Mock Draft: Bears add Saquon Barkley, Giants get Caleb Williams, Raiders trade for QB
By Hunter Haas
Indianapolis gets a steal with a powerful edge defender at No. 15 in latest mock draft
No. 15: Indianapolis Colts — Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Although the Colts put up the fifth-most sacks in the league this season, the pass-rushing group lacks the one player opponents must game plan around. Jared Verse checks the boxes as a power rusher and run defender. If he can mix in some finesse, Indy will get a massive return on investment.
No. 16: Seattle Seahawks — Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
The run on pass rushers continues, as the Seahawks keep a local product in the state. Bralen Trice, a standout defensive lineman from Washington, has 10+ sack potential early in his career due to his long arms and a wide array of pass-rushing moves in his arsenal.
No. 17: Jacksonville Jaguars — Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Once considered a lock for the top 10, Keon Coleman is undergoing some prospect fatigue in the draft community. But fret not; being drafted by the Jaguars and having quarterback Trevor Lawrence throwing his way will make all the doubters look silly in Year 1.
No. 18: Cincinnati Bengals — J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama
The offensive tackle group is stacked from top to bottom, but after Fashanu and Alt, the rankings greatly differ depending on who you ask. J.C. Latham can struggle in space, but the Alabama product is powerful, a bulldozer in the run game, and he flexes adequate hand usage as a pass protector. Protect Joe Burrow.
The Rams are close to contending in the NFC; nothing some Kool-Aid can’t fix
No. 19: Los Angeles Rams — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Assuming Matthew Stafford returns for 2024, the Rams are mostly set on offense, sans a spot or two on the offensive line. But there are glaring holes on the other side of the ball. Kool-Aid McKinstry is the remedy, at least in the secondary.
McKinstry excels in press coverage, but he has the instincts and experience to play in several different looks. Giving Los Angeles a playmaker at cornerback, one it's sorely lacked since trading away Jalen Ramsey, is the best move at No. 19 in this mock draft.
No. 20: Miami Dolphins — Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The Dolphins would like to address edge rusher on Day 1, but the run already occurred, leaving them in a position to go best available player. That player? Duke’s Graham Barton is a polished blocker capable of lining up at any of the five positions up front.
No. 21: Houston Texans (via CLE) — Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Chop Robinson is one of the bendiest players in the class. He maintains consistent leverage when working off the edge, using it to get into his assignment's chest pads and pushing them back into the pocket. Robinson has some deficiencies, mainly in the run game, but DeMeco Ryans will love his motor.