NFL Mock Draft: Broncos land Drake Maye, Cardinals build around Kyler Murray
By Hunter Haas
No. 29: Philadelphia Eagles — Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Laiatu Latu is a talented pass rusher who excels at making his assignments look silly. From a pure talent standpoint, Latu is one of the twenty best players in the 2024 NFL Draft class. His previous injuries, including a medical retirement while attending Washington, will continue to cloud his projection.
If any team is willing to bet on upside and look past potential off-field concerns, it is the Philadelphia Eagles. Latu is a consummate professional and would go down as yet another steal for general manager Howie Roseman. Don’t be surprised if the UCLA star goes much higher than this in April, assuming his medicals are clean.
No. 30: Miami Dolphins — Kamren Kinchens, DB, Miami
The Dolphins return to the first round of the NFL Draft in 2024 after sitting out Day 1 at the past two events. More offensive line help would make sense, but local product Kamren Kinchens is the selection in this mock draft. Kinchens can play either safety spot in the NFL, although he profiles best in a role that allows him to utilize his elite ball skills. In this instance, Miami takes the best player available and will figure out the rest later.
No. 31: San Francisco 49ers — Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The Niners are a well-oiled machine with no sign of slowing up. To maintain their high level of play, the front office must address the offensive line, specifically on the interior. Graham Barton is a position-less lineman capable of lining up at tackle, guard, or even center. His track record of steady play allows San Fran to address a need while also swinging for a high-upside player.
The Chiefs End Our Mock Draft With A High-Upside Lineman
No. 32: Kansas City Chiefs — Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Amarius Mims suffered an injury that will require surgery and keep him on the shelf for the next month or so. Before the injury, Mims was trending toward being a middle-of-Day-1 draft pick. But, in this mock draft, it forced the Georgia star down the board.
But fear not. There are far worse outcomes than landing with the Kansas City Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes is the best in the business, but it will require better play from his offensive tackles to keep the injury bug away. Jawaan Taylor and Donovan Smith are serviceable, but you wouldn’t protect your prized investment with “decent at best” options, would you?
Mims has decade-long potential as a starter. He can clean up his footwork in passing-down sets and his balance as a run blocker, but that is stuff that can be taught. One thing you cannot teach is being 6-foot-7 and weighing 340 pounds. The Bulldog standout is a worthwhile flyer this late in the mock draft.
