Youngtown Mock Draft 1.0
Welcome! In this NFL mock draft, we will explore the league’s future stars and the intricate dance of teams maneuvering to secure the most promising prospects and fill positions of need. As the anticipation builds and the clock ticks down, we’ll delve into player analysis and make some strategic predictions about the annual spectacle of the NFL draft. So, buckle up as we navigate through the twists and turns of this simulated draft, where every pick has the potential to reshape the destiny of franchises and set the stage for the next generation of football greatness.
1: Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams | QB | USC
Williams has been the consensus #1 pick for two years now. It seems increasingly likely that the Bears will trade QB Justin Fields, so this move is a lock for the Bears. He has very few flaws in his game. His insane skills and athleticism made him the best player in college football for three years. My biggest concern is that the simplicity of USC’s scheme may have stifled his development in college, and his arm talent covers up some problems with footwork. Still, he feels like the next Mahomes to many people, and considering the Bears missed their chance to draft Mahomes once, they aren’t going to do it again. Leading a young team with millions in cap space could mean the start of something special in the windy city, and they just can’t pass this up.
2: Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels | QB | LSU
Yep, Daniels over Maye. Daniels delivered an incredibly absurd performance during the 2023 season, leading in virtually every significant statistical category that a quarterback can lead. His occasional struggles in the pocket are more than compensated by his ability to throw on the run and make plays with his legs. He has some raw talent, but the upside is insane with a floor that is already higher than that of other QBs in this draft. I think after the combine, he could see a similar hype buildup to Anthony Richardson. For that reason, the Commanders draft Daniels over Maye.
3: Arizona Cardinals (acquired from New England Patriots)
Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Ohio State
Sorry Pats fans, the best player in the draft goes to Arizona. There have been rumblings about the Pats trading down or even out of the first round for days now. While I don’t think new HC Jerod Mayo is crazy enough to do that, I could see him trying to build up the franchise by trading back. Being back-to-back, I don’t think the Patriots get much in return. However, I could see the Patriots getting Arizona’s round-three pick (via HOU), and that’s not nothing.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is the son of an NFL legend and is a legend in his own right already, based on his collegiate accolades. He has been able to beat every defensive scheme designed to double-team and press him since 2022. His footwork, ability to break tackles, and versatility make him the most NFL-ready player in this draft and set him on the best path toward success of anyone here. His only issue really is ball security, and coaching can fix that.
At best, Marvin Harrison Jr surpasses his father’s already impressive body of work. Barring injury, the worst case for him is a solid role as the slot-receiving option on a playoff contender. I’m so serious. He is truly a generational athlete.
4: New England Patriots (acquired from Arizona Cardinals)
Drake Maye | QB | North Carolina
I like Drake Maye. He has a prototypical build and is a solid pocket passer with a great arm, good accuracy, and even some mobility. It’s what makes him a top 3 QB and top 5 pick in this draft. He also takes too long to make his reads or decide to scramble, which puts pressure on his O-line. He is also prone to making risky decisions under pressure. These are two traits that don’t go great together. Good coaching can fix these problems, and I hope Jerod Mayo can do that despite his defensive-focused coaching skills. Maye seems like a safe pick, but he also has enough downside to make you worry, so I have him falling to number 4.
5: Los Angeles Chargers
Joe Alt | OT | Notre Dame
I know, I know. Brock Bowers is a beast and I love him just as much as the rest of you and it would make perfect sense to draft him here as Tight End is a need. Rashawn Slater at Left Tackle is also someone who has been a second-team all-pro and is a solid offensive lineman. Hear me out though. Slater has played Right Tackle for most of his career and is coming off a down year with some injuries ahead of a contract year. He needs a chance to prove his versatility and usefulness to the team. Meanwhile, the Chargers need a good backup plan if he doesn’t pan out. Alt is a top 3 player in this draft. His freaky combination of size, strength, speed, and skill make him unfair to almost any defensive player. Considering that at least four times a year, you’ll be facing the Raider’s pass rush and reigning superbowl champion Chiefs’ defense, you’ll need a guy like Alt on your line, so why not get him and pair him with Slater? Give Hurbert time to cook and look for receiving help in free agency and later in the draft.
6: New York Giants
Malik Nabers | WR | LSU
Nabers is an athletic freak who shows some serious flashes of skill as an X, Y, and Slot receiver. His only real weakness is route running, and you can teach that. He is the perfect rookie wide receiver. He would be the obvious #1 WR in the draft any other year. He can make an imminent impact in the NFL, and for a team that’s struggled so much in the passing game, the Giants really need someone like him.
7: Tennessee Titans
Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia
He can block, he is a skilled route runner, he has some of the best hands in the draft, he weighs 240 lbs and can run a sub 4.5 40-yard dash. What’s not to love? Bowers’s physicality and playmaking ability make him a no-brainer for Tennessee at this position.
8: Atlanta Falcons
Dallas Turner | EDGE | Alabama
Dallas Turner is the best defensive player in the draft and a top 5 player in the class. He is everything you want in a linebacker. He can drop back into coverage, defend the run, and rush the QB. He has insane speed, but some of that must be sacrificed so he can bulk up and tackle better, which is something he’s struggled with in the past. He shows a lot of similarities to 2024 defensive rookie of the year and former college teammate Will Anderson Jr. and I could see similar success starting out.
9: Chicago Bears
Laiatu Latu | DL/Edge | UCLA
Latu is the second-best defensive player in the class, but boy is it a close second. A better tackler and run supporter than Turner, he also enters the draft with similar skills rushing the passer. His skills and athleticism relative to his size make him someone GMs don’t want to miss out on and Ryan Poles certainly will not miss out on this opportunity. He may have some issues adjusting to the pro-game as many young defensive players do, but when he gets into the rhythm of things, he’s going to be a beast who can put pressure on the QB from anywhere on that d-line, a very valuable asset in the NFL.
10: New York Jets
Taliese Fuaga | OT | Oregon State
I’m a biased Jets fan, but I’m not delusional. I know we aren’t getting Joe Alt or trading this pick for Justin Jefferson or something equally insane. We could, however, get one of the best tackles in the draft, protect Rodgers, and prepare for a future beyond him by drafting the most well-rounded blocker coming into the draft. With a RB like Breece Hall and with a QB coming off of injury, you want someone who both blocks the run and the pass, and Fuaga can certainly do that. He has problems as an overaggressive blocker with limited flexibility and agility. Still, these are skills that can be learned, and he is the next best option available to the Jets.
11: Cincinnati Bengals (Traded from Minnesota Vikings)
Olumuyiwa Fashanu | OT | Penn State
The Bengals need to make a big swing to stay competitive in the AFC, and I think this could do it. Some swaps in the 1st, 4th, and 5th rounds of this draft, plus a 2025 second-rounder (via Chicago), give them that chance, moving up from 18th to 11th. With that, they draft Olumuyiwa Fashanu. Despite some minor injury history in his sophomore year, Fashanu shows lots of potential due to his elite size and athletic ability. He still needs some time to develop his timing and consistency, but if he does, he will be an elite player and a solid replacement for Jonah Williams.
12: Jacksonville Jaguars (acquired from Denver Broncos)
Rome Odunze | WR | Washington
Like the Bengals, the Jags need to make a big swing to stay competitive in the AFC South. Similar to Minnesota, the Broncos need draft capital. By swapping The Bronco’s 1st and 4th rounder for Jacksonville’s 4th rounders and their 1st rounder (as well as some late-round picks next year to get it over the hump), both problems are solved, and the Jags get the best WR still on the board.
Odunze is an amazing deep threat. Physically imposing, amazing route trees, ability to read zone coverage, confidence, space creation, and even blocking skills make him the best player available for the Jags to draft. Regardless of what happens with Calvin Ridley, Odunze is someone you just can’t pass up.
13: Las Vegas Raiders
Nate Wiggins | CB | Clemson
The Raiders have needed serious help at CB for years at this point. They’ve tried to address it, but now it’s time to stop screwing around and draft the best corner in the draft out the gate. Wiggins’s skills both in man and in coverage, are complemented by his skills as a run-stopper, an underrated aspect of a cornerbacks game. He could be a more committed tackler, especially in the run game, and he lacks the elite burst you’d want from a corner, but he is the most NFL-ready of any corner in the draft.
14: New Orleans Saints
Jared Verse | EDGE | Florida State
The Saints are a team with many needs, most importantly cap space, but second only to that is finding some help rushing the passer. With Verse, they can solve both problems. Cameron Jordan is a Saints legend, but he’s getting up there in age, and his contract is coming to an end in 2025. Whatever you would have to pay to keep him is going to be impossible, and Verse is, I’d argue, the best pass rusher coming into the draft. Elite natural athletic gifts complemented by skills honed in a long college career make him the most NFL-ready defensive player in the draft and an absolute steal for New Orleans at 14.
15: Indianapolis Colts
Cooper DeJean | CB | Iowa
A White cornerback in the top 15, I know it’s crazy. DeJean is no joke, though. He’s a freaky athlete with great skills in the outside zone. He needs some time to adjust to the pro game, but when he does, he might just be the best corner from this draft.
16: Seattle Seahawks
Jer’Zhan Newton | DL | Illinois
With an insanely versatile D-lineman who can rush the QB from inside, the Seahawks may not get the best defensive player in the draft, but they will get a 300-pound menace with explosive quickness only seen in Madden. His size and arm length are less than ideal, as has been seen in his struggles against double teams and struggles against aggressive run blocks, but his upside as an inside pass rusher is undeniable.
17: Denver Broncos (acquired from Jacksonville Jaguars)
Michael Penix Jr. | QB | Washington
HC Sean Payton seemingly hates Russell Wilson and is trying everything he can to get rid of him. The Broncos have struggled to find their franchise QB since before Payton Manning showed up let alone after his retirement, and with Payton’s coaching prowess, Penix could be it. His arm talent, skill, poise under pressure, ability to read a defense, exploit weaknesses, and the confidence to bounce back from mistakes make him more NFL-ready than I feel many give him credit for. His injury history could be better, and he is a little old for a rookie, but if anyone can polish Penix and his game, it’s Sean Payton, and I think that’s a risk he’s willing to take.
18: Minnesota Vikings (acquired from Cincinnati Bengals)
Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | Alabama
An exceptionally confident and talented corner with great ball and zone skills, Kool-Aid is an amazing player whom the Vikings will feel good about drafting in the top 20. He struggles against more physical players and against deep balls, but his skills in coverage and INT potential make him a dangerous prospect for opposing QBs.
19: Los Angeles Rams
Bo Nix | QB | Oregon
Approaching his 36th birthday, Matthew Stafford isnt going to be the Rams QB forever. The Rams will likely draft his eventual successor soon, so why not now? Nix’s experience aligns well with the team’s mature locker room atmosphere. His skill set as a mobile pocket passer complements Staffords well so the scheme fit is solid. His prototypical size and agility further give him a solid foundation to build a professional career. He has some issues with pressure and consistency, but that’s nothing I don’t think Sean McVay can’t fix.
20: Pittsburg Steelers
JC Latham | OT | Alabama
The Steelers are amazingly mediocre. They win too many games to draft well, and they lose too many games because of shoddy coaching hires and playing down to their competition to seriously compete for free agents that would get them over the hump and actually win a superbowl. It’s a bad spot to be in, but if anyone is gonna put them in the right direction, it’s Latham. Good size, strength, and quickness complement his skillset. He does have issues with weight and discipline and struggles at times with run blocking which could be a drawback.
21: Dallas Cowboys (acquired from Miami Dolphins)
Amarius Mims | OT | Georgia
A 1st round-pick swap and a 2025 5th-rounder give the Cowboys the help they’ve needed on that line for a while now. Mims needs some time to develop his blocking, but his stamina and massive size show a lot of upside for the Cowboys that they just can’t pass up.
22: Philadelphia Eagles
Terrion Arnold | CB | Alabama
A physical man-to-man corner the Eagles could enjoy some high highs and low lows with Arnold’s aggressiveness. His hard-hitting tackles and aggressive on-the-ball play are desperately needed on that secondary, but he lacks zone and slot skills and can potentially draw a lot of penalties. Still, he’s the best player on the board, considering their needs.
23: Houston Texans
Byron Murphy II | DL | Texas
Despite making the playoffs and drafting both the defensive and offensive rookies of the year, the Texans still kind of need help everywhere. A true athletic freak with a high football IQ, Byron Murphy provides some very high upside as a player if he can be developed correctly. A born and raised Texan who played football in Texas all his life Murphy further provides a good story for the team.
24: Miami Dolphins (acquired from Dallas Cowboys)
Troy Fautan | OT | Washington
Troy Fautan has many of the same upsides as the other offensive lineman on this list. Good size, athleticism, mobility, etc. He is also, by far and away, the most raw recruit. His aggressiveness, inconsistency, and underdeveloped blocking skills make him a project pick for Coach McDaniel at a position of need. Assuming he can sit for a few years this can absolutely be a good pick, but he needs time to develop.
25: Green Bay Packers
Quinyon Mitchell | CB | Toledo
A versatile player with amazing athleticism, given time to develop, Mitchell could turn into an amazing corner for the Packers. Agility remains a concern, and he didn’t play against elite college QBs, so some questions remain about his skillset transferring to the NFL. However, his upside is just too good to pass up.
26: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keyon Coleman | WR | Florida State
Mike Evans may or may not re-sign with Tampa Bay. While you can’t replace his Hall of Fame talent, Keyon Coleman may have to make do. Colemans’ prototypical size, good ball-handling skills, receiving ability, route running, and after-the-catch ability make him a good candidate. While he still needs some help refining his footwork and agility on the professional level sitting behind one of the best to ever do it for a year or two may pay dividends.
27: Arizona Cardinals
Jordan Morgan | OT | Arizona
Coming off an ACL Injury is never easy, but Morgan has done it while showing consistent growth in developing as a blocker and utilizing his athleticism to its fullest extent. While he could use some work developing his footwork and hipwork it’s the kind of thing that he can only really learn from with experience. His pass-blocking abilities are solid and should give Kyler Murray plenty of time to throw to Marvin Harrison Jr.
28: Buffalo Bills
Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | LSU
The Bills have needed a true 2nd receiving option since Stephon Diggs was brought in and Thomas is their best bet. His size and skill set make him a promising deep threat and an underrated playmaker on short routes. While he still needs to develop his route tree and physicality he shows good upside and a low floor which the Bills could use. More importantly, it’s someone they can stop the Chiefs from drafting.
29: Detroit Lions
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. | CB | Missouri
A reliable tackler with balanced skills primarily focused on man coverage and good football IQ, Rakestraw is exactly the kind of player the Lions needed in the NFC championship game. His physicality in the run game fits that hardnosed grit and grime the Lions D is becoming famous for and they would love to have his physicality and versatility that’s been honed against SEC competition.
30: Baltimore Ravens
Troy Franklin | WR | Oregon
Franklin is probably the best deep threat in the draft. With a motor that never stops running and blazing speeds, he can create space and make DBs look silly while complimenting the game of Zay Flowers and OBJ as he develops his routes and adjusts to the pro game. If he wrecks the combine I could see him climbing into the mid-first but for now I have a high 2nd/low 1st round grade on him and fully expect him to wear a Ravens jersey one day.
31: San Fransisco 49ers
Jackson Powers-Johnson | IOL | Oregon
Powers-Johnson is the best interior O-lineman in the draft. He needs to improve on preventing penalties, his stance, and hand placement but these are things that good coaching and experience should be able to teach him. His versatility in blocking schemes and as an athlete makes him a top pick and this draft and positions him to be a day-one starter for the Jags.
32: Kansas City Chiefs
Adonai Mitchell | WR | Texas
A reliable receiver, Mitchell gives the Chiefs something they have desperately needed since Tyreek Hill left. While it hasn’t stopped them from winning 2 Super Bowls if they wish to stay champions, Mitchell gives them the best option to stay champs and three-peat. His size, hands, separation skills, and route running make him a very compelling pick for any team, and it fills a serious position of need for KC. While he needs to refine his skills at the next level you can trust that Big Red aka Coach Ried will do everything he can to make sure that happens.
