2024 final first-round mock draft: KC Chiefs land impact starter in round 1
By Price Carter
9. Tennessee Titans - J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama
There's been a fair amount of smoke that the league likes Latham more than draft media does. Famed offensive line coach Bill Callahan gets a big road grading run blocker tackle to help improve the putrid line in Tennessee and they get more picks for the future.
10. New York Jets - Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
The whole city of New York might be screaming for Brock Bowers here but Fautanu is a home run for the Jets. They get a tackle who can play either side or kick inside if needed. With two tackles over the age of 32 and long injury histories, they need to get their best 5 on the field and add depth.
11. New England Patriots - Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Patriots move all the way back to 11 and still get a potential blue chip player. He's a much different player than Gronk but the Patriots are better when they have a star tight end and they just need dudes on that offense. Bowers is a part of the solution.
12. Denver Broncos - Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
After trading for Zach Wilson that feels like the end of the Broncos pursuing a QB in this draft. Considering the fact that Bo Nix is the same age as Wilson, the Broncos just need players. They've been so thin on picks but they get a stud to put on the other side of Patrick Surtain Jr.
13. Las Vegas Raiders - Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington
It seems like there has been more and more steam building for 5 QBs in this class. Mark Davis can't help himself after watching Penix dominate on his turf in the PAC-12 Championship. Gardner Minshew can help bring Penix along and provide insurance for a QB with a lengthy injury history.
14. New Orleans Saints - Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
With the health questions surrounding Ryan Ramczyk and the struggles of Trevor Penning the Saints need tackles. Fuaga can help fix the right side of the line for them and bring some thump to their run game.
15. Indianapolis Colts - Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
After losing out on the L'Jarius Sneed trade the Colts make a move to bolster their secondary. Still unclear if DeJean is going to play on the outside, in the slot or at safety but one thing is clear: he's a stud. Get him in the building and figure out the rest later.
16. Buffalo Bills - Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU
The Bills have almost painted themselves into a corner here at receiver, and it feels highly likely they get aggressive. They make a big trade-up with the Seahawks to grab a player who can maximize Josh Allen's arm.