TDN scout Ryan Fowler recently dropped an appetizing two-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft. With draft weekend swiftly approaching, Fowler decided to expand his projections to 64 selections. I’ve been chosen to dissect the latest mock.
March’s TDN100 update has served as a reference point for both Fowler’s mock draft and my analysis. I've identified my favorite selections, scheme fits, and the best prospect not selected. I also have some question marks. Let’s dive into Fowler’s latest 2024 NFL mock draft.
Favorite pick: Malik Nabers, WR, Los Angeles Chargers (No. 5 overall)
Many have projected the Los Angeles Chargers to trade down from No. 5 overall, with the Minnesota Vikings making for a popular partner. I love that Fowler has them sticking and picking Malik Nabers with a premium top-five selection. Nabers is in contention with Marvin Harrison Jr. to be the first receiver drafted.
It's unlikely that the Chargers could trade down and still draft Nabers. A blue-chipper is required at receiver after cutting ties with Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears. Those departures left franchise quarterback Justin Herbert without an obvious go-to weapon in the passing game. Nabers would immediately fill that need.
Biggest Question Mark: Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos (No. 12 overall)
The Broncos undeniably need a quarterback after cutting Russell Wilson and inheriting the largest dead cap charges in history. The general expectation is that the Broncos will either trade up for a top-four quarterback like J.J. McCarthy or sign a veteran bridge option in free agency. Bo Nix is a second-round talent and the Broncos shouldn't force a quarterback at 12.
The Broncos should resist temptation. They may feel a sense of urgency given that Jarrett Stidham is currently penciled in as their starter. The Broncos should take the best player available at 12, and then consider trading up from 76 into the 50s or 60s to draft one of Nix, Spencer Rattler, or Michael Penix Jr. Patience is a virtue.
Best Scheme Fit: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OC, Dallas Cowboys (No. 24 overall)
The dominant Cowboys offensive line of yesteryear is no longer present. Both Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz departed in free agency, creating two concerning holes up front. The Cowboys will almost certainly draft an offensive lineman with their first-round selection (No. 24).
Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson has aced the pre-draft process, beginning with a near-perfect showing at the Senior Bowl. Powers-Johnson has established himself as a top-32 talent. Powers-Johnson is versatile enough to thrive in any offensive scheme. There currently isn’t a starting-caliber center on Dallas’ roster. Powers-Johnson would quickly address that.
Best Value: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Atlanta Falcons (No. 43 overall)
It's been a while since I've seen a mock draft that didn't have LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the opening 32 picks. Thomas Jr. led the nation in receiving touchdowns with 17. The Tigers standout then ran the 40 in a blazing-fast 4.33 seconds at the NFL Combine despite measuring at 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds.
The Falcons are fielding a new-look offense with Kirk Cousins at quarterback. Fowler has them addressing the EDGE spot by grabbing Dallas Turner at No. 8. Turning around and drafting Thomas Jr. at 43 to pair with Drake London would give Cousins two dominant boundary options. What a haul this would be for Atlanta.
Best Player Not Selected: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Fowler made the controversial decision to omit Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. from his latest two-round mock. It’s not an impossible scenario given that medical checks will be crucial to determining Penix Jr.’s actual draft-weekend stock. Stranger things have happened.
Medicals aside, Penix Jr. is a supremely talented quarterback who is the No. 32 ranked prospect in our latest TDN100 update. It would qualify as disappointing if Penix Jr. doesn’t hear his name called within the first 64 picks.
