Are you ready for the NFL Draft?

2024 NFL Draft: Second Round
Mock Draft and Analysis By: Gregg Schutze
as of April 24, 2024

33.   Carolina Panthers – Xavier Legette, 6’1”, 221lbs, WR, South Carolina
04/18/24 – Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
03/29/24 – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
02/22/24 – Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

Carolina finished dead last in the league in passing yards last year even with Adam Thielen ending the season with 1,000 yards and 100 catches.  DJ Chark is gone, but the Panthers traded for Diontae Johnson to team with Thielen and Jonathan Mingo.  The size-speed combination Legette brings to the table would be a perfect fit here.  Legette appears to be an ascending prospect whose best football may be ahead of him.  In his first four seasons at South Carolina, Legette managed just 42 catches for 423 yards and 5 TD.  Then Antwane Wells got hurt which thrusted Legette into the primary WR role this past season.  In Week One against North Carolina, Legette hauled in 9 passes for 178 yards and a TD.  Those 178 receiving yards in one week eclipsed what he amassed during the entire 2022 season (167).  He’s physical, does a good job tracking the ball and can not only high point the football, but also won 47.6% of his contested catches per Pro Football Focus.  However, it’s Legette’s speed that caught everyone off guard.  He’s a bigger WR at 221 pounds, yet still ran a 4.39 40 at the Combine.  In fact, Reel Analytics reported Legette was clocked at 22.3 mph against North Carolina, a speed that was faster than even Tyreek Hill. 

34.   New England Patriots – Kingsley Suamataia, 6’5”, 326lbs, OT, BYU, RS Soph.
04/18/24 – Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
03/29/24 – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
02/22/24 – Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

There is a small chance the Patriots don’t go QB at No. 3 overall and if the target is Marvin Harrison Jr, or Joe Alt, then this pick could be used on Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr.  However, I think this pick will end up being used on an OT to replace the departed Trent Brown as Conor McDermott isn’t the best option at LT.  Suamataia has the blend of size, length, quickness and power that would work well on Harbaugh’s OL.  Suamataia ran a 5.04 40 and put up 225 pounds 31 times in the bench press with an arm length over 34 inches.  He’s incredibly light on his feet and is effortless in his kick slide and can generate a lot of movement when he gets his hands on the defender.  Suamataia does well mirroring and redirecting in pass protection and can anchor against the bull rush and can climb to the second level in a hurry to seal off the defender.  However, he is a developmental OT as he does need to clean up his technique, especially his hand placement.

35.   Arizona Cardinals – Maason Smith, 6’5”, 306lbs, DT, LSU, RS Soph.
04/18/24 – Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
03/29/24 – Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
02/22/24 – Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

Arizona signed Bilal Nichols, Justin Jones and Khyiris Tonga in free agency to address the D-line, but I think Nichols sliding inside to NT where he racked up a career-high 5.0 sacks in 2020 would be the best move meaning Smith would could be the pick here.  Having a chance to land Smith would be a huge win, especially considering Smith was considered a top DL prospect entering the 2024 season.  If you remember Smith’s story, he had an impressive freshman campaign for LSU in 2021, tallying 4.0 sacks in just 7 games and looked to be a force up front.  Then a devastating knee injury against Florida State during week 1 of the 2022 season ended his year.  Coming into 2024, expectations again were high, though Smith was still battling back from the ACL tear.  Smith looked fantastic against Missouri, finishing with 4 tackles, a sack and a PBU while showing a quick burst and an ability to attack the OL’s hands by utilizing his length (35-inch arms) before using a quick rip or arm over to get into the backfield.  He also had good quickness coming around on stunts to affect the QB Brady Cook.  However, other games saw him with too high of a pad level which made him an easy target for an IOL’s hands to shoot right inside on him, win with leverage and neutralize his rush.  You could see though that as the season progressed, Smith continued to improve, finishing his last three games with 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks.  Smith ran a 5.01 40 at the Combine at 6’5” and 306 pounds, proving his athleticism is back.  He feels like somewhat of a forgotten prospect because of all the early hype, but it seems like Smith is finally healthy and if he can return to his freshman form, the Cardinals could wind up with a steal.

36.   Washington Commanders – Jordan Morgan, 6’5”, 311lbs, OT, Arizona
04/18/24 – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
03/29/24 – Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
02/22/24 – Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington

The Commanders released nine-year vet and starting LT Charles Leno in a cost-cutting measure to save over $7 million this year.  Washington gave up the second-most sacks in the league last year and need to find a long-term answer as Leno’s replacement.  In steps Jordan Morgan, a three-year starter of 37 games at Arizona who is athletic both as a pass protector and in space in the ground game. 

37.   Los Angeles Chargers – Xavier Worthy, 5’11”, 168lbs, WR, Texas, Jr.
04/18/24 – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
03/29/24 – Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
02/22/24 – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

If the Chargers don’t use the No. 5 pick on Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, you have to imagine Joe Horitz and Jim Harbaugh will make replacing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams a priority.  Quentin Johnston has yet to prove himself at the next level, but he provides a big target for Justin Herbert.  What’s missing is a speedster to stretch defenses vertically and Worthy is the fastest in this year’s draft class having run a Combine-record 4.21 40.

38.   Tennessee Titans- Darius Robinson, 6’5”, 285lbs, DL, Missouri
04/18/24 – Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
03/29/24 – Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
02/22/24 – Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky

Denico Autry was Tennessee’s top rusher after tallying 11.5 sacks last year, but left in free agency, leaving a large hole up front at DE.  This is the perfect spot for the versatile Darius Robinson, who has proven to rush the passer off the edge and collapse the pocket from the interior.  Robinson is known for rushing the QB with violent intentions, looking for violent collisions before using quick hands to ultimately beat the block and shoot into the backfield.  He lined up all over the field for the Tigers, whether it was as a stand-up rush end, at three-technique, at DE in an even man front or all the way out in wide-9 technique and is effective at getting to the QB no matter where he lines up.  He loves to attack the hands of the OL coming off the edge and has the flexibility to bend the corner.  He finished with 8.5 sacks this past season and then delivered a dominant performance at the Senior Bowl.

39.   Carolina Panthers (from New York Giants) – Edgerrin Cooper, 6’2”, 230lbs, LB, Texas A&M
04/18/24 – Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
03/29/24 – Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
02/22/24 New York Giants – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Carolina may look to add another edge rusher here, but the additions of Jadeveon Clowney and DJ Wonnum, who had 17.5 sacks between the two of them last year, should temper that need, especially considering both are signed through the 2025 season.  I think this allows the Panthers to pivot to the LB position.  Shaq Thompson has spent all eight seasons in Carolina but will be 30 years of age by the time the season starts and will be a free agent at the end of the season.  Josey Jewell was signed to a three-year deal to line up at the other starting spot and while he’s instinctive and has tallied 100+ tackle seasons in three of his six years I the league, he’s not an explosive athlete.  I expect Carolina to target the draft’s top LB Edgerrin Cooper with this pick.  Cooper had a breakout 2023 season recording 84 tackles, 17.5 of those going for loss, and 8.0 sacks.  His 4.51 speed absolutely checks out when you watch the film as he flies to the boundary on one play to chase down the RB trying to get to the perimeter, then fires downhill to drop the QB in a hurry for a sack on the next.  Adding Cooper will give some juice up the middle to a pass rush that finished dead last in the NFL in sacks with just 27 a season ago.

40.   Washington Commanders (from Chicago) – Ennis Rakestraw Jr., 5’11”, 183lbs, CB, Missouri, Jr.
04/18/24 – TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa State
03/29/24 – TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa State
02/22/24 – Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky

Washington gave up more passing yards (4,627) than any other team in 2023 and with Kyle Fuller leaving in free agency, the CB position became a huge area of need, even with the selection of Emmanuel Forbes with the 16th pick in last year’s draft.  Unfortunately, Forbes struggled, producing a 121.2 passer rating on passes against him according to Pro Football Focus.  Benjamin St-Juste allowed completions on 63.2% of passes thrown his way per PFF.  Michael Davis was brought in to bring along these youngsters.  However, Dan Quinn needs to add another corner to push Forbes and St-Juste for playing time.  Rakestraw is a physical corner who isn’t afraid to get up on the WR.  He likes to get his hands on the man in front of him and make it hard to get off the line.  He’s able to turn and run with the wide out and doesn’t allow much separation.

41.   Green Bay Packers (from New York Jets) – Zach Frazier, 6’3”, 313lbs, C, West Virginia
04/18/24 – Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
03/29/24 – Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
02/22/24 – Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

The Packers need to put a focus on the OL to ensure that Jordan Love can remain upright in 2024, especially after the group finished with the 3rd fewest number of sacks given up in the league.  I think Rasheed Walker has proven he can take over for the departed David Bakhtiari at LT, which means the focus turns to the center position which needs to be addressed because Pro Football Focus had Josh Myers rated as the 25th-ranked pivot in the league with an overall blocking grade of 54.7.  Zach Frazier was a four-year starter at West Virginia with 46 total starts under his belt, was a two-time All-American and a three-time all-conference selection and gave up just one sack over the last two seasons.  Frazier has tremendous rotational strength and plays with good leverage and flexible hips, which were hallmarks of his high school wrestling career as he was a four-time state champion at heavyweight.  Frazier is also a vocal leader and a three-time team captain, which this group could use now that David Bakhtiari is no longer on the roster.

42.   Houston Texans (from Minnesota) – Michael Hall Jr., 6’3”, 290lbs, DT, Ohio State
04/18/24 – Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
03/29/24 – Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
02/22/24 Minnesota Vikings – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

Houston completely overhauled the DT position through free agency, bringing in Denico Autry, who finished last year with 11.5 sacks to lead the Colts, and Foley Fatukasi to start up front with Tim Settle and Mario Edwards Jr. providing depth.  However, what’s lacking up front, outside of Autry, is some juice to affect the passer from the interior.  Local product Michael Hall Jr. can do just that.  Hall Jr. uses quickness off the ball and good hand work to shoot gaps and get into the backfield in a hurry.  While his sack production dropped from 4.5 to 1.5 over the last two seasons, his 18.2% pass rush win rate was second only to Byron Murphy II according to Pro Football Focus and showed off his athleticism by repeatedly winning as an interior pass rusher at the Senior Bowl.

43.   Atlanta Falcons – Bralen Trice, 6’3”, 245lbs, Edge, Washington
04/18/24 – Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
03/29/24 – Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
02/22/24 – T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

The Falcons finally get an edge rusher to push Arnold Ebiketie and Lorenzo Carter for playing time and Jimmy Lake would be ecstatic to land Trice, whom he coached at UW.  Trice finished his career with 18.0 sacks and 28.5 TFL with the Huskies and while he doesn’t have ideal bend, shows good power, hand work and the speed off the edge to close on the QB.  What may be his biggest asset is his nonstop motor as Trice doesn’t always get home, having only recorded 6.0 sacks in 2023, but his 66 total pressures was the most in the FBS per Pro Football Focus.  I think Trice can push for playing time early.

44.   Las Vegas Raiders – Elijah Jones, 6’1”, 185lbs, CB, Boston College
04/18/24 – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
03/29/24 – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
02/22/24 – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

Amik Robertson signed in Detroit and while Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs show promise and Jakorian Bennett is coming along, they lack a true CB1.  It’s possible the Raiders could land an aggressive, long and athletic playmaker in BC’s Elijah Jones.  The sixth-year senior really came into his own the last two seasons, showing off tremendous ball skills with 7 Int. and 21 PBU during that timeframe.  He’s solid in press coverage with the ability to reroute receivers off the line.  He’s fluid enough to mirror through transitions and has the closing speed to drive on the ball in a hurry to make a play.

45.   New Orleans Saints (from Denver) – Troy Franklin, 6’2”, 176lbs, WR, Oregon, Jr.
04/18/24 – Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
03/29/24 – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
02/22/24 – Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Chris Olave had his second straight 1,000-yard season to begin his career and is primed to be the go-to target for Derek Carr in 2024.  The same can’t be said for Michael Thomas Jr. who, after battling injury and managed to play in just ten games, was let go.  While New Orleans did bring in Cedrick Wilson to team with Rashid Shaheed, neither would be considered a WR2.  Franklin became an impact WR during his sophomore season in 2022 after hauling in 61 passes for 891 yards and 9 scores and quickly developed chemistry with Bo Nix.  In 2023, Franklin was a favorite target for Nix, hauling in 81 passes for a team-leading 1,383 yards, averaging 17.1 yards per reception as a downfield threat, and scored 14 TD, which tied him with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers for 3rd in the FBS.  Franklin is a tall, lean WR who can get vertical in a hurry, as evidenced by the 4.41 40 time he posted at the Combine.  He does a good job beating press coverage at the line and is able to generate early separation and once that happens, he’s able to run away from the defender, whether it’s a vertical route or one that takes him over the middle.  He does a good job stacking corners after beating them vertically and will also use that threat to go deep to his advantage by charging hard up the field on routes that break back to the QB, giving himself plenty of room in front of the DB to make a play on the ball.  When the ball is in the air, Franklin shows the ability to go up and contort his body to turn and haul it in and that 39-inch vertical he displayed at the Combine is proof he is an explosive leaper.  Franklin is also dynamic with the ball in his hands after the catch, setting defenders up and then showing a little wiggle to juke them in the open field.  Expect Franklin to rack up yards after catch at the next level.  Franklin is not the strongest receiver and will struggle with more physical DBs at the next level.  Maybe the biggest concerns with Franklin’s game are his struggles to track the ball over his shoulder down the field at times and the concentration drops, Pro Football Focus charted 9 drops this past season, or a drop rate of 10.5%.  Those hands also pop up when the catch is contested, as PFF also noted he was able to haul in just 6 of 16 contested catches in 2023.  However, Franklin is the classic vertical threat who can stretch the field to open up things for Olave.

46.   Indianapolis Colts – Renardo Green, 6’0”, 186lbs, CB, Florida State
04/18/24 – Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
03/29/24 – Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
02/22/24 – Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas

Rookie Juju Brents played well in 8 games before a season-ending injury and Kenny Moore will be the starter at the nickel, but adding another corner on the outside is a must.  Green does well in press coverage, showing the ability to stick like glue to the wideout off the line.  He does a good job getting his head around to locate the football and has solid ball skills, as evidenced by the 13 pass breakups a season ago that led the ACC and was in the top 10 in the FBS. 

47.   New York Giants – Bo Nix, 6’2”, 214lbs, QB, Oregon
04/18/24 – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
03/29/24 – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
02/22/24 – TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa State

The Giants owe Daniel Jones $40 million this year, but he’s coming off an ACL tear and also battled a neck injury for the second time in two years.  Is Brian Daboll confident enough in Jones that he would return to his 2022 form and is there the confidence that Jones can lead New York to a deep run in the playoffs?  Drew Lock has been brought in as insurance in the event Jones is unable to start the season while Tommy DeVito is considered a solid backup and spot starter at best.  Though not in the 1st Round, it would be wise for Daboll and GM Joe Schoen to target a QB on Day 2 to prep for the future.  There may not be a QB that is more ready to start in the NFL than Bo Nix, who started an FBS record 61 games in his career under center at Auburn and Oregon and finished with 16,965 total yards, the second-highest total in FBS history.  Nix began his career at Auburn and was the 2019 SEC Freshman of the Year but was a career 59.4% passer with the Tigers.  At Oregon, Nix’s career trajectory changed course as he found himself much more comfortable in the Ducks’ wide-open offense.  In his two seasons with the Ducks, Nix completed 70+% of his passes both seasons throwing for 8,101 yards.  He was also able to improve his TD total from 29 to 45 and reduced his Int. count from 7 to just 3.  By the time he was a senior, Nix looked to be in complete command of the offense, and it was often like there was another coach in the field.  His comfort and confidence was apparent in this offense, but can he find that same level of comfort at the next level?  Nix is excellent with his pre-snap recognition.  He does a tremendous job reading the defense, makes protection changes, calls audibles and has a fundamental understanding of exactly where to go with the football, which helps with his play speed.  There were several instances where a free blitzer would be coming off the edge or up the middle and yet Nix was calm and cool in the pocket, understanding where to place the ball behind the blitz.  Nix is so good in the short passing game with a quick compact release to deliver the ball and put it on the WR in a hurry. Pro Football Focus noted that 28.2% of his passes were behind the line of scrimmage and another 39.4% were between 0 and 9 yards, but that was largely due to the quick passing game that Ducks’ OC Will Stein ran.  That doesn’t mean he can’t drive the ball down the field.  In fact, if you watch his deep ball, he has the arm strength to hit his man 50+ yards down the field and the pass is put with the trajectory that allows the receiver to run right through the pass.  Nix’s spatial awareness is on point.  He reads the back end of the defense, is able to quickly identify a safety coming up that allows his WR to be in one-on-one coverage on the outside and depending on the positioning of the defender, will either lead the WR down the field or throw the back shoulder if the receiver is even with the CB.  He does a tremendous job throwing his receivers open, leading them to an opening in the defense and putting the ball in a position to make a play after the catch.  Nix is quite effective layering throws over the LB and in front of the safety with the proper pace to put it on the WR before the defenders have a chance to make a play.  His athleticism is also noticeable on the move as he’s able to make throws with velocity on the move as if he were a shortstop in baseball and can do so with accuracy.  He does a tremendous job extending plays and buying time whether it’s in the pocket or out on the perimeter.  You’ll often see Nix slide to his left or right to avoid a defender, then step up and even move back in the other direction, showing tremendous calm in the pocket.  This is something that Nix has continued to work on throughout his career as he had happy feet way too often in his early days, especially at Auburn, which would get him into trouble.  He also has above-average athleticism when he decides to run it.  Nix had runs over 10 yards in 15 games over the last two seasons.  In fact, he had an 80-yard TD against Stanford in 2022 that showed off his speed.  It was a 1st and 10 play from his own 20 yard like, made a pump fake to his left, then as pressure was coming stepped up and the middle of the field opens up, and he took off, splitting defenders in the process and picking up blocks by his receivers down the field en route to the end zone.  Nix repeatedly proved his effectiveness as a field general, running the two-minute drill to perfection and having orchestrated seven game-winning drives in his career.  Nix can be a bit reckless with his decision making, especially on the move, as he tries to force the ball in to a WR that’s clearly covered up.  Nix does tend to throw high from within the pocket on intermediate passes and will overthrow deep balls when the throws are flat and lack air.  In fact, his accuracy as a whole drop while on the move.  Nix will even throw across his body on the move, which could get himself in trouble at the next level.  I’ll admit, I’ve had to shake off the bias I’ve had about Bo Nix since his days at Auburn.  He’s clearly matured and is a different QB now.

48.   Jacksonville Jaguars (from Seattle) – Keon Coleman, 6’3”, 213lbs, WR, Florida State
04/18/24 – Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
03/29/24 – Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
02/22/24 – Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

If Jacksonville doesn’t select Brian Thomas Jr. in Round One, you can count on the Jags using this pick to add a WR to team with Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk at WR.  History tells us that teams don’t draft a WR who ran a 4.61 40 at the Combine with a top-50 pick.  However, Coleman also had the highest GPS during the gauntlet, displaying his supreme confidence in his hands to pluck the ball out of the air as he accelerated down the line without losing speed.  If the Combine drills cancel each other out, then you have to rely on the film and what you saw was a big, physical WR who plays the position like you’d expect a former basketball player to be.  Coleman began his career with Michigan State where he played in ten games and caught 7 passes as a freshman while also playing in six games on the Spartan basketball team in a reserve role, scoring 5 points and tallying 1 rebound and 3 steals during those games.  Coleman decided to devote all of his time to football in 2022 and he became a favorite target on the outside for QB Payton Thorne, leading MSU in receptions (58), receiving yards (798) and receiving TD (7).  He was one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal before landing with Florida State, where he became a nice one-two punch with Johnny Wilson on the outside for Jordan Travis.  He also led the Seminoles in all three categories in 2023 with 50 catches for 658 yards and 11 TD.  His first game in a Noles uniform came against LSU and he was able to elevate his game, hauling in 9 passes for 122 yards and 3 TD.  His first catch was a 41-yard TD as he was split out wide, ran a slant at about 8 yards verse off coverage.  The corner tried to make a break on the pass and he ran through the tackle, then at about 12 yards, the safety came over and he provided a head-and-shoulder fake to the outside and sidestepped the tackle attempt to the middle of the field and then was able to run away from the secondary to the house.  His second TD was on a fade against 6’2” safety Major Burns who was 10 yards off the ball.  Coleman ate up the cushion, ran a slot fade and was able to go up and highpoint the 50-50 ball over Burns, attacking it like a rebound with his strong hands.  He later showed his ability to get vertical from the outside and at the stem uses his arms to extend into the body of Duce Chestnut to get inside leverage, had a step on the corner and tracked the ball over his shoulder for a 40-yard gain.  Then his final TD was a 10-yard fade to the wide side where he was able to keep his hand on the corner and elevate, adjusting to the ball thrown to the back shoulder, but also doing so with late hands so the corner couldn’t make a play on it.  If that isn’t a statement game to start his career at FSU, I don’t know what is and it perfectly displayed everything Coleman brings to the table.  Coleman is known for his ability to win the 50-50 balls and contested catches down the field.  This is especially seen on fades where Coleman will attack the leverage of the corner and then makes a sudden cut to the outside where he then does a tremendous job locating the ball, shows off the basketball leaping ability and can has tremendous body control to contort his body and adjust to the ball while it’s in the air.  From there, expect Coleman to attack the ball in the air, fighting through the contact of the defender and often offering up some flair by stabbing the ball with one hand.  He does a good job getting physical at the top of his route on stops, comebacks and curls, but he needs to do a better job playing through contact on those throws.  The confidence Coleman showed in his hands in the gauntlet were on display on film as he did not drop a single ball while at FSU.  What is also interesting is for a WR as big as Coleman and as “slow” as he’s said to be given his 4.61 40 time, he also averaged 12.0 yards per punt return this past season and even ripped off returns of 72, 57, 34 yards, showing the ability to make the first defender miss and then the speed to get downhill in a hurry.  His power is also on display as a blocker as he would often block for his fellow WRs and would be on the outside to help spring QB Jordan Traffic on zone reads.  His game is all about playing above the rim, making acrobatic catches.  His game is not about being sudden, so the question will be whether he can truly separate enough to make a play on the ball.

49.   Cincinnati Bengals – Roger Rosengarten, 6’5”, 308lbs, OT, Washington
04/18/24 – Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
03/29/24 – Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
02/22/24 – Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Trent Brown was brought in on a one-year deal to man the RT spot, but I envision the Bengals to target a long-term answer opposite Orlando Brown Jr.  It’s easy to let recency bias take over when evaluating Roger Rosengarten as he struggled with Jaylen Harrell and Braiden McGregor in the National Championship but was actually a cornerstone of the Joe Moore Award-winning OL.  Rosengarten gets out of his stance quickly and is good with his hands in pass protection.  However, it’s his prowess in the running game as he’s incredibly physical, provides a powerful punch in his hands and does a great job keeping his feet moving and finishing his blocks with authority.  Rosengarten has the demeanor Cincy needs up front.

50.   Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans) – Max Melton, 5’11”, 187lbs, CB, Rutgers
04/18/24 – Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
03/29/24 – Roman Wilson, Michigan
02/22/24 – Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson

The Eagles must get younger at the CB position with Darius Slay and James Bradbury over the age of 30 and the latter coming off a down year.  Melton showcased tremendous ball skills for the Scarlet Knights, finishing with 8 Int. and another 22 pass breakups.  He can be physical at the line of scrimmage, has fluid hips to turn and run with the wideout and can mirror his movements throughout the route.  Melton proved to be one of the more athletic CBs at the Combine, running a 4.39 40 and his 40.5-inch vertical leap has been on display when making plays on the ball down the field.  He’s also physical coming downhill in run support.  Melton can immediately challenge Avonte Maddox for playing time at the nickel.

51.   Pittsburgh Steelers – Payton Wilson, 6’4”, 233lbs, LB, NC State
04/18/24 – Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
03/29/24 – Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
02/22/24 – Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

The Steelers brought in Patrick Queen to start at one ILB spot, but Cole Holcomb is working back from injury and Payton Wilson may be just the type of ballhawking LB Pittsburgh would covet.  Wilson, who won the Bednarik and Butkus Awards this past season, makes plays all over the field, using his instincts to trust his eyes and fly to the ball.  Wilson finished his career with the Wolfpack, tallying 402 tackles, 48.0 going for loss, 15.0 sacks, 7 Int. and 13 PBU.  The one thing keeping him from a potential 1st Round selection like Jack Campbell a season before is his injury history.  Wilson suffered two ACL tears and a sustained a major shoulder injury during his career, meaning there are several medical red flags.  However, when healthy, Wilson was arguably the best player on the field.  This past season, Wilson played in 12 games, recording 138 tackles with 17.5 TFL, 6 sacks, 3 Int., one of which was taken back to the house, and 6 PBU.  He then followed it up with a blistering 4.43 40 at the Combine.  If Wilson can stay healthy, and that may be a big if, he has All-Pro potential.  His production feels like he should garner Campbell-like consideration, but the injury history could push him to Day 2 and this could prove to be a steal for the Steelers. 

52.   Los Angeles Rams – Ruke Orhorhoro, 6’4”, 294lbs, DT, Clemson
04/18/24 – Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
03/29/24 – Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
02/22/24 – Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama

It’s not easy to fill the void left by the great Aaron Donald but expect LA to look for a player to step into the role and look for a disruptor up front.  Orhorhoro is a physical specimen at 6’4”, and 294 pounds yet he ran a 4.89 40 at the Combine, has good length with 34-inch arms, yet repped out 225 pounds 29 times.  That blend of power and speed is also seen on the field, where he finished with 12.0 sacks, 25.5 TFL and 9 pass breakups in his Clemson career.  Orhorhoro can anchor and be stout at the point of attack, but also has the athleticism to chase down ball carriers and take away cutback lanes.  He uses his hands well rushing the passer and can be quite physical in his bull rush. 

53.   Philadelphia Eagles – Roman Wilson, 5’11”, 185lbs, WR, Michigan
04/18/24 – Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
03/29/24 – Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
02/22/24 – Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

The Eagles had a dynamic one-two punch at WR with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith each going over the 1,000-yard mark and also combined for 14 TD.  However, production was scarce from the remainder of the WR group as the next three leaders in receiving were TE Dallas Goedert and RBs D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Gainwell.  DeVante Parker was signed, but the 31-year-old has seen his production drop year over year since his only 1,000-yard season in 2019 with the Dolphins.  Parker’s deal was for only one year, so adding another WR who can be a reliable threat in the slot is needed.  Michigan’s run-first offense meant Wilson wasn’t called upon with regularity to be a playmaker, but he was incredibly efficient and productive when his number was called.  Wilson hauled in 40 of his 55 targets with just 1 drop, hauling in 648 yards and was a TD machine, hauling in 11 scores, which meant he was scoring a TD in just under every four touches.  Wilson showed his vertical speed on the outside (he ran a 4.39 40 at the Combine) but was also a sudden route runner and was a weapon in the slot. 

54.   Cleveland Browns – Braden Fiske, 6’4”, 292lbs, DT, Florida State
04/18/24 – Maason Smith, DT, LSU
03/29/24 – Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
02/22/24 – Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan

The Browns could use this pick on a RB as Nick Chubb is working his way back from a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus.  Jerome Ford will likely be the starter, but Cleveland brought in Nyheim Hines and D’Onta Foreman on a pair of one-year deals to compete with Pierre Strong to take the spot vacated by Kareem Hunt.  I think those free agent additions are enough to allow the Browns to pivot to the defensive front.  Cleveland finished with the second fewest rushing yards a season ago and even with Jordan Elliott leaving in free agency, Shelby Harris will take over as a full-time starter next to Dalvin Tomlinson.  Siaki Ika is coming off a foot injury that slowed his development and Quinton Jefferson and Maurice Hurst were signed to one-year deals.  Adding someone like the uber-athletic Braden Fiske would go a long way toward solidifying things up front.  Fiske is such a fun player to watch because he’s always playing like his hair is on fire, maximum effort and a nonstop motor on every play.  After racking up 13.5 sacks and 27.0 TFL in four seasons at Western Michigan, Fiske entered the transfer portal and was one of the most sought-after players before deciding to play at Florida State.  He responded with a career-high 6.0 sacks and 9.0 TFL.  He’s so quick coming off the football that he puts immediate stress on the interior linemen and uses his hands well to get off blocks and get downhill in a hurry.  You also see the athleticism on stunts as he can loop around and arrives at the QB so quickly with that explosive burst.  Speaking of burst, it was definitely on display at the Combine where Fiske ran an eye-popping 4.78 40 and looked very explosive in the drills, showing tremendous bend and the ability to turn the corner in a hurry.

55.   Miami Dolphins – Kris Jenkins, 6’3”, 299lbs, DT, Michigan 
04/18/24 – Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
03/29/24 – Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
02/22/24 – Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson

The Dolphins saw Christian Wilkins leave for the Raiders in free agency and the response has been to replace quality with quantity, as the Fins signed DaShawn Hand, Benito Jones, Neville Gallimore, Jonathan Harris, Isaiah Mack and Daviyon Nixon all to one-year deals this offseason.  While these additions address the short term up front, how many are really expected to remain in Miami beyond the 2024 season?  Adding another D-lineman should be in the cards on Day 2.  Jenkins was listed on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” having performed a Turkish get-up with a 170-pound dumbbell and did pullups with an additional 100 pounds strapped to his 300-pound frame and repped out 225 pounds 30 times at the Combine with 34-inch arms.  Combine that with the 4.91 40 speed he shows in Indy, and you have the makings of a powerful DL.  Jenkins has the strength to hold the point of attack, uses his hands well at the line and has the burst to close on the ball carrier in a hurry.  Jenkins, the son of former Panther and Jet Kris Jenkins who was the 44th overall pick in 2001 and was a two-time All-Pro and a four-time Pro Bowler, has not only the pedigree, but is also the type of athlete needed to play the role vacated by Wilkins.  Jenkins started his career at Michigan at just 257 pounds, so he’s continuing to learn how to play with his frame, but I think his best football is ahead of him.

56.   Dallas Cowboys – Jonathon Brooks, 6’0”, 216lbs, RB, Texas, RS Soph.
04/18/24 – Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
03/29/24 – Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
02/22/24 – Trey Benson, RB, Florida State

2023 saw the departure of an offensive staple for seven years in Ezekiel Elliott, leaving Tony Pollard, who shared time with Elliott the previous four seasons, as the starter and he responded with his first 1,000-yard season and was rewarded in free agency as Tennessee picked him up.  The departure of the organization’s top two backs over the last eight seasons means the team is now down to Rico Dowdle, who served as Pollard’s backup last season, and Deuce Vaughn, who is ready for a bigger role in 2024.  However, the team still lacks a true RB1, and you have to expect Dallas to be looking for a RB on Day 2 and while Trey Benson and Jaylen Wright would garner consideration here, I expect the focus to be fully on Brooks, who was the top RB in the FBS before tearing his ACL against TCU in November.  NBC Sports noted Brooks is ahead of schedule on his rehab and should be ready to go by training camp.  Brooks is a versatile back who can run with speed on the outside, power between the tackles and can make you miss in the open field.  Despite playing in just 11 games, Brooks still racked up 1,139 yards on the ground while averaging 6.1 yards per carry and scored 10 times.  He was also a threat in the passing game, showing soft hands and the ability to make plays after the catch, hauling in 25 passes for 286 yards, an average of 11.4 yards per reception.  Dowdle and Vaughn can carry the load if needed while Brooks gets back to game shape but expect Brooks to be starting early in the season and should make an impact in all facets of the Cowboys’ offense.

57.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cooper Beebe, 6’3”, 322lbs, OG, Kansas State
04/18/24 – Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
03/29/24 – Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
02/22/24 – Kam Kinchens, S, Miami, Fla.

Tampa Bay lost Aaron Stinnie and Nick Leverett to free agency and while Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta were brought in to provide depth, what is lacking is a Day One starter at LG and Beebe would bring some much-needed intensity and physicality to the interior of the Bucs’ O-line.  Beebe started 48 games in his four seasons with the Wildcats and has experience at both OT and OG.  However, he was moved outside out of necessity due to injury and while he held up relatively well for KSU, he lacks the foot speed and length (31 1/2-inch arms) to play OT at the next level.  Beebe is incredibly strong and is so effective as a drive blocker, absolutely manhandling opponents and clearing them out down the field.  He does a great job with kick-out blocks and will cave in the entire left side when needed.  Beebe is a heat-seeking missile pulling around, looking for defenders at the second level to absolutely abuse and run over.  He may not have tremendous foot speed, but he does a good job staying square in pass protection and uses that strength and anchor to hold up against bull rushes.  I fully expect Beebe to insert himself into a starting job early in camp and won’t relinquish it any time soon.

58.   Green Bay Packers – Tyler Nubin, 6’1”, 199lbs, S, Minnesota
04/18/24 – Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
03/29/24 – Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
02/22/24 – Javon Bullard, S, Georgia

The Packers’ secondary will look different next season, especially with Darnell Savage (Jaguars) and Johnathan Owens (Bears) leaving in free agency and Rudy Ford also on his way out.  Xavier McKinney was signed to take over at SS, but the other position is still up in the air.  Green Bay should be on the lookout for a playmaker on the back end, especially considering they finished with just 7 Int. last year, which was good for 31st in the league.  Tyler Nubin was an absolute ballhawk for the Golden Gophers, improving upon his Int. each year at Minnesota and finished his career with a total of 13 picks.  Nubin does such a tremendous job reading the QB’s eyes and drives on the football in a hurry.  Some DBs are fixated on delivering the big hit, but Nubin is attacking the football.  What you can also expect is his ability to play deep safety on one play, then lined up I the box on the next and play downhill against the run.  Nubin teaming with McKinney would give the Packers a solid safety duo on the back end.

59.   Houston Texans – Kamari Lassiter, 5’11”, 186lbs, CB, Georgia, Jr.
04/18/24 – Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
03/29/24 – Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
02/22/24 – Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB, Louisville

Houston has had a need opposite Derek Stingley Jr. at corner and it’s become such a priority that GM Nick Caserio went with low-risk, high-reward options like Jeff Okudah, CJ Henderson, Lonnie Johnson and Mike Ford, all of whom signed one-year deals.  However, will any of these veterans be a long-term option?  I think that, given the strength of the roster, the Texans can use this pick on a corner who can learn from the vets and ultimately become a full-time starter in 2025.  Lassiter was once seen as a potential late 1st Round pick, so landing him at this point in the draft could be a steal.  Lassiter is a pure cover corner who is able to quickly turn and run with the WR, mirrors well and doesn’t give up much ground.  His hips are fluid in his transitions, and you can see the instincts to drive on the pass and can be physical at the catch point.  According to Pro Football Focus, Lassiter gave up just 136 pass yards which was the fewest among CBs with at least 350 coverage snaps and his 38.5% completion percentage given up was 2nd lowest.  Lassiter has managed just 1 Int. and 14 PBU in his three seasons at Georgia, so there are questions about whether he can be a playmaker.  That said, Lassiter can definitely lock down his side of the field.

60.   Buffalo Bills – Cole Bishop, 6’2”, 206lbs, S, Utah. Jr.
04/18/24 – Cole Bishop, S, Utah
03/29/24 – Cole Bishop, S, Utah
02/22/24 – Adisa Isaac, Edge, Penn State

Since 2017, Bills fans could count on Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde holding down the safety spots.  However, that will change in 2024 as Poyer is now in Miami and Hyde is on his way out as well.  Buffalo re-signed Taylor Rapp and Mike Edwards was signed to take the first crack at the starting positions, but an infusion of youth can’t be ruled out.  Cole Bishop has been a staple on Utah’s defense, starting 29 of 35 games for the Utes while patrolling the back end.  He has the range to make plays over the top against the pass, takes the proper angle to wrap up ball carriers trying to get to the perimeter and can get downhill in a hurry while playing in the box to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.  Bishop finished with 197 tackles, 21.5 going for loss, 7.5 sacks, 3 Int., 1 forced fumble and 4 fumble recoveries.  Bishop not only has a nose for the football, but is also very fluid in coverage, which he showcased at the Senior Bowl where he repeatedly locked up TEs and forced incompletions.  Then he showed off tremendous athleticism with a 4.45 40 and a 39-inch vertical leap.  He’s the sleeper in this year’s safety class and has a good chance of starting before the 2024 season is up.

61.   Detroit Lions – Marshawn Kneeland, 6’3”, 267bs, Edge, Western Michigan
04/18/24 – Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan
03/29/24 – Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan
02/22/24 – Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina

Aidan Hutchinson finished the 2023 season tied for 12th in the league with 11.5 sacks but finished tied for 23rd as a team as his total was 28% of the team’s total sack output.  The trio of John Cominsky, Josh Paschal and James Houston IV combined for just 3.0 sacks.  Granted, Paschal missed five games with a knee injury early in the year and Houston IV missed all but two games with an injured ankle.  If we rewind one season, that same group combined for 14.0 sacks with Hutchinson turning in 9.5 in his rookie campaign.  It’s clear that Hutchinson needs help getting pressure on the QB and even with his linemates healthy, another dynamic edge rusher is needed.  Marcus Davenport was signed as a free agent after playing in just four games in Minnesota due to a high ankle sprain, but he’s only managed more than 5.0 sacks just twice in his career.  Marshawn Kneeland is a physical specimen, displaying incredible physicality and power at the point of attack, but also some head-turning change of direction skills.  He’s not afraid to attack the chest of an OT, showing heavy hands to strike and then use his leverage converting speed to power to drive the OT all the way to the QB, then disposing of him to pressure the QB.  Coming off the edge, he does a great job attacking the OT’s hands, using a quick slap and rip to clear and then has the speed to chase down the QB.  Kneeland also uses his length to his advantage, as he’ll extend his 34 ½-inch arms into OTs and walk them back with a powerful long arm before shedding and getting to the QB.  Then there’s his play against the run as Kneeland can chase down ball carriers from the back side in a hurry.  Kneeland is also smart against the pass, showing he can diagnose the quick screen during his rush, plant and get back outside to drop the ball carrier before he could get going.  And the COD skills I mentioned earlier?  His 7.02 three-cone drill and 4.18 short-shuttle times were the fastest of anyone competing on Thursday at the Combine, DL or LB, and would have placed him 4th among the RBs who participated in the drills.  Kneeland also put on a show at the Senior Bowl, repeatedly getting the better of OTs with a blend of power and speed, driving his man into the backfield with a powerful bull rush on one play, then using his speed to get to the QB in a hurry.  Kneeland even had an impressive rep against Taliese Fuaga where he took him up the field past the QB, then showed off an impressive spin move that took him right to the QB.  If you just look at the stats, then 12.0 sacks and 28.5 TFL in a four-year career don’t scream top-64 player, but just put on the film and you’ll understand why teams are excited. 

62.   Baltimore Ravens – Ja’Lynn Polk, 6’1”, 203lbs, WR, Washington, Jr.
04/18/24 – Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
03/29/24 – Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
02/22/24 – Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State

Lamar Jackson finished 2023 by adding an MVP to his collection of accolades, but adding weapons to the mix should still be a priority with Odell Beckham Jr. not expected back. Last year’s 1st Round pick Zay Flowers seems like a keeper after leading the Ravens in receiving with 77 catches for 858 yards.  Nelson Agholor is back on a one-year deal after he finished third in receiving behind only Flowers and TE Mark Andrews.  After that, there are questions as Rashod Bateman played in 16 games last season but was largely underwhelming.  Adding a WR on Day 2 has to be on the radar and Polk had a breakout season as a versatile weapon for Michael Penix Jr.  He stepped up in a big way when Jalen McMillan went down to injury and formed a formidable 1-2 punch with Rome Odunze, finishing with 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and 9 TD.  Polk is a threat to all three levels of the field, but was a legitimate deep ball threat, showing the ability to track it over his shoulder and adjust well to the football. 

63.   San Francisco 49ers – Ricky Pearsall, 6’1”, 189lbs, WR, Florida
04/18/24 – Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
03/29/24 – Javon Baker, WR, UCF
02/22/24 – Zak Zinter, OG, Michigan

Even if Brandon Aiyuk remains a 49er, you can expect San Fran to target a WR in this draft.  Pearsall proved to not only be a precise route runner who can uncover quickly but also displayed some of the best hands at the FBS level.  Who can forget Pearsall’s insane back-handed catch against Charlotte where he ran up the seam and was able to extend his inside arm and catch the back half of the ball with his thumb pointed toward the ground.  Pearsall turned heads with a 4.41 40, a 42-inch vertical leap and 4.05 short shuttle, which placed him third among WRs and showcased his explosiveness coming out of his cuts.  I expect Pearsall’s game to translate well to the next level and should provide an early impact.

64.   Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Paul, 6’7”, 331lbs, OT, Houston
04/18/24 – Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
03/29/24 – Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
02/22/24 – Javon Foster, OT, Missouri

The Chiefs will look to address the OT position at some point during the first two days of the draft.  LT Donovan Smith underachieved and is now a free agent and his replacement Wanya Morris, who has experience on both sides of the ball, is largely unproven.  RT Jawaan Taylor led the league with 24 penalties and his play has yet to justify the large contract he signed before the season began.  Paul has tremendous size and length (36 1/8-inch arms), uses his hands well and has the functional mobility to be effective both in the running game and as a pass protector.