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2024 NFL mock draft: Yates' pick predictions for Rounds 1-2

NFL Draft, NFL, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Giants, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills

We're officially into April, which means the 2024 NFL draft is right around the corner. Just about all pre-draft events are behind us -- all-star games, the combine and pro days -- save for team visits and interviews. So after returning from a couple of pro day trips out West, I wanted to update my projections for where the top prospects could land in a few weeks.

What's the only thing better than a first-round mock draft? A two-round mock draft. I went 64 picks deep this time around, and I found new homes for six quarterbacks, a ton of offensive playmakers and some really talented defensive stars. Adding to the fun, I projected four intriguing trades in this exercise -- two in each round. Which teams could make a move up the board to get their guy?

Here are my predictions for Rounds 1-2, starting with a really easy choice for the Bears. And check out the "SportsCenter" special on these picks Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2).

Jump to:
Round 1 | Round 2

ROUND 1

1. Chicago Bears (via CAR)

Caleb Williams, QB, USC

We know the Bears will use the first overall pick on a quarterback -- they traded Justin Fields to the Steelers last month -- and Williams is a safe bet to be the answer under center. His dazzling playmaking ability will travel to the NFL, and he'd be set up for early success with an enviable wide receiver duo of DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Chicago might even be able to further improve his supporting cast with its second top-10 selection at No. 9. Either way, this pick concludes the stress-free portion of the draft, as things get interesting from here.


2. Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Forecasting who the Commanders will take is a bit trickier, as the team has not tipped its hand in any meaningful way. So I'll go with Daniels, the second-ranked player on my board regardless of position, to replace Sam Howell after his trade to Seattle. Daniels was the best player in college football last season, winning the Heisman Trophy, and he blends rare mobility with excellent pocket passing. He averaged more rushing yards per carry (8.4) than any other FBS player in 2023 and led the nation in QBR (95.6).


3. New England Patriots

Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

I am firmly of the belief that the Patriots should not trade down from this pick and should take a quarterback, regardless whether it is Maye or Daniels. Maye has the ideal quarterback build at 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, a massive arm and very, very good mobility. While he had a lesser year in 2023 compared to 2022, I still see all the traits for him to be a franchise quarterback. And New England needs one after finishing 30th in yards per attempt last season (6.1). The Patriots must use the rest of this draft to surround Maye with wide receiver and offensive line help.


4. Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

This feels too good to overthink it, as the pro-ready Harrison -- who has as much upside for his position as any player in the class -- would fill what is now Arizona's most obvious need at wide receiver. The team's leading wide receiver last season was Marquise Brown, and he departed in free agency. The depth chart is light, and Harrison averaged 100.9 yards per game as a junior. He'd bring size, speed and great hands to the position.


Projected trade: Vikings eye their QB of the future

Three quarterbacks are already off the board, and Minnesota has a big hole there after Kirk Cousins signed elsewhere in March. So I have the Vikings sending Nos. 11 and 23 this year and an additional 2025 first-rounder to the Chargers to move up to No. 5 for the class' QB4. Los Angeles, meanwhile, picks up valuable assets to build its roster back up.


5. Minnesota Vikings (via mock trade with LAC)

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Minnesota would be betting on McCarthy's combination of very good ball placement and mobility helping him become its long-term answer, with Sam Darnold in tow for 2024 if McCarthy needs time to get his feet wet. The supporting cast in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and an elite offensive tackle duo give him a shot for serious early success. McCarthy completed 72.3% of his passes and threw only four interceptions last season.


6. New York Giants

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The Giants' wide receiver corps does not have a difference-maker at the moment, but that would all change with Nabers. He's the most explosive player in the draft and a run-after-catch nightmare for defenses; he forced 27 missed tackles in 2023 during a breakout season. While the Giants appear open to considering a first-round quarterback, there are already four off the board here, so I think the team would turn its attention to upgrading around Daniel Jones.


7. Tennessee Titans

Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

The Titans came into the offseason with a lengthy to-do list but have spent big to upgrade the roster, adding Calvin Ridley, L'Jarius Sneed and Lloyd Cushenberry, among others. But one massive need remains: left tackle. Alt, a 21-year-old former college tight end, would fill that hole in a hurry. He has great length at 6-foot-9 and is a smooth operator who would only get better under the guidance of Bill Callahan, one of the best offensive line coaches in the league. The Titans allowed 64 sacks last season, tied for fourth most in the NFL, so this has to be a priority.


8. Atlanta Falcons

Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

It's time for some defense, and Turner is the ideal candidate to kick things off on that side of the ball in this draft. Atlanta spent a lot of money in free agency on offense but is desperate for edge help -- it was last in pass rush win rate in 2023 (30.9%). Turner is a standout pass-rusher who had 10 sacks last season, showcasing burst and power. New coach Raheem Morris would love this addition and be able to slot him in as a top option right away.


9. Chicago Bears

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

This pick projection really excites me. Odunze ranks sixth on my board, meaning he's a value pick at No. 9 and a great get for the offense, which will be led by a rookie QB. The idea of Odunze alongside DJ Moore and Keenan Allen is tantalizing, as Odunze tied for the most contested catches in the FBS last season with 24. His combination of 6-foot-3 size, great body control and high-end instincts makes him a threat at every level of the field.


10. New York Jets

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

After trading for Morgan Moses and signing Tyron Smith in free agency, the Jets have a pair of veteran starters at offensive tackle. I have concerns about durability for Smith -- he has played in just 30 of 67 possible games over the past four seasons -- and the Jets face an urgent season with QB Aaron Rodgers turning 41 in December, so taking a quality offensive tackle is still very much appealing. That said, Bowers is a difference-making tight end who would complement star wideout Garrett Wilson and recently signed Mike Williams. He would thrive with no shortage of run-after-catch opportunities.


11. Los Angeles Chargers (via mock trade with MIN)

JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Following the projected move down, the Chargers can now get to work building this roster how new coach Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz envision it -- which I expect will be through the trenches. Though the Chargers have Trey Pipkins III under contract for another two seasons, Latham would represent a short- and long-term upgrade. And he has the positional versatility to play guard if Los Angeles wanted to keep Pipkins on the field. Latham's overwhelming strength is a perfect fit for a team that will want to wear opponents out with its physicality.


12. Denver Broncos

Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

The clock is ticking for the Broncos to address the quarterback room -- they currently have only Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci on the roster, and there are few remaining available options to boost the depth outside of the draft. With four quarterbacks off the board, the Broncos must act urgently. They don't have a second-round pick this year, making any sort of move up the board difficult to pull off. So I instead have them taking my QB5 despite him being the No. 37 prospect on my board.

Nix's accuracy and processing speed would appeal to coach Sean Payton, as he finished his college career by completing 77.4% of his passes in 2023 -- an FBS single-season record. His tape was impressive to watch.


13. Las Vegas Raiders

Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

The Raiders addressed their most pressing need of the offseason by signing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a huge free agent deal, which forms one of the most devastating defensive line duos in football with him and Maxx Crosby. Next up is the right side of the offensive line, as the Raiders are thin at both tackle and guard there. Fuaga would alleviate that issue in a hurry. He is known for bringing a nastiness to an offensive line and setting the tone, but he's also an impressively smooth-moving right tackle.


14. New Orleans Saints

Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Stating anything with certainty around the draft is risky business, but I feel good about saying the Saints will address their offensive line in the first round. They have major questions at both offensive tackle spots, as 2022 first-rounder Trevor Penning has struggled and Ryan Ramczyk has an ongoing knee issue. Fashanu is a plug-and-play starter at left tackle, with excellent size and very good feet for the position. He has the talent to anchor this line for quite some time, and adding Fashanu would allow the Saints to try Penning at another spot.


15. Indianapolis Colts

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

I was impressed with how the Colts' secondary held up last season with a largely young and inexperienced perimeter cornerback group, but they still need to address the position in this draft. Enter Mitchell, a fast perimeter cornerback whose nose for the football is impossible to miss. Mitchell's four-interception game in 2022 -- including two that were run back for touchdowns -- was one of the most enjoyable performances to study for any prospect in the class. He looks like a receiver with the football in his hands and has elite speed (4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine).


16. Seattle Seahawks

Troy Fautanu, G, Washington

Fautanu wouldn't even have to move in this scenario, and he'd provide a huge boost for a razor-thin interior of the Seahawks' offensive line. Fautanu was an awesome college left tackle but has the flexibility to kick inside and play guard. Seattle lost Damien Lewis and Phil Haynes in free agency (the former on a lucrative deal with Carolina) and must shore up the position. Fautanu plays with an edge that shows up on tape.


17. Jacksonville Jaguars

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

The Jaguars had a couple of notable needs this offseason at center and cornerback, but because they added steady veteran Mitch Morse on a two-year deal to man the middle of the offensive line, cornerback takes center stage. Arnold is ranked much higher on my board than this (No. 9 overall), but the run on offensive positions could help the Jaguars get a standout on the other side of the ball here. He's aggressive, has awesome ball skills, is fearless in coverage and shows really good instincts -- all of which contributed to a huge 2023 season that included five interceptions.


18. Cincinnati Bengals

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Franchise-tagged receiver Tee Higgins still desires to be traded, and though a deal is not a certainty, it's a reminder that the Bengals have to examine the receiver spot in the draft. Higgins could choose to play out the season and test free agency in 2025 (a double tag is expensive), and the wideout room could become historically expensive if Higgins is extended with Ja'Marr Chase now also extension eligible. Thomas has the best second gear of any wideout in the class, as his effortless ability to separate down the field helped him lead the FBS with 17 receiving touchdowns in 2023.


19. Los Angeles Rams

Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

There is a sudden hole in the Rams' defense after the retirement of Aaron Donald, so defensive tackle has certainly moved up their priority list. That made Texas' Byron Murphy II an intriguing consideration here. But the Rams' need for a pass-rush boost led me instead to the explosive Robinson. While his modest sack production (four in 2023) will be something teams dig in on, I see the best first step for any pass-rusher in the entire class and a player who can bend the edge in a hurry. It's easy for me to envision him stuffing the stat sheet much more at the NFL level.


20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Graham Barton, C, Duke

Although wide receiver was a thought here after the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh's history of finding talented wideouts beyond the first round and the position's depth in this class made me go another direction. Barton is among the most versatile linemen available, having played left tackle his final three seasons at Duke after playing center as a true freshman. I view him as an interior player in the NFL and a center for the Steelers, as he is arguably the most impressive run-blocker in the class. His versatility, core power and handwork all stood out to me when watching tape.


21. Miami Dolphins

Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

The Dolphins just watched Christian Wilkins depart in free agency, but Murphy has some traces of Wilkins in his game as a disruptive interior defender. Murphy had a great season in 2023 with five sacks, but the stats are far from the full story of his impact. He has a unique ability to torque and hold up against the run, and he makes life easier for the players around him.


22. Philadelphia Eagles

Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Philly has undergone a ton of change this offseason, but one area not yet addressed in a significant manner is the cornerback room. While Darius Slay and James Bradberry will remain fixtures this season, the Eagles need an infusion of both speed and youth. Wiggins certainly checks both of those boxes, as he was the fastest defensive player at the combine (4.28-second 40-yard dash). I've harped on these plays throughout the pre-draft process, but Wiggins chased down ball carriers who looked bound for the end zone and forced a fumble on two separate occasions last season. That level of effort helps teams win games.


23. Los Angeles Chargers (via CLE/HOU and mock trade with MIN)

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

There is a plausible scenario in which the Chargers stand pat at No. 5 and take the best wide receiver available. After releasing Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen, they have to reshape their wide receiver room. But here Los Angeles can stockpile picks and still take advantage of a deep receiver class, landing a buttery smooth route runner in Mitchell. He has excellent size, great speed and reliable hands, with just one drop in his lone season at Texas (he transferred from Georgia). He also averaged 15.4 yards per catch last season and would be a good fit with quarterback Justin Herbert.


Projected trade: 49ers see an opportunity

It would be no surprise if the 49ers act swiftly to fortify their offensive line. I have them sending No. 31 and a third-rounder to the Cowboys for No. 24, giving them a chance to add a potential future star.


24. San Francisco 49ers (via mock trade with DAL)

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Mims is 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds, and he has nearly 87 inches in wingspan and terrific footwork. He's inexperienced with just 803 college snaps and eight starts, but after extending right tackle Colton McKivitz through 2024, San Francisco could afford to develop Mims this offseason and work him into the lineup as needed in Year 1. Mims would also be a potential succession plan to Trent Williams long term at left tackle.


25. Green Bay Packers

Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Green Bay's roster is full of youth with developmental upside -- many of whom hit their stride ahead of schedule in 2023 -- and Guyton fits right in. He was essentially a one-year full-time starter in college, manning the right tackle spot for Oklahoma in 2023 (he began his career in 2020-2021 at TCU, which included snaps at H-back). At 6-foot-8 and 322 pounds, his frame alone makes him an intriguing player, but toss in his solid footwork, and the potential is immense. I view Guyton as an NFL left tackle who would immediately compete with Rasheed Walker for the starting job and soon become a fixture there.


26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

The Bucs have holes at edge rusher and along the interior of their offensive line, and Latu -- my No. 16 prospect -- is the most refined pass-rusher in the class, showing off masterful hand usage and understanding of how to set up opposing offensive linemen on tape. A neck injury early in his college career forced Latu into medical retirement while at Washington, though he eventually received clearance after a transfer to UCLA. It's a significant part of the calculation in drafting him and why he might not hear his name called earlier, but his 23.5 sacks over the past two seasons speak to his talent.


27. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU)

Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Arizona has three top-35 picks, making it a possible trade-up team late in the first round if it has a specific target. But the Cardinals' patience in this scenario would pay off in the form of Verse, a super powerful pass-rusher who many thought was bound for the draft last year (he was viewed as a possible first-round pick even then). Verse is a slightly older prospect -- he'll be 24 during his rookie season -- and doesn't have quite the same bend as the rushers taken prior to him, but he's going to be a good pro and can fill a major need for Arizona. He had 18 sacks over the past two seasons.


28. Buffalo Bills

Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

The Bills' glaring weakness at wide receiver became even bigger when Buffalo traded Stefon Diggs to Houston on Wednesday, and I have the Bills flagged as another potential trade-up candidate. But there will also be options available at No. 28 given the class's depth. I'm sure you've heard Worthy ran the fastest 40-yard dash time at the combine since at least 2003 (4.21 seconds), but the game speed he showed on film is just as important as his timed speed. Worthy has excellent tracking skills on vertical passes down the field, too, helping him to 1,014 yards last season. I'm envisioning Josh Allen moon shots thrown to a wide-open Worthy.


29. Detroit Lions

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Cornerback was already a priority for Detroit prior to the release of Cameron Sutton (amid allegations of domestic battery), and it now feels like an early must-have in the draft. DeJean would join former Iowa teammate (and 2023 first-rounder) Jack Campbell in Detroit and provide a boost to the Lions' secondary. He's springy with exceptional man coverage skills and on-ball production (seven INTs over the past two years). GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell would surely be drawn to DeJean's toughness and willingness as a tackler, two traits that also lead evaluators to think he could be the best safety in the class if he moved to that spot. But I view him as a corner -- and a really good one.


30. Baltimore Ravens

Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

Baltimore will be filling at least one spot along the offensive line in the draft following the trade of Morgan Moses and departure of John Simpson in free agency. In fact, both tackle spots bear monitoring as Ronnie Stanley reworked his deal this offseason and is now scheduled to be a free agent in 2025. Suamataia moves extremely well and can open lanes in space, but he might require some time to develop.


31. Dallas Cowboys (via mock trade with SF)

Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

The Cowboys figure to be locked in on a tackle following Tyron Smith's departure in free agency, especially if they intend to keep Tyler Smith at left guard. No other team has been more passive in free agency, but after the trade back, the Cowboys can fill holes and build depth through the draft. Morgan can be a starting left tackle, but he also can kick inside to left guard if Dallas ultimately prefers to move Tyler Smith to tackle full time. Morgan would make it eight offensive tackles in Round 1, which would tie the 2008 common draft era record (since 1967), per ESPN Stats & Information.


32. Kansas City Chiefs

Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

I'm not sure any other team has a better recent track record of drafting cornerbacks than the Chiefs, but after the trade of L'Jarius Sneed, there's a bit of a gap in the overall depth of the unit on the perimeter. Rakestraw is a tailor-made fit for this roster, as he plays with an edge, similar to Sneed. Few corners can impose their will on a game like Rakestraw did at the collegiate level; that will travel to the pros. Alternatively, Kansas City could look at receivers or offensive tackles, but with six and eight, respectively, already drafted, it might be best to wait until Day 2 there.

ROUND 2

Projected trade: Titans jump-start Day 2 with a move

Teams will have nearly 24 hours to determine if they want to move up in Round 2 for someone who might have Day 1 traits but slid. And I have the Titans sending No. 38 and a pair of fourth-rounders (one in 2025) to the Panthers for No. 33 overall to kick things off. Yes, Tennessee is already out a third-round pick this year as part of last year's trade up for Will Levis, but this team looks intent on trying to win ASAP.


33. Tennessee Titans (via mock trade with CAR)

Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

Let's continue the aggressive offseason for the Titans with a move up for a player whose tape screams first-round talent. It seems wrong even having Robinson in the second round. He is so physical, quick and versatile, and he had 8.5 sacks last season.


34. New England Patriots

Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

New lead decision-maker Eliot Wolf has talked about adding playmakers to the New England offense, and at 6-foot-1 and 221 pounds, Legette would bring physicality and explosion. He had 1,255 yards last season and is an outstanding run-after-catch player.


35. Arizona Cardinals

Jackson Powers-Johnson, C/G, Oregon

While Arizona has established some depth along the interior of its offensive line, it lacks blue-chip starters and true upgrades. Powers-Johnson was dominant last season as the first (and potentially last) Pac-12 player to win the Rimington Trophy (nation's best center), but he could also play at guard. He plays with power.


Projected trade: Raiders slide up for QB6

One more trade projection here, and it's for the last remaining quarterback I have ranked in my top 50. After missing out on the top five passers on Day 1 and knowing teams will be eyeing the QBs available here, I have the Raiders sending No. 44 and a 2025 third-rounder to the Commanders for No. 36.


36. Las Vegas Raiders (via mock trade with WSH)

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

Penix has a huge arm and threw for 4,903 yards last season. Even after signing Gardner Minshew to compete with Aidan O'Connell, the Raiders have to add a quarterback. Penix has an injury history (knee and shoulder), and teams will have varying levels of comfort there, but his upside is immense.


37. Los Angeles Chargers

Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that Jim Harbaugh wants to build up his offensive line aggressively this offseason. Frazier is super tough and exactly the type of guy Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz would covet. He did not allow any sacks over 328 pass-block plays in 2023.


38. Carolina Panthers (via mock trade with TEN)

Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida

The interior offensive line and pass rush have been fortified through free agency, but the Panthers are still looking to beef up the receiver room for second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Pearsall -- who had 965 yards last season -- is an explosive, powerful pass-catcher with a wide catch radius.


39. Carolina Panthers (via NYG)

T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State

Back-to-back picks here for the Panthers. Jaycee Horn is a standout corner on one half of the defense, and Tampa would be a good fit on the other side. He is long and physical in coverage, and he consistently disrupts receivers at the top of routes.


40. Washington Commanders (via CHI)

Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Washington has Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, but Coleman would add a size element (6-foot-3, 213 pounds) to this group for the Commanders' rookie QB. His ability to win in contested-catch situations would go a long way in the red zone, and he is coming off an 11-TD season at Florida State.


41. Green Bay Packers (via NYJ)

Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

The Packers' hole at inside linebacker could make Cooper the first one off the board. His versatility is outstanding, as he can run and hit on the inside or get pressure off the edge -- he notched 80 tackles and eight sacks last season.


42. Houston Texans (via MIN)

Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

The Texans' defense is shaping up to be downright dominant up front, with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. off the edge. Their presence will create pass-rush opportunities for other players, and throwing Newton -- a dominant interior rusher -- into the mix would only increase the defensive potency. He had 7.5 sacks last season.


43. Atlanta Falcons

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

The Falcons could continue their defensive theme early in this draft, seeking out a cornerback to play opposite of A.J. Terrell. McKinstry is dealing with a foot injury, but indications are that it will not impact his availability for training camp or the season. He had 20 pass breakups over the past two seasons.


44. Washington Commanders (via mock trade with LV)

Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

We got the Commanders a new quarterback (Daniels) and receiver (Coleman), but what about the protection? Washington allowed 65 sacks in 2023, tied for second-most. Paul is massive at 6-foot-7 and 332 pounds with 36-inch arms, making him a challenge to get around in pass protection. Also: He'd get to play with his older brother, Chris, a guard for Washington.


45. New Orleans Saints (via DEN)

Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

The Saints restructured Marshon Lattimore's contract late last season, fueling speculation that he could be a trade candidate this offseason. Lassiter would add depth there if such a move happened. He's sudden, confident and capable in man coverage.


46. Indianapolis Colts

Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

I loved that Colts coach Shane Steichen redefined Michael Pittman Jr.'s usage last season by featuring him a ton in the screen game. It's easy to envision the speedy McConkey -- a great runner after the catch -- thriving in similar concepts from Steichen, setting him up for opportunities in space.


47. New York Giants (via SEA)

Max Melton, CB, Rutgers

The Giants used a first-round pick on Deonte Banks last April but must continue to pad that cornerback depth. This pick would make for an easy commute for Melton, a New Jersey native who started four seasons at Rutgers. He has an excellent trigger back to the football and great ball skills (three interceptions in 2023).


48. Jacksonville Jaguars

Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan

The Jaguars have two front-line pass-rushers in Josh Allen and Travon Walker (who combined for 27.5 sacks last season), but depth is always critical there, and Allen is still set to play on the franchise tag for 2023. Kneeland has exceptionally powerful hands and overall strength to get home off the edge.


49. Cincinnati Bengals

Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington

It was tempting to take a right tackle in the first round for Cincinnati, as Trent Brown only signed for one year, but the Bengals can still land talent at the position on Day 2. The steady Rosengarten served as Washington's right tackle, allowing zero sacks over 28 career starts.


50. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)

Payton Wilson, LB, NC State

I'm not going to go as far as saying a new era is upon us in Philly, but after the team broke the bank for a running back in Saquon Barkley in free agency, it's fair to envision the Eagles also adjusting their draft strategy around linebackers and taking one on the first two days. Wilson has incredible film, posting 130 tackles in 2023, but questions surrounding knee and shoulder injuries would factor into him falling to this spot. I love his game, though.


51. Pittsburgh Steelers

Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan

The Steelers will likely target a wide receiver early in the draft, and Wilson has excellent route running skills, extremely reliable hands and elite speed (4.39 in the 40). Be it Russell Wilson or Justin Fields under center, pairing Wilson -- who had 12 touchdowns in 2023 -- with George Pickens would help this offense.


52. Los Angeles Rams

Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State

I am a huge fan of Fiske's game -- he is a ball of disruption who lives behind the line of scrimmage. While Fiske lacks elite size and length (292 pounds and 31-inch arms), he consistently blows up plays. He had six sacks and 10 run stops last season.


53. Philadelphia Eagles

Cole Bishop, S, Utah

Another secondary addition for Philly, as the Eagles will continue their defensive overhaul after a disappointing finish to the 2023 season. Bishop is my top-rated safety. He ran a 4.42 at the combine, has very good man-to-man coverage skills and is an excellent blitzer for the position.


54. Cleveland Browns

Trey Benson, RB, Florida State

Our first running back! Benson would have a chance for a massive role from jump street in Cleveland, as Nick Chubb's availability is unclear (leg injury) for the start of the 2024 regular season, and Jerome Ford was solid but not spectacular filling in. Benson has excellent speed (4.39), is a forced missed tackle waiting to happen and shows very good pass-game traits.


55. Miami Dolphins

Christian Haynes, G, UConn

The Dolphins lost Robert Hunt in free agency, opening a significant gap along the offensive line. Enter Haynes, an experienced guard (49 starts) who plays with a serious edge to his game. I think he'd be an ideal fit in the Miami offense.


56. Dallas Cowboys

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

It feels like a foregone conclusion that the Cowboys will take a back at some point in the draft after losing Tony Pollard this offseason. Brooks probably wouldn't still be available if he had not torn his ACL back in early November, but Dallas is unafraid of taking swings on Day 2. Brooks has excellent vision and balance, and he can be a factor in the passing game.


57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State

If you're looking for versatility, toughness and strength, Beebe is a good target. The Buccaneers like versatile offensive linemen who are big but also mobile, and Beebe proved at the combine that he fits that profile. Be it at guard or right tackle, he has a lengthy highlight reel of quality college tape.


58. Green Bay Packers

Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

The Packer signed Xavier McKinney, but they also lost two safeties in free agency (Darnell Savage and Jonathan Owens), leaving some work left to do at the position. Hicks would bring range, versatility and playmaking traits to the table for new coordinator Jeff Hafley.


59. Houston Texans

Junior Colson, LB, Michigan

When this mock draft originally published Wednesday morning, I had Houston taking Western Kentucky receiver Malachi Corley, but the Stefon Diggs trade now checks that box. So I'm pivoting to Colson, who is super tough and fits with Houston. (After all, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans played linebacker and wants playmakers at the position.) Colson had 101 tackles last season.


60. Buffalo Bills

Maason Smith, DT, LSU

The Bills could take another receiver given their lack of depth, but they should also be bulking up their defensive tackle group, so I have them taking Smith here late in Round 2. He looked like a budding star as a true freshman in 2021, but a torn ACL in 2022 washed out his season, and he spent 2023 getting back to form. Smith has great physical traits -- including a 6-foot-5 frame and long arms -- and has a chance to develop into an unblockable pass-rusher.


61. Detroit Lions

Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington

The Lions could certainly consider an edge defender at this point, but the draft's overall depth at that position is not great. Receiver feels like a potential hole opposite Amon-Ra St. Brown, especially after Josh Reynolds signed with Denver. Polk isn't a burner (4.53 in the 40 at the combine), but he has an excellent catch radius and is tough. He finished 2023 with 1,159 receiving yards.


62. Baltimore Ravens

Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State

The Ravens need help at pass-rusher, since Jadeveon Clowney signed in Carolina and Kyle Van Noy is still unsigned. The explosive Isaac had 7.5 sacks last season, and his 16.8% pressure rate ranked seventh in the nation.


63. San Francisco 49ers

Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State

The race to be the second tight end off the board feels wide open, with Jared Wiley (TCU) and Ja'Tavion Sanders (Texas) also in the mix. Johnson was not used enough at Penn State (48 targets last season), but his upside is very intriguing. San Francisco showed that it wants a reserve tight end behind George Kittle when it tries to sign restricted free agent Brock Wright away from the Lions, and Johnson feels like a good fit.


64. Kansas City Chiefs

Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Signing Marquise Brown isn't enough for the Chiefs, especially since it was a one-year deal. Franklin can flat-out fly, and there were times during the 2023 regular season when the Chiefs' offense got condensed because of their lack of a consistent vertical presence. Franklin averaged 17.1 yards per catch in his final season at Oregon.

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