TDN scout Damian Parson recently dropped an exciting four-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft. With draft weekend swiftly approaching, Parson expanded his projections to 135 selections! I’ve been chosen to dissect the latest mock.
The latest TDN100 update has served as a reference point for both Parson’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: Drake Maye, QB, Minnesota Vikings (No. 3 overall)
Many mock drafts have the Vikings trading up for Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. I possess a significantly higher grade on North Carolina's Drake Maye. Why shouldn't the Vikings attempt to get the better quarterback prospect?
The Vikings have a perfect environment for a franchise quarterback to thrive in. They have the best wide receiver in the league in Justin Jefferson and an ascending WR2 in Jordan Addison. An elite tight end is present via T.J. Hockenson. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill are bookend tackles. Aaron Jones should help the run game take a step forward. Head coach Kevin O'Connell is an offensive-minded leader who runs a QB-friendly system.
A rookie quarterback like Maye can't dream up a better landing spot. Maye would experience immediate success in Minnesota.
Biggest Question Mark: Brandon Dorlus, EDGE, Houston Texans (No. 42 overall)
I love that Parson included Brandon Dorlus in the second round of his mock draft. Oregon's versatile inside-outside defender needs to receive more top-64 love. I don't know about the landing spot with the Texans, though.
The Texans have added a slew of defensive linemen through free agency. They signed Danielle Hunter to an extremely lucrative deal to play opposite Will Anderson Jr. They also re-signed Derek Barnett. Denico Autry and Mario Edwards Jr. were added as similar weapons to Dorlus in the sense they can play outside on early downs before kicking inside on 3rd-and-obvious.
DeMeco Ryans loves rotating defensive linemen, but the Texans are well-stocked enough to where they don't need to use a top-50 pick on another option.
Best Scheme Fit: Troy Franklin, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 48 overall)
Troy Franklin is exactly what the Jaguars' passing offense needs. Franklin is a dynamic vertical receiver with the route-running ability to defeat single coverage consistently. He projects as a perfect Z-receiver replacement for Calvin Ridley, who left Jacksonville to sign with the Tennessee Titans.
Franklin averaged an explosive 17.1 yards per reception throughout 2023. Ridley averaged 13.4 yards per catch last season. The Jaguars are going to miss Ridley's big-play ability, and general manager Trent Baalke should attempt to replace that production for Trevor Lawrence through the draft. Franklin would check a lot of boxes in Jacksonville's offense.
Best Value: Zach Frazier, OC, Arizona Cardinals (No. 65 overall)
West Virginia's Zach Frazier has received some first-round love. Parson has the Cardinals drafting Frazier at No. 65 overall, which is typically a more appropriate range for starting centers.
General manager Monti Ossenfort is equipped with seven selections in the opening 104 picks. Retooling the offense around quarterback Kyler Murray is a priority. Hjalte Froholdt is currently slated to start at center. The Cardinals could use an upgrade after Froholdt allowed 23 quarterback pressures last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Froholdt was also whistled for the third-most penalties (8) among all qualifying centers. Frazier would be plug-and-play in Arizona.
Best Player Not Selected: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s right tackle Blake Fisher was among the best players not selected in Parson’s mock. Fisher was the No. 77 ranked player in our latest TDN100 update. Thirteen total offensive tackles were drafted throughout the four-round mock. I believe Fisher will be one of the first 13 tackles drafted.
Fisher is a technically gifted prospect with instant contributor potential at right tackle.
