The Draft Network’s Director of Scouting Keith Sanchez recently dropped an exciting two-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft. With draft weekend swiftly approaching, Sanchez expanded 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 Sanchez’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 TDN’s latest 2024 NFL mock draft.
Favorite pick: Malik Nabers, WR, Atlanta Falcons (No. 5 overall)
It doesn't take long for Sanchez's mock to get spicy. The Falcons trade up to No. 5 overall to draft LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers.
Pairing Nabers with Drake London would give new quarterback Kirk Cousins a legitimate one-two punch at receiver. The Falcons obviously want to be a pass-happier offense after signing Cousins to a mega four-year contract. They took a flier on Darnell Mooney in free agency, but Nabers would add a different element to the offense.
I’d love to see general manager Terry Fontenot get aggressive enough on draft night to grab an elite receiver like Nabers.
Biggest Question Mark: Ladd McConkey, WR, Carolina Panthers (No. 33 overall)
The Panthers should target a receiver at No. 33. I’m simply not convinced Ladd McConkey is the right type of receiver to appropriately diversify the Panthers' offense.
New general manager Dan Morgan acquired Diontae Johnson in a shrewd trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Johnson and Adam Thielen are now the starting receivers in Carolina. What do they have in common with McConkey? All three are versatile enough to play the slot and are most effective when working underneath the coverage.
I'd prefer to see Carolina target an X-type receiver with vertical receiving skills. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Young needs an alpha receiver he can trust to win one-versus-one on the boundary. Both Brian Thomas Jr. and Adonai Mitchell were available when Sanchez mocked McConkey to the Panthers.
Best Scheme Fit: Graham Barton, IOL, Miami Dolphins (No. 21 overall)
The Dolphins lost a pair of interior offensive line starters in free agency. Robert Hunt joined the Carolina Panthers and Connor Williams remains on the open market after suffering a season-ending knee injury. Miami responded by signing Aaron Brewer away from Tennessee to play center, but the interior remains in transition.
I love seeing Graham Barton at No. 21 overall. A college offensive tackle, Barton is expected to transition to guard or center. Barton would be an instant starter at left or right guard in Miami, where Isaiah Wynn and Robert Jones are currently projected to play. Barton is also capable of replacing Brewer at center if that contract fails to prove worthwhile.
Best Value: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Seattle Seahawks (No. 16 overall)
I'll be stunned if Dallas Turner doesn't get drafted in the top 10 by the Falcons or Chicago Bears. Sanchez had the Falcons trading up for Nabers. The Bears passed on Turner in favor of another edge defender, Laiatu Latu, in this scenario.
The Seahawks would sprint the pick to the podium if Turner was available at 16. The Seahawks recorded 47 sacks last season. New defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald will believe there's room for improvement after coordinating a Ravens defense that totaled a league-leading 60 quarterback takedowns in 2023.
Best Player Not Selected: Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
The No. 41 overall prospect in our latest TDN100 update, Sanchez couldn’t find a landing spot for Ohio State defensive tackle Michaell Hall Jr. It qualifies as a bit surprising since Sanchez has four interior defensive linemen drafted in the second round with the likes of Justin Eboigbe and Braden Fiske being drafted ahead of Hall Jr.
