Scott Zolak: ‘I’m starting to think it’s Daniels and McCarthy’ for the Patriots
During Zolak & Bertrand on Tuesday, Scott Zolak explained which quarterbacks it might be down to for the Patriots when they pick at 3rd overall in this month’s NFL Draft, based on recent quarterback visits to Gillette Stadium:
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 08: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after defeating the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Michigan defeated Washington 34-13. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
“I’m starting to think it’s Daniels and McCarthy”
Joe Murray: So Jayden Daniels here for the third time. They’ve met him three times now. I think that’s more than Drake Maye.
Zolak: I think Daniels and McCarthy have had more contact than Drake Maye has. I’m starting to think it’s Daniels and McCarthy.
Joe Murray: In that case who has more upside?
Zolak: Jayden Daniels.
Joe Murray: I think Daniels plugs and plays like you said.
Zolak: Yeah, but see, McCarthy’s 21 [years old]. He’s young. He’s experienced, but I’m talking pro experience it’s like playing at the center he can be the most pro ready. He can actually grow more. So I don’t know. But I think with the athletic ability you look at with Daniels, it’s kind of like the draft a year ago with Anthony Richardson.
Zolak: See what do you do? You’re gonna say okay to have the kid at #3 and sit him, okay, you’re going to put that mindset on him, then you’re going to get the game one or two and Jacoby is getting his ass kicked, and people are going to be booing calling for the kid. And he’s like, uh oh, I’m going in. Then he goes and craps his pants. Is that a good start? Like, what’s the difference? Unless you really got your mind made up, we’re going to get through five games. We might be 1-4 but damn it, we’ll be better for it.
Joe Murray: Didn’t Richardson start last year? Scored a bunch of touchdowns right. Got hurt got.
Zolak: That’s what you worry about with Daniels because he likes to run and he’s only 210 pounds.
Joe Murray: He’s polarizing though.
Zolak: I sure is. I’m open to them getting him. I kind of like a Daniels and Maye more and more.
LISTEN: Zo is starting to think it’s Daniels and McCarthy for the Patriots
NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Patriots trade down, then back up
1. Bears: QB Caleb Williams, USC
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 02: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans throws a touchdown pass against the Tulane Green Wave in the second quarter of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on January 02, 2023 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
No change at the top. All signs continue to strongly point to Caleb Williams being the first player off the board – as he should be.
2. Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 11: Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers throws the ball during the first half against the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Coming out of the pro days, it seemed like the gap may be closing between Daniels and Drake Maye. However, there are certain insiders whose ‘speculation’ is often something more than that, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter is one of those insiders. Did he let something slip on his podcast this week when he said he was ready to ‘pencil in’ Daniels at second overall? We’re going with Schefter here.
3. Giants (from Patriots): QB Drake Maye, UNC
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 02: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels stiff-arms Stone Blanton #52 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half of the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 02, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Patriots get:
— 6th overall pick (1st round)
— 47th overall pick (2nd round)
— 2025 1st-round pickGiants get:
— 3rd overall pick (1st round)
— 180th overall pick (6th round)Again, the plan coming into this mock draft was to explore a potential Patriots trade down, assuming they don’t believe in any of the top quarterbacks. Why might they pass on Maye? If there’s anything about Maye’s game that worries the Patriots, it may be his youth and development needed – two things Jerod Mayo highlighted at the NFL annual meeting when speaking to reporters.
The big question when assuming a trade down is where do the Patriots go? There appears to be two leading options. Do they hop back from three to six in a deal with the quarterback-interested Giants to stay in the range of the true elite players in this draft? Or do they make the jump all the way back to 11, perhaps missing out on the top offensive players in this draft but picking up a haul?
For this mock draft, we’re going with the former option. While Minnesota’s offer would likely be enticing, the Patriots are desperately lacking top-end talent. In the end they can’t pass on the opportunity to add such a player, even at a position other than quarterback.
Plus, this is still a solid return. This trade is loosely based on the one the Colts and Jets made in 2018. That was also a quarterback-centered trade – the Jets moved up from six to three to take Sam Darnold. The Colts ended up taking guard Quenton Nelson at six.
4. Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 23: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 23, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Cardinals could get a haul for this pick if some team is as infatuated with J.J. McCarthy as reports make it seem, but they already have a plethora of draft capital – including two first-round picks – after a trade down last year. With a blue chip player at a position of need in Harrison on the board, they stick at pick at four.
5. Vikings (from Chargers): QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 08: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines throws the ball in the second quarter against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Vikings get:
— 5th overall pick (1st round)
Chargers get:
— 11th overall pick (1st round)
— 23rd overall pick (1st round)
— 2025 1st overall pickThe Chargers have a lot of needs and not a lot of cap space, so the more draft picks the better. At the same time, Jim Harbaugh gets to help his Michigan quarterback become a top-five pick, delivering this selection to the quarterback-needy Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings should be ready to pay this price for a quarterback with most of their roster (especially their offense) set around the position. Former Vikings G.M. Rick Spielman said this week that he believes Minnesota “will overpay to get [McCarthy]” because “at this point, they don’t have a choice.”
6. Patriots (from Giants): WR Malik Nabers, LSU
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 04: Malik Nabers #8 of the LSU Tigers pulls in this touchdown reception against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Patriots are now on the clock, with four quarterbacks off the board. To this point, they’ve shown zero interest in Washington’s Michael Penix, and it’s entirely too early to draft Oregon’s Bo Nix.
Instead of a quarterback, the Patriots turn their attention to a dynamic, explosive playmaker. They’ve shown more interest in Nabers than any non-quarterback at the top of this year’s board, meeting with him at the LSU pro day.
Earlier this offseason, Wolf talked about “weaponizing” the Patriots’ offense, and Nabers might very well be the biggest non-QB ‘weapon’ in this entire draft. While he’s not as polished of a route runner as Marvin Harrison Jr., he’s an elite-tier athlete and a big-play touchdown threat on any given play, who can take the ball to the house on any route from any alignment. NFL.com called him the next big thing coming out of LSU’s receiver room,” with “some flashes of both” Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson in his game.
See Pick 3 for trade details
7. Titans: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – APRIL 22: Joe Alt #76 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on during the Notre Dame Blue-Gold Spring Football Game at Notre Dame Stadium on April 22, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of the early quarterback run is the Titans. Hoping to give 2023 second-round pick Will Levis a real shot, after adding a pass catcher for him in free agency in Calvin Ridley they get him an NFL-ready blindside protector in the draft by taking Alt, who most expected to be a top-five pick when the pre-draft process began.
8. Falcons: OLB Dallas Turner, Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 23: Dallas Turner #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles Jordan Watkins #11 of the Mississippi Rebels during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Falcons are the only team in the top half of this draft that seem more likely to go defense than offense in the first round. With a player like Turner falling, they bolster their pass rush that finished last year tied tied for 22nd with 42 sacks. Their two sack leaders last year – Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell with 6.5 each – both are currently unsigned.
9. Bears: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 25: Rome Odunze #1 of the Washington Huskies scores a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars during the second quarter at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
After taking their potential franchise quarterback at the top of the draft, the Bears get to work giving him options to throw to. Odunze is as well-rounded as any receiver in this draft, and should be able to contribute right away opposite D.J. Moore.
10. Jets: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
AUBURN, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 30: Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs breaks a tackle by Zion Puckett #10 and D.J. James #4 of the Auburn Tigers on the way to the go-ahead touchdown during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Jets have done a great job building out their roster for the short term in free agency, so they can have some fun with the board here. Could they go quarterback and start preparing for life after Aaron Rodgers? Of course. But it’s more likely they do everything to maximize Rodgers’ window, which in this case is adding a play-making tight end in Bowers.
11. Chargers (from Vikings): OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
Oct 28, 2023; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga #75 walks off the field against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Harbaugh’s philosophy all starts at the line of scrimmage. While they have a plus starter in Rashawn Slater at left tackle, the rest of their offensive line needs work. Given that, they’ll wait to address the wide receiver need and instead find a powerful right tackle in Fuaga to play opposite Slater.
See Pick 5 for trade details
12. Broncos: QB Bo Nix, Oregon
EUGENE, OREGON – SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Bo Nix #10 of the Oregon Ducks passes the ball against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half at Autzen Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
Is this too early for Nix? Absolutely. But there are so many Broncos writers and draft experts projecting this pick, it falls under the category of “somebody knows something I don’t.”
There’s certainly smoke with Nix to Denver, but is there fire? We’ll assume yes for now, with the Broncos making sure to address the position after four quarterbacks went off the board early.
13. Raiders: QB Michael Penix, Washington
TUCSON, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Washington Huskies throws a pass during the second half of the NCAAF game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Again, we’re projecting this draft night to play out like the 2021 draft at the quarterback position. The Raiders have shown interest in Penix, but with five quarterbacks already off the board they know they can’t wait around to get there guy. Their hand is forced, and just like that the top six quarterbacks make up almost half of the first 13 picks.
14. Saints: OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 30: Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Ryan Field on September 30, 2023 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning has had a rough start to his career at left tackle for the Saints. New Orleans decides to cut their losses and reset at the position by taking Fashanu here after he falls due to the quarterback run.
15. Colts: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
AUBURN, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 25: Rivaldo Fairweather #13 of the Auburn Tigers fails to pull in this reception as he is hit by Jihaad Campbell #30 and Terrion Arnold #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Right now the Colts are lacking at cornerback and with so much money tied up in the offensive side of the ball, they may not be able to pay the premium it takes to bring in a player at the top of the depth chart in the near future. Instead the turn to the draft hoping to find that player and grab Arnold, who might be one of the most underrated players in this draft.
16. Seahawks: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 4: Jared Verse #5 of the Florida State Seminoles rushes the pocket against Branson Taylor #78 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first quarter during the game at Acrisure Stadium on November 4, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Our first back-to-back defensive picks, making it just three defensive selections in the first half of the draft. First-time head coach Mike Macdonald is coming from a defensive background, so he goes familiar with his first pick and takes an incredibly physical, tone-setting, high-upside pass-rusher in Verse.
17. Steelers (from Jaguars): WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 18: Brian Thomas Jr. #11 of the LSU Tigers catches a pass over Daedae Hill #6 of the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second quarter at Tiger Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Steelers get:
— 17th overall pick (1st round)
— 153rd overall pick (5th round)Jaguars get:
— 20th overall pick (1st round)
— 98th overall pick (3rd round)After trading away Diontae Johnson earlier this offseason, the Steelers need to add another top receiver to pair with the inconsistent George Pickens. In order to help their newly-rebuild quarterback room, they move and take Thomas Jr, a true outside ‘X’ that will allow them to be more creative in Pickens’ usage.
18. Cowboys (from Bengals): OT JC Latham, Alabama
Sep 4, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) blocks against the Miami Hurricanes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Cowboys get:
— 18th overall pick (1st round)
— 237th overall pick (7th round)Bengals get:
— 24th overall pick (1st round)
— 87th overall pick (3rd round)
— 2025 fourth-round pickWith some bigger contracts set to hit the books, adding picks is a good idea for the Bengals. They move back, add an extra top-100 selection, and allow the Cowboys to come up and get their straight right tackle of the future in Latham.
19. Rams: DT Byron Murphy II, Texas
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) sacks TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, November. 11, 2023, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman/USA TODAY Network)
The Rams lost a generational defensive tackle and true game-changer when Aaron Donald retired. They’re not going to be able to replace him with just one draft pick, but they have to start somewhere. Murphy is the kind of attacking defensive tackle who can fill a similar role in LA’s defense, albeit not to the same extent as his predecessor.
20: Jaguars (from Steelers): CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Yes the Jaguars could use a receiver, but their needs extend beyond that one position. Having already moved back they plan on taking advantage of a deep draft class with one of their later picks. Instead, they use their first round pick on Mitchell, who has proven throughout the pre-draft process he’s more than a product of playing in a lesser conference. Jacksonville gets a potential shutdown corner for new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
See Pick 17 for trade details
21. Dolphins, OT Troy Fautanu, Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 19: Troy Fautanu #55 of the Washington Huskies in action during the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Husky Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Dolphins’ offensive line is in a major state of flux. They take Fautanu, a player whose upside is at tackle but who can also play guard if needed. They can plug and play him initially where they need him before figuring out a long-term spot. Plus, he has experience blocking for a lefty quarterback when he played in front of Michael Penix at Washington.
22. Eagles: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 11: Laiatu Latu #15 of the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Eagles just traded away one of their top pass rushers in Haason Reddick, another in Josh Sweat is in a contract year, and Brandon Graham is year-to-year at 36 years old. Hoping to reset the top of their depth chart at the position the Seahawks take Latu, who comes in ready to contribute with 23.5 sacks over the last two years for the Bruins.
23. Chargers (from Vikings): WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
Dec 2, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) runs with the ball against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
With their second first-round pick after trading back, the Chargers do something to counter the wide receiver exodus they saw this offseason. They already have a true ‘X’ receiver on the boundary in 2022 first-round pick Quentin Johnston, so now they add a ‘Z’ receiver in Worthy. The Texas speedster would be a tremendous fit in Greg Roman’s offense with his ability to create separation off the top of his route, and gain yards after the catch.
See Pick 5 for trade details
24. Bengals (from Cowboys): OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Bengals signed Trent Brown to replace Jonah Williams this offseason, but Brown is hardly a long-term answer for a Cincinnati team that needs to do a better job of protecting Joe Burrow. In a bit of a unique situation and having already picked up extra draft capital the Bengals grab Mims, who is as raw as any player who will go in the first round with just eight career starts at right tackle. Still, they have time to let him develop and that patience could pay off massively given Mims’ physical upside.
See Pick 18 for trade details
25. Chiefs (from Packers): WR AD Mitchell, Texas
FORT WORTH, TX – NOVEMBER 11: Adonai Mitchell #5 of the Texas Longhorns catches a touchdown pass as Josh Newton #2 of the TCU Horned Frogs defends during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Chiefs get:
— 25th overall pick (1st round)
Packers get:
— 32nd overall pick (1st round)
— 95th overall pick (3rd round)There’s two things we know about the Chiefs – they need a wide receiver, and they have no problem getting aggressive to trade up in the first round of the draft. Both of those come into play here, as Kansas City jumps a couple of wide receiver-needy teams and try once again to get Patrick Mahomes a WR1. Mitchell has the physical makeup of such a player, and Mahomes should be able to maximize his outstanding catch radius. Most years Mitchell would probably be a top 20 pick, but with only one season of major production under his belt he falls behind some multi-year contributors in a stacked class.
26. Buccaneers: EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 30: Chop Robinson #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the quarterback against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Ryan Field on September 30, 2023 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Having lost multiple key pass rushers, the Buccaneers turn to defense with their first-round pick. With his athleticism, Robinson can make an impact as a pass rusher from multiple alignments. He’ll only get better as his pass rush toolbox gets more expansive.
27. Cardinals: DT Jer’Zahn Newton, Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 21: Braedyn Locke #18 of the Wisconsin Badgers fumbles the ball as Jer’Zhan Newton #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini makes the hit during the first half at Memorial Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
With their second first-round pick the Cardinals get creative and add a high-upside defensive lineman in Newton. While he was mostly a tackle in college, he also has the quickness to play as a big end on passing downs. An foot injury kept Newton out of most of the pre-draft process, which knocks him down the board a bit. Arizona hopes to take advantage.
28. Bills: WR Troy Franklin, Oregon
TEMPE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 18: Wide receiver Troy Franklin #11 of the Oregon Ducks during the NCAAF game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. The Ducks defeated the Sun Devils 49-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Bills desperately need wide receiver help, but unlike some other teams don’t have as much flexibility in trading up given their other needs on the roster. Instead, they wait their turn in a loaded class hoping the board falls their way. They end up with a downfield burner in Franklin, who should be a strong fit with Josh Allen’s deep ball ability.
29. Lions: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7. Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Last year Detroit’s pass defense was one of the worst in the NFL. They allowed 6.7 yards per attempt, which ranked 29th in the NFL. The pass rush is there, highlighted by Aidan Hutchinson, but Dan Campbell’s team needs to be better on the back end. Taking advantage of an overall cornerback slide they pick up Wiggins here. Wiggins ran the second-best 40 at the Combine – behind only record-setter Xavier Worthy – with a 4.28 second mark.
30. Patriots (from Ravens): OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
Oct 28, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Patriots get:
— 30th overall pick (1st round)
— 165th overall pick (5th round)Ravens get:
— 34th overall pick (2nd round)
— 137th overall pick (5th round)
— 2025 4th-round pickWith the top six quarterbacks all now off the board, the Patriots get to work building up the rest of the roster to be as ready as possible for a future quarterback addition. After getting a wide receiver in the first round, that means adding a tackle, so they jump a couple of tackle-needy teams with this deal.
After moving back up the Patriots take Guyton, out of the tackle factory that is The University of Oklahoma. Not only is Guyton a good player (he is), but he’s the kind of tackle that’s perfect for a retooling offense like the Patriots.
The first thing about Guyton that stands out is his size. At 6-foot-8, 322 pounds with 34 1/8-inch arms he comes into the NFL ready from a physical standpoint. On top of his size he also has experience playing both left and right tackle, and has the athleticism to suggest that versatility will carry over to the pros.
Guyton’s biggest flaw right now is his hands. If he can get his upper-body technique cleaned up he has all the other tools to be a plus starter in the NFL. The Patriots will have time to develop him, and will continue to have the flexibility to figure out the rest of their line knowing they can put him at either tackle spot.
To see how the rest of this draft plays out after their two first-round picks, check out our Patriots Mock Draft 2.5 here.
31. San Francisco 49ers: OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona
TUCSON, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 30: Offensive lineman Jordan Morgan #77 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The 49ers have an immediate need at right tackle and a future need at left tackle, with Trent Williams likely year-to-year entering his age-36 season. Morgan’s positional flexibility should be able to help address both of those issues.
32. Packers (from Chiefs): CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
Tennessee wide receiver Kaleb Webb (84) reaches for the ball while defended by Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) during a football game between Tennessee and Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel/USA TODAY Network)
Hoping to add some reliability to a high-ceiling but uncertain quarterback room, the Packers take McKinstry. The Alabama product comes in with three years of high-level starting experience, and opposite Jaire Alexander would give the Packers an excellent cornerback duo, even if Eric Stokes or Carrington Valentine can’t elevate their play.
See Pick 25 for trade details
