Mick Edwards’ Mock NFL Draft 2024: Picks 11-20
After a busy start to the 2024 offseason, it’s finally NFL Draft week. With the big event just days away, the first round has a chance to be a whole lot of fun, with a record number of offensive players expected to be taken on Day One.
After four quarterbacks went in the opening ten picks of his mock, our Mike Edwards is back with picks 11-20, and there is a clear shift to the best defensive players on offer. Let’s take a look at his predictions…
11. Arizona Cardinals (via trade With Minnesota Vikings) – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
After trading away pick No. 4 to the Vikings, the Cardinals have an opportunity to add much-needed depth to their roster. Here, they should take the best player available and for me, that is cornerback Terrion Arnold. Used to playing on the outside but also having experience in the slot, with great recovery speed and eyes for the ball, Arnold is the premier defensive back in a deep class.
12. Denver Broncos – Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington
Despite having taken a punt on Zach Wilson, Denver need quality at QB in the draft. They will have to be careful of Las Vegas trading up to acquire Penix Jr, but I think he will still be available at 12. He’s projected to go after Day One by many, but Penix Jr has all the skills and ready made ability to go inside the first round.
Watching him in College football, I have been impressed with Penix Jr’s arm strength and ball placement, especially deep down the field. He can be a very effective quarterback in the NFL under the right offensive scheme.
13. Las Vegas Raiders- Quinyon Mitchell – CB Toledo
With the top quarterbacks in this year’s class all off the board, the Raiders find themselves in a precarious position, with rumours even suggesting they could call Tom Brady to see if he would be interested in a comeback.
I’d be tempted to trade down here, having filled their other glaring hole at defensive tackle with the acquisition of Christian Wilkins from Miami already this offseason. But the Raiders cannot pass up on the opportunity to select a top cornerback; it’s a another massive need if they are to compete in the brutal AFC West.
Quinyan Mitchell fits the bill. With elite recovery speed, he has the ability to help in the run game and is excellent in zone coverage. There are question marks on his ability in press coverage, but his physical traits should enable him to develop his skillset quickly.
14. New Orleans Saints – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The Saints have a need at offensive tackle, due to the injury concerns of veteran Ryan Ramczyk. Taking JC Latham at 14 is too good an opportunity to pass on; he’s excellent in the run game, after practising his skill set in the run-heavy Alabama offense, and has the power and balance to be a dominant pass protector.
15. Chicago Bears (via trade With Indianapolis Colts) – Dallas Turner, DE, Alabama
The Bears could go in multiple directions with this pick. They have already revamped their offense, taking Caleb Williams in the draft after acquiring Keenan Allen, D’Andre Swift and a new guard in Ryan Bates in recent months. On defense, they’ve managed to resign their star cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Now, it’s time to make them aggressive upfront.
I think it would be a prudent move to find an edge rusher that can complement Montez Sweat. Dallas Turner was a 5-star recruit out of high school and has excellent physical traits with room to put on more weight and develop as a pro. Yes, he needs to work on pass rush moves, but this is an excellent prospect for the Bears to add to their promising team.
16. Seattle Seahawks – Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
There are rumours that Seattle would select Fautanu’s college teammate Penix Jr if he was still available. In this mock, he’s not, but it’s a perfect time for them to grab a versatile offensive lineman. Fautanu can play all five positions on the offensive line; he’s a great athlete, powerful and aggressive which enables him to consistently win at the point of contact.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
The Jaguars could easily go cornerback with this pick, but having not replaced Calvin Ridley Jr, who went to division rivals the Tennessee Titans in free agency, wide receiver looks a real issue. The big three WRs have already come off the board, but the Jaguars should not pass on the opportunity to select Thomas Jr., a star during his time at LSU.
Thomas Jr’s was among college football’s best separators last year, and only got better in 2023. He was open on 74 of his 87 targets and led college football with 17 touchdowns.
18. Cincinnati Bengals – Byron Murphy II, DI, Texas
They may have acquired Sheldon Rankins in free agency, but the Bengals use the draft find their long-term replacement for DJ Reader, who left for Detroit this spring. Murphy II gives the Bengals great depth on the interior of the defensive line, and at 6-foot-1 and 305-pounder, the lineman, who made Bruce Feldman’s ‘Freaks List’, is excellent at stopping the run.
19. Los Angeles Rams – Laiatu Latu, ED, UCLA
The Rams replace one dominant pass rusher with another. No player can replace the dominance of certified Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, but Latu gives the Rams another versatile piece to help mitigate that loss. A neck injury made Washington College medical staff medically retire Latu in 2021, but he’s made a miraculous recovery and should dominate as a pro.
His injury past could mean he slides, but if he is available for the Rams to select, it’s a no-brainer. Latuhas great speed for someone of his size and has excellent hands to beat any offensive lineman.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers- Amarius Mims- OT Georgia
The Steelers need to add a tackle if they are to consistently protect Russell Wilson, or Justin Fields. At 20, they should take the 6-foot-8 340 pounder Mims. The Steelers seem to be in love with Mims having attended his pro day, had a formal meeting at the combine and bringing him in for a pre-draft visit.
Injuries may have prevented Mims from developing as quickly as other offensive tackles in this draft class, but the Steelers are known for developing linemen and if they can do that with Mims, they will have a cornerstone franchise offensive tackle for years to come.
