Are you ready for the NFL Draft?
136. Denver Broncos (from Carolina) – Chigozie Anusiem, 6’1”, 200lbs, CB, Colorado State
04/18/24 – Chigozie Anusiem, CB, Colorado State
02/22/24 Cleveland – Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State
Denver needs depth at CB and someone to emerge opposite Pat Surtain II. Anusiem began his career at Cal but transferred to Colorado State and ended with 11 pass breakups and 1 Int. over 23 games with the Rams. He then impressed at the East-West Shrine Game and ran a 4.39 40 at CSU’s Pro Day.
137. New England Patriots – Chau Smith-Wade, 5’10”, 184lbs, CB, Washington State
04/18/24 – Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State
02/22/24 – Javon Solomon, Edge, Troy
Cornerback is a definite need as only Christian Gonzalez, Marcus Jones and Isaiah Bolden are under contract beyond this season. Jonathan Jones is now 30 years of age and will be starting opposite Gonzalez but expect the Pats to target a corner who can push him for playing time. Smith-Wade is a very athletic corner who excels in press coverage and could come off the board much earlier, but I think he could be a good fit for the Patriots.
138. Arizona Cardinals – Sataoa Laumea, 6’4”, 319lbs, OG, Utah
04/18/24 – Travis Glover, OT, Georgia State
02/22/24 – Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
The Cardinals finished second in the NFL, averaging 5 yards per carry last season. Paris Johnson Jr. is likely moving to LT, allowing Jonah Williams, who was signed in free agency to take on the RT spot. Will Hernandez earned a nice salary bump this offseason and center Hjalte Froholdt was the top-ranked OL on the team in the run game per Pro Football Focus. The uncertainty surrounds the LG position as Elijah Wilkinson shared the starting role with Trystan Colon in 2023 and the two will be competing for the starting LG spot in 2024, but they both signed one-year deals and the Cards could do better via the draft. Laumea struggled with speed at RT with the Utes, but he projects as an OG at the next level. He can take advantage of his strength and power at the point of attack to generate movement in the running game and the ability to anchor as a pass protector. Laumea could push for early playing time in 2024.
139. Washington Commanders – Tyrice Knight, 6’0”, 233lbs, LB, UTEP
04/18/24 – Tyrice Knight, LB, UTEP
02/22/24 – Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State
Washington continues to add to a LB room that has already seen Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Mykal Walker and Anthony Pittman join the group. However, starting WILL Jamin Davis is in the final year of his contract so the Commanders could be looking for a high-end developmental LB to bring in as insurance. Knight has a tremendous feel for the game, diagnoses plays early and flows quickly to the football. He had a banner senior season for the Miners, finishing with 140 tackles, 15.5 going for loss, with 4.5 sacks and 7 pass breakups showing off his range in coverage.
140. Los Angeles Chargers – Khristian Boyd, 6’2”, 320lbs, DT, Northern Iowa
04/18/24 – Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa
02/22/24 – Jared Wiley, TE. TCU
The Chargers will be looking to revamp both sides of the ball by getting more physical and adding a DT like Boyd would be a wise move. Boyd showed off his power and explosiveness at the East-West Shrine Game, repeatedly manhandling the IOL lining up in front of him, driving him into the backfield at will. He not only used his tremendous strength with his bull rush, but also had a nice push-pull to dispose of the OG on one rep.
141. Carolina Panthers (from New York Giants) – Kitan Oladapo, 6’2”, 216lbs, S, Oregon State
04/18/24 – Kitan Oladapo, S, Oregon State
02/22/24 – Javien Cohen, OG, Miami, Fla.
Jordan Fuller and Nick Scott were both signed to take over the free safety spot opposite Xavier Woods, but none of them will be under contract beyond this season. I can see Carolina drafting another safety to round out depth at the position with Jammie Robinson and who could potentially take over a starting spot as early as next year. Kitan Oladapo was a team captain for the Beavers and was a versatile piece on the back end of their defense, playing both in the box, racking up 15.0 TFL and 6.5 sacks in his career, and on the back end showing off his ball skills, as evidenced by his 3 Int. and 23 PBU.
142. Carolina Panthers (from Tennessee) – Isaac Guerendo, 6’0”, 221lbs, RB, Louisville
04/18/24 - Isaac Guerendo, RB, Lousiville
02/22/24 – Beaux Limmer, C, Arkansas
Carolina has Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders in the backfield who combined for over 1,300 yards on the ground. However, what’s lacking is a bruising running back and Guerendo is a big-bodied RB who has the power between the tackles. However, he proved he also has surprising breakaway speed for a guy his size running a 4.33 40 at the Combine.
143. Atlanta Falcons – Jalen Coker, 6'1", 208lbs, WR, Holy Cross
04/18/24 – Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois
02/22/24 – Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
The Falcons may target another WR in the draft on Day 3 and Coker is a dynamic athlete who does a tremendous job attacking the football and making plays after the catch. This past season, Coker racked up 1,056 yards and 15 TD. He does a great job as a route runner, uses his hands to clear himself at the top of the route and can separate late. Coker has tremendous leaping ability with a 42.5-inch vertical leap to win 50-50 balls and is tremendous attacking the ball in the air.
144. Buffalo Bills (from Chicago) – Brennan Jackson, 6’4”, 264lbs, Edge, Washington State
04/18/24 - Brennan Jackson, Edge, Washington State
02/22/24 Chicago – Tahj Washington, WR, USC
The Bills need to add pass rush help to the roster for the 2024 season. Last year’s sack leader Leonard Floyd is no longer on the roster while AJ Epenesa and Gregory Rousseau combined for 11.5 sacks. Von Miller played in just 12 games after the ACL tear that cut short his 2022 season and failed to record a single sack. Casey Toohill was added to the roster after a career-high 5.0 sacks with Washington last year. Jackson would round out this group by bringing some physicality while bending the edge to get after the QB.
145. Denver Broncos (from New York Jets) – Gabe Hall, 6’6”, 291lbs, DE, Baylor
04/18/24 – Gabe Hall, DE, Baylor
02/22/24 – Tory Taylor, P, Iowa
Zach Allen is back at DE after having a career year with 5.0 sacks in 2023, but he’s going to need help. Malcolm Roach was signed but is more of a depth piece, having started just five times in four seasons. Gabe Hall is an intriguing prospect who racked up 11.5 sacks in his final three seasons at Baylor. He uses his length and quick hands to win coming off the edge and has the athleticism to get early penetration. Hall had an impressive Senior Bowl, especially in the one-on-ones where he was able to win in a variety of ways, showcasing both power and quickness to win at the line.
146. Tennessee Titans (from Minnesota) – Jarvis Brownlee Jr., 5’10”, 194lbs, CB, Louisville
04/18/24 – Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB, Louisville
02/22/24 – Ty’Ron Hopper, LB, Missouri
Tennessee has two new starting CBs in L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie, along with Caleb Farley as the third corner and Roger McCreary at nickel. To round out the group the Titans can select Brownlee, who is a fiery and aggressive corner who can play both on the outside and in the slot.
147. Denver Broncos – Tanner McLachlan, 6’5”, 244lbs, TE, Arizona
04/18/24 – Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona
02/22/24 – Johnny Dixon, CB, Penn State
Denver didn’t get much production from the TE position in the passing game outside of Adam Trautman, whose 22 receptions were 6th on the team last year, especially with Greg Dulcich being limited to just two games. The Broncos can add McLachlan, who isn’t much of a route runner, but was a dependable target for Arizona QBs Noah Fifita and Jayden de Laura and has the speed (4.61 40 at the Combine) to make plays after the catch.
148. Las Vegas Raiders – Jamari Thrash, 6’0”, 188lbs, WR, Louisville
04/18/24 – Jamari Thrash, WR, Louisville
02/22/24 – Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Thrash transferred to Louisville after finishing with over 1,100 receiving yards in his final season at Georgia State. He proved he could hold up against Power Five opponents with 858 receiving yards and 6 TD in 2023 with the Cardinals. Thrash is sudden and explosive off the line. is a precise route runner, showing he can sink his hips and drive out of his breaks and will attack the ball in the air with his hands. Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers were a formidable duo combining for 174 receptions for nearly 2,000 yards. However, the next WR on the receptions list, all the way down at No. 6 with 24 receptions, was Hunter Renfrow, who was released in a cost-cutting move. Tre Tucker will be thrusted into a more prominent role, but depth is a major concern.
149. Cincinnati Bengals – Beaux Limmer, 6’5”, 302lbs, C, Arkansas
04/18/24 – Mason McCormick, OG, South Dakota State
02/22/24 – Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
The Bengals will likely add depth to OL especially with centers Ted Karras and Trey Hill along with the versatile Jackson Carman all entering the final year of their deals. Limmer is physical at the point of the attack, anchors well and is versatile, having played both guard and center for the Razorbacks. He would be a good reserve IOL and could take on a more prominent role in 2025.
150. New Orleans Saints – Leonard Taylor III, 6’3”, 303lbs, DT, Miami, Fla., Jr.
04/18/24 – Leonard Taylor III DT, Miami, Fla.
02/22/24 – Isaiah Adams, OG, Illinois
The Saints added Bryan Bresee as a 1st Round pick last year and while he didn’t start a game, led the DT room in sacks with 4.5 while Nathan Shepherd added another 3.5, leaving Khalen Saunders to handle the dirty work taking up space. There is really no depth behind the trio, so New Orleans must add another DT through the draft. Expectations were high for Taylor III heading into the 2023 season, but after a relatively disappointing season, I’m expecting his draft stock to take a bit of a hit. He has tremendous quickness off the ball that allows him to win early and get penetration into the backfield. However, if his initial move is stifled or he gets knocked off balance, he’s largely ineffective. Taylor III is a developmental prospect with a lot of upside due to his physical talents and if the Saints can tap into that raw potential, he could be a better pro than what he showed with the Canes.
151. Indianapolis Colts – Tykee Smith, 5’10”, 202lbs, S, Georgia
04/18/24 – Tykee Smith, S, Georgia
02/22/24 – Tykee Smith, S, Georgia
The Colts re-signed Julian Blackmon, but there are questions about who will be lined up next to him, even with Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II on the roster. It would behoove the Colts to target a safety to provide competition. Smith is a versatile piece in the secondary as he can play both safety and the nickel, offering up good cover skills and the ability to cover ground on the back end. Smith is also quite effective playing in the box in run support.
152. Washington Commanders (from Seattle) – Caeden Wallace, 6’5”, 314lbs, OT, Penn State
04/18/24 – Caeden Wallace, OT, Penn State
02/22/24 Seattle – Hunter Nourzad, C, Penn State
Even if the Commanders use an early draft pick on a future LT, you can expect them to double up on the OT position as they can use an RT to challenge Andrew Wylie who struggled last season. Wallace started 40 games with the Nittany Lions, all at RT, and has good technique, hand placement and footwork.
153. Jacksonville Jaguars – Braiden McGregor, 6’5”, 257lbs, Edge, Michigan
04/18/24 – Braiden McGregor, Edge, Michigan
02/22/24 – Sataoa Laumea, OG, Utah
The Jaguars have a pair of studs rushing the QB in Josh Allen and Travon Walker, who combined for 27.5 sacks last season. However, depth is a definite concern. McGregor has good size and length coming off the edge and really uses his length to his advantage. He’s not overly twitchy and doesn’t have tremendous power, so he’ll need to add play strength to be more effective, but his motor is always running and he may have had his best games of the season in his final three games against Iowa, Alabama and Washington, showing he could put consistent pressure on the QB and even dropped Bama QB Jalen Milroe twice in the CFP Playoff Semifinal.
154. Los Angeles Rams – Dylan Laube, 5’10”, 206lbs, RB, New Hampshire
04/18/24 – Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
02/22/24 – Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
The Rams found themselves a 1,000-yard back in former 5th Round pick Kyren Williams. However, there was little depth behind him as LA found themselves bringing in the likes of Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson to get carries. Laube was effective both on the ground and through the air for the New Hampshire Wildcats, racking up 1,205 yards and 15 TD on the ground in 2022 and hauled in an impressive 169 passes in his career, including 68 this past season.
155. Los Angeles Rams (from Pittsburgh) – Travis Glover, 6’5”, 327lbs, OT, Georgia State
04/18/24 – Kalen King, CB, Penn State
02/22/24 – Frank Gore Jr., RB, Southern Mississippi
Alaric Jackson was solid at LT but he and his backup Joseph Noteboom are both in the final year of their deals. I expect the Rams to target a swing tackle with enough upside to potentially take over the starting spot in 2025. Glover started his career at LG and was a three-year starter at LT who possesses good strength and power both in the running game and in pass protection. Once he gets his hand on the defender, his grip strength takes over and he’s able to redirect and dominate the man in front of him.
156. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia) – Jacob Cowing, 5’8”, 168lbs, WR, Arizona
04/18/24 – Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
02/22/24 – Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame
The Browns need to get consistent play from the WR position and they’re hoping the addition of Jerry Jeudy to a group that includes Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore will do just that. I think they can add another weapon in the slot. Cowing developed quite the career at UTEP and Arizona as a sudden playmaker in the slot. He finished his career with 316 receptions for 4,477 yards and 33 TD. Cowing is at his best putting stress on a defense with his route running, stretching defenses both horizontally and vertically. I think Cowing would give the Jets a weapon in the slot to complement Wilson and Williams on the outside.
157. Minnesota Vikings (from Cleveland) – Christian Mahogany, 6’3”, 314lbs, OG, Boston College
04/18/24 – Christian Mahogany, OG, Boston College
02/22/24 – James Williams, S, Miami, Fla.
Minnesota should be looking to add an OG to challenge Blake Brandel for the staring LG spot now that Dalton Risner is no longer on the roster. Mahogany is a big and powerful interior lineman who started 32 games for BC. He did miss the 2022 season due to an ACL tear and he seemed to still be recovering from the injury as his lateral movement didn’t look to be back. However, he is heavy-handed and can absolutely wipe out defenders on the perimeter while pulling.
158. Miami Dolphins – Xavier Thomas, 6’2”, 244lbs, Edge, Clemson
04/18/24 – Myles Cole, Edge, Texas Tech
02/22/24 – Nelson Ceaser, Edge, Houston
Bradley Chubb and Jaelen Phillips are recovering from ACL and Achilles tears respectively and while Shaquil Barrett was brought in to add depth, there is still concern that the Dolphins will need to add another edge rusher in the event Chubb or Phillips aren’t able to make it back to start the season. Xavier Thomas is an explosive edge rusher who can bring some juice getting after the passer. Finishing with 18.0 sacks at Clemson, but the medical red flags drop him to the middle of Day 3. If Thomas gave a glimpse of the athlete he can be, when healthy, putting on a show at the Combine. The big question really is if he can stay healthy.
159. Kansas City Chiefs (from Dallas) – Nathan Thomas, 6’5”, 332lbs, OT/OG, Louisiana
04/18/24 – Nathan Thomas, OT/OG, Louisiana
02/22/24 – Brennan Jackson, Edge, Washington
KC has some decisions to make along the interior of the OL. While it’s expected that Creed Humphrey will be re-signed after his deal is up at the end of the season, but Trey Smith is also a free agent in 2025. Then there’s Joe Thuney, who is coming off an injury in 2023 and is now 33 years of age. The Chiefs could save $16 million with $10 million in dead cap, according to spotrac.com, if he’s released. Even if he’s retained for the 2024 season, adding depth pieces is critical. Nathan Thomas played OT for the Ragin Cajuns, but I expect a move inside as his footwork in pass protection isn’t nearly on par with his ability to be an effective run blocker. Thomas is a sleeper who could be a starter at OG at the next level.
160. Buffalo Bills (from Green Bay) – Hunter Nourzad, 6’3”, 317lbs, C, Penn State
04/18/24 – Matt Goncalves, OT, Pittsburgh
02/22/24 – Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU
Buffalo’s OL gave up the fewest sacks in the league a season ago, so while there is confidence in the unit for the 2024 season, depth is a concern. Mitch Morse is gone and Connor McGovern is sliding over from OG to the pivot, but I think we can expect the Bills to draft another center to provide competition. Nourzad is a four-year starter for Cornell and then Penn State, lining up at OT, OG and center, where he started 13 games for the Nittany Lions in 2023. Nourzad is athletic, showing the ability to get to reach blocks quickly and is effective as a lead blocker when pulling around. He can also mirror DTs in pass protection. Expect Nourzad to struggle with his anchor until he gets stronger, but he has the potential to be a solid starter at the next level.
161. Philadelphia Eagles (from Tampa Bay) – Nathaniel “Bookie” Watson, 6’2”, 233lbs, LB, Mississippi State
04/18/24 – Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
02/22/24 – Brandon Coleman, OG, TCU
Nakobe Dean is locked in as a starter at ILB, but Devin White, who was brought in on a one-year deal, needs to prove he can take hold of the other starting spot. Expect the Eagles to target a depth piece who can push for playing time. Watson has good size and length and plays with a level of physicality for the Eagles. He led the SEC with 137 tackles and racked up 10.0 sacks, showing a knack to get after the QB. He’s a bit stiff in coverage, which is why he’s not coming off the board any sooner.
162. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston) – Ty’Ron Hopper, 6’2”, 231lbs, LB, Missouri
04/18/24 – Ty’Ron Hopper, LB, Missouri
02/22/24 – Cedric Johnson, Edge, Mississippi
The Cardinals brought in Mack Wilson to compete with Krys Barnes and Kyzir White for playing time at ILB, but with Barnes and White entering a contract year, another LB to compete for playing time should be expected. Hopper was a leader for Missouri after transferring in from Florida prior to the 2022 season. He showed the range to make plays outside the numbers on one play, then fill gaps downhill on the next, though he can be a step slow in both areas at times. Hopper can also produce in coverage, showing the ability to drive on the pass quickly to drop the receiver in the open field without allowing any yards after catch.
163. Buffalo Bills – Dwight McGlothern, 6’2”, 185lbs, CB, Arkansas
04/18/24 – Dwight McGlothern, CB, Arkansas
02/22/24 – Josh Newton, CB, TCU
Buffalo entered the 2023 season with Tre’Davious White and Dane Jackson starting at corner, but with both of them gone, the question will be who’s going into training camp atop the depth chart at CB? The trade for Rasul Douglas midseason last year was solid and we can expect him to take one spot, but with Kaiir Elam having a slow start to his NFL career, including missing most of the 2023 season with an ankle injury, Christian Benford is the likely candidate to start after recording 2 Int. and a team-high 10 PBU this past season. Depth is still a concern, so taking a corner with this pick seems like the right play. McGlothern has good size for the CB position and has decent speed, having run a 4.47 40. He’s also exhibited strong ball skills with 8 Int. and 23 PBU in his career at LSU and Arkansas. He excels in zone coverage which, according to Pro Football Focus, Buffalo ran 70% of the time in 2023, making him an interesting fit.
164. Detroit Lions – Beau Brade, 6’0”, 203lbs, S, Maryland
04/18/24 – Beau Brade, S, Maryland
02/22/24 – Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn
The Lions have Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu starting at safety with Brian Branch at the nickel but expect Detroit to target another depth piece on the back end of the defense. Brade is a physical defender who is capable of playing in the box and will make plays behind the line of scrimmage, as evidenced by his 9.5 career TFL. He can also line up as a dual safety and offers up good ball skills. He may never be a starter, but he could stick with this group as a third safety.
165. Baltimore Ravens – Trevor Keegan, 6’5”, 310lbs, OG, Michigan
04/18/24 – Trevor Keegan, OG, Michigan
02/22/24 – Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest
John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler are gone, meaning the interior of the OL will look very different in Baltimore in 2024. Ben Cleveland and Andrew Vorhees will get the first crack as starters, but I’d expect the Ravens to draft for depth. Keegan started 37 games for Michigan, was a part of three teams that went to the College Football Playoffs and was a part of the Joe Moore Award-winning OL. Keegan is physical at the point of attack, has good leg drive in the run game and holds up in pass protection.
166. New York Giants (from San Francisco) – Jaylon Carlies, 6’3”, 227lbs, S, Missouri
04/18/24 – Jaylon Carlies, S, Missouri
02/22/24 Carolina – Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State
The Giants need to add a safety to challenge Jalen Mills and Jason Pinnock for starting time. Carlies is a big, physical safety who showed off range on the back end of Mizzou’s defense. Carlies finished with 220 tackles, 11.5 for loss including at least 4 TFL in each of the last two seasons, but also has solid ball skills, having racked up 9 Int. and another 9 PBU in his career with the Tigers.
167. Minnesota Vikings (from Kansas City) – Tahj Washington, 5’10”, 178lbs, WR, USC
04/18/24 – Tahj Washington, WR, USC
02/22/24 – Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
Minnesota lost KJ Osborn to free agency and while Trent Sherfield could fill that role Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are going to need more help in the WR room. Addison knows Washington well, having played with him at USC during the 2022 season. Washington became a go-to weapon for Caleb Williams because of his reliability and playmaking ability. He racked up a 1,000-yard season in his final year with the Trojans, showing a knack for getting open with crisp route running and always seemed to have a knack for getting behind the defense. Washington has good body control and even better hands. He was also the leader of the WR room at SC, so the Vikings will be getting a high character player.
168. New Orleans Saints (compensatory selection) – Dallin Holker, 6’3”, 241lbs, TE, Colorado State, Jr.
04/18/24 – Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State
02/22/24 – Delmar Glaze, OT, Maryland
The Saints have Juwan Johnson as their starting TE, and he appeared to hit his stride down the stretch last season. Foster Moreau brought physicality to the position. However, New Orleans could use another pass catcher in the group and the 24-year-old Holker had a breakout 2023 season at Colorado State, hauling in 64 passes for 767 yards and 6 TD and was always a threat down the field.
169. Green Bay Packers (compensatory selection) –Tory Taylor, 6’4”, 223lbs, P, Iowa
04/18/24 – Tory Taylor, P, Iowa
02/22/24 – Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington
Daniel Whelan finished 25th in the league averaging just 46.2 yards per punt and his 39.7 net yards per punt finished dead last in the league. Expect the Packers to target a punter in this draft and why not go after the Iowa cult hero that is Tory Taylor with this pick. Taylor, the reining Ray Guy Award winner for the nation’s top collegiate punter, was Iowa’s best weapon on offense as he was able to flip the field in an instant, pinning offenses deep and having to face one of the top FBS defenses backed up deep in their own zone. Taylor ended the season with a staggering 93 punts, which was a sign of just how poor the Hawkeye offense was. His 4,479 yards were 896 yards more than the next closest punter. He even finished 4th with 48.2 yards per punt.
170. New Orleans Saints (compensatory selection) – Kalen King, 5’11”, 191lbs, CB, Penn State, Jr.
04/18/24 – Fabian Lovett Sr., DT, Florida State
02/22/24 – Keith Randolph Jr., DT, Illinois
The Saints have Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo locked in as starters on the outside with Alontae Taylor manning the NB spot. However, we can expect the Saints to go after another corner and in King they could also land a DB who could also push Jordan Howden for playing time at FS. King’s struggles at the Senior Bowl brought about cause for concern, which sent his draft stock plummeting. However, if he can return to his 2022 form where he picked off 3 passes and broke up another 18, nabbing him at this point in the draft may end up being a steal.
171. Philadelphia Eagles (compensatory selection) – Isaiah Adams, 6’4”, 315lbs, OT/OG, Illinois
04/18/24 – Isaiah Adams, OT/OG, Illinois
02/22/24 – Xavier Thomas, Edge, Clemson
Jason Kelce’s retirement likely means Cam Jurgens is moving over from RG to the pivot, opening a hole that right now is being filled by Tyler Steen. However, Philly will target an OG in the draft to compete for playing time. Adams started his career at Illinois at OG, but was moved to RT in 2023 and after struggling with speed on the outside, it was clear that he’ll move back inside at the next level. He’s strong and has good hand placement and leg drive to be a successful drive blocker and also has the athleticism to get out and pull on the outside. Adams’ athleticism will also work well in pass protection on the inside.
172. Philadelphia Eagles (compensatory selection) – Tyrone Tracy Jr., 5’11”, 209lbs, RB, Purdue
04/18/24 – Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue
02/22/24 – Jha’Quan Jackson, WR, Tulane
The Eagles have a clear lead back in Saquon Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell has been effective both on the ground and through the air. I expect Philly to target another RB at some point in the draft. Tracy Jr. began his career as a WR at Iowa, but transitioned to the RB position during his time at Purdue. He still has the WR instincts as a receiver with the route running and exceptional hands while developing into a solid back. Tracy Jr. ran a 4.42 40 and showed off a 40-inch vertical leap, so explosiveness is definitely not a question with him.
173. Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory selection) – Kimani Vidal, 5’8”, 213lbs, RB, Troy
04/18/24 – Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy
02/22/24 – Layden Robinson, OG, Texas A&M
Isiah Pacheco has really emerged as KC’s lead back, but Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s effectiveness was questionable. I think the Chiefs will look for another RB to push CEH for playing time. Vidal was the Sun Belt Player of the Year after finishing second in the FBS with 1,661 yards on the ground. In his four years with the Trojans, Vidal finished with over 4,000 yards and 33 TD on the ground and showed he can be a three-down back with 92 career receptions. Vidal is also quite the pass blocker, meaning he has a chance to stay on the field on third downs.
174. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory selection) – Michael Pratt, 6’2”, 217lbs. QB, Tulane
04/18/24 – Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
02/22/24 – Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, WR, Georgia
Dak Prescott is again having to recover from another early exit from the playoffs. Cooper Rush is his current backup and while he’s done an admirable job filling in when needed, I think Dallas can do better. Now, the Cowboys did trade for Trey Lance, but it’s clear he’s fallen out of favor in the league. If Dallas decides they want to add another young QB to the roster, Pratt has some intriguing tools to consider on Day 3.
175. New Orleans Saints (compensatory selection) – Myles Cole, 6’6”, 278lbs, Edge, Texas Tech
04/18/24 – Xavier Thomas, DE, Clemson
02/22/24 – Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE, Minnesota
The Saints have invested quite a bit in the DE position. The trio of Carl Granderson, Cameron Jordan and Tanoh Kpassagnon finished the 2023 season with 14.0 sacks, led by Granderson’s 8.5 sacks, but last year’s 2nd round pick Isaiah Foskey played in just 10 games and failed to register a sack while former 1st Round pick Payton Turner played in just 2 games and should be considered a bust. Cole is still very raw despite playing six seasons at ULM and Texas Tech, but his potential is intriguing in the event an NFL coaching staff can bring it out. He has a quick burst off the ball and ran an impressive 4.67 40 time at the Combine at 6’6” and 278 pounds. Cole is incredibly long with a 7-foot 3-inch wingspan. I think he starts his career as a standup rush end, but because of his size could add strength to eventually line up as a five-technique.
176. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory selection) – Jordan Magee, 6’1”, 228lbs, LB, Temple
04/18/24 – Jordan Magee, LB, Temple
02/22/24 – Braiden McGregor, Edge, Michigan
The 49er defense was among the league’s best in 2023 and a big reason for that was the LB play of Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. Losing Greenlaw to the Achilles tear in the Super Bowl likely means he won’t be ready to go when the season begins. De’Vondre Campbell was released by Green Bay this offseason and San Fran signed him to a one-year deal, but the 30-year-old LB has been hit with injuries that have kept him from playing a full season in his last two years with the Packers, so there are questions about his health going forward. Magee seems to fit the type of versatile LB that would fit well with what John Lunch is looking for on defense. He is an underrated LB who has the ability to play behind the line of scrimmage (31.0 TFL, 8.0 sacks in his career) and can drop into coverage and make a play on the football (1 Int, 10 PBU).
2024 NFL Draft: Fifth Round
Mock Draft and Analysis By: Gregg Schutze
as of April 24, 2024