Mock Draft: Caleb Williams-Patriots, Falcons trade up, plus shocking WR selections
By Hunter Haas
Patrick Mahomes Gains Another Weapon
No. 25: Kansas City Chiefs — Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
The Chiefs should draft a wide receiver in every class for as long as Patrick Mahomes is on the roster. Rashee Rice looks like a hit for the front office, but it won’t dissuade them from grabbing Troy Franklin in this mock draft. Franklin flashes the best release package of any college wideout and would take off in an Andy Reid scheme.
No. 26: Jacksonville Jaguars — Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
The Jaguars get a potential top-10 talent, partially due to his injury and also because of runs at other positions. Cooper DeJean can play safety or cornerback and even spent time on offense for Iowa in 2023.
No. 27: Detroit Lions — Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Amon-Ra St. Brown is as good as they come from the slot, but Brian Thomas Jr. is the big-bodied pass catcher Detroit currently lacks. The “other” LSU receiver can come down with any 50/50 ball and will score touchdown after touchdown for the Lions.
No. 28: Philadelphia Eagles — Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
Patrick Paul is a legitimate Day 1 prospect from Houston. The lanky, athletic lineman excels as a blocker in space and shows the footwork necessary for thriving in both phases of the offense. Lane Johnson needs a successor eventually.
Another Trade Shakes Up Mock Draft!
Falcons Receive:
•No. 29 Overall (2024)
Dolphins Receive:
•No. 46 Overall (2024)
•No. 77 Overall (2024)
Without a clear target at No. 29 overall in this mock draft, the Dolphins choose to trade down with a quarterback-needy team while adding an extra pick on Day 2. With that, the Atlanta Falcons climb back into the first round and complete a coup at the 2024 NFL Draft.
Falcons Move On From Desmond Ridder
No. 29: Atlanta Falcons (via MIA) — Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
While Michael Penix Jr. has a few obvious flaws, the arm strength he possesses in that left arm is special. He will be a 25-year-old rookie, but for a roster ready to compete like Atlanta, that shouldn’t be viewed as a red flag. The Falcons come away with two highly-touted prospects.
No. 30: Dallas Cowboys — J.T. Tuimoloau, DL, Ohio State
The Cowboys are a franchise willing to take shots at the NFL Draft. J.T. Tuimoloau, when locked in, is a terrifying defender from Ohio State. With Dallas, JTT can slide up and down the defensive line and hunt quarterbacks beside Micah Parsons.
No. 31: San Francisco 49ers — Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
What do you get a franchise that has waves of top-end talent? Another offensive lineman never hurts. Troy Fautanu plays the blindside at Washington, but he has the traits to line up across from franchise left tackle Trent Williams for the Niners.
No. 32: Baltimore Ravens — Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Zay Flowers was the correct choice for the Ravens last Spring. But the pass-catching corps could use another weapon with Odell Beckham Jr. aging and Rashod Bateman’s future unclear in Baltimore. Xavier Legette is an A.J. Brown type of target, showing an ability to shred defenses after the catch.