Here we are, finally at the end of the first round of our NFL Mock Draft. Picks #26-32 are ready to be announced, let’s get to it.
(Picks 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16-20, and 21-25 are here for your disposal).
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
The talented edge rusher had a 90.8 PFF grade in 2023, supporting the fact that he’s one of the best in the draft. He’s explosive off of the first step, and his acceleration is scary for offensive tackles who have to deal with him.
But, even with his ability to get to the backfield without many issues, Robinson had a lot to work on. Against NFL-caliber tackles, he may struggle with length and when he does dominate, it’s against a weak tackle (from what we saw in college). He also doesn’t have a lot of pass-rush moves, which is needed since you can’t win off of athleticism alone.
But, Tampa Bay and head coach Todd Bowles will get the best out of Robinson. With time, he can potentially be one of the best of the best considering his gifted talent and athletic ability.
27. Arizona Cardinals: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
His name isn’t the only thing that stands out. McKinstry is one of the smartest cornerbacks coming out of the draft, making him worthy of being chosen in the first round. At 6’1″, his size will help him match up against the top receivers in the NFL (more specifically, the NFC West, holy cow).
Whether in press or zone coverage, he just has the ability to make plays on the ball without much trouble. His length helps him against the press, and his hands disrupt wideouts from being able to get out of that. What stands out also is his ability to read and stop screens for big yardage, and if you put him on an island, he’s confident that the job will get done.
One issue is that he isn’t an elite athlete, but just “good”. Also, his physicality can lead to holding and pass interference penalties. But, at the end of the day, McKinstry is just that guy you can have be your CB1 from the start. Him opposite of Sean Murphy-Bunting will create a solid duo to compete against the weapons of the NFC West and the rest of the league.
28. Buffalo Bills: Tyler Guyton, T, Oklahoma
The 6’7″ lineman is an athlete, as he used to play defensive end and didn’t switch positions until he got onto campus. You can see it in his play, as his hand placement and targeting defenders’ bodies effectively are inconsistent. In simpler terms: he’s more of a pusher instead of a blocker.
However, you can’t deny his physical traits. His foot speed and strides make him stand out, and his movement skills could honestly make him a tight end. Guyton’s power is good, and he does fire off the ball (from his background as a defensive end).
Guyton just needs more time to adjust and hone his skills. Luckily, for a team like the Bills, they can wait for him to be a solid lineman for years to come.
29. Detroit Lions: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Even with the signing of Marcus Davenport, Detroit could use someone that’s dependable (and stays healthy) on the edge opposite of Aidan Hutchinson.
Enter Latu, who graded at an insane 96.3 according to Pro Football Focus. In the past two seasons, he has had 27 sacks (including 15 in 2023). Even though he is limited athletically, his pass-rush moves and just being able to get into the backfield easily make him a threat.
He won’t dominate much with his length. Also, his high run-blocking grade is due to his ability to just shoot gaps. But, in the end, his fast and precise hands along with his counters against blocks make him an excellent choice for Detroit.
30. Baltimore Ravens: JC Latham, T, Alabama
The Ravens’ current right tackle Daniel Faalele is terrible. Bad. A 49.0 PFF grade, including a 42.6 in pass blocking, does not give much confidence in terms of holding the right tackle position in 2024.
This is why Latham is mocked to be a Raven. Crazy enough, he’ll be of legal age throughout the entirety of his rookie season even though he had just two years of starting experience in the SEC.
Physically, he’s one to behold. His height, weight, and length all stand out but he also is able to move quickly for his size. Footwork-wise, it’s balanced and coordinated. Latham, to sum it up, can move people out of the way with his power.
Latham can get overaggressive on pass plays and has committed 18 penalties in the past two years. Calming that down along with improving on his anticipation will help him become a franchise right tackle. You can’t deny his speed and size will be intriguing for the Baltimore offense.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
For a team with little glaring needs, they simply take one of the best players left on the board. A former receiver at Michigan, he moved to cornerback in 2022. He had no problem adjusting, grading out at 83.3 and 81.4 in 2022 and 2023 respectively. 2023 was the best year statistically, nabbing six interceptions while holding quarterbacks to a 71.8 passer rating.
A player like him is valuable, with the ability to also play safety and special teams. PFF has him as one of the top “football players” in the draft regardless of position. It makes sense why. His reaction speed is aggressive, and is a smart guy in zone coverage. Also, when it comes to run defense, he is physical and fearless.
The fiery competitor can sometimes be too aggressive against the run, losing that contain to the sideline. Also, his lack of long speed can be exposed. But, for a 5″10″, 182 lb player who isn’t afraid of contact, the 49ers would love to have him on the team and place him anywhere they so choose. The best team in the NFC gets one of the best football guys in the draft.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
A slot wideout, he won’t play much as the “X” in an offense. But, why does that matter, anyways? The Chiefs already have Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown on the outside. Travis Kelce is still there. Why not add the talented receiver?
McConkey has NFL-level quickness and accelerates well out of his stance. His long speed does allow him to possibly be the outside receiver, but will still help him in the slot. When it comes to slants or just quick routes, he can make an impact.
He doesn’t have much of a catch radius, which is why he won’t be going up for many jump balls. But, his ability to get yards after the catch along with the ability to be a solid run blocker, Kansas City lands their (true) slot receiver of the future. Kadarius Toney, pack your bags.
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Featured Image: Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
