New Year Mock Draft: Seven QBs, several shocking trades, and a defensive drought
By Hunter Haas
No. 20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Once considered a top 10 lock, Jared Verse keeps getting pushed down the board. The Buccaneers take advantage by keeping the in-state product in Florida, giving the defense a powerful building block off the edge.
No. 21: Indianapolis Colts — Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Brian Thomas Jr. over Keon Coleman? That will be a hot debate throughout the pre-draft process. In today’s mock draft, the Colts opt for a better separator with a similar build and an even better contested-catch trait than Coleman. The Colts and Anthony Richardson will be happy either way.
Amarius Mims: A Risk Worth Taking For Jaguars
No. 22: Jacksonville Jaguars — Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Trevor Lawrence can be a top signal-caller in the NFL if he receives protection up front. Amarius Mims, although raw, possesses as much upside as any of his peers. Mims can slide into the left tackle role and learn on the fly with his blend of size (6-foot-4, 340 pounds) and athleticism.
No. 23: Los Angeles Rams — Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Byron Young and Kobie Turner are two breakout stars for the Rams defense. Selecting Bralen Trice will ensure L.A. is in good hands when perennial All-Pro Aaron Donald calls it a career. Trice has an endless bag of pass-rushing moves and would feed off Young and Turner’s lead.
No. 24: Buffalo Bills — Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Depending on who you ask, Keon Coleman is anywhere from WR2 to WR8 in rankings. As for me and this mock draft, he falls right in the middle. Stefon Diggs’ days in Buffalo could be numbered, so Coleman’s go-up-and-get-it mindset would be welcomed now and in the future.
No. 25: Kansas City Chiefs — Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Ideally, the Chiefs will get better weapons for Patrick Mahomes in the offseason. However, upgrading the offensive line should be No. 1 on the list. Tyler Guyton, a reliable blocker from Oklahoma, profiles as a starter in Year 1 with elite pass-protecting upside.
Another Draft, Another Steal For Howie Roseman And The Eagles
No. 26: Philadelphia Eagles — Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Thanks to a season-ending injury, Cooper DeJean’s draft stock has taken a bit of a hit. As you’d have it, the Eagles, a team constantly stealing talent at the event, end up with DeJean. The Iowa star shows remarkable instincts and versatility on tape.