NFL Mock Draft: Raiders trade up for QB, 6 WRs are taken, and Bo Nix heads to Atlanta
By Hunter Haas
A Trade! Cardinals Move Down, Giants Move Up!
The Arizona Cardinals, rather than replacing Kyler Murray, choose to trade down and let the New York Giants jump to No. 2 overall.
No. 2: New York Giants (via ARZ) — Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Giants need a franchise-caliber quarterback to make the most of Brian Daboll’s brilliant offensive mind. Caleb Williams, through all his faults, still profiles as a high-end starter at the next level. This is thanks to a blend of natural arm talent and creativity outside the pocket few can match.
No. 3: New England Patriots — Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Patriots thought Mac Jones could be a capable Tom Brady replacement, but the Alabama product has regressed mightily. In his place, New England adds Drake Maye, a polished, accurate passer with substantial upside.
Another Trade! Raiders Snag A QB, Cardinals Snag Extra Draft Capital!
Another trade! This time, the Bears trade down to acquire more future (and current) draft capital. The Raiders, at long last, have an answer behind center.
No. 4: Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI) — Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Jayden Daniels has flown up NFL Draft boards everywhere. In this mock draft, the LSU star is the fourth overall selection, paving the way toward starting in Year 1. Vegas has several premier weapons on offense; Daniels’ arm talent and dual-threat ability can transform the unit.
No. 5: Washington Commanders — Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
If Olu Fashanu, a premier pass-blocker from Penn State, is available, the Commanders can’t turn the card in fast enough. Washington is on pace to allow the most sacks in NFL history, making Fashanu a plug-and-play option who is still improving in the ground game.
No. 6: Arizona Cardinals (via NYG) — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Cardinals, after a savvy trade down, are still able to have their pick of the litter on defense. Kool-Aid McKinstry makes sense. He is a gifted defensive back, excelling in press coverage. Arizona would give head coach Jonathan Gannon a pillar at cornerback.
No 7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Buccaneers boast an impressive front seven, but the team desperately needs a top-end pass rusher off the edge. Laiatu Latu’s medicals are important, but if everything checks out, he is a natural rusher with 10+ sack potential as a rookie.