The trenches remain a big hit as the first round winds down.
The previous picks of the 2024 DBN Community NFL Mock Draft can be found here:
Picks 25-28 are below.
No. 25 – Packers – J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama
The selection and write-up were made by mrwhitman:
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25405739/1829311575.jpg)
Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
The Green Bay Packers have some various needs across their playing positions, the one they don’t have to worry about is quarterback. They have their signal caller for the future in Jordan Love and a young and very capable stable of wide receivers in Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and emerging superstar, Jayden Reed. Luke Musgrave rounds out the pass catchers at tight end who performed admirably in his rookie season in 2023. They also brought in Josh Jacobs to replace Aaron Jones who was issued his walking papers this offseason. Unfortunately for the Packers, Jones walked straight to division rival, the Minnesota Vikings.
An area of concern for the Pack in this draft is the secondary and offensive line. They will address cornerback and safety in this draft in the mid-rounds. There is not a surplus of Day 1 offensive line talent in the mid rounds so the Packers will go OL in Round 1 filling an area of need that has just been bandaided over with another player at the spot. The Packers select JC Latham from Alabama to take over at Right Tackle.
Latham is a monster of a man. 6-6/360. He plays bigger and more stout than his dimensions show. He is a powerful blocker, nasty and violent. He is a true road grader who will open up rush lanes for newly acquired Jacobs. He can manhandle speed rushers and contain bull rushers using his athleticism and excellent footwork. Also, playing at Alabama he faced top competition his entire collegiate career.
The Packers will move their current and temporary right tackle Zach Tom to center and draft their Day 1 right tackle with JC Latham.
No. 26 – Buccaneers – Byron Murphy, DL, Texas
The selection and write-up were made by Thomas Moore:
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25405742/951555330.jpg)
Photo by Christopher Mast/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Probably not really considered a “need” pick for Tampa Bay since their interior DL has some players. However Murphy has a fit/quality factor going on here where he’s too good of a prospect and too much of a fit for them to pass him by.
No. 27 – Cardinals – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
The selection and write-up were made by Matt Wilson:
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25405743/1901350565.jpg)
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
The Cardinals are desperate for wide receiver help right now and they need to find someone who can come in and contribute from day one. Adonai Mitchell has the size (6’2”, 205 lbs.) and elite athleticism (9.99 RAS Score) to do so and at a high level. As it currently stands, Arizona’s top 3 receivers on the depth chart are Michael Wilson, Zach Pascal, and Greg Dortch. Though they’ve been serviceable players throughout their careers so far, they’re nowhere near the type of weapons that Kyler Murray and this Cardinals offense needs to take the next step.
No. 28 – Bills – Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
The selection and write-up were made Barry Shuck:
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25407094/1833765977.jpg)
Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images
The Bills have plenty of needs including offensive tackle, wide receiver, and linebacker. Duke OT Graham Barton (6’-5”, 314 pounds) is the 23rd prospect so the value is there and NC State LB Payton Wilson is mighty tempting. But QB Josh Allen’s receiver corps has been decimated and this team likes to throw the ball a lot. Buffalo traded away Stefon Diggs, lost Gabe Davis and Trent Sherfield to free agency, released Deonte Harty, then signed Curtis Samuel.
The pick here is WR Troy Franklin (6’-3”, 187 pounds) of Oregon. His Pro Football Focus grade last season was an impressive 84.9 who runs an impressive 4.41 in the 40. Franklin was a productive player last season as he gained 1,383 yards on 81 receptions with a 17.1 yards per catch average. He started all 13 games and scored 14 touchdowns with zero fumbles. For his efforts, he was named First Team All-Pac 12 and Second Team All-American. In his sophomore year, he was elected Second Team All-Pac 12. He was also a Biletnikoff Award finalist.
The 1,383 receiving yards set an Oregon school record for the most yards gained in a single season. His 81 receptions set a school record. Franklin had eight 100-yard games, also a new school record. Basically, he produced the greatest season ever by an Oregon wide receiver. It helped that his QB Bo Nix was the conference Offensive Player of the Year. Both players participated in the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Up next will be the 29-32 picks in the 2024 DBN Community Mock Draft.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login