NFL mock draft (version 5.0) reflects a league increasingly driven by versatility and foundational strength at positions of high value, with teams zeroing in on players who can contribute immediately while offering long-term upside.

First, at No. 17, the Bengals take a potential replacement for Higgins in Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Egbuka had over 1,000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns in two of his last three seasons. He missed three games in 2023 due to an injury.

Production has not matched talent to this point, but Williams has top-five traits — not unlike former Georgia (and current Jacksonville) standout Travon Walker, who was the No. 1 pick in 2022. Williams is a projection as much as anything right now, but if he tests off the charts, he might not make it this far.