Liam Blutman's 2024 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
こんにちは！ NFL ドラフトまでわずか数週間で、このサイクルの次の模擬ドラフトの時期が来ました。
Whoops. Didn't mean to type in Japanese. Classic malfunction on my behalf. Let's move past that and once again focus on the task at hand, the 2024 NFL Draft and my next mock draft. It's been awhile since my previous mock, February 14th to be exact. I opted not to throw a post combine mock out there because there truthfully wasn't much movement. Now I feel good and confident in the next mock which I've experimented a bit with.
For a very quick rundown on how I like to mock… There's a healthy dose of predicting picks from a front office sprinkled in with making picks how I would if I were GM. I like using recent draft history, I don't put all that much stock into team needs, and I detest player comparisons. So I'll throw a few non-player comps out there, just a few.
1) Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers) - QB Caleb Williams (USC)
Ranking: QB1
- Pokémon Comp: Eeveelutions
We’re all very aware of the fact that Caleb Williams is headed to Chicago. He’ll travel with a loud personality that folks will love or hate. In addition to bringing his superb talent which includes an innate ability to extend plays and a jaw-dropping fastball that will have fans drooling from the stands or at home on the couch. It’s the obvious pick and could very well fast track this franchise into the heat of a playoff race.
2) Washington Commanders - QB JJ McCarthy (Michigan)
Ranking: N/A
- Pokémon Comp: Togepi
Whether you’re in on him or not, it’d be foolish to neglect that JJ McCarthy sits at the top of the draft board for numerous franchises. Is Washington one of those? In early March I had heard rumblings about Washington being intrigued by McCarthy, a few weeks later and there was massive odds movement for the No. 2 overall pick. This could very well be smoke and Jayden Daniels could be the obvious pick after all… but mock drafts give us plenty of opportunities to formulate the endless possibilities and have fun doing it. So let’s take a shot here and let it simmer for a while.
3) New England Patriots - QB Jayden Daniels (LSU)
Ranking: N/A
Jayden Daniels doesn’t have to wait long to hear his name called after Washington passes on the Heisman winning dual threat. While I worry that there will be a rough transition period, the intrigue is there and that’s thanks to a captivating deep ball with tremendous ball placement. He’s come a very long way in his football career and has improved tremendously in numerous areas including the deep ball and being better about connecting with his receivers. My biggest issue comes down to hits. He takes a lot of hits, some of them just egregious to a level that can only be dubbed as, “Looney Tunes level hits.” Those will take a toll on a man, your franchise quarterback has to be cognizant of the hits he’s taking and make sure he’s putting himself in a position to succeed.
4) Arizona Cardinals - WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)
Ranking: WR1
Pokémon Comp: Moltres
Keeping this short and simple… the Cardinals get the guy they’ve been salivating over since the fall of 2022. And I really like the direction that this franchise is heading in.
5) Los Angeles Chargers - WR Malik Nabers (LSU)
Ranking: WR3
We have a clear trade down opportunity here but I don’t mock trades at this point of the cycle. With that being said, Jim Harbaugh’s reign begins with a monstrous need for an alpha WR1. The current wide receiver corps is lacking… big time. Malik Nabers would add a necessary element of explosiveness and sure hands that Justin Herbert is starving for.
6) New York Giants - QB Drake Maye (North Carolina)
Ranking: QB2
With how the board fell… we arrive here. Drake Maye is a New York Giant. In my honest opinion, Daniel Jones is not and has not been the answer in New York, it’s time for change. They can let Maye ease into things and learn before taking over at QB1 later in the season and getting some reps in ahead of a big 2025. You need good quarterback play to succeed in this league and simply put… the Giants lack that. With Maye you’ll get a creative gunslinger that always gives his pass catchers an opportunity to make a play and adds excellent footwork that helps him maneuver in the pocket or take off and run for a solid gain. You never know when you’ll have another chance to draft a franchise quarterback, don’t miss that moment and regret it deeply for years to come.
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7) Tennessee Titans - OT Joe Alt (Notre Dame)
Ranking: OT1
Tennessee looks to add a menacing presence to the trenches and gets that in Joe Alt. The former tight end brings exquisite footwork and fluidity to the field. He is a blossoming talent and will only get better as the years go by, especially if he improves on his hands/arms and finds more power in his strikes.
8) Atlanta Falcons - EDGE Dallas Turner (Alabama)
Ranking: EDGE1
A mainstay in my mind has been Atlanta selecting Dallas Turner. This team wants a violent and destructive pass-rushing phenom and they can get that here. Turner does an incredible job of converting his elite speed off the edge into plenty of raw and frightening power. NFC South quarterbacks beware, Dallas Turner will be entering your nightmares.
9) Chicago Bears - WR Rome Odunze (Washington)
Ranking: WR2
Somehow, someway, the Chicago Bears leave night one with an absolute haul in Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze. A heist. Odunze shouldn’t be available here at No. 9, he’s far too talented to make it here and yet… that’s how this thing goes. The 6-foot-3ish wideout is a three-level threat with a stupendous athletic profile. Bears fans will be thanking Ryan Poles for years to come if the Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze connection comes to life.
10) New York Jets - TE Brock Bowers (Georgia)
Ranking: TE1
After adding to the offensive line, everything is on the table for the Jets at No. 10. It’s hard to project what direction they’ll go in but I’ll take a stab with the top tight end in the draft who is sure to make Aaron Rodgers happy. Brock Bowers will bring his all-around game and impact the game positively as a rookie. I disagree with the value of a tight end here at ten but it’s not my decision at the end of the day.
11) Minnesota Vikings - QB Michael Penix Jr. (Washington)
Ranking: QB3
I’m certain the Vikings are aggressively trying to move up and take the quarterback of their choice. If a deal doesn’t get done… Here's a scenario that could very well happen. Michael Penix Jr. has been the subject of a wildly interesting draft cycle due to his unique profile… lefty, older, and a tough injury history. Finally people are looking past that and recognizing his tremendous arm which fires off remarkably placed heaters to the sidelines and over the top. His arm is well worth betting on and there’s reason to believe a team will be taking him in the first round.
12) Denver Broncos - QB Bo Nix (Oregon)
Ranking: N/A
The Broncos can add to its quarterback room in the form of Bo Nix or enter the 2024 season with Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci as QB1 and QB2. So yeah, I’lll throw the polarizing prospect to Denver. Much like Penix, he’s a bit older at 24 years old and unlike Penix, there’s worries about his deep ball. But when it comes down to it, Nix will win over people with his leadership, game managing, and doing a great job at taking what a defense gives him. The guy is accurate and smart, and that can go a long way.
13) Las Vegas Raiders - OT Olu Fashanu (Penn State)
Ranking: OT2
Olu Fashanu can very well go in the top ten but after SIX quarterbacks go in the top twelve… he slips to No. 13 and Las Vegas is ecstatic to add the young and promising tackle.
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14) New Orleans Saints - OT Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma)
Ranking: OT3
This pick has a lot more to do with my take on the player than it does any inside info. It sounds like New Orleans could add a tackle due to concerns with Ryan Ramczyk and Trevor Penning, who that tackle could be is a mystery. I dabbled heavily with the thought of Taliese Fuaga here as well as Amarius Mims but I quite fancy the Oklahoma product, Tyler Guyton. I am HIGH on the 23-year-old rookie who brings an imposing force with excellent speed and quickness.
15) Indianapolis Colts - CB Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo)
Ranking: CB1
Comp: Elmer's Glue
The Colts have an opportunity to pair JuJu Brents with another young, promising corner. Look no further than the sticky, freak athlete with great length and physical tools. Quinyon Mitchell is the obvious play here and I’ve been pounding the table for this for months. I’m also a staunch believer in pairing two superb corners together on rookie deals, the value is impeccable.
16) Seattle Seahawks - EDGE Jared Verse (Florida State)
Ranking: EDGE2
Seeing Jared Verse slide to No. 16 after potentially being a top seven pick last year is tough to see… Nonetheless it’s Seattle that jumps all over the value here in Verse. You’re getting a high motor player with the ferocity and will to win at the next level. And thanks to a terrific first step, he’ll find the field early and often as a rookie.
17) Jacksonville Jaguars - CB Terrion Arnold (Alabama)
Ranking: CB2
A consistent selection from my last mock, Jacksonville excitedly drafts Terrion Arnold. The Florida native is a savvy player with great speed and physical tools. He’s scrappy, I love his potential.
18) Cincinnati Bengals - OT Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State)
Ranking: OT6
Even after signing Trent Brown to a one year deal, I think tackle is still on the line for the Bengals. They can add to the unit with Taliese Fuaga who would look to take advantage of a unique opportunity. The elite run blocker can get early reps as a swing tackle, looks at guard, and learn from Trent Brown and Orlando Brown. This is a really intriguing opportunity for the blossoming 22-year-old rookie.
19) Los Angeles Rams - OT JC Latham (Alabama)
Ranking: OT4
After filling up the secondary with free agent acquisitions in: Tre’Davious White, Darious Williams, and Kamren Curl. I think the Rams can shift focus to the offensive line and add JC Latham in this experiment. I don’t really agree with Latham sliding down boards across mock drafters everywhere. He’s going to be a 21-year-old rookie who brings a behemoth build, remarkable brute strength, and good footwork. Cut down on the penalties and he could be a dang good player in this league.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers - WR Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU)
Ranking: WR5
The Pittsburgh Steelers need another wideout in the worst way possible. And they need a GOOD one. Swing for the fences with AD Mitchell or Brian Thomas Jr. I’ll send the LSU product out there who comes in with an all-around game and 6-foot-4 frame.
21) Miami Dolphins - OL Graham Barton (Duke)
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Ranking: OL2
Finding the right guy for Miami here was fairly difficult, I’ll side with Steven Cheah and throw Graham Barton into the Dolphins trenches. Barton brings ideal versatility as he’s played left tackle, has plenty of interest as a guard, and even played center as a freshman. Barton has had a stupendous pre-draft process which is highlighted by a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score if you project him as a guard. That RAS would place him as the third highest of any guard prospect since 1987.
22) Philadelphia Eagles - OT Amarius Mims (Georgia)
Ranking: OT5
The Eagles go back to the Georgia Bulldogs factory… shocker! Tackle isn’t the top position of need that Eagles fans are screaming for but the acquisition of Amarius Mims can prove to be an important one. Bringing Mims in gives them a young, budding, raw prospect with big time potential. Amarius is a tremendous athlete who scored a 9.57 RAS and measures in at 6-foot-7, 340 pounds. His hand placement is great and the incredible strength he brings to the table will go a long way. Philadelphia doesn’t need a starting tackle tomorrow, but the depth helps plenty and Mims can grow into a vital piece of the puzzle sooner rather than later.
23) Minnesota Vikings (via HOU, via CLE) - CB Nate Wiggins (Clemson)
Ranking: CB5
Can the Minnesota Vikings finally hit big on a cornerback? We’ll see if the speedy Nate Wiggins can answer that question. Wiggins impressed at the combine with a 4.28 40-yard dash. Unfortunately he measured in at 6-foot flat which was a bit of a surprise after seeing him listed at 6-foot-2 while at Clemson. He still has that great arm length I look for, stellar ball skills, and youth on his side as he turns 21 in late August. But the build becomes a question mark to me as a guy like him (even with that speed) can get torn apart due to that frame. Bigger and better wideouts will bully you. So if you ask me, Nate Wiggins has plenty of potential but he needs to put on weight.
24) Dallas Cowboys - WR AD Mitchell (Texas)
Ranking: WR4
- NEW Pokémon Comp: Blaziken
I hated that I didn’t include AD Mitchell in my previous mock. Absolutely regretted it… instantly. And of course my guy went on to have a prolific combine which netted him a 9.99 RAS. A few months ago I tweeted out that the 6-foot-2 receiver will be a guy many look back at and wonder… Why didn’t this guy get the ball more in college? Cowboys fans should be beyond excited to see AD and CeeDee do damage for years to come.
25) Green Bay Packers - DB Cooper DeJean (Iowa)
Ranking: DB1
This feels like the most common mock draft selection outside of Caleb going to Chicago at No. 1. Everyone is on the Cooper DeJean to Green Bay train and who can blame ‘em? He’s a defensive coordinator’s dream thanks to the super versatility he brings along with a high level IQ.
26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - EDGE Chop Robinson (Penn State)
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Ranking: EDGE5
I love Chop Robinson and believe that this is a really good and sound pick for Tampa Bay. Chop is strong against both the pass and run, he’ll be an every down player as well.
27) Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) - EDGE Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
Ranking: EDGE4
Due to medical history and concerns, Laiatu Latu falls all the way to the end of the first round. While it’s disappointing, Arizona would be an incredible landing spot. The highly instinctive pass rusher can play early and often as he grows and develops with the rest of Arizona’s young crop of terrific talent.
28) Buffalo Bills - WR Xavier Worthy (Texas)
Ranking: N/A
- NEW Pokémon Comp: Electrike
Stefon Diggs wanted out and Buffalo gave him his wish. The focus now moves on to finding a new and younger wideout to give Josh Allen a much needed weapon at receiver as all they currently have is Khalil Shakir in addition to the talented tight ends. It’s likely Buffalo would try to trade up for one of the bigger receivers in Brian Thomas Jr. or AD Mitchell. But in this realm, they’ve gotta settle for the one trick deep threat in Xavier Worthy. Josh Allen’s rocket arm with Xavier Worthy’s 4.21 speed. Concentration drops worry me as does the lack of an all-around game but again, run deep and run fast and Josh Allen can find you often.
29) Detroit Lions - CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama)
Ranking: CB3
I would really like to see Kool-Aid McKinstry added to this Lions defense. He’s 5-foot-11, 199 and brings terrific ball skills to the table. Kool-Aid is also a very smart player who communicates very well and can help lead a defense.
30) Baltimore Ravens - WR Ladd McConkey (Georgia)
Ranking: WR7
It’s poor on my behalf to have so many wide receivers in the first round here but man… Ladd McConkey in that Ravens offense with his old offensive coordinator, Todd Monken could be filthy. There are plenty of ways he can be activated in the short and intermediate passing games with Lamar Jackson. Baltimore has already met with Ladd a few times, there’s definite interest there and I love the fit.
31) San Francisco 49ers - OL Troy Fautanu (Washington)
Ranking: OL1
I’ll be sticking with a pick I had in my previous mock, Troy Fautanu to the Bay. If you ask me, Fautanu is a top 20 player in the class. A remarkable combination of strength and mobility along with his ability to play tackle and guard weighs heavily in my eyes.
32) Kansas City Chiefs - CB TJ Tampa (Iowa State)
Ranking: CB4
The Chiefs will likely be aggressive to draft a receiver and can do that by trading up but in a mock where no trades are to be made… They’ll have to stay put at No. 32 and watch seven wideouts go before them. So even with the mystery surrounding Rashee Rice, Kansas City will have to opt out of a receiver here and head elsewhere. I like throwing a dart here with TJ Tampa who earned a 98.8 in-game athleticism score via Reel Analytics. I liked Tampa a lot going into the 2023 season and am still becoming more and more impressed during this pre-draft process as he’s risen to CB4. At 6-foot-1 with long arms and a menacing physical presence to overwhelm wideouts in press man.
And that's all for Mock 2.0 folks. Hope you enjoyed! If you didn't… sorry. I'll get better and make sure I show more respect to your favorite team and prospects next time.