2024 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-20 by the DBN Community

The latter half of the first round kicks off with several defensive players.

The previous picks of the 2024 DBN Community NFL Mock Draft can be found here:

• Picks 1-4
• Picks 5-8
• Picks 9-12
• Picks 13-16

Picks 17-20 are below.

---

No. 17 – Jaguars – Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

The selection and write-up were made by wahoo7:

I was hoping that one of the elite corners (Mitchell or Arnold) would fall to #17, but Latu is a nice consolation. After re-signing Josh Allen to a big 5-year deal, Latu gives the Jags a push rushing duo that will make life difficult for opposing offenses for years to come. This pick also allows new Defensive Coordinator Ryan Nielson to move Travon Walker around the field, including more snaps inside where he can be a force. I also considered Nate Wiggins or Brian Thomas, Jr. with this pick, but Latu’s ability to get to the quarterback will elevate the Jags defense to another level.

---

No. 18 – Bengals – Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

The selection and write-up were made by Jared Mueller:

A lot of interesting names left for the Bengals here at 18 including DT Byron Murphy II and WR Brian Thomas Jr. While I may be overthinking it, I could see Cincinnati worried that they could lose leverage in a Tee Higgins trade if they select a receiver in the first round. On top of that, Newton is the best interior pass rusher in this draft and should be selected in the top 10-15 picks but slides due to more exciting positions. Adding Newton to Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson on the edge and Sheldon Rankins on the inside could make things tough for the rest of the AFC North.

---

No. 19 – Rams – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

The selection and write-up were made by curtiss_brown:

It wouldn’t shock me if the Rams went BPA (best player available) if the players that they want are potentially gone by the time they are selecting. The interior defensive line needs to be addressed but adding another corner to their secondary wouldn’t hurt. Enter Nate Wiggins. The one thing that stands out about Wiggins is his speed. At the combine, Wiggins ran a 4.28. That’s fast. In terms of his coverage ability, he’s sticky in that area. Whether it’s man or zone coverage, he can find a way to neutralize any receiver he goes up against. In terms of his physical traits, he’s long and athletic. The Rams lack a true CB1 on their team currently. Darious Williams is more of a CB2 than a CB1, and Tre’Davious White isn’t the CB1 that he used to be during his tenure in Buffalo. Wiggins will be an immediate starter in the Rams secondary and could contribute instantly.

---

No. 20 – Steelers – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

The selection and write-up were made Matt Wilson:

The Steelers’ offense has been plagued by bad offensive tackle play for what seems like an eternity, and the 6’7.5”, 340 lb. Mims has the potential to come in and fix that problem right away.

He would most likely step in as the starting right tackle from day one, which means that Broderick Jones (Mims’ former teammate at UGA) would be able to move back to his more natural position of left tackle.

Amarius Mims would be a “home run” pick for Pittsburgh in this spot and would give them the pair of bookend offensive tackles that they’ve desperately been searching for.

---

Up next will be the 21-24 picks in the 2024 DBN Community Mock Draft.