Mock Draft: Bears add Saquon Barkley, Giants get Caleb Williams, Raiders trade for QB
By Hunter Haas
Falcons bring in Russell Wilson and Rome Odunze to an already-stacked offense
No. 8: Atlanta Falcons — Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Well, that isn’t how the Falcons wanted to see the first seven picks unfold. Now, rather than forcing the issue at quarterback, Atlanta must alter course and put the finishing touches on the offensive weaponry. Rome Odunze is an easy separator that thrives in one-on-one situations. He’s the perfect foil to Drake London.
*Falcons become clear landing spot for veteran quarterback Russell Wilson*
No. 9: Chicago Bears — Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
The Bears already brought two premier talents to the offense in this mock draft; attention must turn to defense next. Jer’Zhan Newton is a disruptive interior pass rusher who holds up just as well as a run defender. He can serve as the pillar of Matt Eberflus’ system upfront.
No. 10: New York Jets — Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
If Joe Alt somehow falls to No. 10 overall, the Jets should waste little time running up to the podium. Alt is the next in a long line of polished Notre Dame blockers, giving New York (and Aaron Rodgers) a much-needed boost in the trenches.
No. 11: Tennessee Titans — Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Titans traded back, received a future second-round pick, and still have a shot at a top-tier talent at No. 11. Brock Bowers is one of the best tight ends prospects of the past two decades. He has it all — an expansive route tree, ability after the catch, and refinement as a blocker.
Denver must add a dominant pass rusher if a quarterback is off the table
No. 12: Denver Broncos — Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Broncos are another team searching for an answer at quarterback, but the value isn’t there at this point of the mock draft. Instead, Dallas Turner, an athletic pass rusher still scratching the surface of what he could be, is the choice. Turner will immediately serve as the top edge rusher on the roster.
No. 13: Las Vegas Raiders — Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Not the cornerback from Alabama that you expected? Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry are jockeying for the CB1 title in 2024. In this mock draft, Arnold gets the win, trading in his Crimson for some Silver and Black. He’s a physically dominant defender who can transform the secondary single-handedly.
No. 14: New Orleans Saints — Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
If not for spotty medicals, Laiatu Latu would be in line as the top defender off the board. However, until those issues are resolved, he’s more of a middle Day 1 prospect, which works out well for the Saints. New Orleans needs more pressure on opposing passers, and Latu is as gifted as they come off the edge.