New mock from the maybe the best in the business
16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Disruptive against both run and pass, Murphy had the best pass-rush win percentage (19.6) among all interior linemen in 2023 (no other DT was above 17.0 percent). He will get dinged by some for a lack of ideal length, but then he’ll run in the mid-4.7s at 300 pounds and provide a reminder that he is different.
30. Detroit Lions: T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
After being labeled an underachiever by scouts as an underclassman, Sweat changed several habits and put dominant-level play on his senior tape. For a player north of 360 pounds, he is an impressive mover with the natural power to shut things down up front. The Lions took a major step with their run defense this season, and Sweat would continue that focus.
33. Carolina Panthers: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Based on NFL scout grades, this is a little early for Mitchell due to his lack of polish — he is a loose athlete, but his technique is also much too loose. If the Panthers don’t land a big fish via trade or free agency (Tee Higgins?), they might feel pressured to target a high-upside pass catcher.
56. Dallas Cowboys: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
This pick makes too much sense. With Tony Pollard a pending free agent, running back could be a need for Dallas. And even though Brooks tore his ACL in November, the Cowboys have never shied from taking risks, especially in the second round. Brooks was expected to be RB1 before his injury and still has a chance to be the first back off the board.There is another layer here, too. Renowned surgeon Dr. Dan Cooper, the Cowboys’ head physician, performed Brooks’ surgery. No other team will have better information on Brooks’ recovery. I’m also told Brooks will be present at the East-West Shrine Bowl for interviews with NFL teams.
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
With some looming decisions this offseason, wide receiver might move up Tampa’s priority list. At his size, Worthy won’t have a high success rate on contested catches, but his vertical speed and ability to make crisp, sudden route cuts make him a tough cover.
60. Kansas City Chiefs: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
I doubt Travis Kelce is going anywhere anytime soon, but Sanders is more of a complement than a replacement for the future Hall of Famer. The Texas tight end is a big, smooth athlete who could help as a rookie.