Mike Edwards’ Mock NFL Draft 2024: Picks 21-32
We’ve made it to NFL Draft opening day, and we’re just hours away from finding out who goes where in the big event.
In the final instalment of his first-round mock draft, our Mike Edwards is back with picks 21-32; let’s take a look at his predictions…
21. Miami Dolphins- Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois, DT
After losing Christian Wilkins in free agency, Jer’Zhan Newton offers the Dolphins a capable run defender and pass rusher who’s moves and technique compensate for some physical limitations.
Miami could take the extremely physical centre Jackson Powers-Johnson to beef up their interior offensive line here too, but I think they will opt for better value in Newton with this pick.
22. Philadelphia Eagles – Cooper DeJean, Iowa, CB
After hitting the self-destruct button at the end of last season, the Eagles look to address their biggest weaknesses, defensive back. Similar to the pick above, the Eagles could select the heir apparent to Eagles legend Jason Kelce, but the more logical move is taking Cooper DeJean, who will massively help to fix the Eagles’ secondary issues. He is an aggressive, instinctive player who has great vision and speed and will be loved in Philly.
23. Arizona Cardinals (via mock trade with Minnesota Vikings) – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State, OT
After trading down from the 4th overall pick in this mock, the Cardinals can look to add two extremely talented prospects on both sides of the ball. Although Fashanu will need some time to develop, he is only 21 and has all the physical attributes to be an all-star left tackle.
24. Detroit Lions (via mock trade with Dallas Cowboys) – Chop Robinson, Penn State, DL
The Cowboys trade back to gain more picks and add more depth, and the Lions try to add a potential star to take them over the hurdle, giving up their 29th and 73rd pick to the Cowboys. This pick, along with the free agent acquisition of DJ Reader from the Bengals, gives the Lions one of the most destructive defensive lines in football and complements their star edge rush, Aidan Hutchinson.
Chop Robinson has some physical limitations, but his mix of speed and power will give offensive lines so many problems in both the run and pass game.
25. Green Bay Packers- Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama, CB
A solid pick by the Packers who have to compete in a division littered with star wide receivers. McKinstry does not have the type of speed other corners do in this draft, but he is very dependable and attacks the ball when the opportunity arises.
26. Kansas City Chiefs (via mock trade with Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – Adonai Mitchell, Texas, WR
The news about last year’s first-round pick Rashee Rice and looming suspension will be causing significant concern for the Chiefs front office, especially as WR was already an area of weakness for the Super Bowl champions. Here, they jump at the chance to trade up with the Buccaneers and give up picks No.32 and No. 131.
They acquire Mitchell from Texas, who is big and fast, and has some incredible catches on his highlight reel. He also gives the Chiefs another weapon in the red zone, which will take a lot of pressure off star TE Travis Kelce.
27. Arizona Cardinals- Darius Robinson, Missouri, DL
The Cardinals came into this draft needing an influx of talent, having lost a lot of players in free agency. In gaining the Texans first-round pick, following last year’s trade, the Cardinals add another exciting prospect at a key position. Robinson is a big, sturdy defender, who can play every position along the defensive line.
28. Buffalo Bills – Xavier Worthy, Texas, WR
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bills trade up to the teens to acquire a WR, but here I have them sticking where they are. After the Diggs trade, the Bills get a dependable and extremely fast target in Worthy. Scouts have raved about his potential after the catch and how he can turn simple catches into huge gains.
29. Dallas Cowboys (via mock trade with the Detroit Lions) – Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon, OL
The Dallas fanbase may not be thrilled with this pick, but I do believe it is a very good one. Dallas has only one centre on its current roster, and Powers-Johnson gives them a dominant, nasty player in both the run and pass game.
30. Baltimore Ravens – Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma, OL
The Ravens are in the market for starting offensive linemen. Here they take Guyton who is 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds. He has the flexibility to play both guard and tackle and scouts state how he is ready to start in the NFL straight away.
31. San Francisco 49ers – Nate Wiggins, Clemson, CB
The 49ers could go in multiple directions with this pick, taking an offensive lineman or wide receiver to bolster the offence. But I think they take a cornerback with this pick as both of their starters, Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, are set to hit free agency in 2025.
Wiggins offers them a tall, speedy cornerback, who will be given the time to work on pass and run game flaws.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via mock trade with the Kansas City Chiefs) – Graham Barton, Duke, OL
Whilst the Buccaneers’ two key priorities in this draft are edge rushers and cornerbacks, Tampa Bay cannot pass up on the opportunity to upgrade their offensive line and give Baker Mayfield more protection.
Barton is an upgrade on centre Robert Hainsey, who took over from regular all-star Ryan Jensen. Although Barton started at left tackle in his last three seasons in college, experts predict he move to centre as he finished his college days there and has ideal physical traits for that position.
