NFL Mock Draft: Giants secure Caleb Williams, Quinn Ewers to Falcons
By Hunter Haas
Another NFL Draft, Another Stacked Group Of Wide Receivers
18: Cincinnati Bengals — Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Tee Higgins is as good as gone when his contract expires after the 2023 campaign. But fret not Joe Burrow, calvary is on the way! Rome Odunze is just as competitive as Higgins at the catch point, and I’d argue he’s a significantly better athlete overall. Odunze is a big play waiting to happen every time he takes the field.
19: Los Angeles Rams — Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
The Rams found a nice piece of the puzzle with Byron Young at last year’s NFL Draft. The rookie pass rusher has already made his mark, but to keep double teams away, another capable defender should be a priority. Chop Robinson can serve as the complement to Young in Year 1 with his length and impressive first step.
20: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Baker Mayfield has been fine in 2023, but fine is no longer good enough for a franchise that has had a taste of a Super Bowl title in recent years. J.J. McCarthy will never be confused with Tom Brady, even if the two share Michigan roots. McCarthy’s arm is slightly above average; his processing, age, dual-threat traits, and willingness to line up under center are all selling points on Sundays.
21: Houston Texans (via CLE) — Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
The Texans look like a team that is only a few pieces away from being a perennial playoff contender. Derek Stingley Jr. has dealt with injuries frequently, so let’s take an insurance piece that can also start alongside Stingley. Cooper DeJean is a high-end athlete with solid coverage instincts and the versatility to even play safety if asked.
22: Seattle Seahawks — Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The rumors say that Shedeur Sanders will return for another season at Colorado in 2024. However, this mock draft calls his bluff. If Sanders knows he can secure a first-round contract, the star quarterback could easily reverse course. Landing with the Seahawks gives him a chance to ease into the QB1 role before inheriting a playoff roster.
23: Pittsburgh Steelers — Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Nate Wiggins is one of “my guys” from the 2024 NFL Draft. He possesses the ideal size of a boundary cornerback in the NFL, and his best football is still ahead. Wiggins’ ability to mirror receivers is special; all he needs is some NFL coaching to smooth out the rough edges.
24: Buffalo Bills — Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Denzel Burke burst onto the scene as a true freshman but suffered a disastrous 2022 campaign that sent his draft stock into a tailspin. Thankfully, the 2021 version of Burke has returned. The Bills desperately need help at cornerback; the Buckeye defender’s confidence and improving technique will allow Buffalo fans to forget about the Kaiir Elam misfire.
25: Dallas Cowboys — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Cowboys likely prefer addressing the defense at this pick, but Emeka Egbuka is an itch that Jerry Jones cannot resist scratching. The “other” Ohio State pass catcher is a quality player in his own right, flexing pristine route running and sure hands.