2024 NFL mock draft: Cardinals land Caleb Williams, Brock Bowers goes top five
By Hunter Haas
No. 17: Los Angeles Chargers – Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
The Chargers will likely move on from Khalil Mack next offseason, so Joey Bosa needs a partner in crime for the future. Bralen Trice owns a double-digit sack upside with textbook length and a full arsenal of pass-rushing moves. Trice stays on the west coast in this 2024 NFL mock draft.
No. 18: Pittsburgh Steelers – Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
The Steelers drafted a popular Jr. at the 2023 NFL Draft when they selected Joey Porter Jr. at No. 32 overall. Pittsburgh lands another son of a former Pennsylvania icon, Jeremiah Trotter. Clemson’s star linebacker plays with the same intensity as his pops and could wind up being a better player. Do you feel old yet?
No. 19: Los Angeles Rams – Maason Smith, DL, LSU
Maason Smith missed the entire 2022 season after suffering an injury in Week 1. Looking back at his 2021 tape, the LSU alum fits the part as an early-round prospect. His height can be a deterrent at times if he fails to leverage it correctly, but his long arms and top-tier athleticism make up for it. Aaron Donald and Maason Smith would be unfair.
No. 20: Atlanta Falcons – Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
After sending a white cornerback to the NFL this past draft with Riley Moss, Iowa does it again in this mock draft. Cooper DeJean is the perfect size for a boundary cornerback. He needs to improve his footwork and eliminate wasted motion in coverage, but pairing DeJean with A.J. Terrell is a recipe for success in Atlanta.
No. 21: Jacksonville Jaguars – Kamren Kinchens, DB, Miami
The Jaguars must continue adding talent to make the most of Trevor Lawrence’s rookie contract. Kamren Kinchens is an in-state product that uses spectacular ball skills to force turnovers at a high rate. His six interceptions in 2022 led Miami; Jacksonville will hope Kinchens can do the same as a rookie.
No. 22: Baltimore Ravens – Michael Hall Jr., DL, Ohio State
While I was watching tape on J.T. Tuimoloau, Michael Hall Jr. kept stealing my attention away. He is a little bit leaner than the Ravens traditionally look for in a down lineman, but he is worth deviating from the norm. Hall Jr. uses a red-hot motor to wreck the game as a run defender and pass rusher. He is still developing moves outside of power rushes, giving him untapped potential off the edge.
No. 23: Dallas Cowboys – Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
A small run on players I currently have graded higher than the consensus begins with Ja’Tavion Sanders. The Texas tight end is not an elite athlete, but he is surprisingly refined as a route runner and boasts some of the best hands in the class. Another big year could solidify Sanders as a first-rounder. Jerry Jones cannot resist the temptation in this mock draft.
No. 24: New York Jets – Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Graham Barton is a first-round grade on my current big board, which is a lofty claim at this point of the offseason. Graham Barton is quietly rising in the NFL Draft community, with evaluators citing his versatility, experience, and impeccable technique as the reasons for excitement. The Jets must protect Aaron Rodgers, and Duane Brown is approaching 40.