In the previous article, we predicted picks #1-5 in our NFL Mock Draft 1.0. This time, we’ll be doing picks #6-10.
6. New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
With the top three quarterbacks off of the board, New York will be wise to not reach for one at this spot. Instead, they add a dynamic playmaker on the outside in Odunze. A team with a bunch of positional needs, getting the Washington product solves one of them.
A PFF grade of 89.8, Odunze caught 92 balls for 1,639 yards and 13 touchdowns. As fellow draft prospect Michael Penix Jr’s favorite target, the 6’3″ could be argued as the top wideout in this class.
His route running is smooth and precise, and his acceleration makes him stand out as well. Keep in mind that his large catch radius and excellent hands help him win those one-on-one matchups, and the Giants finally have their WR1 for the foreseeable future.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, T, Notre Dame
An easy pick for the Titans. After letting go of Andre Dillard this offseason, they need a new left tackle to protect quarterback Will Levis and his blind side.
With that said, they nab the best offensive lineman in the draft. With a PFF grade of 90+ for the second straight season, the 6’8″ left tackle has incredible size and strength to handle whatever defensive end comes his way. Alt has great speed and footwork for a lineman and will finish blocks with a force like no other. The Titans find their blind side protector of the future in the 21-year-old.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Jokes aside about his skin color and the position he plays, DeJean is arguably the best cornerback in the draft. At 6’1″, his size stands out at that position. He has quick feet, and his ability to flip his hips when needed against wide receivers while accelerating will help him keep up with the top receivers in the NFL.
With just one dependable cornerback in A.J. Terrell, Atlanta could use another lockdown cornerback opposite of him. DeJean would be a huge help. After all, quarterbacks had just a passer rating of 37.8 when targeted in 2023.
Not to mention, you can put him in the slot or in the box if you want to. A versatile defensive player, indeed.
9. Chicago Bears: Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas
They found their quarterback of the future. Now, it’s time to address the defense. With their second first-round pick, Chicago decides to nab the Longhorn defensive tackle.
His strength and speed makes him stand out from the rest, which is why he was the highest-graded lineman in college in 2023. One word to describe him: is violent. Whether it’s against the run or rushing the passer, he’s a three-down player that will strike fear into the eyes of offensive linemen and the opposing quarterback.
Murphy had six sacks and 36 quarterback hurries in 2023. He will be a handful to deal with in the NFL.
10. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
With the addition of wideout Mike Williams to pair with 2022 OROY Garrett Wilson, why not add more weapons for quarterback Aaron Rodgers? After all, Tyler Conkin is a good but not great tight end.
Enter Bowers as the TE1. Despite missing games due to injury last season, he is a guy who you can put in the slot or even on the outside as a wide receiver. The Napa, California native is, of course, a tight end who does a great job of playing that position. He won the John Mackey award in the past two seasons, which is awarded to the nation’s best tight end.
He is also an outstanding run blocker, and to do so in space stands out to scouts. Add everything up together, and you find yourself an All-Pro tight end. Running back Breece Hall will have a blast running behind him if necessary.
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