College football did not disappoint this weekend. The College Football Playoff saw players like Washington Huskies QB Michael Penix Jr. dominate, and it affects the picks teams make in this 2024 NFL mock draft.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
1) Chicago Bears: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
While Marvin Harrison Jr. didn’t participate in the Cotton Bowl, his body of work speaks for itself. There were questions about whether or not he’d play in the bowl game, but ultimately he decided to prepare for the draft.
There shouldn’t be any concerns surrounding his game. Harrison gave the Buckeyes their most reliable player all year, and he was a huge reason why their passing attack stayed afloat at times. Chicago’s fanbase appears to be behind QB Justin Fields, but we’ll see if the team’s leadership feels the same way.
2) Washington Commanders: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Dallas Turner wasted no time announcing his plans, declaring for the NFL Draft just hours after the Rose Bowl loss to Michigan. Turner played well for the Crimson Tide on the big stage, so it’s not a surprise that he decided to turn pro. I’m sure fans didn’t love the emotional response to the loss, but the decision was inevitable, regardless of the result.
3) New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Drake Maye hasn’t taken a snap since November, so it feels like it’s been ages since we last talked about him. Still, the New England Patriots won’t waiver if he’s on the board when they pick here. The Pats’ offense needs a jolt of life at the quarterback position, and Maye provides that.
His arm talent will help this team — especially in chaotic situations. Maye didn’t have the best protection during his tenure at Chapel Hill, N.C., so there won’t be much that rattles him. He proved that he can make many different throws under duress, and that will help him thrive at the next level.
4) Arizona Cardinals: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
A blowout to end the season left a bad taste in the mouths of the Florida State fanbase, and it also left many wondering what could have been if they were included in the College Football Playoff. Watching Jared Verse against Michigan’s offensive line would have been a treat, and it’s a shame he didn’t get a chance to do so.
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Arizona needs a difference-maker on the edge, and Verse gives them that immediately. He’s a big, physical player who brings leadership to the locker room as well. The playoff snub might also add another chip on his shoulder, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him come out motivated for the Cardinals’ defense.
5) New York Giants: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
New York lucks out with Caleb Williams dropping to them here. Despite the newest narrative swirling that Williams isn’t a team player, he undoubtedly makes a team better with his presence. USC and backup QB Miller Moss put on a show in the Holiday Bowl, but that doesn’t prove much against Williams.
New York needs a difference-maker at the quarterback position, which Williams gives them. He also brings the ability to put highlight-reel plays on tape at any moment, which should excite the Giants’ fanbase. To me, the questions about his character are off-base, so New York should ignore that noise in this 2024 NFL mock draft.
6) Los Angeles Chargers: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
While the Chargers need help defending the pass, they need to help QB Justin Herbert, as well. With Brock Bowers sitting on the board, Los Angeles decides to add him to their offense.
Bowers can do it all for the Chargers. At Georgia, he lined up everywhere on the field, and he proved that he could be a weapon as both a blocker and a pass catcher. With concerns over WR Quentin Johnston’s future, the Chargers’ hands might be tied at this pick. Taking Bowers is a great solution to their problem.
7) Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
While we’re unsure of the status of JC Latham after getting injured on the last play of the Rose Bowl, the Titans don’t hesitate to draft him here. A healthy Latham gives the Titans a player who can line up at multiple positions but also adds tremendous size to the line. He’s a talented player who played well against good competition, and that means more to Tennessee than his current injury.
8) Minnesota Vikings (From NYJ): Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Vikings receive pick 8, Jets receive picks 12, 43, 203, and a 2025 second-round pick
After watching Minnesota without QB Kirk Cousins, the need for a quarterback becomes glaringly obvious. You simply cannot continue trotting out backups like Joshua Dobbs, Nick Mullens, or Jaren Hall and expect to win consistently. Even if Cousins returns in the offseason, Minnesota needs a future franchise signal-caller.
Michael Penix Jr. tore apart Texas’ secondary this weekend. He throws the best deep ball in this class, but his full range of throws was on display in the Sugar Bowl. He’s used to throwing to a talented trio of pass catchers with the Huskies, but he’ll get another one with the Vikings.
9) Atlanta Falcons: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Atlanta got jumped by Minnesota for a quarterback, but they’re still sitting in a good spot to get their guy. Heisman winner Jayden Daniels sat out of LSU’s bowl game against Wisconsin, but it was best for both sides. He’s proven enough to keep him in first-round conversations, and the Falcons are excited for what he brings to their team.
Pairing Daniels with RB Bijan Robinson gives Atlanta a dangerous tandem in the backfield. Add in the development of Daniels as a passer, and guys like TE Kyle Pitts and WR Drake London become even more exciting options for this offense, too.
10) Chicago Bears: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
With the Bears sticking with QB Justin Fields in this mock draft, they look to add offensive weapons. With Harrison already on the roster, Chicago adds someone to protect Fields.
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Joe Alt is a massive tackle who’s excellent in pass blocking, which gives Fields time to find Harrison and WR DJ Moore downfield. Chicago could have gone with an edge player here, but Alt falling made this decision easy.
11) Las Vegas Raiders: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Someone’s going to miss out on a quarterback, and unfortunately, the Raiders are the first team in this 2024 NFL mock draft to do so. They can still draft a quarterback later, but for now, they’ll address another concern.
Terrion Arnold elevated his draft stock more than most this year, and his competitive nature will help him thrive at the next level. Las Vegas hopes that he turns out better than a few of their previous first-round corner selections, but there’s plenty in his game to suggest he will.
12) New York Jets (From MIN): Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Vikings receive pick 8, Jets receive picks 12, 43, 203, and a 2025 second-round pick
New York didn’t need to stay at the eighth pick, so they’ll add some draft capital and still address a need. Injuries have hampered the Jets’ offense all year, including at offensive tackle, so that makes this decision an easy one.
Olu Fashanu gives them an athletic tackle who has room to grow. New York hopes that next year gets them back into the postseason. Fashanu will help in that regard.
13) New Orleans Saints: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
New Orleans needs a young player to help QB Derek Carr and WR Chris Olave, and they don’t need to look far to find their guy. Malik Nabers surprised many by playing in the ReliaQuest Bowl, but it spoke to his competitive nature. He wants to win, and he’ll do whatever it takes to prove that.
Nabers is a monster in space, and LSU oftentimes just got him the ball as quickly as possible to let him work. He’s a big-play threat who complements Olave’s game well, and that’ll make the Saints’ offense better.
14) Denver Broncos: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Regardless of who the Broncos want to roll out at quarterback, protecting them remains a concern. Teams have taken advantage of Denver recently, and adding a player up front quickly became a priority.
Amarius Mims’ impact on Georgia was obvious both on the field and off. He’s still growing as a tackle, but his absence showed what Georgia was missing this year. He’ll be an instant impact player for the Broncos, and that should give the fan base some peace of mind.
15) Seattle Seahawks: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Chop Robinson’s ceiling makes him an intriguing prospect, and the Seahawks have found success with drafting a player with his potential in the past. While he’s still learning how to play better against the run, his explosive nature makes him a nightmare to block on any play. Throw in his long arms, and he has the foundation to become a great pro for Seattle.
16) Cincinnati Bengals: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
There’s a joke in college football that Washington’s 50/50 balls are more like 90/10 with how frequently their receivers come down with passes. Rome Odunze put on a clinic against Texas in this regard, and it’s a big reason why he could go in the top 10 of the NFL Draft. Here, he falls just outside the top 10, and the Bengals are more than happy about this.
17) Arizona Cardinals: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
After helping the defense with their first pick, the Cardinals get lucky with Keon Coleman dropping in this mock. Coleman gives them a freak athlete who can be the deep threat they’ve been missing this year. If the Cardinals are happy sticking with QB Kyler Murray, then picks like this are possible.
18) Pittsburgh Steelers: Graham Barton, OG, Duke
Pittsburgh has multiple needs across the offensive line, so drafting a player that could potentially help in that regard would be ideal. Fortunately for them, Graham Barton is available.
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Barton played tackle at Duke this year, but he has experience at every position on the line, making him one of the most versatile players in this class. He’s projected to play center at the next level, but he can play both guard and tackle if needed.
19) Green Bay Packers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
If Green Bay can get someone to complement Jaire Alexander at corner … watch out. The Packers’ secondary has plenty of talent, but adding Kool-Aid McKinstry makes this group even better. While McKinstry didn’t get a ton of opportunities to showcase his talent against Michigan in the Rose Bowl, there’s no question he’s still a first-round pick.
20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Tampa Bay’s still in the playoff hunt, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have needs. With Laiatu Latu still on the board, the Bucs add a player who’s on the rise to their defense. Latu showed off his length and explosive pass rush arsenal towards the end of the year, and it was enough to make him a fringe first-round talent.
21) Indianapolis Colts: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
If you watched the Sugar Bowl this weekend, you saw Washington elevate several players, in terms of NFL Draft stock. However, Texas saw Adonai Mitchell put on a show, too. From his competitive nature to his absurd hang time, Mitchell solidified himself as a first-round pick.
22) Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Another LSU Tiger receiver who surprised many by playing in the bowl game, Brian Thomas Jr. reminded us that he’s another first-round talent for the Tigers. QB Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars are limping toward the finish line this year, so adding a receiver to this offense should help avoid that next year.
23) Los Angeles Rams: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
This might be one of Sean McVay’s best years as a coach. Getting this team to the playoffs was one of his more impressive feats, and they can ensure a repeat of this success by winning the NFL Draft.
Protecting the quarterback remains a concern for the Rams, and they need an infusion of young talent to help them long-term. Taliese Fuaga gives them great value towards the end of this 2024 NFL mock draft, and he’ll be a stone wall for the Rams’ offense for 2024 and beyond.
24) Buffalo Bills: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
While it’s enticing for the Bills to add a receiver, they should be good to wait until later in the draft to address that concern. The secondary needs help and Nate Wiggins remains on the board here.
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Wiggins is a fierce competitor, which has helped him contribute to a talented Clemson defense for multiple years. His first year was a tough learning curve, but that adversity molded him into the player he is today. A few bumps in the road won’t rattle him in Buffalo. Instead, it should only help him.
25) Kansas City Chiefs: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Kansas City is another team that could use a wide receiver, but there might not be a ton of proven players available when the Chiefs pick. With the defensive line featuring several veterans, Kansas City decides to add a young and promising tackle in Jer’Zhan Newton.
The Illinois star defender was a bully in the Big Ten for the last two years, and now he’ll get a chance to do the same in the NFL. He’ll learn from some great players too, meaning that he’ll learn how to compete in this league for a while. His experience inside and out for the Illini defense makes him a versatile weapon for the Chiefs.
26) Philadelphia Eagles: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
Philadelphia finds themselves in a rut, and there’s too much talent on the roster to keep them there. Should things not go their way in the playoffs, they can always refocus in the offseason.
The Eagles’ secondary needs a youth movement, and they’ll have a couple of options if that’s the route they choose. Kalen King recently declared for the NFL Draft, and there are plenty of reasons why he’ll be a first-round pick. He has all of the tools necessary to shut down an elite wide receiver, and that is enough for the Eagles in this mock draft.
27) Detroit Lions: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Detroit is on a mission this year, but they’re also set for the long term under HC Dan Campbell. Their defense plays with great energy, and the franchise is always looking to elevate the talent level. After trading away Jeff Okudah, it became obvious that the Lions would be addressing that position in the future.
Okudah’s replacement is another former Buckeye, Denzel Burke. After a tough year in 2022, Burke bounced back in a big way this season. He’ll be a good fit for a Lions defense that is hungry to make plays.
28) Houston Texans: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
After watching Washington this weekend, it became obvious that Ja’Lynn Polk will push to be a first-round pick in the draft. He made two huge plays for the Huskies in the semifinals, and he’ll bring great size to the Texans’ offense.
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Houston QB C.J. Stroud will love what Polk brings to the offense, and the Texans’ organization can get a firsthand look at their future WR when Washington faces Michigan in NRG Stadium for the College Football Playoff National Championship.
29) Miami Dolphins: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
Miami got worked by the Baltimore Ravens this weekend, reminding the organization that there are still holes to fill. Protecting QB Tua Tagovailoa was tough against the Ravens’ defense, and adding a guy like Kingsley Suamataia addresses that problem immediately.
With how loaded Miami is at the skill positions, giving Tagovailoa more time to go through his reads should only make the Dolphins even more terrifying. Suamataia is a big-body player who’s thrived without much help around him at BYU, so he should find life in the NFL more rewarding.
30) Dallas Cowboys: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Dallas has done a good job in the past of drafting talent on the offensive line, and they’ll get another good one in Jordan Morgan.
The star Arizona tackle wasn’t on the radar of many coming into the season, but his development helped both his draft stock and the Wildcats’ offense in 2023.
31) San Francisco 49ers: Troy Fautanu, G, Washington
If you’re adding anyone to the 49ers’ offensive line, chances are they’ll learn plenty in their first year. Washington’s Troy Fautanu fits perfectly in San Francisco, and he just faced an extremely tough test against Texas’ defensive line. If he plays well again when the Huskies face an elite Michigan defense, then this will be a no-brainer.
32) Baltimore Ravens: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
The discussion surrounding sacks versus pressures continues, and Bralen Trice is a perfect example of why you can’t weigh sacks too much: They can be misleading. After watching the Huskies star edge rusher against Texas, you can see why.
Just like he did all year, Trice manhandled Texas’ offensive line and made several key plays that won’t jump out of the box score. Baltimore has a solid front seven, but now they add another weapon that can make an impact by getting after the opposing quarterback.
