With the NFL Draft being tomorrow, here is my final 2024 NFL Mock Draft. This is what I believe teams will do, not necessarily what I would do.
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1. Chicago Bears (from Car): Caleb Williams, QB
It is obvious that Caleb Williams will be the next Bears Quarterback. He will be the most physically talented Quarterback they ever had.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB
While I have had Drake Maye as the selection here for months, it is seeming like Jayden Daniels is going to be the pick, and it kills me to change this selection. The consensus is just growing too strong to ignore. Daniels' pressure to sack rate and age is concerning, but his quicker process, better ball security, and better rushing ability over Maye makes him the selection.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB
The talk about them drafting Marvin Harrison has subsided as all indications are they will draft a Quarterback. While their offense would undoubtedly be a tough location for a rookie Quarterback, with Jacoby Brissett they don't have to play him right away. However, with next year's Quarterback class looking underwhelming, it would be wise for them to select a signal caller when they have the chance. They will select the Quarterback that Washington doesn't, which is Drake Maye. Maye has the size, arm talent and mobility to be a difference maker in the league if he can correct his footwork and inconsistencies with his accuracy. At only 21 years old, he has tons of room for growth.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR
Given that the Cardinals have committed to Kyler Murray, they have two logical options. The first is to trade down and the second is to select Marvin Harrison Jr. Given that they have 11 draft picks, it doesn't really make sense for them to trade down as they have plenty of draft capital. They need to focus on acquiring some blue-chip talent. Harrison is just that. He is a high character and highly polished prospect who can transform this offense for years to come.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR
Now that Jim Harbaugh is the Head Coach, he will begin remaking the Chargers in his image. Given that the Chargers do not need a Quarterback, there is a good chance they trade back for a team looking to trade up for J.J. McCarthy. After moving on from Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, their Wide Receiver room is a disaster. Nabers is a special player that is more than good enough to make Jim Harbaugh pass up on a lineman for. He will be the Run After Catch threat that Justin Herbert has lacked.
6. New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR
While Daniels Jones has not lived up to expectations and has serious injury concerns, I believe they will only select a Quarterback if Williams or Maye is available, which is unlikely. Instead they look to bolster their Wide Receiver corps, which desperately lacks a number one threat, with Rome Odunze. Odunze is a large and highly polished Receive. He will be their X receiver day 1.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT
After spending big on Calvin Ridley in free agency, Tennessee can focus on their offensive line. There is no reason to deviate from the consensus here as Joe Alt makes a ton of sense. With his polished technique he is ready to start day 1.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Laiatu Latu, EDGE
Atlanta has lacked a pass rush for way too long, and they will look to change that. With news that Laiatu Latu has been medically cleared by most teams, he is likely to be the first defensive player drafted. Although his age and longevity are concerns, the Falcons are in a win now mode with the addition of Kirk Cousins. However, keep an eye on them moving back with Minnesota.
9. Chicago Bears: Byron Murphy II, IDL
I imagine the Bears are hoping Rome Odunze falls to them, but that seems increasingly unlikely at this point. They will likely attempt to trade down here, but this will be a tough spot to trade down from. Instead, they look to strengthen their defense. In Matt Eberflus defensive scheme, the 3-tech is incredibly important, yet the entire time he has been there, they have had replacement level players at the position. Byron Murphy has the ability to be a Chris Jones caliber player.
10. New York Jets: J.C. Latham, OT
We have been hearing the narrative that the Jets must protect Aaron Rodgers for months now. However, since they signed Tyron Smith and traded for Morgan Moses the offensive line narrative has taken a backseat to Brock Bowers. However, we can't assume Smith and Moses just solve the issue as they are both over 33 years old, so they could really use more depth and a piece for the future as well. While a trade up for Rome Odunze makes a lot of sense, they may not be able to do so. Brock Bowers does make some sense, especially since this is his correct range to get drafted, but I don't see their offensive staff have a good plan to use him. Instead, they select an offensive lineman who could make an immediate impact in the run game with J.C. Latham.
11. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB
It is no secret that the Vikings need a Quarterback, the only question is do they trade up for one. Combine the cost of trading up into the top 5 and how unwilling teams will likely be to pass on this year's blue chip prospects, they very well won't be able to. JJ.J. McCarthy is a great fit in their shanahan/west coast based offense that requires quick and precise throws over the middle of the field. This is where he excels. Look for him to start right away as the Vikings talented offense is in a prime position to start a rookie.
12. Denver Broncos: Brock Bowers, TE
The Broncos will be aggressive in their attempt to trade up for a Quarterback, but outbidding Minnesota will be tough. It would be wise for them to trade down here, but Sean Payton does not do that. After Quarterback, they have been rumored to want an athletic Tight End the most. Brock Bowers fits that description to a tee. Sean Payton would be one of the few coaches who is capable of constantly scheming up plays for him.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT
With Antonio Pierce, the Raiders want to run the ball with a physical mindset. Taliese Fuaga is a massive Right Tackle who fits with his mauling mindset.
14. New Orleans Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT
As the core of the Saint's roster gets up there in age, they must look towards acquiring new talent at the premium positions. Trevor Penning has not lived up to his draft stock, and Ryan Ramczyk is dealing with injuries that will affect his long term outlook. With Olumuyiwa Fashanu, the Saints are getting the best pass protecting Offensive Tackle.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB
Indianapolis has rebuilt their Cornerback room over the last couple years, but they lack a number 1 Cornerback. Quinyon Mitchell has number 1 Cornerback ability, and will allow them to mix in more man coverage. Most importantly, he is a Build-a-Ballard player with his 9.79 RAS.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Dallas Turner, EDGE
While an offensive lineman is a popular pick here, they need interior offensive lineman which can be found later in the draft. They have also not been known for drafting Interior offensive lineman early. Instead, they provide their new defensive minded head coach with a new toy in Dallas Turner. Turner could easily go earlier, but some one must slide. Seattle capitalizes on the great value, with an Edge rusher who has the versatility Mike MacDonald's defense requires.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB
Jacksonville's biggest need is Cornerback and it just so happens a prospect falls to them in Terrion Arnold. He would be a perfect fit in their press heavy scheme.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT
While the Bengals improved their offensive line with Trent Brown, they need a long-term solution at Right Tackle. Amarius Mims is a massive Right Tackle who fits their preference for large maulers.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Xavier Worthy, WR
Elite speed gets players drafted early, and Xavier Worthy has record setting speed with his 4.21 forty. Sean McVay has watched his buddy Mike McDaniels have fun with Tyreek Hill's speed, and looks to do the same with Worthy. While they already have Cooper Kupp and Pucau Nucua, they need an outside deep threat.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Graham Barton, OG
The Steelers have been known to telegraph their first round selections, and they appear to be doing it again with the release of Mason Cole. They have shown strong interest in Graham Barton this year. He fits the Steelers history of strong physical offensive lineman. Look for him to start at Center day 1.
21. Miami Dolphins: Troy Fautanu, OT/OG
The Dolphins lost both Connor Williams and Robert Hunt in Free Agency, and it likely won't be long before Terron Armstead retires. Given this, it will be hard to pass up an opportunity to fortify their Offensive Line. Troy Fautanu is a mauling run blocker who has the athleticism to thrive in their wide zone blocking scheme, who is more than capable of holding up in pass protection at Tackle. His position versatility gives the Dolphins options as to where exactly he will play.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Cooper DeJean, CB/S
After how awful the Eagles secondary was last season, it is time for them to buck the trend of not selecting Cornerbacks in round one. Cooper DeJean has an excellent combination of size and athleticism and would be a great fit at both Cornerback and Safety in Vic Fangio's scheme.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Jer'Zhan Newton, IDL
After selecting J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings will focus on rebuilding their defense. Kevin O'Connell witnessed first hand the impact an athletic interior defensive lineman can make with Aaron Donald and looks to duplicate the success with Jer'Zhan Newton. While he won't be Donald, Defensive Tackles who can rush the passer have become incredibly valuable.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OG/OC
After losing Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz in free agency, the Cowboys need two new starters on the offensive line. I expect them to move Tyler Smith to Left Tackle, so they need help at Left Guard and Center. Jackson Powers-Johnson has the ability to play both. He is a mauler who will help the Cowboys re-establish their run game.
25. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Guyton, OT
With the release of David Bakhtiari, it is time for the Packers to look to reinforce their offensive line. Tyler Guyton has been well connected to the Packers and meets their testing thresholds. Look for him to compete with Rasheed Walker at Left Tackle in his rookie season, before taking over fulltime in 2025.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chop Robinson, EDGE
With the release of Shaquil Barrett and with the lack of development from Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Tampa Bay has a major need at Edge Rusher. While Chop Robinson is far from a finished product, he has traits to be an elite Pass Rusher.
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Hou): Darius Robinson, EDGE
While the Cardinal added some Defensive Linemen in Free Agency, they lack an impact player at the position. Darius Robinson gives them this upside. His inside outside versatility gives the Cardinals an impactful 3-tech, 5-tech and 4i player, which is important given they like to line up in 3-4 and Tite fronts.
28. Buffalo Bills: Brian Thomas Jr., WR
Buffalo is almost certain to select a Wide Receiver with their first selection, the only question is which one. With recent concerns emerging with Adonai Mitchell, the Bills pivot to another Wide Receiver with Brian Thomas Jr. He falls a bit over concerns about his shoulder, but it sounds like it will not impact him long term. Thomas gives Josh Allen and the Bills a great vertical threat.
29. Detroit Lions : Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB
Cornerback was Detroit's biggest weakness all season, and not enough was done to address the position. While Kool-Aid McKinstry didn't live up to his lofty preseason hype, he is still a very good Cornerback with his blend of size, athleticism and technique. His ability to play a variety of coverages will appeal to Detroit.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Morgan, OT
I can't imagine Ronnie Stanley is going to be a Raven for much longer, considering that they were rotating him in and out of the lineup. Jordan Morgan has the upside to be an NFL left tackle, especially with a Man blocking team like the Ravens. He would give them a potential successor to Stanley.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jared Verse, EDGE
The 49ers have been connected to Amarius Mims and Jordan Morgan, but in this draft they are gone. Instead they capitalize on a player who "falls" in the draft in Jared Verse. San Francisco has a need for an Edge Rusher across from Nick Bosa. While Verse lacks the high-end pass rushing ability of the other top edge rushers, he makes up for it by being a strong run defender, which is a welcome addition after their run defense fell apart at the end of last season.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Kingsley Suamataia, OT
While most mock drafts have the Chiefs selecting a Wide Receiver, I think Offensive Tackle is their top priority. Mahomes can compensate for a subpar Wide Receiver group more than he can a pair of poor offensive Tackles. Keep an eye out for them to trade up for one. However, in this scenario, I have them selecting the raw but traitsy Kingsley Suamataia. He may not make an impact in his rookie year, but he has the potential to develop into a starter at left tackle. I have had Sumataia to the Chiefs for a while, and I am not changing it now that multiple people are mocking him to the Chiefs.
Round 2
33. Carolina Panthers: Ladd McConkey, WR
34. New England Patriots: Adonai Mitchell, WR
35. Arizona Cardinals: Zach Frazier, OC
36. Washington Commanders: Patrick Paul, OT
37. Los Angeles Chargers: Kris Jenkins, IDL
38. Tennessee Titans: Troy Franklin, WR
39. Carolina Panthers (from NYG): Mike Sainristil, CB
40. Washington Commanders (from Chi): Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE
41. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ): Edgerrin Cooper, OLB
42. Houston Texans (from Min): Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB
43. Atlanta Falcons: Braden Fiske, IDL
44. Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Penix Jr., QB
45. New Orlean Saints (from Den): Ricky Pearsall, WR
46. Indianapolis Colts: Max Melton, CB
47. New York Giants (from Sea): Bo Nix, QB
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Keon Coleman, WR
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Cooper Beebe, OG
50. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO): Junior Colson, LB
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malachi Corley, WR
52. Los Angeles Rams: Nate Wiggins, CB
53. Philadelphia Eagles: T.J. Tampa, CB
54. Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall Jr., IDL
55. Miami Dolphins: Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE
56. Dallas Cowboys: Jonathon Brooks, RB
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Christian Haynes, OG
58. Green Bay Packers: Cole Bishop, S
59. Houston Texans: Ruke Orhorhoro, IDL
60. Buffalo Bills: Jaden Hicks, S
61. Detroit Lions : Ja'Lynn Polk, WR
62. Baltimore Ravens: Roman Wilson, WR
63. San Francisco 49ers: Roger Rosengarten, OT
64. Kansas City Chiefs: Kamari Lassiter, CB
Round 3
65. Carolina Panthers: Xavier Legette, WR
66. Arizona Cardinals: Adisa Isaac, EDGE
67. Washington Commanders: Theo Johnson, TE
68. New England Patriots: Jared Wiley, TE
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Dominick Puni, OG
70. New York Giants: Trey Benson, RB
71. Arizona Cardinals (from Ten): Andru Phillips, CB
72. New York Jets: Jalen McMillan, WR
73. Detroit Lions (from Min): Chris Braswell, EDGE
74. Atlanta Falcons: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB
75. Chicago Bears: Sedrick Van Pran, OC
76. Denver Broncos: Brandon Dorlus, EDGE
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Brandon Coleman, OT/OG
78. Washington Commanders (from Sea): Javon Bullard, S
79. Atlanta Falcons (from Jax): Payton Wilson, LB
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Jaylen Wright, RB
81. Seattle Seahawks (from NO): Tykee Smith, S
82. Indianapolis Colts: Ben Sinnott, TE
83. Los Angeles Rams: Austin Booker, EDGE
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Blake Fisher, OT
85. Cleveland Browns: Brenden Rice, WR
86. Houston Texans (from Phi): Calen Bullock, S
87. Dallas Cowboys: Spencer Rattler, QB
88. Green Bay Packers: Jonah Elliss, EDGE
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: D.J. James, CB
90. Arizona Cardinals (from Hou): MarShawn Lloyd, RB
91. Green Bay Packers (from Buf): Trevin Wallace, LB
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Det): Maason Smith, IDL
93. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Nubin, S
94. San Francisco 49ers: Isaiah Adams, OG
95. Kansas City Chiefs: Devontez Walker, WR
96. Jacksonville Jaguars (compensatory): Kiran Amegadjie, OT
97. Cincinnati Bengals (compensatory): Malik Mustapha, S
98. Pittsburgh Steelers (compensatory from Phi): Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB
99. Los Angeles Rams (JC-2A): Cade Stover, TE
100. Washington Commanders (JC-2A from SF): Johnny Wilson, WR
Round 4
101. Carolina Panthers: Bralen Trice, EDGE
102. Seattle Seahawks (from Wash): Cedrick Gray, LB
103. New England Patriots: Malik Washington, WR
104. Arizona Cardinals: Caedan Wallace, OT
105. Los Angeles Chargers: Blake Corum, RB
106. Tennessee Titans: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S
107. New York Giants: Caelen Carson, CB
108. Minnesota Vikings: Christian Mahogany, OG
109. Atlanta Falcons: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB
110. Los Angeles Chargers (from Chi): Zak Zinter, OG
111. New York Jets: Mekhi Wingo, IDL
112. Las Vegas Raiders: Braelon Allen, RB
113. Baltimore Ravens (from Den): Christian Jones, OT
114. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ray Davis, RB
115. Cincinnati Bengals: DeWayne Carter, IDL
116. Jacksonville Jaguars (from NO): Dominique Hampton, S
117. Indianapolis Colts: Beaux Limmer, OC
118. Seattle Seahawks : Nehemiah Pritchett, CB
119. Pittsburgh Steelers: Matt Goncalves, OT
120. Philadelphia Eagles (from LAR): Ainias Smith, WR
121. Denver Broncos (from MIA): Michael Pratt, QB
122. Chicago Bears (from Phi): Josh Newton, CB
123. Houston Texans (from Cle): Hunter Nourzad, OC
124. San Francisco (from Dal): Sataoa Laumea, OT
125. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Audric Estime, RB
126. Green Bay Packers: Tip Reiman, TE
127. Houston Texans: Renardo Green, CB
128. Buffalo Bills: Javon Baker, WR
129. Minnesota Vikings (from Det): Nehemiah Pritchett, CB
130. Baltimore Ravens: Gabriel Murphy, EDGE
131. Kansas City Chiefs: Will Shipley, RB
132. San Francisco 49ers (compensatory): Jaylin Simpson, CB
133. Buffalo Bills (compensatory): Javon Foster, OT
134. New York Jets (compensatory): Jacob Cowing, WR
135. San Francisco (compensatory): Gabe Hall, IDL
136. Denver Broncos (from Car): Khyree Jackson, CB
Round 5
137. New England Patriots: Mohamed Kamara, EDGE
138. Arizona Cardinals: Tanner McLachlan, TE
139. Washington Commanders: Beau Brade, S
140. Los Angeles Chargers: Jalyx Hunt, EDGE
141. Carolina Panthers (from NYG): Bucky Irving, RB
142. Carolina Panthers (from Ten): Drake Nugent, OC
143. Atlanta Falcons: Delmar Glaze, OT
144. Buffalo Bills (from Chi): Leonard Taylor III, IDL
145. Denver Broncos (from NYJ): Cedric Johnson, EDGE
146. Tennessee Titans (from Min): Tommy Eichenberg, LB
147. Denver Broncos: Luke McCaffrey, WR
148. Las Vegas Raiders: Kitan Oladapo, S
149. Cincinnati Bengals: Tory Taylor, P
150. New Orleans Saints: K.T. Leveston, OG
151. Indianapolis Colts: Cam Hart, CB
152. Washington Commanders (from Sea): Jordan Jefferson, IDL
153. Jacksonville Jaguars: Elijah Jones, CB
154. Los Angeles Rams: Jordan Magee, LB
155. Los Angeles Rams (from Pit): Decamerion Richardson, CB
156. Cleveland Browns (From Phi): T'Vondre Sweat, IDL
157. Minnesota Vikings (from Cle): Tanor Bortolini, OC
158. Miami Dolphins: Isaac Guerendo, RB
159. Kansas City (from Dal): Jermaine Burton, WR
160. Buffalo Bills (from GB): Kamren Kinchens, S
161. Philadelphia Eagles (from TB): Javon Solomon, EDGE
162. Arizona Cardinals (from Hou): Sione Vaki, S
163. Buffalo Bills: Tahj Washington, WR
164. Detroit Lions: Layden Robinson, OG
165. Baltimore Ravens: Cody Schrader, RB
166. New York Giants (from SF): Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB
167. Minnesota Vikings (form KC): Jamari Thrash, WR
168. New Orleans Saints (compensatory): McKinnley Jackson, IDL
169. Green Bay Packers (compensatory): Devin Leary, QB
170. New Orleans Saints (compensatory): Cornelius Johnson, WR
171. Philadelphia Eagles (compensatory): Jordan Travis, QB
172. Philadelphia Eagles (compensatory): M.J. Devonshire, CB
173. Kansas City Chiefs (compensatory): Joe Milton III, QB
174. Dallas Cowboys (compensatory): J.D. Bertrand, OLB
175. New Orleans Saints (compensatory): Xavier Thomas, EDGE
176. San Francisco (compensatory): Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB
"God awful mock. No way the Broncos pass on a qb".