NFL Mock Draft: Giants secure Caleb Williams, Quinn Ewers to Falcons
By Hunter Haas
6: New England Patriots — Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Quarterback, offensive tackle, or Brock Bowers? That is the question that rattled my brain while crafting this mock draft. Conventional wisdom says to lean toward the more premium positions, but Bowers is enough of a unicorn to break the tie. We all know the Patriots love some tight-end action; the Georgia superstar will lead New England’s offense for years to come.
7: Denver Broncos — Olu Fashanu, OL, Penn State
In a stroke of luck, the Broncos still find a way to add a franchise player at No. 7 overall in this mock draft. Olu Fashanu is an elite pass protector with the size and strength to become a great run blocker, too. Fashanu is a plug-and-play starter from the jump.
8: Tennessee Titans — Joe Alt, OL, Notre Dame
The Titans are a mess at quarterback, but between Malik Willis and Will Levis, hopefully, one of those guys will seize the starting gig in the offseason. Either way, the offensive line needs work for whoever is throwing passes. Insert Notre Dame’s Joe Alt. The mountain of a man is the next in a long line of Fightin’ Irish alum with teach tape technique in the trenches.
A Blistering Run On Offensive Tackles Continues As The Packers Bulk Up Their Injury-Riddled Unit
9: Green Bay Packers — J.C. Latham, OL, Alabama
The run on offensive tackles continues, with J.C. Latham headed to Green Bay. The Packers cannot rely on their starting linemen to stay healthy for a full slate, so a high-upside, durable starter is a necessity. Latham is a natural right tackle, but he can play either end of the line on Sundays.
10: Los Angeles Chargers — Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
The Chargers’ defense employs some of the bigger names in the sport, but it’s the rest of the depth chart that elicits worries from the fan base. Jer’Zhan Newton would finally bolster a run defense that has consistently ranked toward the bottom of the league. The Illini star is still scratching the surface of his pass-rushing ability, too.
11: New Orleans Saints — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Another Alabama player? Oh yeah! Kool-Aid McKinstry is a physical cornerback who thrives at shadowing the opponent’s top pass catcher. McKinstry loves to play press coverage, and his trail technique is nothing short of special. The Saints add a needle-mover to the defense.