NFL Mock Draft: Marvin Harrison Jr. goes No. 1, Patriots finally find a Tom Brady successor
By Hunter Haas
The Falcons Need More At Quarterback
No. 8: Atlanta Falcons — Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Full disclosure: I have no idea which quarterback will actually be the third off the board. But Jayden Daniels has certainly thrown his hat in the ring. The dual-threat signal-caller has blossomed into a superstar in 2023, showcasing adequate arm talent and incredible agility as a runner. The Falcons need more behind center than Desmond Ridder can provide.
No. 9: Green Bay Packers — Joe Alt, OL, Notre Dame
Jordan Love retains his job for one more season, meaning the Packers should do all they can to stack the roster around him. Joe Alt is as polished as they come and will be the next in a long line of star linemen from Notre Dame.
No. 10: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Buccaneers have received solid enough play from Baker Mayfield to justify keeping him another season. Jared Verse should be the selection, as Tampa Bay severely lacks a consistent pass rusher off the edge. Verse wins with power and will get to stay in Florida.
No. 11: New York Jets — J.C. Latham, OL, Alabama
The Jets simply cannot go into next season without a massive facelift upfront — Aaron Rodgers or not. J.C. Latham is a long-time starter for Alabama at right tackle; his strength and footwork make him a bonafide Day 1 prospect.
No. 12: Los Angeles Chargers — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
It’s been a messy season for the Chargers thus far. As good as Justin Herbert is, he’s been unable to overcome the lackluster defense. Inserting Kool-Aid McKinstry into the secondary is precisely what the doctor ordered. McKinstry is CB1 from the moment he arrives.
No. 13: Los Angeles Rams — Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Similar to their Los Angeles counterpart, the Rams need more juice at cornerback. Clemson’s Nate Wiggins is flying up draft boards, showing why he earned a first-round grade on my Big Board entering the season. Wiggins has slippery hips, remarkable athleticism, and the ball skills to disrupt passing lanes consistently.