Mock Draft: Bears add Saquon Barkley, Giants get Caleb Williams, Raiders trade for QB
By Hunter Haas
Cowboys do what the Cowboys do best — continually building upon the offensive line
No. 22: Dallas Cowboys — Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Cowboys face uncertainty heading into the offseason, but one area that can always improve in the NFL is the offensive line. Taliese Fuaga is a natural right tackle, but he shows the ability to play either side for Dallas. He wins with brute strength in the run game and violent hands as a pass blocker.
No. 23: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
There’s a chance Mike Evans returns to Tampa Bay, but the front office must begin thinking about life after Evans. Brian Thomas Jr., the “other” LSU receiver, makes sense at No. 23 in this mock draft. He is a better-than-expected separator who also thrives in jump-ball situations.
No. 24: Pittsburgh Steelers — Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The Steelers found a gem in Joey Porter Jr.; now, Pittsburgh must find him a capable running partner at cornerback. Insert Nate Wiggins. The Clemson defender displays above-average ball skills and the best mirroring technique in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jordan Love is that guy — now, Green Bay must protect him
No. 25: Green Bay Packers — Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
The offensive line has somehow held up for the Packers through a litany of injuries. However, Green Bay cannot rely on the health of its current unit. Troy Fautanu, the starting left tackle for Washington, would slot in on the blindside if needed, with an even higher upside at guard.
No. 26: Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) — Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Olu Fashanu was brought to the desert earlier in this mock draft, and at No. 26 overall, Kyler Murray gets another upgrade on offense. Xavier Legette is chiseled from stone, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing north of 225 pounds. He turns into a ball carrier after the catch, eating up turf at a 22 mph rate. Legette is a cheat code.
No. 27: Philadelphia Eagles — Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The Eagles will likely lose Lane Johnson to retirement this offseason, and even if Johnson sticks around for 2024, it would behoove general manager Howie Roseman to find a replacement sooner rather than later. And what better way than to dip into the Georgia pool yet again?
Amarius Mims is raw as a prospect, but his otherworldly mix of size, length, and agility gives the Bulldog alum sky-high potential in the right setting. Mims can develop in Philly at his own rate before blossoming into a star in due time.