Mock Draft: Drake Maye-Giants, Quinn Ewers-Patriots, plus an exciting duo for Bears
By Hunter Haas
J.J. McCarthy Heads To Vegas; Could He Bring Jim Harbaugh, Too?
No. 11: Las Vegas Raiders — J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
I’m calling my shot now: A Jim Harbaugh and J.J. McCarthy pairing in Las Vegas is well within the realm of possibility. The Raiders have no direction behind center, and Josh McDaniels is nothing close to competent as a head coach. McCarthy can solve one of those issues with his coachability, deceptive arm talent, and willingness to run more pro-style sets.
No. 12: Minnesota Vikings — Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
If Kirk Cousins departs in the offseason, head coach Kevin O’Connell will want a quarterback who can step in and produce immediately. Perhaps that player comes via free agency, but if Michael Penix Jr. is still available, he should be the choice. Penix Jr. has a howitzer as an arm, and his advanced age could actually be a positive on the draft grade for Minnesota.
No. 13: Indianapolis Colts — Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
The Colts don’t necessarily need Keon Coleman, but the value supersedes their needs on Day 1. Coleman is built like a bonafide WR1 in the NFL, showcasing an elite size, speed, and strength combination. His hands are as sure as it gets; all the Seminole star needs is more diversity in his route tree. Anthony Richardson’s style meshes perfectly with Coleman.
No. 14: Washington Commanders — Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Jared Verse could come off the board in the top 10 — and the same is true for the next two pass rushers in this mock draft. However, a run on quarterbacks and linemen allows the Commanders to find a dominant defender in the wake of potentially losing Chase Young and/or Montez Sweat. Verse is a handful for any blocker with his power.
No. 15: Los Angeles Rams — Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA]
Medicals will determine how high or low Laiatu Latu goes next Spring. Assuming there aren’t any hiccups, the UCLA standout is the best pure pass rusher in the 2024 NFL Draft. He gets to stay in Los Angeles in this mock draft and will form a fearsome edge-rushing duo with 2023 third-rounder Byron Young.
No. 16: Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) — Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
A third of a triumvirate of pass rushers, Dallas Turner, is putting together the best campaign of his collegiate career. Serving as a focal point of a vaunted Crimson Tide defense, Turner is a fixture in the backfield. He even shows some potential dropping back in coverage, giving him legitimate every-down prowess.