Post-combine developments bring surprises, with the Miami Dolphins poised to electrify their offense by teaming Xavier Worthy with Tyreek Hill. Also, the Washington Commanders could opt for J.J. McCarthy over Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye, which would be a surprise move. After Combine, the most anticipated question is: what will the NFL Draft look like?
NFL Draft 2.0 picks
Pick 1: Chicago Bears – Caleb Williams
The Bears snagging Caleb Williams as their top pick can be chalked up to his standout qualities as a QB. His time at USC really highlighted his knack for making big plays, his sharp decision-making, and his knack for leading the team. His potential to be the cornerstone QB is exactly what the Bears need to revamp their offense.
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Future SuperStar Quarterback Caleb Williams Highlights! #Bears #Commanders pic.twitter.com/dU1xSJiB6I
— Kevin (@TroIledByFields) March 3, 2024
Pick 2: Washington Commanders – J.J. McCarthy
The Commanders setting their sights on J.J. McCarthy comes from their quest for a reliable quarterback to steer the ship. Even though there’s been some back and forth among experts about other QB prospects like Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels for the Commanders, the team has shown a clear interest in McCarthy, especially considering his impressive abilities and leadership traits during his time at Michigan.
Pick 3: New England Patriots – Jayden Daniels
Daniels’ college career saw him taking quite a few sacks under pressure, but he’s shown consistent improvement over the years. His outstanding season in 2023, which earned him the Heisman, is a testament to his abilities. His passing and rushing grades are above 90.0 and a notable rate of big-time throws. And his skill set could be a perfect match for OC Alex Van Pelt’s playbook in New England.
Pick 4: Arizona Cardinals – Drake Maye
There’s some speculation that the Cardinals might lean towards a wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr. to strengthen their offense around Kyler Murray, but choosing Drake Maye could stem from the desire to secure a QB with high potential. Maye’s impressive arm strength and playmaking ability make him a prime candidate for any team looking to solidify their QB position.
Pick 5: Los Angeles Chargers – Brock Bowers
The Chargers selecting TE Brock Bowers would add a dynamic weapon to Justin Herbert’s arsenal. Bowers’ exceptional receiving skills and ability to create mismatches would enhance the Chargers’ passing game, making this pick a strategic move to boost their offensive firepower.
Brian Thomas Jr. is a WR prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.97 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 10 out of 3063 WR from 1987 to 2024.
Splits projectedhttps://t.co/Cjd5cWtgkw pic.twitter.com/xoZJDjmOEU
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 2, 2024
Pick 6: New York Giants – Joe Alt
Although Joe Alt was mentioned for the Jets in the mock draft, a player of his caliber as an elite pass protector would be highly sought after by teams like the Giants, who are looking to reinforce their offensive line to protect their QB and improve their run game.
Pick 7: Tennessee Titans – Marvin Harrison Jr.
Although Harrison Jr. wasn’t specifically pegged for the Titans in the mock drafts, a player of his caliber, with his exceptional route-running, reliable hands, and ability to clutch plays would be a major boon for any team aiming to elevate their offensive game.
Pick 8: Chicago Bears – Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Bringing Fashanu on board would be a calculated move by the Bears to reinforce their offensive line, ensuring more robust protection for their quarterback and more effective running lanes. Fashanu’s prowess in both pass protection and run blocking would make him a crucial addition to the Bears’ offensive lineup.
Pick 9: New York Jets – Taliese Fuaga
The Jets picking Taliese Fuaga would address their need to solidify the offensive line, providing essential protection for their quarterback and enhancing their run game. Fuaga’s run-blocking prowess and ability to hold up in pass protection would make him a key piece in the Jets’ offensive strategy.
Pick 10: Minnesota Vikings – Dallas Turner
Dallas Turner joining the Vikings would greatly enhance their pass rush, introducing a dynamic edge rusher to their defensive ensemble. Turner’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt offensive plays would make him an invaluable asset to the Vikings’ defense.
Pick 11: Denver Broncos – Liatu Latu
The Broncos might look to enhance their defense, particularly their pass rush, to complement a youthful and promising secondary. A dynamic edge rusher like Laiatu Latu from UCLA, who has risen up draft boards thanks to his notable sack season, could be the ideal candidate to fill this role.
Pick 12: Las Vegas Raiders – Bo Nix
Bo Nix’s dynamic play at Oregon, highlighted by his deep-ball throwing ability and athleticism, could make him an attractive option for the Raiders. They might be in the market for a quarterback to lead the team into a new era, making Nix a potential fit for their future plans.
Here’s just under 5 minutes of Oregon QB Bo Nix highlights. Will Nix lead the Ducks to a CFP and take home the Heisman? 🦆 pic.twitter.com/pqc98x3w6j
— College Football Alerts (@CFBAlerts_) July 18, 2023
Pick 13: New Orleans Saints – Rome Odunze
With a need for more playmakers, the Saints could target a receiver like Rome Odunze from Washington. His ability to stretch the field and create big plays could provide a much-needed boost to their offense.
Pick 14: Indianapolis Colts – Byron Murphy
The Colts might be looking to reinforce their secondary, particularly at cornerback, where they could use an upgrade. A player with the skill set of Byron Murphy could be on their radar to provide strength and depth to their defensive backfield.
Pick 15: Seattle Seahawks – Cool Aid-McKinstry
The Seahawks, focusing on enhancing their pass rush to support a promising young secondary, could find a fit in an edge rusher like Cool Aid-McKinstry. His natural explosiveness and production could be valuable assets for the defense.
Pick 16: Jacksonville Jaguars – Brian Thomas Jr.
For the Jaguars, adding a wide receiver like Brian Thomas Jr. from LSU could offer a new dimension to their offense. His ability to make plays and contribute to the passing game could be a significant addition
Brian Thomas Jr. is a WR prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.97 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 10 out of 3063 WR from 1987 to 2024.
Splits projectedhttps://t.co/Cjd5cWtgkw pic.twitter.com/xoZJDjmOEU
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 2, 2024
Pick 17: Cincinnati Bengals – J.C. Latham
The Bengals might prioritize their O-line to provide better protection for Joe Burrow. A tackle like J.C. Latham from Alabama, known for his size and athleticism, could be a key piece in bolstering their pass protection and run-blocking.
Pick 18: Los Angeles Rams – Jackson Powers-Johnson
Strengthening the O-line could be a focus for the Rams, making a player like Jackson Powers-Johnson a potential target. His skills in both pass protection and run blocking could help solidify their front-line.
Pick 19: Pittsburgh Steelers – Trevin Wallace
The Steelers might look to the defensive side of the ball, specifically at linebacker, to add athleticism and playmaking ability. A player like Trevin Wallace could fit their scheme and contribute immediately
Pick 20: Miami Dolphins – Xavier Worthy
Adding a dynamic receiver like Xavier Worthy could provide the Dolphins with another weapon in their passing attack. His speed and ability to make plays in open space could complement their existing offensive pieces such as Tyreek Hill.
OFFICIAL: 4.21
XAVIER WORTHY HOLDS THE NEW 40-YARD DASH RECORD pic.twitter.com/IrXf3WyemB
— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2024
Pick 21: Philadelphia Eagles – Nate Wiggins
Given the Eagles’ likely focus on bolstering their secondary, a cornerback with the skill set of Nate Wiggins could be a prime target. His size and versatility would fit well into their defensive scheme, enhancing their coverage capabilities
Pick 22: Houston Texans – Tyler Guyton
The Texans might look to strengthen their O-line, making Tyler Guyton a suitable pick. Despite limited starting experience, Guyton’s upside, particularly in pass protection and run blocking, could see him develop into a valuable asset for Houston’s front line. His towering 6’7″ frame and athletic prowess suggest he could be one of the steals of the draft if he continues to develop his technique and understanding of the tackle position
Pick 23: Dallas Cowboys – Troy Fautanu
The Cowboys, always looking to enhance their offensive line, could find a match in Troy Fautanu. His versatility and ability to play both guard and tackle could provide Dallas with flexibility and depth along their offensive front.
Pick 24: Green Bay Packers – Keon Coleman
With a need for dynamic playmakers, the Packers might target a wide receiver like Keon Coleman. His ability to contribute immediately, coupled with his potential for growth, could make him a key part of Green Bay’s offense.
Pick 25: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Graham Barton
The Buccaneers may aim to solidify their O-line, making Graham Barton an attractive option. His proficiency in both pass protection and run blocking could help stabilize Tampa Bay’s offensive unit.
Pick 26: Arizona Cardinals – Malik Nabers
The Cardinals, looking to add more weapons around Kyler Murray, could opt for Malik Nabers. His route-running prowess and ability to make plays after the catch would add a new dimension to Arizona’s offense.
MALIK NABERS WR LSU 6'0" 201 lbs – 2023 Highlights #NFLDraft2024 pic.twitter.com/oVHbNiotgn
— DADGUMMIT (@BDubCali) February 24, 2024
Pick 27: Buffalo Bills – Quinyon Mitchell
The Bills might focus on their secondary, and a cornerback like Quinyon Mitchell could be on their radar. His coverage skills and ability to contribute in various defensive schemes would make him a valuable addition to Buffalo’s defense.
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Pick 28: Detroit Lions – Darious Robinson
The Lions could look to enhance their D-line, making Darious Robinson a potential pick. His ability to disrupt plays and contribute to the pass rush would bolster Detroit’s defensive efforts.
Pick 29: Baltimore Ravens – Jordan Morgan
Baltimore might prioritize their offensive line, and Jordan Morgan could be a key target. His skill set would provide the Ravens with a reliable protector for Lamar Jackson and a solid run blocker.
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Pick 30: San Francisco 49ers – Amarius Mims
The 49ers, known for their focus on the trenches, could select Amarius Mims. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism would fit well within San Francisco’s scheme, offering both pass protection and run-blocking capabilities.
Pick 31: Kansas City Chiefs – Cooper DeJean
The Chiefs, looking to maintain a strong secondary, might be interested in Cooper DeJean. His versatility and playmaking ability in coverage would complement Kansas City’s defensive backfield.