NFL Mock Draft 2.0

Happy Draft Combine to those who celebrate! As day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft Combine kicks off in Indianapolis, Indiana I present to to you my 2nd official mock draft of the cycle. Let’s get into it! Sports Director Brendan Willoughby-Ray’s NFL Mock Draft 2.0:

This time around, there’s no trade in the top 3, as New England stays put and drafts their QB of the future in Jayden Daniels. I still have the Raiders trading up to get their guy, however, at #9 in Michigan man and national champion J.J. McCarthy.

While, as a prospect, he’s a pretty unanimous reach in the top 10, there’s a logic behind this move for Vegas. A common rule-of-thumb used in the draft is: “if he won’t be there by the next time you pick, draft him”. In this case, it’s increasingly likely McCarthy would be drafted by either the Vikings or the Broncos, putting the Raiders in a position to have to trade up to get their guy. I’m projecting a great combine performance for McCarthy, boosting his stock.

Other huge moves:

the Bears may be trading back in this mock, but they still come home with another first round prize: standout LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. Standing at 6’4 with elite athleticism, route-running ability, and explosion that creates significant separation. Thomas Jr. gives Chicago a much needed weapon to pair with DJ Moore for brand-new face of the franchise Caleb Williams. In another big trade,

I also have the Cardinals moving up seven spots to select Byron Murphy II out of Texas. Murphy II, while being an interior defensive lineman, is one of the best and most disruptive pass rushers in the draft. The Cardinals were able to accumulate assets last year in their trade with the Texans, and this aggressive move will give their defense a huge boost going into a big 2024 season for them.

The Steelers, meanwhile, move back, grab some picks, and still get their tackle in Georgia’s Amarius Mims. GM Omar Khan has been aggressive during his short tenure in the Burgh, and this is a great chance for him to gather assets for a future trade.

Stay tuned to WOLF Sports Network for NFL Draft Coverage and check back next week for my post-combine Mock Draft 3.0!