This is part two of the sports staff’s mock draft. Read part one here.
** These picks were made on the night of April 8, and reflect the state of the league at that time **
11. San Francisco 49ers — Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Last season, the 2024 Super Bowl runner-ups suffered their worst year since 2018. With significant portions of their defensive and offensive tackles having gone in the offseason, DT and OT were the priority positions for San Francisco. But with Armand Membou, Will Campbell and Mason Graham taken, a defensive reinforcement is the next best option.
Here is where Texas’ quick and dynamic cornerback — Jahdae Barron — adds value to the 49ers. They lost Charvarius Ward over the offseason and need solidity at the position. With five interceptions and 67 tackles last season, Barron brings fluid versatility to the Bay. More importantly, he brings a new energy that the 49ers need.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
12. Dallas Cowboys — Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Due to key pieces of the Cowboys’ offense consistently landing on the injured reserve list, their lack of offensive depth was evident. Dallas struggled to put points on the board last season, only scoring 20.6 points per game. Settling for field goals rather than finishing drives with touchdowns was the key cause of its low-scoring offense.
The Cowboys’ star wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb, took much of the offense load, but the four-time Pro Bowler couldn’t score what was necessary for the Cowboys to be competitive by himself. Drafting another wide receiver who can play alongside Lamb will provide Dallas with another target for returning quarterback Dak Prescott, even if its running game is weak this season. Texas’ Matthew Golden fits that bill perfectly.
In his one year at Texas, Golden set career bests in catches (58), receiving yards (987) and receiving touchdowns (9). He was also a key contributor in the Longhorns’ run to the College Football semifinals last season.
With the second-fastest 40-yard dash (4.29 seconds) of any wide receiver at the NFL Combine, Golden’s speed will help the Dallas offense improve and give Prescott a necessary second target downfield.
13. Miami Dolphins — Kelvin Banks Jr., T, Texas
Although the Dolphins need a little bit of everything, their biggest need is on the front five. Their quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, has been frequently injured over the course of his career. Protecting him is a must, and adding Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. with the 13th selection would help greatly.
The most important position on the offensive line is the one who protects the quarterback’s blindside. In Miami’s case, that is the right tackle. Banks played left tackle in Austin but can be converted if needed.
He is technically sound in pass protection, but his run-blocking is even more pro-ready. Taking Banks would also help running backs De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright find some open field.
14. Indianapolis Colts — Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
It’s still on the early side to take a tight end, but if Tyler Warren is still available, he’s the guy for the Indianapolis Colts. Both ESPN and CBS have the position as a top-two roster needed for the Colts as the draft approaches, and the former Nittany Lion is a stud.
Tight end is a huge hole on the Colts’ depth chart, especially with quarterback Anthony Richardson taking the reins. Every young quarterback needs a security blanket target, and Warren provides that and more. The 6-foot-6 receiver has an unbelievably high IQ that allows him to find soft spots in coverage. His athletic ability also makes him a rare tight-end deep threat, and everyone knows how much Richardson loves his long-moon balls.
15. Atlanta Falcons — Mike Green, DE, Marshall
The Atlanta Falcons were in the middle of the pack throughout the 2024 season. At this point in the draft, the Falcons have to go for the best fit. With the loss of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, there is a clear void that needs to be filled.
Marshall edge rusher Mike Green is the best available player and a great fit for Atlanta. Green is a hidden gem in this draft class, and the Falcons have to take advantage of this perfect match.
Green accumulated 81 tackles and 17 sacks this past season and will pair well with newly acquired defensive end Leonard Floyd. The edge rusher provides a great threat to all offensive linemen with his speed and quickness. Green can give opposing quarterbacks nightmares next season.
16. Arizona Cardinals — Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
After getting plenty of defensive line help in free agency, the Cardinals’ biggest remaining need is offensive linemen. They have two solid tackles, but the interior still needs some work. Alabama guard Tyler Booker fills that need perfectly.
Booker is one of the best guards available. He allowed just two sacks in his career despite playing in the tough SEC. He primarily plays left guard, but also has experience on the right side. His large frame gives him a strong anchor, which helps him in pass protection. Booker is also a good run blocker, which is important for such a run-heavy team.
17. Cincinnati Bengals — Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
There’s no doubt the Bengals are stacked with talent on offense. But, when their defense cannot hold strong, that’s when problems arise. Therefore, the Bengals needed to target a defensive player for their first pick.
Edge rusher Mykel Williams from Georgia is an excellent choice to add to the roster. In 2024, he finished with five sacks and eight-and-a-half tackles for losses, and if it’s true that Trey Hendrickson is unhappy with Cincinnati and could be leaving soon, then the Bengals need all the help they can get from this position.
Williams is effective at pass rushing, has quick hands and is super athletic overall. His long arms and physicality make him hard to get through, and his IQ on the field allows him to switch to zone coverage easily. The Bengals need a guy like him to stop opponents from scoring and pressure quarterbacks with immense intensity.
18. Seattle Seahawks — Grey Zabel, T, North Dakota State
With the addition of Sam Darnold and multiple new receivers, the Seahawks are going to aim to strengthen their offensive line. Grey Zabel would make an immediate impact, and at 6-foot-6, 305 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to play guard or tackle.
Last season, the Seahawks had one of the worst offensive lines in the league. In 2024, Zabel only allowed one sack, two quarterback hits and just four quarterback hurries. Zabel also helped the Bison to an FCS National Championship last season while being named unanimous FCS First-Team All-American.
After missing out on signing a big-name guard in free agency, this is Seattle’s chance to add a cheap alternative with solid upside.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Buccaneers are in desperate need of improving a defense that ranked 29th against the pass last season. Michigan cornerback Will Johnson could be the key to shoring up Tampa Bay’s rickety defense this year.
Cornerback Jamel Dean has been good but has struggled to stay on the field. The Buccaneers’ other cornerback, Bryce Hall, is coming off a serious leg injury that left him out of the entirety of last year.
Johnson is one of the most sound and rounded cornerbacks in the draft and would be a steal for Tampa Bay if he were to fall to them.
20. Denver Broncos — Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
In such a strong 2024 quarterback class, Bo Nix is being under-appreciated. Nix led the Denver Broncos to a 10-7 record in year one despite only having one receiver with over 550 yards.
With 30-year-old tight end Evan Engram and 29-year-old wide receiver Courtland Sutton, the Broncos need to draft an offensive weapon. Despite having a down 2024 season, the upside to be a star in the NFL is clearly there for wide receiver Luther Burden III from Missouri.
Burden had one of the best success rates in the FBS against man coverage, showing his ability to play on the inside and outside. His basic stats impress as well. Burden had 61 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns. He would surely be a welcome addition to the aging Broncos receivers.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi
It would be tough to imagine the Steelers beginning next season with Mason Rudolph or Skylar Thompson under center. Pittsburgh could still sign a veteran — it’s been linked to Aaron Rodgers — but even if it did, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart seems like the easy choice.
Dart led the FBS in yards-per-attempt (10.75) and ranked third in passing yards (4,279). He also had a strong touchdown-to-interception ratio (29-6). Simply put, Dart has one of the best arms in the class, as made evident by his FBS-leading passer rating (180.7) this past season.
If the Steelers did pick up a veteran quarterback, Dart could spend some time developing under an NFL coaching staff. Dart could find himself on a much shorter version of the Jordan Love path — backing up Rodgers (or another veteran) until taking over the starting role.
It’s also worth noting that the Steelers traded their second-round pick for wide receiver DK Metcalf. Barring a trade, this is the Steelers’ only chance to find their next franchise quarterback in this draft.
