With the NFL Draft only a few days away, here is my latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft. This is what I believe teams will do, not necessarily what I would do.
I will post my final mock draft on Wednesday night.
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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: Drake Maye, QB
With Sam Howell shipped off to Seattle, there is no question that Washington will take a Quarterback. The question is are they taking Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. The situation reminds me of last year's situation with Bryce Young and CJ Stroud. All year it was a battle between Young and Stroud, then during draft season Stroud started "falling". It feels like the same narrative with Maye. I am not buying the argument. Drake Maye has the size, arm talent and mobility to be a difference maker in the league. At only 21 years old, he has tons of room for growth. Also, the Commanders are going to be one of the leaders in analytics under their new ownership. A big component of analytics is age, and in particular, breakout age. Jayden Daniels will be 23 and a half when his rookie season starts, and I believe this could be the deciding factor for them selecting Drake Maye.
3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, 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 Jayden Daniels. Daniels' rushing ability will give New England's offense a dynamic threat they haven't had in a long time and will give him a chance to survive their underwhelming offense.
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. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB
Minnesota trades picks 11, 23 and a 2025 pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for pick 5.
It is no secret that the Vikings are looking to trade up for a Quarterback, the only question is will they be able to pull off a trade, as there will be some serious bidders, but with two 1st round picks this year, they have the ammunition to outbid their competition. They have been heavily connected to J.J. McCarthy for a while now. It makes sense as he would be 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.
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, 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 Malik Nabers. Nabers is an incredibly athletic Wide Receiver, who has the highest ceiling in the class.
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: Dallas Turner, EDGE
There is a reason why Dallas Turner is commonly mocked to Atlanta, and that is their group of Edge rushers are atrocious. Dallas Turner has the athleticism that the Falcons covet, and the versatility that their defense requires. However, keep an eye on them moving back a spot or two with the Bears or Jets so they can secure Rome Odunze.
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR
With four Quarterbacks going in the top 10, the Bears dream scenario comes true with Rome Odunze falling to them. Him and DJ Moore could form one of the best Wide Receiver tandems, and would help make the transition to the NFL much easier for Caleb Williams. Keep an eye on them moving up a spot or two for him.
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. Los Angeles Chargers: Taliese Fuaga, OT
After trading back, the Chargers beef up their Offensive line as they transition to a power rushing offense. Taliese Fuaga is an absolute mauler, who will be an instant favorite of Jim Harbaugh. He will compete for an immediate spot at both Right Tackle and Right Guard.
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: Quinyon Mitchell, CB
According to Vic Tafur, the Raiders are looking for a new number one Cornerback who can allow them to disguise their man and zone coverages. This makes sense given that their two outside Cornerbacks are Jack Jones and Amik Robertson. Quinyon Mitchell has the size and athleticism to be a number 1 cornerback.
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: Brian Thomas Jr., WR
While Wide Receiver is not a need, the Colts have an opportunity to make it a position of strength, which is certainly not a bad idea with a young Quarterback. Brian Thomas Jr. fits Chris Ballard's prototype to a tee.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy II, IDL
While an offensive linemen 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 Byron Murphy. Paired with Leonard Williams, he would allow the Seahawks to design numerous pressure packages.
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: Jer'Zhan Newton, IDL
While most mocks have the Bengals selecting an Offensive Tackle, Defensive Tackle is actually a bigger need, given that Joe Burrow's pocket presence helps compensate for a weaker offensive line. Currently their best Defensive Tackle they have under contract for next season is B.J. Hill. Jer'Zhan Newton is a perfect fit at 3-tech, and would help them boost their interior pass rush.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Laiatu Latu, EDGE
The Rams front office never shies away from a risk, which means they won't be scared off from Laiatu Latu's medicals. While he may not have the longest career, the Rams are in a win now mode with Matthew Stafford at the twilight of his career. Latu gives the Rams an immediate pass rushing threat who can replace some of the production lost with the retirement of Aaron Donald.
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: Amarius Mims, OT
While the consensus has the Eagles drafting a Cornerback here, I believe Howie Roseman will have a tough time passing up a traitsy Offensive Lineman in Amarius Mims. Instead they can spam the secondary in rounds 2 through 4 like the Buccs did in 2018. They don't have an immediate need at Offensive Tackle, but Lane Johnson is unlikely to play much longer. Mims has elite size with good movement skills. With Jeff Stoutland to develop him, the sky's the limit. He can serve as their swing tackle and possibly Right Guard this season, before taking over at Right Tackle in the near future.
23. Los Angeles Chargers: Cooper DeJean, CB/S
The Chargers' need at Cornerback has gone under the radar, but outside of Asante Samuel the position is razor thin. Cooper DeJean brings size, athleticism and positional and schematic versatility to the position. Look for him to grab one of the starting spots across from Samuel and provide some much needed size across from him. I am also hedging with this pick as Minnesota would be interested in him if they keep this pick.
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): Nate Wiggins, CB
While Arizona shored up their defensive line in free agency, their Cornerback room is still a mess. Nate Wiggins has great athleticism and coverage ability that will allow him a chance at being a number one Cornerback.
28. Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR
Buffalo is almost certain to select a Wide Receiver with their first selection, the only question is which one. Adonai Mitchell is the best available Wide Receiver with his combination of Height, Weight and speed. Look for him to quickly secure the X receiver position and provide Josh Allen with a new vertical threat.
29. Detroit Lions : Darius Robinson, EDGE
After focusing on the non-premium positions last season, the Lions transition back to focusing on them. They strengthen their already strong defensive line with Darius Robinson, making them even more formidable against the run. He lines up as a base end on early downs, and slides inside on passing downs.
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 solid starter.
Round 2
33. Carolina Panthers: Ladd McConkey, WR
34. New England Patriots: Xavier Worthy, WR
35. Arizona Cardinals: Kris Jenkins, IDL
36. Washington Commanders: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB
37. Los Angeles Chargers: Junior Colson, LB
38. Tennessee Titans: Troy Franklin, WR
39. Carolina Panthers (from NYG): Zach Frazier, OC
40. Washington Commanders (from Chi): Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE
41. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ): Edgerrin Cooper, OLB
42. Houston Texans (from Min): Mike Sainristil, 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): Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malachi Corley, WR
52. Los Angeles Rams: Patrick Paul, OT
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: Jaden Hicks, S
58. Green Bay Packers: Cole Bishop, S
59. Houston Texans: Ruke Orhorhoro, IDL
60. Buffalo Bills: Javon Bullard, S
61. Detroit Lions : Ja'Lynn Polk, WR
62. Baltimore Ravens: Roman Wilson, WR
63. San Francisco 49ers: Christian Haynes, OG
64. Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Legette, WR
Round 2
65. Carolina Panthers: Kamari Lassiter, CB
66. Arizona Cardinals: Chris Braswell, EDGE
67. Washington Commanders: Theo Johnson, TE
68. New England Patriots: Isaiah Adams, OG
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Dominick Puni, OG
70. New York Giants: Trey Benson, RB
71. Arizona Cardinals (from Ten): Bralen Trice, EDGE
72. New York Jets: Jalen McMillan, WR
73. Detroit Lions (from Min): Andru Phillips, CB
74. Atlanta Falcons: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB
75. Chicago Bears: Sedrick Van Pran, OC
76. Denver Broncos: Payton Wilson, LB
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Brandon Coleman, OT/OG
78. Washington Commanders (from Sea): Calen Bullock, S
79. Atlanta Falcons (from Jax): Brandon Dorlus, EDGE
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Jaylen Wright, RB
81. Seattle Seahawks (from NO): Tanor Bortolini, OC
82. Indianapolis Colts: Adisa Isaac, EDGE
83. Los Angeles Rams: Austin Booker, EDGE
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Blake Fisher, OT
85. Cleveland Browns: Roger Rosengarten, OT
86. Houston Texans (from Phi): Tykee Smith, 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): Caedan Wallace, OT
91. Green Bay Packers (from Buf): Trevin Wallace, LB
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Det): Maason Smith, IDL
93. Baltimore Ravens: Devontez Walker, WR
94. San Francisco 49ers: Jared Wiley, TE
95. Kansas City Chiefs: Caelen Carson, CB
96. Jacksonville Jaguars (compensatory): Kiran Amegadjie, OT
97. Cincinnati Bengals (compensatory): Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, 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): Malik Washington, WR