Mock Draft 6.0: Post Free Agency Edition picks 1-16

Sheil Kapadia of The Ringer often describes free agency as a chance for teams to set their floors ahead of the draft. Essentially, he means teams can sign players to fill holes in their rosters, giving them freedom to select the best player available come draft night. So, with most big free-agent moves complete, let's see how it could affect the draft!

Reports across the NFL landscape have been suggesting the Bears are looking for a trade partner for Justin Fields, opening the door for them to select the best QB prospect in the draft.

The Commanders signed Marcus Mariota in free agency, giving them a veteran backup for when they inevitably draft Drake Maye number two overall (unless they don’t).

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Per Ian Rapoport, the Pats are signing Jacoby Brissett to a one-year, $8 million deal for the 2024 season. Much like Washington, the Pats are getting some veteran insurance for their rookie QB, who’s going to be Jayden Daniels.

The top four picks feel inevitable at this stage, there would need to be a dramatic turn of events for them to change, at least in our eyes.

The Vikings lost Kirk Cousins to the Falcons so they are going all in on McCarthy, trading the number 11 spot in 2024, plus a future first-rounder to select the national champ.

The Giants made a big splash by trading for Brian Burns, now their attention turns to the offensive side of the ball. Garrett Podell for CBS Sports describes Nabers as, “the most electrifying receiver in the nation last year,” which should help Daniel Jones et al.

Alt falling to the Titans is a dream scenario for those down in Nashville, as he looks like a bookend tackle for a decade or more. Will Levis may not be the future in Tennessee, but having Alt around gives him a much better shot.

The Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a massive four-year, $180 million deal, per NFL Network, giving them more flexibility with this pick. They need help defensively, but why not add another huge, physical target to their offense? Could be fun.

We can’t get a read on Bowers’ draft stock, we love him here, but elsewhere he seems to be falling into the late teens. For us, he’s joining Caleb Williams and D.J. Moore in Chi-Town to create a versatile and dynamic offense.

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Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today describes Mims as a, “blocker with singular physical tools,” given his enormous frame (6’8”, 340 lbs). The Jets need offensive line depth to protect Aaron Rodgers (or do they need the Secret Service..?) and Mims gives them that in abundance.

Per the LAFB Network, the Chargers desperately need a right tackle to partner Rashawn Slater, JC Latham gives them exactly that. He is a monstrous human who should slide in and be a an instant difference-maker.

We are struggling to understand the Broncos’ plan so far, or what direction they are going to go come draft time. We do know, however, that they need a QB, and Nix is the next best available.

The first defensive player off the board comes at number 12, which feels outrageous, but given how the board fell in this mock, doesn’t seem crazy. Turner injects some youth and talent into the Raiders’ defensive line and should have plenty of 1-on-1 opportunities given their signing of Christian Wilkins from Miami and Maxx Crosby demanding double teams on the other side.

The Saints need some help along their defensive line. In comes Verse, who Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz describes as, “a relentless rusher who's just as comfortable pushing opposing linemen backward as he is racing past them.” Sounds good to us.

Mitchell is the first defensive back taken in this mock, falling to number 15 and the Colts. His size and athleticism should allow him to take away opposing number-one receivers, making everyone else’s job that much easier.

The Seahawks moved on from their two starting safeties from last season and so far haven’t signed a replacement. DeJean could play corner or safety in the NFL due to his excellent coverage ability. For Seattle, he’ll over a safety blanket for the rest of the defense by playing deep.

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