Mock Draft: Patriots trade up, Vikings replace Kirk Cousins, Falcons stack offense

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Jerry Jones Can’t Resist The Temptation

No. 26: Dallas Cowboys — Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Jerry Jones has always been the flashy type, and there is perhaps not a flashier move than drafting Xavier Legette to pair with CeeDee Lamb. Legette is a demon after the catch, using his long legs to eat up turf and his massive 6-foot-3, 227-pound frame to leap over defenders.

No. 27: Houston Texans (via CLE) — Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington

Will Anderson Jr. is a soon-to-be Pro Bowler for the Texans, but any elite pass rusher could use someone to take the heat off of them. Enter Bralen Trice. The Washington defender has Mr. Fantastic-esque arms and an impressive array of moves as a pass rusher.

No. 28: Detroit Lions — Kamren Kinchens, SAF, Miami

Kamren Kinchens is the best centerfield type of safety in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Lions need more productivity on the back end, and that allows Kinchens to start immediately and make his presence felt alongside Brian Branch.

No. 29: Miami Dolphins — Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

The Dolphins have a well-oiled roster that doesn’t have many needs across the board. So, let’s go with a versatile, experienced offensive lineman at No. 29 in this mock draft. Troy Fautanu can play left tackle or left guard with ease, and if given time, he could flip to the right side as well.

A Lane Johnson Successor Arrives To Philly At The End Of Mock Draft

No. 30: Philadelphia Eagles — Taliese Fuaga, OL, Oregon State

In a loaded 2024 tackle class, Taliese Fuaga of Oregon State has been a massive riser. Terrific blend of power and athleticism at 6-6, 330. 📈📈 pic.twitter.com/rB8E5Fac46
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) November 6, 2023

Lane Johnson is literally and figuratively on his last leg. After battling through injuries for much of the past decade, the future Hall of Famer still rarely missed action. But that won’t last. Drafting Taliese Fuaga, a long-time starter at right tackle, gives the Eagles a replacement — whether it be for the 2024 season or in 2025.

No. 31: San Francisco 49ers — Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Niners are another team that doesn’t necessarily need a lot. Quinyon Mitchell is the perfect blend of need and value here, as the Toledo cornerback is making a surge to Round 1. Mitchell boasts arguably the best ball skills in the class and is like a magnet to passes, constantly disrupting throwing lanes.

No. 32: Baltimore Ravens — Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Wrapping up the mock draft, Brian Thomas Jr. heads to the Baltimore Ravens. The 2023 MVP front-runner, Lamar Jackson, looks at the peak of his powers this season. Imagine adding a jump-ball specialist like Thomas Jr. to an offense already featuring Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews.