and brings absolutely terrifying speed in the open field. Legette flashes some impressive ball skills and acrobatics as well, something Aiyuk himself has improved a lot on since entering the league.”

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Aiyuk and the 49ers are “not close” on a possible contract extension, so the reality of this situation dictates San Francisco’s draft considerations.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU32 of 32

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The Kansas City Chiefs should strive to find a long-term solution at left tackle.

The organization tried to sign Orlando Brown Jr. to a long-term deal. Eventually, Brown joined the Cincinnati Bengals. Kansas City responded by signing Jawaan Taylor, expecting him to move to left tackle before Donovan Smith became available. Smith joined the squad and helped the team win another Super Bowl. But Smith turns 31 later this year and remains a free agent.

BYU’s Kingsley Suamataia gives the Chiefs a longtime solution for the first time since Eric Fisher left the squad four years ago.

“The Chiefs’ line is built from the inside-out with one of the best interior trios in football,” Thorn said, “but center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith are due for extensions soon that will likely be top-of-the-market deals, while All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney is coming off a major pec injury with four rings already on his resume, suggesting he may not be playing for too many more years.

“Along with shaky tackle play in 2023, the cracks in an otherwise strength of the offense are starting to form, putting the O-line at the forefront this draft cycle.

“Suamataia is a very young blocker with unrefined, wild technique that saps some of his physical gifts. But he is no doubt gifted with starter-level traits, and the Chiefs have one of the best line coaches in the NFL in Andy Heck to get the most out of him.”