NFL Mock Draft: Bears hit home run with Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr.
By Hunter Haas
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
If Michael Penix Jr. wasn’t going to be a 24-year-old rookie, there is a distinct possibility that he would be the third quarterback taken at the 2024 NFL Draft. And he might still be anyway. Alas, his advanced age and long history of injuries knock him down to QB5 in this mock draft. The Bucs benefit, as Penix Jr. will boast one of the strongest arms in the league upon arrival.
28. Buffalo Bills - Tyler Nubin, DB, Minnesota
Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde are both 32 and approaching the cliff of their primes. Tyler Nubin is the ideal third fiddle to Poyer and Hyde if the duo return as starters next season. Nubin's versatility will allow him to fill in as a slot defender, box safety, and deep safety in Year 1 before settling into a full-time starting gig in 2025.
29. Baltimore Ravens - Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Troy Franklin has steadily risen up my wide receiver rankings since the regular season got underway. The Oregon pass catcher is 6-foot-3 with rock-solid hands and deceptive agility. The Ravens overhauled the receiver room in the off-season, highlighted by the acquisition of Zay Flowers. Pairing Franklin and Flowers can elevate Lamar Jackson back to his MVP heights.
The Rich Get Richer
30. San Francisco 49ers - Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State
The Niners are a roster with minimal holes, but a clear area of need is the interior of the offensive line. Cooper Beebe was a fringe first-round player in the 2023 NFL Draft before he decided to return to Kansas State. San Francisco will welcome his experience and immediate contributions as a starter in Year 1.
31. Kansas City Chiefs - Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
The Chiefs attempted to retool the offensive tackle position with free-agent signings Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor. Neither guy has moved the needle since arriving in Kansas City, so a player like Kingsley Suamataia makes sense at the end of this mock draft. The BYU alum is raw but has size and athleticism that cannot be taught.
32. Philadelphia Eagles - Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Darius Slay is still an elite cornerback, and James Bradberry is far from a scrub. However, Nate Wiggins is the youthful infusion Philadelphia desperately needs in the secondary. Wiggins can learn from Slay as a rookie and slowly work himself into starter reps. That’s the beauty of landing with the Eagles; young players are given time to develop at their own pace.