2024 NFL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds

Round 1 Picks 17-32

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: April 25, 2024.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
    
    
    Jacksonville could use an upgrade at cornerback. Jacksonville still has Tyson Campbell at field cornerback, but moved on from Darious Williams at boundary cornerback after Darious Wiliams was number one among all cornerbacks on Pro Football Focus to save cap space. Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins can fill the void that Darious Williams left. That would leave Free Agent Ronald Darby and second year defensive back Antonio Johnson to compete for the nickel cornerback job with Darby winning that assuming Jacksonville drafts Nate Wiggins at 17.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 173 lb Nate Wiggins ran a 4.28 40-yard dash before getting injured at the 2024 NFL Combine. Nate Wiggins had 23 assisted tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 29 total tackles, 6 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 1 sack, and 1 defensive touchdown in 2023.
    
    
    
    I gave Nate Wiggins an A- in man coverage, a B grade in zone coverage, an A grade in press coverage, an A- in run stuffing, and an A grade in tackling. Nate Wiggins will have the most success in a cover 0, cover 1, or cover 2 defense.
    
    
    
    Nate Wiggins is a day 1 starter at cornerback and he's someone who can make an immediate impact next to Tyson Campbell at cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars while Darnell Savage competes with Andrew Wingard for strong safety while Andre Cisco plays free safety, and Ronald Darby plays nickel cornerback on Jacksonville's secondary. Jacksonville would also have Antonio Johnson at dime cornerback and Montaric Brown at quarter cornerback with even more depth at cornerback than a year ago.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
    
    
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
    
    
    Cincinnati finally gets a starting tight end. The 6-3 243 lb Brock Bowers is a blue chip tight end that should go in the top 5 and top 10 at the very worst. Brock Bowers is a massive steal at 18 and will compliment Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins quite well in Cincinnati.
    
    
    
    Adding Brock Bowers to Cincinnati would already take a lethal passing game that Joe Burrow has and elevate that passing game to a deadly level. Brock Bowers had 56 receptions, 882 receiving yards, and 13 receiving touchdowns as a freshman when Georgia won their first championship in the College Football Playoff in 2021. Brock Bowers had 63 receptions, 942 receiving yards, and 7 receiving touchdowns when Georgia repeated as National Champions in 2022. Brock Bowers had 56 receptions, 714 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns in 2023.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Georgia tight end Brock Bowers VS Ole Miss. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Joe Alt, LT, Notre Dame
    
    
    
    
19. Los Angeles Rams: Dallas Turner, 3-4 ROLB, Alabama
    
    
    The Los Angeles Rams get an upgrade at 3-4 right outside linebacker. Dallas Turner is considered the consensus number one edge rusher in consensus mock drafts, but his run stuffing was a liability versus Texas. He cleaned that up in the College Football Playoff versus Michigan, and he's not getting out of the top 20 even though I like Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton more at this spot. He ends up going to the Los Angeles Rams with Byron Young complimenting him at 3-4 left outside linebacker. With this duo, the Los Angeles Rams will get a lot more pressure on the opposing quarterback moving forward.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 247 lb Dallas Turner had 28 solo tackles, 25 assisted tackles, 53 total tackles, 33 quarterback hurries, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup in 2023. Dallas Turner has been mocked as the top defensive player in a lot of mock drafts, but the questions with Turner as a run stuffer have me hesistant to draft him before pick 19. I also feel like Dallas Turner relies on his speed to win pass rush reps.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner VS Texas. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
    
    
    Pittsburgh sent their scouts to the Colorado VS Oregon game. Pittsburgh gets a center upgrade here at 20 that will be the starting center for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 315 lb Jackson Powers-Johnson has the pass blocking, run blocking, zone blocking, pass blocking strength, run blocking strength, and run blocking footwork you want from an NFL center. I feel like Jackson Powers-Johnson could improve his pass blocking footwork, but I also wouldn't consider it a weakness either. Jackson Powers-Johnson dominated the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl taking reps at center, right guard, and right tackle.
    
    
    
    Pittsburgh's offensive line would have Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle, Isaac Seumalo at left guard, Jackson Powers-Johnson at center, James Daniels at right guard, and Broderick Jones at right tackle. Pittsburgh could use a swing tackle that can move over to right tackle if the Steelers decide to move Broderick Jones back to left tackle in 2024 or 2025. An upgrade over Isaac Seumalo could also be used if the value is there at some point in day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
    
    
    
    
21. Miami Dolphins: Jer'Zhan Newton, 3-4 RE, Illinois
    
    
    The 6-2 304 lb Jer'Zhan Newton is my only blue chip defensive lineman in this draft. Jer'Zhan Newton can play 4-3 defensive tackle as well as 3-4 right end with his versatility. I believe Jer'Zhan Newton would be a perfect replacement to Christian Wilkins.
    
    
    
    Jer'Zhan Newton had 26 solo tackles, 26 assisted tackles, 52 total tackles, 44 quarterback pressures with 15 more than any front 7 player in the Big 10, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, 4 blocked kicks or punts on special teams in 2023.
    
    
    Previous Pick: JC Latham, RT, Alabama
    
    
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
    
    
    The 5-11 199 lb Kool-Aid McKinstry could be a replacement for James Bradberry in Philadelphia. Kool-Aid McKinstry had 24 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 32 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 deflections from pass breakups in 2023.
    
    
    
    I gave Kool-Aid McKinstry a A grade in man coverage, a C grade in zone coverage, and a C grade in press coverage. Kool-Aid McKinstry looked very suspect outside of man coverage where he excelled at Alabama. Kool-Aid McKinstry can play in a cover 0, cover 1, or cover 2 scheme.
    
    
    
    Philadelphia now has Darius Slay at field cornerback, Kool-Aid McKinstry at boundary cornerback, and James Bradberry would move to nickel cornerback with Philadelphia releasing Avonte Maddox. Philadelphia also has Kelee Ringo at dime cornerback, and Eli Ricks at quarter cornerback.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry VS Texas. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
    
    
    
    
23. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
    
    
    Minnesota uses this pick that they acquired from the Houston Texans which originally belonged to the Cleveland Browns on their quarterback of the future at 23 if they cannot trade up. Minnesota only considered Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson for a seventh round pick as the two possibilities for stop gaps at quarterback. Minnesota gave Sam Darnold a one year deal and it is presumed that Sam Darnold will enter the season as the starter. However, drafting Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. gives Sam Darnold a very short leash in Minnesota if Darnold gets off to a bad start in 2024.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 212 lb Michael Penix Jr. had 4,641 passing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, 92 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 4,733 total yards, 35 total touchdowns, 8 interceptions, and a 68.8% completion percentage in his first season at Washington in 2022. Michael Penix Jr. was one of two quarterbacks at the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl with a hand size above 10 inches with 10 3/8 inch hands. Michael Penix Jr. had 4,903 passing yards, 36 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 8 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 4,906 total yards, 39 total touchdowns, a 65.1% completion percentage, and a 83.4 quarterback rating which was tenth in the FBS in in 2023.
    
    
    
    Michael Penix Jr. participated in both the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl and the 2024 NFL Combine. He would be a good fit for the Minnesota Vikings at this spot in the first round.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. VS Oregon. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
    
    
24. Dallas Cowboys: Amarius Mims, LT, Georgia
    
    
    Dallas can move Tyler Smith back to left guard if they draft a left tackle at 24. Amarius Mims has more experience at left tackle than JC Latham which is why he's the pick here. Amarius Mims played left tackle, left guard, right guard, and right tackle in High School. That's why I'm not worried about the Georgia right tackle moving over to the other side of the offensive line.
    
    
    
    The 6-8 340 lb Amarius Mims has the pass blocking, run blocking, zone blocking, pass blocking strength, run blocking strength, pass blocking strength, and run blocking strength. The big question with Mims is the durability, but the athletic traits are there in spades with Georgia's offensive tackle.
    
    
    
    Amarius Mims didn't allow a sack or quarterback hit across 402 pass blocking snaps in 2023. Amarius Mims has first round tape and I do believe he can play left tackle in the NFL despite playing right tackle in college.
    
    
    
    Drafting Amarius Mims means Dallas will have Amarius Mims at left tackle, Tyler Smith at left guard, Zack Martin at right guard, and Terrence Steele at right tackle. Dallas could also keep Smith at left tackle with Steele at right tackle and use Mims in a swing tackle role until the Dallas Cowboys feel he is ready to start. That's another possibility that I entertained, but Mims has more left tackle experience than JC Latham and that's ultimately what this pick came down to with both offensive tackles on the board at 24.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jordan Morgan, LT, Arizona
    
    
    
    
25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
    
    
    The 6-1 203 lb Cooper DeJean is versatile enough to play field cornerback, boundary cornerback, nickel cornerback, dime cornerback, strong safety, or free safety. Not only is Cooper DeJean the youngest defensive back in this draft class, but he's also the most versatile making him a quality replacement for the injury prone Eric Stokes if Stokes cannot stay healthy in year four.
    
    
    
    I gave Cooper DeJean an A- in man coverage, an A- in zone coverage, an A grade in press coverage, an A+ in hard hitting, a C grade in tackling, and a C- in run stuffing. Cooper DeJean may be the most consistent cover corner in this draft outside of Quinyon Mitchell after rewatching his game film against Iowa State this year and his tape versus Ohio State's wide receivers in 2022.
    
    
    
    Cooper DeJean suffered a season ending injury in 2023 and didn't participate in the 2024 NFL Combine. That's the only reason I have him this low. An argument can be made for him to be the second cornerback drafted after Quinyon Mitchell to the Indianapolis Colts at 15, but I think the latest he would fall is Green Bay at 25. Cooper DeJean can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 scheme.
    
    
    
    Cooper DeJean had 57 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 75 total tackles, 8 deflections from pass breakups, 5 interceptions, 3 tackle for loss, and 3 defensive touchdowns in 2022. Cooper DeJean had 26 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 41 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 2 tackles for a loss before his season ending injury in 2023. Cooper DeJean ran a 4.43 and 4.45 at Iowa's 2024 Pro Day while also posting a 38.5 inch vertical and a 10.4 broad jump.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Kingsley Suamataia, RT, BYU
    
    
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chop Robinson, 3-4 ROLB, Penn State
    
    
    Tampa Bay drafts Chop Robinson as a replacement for Shaquille Barrett. The 6-3 254 lb Chop Robinson had 12 solo tackles, 3 assisted tackles, 15 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 5 quarterback hurries, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 deflection from pass breakups in 2023.
    
    
    
    Chop Robinson lined up at 4-3 right end at Penn State, but also showed the versatility to play 3-4 right outside linebacker on plays by not placing his hand in the dirt. Chop Robinson ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine, but he relied on his speed to win pass rush reps rather than using rip or swim moves off the edge.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson VS Ohio State. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
    
    
    
    
27. Arizona Cardinals: JC Latham, RT, Alabama
    
    
    Arizona can draft the 6-6 342 lb JC Latham to be their right tackle of the future here. Arizona cut D.J. Humphries, but will move 2023 first round pick Paris Johnson Jr. over to left tackle with Free Agent Jonah Williams on a one-year deal at right tackle. Jonah Williams is a good stop gap while JC Latham gets stronger.
    
    
    
    JC Latham allowed 0 sacks, 12 pressures, and 1 quarterback hit in 517 pass blocking snaps in 2022. JC Latham allowed 2 sacks, 14 pressures, and 3 quarterback hits on 443 pass blocking snaps in 2023.
    
    
    
    JC Latham can pass block, run block, zone block, has the pass blocking footwork, and run blocking footwork. His pass blocking strength and run blocking strength could improve. Also, losing some weight would go a long way in improving the conditioning and foot speed for JC Latham.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jer'Zhan Newton, 3-4 RE, Illinois
    
    
28. Buffalo Bills: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
    
    
    Buffalo drafts a number one receiver for quarterback Josh Allen after trading number one flanker wide receiver Stefon Diggs and losing number two secondary wide receiver Gabriel Davis in Free Agency. LSU had two number one wide receivers for Jayden Daniels which explains why LSU's quarterback won the 2023 Heisman Trophy.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 209 lb Brian Thomas Jr. had 68 receptions, 1,177 receiving yards, and 17 receiving touchdowns in 2023. Brian Thomas Jr. ran a 4.33 40 yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine. Brian Thomas Jr. also showed he could run all 30 routes on the route tree at LSU's Pro Day while catching every target his way at LSU's Pro Day.
    
    
    
    Brian Thomas Jr. would be Josh Allen's flanker wide receiver. Khalil Shakir who got hot down the stretch becomes the number two secondary wide receiver. Curtis Samuel would be the slot receiver, but I also expect Buffalo to draft a second receiver at some point in this draft to learn under Samuel and potentially play in 2025 given how deep this wide receiver draft class is.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
    
    
    
    
29. Detroit Lions: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
    
    
    Detroit traded a 2024 third round pick for Carlton Davis. I don't trust Amik Robertson as the boundary cornerback and drafting Notre Dame cornerback Cam hart with this pick might actually be an upgrade for the Detroit Lions.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 204 lb Cam Hart had 15 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 21 total tackles, 4 deflections from pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 tackles for a loss in 2023. I gave Cam Hart an A+ in man coverage, a B in zone coverage, and a B- in press coverage. Cam Hart is the only cornerback that I gave an A+ grade for when it comes to man coverage and he also held his own against the wide receiver tandem of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka against Ohio State. Cam Hart will dominate in a cover 0, cover 1, or cover 2 scheme. He should be able to play cover 3 if needed, but will do better in the coverage shells I mentioned.
    
    
    
    Cam Hart dominated the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl. He also ran a 4.49 at the 2024 NFL Combine. I got a feeling that either Kamari Lassiter, Cam Hart, or Mike Sainristl on Michigan gets pushed into the first round. You could also make a case for someone like Khyree Jackson, Jason Brownlee Jr., Kris Abrams-Draine, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., or T.J. Tampa as well. Cam Hart has the best man coverage, size, and athletic traits which is what I believe Detroit will be looking for at 29 if they go with a cornerback.
    
    
    
    Drafting Cam Hart allows you to make him your boundary cornerback replacing Amik Robertson next to field cornerback Carlton Davis. You can also keep Brian Branch at nickel cornerback. Ifeatu Melifonwu would remain at strong safety and Kerby Joseph would remain at free safety on the Detroit Lions secondary.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Notre Dame cornerback Cam Hart VS Ohio State. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Laiatu Latu, 3-4 ROLB, UCLA
    
    
30. Baltimore Ravens: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
    
    
    The 5-11 165 lb Xavier Worthy had 62 receptions, 981 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns as a freshman in 2021. Xavier Worthy had 60 receptions, 760 receiving yards, and 9 receiving touchdowns in 2022. Xavier Worthy had 75 receptions, 1,014 receiving yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns in 2023.
    
    
    
    Xavier Worthy can run all 30 routes on the route tree despite his size. Xavier Worthy also ran a 4.21 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine. Baltimore would have Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers, and Xavier Worthy as their top three wide receivers with only one of those wide receivers in the slot, but two deep threats in Flowers and Worthy that can take the top off defenders.
    
    
    
    Lamar Jackson will have better weapons than last year with the addition of Xavier Worthy along with Derrick Henry at running back. Baltimore can use day 2 picks on offensive linemen or edge rushers depending on how the board falls to them after taking the best player on the board in Xavier Worthy at 30.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy VS Alabama. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Chop Robinson, 3-4 ROLB, Penn State
    
    
    
    
31. San Francisco 49ers: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
    
    
    San Francisco gets another wide receiver here knowing they cannot pay both Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. The 6-2 205 lb Adonai Mitchell is my best wide receiver available at 31.
    
    
    
    Adonai Mitchell had 55 receptions, 845 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns. Adonai Mitchell can run all 30 routes on the route tree. Adonai Mitchell would be a slot receiver as a rookie, but would develop into a number two target in 2025 once San Francisco decides whether to move on from Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell VS Alabama. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Rome Oduzne, WR, Washington
    
    
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
    
    
    Kansas City gets a number one target for Patrick Mahomes which will allow Rashee Rice to be the number two wide receiver and Marques Brown to play slot receiver with Travis Kelce at tight end. Kansas City will have all five starters on the offensive line back too as well as two of their top three running backs for Patrick Mahomes to work with.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 176 lb Troy Franklin had 81 receptions, 1,383 receiving yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns in 2023. Troy Franklin ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin VS Washington. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Patrick Paul, LT, Houston