2024 NFL mock draft: Bills make a deal in network-wide projections (2024)

The Bears drafting Caleb Williams at No. 1 is the closest thing to a lock in the NFL draft. After trading Justin Fields to the Steelers, Chicago has made it as clear as possible they intend to make Williams their new QB. The Bears have spent extensive time with Williams over the past few weeks, including his first – and only – Top 30 visit. Williams had dinner with Bears brass and current players, while also getting a head start on install of Shane Waldron’s offense. It certainly helps that Williams is entering the best situation for a No. 1 pick quarterback ever, which includes weapons DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, a potential top-five defense and a QB-friendly offensive coordinator. The only thing left for Chicago to do is submit the card on draft night. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

There is still plenty of smoke around Jayden Daniels to Washington at No. 2 overall. At this point, draft gurus and talking heads are saying, “Signs are pointing to Daniels to Washington.” That may end up being true, but it’s not because they know anything. New Commanders GM Adam Peters has kept everything close to the vest. Washington will host Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy and Daniels next week — one week before the draft. Has Peters already come to a decision? Or will next week’s meetings determine the pick? Signs may be pointing to Daniels, but perhaps that’s on purpose. We’ve been pretty consistent on Maye being the pick for Washington, and that’s what we are sticking with until something changes our mind. Maye has the highest upside of the quarterback class, perhaps even more so than Williams. Peters and Dan Quinn built a coaching staff to fully support a young quarterback.– Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire

There’s no need to complicate things. If the Commanders take Drake Maye, then Jayden Daniels should be the pick for New England. If the Commanders take Daniels, then Maye should be the pick. If someone is willing to offer a king’s ransom that’s too rich to turn down, then the Patriots should consider trading back. The latter didn’t happen in this mock draft, and the Patriots ended up coming away with the most versatile offensive player on the entire draft board. Daniels is the most pro-ready quarterback in this draft, which means the Patriots may not have to wait as long to see a return on their investment. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire

While I did look into making a deal to move back, hoping to maximize the talent at multiple positions in the first round, ultimately it just didn’t make sense to take perhaps the very best player in the draft at a position the Cardinals desperately need. No other receiver in the draft is a better bet to be great than Harrison, who has the length, elite athleticism, playmaking, durability, production over multiple years and with differing talents at quarterback, and bloodline. Harrison will be a star. He will be the Cardinals’ alpha dog in the receiver room from Day 1 and hopefully can take the passing game up a level.– Jess Root, Cards Wire

The Chargers could take an offensive tackle, but I believe it would only make sense in a trade-down scenario. They stay put at No. 5 and add an explosive element to the offense, something they’ve been missing for years. Nabers is a dynamic playmaker whose release, play speed and run-after-catch ability make him a home-run threat each time he touches the ball. After the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Nabers would make an immediate impact. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire

This scenario seems unlikely to play out the closer we get to the 2024 NFL draft. However, if it does, there’s no way the Giants can pass on taking J.J. McCarthy at No. 6 overall. With the top two wide receivers off the board, they could go with Rome Odunze but there’s little reason to avoid hitting that reset button. Even with the certainty that Daniel Jones will start in 2024 (when healthy), his injury issues are a legitimate and justified concern. Drew Lock is a security blanket while McCarthy would become “the guy” in 2025 and beyond. – Dan Benton, Giants Wire

The Titans need to shore up left tackle for quarterback Will Levis after they have had the worst situation in the NFL at the position the past two years, with Dennis Daley and Andre Dillard both proving disastrous. With Alt still on the board in this spot, the pick is a no-brainer for the Titans. – Mike Moraitis, Titans Wire

After failing to find a trade partner, the Falcons stay at pick No. 8 and select EDGE Dallas Turner. The former Alabama star has a lengthy frame and elite pass-rushing ability. In 2023, Turner finished with 11 sacks, 33 hurries and a Pro Football Focus pass-rushing grade of 89.3. Atlanta has yet to re-sign DE Calais Campbell or LB Bud Dupree, so Turner could potentially step into a starting role on Day 1. Washington WR Rome Odunze and Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell were also considered here, but the Falcons go with Turner here and address their biggest remaining weakness. – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire

With four quarterbacks going in the first six picks, the Bears had a few options at ninth overall. While shoring up the pass rush and trading back are certainly enticing options, landing a top receiver in Washington’s Rome Odunze, who fell to No. 9, was a no-brainer. Chicago already has a 1-2 punch at wideout with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen and adding Odunze to the mix gives them one of the best receiver corps in the NFL. Odunze has size (6’3”), speed (4.45) and elite ball skills that would make him a solid get for the Bears offense. Plus, adding another weapon for your rookie quarterback is never a bad thing. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

The Jets were hoping to trade down here but couldn’t find any takers. So this time around, the Jets add Fuaga to upgrade their depth and their swing tackle while also ensuring a future starter down the line with Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses free agents. Passing on Brock Bowers was certainly tough, but extra line help for this team isn’t the worst idea in the world. – Billy Riccette, Jets Wire

Didn’t T.J. Hockenson just agree to a new deal with the Vikings last April? He did? Oh well, this team needs good football players, and Brock Bowers checks that box. Kevin O’Connell can get creative with him whether they go with two tight end sets or maybe they even throw Bowers out at slot receiver. No matter who is under center, adding Bowers to an already loaded skill player group only helps whoever is leading the team. – Andrew Harbaugh, Vikings Wire

The Raiders need a cornerback and both Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold are on the board at No. 13. Arnold has the big-game experience, but it’s Mitchell who has the better ball production and athleticism. Antonio Pierce wants playmakers on defense and Mitchell certainly qualifies for that. And with the top four QBs all off the board, this makes for an easy selection for Las Vegas. – Marcus Mosher, Raiders Wire

Fautanu still makes the most sense for the Saints. He’s a better blocker than any of the right tackles still available and he can play multiple positions at a high level. If there’s a chance Trevor Penning can develop into a starting-quality left tackle, Fautanu can start from Day 1 at left guard ahead of James Hurst, who was a liability last year. Maybe Fautanu could move to the right side and fill in for Ryan Ramczyk. Either way he’s someone the Saints can lean on. – John Sigler, Saints Wire

Given the Colts’ need at cornerback, if either Quinyon Mitchell or Terrion Arnold are available while picking at 15, I’m not going to hesitate in making that selection. Last season, Arnold allowed a completion rate of only 52 percent and held opponents to 11 yards per catch. Arnold’s ball-hawking ability was also on display, coming away with five interceptions and 13 pass breakups. He provides an immediate upgrade to what is a position with a lot of question marks for the Colts. In 2023, big plays were an issue and this is a secondary that ranked 22nd in both pass breakups and yards per pass attempt allowed. – Paul Bretl, Colts Wire

Seahawks general manager John Schneider has lamented more than once that he hasn’t drafted more quarterbacks during his time with the team. This draft class is his chance to follow up on his words with action. While in real life they may have to settle for a developmental prospect on Day 2 or 3, if Penix falls to this spot, it’s an easy call. His game still has some refining to do, which is why he was projected to be a second-rounder not long ago. However, the arm talent and overall athletic package Penix displayed at the combine as well as UW’s Pro Day show why he’s worth a first. If Penix isn’t here, trading down to add more picks is probably their best move – but those deals don’t always materialize. – Tim Weaver, Seahawks Wire

With players like Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold, and Troy Fautanu all off the board already, this isn’t an ideal scenario for the Jaguars. There’s still other options at cornerback, wide receiver, and offensive line, but it’d make sense to pivot when there are so many pass rushers left to choose. Jacksonville already has a pair of exciting starters on the edge in Josh Allen and Travon Walker who combined for 27.5 sacks last year, the most of any duo in the NFL. But there’s a dearth of talent behind them on the depth chart and the Jaguars simply have to find rotational players who can provide a boost when Allen and Walker take breathers. Using the No. 17 pick to take a player who won’t start immediately might feel a bit wasteful, but the Jaguars defense will look pretty terrifying for years to come with its trio of young rushers. – Adam Stites, Jaguars Wire

Newton might very well top the board for the Bengals by this stage of the draft, especially with concerns around offensive linemen like JC Latham and Jackson Powers-Johnson. For now, they’ll opt to trust Trent Brown and a rookie taken later in the draft process. The Bengals lost DJ Reader, so the how of the defensive front is going to change pretty dramatically with Sheldon Rankins as the big addition. Adding Newton in a rotation alongside B.J. Hill as interior pass-rushers should open things up for the edge rushers and make things easier on the secondary. Bengals fans love the idea of finally unearthing another Geno Atkins and Newton might be the closest thing to realizing that in a long time.– Chris Roling, Bengals Wire

The Steelers need a starting tackle and a starting center and landing Graham Barton would give them the flexibility to get a guy who can do either one. Barton played center his freshman year but moved to tackle out of necessity and dominated. Barton is the definition of a finisher and almost never loses a one-on-one despite the type of defender he faces. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire

Yes, the Dolphins have a stellar pair of receivers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Outside of that, though? Not much. The team’s third leading receiver during the 2023 season was tight end Durham Smythe with just 366 yards. Adding another option to the mix is a must and it’s also probably time to start prepping for the end of Hill’s tenure in Miami. The 30-year-old receiver is due to count more than $30 million against the Dolphins’ salary cap in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons and a staggering $56.3 million in 2026. By adding Thomas to the mix, Miami’s already scary offense gets even more dangerous and the team finds its contingency plan for the post-Hill era, whenever that arrives. – Adam Stites, Dolphins Wire

They didn’t get one of the top quarterback prospects but I have faith in Kevin O’Connell to get the most out of Bo Nix. He has an NFL arm, processes things well, and doesn’t turn the ball over. What more could you ask for from a rookie quarterback? Nix in this offense, could turn into the best value of anyone in this class if things work out.– Andrew Harbaugh, Vikings Wire

Powers-Johnson would have been the pick here, but there were still some solid consolation prizes still on the board here. We didn’t get a trade-down offer we liked, so we stuck to our board and took the best player available at a position of need (Byron Murphy II got strong consideration, though). DeJean’s athleticism and versatility are a perfect fit for Todd Bowles’ defense, as his ability to line up outside at corner, in the slot, or on the back end at safety will allow Bowles to be as creative as he wants to be with how he deploys them. DeJean could even line up as a sub-package linebacker, which he also did for the Hawkeyes at times. His big-play ability as a return man doesn’t hurt, either. – Luke Easterling, Bucs Wire

Kenny Clark is in the final year of his deal, and Murphy – arguably the top interior disruptor in the class – is too good to pass up here. Jeff Hafley would need to be creative to get Murphy on the field as a rookie, but the former Longhorn could be a foundational player for the spine of the Packers defense by 2025. Interior disruptors are so valuable in today’s game. It’s worth noting here that Clark turns 29 in October and has played in 130 NFL games. Preparing for the future at defensive tackle isn’t a terrible idea. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire

The Cowboys aren’t in desperate need of another edge rusher, but they could be soon, and there’s never a bad time to draft a high-pedigree player at one of the Money 5 positions (QB, DE, WR, LT, CB). DeMarcus Lawrence is a free agent after 2024 and Sam Williams hasn’t yet proven to be the heir apparent. Robinson is in Lawrence’s mold, able to set the edge on run downs at a high rate and also impact on pass plays. – KD Drummond, Cowboys Wire

After not getting any takers on trades in either direction and most of the usual suspects off the board already, Morgan earned the nod. A very good left tackle at Arizona, the versatile Morgan can step in right away as Detroit’s top reserve tackle and also the top reserve interior lineman. Many project Morgan’s NFL future is inside at guard. The Lions sorely need depth in 2024 for a line that is the catalyst of the team’s offensive success and OC Ben Johnson’s creativity.– Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire

Standing at 6’8”, 340 pounds, Mims has a massive 86¾-inch wingspan and is a raw offensive tackle with just eight career starts and a little over 800 career snaps. The former Georgia right tackle swallows up opposing edge rushers with his gigantic frame; he’s just starting to mature into the sport and didn’t allow a sack in 2023.– Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire

Offensive tackle depth is a major need for the 49ers, but they’ll also prioritize an aging, expensive defensive line. Robinson can rush the passer from the edge or from the interior — a skill set they need following Arik Armstead’s release. If Robinson can set the edge consistently as a run defender he may never need to come off the field for San Francisco.– Kyle Madson, Niners Wire

This is too much of an obvious fit for it to be anybody else. What have the Chiefs been missing since they traded Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins? Consistent downfield production from a speed receiver. Worthy, who broke the scouting combine record with a 4.21-second 40-yard dash, has all the on-field speed you could possibly want, and he’ll just run away from cornerbacks trying to trail him. Worthy will have to work on a few things – focus drops are a specifically notable issue – but there’s no better place for him to be than in Andy Reid’s offense. Worthy committed to Texas because he liked the ways in which head coach Steve Sarkisian schemed DeVonta Smith (another smaller speed receiver) for success when he was Alabama’s offensive coordinator, and Worthy could have a similar ascent as a guy nobody in the NFL can consistently catch. Now, if the Bills hadn’t selected Adonai Mitchell a few picks ago, that would be another great fit here.– Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire

The first round rolled out rather nicely for the Panthers, who will still be able to nab a worthwhile wideout either here or at Pick No. 39. And since one of the very best cornerbacks of the class dropped down this far, we’ll save the receiver for the latter selection. Now, Carolina grabs not only a much-needed starter to pair with Jaycee Horn, but also a potent playmaker who can immediately help a unit that finished dead-last in takeaways this past season. Oh, and bonus points for Wiggins being the first Clemson player ever drafted by the franchise! – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire

From a mere physical perspective, Xavier Legette is sculpted like a superhero created on a table in a William Stryker laboratory. The Patriots made the mistake of missing on DK Metcalf in the 2019 NFL draft. They refuse to make that mistake twice with the explosive South Carolina standout receiver in this mock draft. Legette could be looked back on as one of the bigger steals of the draft if he plays up to his potential. He has the size and speed to dominate outside, which is an element to the offense the Patriots haven’t had in years. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire

We considered Guyton in the first round. He needs time to develop, but his combination of size, athleticism and potential as either a left or right tackle make him the ideal player to help solidify the long-term health of the Packers offensive line in front of Jordan Love. Green Bay has Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom as likely starters at tackle for 2024, providing Guyton time to develop. By 2025, he could be the answer at right tackle, which would allow Tom – who can also play guard and center – a chance to move around. Losing David Bakhtiari and Yosh Nijman requires the Packers to invest at offensive tackle in this draft. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire

The Commanders considered moving up to land one of the top left tackle prospects but chose to sit still, understanding that the depth of the class would leave them with a good player. Suamataia is a good player. In a sense, he’s a lot like Maye in that he has an enormous ceiling but is still raw. Will Suamataia be ready to start in Week 1? Who knows. Washington re-signed veteran Cornelius Lucas to start in the short-term if a rookie isn’t ready. Suamataia may have some rough stretches as a rookie, which is expected. But in most drafts, he lands in the first round. The depth of this class pushes Suamataia into the second round and to Washington.– Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire

The Chargers signed Bradley Bozeman, but they won’t shy away from selecting the long-term fix at the position, especially since Jim Harbaugh wants to build through the trenches. One of the top centers in this year’s class, Frazier is a pro-ready player with the athletic ability, anchor strength, highly impressive awareness and toughness. He started 47 games for the Mountaineers, so he possesses plenty of experience playing the position. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire

Head coach Brian Callahan specifically mentioned slot receiver as one area where the Titans are looking for someone to emerge. Tennessee doesn’t have any reliable options on the roster, though, and said options were all brought in by the previous regime. McConkey gives Tennessee a fresh start and someone who can help negate a pass-rush by getting open quickly. – Mike Moraitis, Titans Wire

Between his disappointing 40-yard dash and underwhelming separation metrics, Coleman has recently fallen out of favor with much of the draft community. But let’s not harp on what he can’t do, at least right now, because what he can do checks a lot of boxes for the Panthers. The uninspiring Carolina offense needs a sure-handed pass catcher who can win on contested balls, who can win with the rock in his hands and who can win in the end zone—and Coleman is near or at the top of this class in those areas. As for learning the nuances of the position, we’ll trust the head coach (a former wide receiver) and the offensive coordinator (a former wide receiver) with bringing along a 6-foot-4 freak athlete who still hasn’t hit the legal drinking age. – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire

If Dan Quinn wants a rangy, ball-hawking DB from this class, Nubin could be his guy. Nubin is versatile and possesses tremendous instincts on the back end. He would be a day-one starter for the Commanders, and pairing him with last year’s second-round pick, Quan Martin would give Washington two versatile DBs for Quinn and his staff to build around.– Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire

Here the choice was about defense. Was there a cornerback, edge defender or defensive lineman to like best? Missouri CB Ennis Rakestraw was almost the pick and Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry also was under consideration, but the defensive edge felt like a more impactful place to go. Kneeland is a tough, physical, high-effort player with enough physical traits to be able to be a productive player. It is rare to get a consistent double-sack pass rusher after Round 1, but Kneeland can give you six-plus each year and play well against the run, meaning he won’t be a liability on first and second downs.– Jess Root, Cards Wire

Lassiter was a no-brainer here in Round 2. Not only is he a first-round talent, but the former Georgia standout fills a huge need for Atlanta at cornerback. The Falcons let Jeff Okudah walk in free agency and must find a No. 2 CB to complement A.J. Terrell on the outside. With veterans like Kevin King and Antonio Hamilton under contract, the team can afford to ease Lassiter into the mix this season. – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire

After missing out on all of the top quarterbacks, the Raiders go back to addressing the trenches. And rather than reach on say, Cooper Beebe, the Raiders take the best tackle available. Fisher was a full-time starter at right tackle for Notre Dame and was a dominant run blocker. His best football is still ahead of him and projects as a Day 1 starter in Las Vegas.– Marcus Mosher, Raiders Wire

The Saints need more firepower after struggling to put points on the board last year, and Polk is an easy evaluation. He plays bigger than his size (6-foot-1, 203 pounds) with a high success rate on contested catches and often shows an ability to make plays after the catch, and at multiple levels of the field. He converted 45 first downs on just 69 catches last season. Polk’s game compliments Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed as big-play threats. That he’s such a willing blocker will help him get on the field sooner, too. – John Sigler, Saints Wire

Franklin will bring a welcomed big-play presence to the Colts’ passing game. At Oregon in 2023, Franklin averaged 17.1 yards per catch and was good at picking up YAC. Franklin’s ability to stretch the field vertically will not only create downfield opportunities for the passing game, but with the additional spacing that presence can create over the middle and underneath, other pass-catchers will have more room to operate as well. Franklin scored 23 touchdowns the last two years, but it is worth noting, drops were an issue at times. – Paul Bretl, Colts Wire

As the clock ticked, expectations were that wide receiver Troy Franklin would be the pick here. The Indianapolis Colts, obviously, had other ideas. Cornerback Max Melton was also a consideration but we expected him to fall into Round 3 – and we were wrong. Ultimately, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw was the pick with the expectation that he’d come in and start alongside Deonte Banks immediately. He’s a physical corner who doesn’t shy away from stopping the run, which is precisely what defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is looking for. – Dan Benton, Giants Wire

With cornerbacks flying off the board in the second round, the Jaguars are lucky to still have the chance to address the position by taking Tampa. The 6-foot-2,, 189-pound defensive back is the kind of lengthy and athletic player that general manager Trent Baalke covets, and he’s the type of physical, downhill corner that fits well with defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. With only Tyson Campbell, Ronald Darby, and several young developmental players at the position, Tampa should see snaps right away in the Jacksonville secondary. – Adam Stites, Jaguars Wire

This deep offensive line class really doesn’t fall Cincinnati’s way in this mock, given the number of linemen taken before this pick. Still, it’s pretty hard to complain about Amegadjie, a big prospect with experience at left tackle and left guard. Maybe Amegadjie isn’t a long-term developmental success story at right tackle like the team needs, but left guard is quietly a position that needs to be pushed, too.– Chris Roling, Bengals Wire

Cooper ran a 4.52 40-yard dash at the combine, and the 6-foot-2, 227-pound Texas A&M linebacker is just what the doctor ordered for Philadelphia even after signing Devin White in free agency. A consensus All-American, Cooper led the SEC with 17 tackles for loss. Cooper finished 2023 with 83 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries as part of a top-25 scoring defense. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire

The Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson in the offseason leaving a huge hole in the wide receiver depth chart. Roman Wilson is a remarkable athlete with quickness and elite deep speed. Despite his lack of length, Wilson is sure-handed and is able to create separation with his footwork and pull away from defenders once the ball is in his hands. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire

With the first of their two back-to-back picks thanks to the trade down with Philly, the Rams take Melton. They aren’t desperate for cornerback help after signing Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White, but they’re aging veterans on short-term deals. Plus, Melton can play outside or in the slot, which gives new DC Chris Shula a lot of options in the secondary. – Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire

It was tempting to take a receiver here, but there wasn’t one I liked enough to take over Fiske. He tested extremely well at the combine and would be a great addition to a defensive line that’s now led by Kobie Turner. He’s not going to replace Donald, of course, but the Rams need a pass by committee now that 99 is retired. Fiske makes that much more possible with his upside and athleticism.– Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire

While value took the Dolphins a different route in the first round, they address their biggest concern here in the second. After losing Robert Hunt in free agency, Miami hasn’t done much to address the hole he left at right guard. While the Dolphins re-signed Robert Jones, who has 13 career starts in three seasons, Beebe could compete to supplant him in the starting lineup and take over Week 1. A three-time All-Big 12 selection and 2023 All-American, Beebe has the pedigree, size, and strength to be an immediately reliable player on the interior. – Adam Stites, Dolphins Wire

Two things that aren’t a secret… the Cowboys desperately need more linebackers and Dallas will take an injury risk in the second round if they have the opportunity. Payton Wilson, come on down. The Wolfpack star seems to be the most talented linebacker in the draft, but injury concerns will likely keep him out of the first round conversation. If he drops this far, Dallas will race to turn the card in so they can replace Leighton Vander Esch and have Wilson join DeMarvion Overshown and Damone Clark. – KD Drummond, Cowboys Wire

Passing on Chop Robinson in the first round was a gamble, but it paid off now that we’re able to land Braswell here. A former five-star recruit, Braswell has the athleticism and versatility to excel in Todd Bowles’ defense, and he’s got NFL size and physicality to round out his game. He’s still just scratching the surface of his potential, too. It won’t be surprising if he’s more productive at the next level than he was for the Crimson Tide, and his physical tools give him limitless upside. This pick is a fantastic match of need and value for the Bucs. – Luke Easterling, Bucs Wire

The versatile safety to complement Xavier McKinney in the Packers new-look secondary. Hicks can run, hit, cover and play special teams. The Packers want versatility, and Hicks has it, but he’s also an ideal strong safety type to pair with McKinney. Hicks, who is still only 21 years old, would have a great chance of being a Week 1 starter for the Packers as a rookie. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire

There’s dudes, there’s dawgs, and there’s studs. Then, there’s Sainrstil who, call him whatever you want, is a human highlight reel. Imagine if a wolverine could take the form of a person and enter society. That’s Sainrstil, who at 5-foot-9 plays like he’s 6-foot-2 and doesn’t care who stands in his way. Ninety percent of the time, No. 0 is winning that battle. Sainristil does it all in the slot. He had six interceptions last season, along with two sacks and two forced fumbles. He’ll be relegated to the nickel in the pros, but right now, Houston only has Desmond King on the roster to fill the void. Last season, the Texans’ downfall was their pass defense in shootouts. This year, it’ll be the backbone of an already improved defense.– Cole Thompson, Texans Wire

This is a best-player-available pick for San Francisco. History tells us they’ll get an extension done with Brandon Aiyuk. Deebo Samuel also isn’t going anywhere this year. However, Corley gives them a chance to ostensibly replace Samuel on the cheap in the very near future. At 5-11, 215-pounds he has a similar build to Samuel, and his after-the-catch ability is in the same ‘grizzly bear with brass knuckles’ realm as well. There are better WR prospects than Corley in this year’s draft, but there may not be one that fits the 49ers’ YAC-heavy offense better. Taking him late in Round 2 instead of prioritizing the offensive line makes sense, but it also means San Francisco should be eyeing a move up the board later on Day 2 to figure out their right tackle spot.– Kyle Madson, Niners Wire