2024 NFL Mock Draft: Cardinals tank for Caleb Williams, Drake Maye heads to Tampa
By Hunter Haas
The Cardinals Get A Building Block For The Defense, Too
2. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) – Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Cardinals could pair Williams with Marvin Harrison Jr., but I suspect Jonathan Gannon wants a blue-chip player for his defense. Jared Verse fits the bill, as the explosive pass rusher is a headache to block off the edge. He would be the top defender in that front seven immediately.
3. Indianapolis Colts – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Speaking of MHJ, the Colts cannot resist the temptation at No. 3 overall in this mock draft. After employing his Hall of Fame father for 13 seasons, Indy gets the same opportunity with the 6-foot-4, 200+ pound wideout who boasts the same flawless route running as his old man.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
In all likelihood, Drake Maye will come off the board at No. 2. But in this mock draft, without predicting trades, he is still available for the Buccaneers at fourth overall. Maye gets lost in the shuffle with Williams dominating headlines, but the UNC signal-caller has the size, arm talent, and running ability to be a franchise cornerstone.
5. Las Vegas Raiders – Olu Fashanu, OL, Penn State
The Raiders have holes all over the defense, but a potential franchise centerpiece on the offensive line is too enticing to pass up. Olu Fashanu is only 20 years old, but his size, athletic profile, and improving technique make him an immediate starter anywhere on the offensive line.
6. Washington Commanders – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Insert the Paul Rudd meme here. Who thought J.J. McCarthy would be a top-10 pick entering the year? Certainly not me. But here we are. The Michigan signal-caller has shown a well-rounded game in 2023 as the coaching staff allows him to use elite arm talent to make plays out of structure. McCarthy is a riser and would be a plug-and-play option in D.C.
7. Los Angeles Rams – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Rams defense is not what it once was. Since trading away Jalen Ramsey, the cornerback room is begging for a pillar to build around. Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry is that guy. The Crimson Tide defender is as good as it gets in press coverage, and his knack for finding the football is rare.