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    Joe Broback’s 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Vikings Shocking Deal for Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy Stumbles to Patriots

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    In our latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft, multiple teams replace big-time players with young and promising prospects, but who goes first overall?

    As pro days ensue, prospects get more opportunities to help their NFL Draft stock. Trades and free agency continue shaping strategies, and we expect plenty of movement as the draft draws near. In our latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft, several teams replace vital players with young and promising talent.

    2024 NFL Mock Draft

    1) Chicago Bears (From CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

    With Justin Fields off to Pittsburgh, the Chicago Bears have unofficially announced their desire to take a quarterback in the draft. Is that Caleb Williams? That part remains to be seen, but the USC star looks set to head to the Midwest.

    Williams inherits a great situation in Chicago. The Bears just traded for Keenan Allen, making their passing attack better. With D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet coming off good seasons, the Bears’ rookie is set for a strong run at Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 with all of the talent around him.

    2) Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

    Here’s where the quarterback debate gets interesting. Washington needs a quarterback, but who will they take? Jayden Daniels is pushing for QB2 in the eyes of many analysts, and the Commanders might also see it that way.

    Daniels brings a dual-threat skill set to the Commanders’ offense, which will help him adlib when things break down in front of him. He’s taken strides as a passer over the last year, giving Commanders fans excitement about his potential in their offense.

    3) Minnesota Vikings (From NE): Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

    Trade: The Vikings receive pick 3; the Patriots receive picks 11, 23, and 129.

    Minnesota Vikings fans are preparing for a new era at quarterback and expecting a move up in the draft. A big swing to move into the top three would send a message that this team means business, and they do precisely that in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

    With Drake Maye available, how could you not move up? Maye’s arm talent and poise in the pocket make him a perfect fit in Kevin O’Connell’s system, and he helps the offensive line more than the previous signal-caller. Even if Maye needs his rookie season to acclimate, Sam Darnold is there to help that transition.

    4) Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

    Unfortunately, the Rondale Moore experiment didn’t work out in Arizona, but this staff is looking to usher in a new player at the position. With the first three teams taking quarterbacks, the Cardinals sit tight and get an instant-impact player.

    Marvin Harrison Jr. gives quarterback Kyler Murray and the passing attack a proven vertical threat, and he’s just the latest star Buckeyes receiver to be a potential top-five pick. Harrison was the most reliable player on Ohio State’s offense this past year, and that experience should help him if the Cardinals’ offense needs time to get going this year.

    5) Los Angeles Chargers: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

    With the Chargers trading Allen and releasing Mike Williams, wide receiver became a significant need for this team. The moves made sense, but now Los Angeles must find a weapon or two that can elevate the talent level in that room.

    Rome Odunze could be the perfect physical replacement for Williams. At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, Odunze’s size makes him a tough receiver to guard. Throw in his underrated quickness and smooth route running, and Justin Herbert should like his new No. 1 target quite a bit.

    6) New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

    Maybe the Giants should consider taking a quarterback this early in the draft, and maybe they should sit tight with what they already have on the roster. If so, then adding another threat on the outside wouldn’t hurt.

    Jalin Hyatt’s speed should worry defensive backfields when healthy, and that concern should only escalate with the addition of Malik Nabers.

    While he didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Nabers’ speed jumps out on tape. Pairing him with Hyatt gives New York two track stars who can put tremendous stress on a defense and make their quarterback better in the long term.

    7) Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

    While the Lloyd Cushenberry and Saahdiq Charles signings help their offensive line, the Tennessee Titans still need a lineman in the draft. Quarterback Will Levis has potential, but that won’t be realized if he doesn’t have time to make plays.

    Joe Alt is an easy top-10 selection in this class. He has the size to handle life in the trenches, and his film shows a player who can be a starter right away for a new team. The Titans need someone like that to jump-start their 2024 season.

    8) Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

    Atlanta has the offense figured out for now, thanks to the signings of Kirk Cousins and Darnell Mooney, so they turn their attention to defense. The Falcons’ defensive line needs an impact player, and this class features a few of them.

    Dallas Turner can be a bully on the edge, and he showed off his freakish traits at the NFL Combine. He’s an explosive player who brings power in his frame to disrupt the tackle he faces. Turner should handle the transition to the NFL well.

    9) Chicago Bears: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

    An argument can be made that Jared Verse is the best edge player in this class. A guy who understands leverage and how to make himself unlockable, Verse is already a problem for NFL tackles.

    Free agency cleared some things up for the Bears at quarterback and wide receiver. With Williams now on the roster in this mock, along with Allen’s addition at receiver, they look toward the defensive side of the ball to add another difference-maker.

    10) New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

    Aaron Rodgers is looking for weapons, and the Jets need to add some this offseason. Garrett Wilson is a budding star, but he needs some assistance. The Jets could add another tackle to protect their star QB, but they have a guy available at tight end who could change those plans if he’s still available.

    Brock Bowers can be a Swiss Army Knife for the Jets’ offense. Georgia lined him up all over the place in college, and that’s a blueprint for how New York can utilize his skill set. He’s not a tackle, but Bowers is a good blocker who can add to the run game.

    11) New England Patriots (From MIN): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

    Even with the Patriots moving back, they’re still able to land a QB in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. A group of experienced quarterbacks await on the roster, so anyone who comes into that situation will have plenty of knowledge at their disposal.

    MORE: J.J. McCarthy Landing Spots

    J.J. McCarthy is gaining steam in draft circles, and there’s a chance he goes in the top 10. There are traits to like in his game, something that teams look for when evaluating quarterbacks, but can McCarthly consistently do it?

    12) Denver Broncos: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

    Even though Denver needs a replacement for Russell Wilson, they also have other needs. There are quarterbacks they can draft on Day 2, so Denver turns its attention to defense in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

    Johnny Newton can play and bring versatility to the Broncos’ defense. While he’ll primarily play inside, Newton has the quickness to fill in on the outside in a pinch. He did that for Illinois the last couple of years, and it’s a big reason their defense thrived.

    13) Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

    Another team that needs a quarterback, but the Raiders sit tight with the top four options off the board. Instead, they add a player who will help their current QB thrive.

    Taliese Fuaga is a brick wall, showing during his Oregon State career why he can be considered the top tackle in this class. Fuaga’s tough to beat with either power or finesse, and he gives the Raiders a potential anchor on the edge.

    14) New Orleans Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

    Just in case the Nathan Peterman signing didn’t skyrocket the hype, the Saints add someone who can create a buzz up front in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Olu Fashanu has been tiptoeing through the offseason, but he’s still a first-round pick who won’t be around for long.

    He’s an athletic player still learning the position, but the upside can’t be denied. Fashanu has several traits that make him an intriguing player. He should thrive when given more direction at the next level.

    15) Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

    One of the biggest risers of the offseason, Quinyon Mitchell is an exceptional talent. Indianapolis needs a corner of his caliber to step in and compete, which is what Mitchell does best.

    Coming from a MAC school, Mitchell didn’t see the spotlight until this year began. Most people didn’t know who he was, but they certainly do now.

    A knack for playing the ball along with blazing speed elevated Mitchell’s draft stock, and now the Colts get a player hungry to prove why he belongs. If his trajectory continues at this rate, Mitchell will be one of the most exciting cornerbacks to watch.

    16) Seattle Seahawks: Graham Barton, G, Duke

    Seattle’s made some key moves in free agency, but there are still needs on the offensive line. Even with the Nick Harris and George Fant signings, the interior of the line needs an addition.

    Thanks to his time at Duke, Graham Barton brings depth to multiple positions. The former Blue Devil played tackle this past year but should slide inside to guard or center. The Seahawks will love the versatility Barton brings to the table.

    17) Jacksonville Jaguars: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

    Calvin Ridley’s departure makes the WR position one of need for Jacksonville. Even with the signings of Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Reagor, the offense needs a receiver who can replace Ridley.

    Adonai Mitchell won’t replace him right away, but he has the skill set to be a go-to target for Trevor Lawrence in the long run. Mitchell’s a good route runner with an explosive profile. In time, he’ll become a force for this offense.

    18) Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

    If Tee Higgins stays in Cincinnati, the wide receiver position appears solid for now. The Bengals also signed three tight ends this offseason, meaning that they most likely won’t take one in Round 1. Instead, they look to give Joe Burrow more protection.

    JC Latham brings a massive frame to the Bengals’ offense, replacing fellow former Crimson Tide tackle Jonah Williams. Latham was a bright spot on a line that struggled at times this year, and he gives Cincinnati an anchor on the edge.

    19) Los Angeles Rams: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

    No one will replace Aaron Donald, but the Rams will have to attempt to do their best to do so. Donald was a generational player, and Byron Murphy II won’t remind fans of him, but Murphy does have explosive traits that will fit well in L.A.’s defense. He was a force for the Texas Longhorns this past year, and the Rams hope he can play the same role for them.

    20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

    Amarius Mims‘ biggest obstacle for a long NFL career will be his health. A hamstring injury cut Mims’ NFL Combine performance short and also prohibited him from participating in Georgia’s Pro Day. His athletic traits make him a first-round pick, but that won’t matter if Mims isn’t not on the field. But if he is, watch out.

    MORE: Top Offensive Tackles in the 2024 NFL Draft

    Mims can move people like the best of them, and Georgia saw the full effect of his presence this past year. Pittsburgh needs to give Russell Wilson and Justin Fields time to see the field, so a player like Mims plays a massive role in this offense. If he can be durable, he’ll bring excellent value.

    21) Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

    For a team limited in cap space, the Dolphins sure made plenty of moves this offseason. Their ability to find value in free agency opened up their draft strategy while filling several needs. They could still draft a lineman here, but Miami’s also looking for an explosive player on the edge.

    Chop Robinson is a proven problem on the edge for the opposition. His explosive first step helps him gain leverage on tackles, and it was a big reason why teams sent extra blockers his way. If Robinson can prove that he’s a force in run support too, he’ll be one of the best players at his position.

    22) Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

    Philadelphia needs an infusion of youth at corner, and this draft class allows them to do that. The veterans on the roster have plenty of experience to share, but it became evident that they needed some new faces to join this unit.

    Nate Wiggins showed off his speed at the NFL Combine, and it solidified him as a first-round pick. He’s a competitor with elite traits, and that skill set paired with the Eagles’ veteran group should put this team in good hands long term.

    23) New England Patriots (From CLE via MIN via HOU): Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

    New England moving back opens up their draft board, and it allows them to add two first-round talents on the roster. With the QB situation resolved thanks to their first pick of this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, New England flips to the defensive side of the ball.

    Kool-Aid McKinstry‘s draft stock has fluctuated quite a bit this offseason. Some think he’s a top-10 pick, but he could also slide back. If McKinstry falls out of the first round, that would be a shock. He’s a poised corner who never lets the moment get too big or a mistake snowball, and he should work through the transition to the NFL with relative ease.

    24) Dallas Cowboys: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

    Even with the loss of Tyron Smith to free agency, Dallas can shuffle things around up front and be just fine. They still need to add a player, and Jackson Powers-Johnson allows them to make the necessary changes along the line. He’s a veteran who was a leader for Oregon and joins a line that is physical and experienced in Dallas.

    25) Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, S, Iowa

    While the Green Bay Packers signed Xavier McKinney in free agency, they’re still in the market for another defensive back. Whether that’s another safety or a corner, the Packers could have something special if they find the right guy.

    Cooper DeJean feels like the perfect fit for Green Bay. He’s projected to play safety, which would pair him with McKinney, but he also brings years of experience at corner with him. He’s an explosive player who could be a great complement to Jaire Alexander, and he’s also a weapon in the return game to add more value to this pick.

    26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

    With the signings of Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield, the two most significant needs of the offseason were resolved for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now they turn their attention to the trenches, and Laiatu Latu dropping in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft benefits the Bucs considerably.

    So far, Latu has passed all of the tests he needs. His health was a concern this offseason, but he’s passed with flying colors so far. He brings good size and length to Tampa Bay’s defense, a group with veterans returning to help elevate his game even more.

    27) Arizona Cardinals (From HOU): Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

    Arizona remains in good position with two picks in the first round. They could move up, but they also have plenty of options should they decide to sit tight. With Harrison joining the team earlier in this mock, the Cardinals add someone who can compete with him in practice on a daily basis.

    Ennis Rakestraw Jr. isn’t a consensus first-round pick, but the talent is there to make a strong case. He was a multi-year starter at Missouri who was tested frequently, so he’s showcased his competitive nature plenty during his collegiate career.

    28) Buffalo Bills: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

    Whether Stefon Diggs stays in Buffalo or heads elsewhere via trade, the Bills must draft a receiver at some point. Quarterback Josh Allen was hurting for options downfield this year at times, so the organization knows that this position needs to be addressed.

    Brian Thomas Jr. brings a blazing-fast skill set to Buffalo. With Diggs commanding so much attention, opposing teams will likely frequently put Thomas in 1-on-1 matchups. He proved to be a dangerous vertical threat for LSU this past year and can do the same in a potential breakout season as a rookie.

    29) Detroit Lions: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

    Detroit has an exciting defense, and now they’re looking to upgrade the talent level at certain positions. The secondary struggled at times last year, but that can be fixed in the draft.

    Tyler Nubin was Minnesota’s big-time playmaker for the past couple of seasons, and his ball skills make him a potential first-rounder. While he didn’t see the spotlight much due to the Gophers’ team struggles, Nubin will find that life in the NFL will give him the attention he deserves.

    30) Baltimore Ravens: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

    The CB position is one of the most intriguing positions in this class. Without a consensus top player in the group, there’s plenty of volatility. Someone like Terrion Arnold could go in the top 10 but also drop. If he falls, a team like Baltimore will gladly take him.

    KEEP READING: Top Cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft

    Arnold’s pairing with Marlon Humphrey has tremendous upside for the Ravens’ secondary. He brings a competitive mindset with him, and the foundation he brings should allow him to develop under the right leadership.

    31) San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

    San Francisco should look to add to its offensive line in the draft, and they get a guy in Tyler Guyton who brings a great frame with him. Guyton still has some developing to do, but learning from the likes of Trent Williams should help in that regard.

    32) Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

    Kansas City already has a solid corps of skill-position talent for Patrick Mahomes, but it wouldn’t hurt to add another. Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce are reliable, but imagine how terrifying they’ll be with Xavier Worthy.

    Worthy broke the NFL Combine record in the 40-yard dash, but he’s not just a fast runner. He’s a good route runner with a tough mindset after the catch. If he can add a little weight to his frame without sacrificing speed too much, then his durability to withstand hits in this league will improve.

    All the 2024 NFL Draft resources you need — the draft order, the top QBs, the Top 100 prospects, and the full 2024 Big Board — right at your fingertips at Pro Football Network!

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