Mock Draft 3.0: Top 6 quarterbacks go in top 16; Super Bowl champs snag new weapon, 49ers add edge
By Cody Spears
No. 13: Las Vegas Raiders - Taliese Fuaga, OT/OG, Oregon State
The Raiders have fewer holes on their starting roster than you'd anticipate. However, they could use some fresh talent at both the offensive line and cornerback, as well as a defensive tackle. Fuaga had a great Senior Bowl, catapulting his name into top-20 consideration. His versatility is welcomed to either left guard or right tackle.
No. 14: New Orleans Saints - J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama
The Saints typically invest a premium into the trenches, but it didn't look like it on offense last year. Versatile Andrus Peat will hit free agency. A right tackle, Latham could kick inside at either guard spot and excel.
No. 15: Indianapolis Colts - Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
No way, no how should Odunze be available here, but after talking about knowing how to build around quarterback Anthony Richardson, the Colts swipe up this value pick. Odunze significantly impacts this team with or without pending free agent Michale Pittman while sending cardio club member Alec Pierce to the bench.
No.16: Seattle Seahawks - Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington
The NFL learned the hard way about the importance of quarterbacks, even just as a future piece sitting in the wings. Without the medical history baked into his draft price, Penix Jr would be the fourth quarterback in the class at worst. Now, he is reunited with his coordinator from Washington last year in Seattle's recent hire, Ryan Grubb.
No.17: Jacksonville Jaguars - Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Jaguars have an all-pro caliber edge player in Josh Allen with an expiring contract, and he'll command whatever he wants from the Jaguars. Jacksonville will need an edge rusher to bookend with him and will take the twitchy Turner from Alabama.
No. 18: Cincinnati Bengals - Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Murphy II will rocket up draft boards after he works out at the NFL Scouting Combine. They could address their offensive line, and they should, but this defense's window could be starting to close and is a defensive tackle away from becoming elite in 2024.