Shadynasty’s “Not Too Late” 2024 Mock Draft

By bfaller45 | May 24, 2024

1.01 – Wright Patt Chair Force | Caleb Williams, QB (CHI, Bears)

After going full tank-mode in ‘23 and trading for Brock Purdy instead of Bailey Zappe (Zap! Zap! Zap!) the Chairs were left with almost no future at the QB position. Fortunately, they were able to secure the #1 QB prospect and biggest weirdo of the ‘24 rookie class in Caleb Williams. He hasn’t even touched the field in Chicago, and he’s already being anointed as the best QB in franchise history, a sentiment shared with Justin Fields just a few short years ago.

Strengths

  • Arm talent extraordinaire. 
  • World-class play-making ability.
  • Brings high level RPO and QB run scenarios to the playbook.
  • Feels and diagnoses pressure in the pocket quickly. 

Weaknesses

  • Allergic to playing within the structure of the offense.
  • Not yet a high-level processor.
  • Hasn’t shown the ability to take care of the football.

Player Comp: Billy Vegas, Aaron Rodgers 

1.02 – St. Henry Scallywags | Marvin Harrison Jr., WR (AZ, Cardinals)

“Brandon Hoyng sucks at Fantasy Football.” We’ve all been saying it for years and it finally happened. The 2nd worst team in Shadynasty, and the “best QB room in the league” passes on promising QB prospects in favor of MHJ who just might be the only blue chip player in this draft.

Strengths

  • Throwback WR prototype.
  • Elite do-it-all WR to run an entire offense through.
  • Complete vertical skill set.
  • Short-area monster.

Weaknesses

  • Can be a little lackadaisical with his route running at times.
  • Uptick in drops in 2023.
  • Brandon Hoyng sucks at fantasy football

Player Comp: AJ Green, Julio Jones

1.03 – Centerville Cheekburgers | Jayden Daniels, QB (WA, Commanders)

The Cheekburgers could’ve gone a number of directions here but ultimately lands on the QB with the highest ceiling due to his rushing ability in Jayden Daniels. Daniels’ elite rushing ability separates him from the rest of the pack, but it also comes with its own risks due to his slight frame. In his 2023 Hiesman campaign he got absolutely destroyed on numerous hits. The guy needs to learn to throw the ball away and protect himself if he wants to survive the rigors of an NFL season. 

Strengths

  • Elite in the run game.
  • Excellent downfield accuracy when throwing in rhythm.
  • Good processor.
  • Pocket mechanics are sound.
  • Track record of steady development.

Weaknesses

  • Avoids middle of field throws like the plague.
  • Arm strength is questionable.

Player Comp: Robert Griffin III 

1.04 – Anna Apollos | Malik Nabers, WR (NYG, Giants)

With the ‘24 rookie class devoid of top RB talent, the Apollos select Malik Nabers who carries a ton of potential. Unfortunately for Nabers, he has Danny Dimes and/or Horse Cock Lock throwing him the ball. Can you say: “Talent over Situation?”

Strengths

  • Modern NFL build and athletic profile.
  • Traits to become an excellent route runner. 
  • Cirque du Soleil contortionist.
  • Plays bigger and more physical than his size.
  • Best in class RAC threat.

Weaknesses

  • Low friction usage pattern (motion) props up his production profile. 
  • A little underdeveloped as a route runner.
  • Quarterback situation is murky at best.
  • Potential headcase.

Player Comp: Elijah Moore, Ja’ Marr Chase

1.05 – Anna Apollos | Drake Maye, QB (NE, Patriots)

With a new QB rule looming, the Apollos add Maye to their stockpile of Jared Goff, Anthony Richardson, and Bryce Young. Maye likely needs some time to develop and may not start to begin the season. Another young QB provides the Apollos with a degree of flexibility and leverage not many teams have. 

Strengths

  • Exceptional arm talent.
  • Best in class playing within structure.
  • Underrated creative ability and athleticism. 
  • Disciplined in the pocket with great footwork.
  • Unmatchable resume with top-notch intangibles.
  • Excellent combo of size and athleticism.
  • Raw arm talent is top-notch.
  • Ability to create and throw off-platform.

Weaknesses

  • He needs to add some clubs to the bag.
  • Low volume/opportunity passer in college. 
  • Inconsistent accuracy as a thrower.
  • Cracks a bit under pressure, even when he knows it’s coming.
  • Desire to freelance and make big plays leads to turnovers and poor decisions.

Player Comp: Carson Wentz

1.06 – Wiesbaden Wichsers | JJ McCarthy, QB (NE, Patriots)

Hailing from Wiesbaden Germany, the Wichsers select JJ McCarthy. The Wichsers are absolutely hurting for QB’s right now after Kenny Pickett was demoted and traded to the Eagles. McCarthy is a solid prospect but just hasn’t had many opportunities to show that he’s more than just a game manager. Lucky for him, he was drafted in a plus landing spot and will get to throw the ball to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockenson.

Strengths

  • Exceptional arm talent.
  • Best in class playing within structure.
  • Underrated creative ability and athleticism. 
  • Disciplined in the pocket with great footwork.
  • Unmatchable resume with top-notch intangibles.

Weaknesses

  • He needs to add some clubs to the bag.
  • Low volume/opportunity passer in college.

Player Comp: Rich Gannon, Matt Ryan

1.07 – The Burrow of Brooklyn | Bo Nix, QB (DEN, Broncos)

The Burrow of Brooklyn has not had much luck in the quarterback room in recent years. Joe Burrow seems to be perpetually hurt. Malik Willis (2022 Pick 1.13) was demoted in favor of Mayo Man Levis, and Desmond Ridder (2022 Pick 2.05) was just shipped off to Arizona after failure to launch in Atlanta. With Nix, the Burrow of Brooklyn gets a day 1 starter to fill their Super Flex spot; however, the long term outlook on Nix is murky at best. 

Strengths

  • Enters NFL as an experienced vet.
  • NFL arm with compact throwing motion.
  • Checks a lot of the QB-centric boxes.
  • Creative playmaking ability. 
  • Excellent pocket management. 

Weaknesses

  • Fraudulent production profile.
  • Accuracy and ball location need to get better.
  • Too conservative of a decision-maker. 
  • Cracks a bit under pressure, even when he knows it’s coming.
  • Desire to freelance and make big plays leads to turnovers and poor decisions.

Player Comp: Alex Smith

1.08 – Wright Patt Chair Force | Rome Odunze, WR (CHI, Bears)

Having already taken Caleb Williams at 1.01, the Chairs complete a stack by taking Rome Odunze. Odunze figures to be a complementary role in his inaugural season in a loaded Bears offense. Fortunately for the Chairs, this provides the perfect opportunity to keep MAX PFF low while they continue what looks to be a multi-year rebuild.

Strengths

  • Elite combo of size, strength, and athleticism.
  • Natural separator.
  • Press him at your own risk.
  • Has the ultimate ace-in-hole with his catch-point prowess. 
  • Alignment versatility.
  • Continued development is promising.

Weaknesses

  • Needs to improve on double moves.
  • Possibly relies on jump balls too much.

Player Comp: Larry Fitzgerald

1.09 – Gem City Titties | Jonathan Brooks, RB (CAR, Panthers)

The Titties select Jonathan Brooks because their RB room is dog water. Brooks is arguably the best running back prospect in the draft. The Titties could’ve probably swung for the fences instead with a guy like Xavier Worthy as an insurance policy for professional dummy Rashee Rice, but you know what they say: “Hindsight is titty, titty”. In Brooks, ‘dem Titties get a 20yr old presumed starting running back with a lot of tread left on the tires.

Strengths

  • Three-down skill set.
  • Fluid, methodical runner.
  • Top-tier contact balance.
  • Excellent vision, especially on gap concepts.
  • Young with low wear and tear.

Weaknesses

  • Coming off a significant knee injury. 
  • Doesn’t run with a ton of power.
  • Can be too patient behind the LOS at times.

Player Comp: Ezekiel Elliot Lite

1.10 – West Carrollton Wimps | Brock Bowers, TE (LV, Raiders)

The Wimps fill a positional need by picking BPA in Bowers. They can finally stop asking the Doughboys about Pitts and move on with their lives. End of an era!

Strengths

  • S-tier athlete, especially for the position.
  • Class-best RAC threat.
  • Necessary traits to become a great route runner.
  • Good ball skills and hands technique.
  • Potential to be an excellent run blocker.
  • Modern NFL size and build.

Weaknesses

  • Needs to develop a better feel working into zone coverages.
  • Lacks the play strength and drive to make a big impact in the run game.
  • Screen merchant.

Player Comp: Jordan Reed, George Kittle

1.11 – Anna Apollos | Trey Benson, RB (AZ, Cardinals)

With a glaring need at running back, the Apollos select Trey Benson. Benson has the traits to be a bellcow in the NFL, and it’s only a matter of time before James Connor misses time due to injury. 

Strengths

  • Bell cow size and athleticism.
  • Loose hips and ankles provide for good cutting ability. 
  • Effective pass-down player.
  • Can create beyond his blockers.

Weaknesses

  • Vision and pace needs some fine-tuning.
  • Upright running style.
  • Lack of resume as a pass-catcher.

Player Comp: Trent Richardson, Nick Chubb

1.12 – Dayton Doughboys | Ladd McConkey (LA – Chargers)

The Doughboys select Ladd McConkey the Irish Honkey on name alone. McConkey projects to be a high volume PPR slot receiver at the next level with potential to play on the outside. McConkey will be attached to an above average QB but with Autism Jimmy and Greg Roman calling the shots, his ceiling might be capped.

Strengths

  • Route technician with exceptional flexibility.
  • NFL-ready release package.
  • Deceptive vertical threat.
  • Plus athlete with positional versatility. 
  • Added value on special teams.

Weaknesses

  • Catch radius is very limited.
  • Needs to improve strength in contested situations and/or playing through traffic.
  • Lack of strength and physicality show up in his stems.

Player Comp: Hunter Renfrow, Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, Adam Thielen

1.13 – Anna Apollos | Brian Thomas Jr., WR (JAX – Jaguars)

With their 4th pick of the day, the Apollos select one of the top field stretching, perimeter receivers in this draft in BTJ. BTJ has a lot of untapped potential attached to a 6’3” 208lb and a 4.33 40 time. Coupling this with an above average QB he could be a solid hit. 

Strengths

  • Physical profile is mouth-watering.
  • Technically proficient release game. 
  • Didn’t run a huge route tree, but all the traits are there for him to be a consistent separator. 
  • Proficient attacking zone.

Weaknesses

  • Needs to work on his start/stop ability.
  • Inconsistent hands technique.
  • Play strength and physicality could use a slight bump.

Player Comp: DJ Chark, DK Metcalf

1.14 –  Wiesbaden Wichsers | Xavier Worthy, WR (KC, Chiefs)

The Wichsers swing for the fences with the last pick of the first round in speed demon, Xavier Worthy. Worthy landed in an excellent spot with the best QB in the league. Additionally, he’ll likely get some extra reps with a Rashee Rice suspension looming. However, outside of Isaiah Pacheko in the late rounds, the Chiefs haven’t hit on offensive playmakers since Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill. Is Xavier Worthy of the pick?

Strengths

  • Great length to pair with good ball-tracking skills.
  • Very fluid route runner with a developed toolbox.
  • Excellent hands and catch technique.
  • Good top gear that allows him to win deep.

Weaknesses

  • Doesn’t win going airborne much.
  • Needs to add physicality to his game. 
  • Very lean frame and clear lack of play strength. 

Player Comp: Josh Reynolds, Desean Jackson