2024 NFL Mock Draft: Final Mock 7 Rounds

Round 5

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

136. Denver Broncos: Xavier Weaver, WR, Colorado
     
     
     Denver drafts a wide receiver to push Tim Patrick for the number two wide receiver job in the fifth round. Denver has Courtland Sutton at flanker wide receiver, Tim Patrick a former slot receiver as the secondary wide receiver, and Marvin Mims Jr. as the slot receiver. Colorado wide receiver Xavier Weaver is my top wide receiver on the board despite not participating at the 2024 NFL Combine.
     
     
     
     The 6-0 169 lb Xavier Weaver can run 18/30 routes on the route tree. Xavier Weaver had 68 receptions, 908 receiving yards, and 4 receiving touchdowns in 2023. Xavier Weaver ran a 4.43 40-yard dash and dominated Colorado's 2024 Pro Day.
     
     
     
     Both Xavier Weaver and Brenden Rice can run at least 15/30 routes on the route tree. Weaver does more with his route tree than Rice despite the fact that Brenden Rice is Jerry Rice's son which is why I mocked Weaver to Denver to start the fifth round.
     
     
     
     Mel Kiper Jr. believes he's a number five wide receiver with potential to develop into a number three wide receiver playing slot receiver in three wide receiver sets. Walter Football had a second to third round grade on Xavier Weaver following Colorado's Pro Day. There's more traction with Xavier Weaver than most people realize and this is a guy that Denver could get on day 3 and still end up with a day 1 starter.
     
     
     
137. New England Patriots: Josh Newton, CB, TCU
     
     
     New England has Christian Gonzalez at field cornerback, Jonathan Jones at boundary cornerback in a contract year making over $12.5 million in a contract year, and Marcus Jones at nickel cornerback. Shaun Wade is the dime cornerback, but the New England Patriots don't really have a lot of depth outside of their top three cornerbacks.
     
     
     
     The 5-11 190 lb Josh Newton had 26 solo tackles, 9 assisted tackles, 35 total tackles, 12 deflections from pass breakups, 3 interceptions, 2.5 tackles for a loss, and 1 defensive touchdown on a pick six as a junior when TCU made the College Football Playoff before losing to Georgia in 2022. Josh Newton had 26 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 33 total tackles, 9 deflections from pass breakups, and 1 interception in 2023.
     
     
     
     I gave Josh Newton an A- in man coverage, an A- in zone coverage, and an A- in press coverage when watching Newton against Baylor. Josh Newton can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 scheme.
     
     
     
     Josh Newton did have some bad plays in TCU's 2023 season opener against Baylor. He also ran a 4.52 40-yard dash in the 2024 NFL Combine.
     
     
     
     Josh Newton probably will start out as a dime cornerback given how raw he is. At the same time, the upside to be a field cornerback is there, and in New England he can learn under Jonathan Jones for a year before taking over at boundary cornerback next to 2023 first round pick Christian Gonzalez because with Gonzalez on this roster, Josh Newton wouldn't have to worry about being New England's number one cornerback.
     
     
     
     
     
138. Arizona Cardinals: Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State
     
     
     Arizona has Trey McBride as their number one tight end. Ben Sinnott could be a viable number two tight end, and at the very worst he's an asset at third string tight end behind Elijah Higgins.
     
     
     
     The 6-4 254 lb Ben Sinnott had 49 receptions, 676 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns in 2023. Ben Sinnott ran 18/30 routes on the route tree and he's only 21-years-old, making him one of the youngest tight ends in the 2024 NFL Draft.
     
     
     
139. Washington Commanders: Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame
     
     
     Washington has Austin Ekeler as their starting running back, Brian Robinson Jr. as their number two running back on a rookie deal for two more years, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. on a rookie deal for three more years. Audric Estime is the only running back left in this draft that has the game speed, pass catching, ball carrier vision, and pass blocking that you want in a running back.
     
     
     
     The 5-11 211 lb Audric Estime had 210 carries, 1,341 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, 17 receptions, 142 receiving yards, 0 receiving touchdowns, 227 touches, 1,483 total yards, and 18 total touchdowns in 2023.
     
     
     
     Kyren Williams checked off every box on tape just like Audric Estime. A bad 40-time caused Kyren Williams to fall to the fifth round.
     
     
     
     Audric Estime is in the same spot Kyren Williams was two years ago after running a 4.72 40-yard dash. Audric Estime is only 20-years-old and I got a fourth round grade on him like a lot of the prospects that fell to the fifth round of my mock draft.
     
     
     
     I posted a film cut of Notre Dame running back Audric Estime VS Ohio State. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
140. Los Angeles Chargers: Brenden Rice, WR, USC
     
     
     The Los Angeles Chargers get a second wide receiver that can push Derius Davis for the right to be the number four wide receiver on the depth chart behind Malik Nabers, Josh Palmer, and Quentin Johnston. Brenden Rice, the son of Jerry Rice is a bargain at this point in the fifth round.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 212 lb Brenden Rice had 45 receptions, 791 receiving touchdowns, and 12 receiving touchdowns in 2023. Brenden Rice only ran 15/30 routes on the route tree. Despite doing well against Colorado, he didn't show up in the season opener against San Jose State. Brenden Rice ran a 4.5 flat at the 2024 NFL Combine.
     
     
     
141. Carolina Panthers: Jamari Thrash, WR, Louisville
     
     
     Carolina drafts a second wide receiver. I mocked Ladd McConkey in the second round to compliment Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen. Now I'm mocking Jamari Thrash, the Louisville wide receiver in the fifth round to be Carolina's number five wide receiver on teh depth chart behind Jonathan Mingo.
     
     
     
     The 6-0 185 lb Jamari Thrash had 63 receptions, 858 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns in 2023. Jamari Thrash also ran a 4.47 40-yard dash in the 2024 NFL Combine despite getting shutdown by Renardo Green in the 2023 ACC Championship.
     
     
     
     
     
142. Carolina Panthers: Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
     
     
     Carolina has Chuba Hubbard as their starting running back and Miles Sanders as the backup running back. Carolina needs a third running back that can push both Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders for reps.
     
     
     
     The 5-11 210 lb Jaylen Wright had 146 carries, 875 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 8 receiving yards, 148 touches, 883 total yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns in 2022. Jaylen Wright had 137 carries, 1,013 rushing yards, 22 receptions, 141 receiving yards, 159 touches, 1,154 total yards, and 4 rushing touchdowns in 2023.
     
     
     
     Jaylen Wright has the speed and pass catching that you want. His ball carrier vision is effective, but also inconsistent. Jaylen Wright didn't pass block from what I saw on tape, but he compliments Carolina's backfield quite well in the fifth round.
     
     
     
143. Atlanta Falcons: Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State
     
     
     Atlanta drafts a backup tight end to Kyle Pitts with Jonnu Smith gone. Florida State tight end Jaheim Bell is a bargain at this point in the fifth round.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 244 lb Jaheim Bell had 39 receptions, 503 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns in 2023. Jaheim Bell ran 15/30 routes on the route tree when breaking down his route running at Florida State.
     
     
     
     
     
144. Buffalo Bills: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
     
     
     The Buffalo Bills double up at cornerback in case they decide to move Kaiir Elam in a trade here. Penn State cornerback Kalen King is my top cornerback on the board at this point in the fifth round. Kalen King entered the year as the number two cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft behind Kool-Aid McKinstry, but a very bad season caused him to drop four rounds.
     
     
     
     The 5-11 189 lb Kalen King had 20 solo tackles, 9 assisted tackles, 29 total tackles, 2 deflections from pass breakups, and 1.5 tackles for a loss in 2023. Kalen King was awful against Ohio State to the point where I gave him a C+ grade in man coverage, a C+ in zone coverage, and a C+ in press coverage.
     
     
     
     Kalen King is a reserve cornerback in Buffalo. I do believe he's talented enough to crack Buffalo's final 53 man roster.
     
     
     
145. Denver Broncos: Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn
     
     
     I gave Denver Quinyon Mitchell at 12 giving Denver Patrick Surtain II at field cornerback, Quinyon Mitchell at boundary cornerback, and Damarri Mathis moving from boundary to nickel cornerback. Denver gets a second cornerback for depth here in the fifth round.
     
     
     
     The 6-0 188 lb Nehemiah Prichett has been Auburn's number one field cornerback the last two years since Roger McCreary went to the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft. Nehemiah Prichett had 18 solo tackles, 4 assisted tackles, 22 total tackles, 3 deflections from pass breakups, 1 interception, and 1 tackle for a loss in 2023.
     
     
     
     I gave Nehemiah Prichett a B+ in man coverage, a C grade in zone coverage, and an A grade in press coverage. Prichett ran a 4.36 40-yard dash and is described by NFL scouts as a press man cornerback. Denver is a good team for Prichett to go to in a depth role.
     
     
     
     
     
146. Tennessee Titans: D.J. James, CB, Auburn
     
     
     Tennessee has L'Jarius Sneed at field cornerback, Chidobe Awuzie at boundary cornerback, and Roger McCreary at nickel cornerback. Tennessee could improve their cornerback depth with a dime cornerback and this feels like the right spot to take a backup cornerback. Auburn cornerback D.J. James comes off the board here.
     
     
     
     The 6-0 170 lb D.J. James is a former Oregon Duck that transferred to Auburn. D.J. James had 30 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 38 total tackles, 10 deflections from pass breakups, 3.5 tackles for a loss, and 3 interceptions in 2023.
     
     
     
     I gave D.J. James an A- in man coverage, an A- in zone coverage, an A- in press coverage, and a C- in run stuffing. D.J. James is outstanding in coverage, yet suspect against the run.
     
     
     
     D.J. James can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 scheme. D.J. James ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine.
     
     
     
     A lot of people have a second on D.J. James, but I got a fouth round grade on him. Nehemiah Prichett was Auburn's number one cornerback the last two years and D.J. James was targeted more with teams throwing away from Prichett.
     
     
     
147. Denver Broncos: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, FS, Texas Tech
     
     
     Denver needs a replacement for Justin Simmons at free safety. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson is my top safety on the board at this point in the fifth round.
     
     
     
     The 5-10 197 lb Dadrion Taylor-Demerson had 53 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, 73 total tackles, 8 deflections from pass breakups, 4 interceptions, 2 quarterback hurries, 1.5 tackles for a loss, and 1 sack in 2023. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson followed this up with a strong showing at the 2024 NFL Combine where he ran a 4.41 40-yard dash.
     
     
     
     Dadrion Taylor-Demerson really didn't impress me on film versus BYU as I gave him a C in man coverage, a B+ in zone coverage, and a C- in press coverage. He interviewed well at the 2024 East West Shrine Bowl and was one of the standouts in practice during this years Shrine Bowl.
     
     
     
     
     
148. Las Vegas Raiders: Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor
     
     
     There's been some speculation that Las Vegas may move their 2023 first round pick Tyree Wilson inside to defensive tackle. This would give the Las Vegas Raiders a starting defensive line with Malcolm Koonce at 4-3 right end, Christian Wilkins at 4-3 defensive tackle, Tyree Wilson at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Maxx Crosby at 4-3 left end. Las Vegas has John Jenkins and Adam Butler for depth at defensive tackle. Byron Murphy last years third round pick out of Alabama is currently a third string defensive tackle.
     
     
     
     The 6-6 298 lb Gabe Hall was Baylor's defensive tackle and is versatile enough to play 4-3 defensive tackle, 3-4 right end, 4-3 right end, 3-4 left end, and 4-3 left end. He's also one of two fourth round defensive tackles on my board at this point in the fifth round, so Las Vegas can draft Gabe Hall and stash him for depth at this point in the 2024 NFL Draft.
     
     
     
149. Cincinnati Bengals: Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin
     
     
     Cincinnati currently has Jonah Williams at left tackle, Cordell Volson at left guard, Ted Karras at center, Alex Cappa at right guard, and Trent Brown at right tackle. I mocked South Dakota State offensive tackle Garrett Greenfield to Cincinnati in the fourth round with both backup offensive tackles Jackson Carman and D'Ante Smith entering the final year of their rookie deals. Wisconsin center Tanor Bortolini has experience at left guard too and started there before the departure of Wisconsin center Joe Tippman whose now the starting center on the New York Jets.
     
     
     
     The 6-4 305 lb Tanor Bortolini has the pass blocking, run blocking, zone blocking, pass blocking footwork, pass blocking strength, run blocking footwork, and run blocking strength you want in an offensive linemen. I had a fourth round grade on him, but I'm not sure if he's got starter potential since I feel like he's either a high end backup or a low end starter.
     
     
     
     Tanor Bortolini ran a 4.94 40-yard dash in the 2024 NFL Combine. Jason Bantle also took Tanor Bortolini in our private group mock on Facebook.
     
     
     
     
     
150. New Orleans Saints: Tory Taylor, P, Iowa
     
     
     New Orleans has an undrafted Free Agent as their starting punter. New Orleans is a team that could realistically take a punter, and I got a fourth round grade on Iowa punter Tory Taylor.
     
     
     
     The 6-4 231 lb Tory Taylor is the best punter in the 2024 NFL Draft while having 46.3 yards per punt on 295 punts for 13,657 yards with 103 of his punts going 50 yards or more. Tory Taylor had 48.2 yards per punt in 2023 en route to winning the 2023 Ray Guy Award. His dad is a former professional rugby player in Australia.
     
     
     
151. Indianapolis Colts: Joshua Karty, K, Stanford
     
     
     Indianapolis has the aging Matt Gay at kicker who got cut by the Los Angeles Rams for good reason. However, competition may be needed as Joshua Karty is one of two kickers I have a fourth round grade on. Joshua Karty is one of two kickers in College Football with a proven track record of consistently making field goals over 60 yards.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 207 lb Joshua Karty made a 69 yard field goal during his senior year in High School. Joshua Karty redshirted at Stanford in 2020. Joshua Karty went 10/15 on field goals with a long 51 yard field goal as a freshman redshirt in 2021. Joshua Karty went 18/18 on field goals with a college best 61 yard field goal while also being a Lou Groza Award finalist as a sophomore redshirt in 2022. Joshua Karty went 23/27 and made a 56 yard field goal in 2023.
     
     
     
     Stanford kicker Joshua Karty and Missouri kicker Harrison Mevis are the two best kickers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Neither should get drafted on day 2 like Michigan Jake Moody in the 2023 NFL Draft, but I got fourth round grades on both kickers and if either kicker is still on the board by the time the Indianapolis Colts pick in the fifth round, then that's the best pick to make from a value standpoint for the Indianapolis Colts. I know Indianapolis Colts fans want to bring up Rodrigo Blankenship and why the Colts shouldn't draft a kicker for that reason, but kickers come and go. You have to reload at the position in the draft when the value is there.
     
     
     
     
     
152. Washington Commanders: Harrison Mevis, K, Missouri
     
     
     There's only three players with fourth round grades that remain on my board midway through the fifth round. Those three players are Tulane wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson, Florida State defensive tackle Fabian Lovett, and Missouri kicker Harrison Mevis. I already gave Washington a wide receiver and Washington is stacked at defensive tackle with Jonathan Allen, Da'Ron Payne, and Phidarian Mathis their 2022 second round pick. I guess that leaves a kicker for the Washington Commanders by process of elimination even though I don't see that as a major need.
     
     
     
     The Washington Commanders bring in competition for starting kicker Brandon McManus whose now on his third team in the past three years going from Denver, to Jacksonville, to Washington. Missouri kicker Harrison Mevis just might be the answer if Washington is willing to wait for Mevis since Brandon McManus is already 32-years-old.
     
     
     
     The 5-11 243 lb Harrison Mevis was a four year starter at kicker for Missouri. Harrison Mevis went 17/20 on field goals with a long 52 yard field goal as a freshman in 2020. Harrison Mevis went 23/25 on field goals with a long 56 yard field goal in 2021. Harrison Mevis went 22/28 with a long 56 yard field goal in 2022. Harrison Mevis went 24/30 on field goals in 2023 with a game-winning 61 yard field goal against Kansas State to keep Missouri's undefeated season alive back in week 3.
     
     
     
     Harrison Mevis entered the year as my number one kicker in College Football. At one point, I was considering Harrison Mevis over Jake Moody as the top kicker in the 2023 NFL Draft. Joshua Karty is the one kicker in this draft that has made a field goal from a longer distance than Mevis. The thing is Mevis is a solid value pick at this point in the fifth round.
     
     
     
153. Jacksonville Jaguars: Fabian Lovett, NT, Florida State
     
     
     Jacksonville gets another body to compliment Da'Von Hamilton inside. Jacksonville has Arik Armstead at 3-4 right end, Da'Von Hamilton at 3-4 nose tackle, and Roy Robertson-Harris at 3-4 left end. Fabian Lovett on Florida State played 4-3 defensive tackle, but he's also got the body and size to play 3-4 nose tackle. Fabian Lovett would be a backup nose tackle and change of pace player to compliment Da'Von Hamilton.
     
     
     
     The 6-4 314 lb Fabian Lovett began his career at Mississippi State before transferring to Florida State. Fabian Lovett was on our radar in the Fall of 2023 long before the emergence of his teammate at defensive tackle in Braden Fiske.
     
     
     
     Fabian Lovett had 10 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 22 total tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 3 deflections from pass breakups, 1 sack, and 1 quarterback hurry in 2023. Fabian Lovett is the final defensive tackle on my board with potential to develop into a starter, but he heads to Jacksonville where he will be a good backup to Da'Von Hamilton at nose tackle.
     
     
     
     
     
154. Los Angeles Rams: Jha'Quan Jackson, WR, Tulane
     
     
     I'm aware of the fact that the Los Angeles Rams have Cooper Kupp at flanker wide receiver and Puka Nacua as their secondary wide receiver. In fact, Nacua was so dominant as a rookie he showed he could be the number one wide receiver when Kupp was out of the lineup. Right now, Demarcus Robinson is the slot receiver. Tutu Atwell and Ben Skowronek the two wide receivers from the 2021 NFL Draft are backup wide receivers entering contract years. Jha'Quan Johnson is the last player on my board with a fourth round grade, so in this situation, the Los Angeles Rams take Jha'Quan Jackson and stash him for depth.
     
     
     
     The 5-9 190 lb Jha'Quan Jackson had 2 receptions, 31 receiving yards, and 1 receiving touchdown before redshirting in 2019. Jha'Quan Jackson had 31 receptions, 425 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns as a freshman redshirt in 2020. Jha'Quan Jackson had 17 receptions, 294 receiving yards, and 1 receiving touchdown as a sophomore redshirt in 2021. Jha'Quan Jackson had 33 receptions, 554 receiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns as a junior redshirt in 2022. Jha'Quan Jackson had 26 receptions, 439 receiving yards, and 4 receiving touchdowns as a senior redshirt in 2023.
     
     
     
     Jha'Quan Jackson had some nice moments in the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl before running a 4.42 40-yard dash and doing 12 reps on the bench press at the 2024 NFL Combine. Jha'Quan Jackson ran 12/30 routes on the route tree.
     
     
     
155. Los Angeles Rams: Beaux Limmer, C, Arkansas
     
     
     The Los Angeles Rams have Alaric Jackson at left tackle, Jonah Jackson at left guard, Steve Avila is moving inside to center after a strong rookie season at left guard, Kevin Dotson got extended at right guard, and Rob Havenstein is the right tackle. I mocked Yale left tackle Kiran Amigadjie in the third round as a potential upgrade at left tackle and a backup left tackle at the very worst. Los Angeles lost both Brian Allen and backup center Coleman Shelton, so drafting another center for depth has to happen at some point in the 2024 NFL Draft.
     
     
     
     The 6-4 301 lb Beaux Limmer has the run blocking, run blocking footwork, and run blocking strength to contribute on running plays. I feel like his pass blocking and zone blocking needs some work at the next level, but he's someone the Los Angeles Rams can draft as a backup to Steve Avila.
     
     
     
     
     
156. Cleveland Browns: Keith Randolph Jr., DT, Illinois
     
     
     Cleveland has Myles Garrett at 4-3 right end, Dalvin Tomlinson at 4-3 defnesive tackle, Shelby Harris at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Z'Darius Smith at 4-3 left end. Cleveland has Ogbonnia Okoronkwo as the backup 4-3 right end, Quinton Jefferson replaces Jordan Elliott as a backup 4-3 defensive tackle, Maurice Hurst the other 4-3 defensive tackle that rotated with Shelby Harris is back as the backup 4-3 defensive tackle, and Alex Wright is back as the backup 4-3 left end. Cleveland can draft another body to push these defensive tackles who will likely be paired with Siaki Ika, Cleveland's 2023 third round pick as a third string defensive tackle.
     
     
     
     The 6-3 296 lb Keith Randolph Jr. had 20 solo tackles, 29 assisted tackles, 49 total tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 4 quarterback hurries, 1.5 sacks, and 1 deflection from pass breakups in 2023. Keith Randolph Jr. gives Cleveland another body to push the veterans on this roster.
     
     
     
157. Minnesota Vikings: Johnny Dixon, CB, Penn State
     
     
     Minnesota has Byron Murphy at field cornerback, Mehki Blackmon at boundary cornerback, Akayleb Evans at nickel cornerback, and Andrew Booth Jr. at dime cornerback. Minnesota also has Camryn Bynum at strong safety, Harrison Smith at free safety, Josh Mettellus a third safety and solid spot starter can play either safety role if an injury occurs or nickel cornerback. You also got Minnesota Vikings 2022 first round pick Lewis Cine. Minnesota is getting a quarter cornerback for quarters packages that esssentially can learn the Vikings playbook while Minnesota stashes that player for depth here in the fifth round.
     
     
     
     The 5-11 192 lb Johnny Dixon was a nickel cornerback to Joey Porter Jr. and Kalen King in 2022. After Joey Porter Jr. left, he got promoted to boundary cornerback next to Kalen King in 2023.
     
     
     
     Johnny Dixon had 17 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 23 total tackles, 10 deflections from pass breakups, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 1 quarterback hurry in 2022. Johnny Dixon had 20 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 26 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 3 deflections from pass breakups, and 1 interception in 2023.
     
     
     
     I gave Kalen King a C+ grade in man, zone, and press coverage. I will give Johnny Dixon a C grade in man coverage, a C grade in zone coverage, and a C grade in press coverage.
     
     
     
     
     
158. Miami Dolphins: Daequan Hardy, CB, Penn State
     
     
     Miami has Jalen Ramsey at field cornerback, Kendall Fuller replaces Xavien Howard at boundary cornerback, Kader Kohou is the nickel cornerback, Cam Smith Miami's 2023 second round pick remains the dime cornerback, Nik Needham is the quarter cornerback, and Miami also added Siran Neal as a sixth cornerback. If Miami drafts another cornerback, the cornerback they draft has to be able to play special teams. Luckily for Miami, Penn State cornerback Daequan Hardy is one of the better return specialists in this draft.
     
     
     
     The 5-9 179 lb Daequan Hardy had 12 solo tackles, 10 assisted tackles, 22 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, 3 tackles for a loss, 2 interceptions, 1 sack, 1 kickoff return for 19 yards, 17 punt returns for 248 yards, and 2 touchdowns where Hardy got a touchdown on special teams for Penn State in 2023.
     
     
     
159. Kansas City Chiefs: Dominick Puni, LG, Kansas
     
     
     Kansas City has Wanya Morris at left tackle, Joe Thuney at left guard, Creed Humphrey at center, Trey Smith at right guard, and Jawaan Taylor at right tackle. Kansas City needs backups on the interior offensive line. One guy that can play all five positions on the offensive line that had a good week at the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl was Kansas left tackle Dominick Puni.
     
     
     
     The 6-4 323 lb Dominick Puni can play left tackle, left guard, center, righ guard, and right tackle with his versatility. Dominic Puni has the pass blocking, run blocking, zone blocking, pass blocking footwork, pass blocking strength, run blocking footwork, and run blocking strength you want in an offensive linemen. He's a really solid player everywhere in most aspects and Kansas City gets to stash him as a backup on the best interior offensive line in the NFL right now.
     
     
     
     
     
160. Buffalo Bills: Malik Washington, WR, Virginia
     
     
     Buffalo drafts a second wide receiver. I gave Buffalo Brian Thomas Jr. at 28 to be the flanker wide receiver and Khalil Shakir can be the secondary wide receiver. Bringing in someone to compete with Justin Shorter for the slot receiver job is absolutely necessary. One guy who could end up as Buffalo's slot receiver this late in the draft is Virginia wide receiver Malik Washington.
     
     
     
     The 5-9 191 lb Malik Washington had 110 receptions, 1,426 receiving yards, and 9 receiving touchdowns in 2023. Malik Washington only ran 9/30 routes on the route tree, but he's great at taking the top off a defender. He's perfect for a vertical offense like Buffalo and he can be a deep threat similar to Deonte Hardy and he won't have the drops Justin Shorter had coming out of Florida.
     
     
     
161. Philadelphia Eagles: Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon
     
     
     Philadelphia has Saquon Barkley as their feature running back and Kenneth Gainwell as their change of pace running back in a contract year. Bucky Irving would make a good third string running back in Philadelphia. Irving could do some damage with Philadelphia's offensive line.
     
     
     
     The 5-9 192 lb Bucky Irving had 156 carries, 1,058 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns, 31 receptions, 299 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns, 187 touches, 1,357 total yards, and 8 total touchdowns in his first season at Oregon after transferring from Minnesota to Oregon in 2022. Bucky Irving had 186 carries, 1,180 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 56 receptions, 413 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns, 242 touches, 1,593 total yards, and 13 total touchdowns in 2023.
     
     
     
     I posted a film cut of Oregon running back Bucky Irving versus Washington. You can watch the film cut I posted of Bucky Irving below.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
162. Arizona Cardinals: Austin McNamara, P, Texas Tech
     
     
     Arizona is another team in the market for a punter with an undrafted punter as their starting punter. Texas Tech punter Austin McNamara is an upgrade over what the Arizona Cardinals currently have at punter.
     
     
     
     The 6-4 210 lb Austin McNamara averaged 44 yards per punt in 2023. I loved the effort Austin McNamara gave when watching him in a punt competition on Youtube during his sophomore season at Texas Tech.
     
     
     
163. Buffalo Bills: Brennan Jackson, LE, Washington State
     
     
     Buffalo has A.J. Epenesa at 4-3 right end, Gregory Rosseau at 4-3 left end, Casey Toohill is the backup 4-3 right end, and Von Miller is the backup 4-3 left end. Toohill feels like a massive downgrade over Leonard Floyd at defensive end, but Epenesa and Rosseau will do well as starters. Drafting another pass rusher on day 3 to develop while Casey Toohill plays out his contract is something I can see Brandon Beane doing on day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
     
     
     
     The 6-5 266 lb Brennan Jackson had 26 solo tackles, 31 assisted tackles, 57 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 9 quarterback hits, 8.5 sacks, 3 deflections from pass breakups, 1 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 3 defensive touchdowns on those 3 fumble recoveries in 2023. I had a second round grade on Brennan Jackson in the Fall, but now have a fifth round grade on Jackson. Brennan Jackson ran a 4.60 40-yard dash and did 21 reps on the bench press at the 2024 NFL Combine.
     
     
     
     
     
164. Detroit Lions: Isaiah Adams, LG, Illinois
     
     
     Detroit has Taylor Decker at left tackle, Graham Glasgow at left guard, Frank Ragnow at center, Kevin Zeitler at right guard, and Penei Sewell at right tackle. Detroit drafts a left guard for depth.
     
     
     
     The 6-4 316 lb Isaiah Adams has the versatility to play left tackle, left guard, right guard, and right tackle. Isaiah Adams projects as a guard in the NFL. Isaiah Adams has the run blocking, run blocking footwork, and run blocking strength you want to thrive in Detroit as a backup guard. Isaiah Adams does need a lot of work as a pass blocker and zone blocker, but he's someone who could end up working out as a backup guard on a run heavy team like the Detroit Lions.
     
     
     
165. Baltimore Ravens: Jalyx Hunt, 3-4 LOLB, Houston Christian
     
     
     Baltimore has Odafe Oweh their 2021 first round pick at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Kyle Van Noy at 3-4 left outside linebacker. David Ojabo, Baltimore's 2022 second round pick out of Michigan is the only backup pass rusher that Baltimore has after releasing Tyus Bowser, who got injured. I mocked Javon Solomon as a backup 3-4 right outside linebacker because I believe he may have starter potential. I'm also mocking Jalyx Hunt as a backup 3-4 left outside linebacker given the current state of the Baltimore Ravens at 3-4 outside linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens current edge rusher group not having a sack artist.
     
     
     
     The 6-4 250 lb Jalyx Hunt had 39 solo tackles, 48 assisted tackles, 87 totla tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 deflections from pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery at Houston Christian in 2022. Jalyx Hunt had 19 solo tackles, 27 assisted tackles, 46 total tackles, 11 quarterback hurries, 9 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, 3 eflections from pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception in 2023.
     
     
     
     
     
166. New York Giants: Elijah Jones, CB, Boston College
     
     
     New York has Deonte Banks their 2023 first round pick at field cornerback. New York still needs a boundary cornerback, so the New York Giants use this fifth round pick from the San Francisco 49ers to draft the best cornerback on the board.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 209 lb Elijah Jones had 18 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 25 total tackles, 8 deflections fro pass breakups, 5 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble in 2023. I gave Elijah Jones a B in man coverage, a B+ in zone coverage, and a C- in press coverage.
     
     
     
     Elijah Jones hardly pressed on film in the two games I watched against Florida State and Connecticut. Elijah Jones maade a huge fourth down stop by playing man coverage and swatting a pass down on fourth and one. If New York drafts Elijah Jones, he could be a quarter cornerback for depth, but he could also end up starting right away at boundary cornerback if he takes off in training camp. Elijah Jones ran a 4.44 40-yard dash and former New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is a Boston College alumnus.
     
     
     
167. Minnesota Vikings: Will Reichard, K, Alabama
     
     
     Minnesota lost their kicker Greg Joseph. Minnesota uses this fifth round pick that the Minnesota Vikings got from the Kansas City Chiefs to draft their new kicker.
     
     
     
     The 6-1 194 lb Will Reichard is the NCAA's career points leadder with 547 points thanks to 84 fields goals and 295 extra points. Will Reichard's production at Alabama is a good reason why I got a fifth round grade on Will Reichard despite having a fourth round grade on Joshua Karty and Harrison Mevis. Will Reichard went 22/25 on field goals making a long 56 yard field goal in 2023.
     
     
     
     
     
168. New Orleans Saints: Gunnar Watson, QB, Troy
     
     
     New Orleans got this compensation pick at 168 thanks to the Atlanta Falcons signing a contract with defensive tackle David Onyemata, the New Orleans Saints 2016 fourth round pick during the 2023 NFL Free Agency Period. David Onyemata went from a 4-3 defensive tackle in New Orleans to a 3-4 nose tackle in Atlanta.
     
     
     
     New Orleans will keep Derek Carr as the starting quarterback, but lost their backup quarterback Jameis Winston. New Orleans drafted Jake Haener out of Fresno State with the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl MVP heading to New Orleans last year. New Orleans also signed Nate Peterman in Free Agency and if you are going to sign Nate Peterman, I'm mocking a quarterback to your team as punishment until Nate Peterman is blacklisted from playing in the NFL entirely because New Orleans cannot have Nate Peterman starting if Carr gets a concussion in 2024. Therefore, Troy quarterback Gunnar Watson, my top fifth round prospect comes off the board here.
     
     
     
     The 6-3 210 lb Gunnar Watson had 3,569 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown, 28 total touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a 61.0% completion percentage in 2023. Gunnar Watson is being drafted to compete with Nate Peterman for a roster spot. I expect Jake Haener to win the backup quarterback job after sitting behind Jameis Winston and learning the New Orleans Saints team playbook as a rookie.
     
     
     
169. Green Bay Packers: Jaden Hicks, SS, Washington State
     
     
     Green Bay got this compensation pick at 169 thanks to undrafted Free Agent Allen Lazard, a former Iowa State wide receiver, signing with the New York Jets during the 2023 NFL Free Agency Period. I had a fourth round grade on Allen Lazard coming out of Iowa State, but the New York Jets only signed Allen Lazard to keep Aaron Rodgers happy.
     
     
     
     Green Bay drafts a backup strong safety to replace Simon Biles husband, Jonathan Owens here. The talk about Jaden Hicks or Beau Brade being picked in day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft is cringeworthy. This is not a deep safety class outside of Tyler Nubin, Kamren Kinchens, and Cole Bishop. My favorite outside of those three safeties is Appalachian State safety Nick Ross with James Williams potentially being the final NFL starter of those five safeties.
     
     
     
     You have better odds of winning a game of Russian Roulette with Vladimir Putin then you do of getting a starting NFL safety with Jaden Hicks or Beau Brade. At the same time, Green Bay needs a backup strong safety and drafting Jaden Hicks near the end of the fifth round is incredible value here. Jaden Hicks looked a lot better versus Washington compared to Arizona, but he still didn't do enough to convince me he's worth taking before the fifth round.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 211 lb Jaden Hicks had 49 solo tackles, 30 assisted tackles, 79 total tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 4 deflections from pass breakups, 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 quarterback hurry, 1 forced fumble, and 1 defensive touchdown on a pick six in 2023. Jaden Hicks got a lot of hype heading into the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl, but didn't stand out in Mobile while also not running a 40-yard dash time at the 2024 NFL Combine.
     
     
     
     I gave Jaden Hicks a C in man coverage, a B- in zone coverage, and a D in press coverage. Jaden Hicks also likes to talk trash when making a big play, but he could be a solid backup safety in the NFL. I don't see him becoming a starting safety at the next level.
     
     
     
     
     
170. New Orleans Saints: Zion Tupuloa-Fetui, LE, Washington
     
     
     New Orleans got this compensation pick at 170 thanks to the Minnesota Vikings signing a one year contract with defensive end Marcus Davenport, the New Orleans Saints 2018 first round pick during the 2023 NFL Free Agency Period. Marcus Davenport went from a 4-3 right end in New Orleans to a 3-4 right outside linebacker in Minnesota. Now he goes back to a 4-3 defense in Detroit for the 2024 NFL Season where Davenport won't have to be the main guy thanks to Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit.
     
     
     
     New Orleans has Carl Granderson starting at 4-3 right end, Khalen Saunders starting at 4-3 defensive tackle, Nathan Shepherd starting at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Cameron Jordan starting at 4-3 left end. Chase Young will be a situational pass rusher and the backup 4-3 right end to Carl Granderson while Bryan Bresse, the New Orleans Saints 2023 first round pick is the rotational defensive tackle. Zion Tupuloa-Fetui is versatile enough to play either 4-3 right end or 4-3 left end.
     
     
     
     The 6-3 244 lb Zion Tupuloa-Fetui had 15 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 29 total tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries, and 1 forced fumble in 2023. New Orleans can draft Zion Tupuloa-Fetui here and stash him for depth in the fifth round.
     
     
     
     I posted a film cut of Washington EDGE Zion Tupuloa-Fetui VS Oregon. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
     
     
     
     
     
     
171. Philadelphia Eagles: Tahj Washington, WR, USC
     
     
     Philadelphia got this compensation pick at 171 thanks to their 2016 third round pick Isaac Suemalo signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2023 NFL Free Agency Period. Isaac Suemalo has experience starting at both guard spots and was Philadelphia's second player drafted in 2016 behind Carson Wentz.
     
     
     
     Philadelphia has A.J. Brown at flanker wide receiver, DeVonta Smith as the secondary wide receiver, and DeVante Parker as the slot receiver. Philadelphia drafts someone hoping they can come in and push DeVante Parker to be Philadelphia's slot receiver.
     
     
     
     The 5-10 174 lb Tahj Washington had 59 receptions, 1,062 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns in 2023. Tahj Washington only ran 7/30 routes on the route tree with Caleb Williams as his quarterback which may be the reason he ends up developing behind DeVante Parker as a bench player before starting in the NFL as a slot receiver.
     
     
     
     
     
172. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyrice Knight, 3-4 MLB, UTEP
     
     
     Philadelphia got this compensation pick at 172 thanks to their 2019 first round pick Andre Dilard, a left tackle that played college at Washington State signing with the Tennessee Titans during the 2023 NFL Free Agency Period. Andre Dillard's injuries kept him from getting a shot to be the starting left tackle in Philadelphia before Andre Dillard crashed and burned in Tennessee.
     
     
     
     Philadelphia has Nakobe Dean and Devin White at 3-4 middle linebacker as the starting inside linebackers. Philadelphia also added Zack Baun and Oren Burks for depth at 3-4 middle linebacker.
     
     
     
     I don't think those guys keep Philadelphia from drafting a linebacker on day 3 to develop if the value is there. In this case, Tyrice Knight is my only fifth round middle linebacker on the board here.
     
     
     
     The 6-0 235 lb Tyrice Knight had 84 solo tackles, 56 assisted tackles, 140 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, 7 deflections from pass breakups, 4.5 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, and 1 forced fumble in 2023. Tyrice Knight is great in coverage playing man coverage on running backs that try to run short passes and plays zone against tight ends just as well.
     
     
     
     Tyrice Knight is a tackling machine. He's inconsistent when wrapping up tackles and may need development there. I also didn't see Tyrice Knight win any quarterback hurries in the game film I saw of Knight versus Florida International.
     
     
     
173. Kansas City Chiefs: Beau Brade, SS, Maryland
     
     
     Kansas City got this compensation pick at 173 thanks to their starting right tackle Andrew Wylie signing with the Washington Commanders during the 2023 NFL Free Agency Period. Kansas City got this pick thanks to Washington's GM wanting to re-unite Andrew Wylie with his former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy whose no longer on the Washington Commanders.
     
     
     
     Kansas City currently has Justin Reid at strong safety and Bryan Cook at free safety. Kansas City has Deon Bush as the backup strong safety and Chamarri Conner as the backup free safety. Kansas City is a team that can use some safety depth and Beau Brade is the best safety option for Kansas City at this point in the draft.
     
     
     
     The 6-2 209 lb Beau Brade had 48 solo tackles, 27 assisted tackles, 75 total tackles, 6 deflections from pass breakups, 4 tackles for a loss, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble in 2023. Beau Brade has a consensus third round grade, but he got abused against Michigan. I gave Beau Brade a C grade in man coverage, a C+ in zone coverage, and a C- in press coverage. The Maryland safety kept missing tackles at key points in the game despite showing the burst and closing speed to make touchdown saving tackles on some plays.
     
     
     
     
     
174. Dallas Cowboys: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
     
     
     Dallas got this compensation pick at 174 thanks to their 2019 third round pick Connor McGovern signing with the Buffalo Bills during the 2023 NFL Free Agency Period. Connor McGovern went from being a okay starter on Dallas during his rookie deal to blossoming into a good starter in his first year in Buffalo. Connor McGovern impresse Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane enough to earn a promotion from left guard to center on the interior offensive line.
     
     
     
     Dallas has CeeDee Lamb at flanker wide receiver and Brandin Cooks is back as the secondary wide receiver thanks to Dallas buying out Michael Gallup's contract. Jalen Tolbert will take over at slot receiver, but Dallas has no depth at wide receiver if any of those three wide receivers gets injured. North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker who had 12 drops during three Senior Bowl practices and 5 more drops in the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl game finally comes off the board in the fifth round.
     
     
     
     The 6-1 197 lb Devontez Walker had 58 receptions, 921 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns as the number one flanker wide receiver on Kent State in 2022. Devontez Walker had 41 receptions, 699 receiving yards, and 7 receiving touchdowns as Drake Maye's number one wide receiver after transferring to North Carolina and returning from a suspension in 2023.
     
     
     
     Devontez Walker ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine. Devontez Walker only ran 6/30 routes on the route tree and the limited route tree along with the consistent dropped catches where Walker failed to catch the ball are why he fell to the end of the fifth round.
     
     
     
175. New Orleans Saints: Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
     
     
     New Orleans got this compensation pick at 175 thanks to the Atlanta Falcons signing a contract with defensive end Kaden Elliss, the New Orleans Saints 2019 seventh round pick during the 2023 NFL Free Agency Period. Kaden Elliss went from a backup 4-3 defensive end in New Orleans to a 3-4 middle in Atlanta.
     
     
     
     New Orleans has Juwan Johnson as their starting tight end, Foster Moreau as their backup tight end, and Taysom Hill as their third string tight end. None of those guys are a true number one tight end, and New Orleans can buyout Foster Moreau or Taysom Hill to save cap space even if the New Orleans Saints draft a fourth tight end to add to the depth chart this late in the draft.
     
     
     
     The 6-6 246 lb Theo Johnson had 34 receptions, 341 receiving yards, and 7 receiving touchdowns in 2023. Theo Johnson ran 15/30 routes on the route tree and he's one tight end I've seen that dominates as both a run blocker and pass blocker. Theo Johnson is a better prospect than Brenton Strange who ranked number twenty out of twenty tight ends in 2023. He could develop into a low end starter, but I think its far more likely that Theo Johnson becomes the number two tight end in 2025 after developing some as a rookie this season if he goes to New Orleans.
     
     
     
     
     
176. San Francisco 49ers: Jared Wiley, TE, TCU
     
     
     San Francisco got this compensation pick at 176 thanks to the Indianapolis Colts signing a contract with defensive end Samson Ekubam during the 2023 NFL Free Agency Period. Samson Ekubam came into San Francisco and showed he could be a viable starter at 4-3 left end and has continued that success in Indianapolis entering his second season as the starting 4-3 left end on the Indianapolis Colts.
     
     
     
     San Francisco needs a backup tight end for depth behind George Kittle. The only tight end with a fifth round grade left on the board at 176 is TCU tight end Jared Wiley.
     
     
     
     The 6-6 253 lb Jared Wiley had 47 receptions, 520 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns in 2023. Jared Wiley went off in the game against Baylor I watched while showing the ability to run 14/30 routes on the route tree. Wiley is a great run blocker and a good pass blocker for a tight end.