Mock Draft 8.0 picks 1-16: Mock Trade Edition

We don’t always involve trades in our mock drafts as they can muddy the water, but this year, there are so many obvious candidates to trade up looking for a quarterback, that it’s almost impossible to do a mock without them, so here we go.

There won’t be any trading here, however, with the Bears seemingly settled on Williams as their QB of the future.

A month or two ago Drake Maye was a lock at number two (and we still believe he’s the second-best QB in the draft) but now Daniels has seemingly overtaken him with NFL media, The Ringer, and others all projecting the former LSU Tiger to end up in Washington.

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The Vikings use both of their first-round picks as part of a package to move up and take Drake Maye. Jeremy Fowler for ESPN has reported it is not a “slam dunk” Maye ends up in Foxborough, opening the door for an aggressive trade-up.

The Cardinals trade back from four, receiving the Broncos’ first-rounder this year, and in 2025 allowing Denver to mortgage the future (again) for their potential franchise QB.

Alt is the best tackle prospect in the draft, so despite the temptation to take one of the elite wide receiver prospects, LA decide to build from the trenches.

The Cardinals send the Giants their newly acquired 12th overall pick plus a 2024 second to move up and grab the best wideout in the class, a player The Ringer aptly describes as a “force multiplier”.

The Titans need offensive line help, especially at left tackle, per Sports Illustrated, and Fashanu is the best option available.

The Falcons could take Malik Nabers in this scenario, but their pass rush needs help and Turner is the best EDGE defender in the draft.

This is the dream scenario for the Bears, and even within our mock seems somewhat unlikely, but there is a real chance a player The Ringer describes as “explosiveness personified” falls into their lap.

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Aaron Rodgers is old and coming off a torn Achilles, he needs more protection than ever, which is exactly what the Jets give him by taking Latham. Alijah Vera-Tucker can slide inside to guard, giving the Jets one of the most powerful right sides in football.

The Ringer has the Patriots taking Quinyon Mitchell here. We agree with the thinking, but we believe Arnold to be a better, and more versatile player.

Odunze falls to 12 in this mock, allowing the Giants to select an elite talent and gain an extra second-round pick in the process.

Bryan DeArdo for CBS Sports also has Mitchell going here, and we can understand why. New head coach Antonio Pierce will probably look to build up his defense first, allowing Mithcell to become a key player in Vegas.

Chad Reuter for NFL Media wrote that it is, “likely the Saints will select an OT in the first round,” in this mock the top three OTs are gone, but Fuaga has great size and potential.

We have mocked Bowers to the Colts before, in part because we would love to see it happen. Shane Steichen is building an explosive offense in Indy, and Bowers could become a huge part of that, and fast.

The Ringer describes Murphy as, “an explosive and versatile interior pass rusher,” which the Seahawks desperately need. Mike MacDonald will be salivating at the chance to utilize him in the heart of his defense.

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