The NFL Combine is in the rearview mirror, while NFL free agency is right around the corner. Both events will affect the shape of the 2024 NFL Draft as teams organize their big boards, evaluate prospects, and sort needs.
With roughly seven weeks remaining in this year’s process, let’s take another stab at a 2024 NFL Mock Draft and predict how Round 1 could turn out.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
1) Chicago Bears (From CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Bears are reportedly trending toward trading Justin Fields this offseason and making Caleb Williams their new franchise quarterback. While Fields’ market may not have developed as Chicago hoped, general manager Ryan Poles will restart the Bears’ rookie quarterback contract clock by bringing in Williams.
With the USC product under center, Chicago could become an immediate contender, especially if it nails free agency and uses its other draft picks (including its original first-rounder at No. 9) at key positions of need.
2) Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Nearly everything is new in Washington. Owner Josh Harris, general manager Adam Peters, and head coach Dan Quinn joined the Commanders within the past calendar year, offering fresh perspectives and modern ideas for the previously moribund franchise.
It’s only natural for Washington to start over under center, too, where incumbent Sam Howell didn’t look like a long-term option in 2023. Drake Maye threw over 60 touchdown passes during his final two seasons with the Tar Heels and could give the Commanders their best quarterback play since Kirk Cousins.
3) New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Sure, you can make the case that the Patriots offense isn’t nearly strong enough to support a rookie quarterback. Will Jayden Daniels be broken while playing behind a weak offensive line and throwing to one of the NFL’s worst sets of pass catchers?
Probably not — because New England has more cap space than any team in the league. With over $100 million to spend, the Pats can insulate Daniels, surround him with talent, and help him thrive in Year 1. First-year head coach Jerod Mayo hopes New England never drafts this high again, so the time to pick a QB is now.
4) Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Quarterback won’t be an option after the Cardinals have gone out of their way to embrace Kyler Murray. Arizona will receive trade offers from QB-needy teams, but they can’t pass on Marvin Harrison Jr., the top prospect on Pro Football Network’s Big Board.
Murray looked rejuvenated in OC Drew Petzing’s scheme, but the sixth-year signal-caller needs weapons, especially with WR Marquise Brown headed for free agency. Harrison is the bluest of blue-chip prospects and should be a WR1 from Day 1, forming a lethal duo with Cardinals TE Trey McBride.
5) Minnesota Vikings (From LAC): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Trade: Vikings trade No. 11, No. 42, and a 2025 first-round pick to Raiders for No. 5.
The Vikings reportedly tried to move up for QB Anthony Richardson in last year’s draft but couldn’t get a deal done. With Kirk Cousins coming off a torn Achilles and hitting the free agent market, Minnesota may have reached a natural breaking point with its six-year starter.
While they’ll have to pay a premium to jump six spots, the Vikings will emerge with J.J. McCarthy as their new passer. After guiding the Michigan Wolverines to a college football title in 2023, McCarthy could thrive as a rookie.
Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson represent one of the NFL’s top pass-catching trios, while HC Kevin O’Connell will put McCarthy in a position to succeed.
6) New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Big Blue has tried to paper over its subpar WR corps by adding mid-round selections such as Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt in the draft or boosting their TE production by acquiring veteran Darenn Waller.
No more half-meaures. The Giants could consider a QB at No. 6, given they can exit Daniel Jones’ contract after the upcoming season. But New York can’t pass on the 6’3″, 200-pound Rome Odunze, who should instantly become the club’s alpha wide receiver. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah called Odunze (92-1,640-13 in 2023) his favorite player in this year’s draft.
7) Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Titans signed ex-Philadelphia Eagle Andre Dillard to be their left tackle last year. But Tennessee benched the former first-round pick at midseason and is expected to release him this spring.
Joe Alt will become the Titans’ new blindside protector, giving QB Will Levis a stable pocket as he maneuvers through his second NFL campaign. Bill Callahan — arguably the NFL’s top OL coach — will guide Alt and 2023 first-round pick Peter Skoronski, giving Tennessee upside on the left side of its offensive line.
8) Atlanta Falcons: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcon? The idea is gaining steam as free agency approaches, and it won’t be a surprise if Cousins spends the 2024 campaign in the NFC South. If the Falcons sign the 35-year-old QB, they can target other positions at No. 8.
Although Atlanta already has RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London, and TE Kyle Pitts, it can’t pass up on Malik Nabers, considered the last of the elite wideouts in this year’s class. With a new offense schemed by first-year play-caller Zac Robinson and an underrated offensive line already in place, the Falcons could have a top-five offense with Cousins and Nabers in town.
9) Chicago Bears: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Bears’ defense improved down the stretch, but Matt Eberflus’ DL needs reinforcements. Chicago managed a pass pressure on only 31.2% of opponents’ dropbacks, the second-worst rate in the league, per TruMedia. The Bears’ blitz rate ranked 21st in the NFL, suggesting Eberflus prefers to get after quarterbacks with his front four.
Insert Dallas Turner, who posted better pressure and pass-rush win rates in 2023 than fellow Alabama EDGE and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. did the previous season. Turner will join 2023 trade acquisition Montez Sweat — who posted six sacks and 14 QB hits in nine games with the Bears — to give Chicago a fearsome pass-rushing group.
10) Las Vegas Raiders (From NYJ): Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Trade: Raiders trade No. 13 and No. 44 to Jets for No. 10 and No. 112.
While the Raiders could theoretically consider veteran QB options like Justin Fields or Russell Wilson this offseason, recent reports have suggested Las Vegas is interested in trading up in the first round to find a franchise quarterback.
Here, new GM Tom Telesco sends the Raiders’ first and second-round picks to the New York Jets in exchange for No. 10 and a fourth-rounder. After getting ahead of the QB-needy Denver Broncos, Vegas selects Bo Nix, who will give the Silver and Black a chance to compete with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert in the AFC West.
11) Los Angeles Chargers (From MIN): Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Trade: Chargers acquire No. 11, No. 42, and a 2025 first-round pick from Vikings for No. 5.
Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers are in an excellent position to trade down from No. 5. Los Angeles doesn’t need a quarterback but has plenty of holes elsewhere. Harbaugh and first-year general manager Joe Hortiz can use all the additional draft capital they can find.
The Chargers probably want to add speed to their offense, but the top three WRs are already off the board. Instead, they’ll go with the best offensive player available: Tight end Brock Bowers. Georgia’s offense ran through Bowers, and LA’s could, too, if the Bolts part ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason.
12) Denver Broncos: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Broncos miss out on the draft’s QB prospects, which could force them to roll with Jarrett Stidham as their 2024 starter. Denver could consider an offensive tackle if it releases LT Garett Bolles this offseason. Otherwise, Sean Payton and Co. may target the defensive side of the ball.
Jared Verse will battle Turner to become the first edge rusher selected in this year’s draft. The 6’4″ 250-pounder posted nine sacks in each of the past two seasons and can play in any front. The Broncos already have options like Baron Browning and Nik Bonitto to get after opposing quarterbacks and are shifting 2023 second-round pick Drew Sanders to the edge, but teams can never have too many pass rushers.
13) New York Jets (From LV): Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Trade: Jets acquire No. 13 and No. 44 from Raiders for No. 10 and No. 112.
The Jets gave up their 2024 second-round pick as part of the Aaron Rodgers trade, but they’ll get a Round 2 selection back by moving down three spots in a trade with the Raiders. In a historically deep offensive line draft class, New York can afford to slip down a few slots, acquire extra capital, and still find its long-term left tackle.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas reportedly “has an affinity” for Taliese Fuaga and could land him at No. 13. With incumbent tackles Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown on track for free agency, Fuaga could become Rodgers’ new LT from Day 1. New York will still have plenty of OL work to do even if it secures Fuaga.
14) New Orleans Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Trevor Penning hasn’t worked out at left tackle after the Saints traded up to select him in the 2022 NFL Draft. Penning’s struggles forced New Orleans to deploy usual guard Andrus Peat at LT, but he’s a pending free agent.
The Saints won’t have the cap space to sign a veteran tackle, so the 2024 draft is their best option. Olu Fashanu earned consensus All-American honors last season while winning the Rimington-Pace Award as the Big Ten’s best offensive lineman. He just turned 21 years old in December, so he may have untapped potential.
15) Indianapolis Colts: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
The Colts are expected to extend or franchise-tag free agent WR Michael Pittman Jr., but they can’t stop there as they build Anthony Richardson’s pass-catching corps. Indy used a second-round pick on wideout Alec Pierce two years ago, but it might be time for GM Chris Ballard to take another swing.
Brian Thomas Jr. joined Nabers to give LSU one of the nation’s best pass-catching duos and could become a perfect complement for Pittman. Richardson should be able to hit Thomas — who ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the Combine — on vertical shots while Pittman handles the middle of the field.
16) Seattle Seahawks: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Terrion Arnold could end up going significantly earlier than No. 16. He’s the top cornerback and the No. 8 overall prospect on PFN’s Big Board.
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board
But first-year Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald will take a bargain, even after Seattle used the fifth overall pick on CB Devon Witherspoon last year. With Arnold and Riq Woolen on the perimeter, Witherspoon in the slot, and Macdonald designing coverages, throwing on the Seahawks in 2024 might be impossible.
17) Jacksonville Jaguars: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Jaguars GM Trent Baalke recently suggested that left tackle Cam Robinson will remain on the club’s roster into 2024, but that doesn’t mean Jacksonville couldn’t stand to add more offensive line talent this offseason.
JC Latham played tackle at Alabama and could remain there in the NFL. But he could also begin his Jaguars career as a guard if Jacksonville wants to keep Robinson and 2023 first-rounder Anton Harrison at tackle. Robinson is only signed through the upcoming season, making Latham a sensible short and long-term selection.
18) Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
While the Bengals could consider a WR to eventually replace Tee Higgins or a DT to help push the pocket, they might not be able to pass on this year’s expansive collection of offensive line options. Jonah Williams is a pending free agent and unlikely to re-sign with Cincinnati, leaving a gaping void at right tackle.
Joe Burrow already has one Oklahoma product (Orlando Brown Jr.) blocking for him up front. Why not make it two? Tyler Guyton could start immediately, but the Bengals might pursue a veteran right tackle who could allow Guyton to learn from the bench in 2024.
19) Los Angeles Rams: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Rams will make a first-round pick for the first time since 2016, and they have no shortage of needs, even after surprisingly making the playoffs last season. While Los Angeles could consider an offensive lineman or add talent to its defensive backfield, the Rams will instead give their young defensive front another compatriot.
A neck injury nearly forced Laiatu Latu to retire in 2020, but he recovered to win 2023’s Lombardi Award, given to the nation’s top defensive lineman. After posting 23.5 sacks over the past two seasons, Latu will join standout 2023 rookies Kobie Turner and Byron Young in supporting future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
This mock draft could hardly have fallen better for the Steelers, who need a center prospect to take over for the recently released Mason Cole.
Pittsburgh could consider free agent pivot options such as Lloyd Cushenberry, Andre James, or Tyler Biadasz. But with just $8 million in cap space, the Steelers could be forced to use their funds elsewhere. In that case, Jackson Powers-Johnson — who earned PFN’s Offensive Player of the Week award after a dominant Senior Bowl performance — will be on Pittsburgh’s radar.
21) Miami Dolphins: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Powers-Johnson would’ve been the pick for the Dolphins, who could lose three starting interior linemen to the free agent market. Instead, Miami will focus on the defensive trenches with its first-round pick.
The Dolphins won’t use the franchise tag on DT Christian Wilkins, allowing the former first-round pick to hit unrestricted free agency. While Miami still has Zach Sieler in the middle of its defensive line, Byron Murphy II could give the Dolphins another pass-rushing dimension. At 6’1″ and 300 pounds, Murphy could become Miami’s version of Geno Atkins or Grady Jarrett.
22) Philadelphia Eagles: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Few teams need an injection of cornerback youth as much as the Eagles, who deployed Darius Slay, James Bradberry, and Bradley Roby — all over 30 years old — as their primary CB starters in 2023.
After hiring Vic Fangio, Philadelphia is starting over on defense, and Kool-Aid McKinstry could become the club’s long-term CB1. He should immediately start over Bradberry, who could be designated a post-June 1 release. The Eagles have a lot of secondary work to do, but McKinstry, fellow CB Kelee Ringo, and S Sydney Brown would represent three youthful pieces.
23) Houston Texans (From CLE): Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Quinyon Mitchell might face concerns about his level of competition after playing at Toledo, but the CB prospect has aced every test this offseason. He dominated against Power Five athletes at the Senior Bowl, then posted a 4.33 40-yard dash during the Combine.
MORE: Top CBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
The Texans have exciting young pieces like CB Derek Stingley Jr. and S Jalen Pitre in their secondary but could add another option at corner. Houston’s need in the defensive backfield will become more acute if free agents Steven Nelson and Tavierre Thomas depart via the open market.
24) Dallas Cowboys: Amarius Mims, OT, Oklahoma
The Cowboys aren’t planning to re-sign Tyron Smith and won’t intend to move Tyler Smith to left tackle. Finding a new blindside protector for Dak Prescott might be Dallas’ No. 1 offseason agenda item.
Amarius Mims blew up last week’s Combine, posting a 5.07 40-yard dash and a 9’3″ broad jump at 6’8″ and 340 pounds. A tweaked hamstring ended his day, but the Cowboys have to be intrigued by the 21-year-old Mims’ athletic upside.
25) Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, S, Iowa
With QB Jordan Love helming one of the NFL’s youngest rosters, the Packers are the definition of an ascending team. Green Bay has few needs on the offensive side of the ball, which could lead GM Brian Gutekunst to address his club’s defense in Round 1.
The Packers could lose three safeties to free agency — Jonathan Owens, Darnell Savage Jr., and Rudy Ford — who played over 600 snaps in 2023. A two-pronged replacement approach might be required. Cooper DeJean could add a dose of athleticism to Green Bay’s secondary while playing alongside whichever veteran safety the club signs this offseason.
26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
The Buccaneers will release pass rusher Shaquil Barrett once the new league year begins, creating a hole in Todd Bowles’ edge-defender plan. Barrett played 62% of the Bucs’ defensive snaps last season and eclipsed 75% of playtime with Tampa Bay in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Bowles will always run a blitz-heavy scheme, but the Buccaneers need to be able to generate pressure with their front four. Tampa Bay hopes Chop Robinson will contribute more than former first-round pass rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, who’s yet to top five sacks in a season.
27) Arizona Cardinals (From HOU): Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
After grabbing Harrison with the No. 4 pick, the Cardinals turn to the trenches with the first-round selection they acquired from the Texans in last year’s draft. Arizona selected OT Paris Johnson Jr. with the fifth pick in 2023 and could hit its front five again this offseason.
Troy Fautanu could play tackle or guard, and the Cardinals may need long-term help at both positions. Veteran left tackle D.J. Humphries tore his ACL in Week 17, putting his long-term future with the club in question. If Johnson moves to the left side, Fautanu might line up at right tackle.
28) Buffalo Bills: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
The Bills will likely hang onto Stefon Diggs this offseason, as his contract structure makes a trade or release nearly impossible. Diggs has appeared to slow down near the end of the season in consecutive years, while Gabe Davis’ pending free agency means Buffalo has WR depth issues.
Keon Coleman never topped 800 receiving yards at Florida State, but the 6’4″, 210-pounder might be the type of physical presence the Bills need on the perimeter. For good measure, Coleman already said he would love to catch passes from Buffalo QB Josh Allen.
29) Detroit Lions: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
While the Lions tried to address their CB depth chart by signing Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley and drafting Brian Branch, Detroit was still starting Bears castoff Kindle Vildor in the NFC Championship Game.
Nate Wiggins weighed just 178 pounds at the Combine, so he might not be the sort of physical corner Dan Campbell and the Lions will prefer. But Wiggins also showed off blazing speed with a 4.28 40-yard dash and is the best corner remaining on the board, so Detroit should take the plunge.
30) New York Giants (From BAL): Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Trade: Giants trade No. 39, No. 70, and EDGE Azeez Ojulari to Ravens for No. 30 and No. 131.
Michael Penix Jr. gives the Giants a potential starter of the future beginning in 2025, when Big Blue can move on from Daniel Jones’ mistake of a contract. Jones, receiving from a torn ACL, could begin the 2024 campaign under center, but Penix might be able to take over before the regular season concludes.
By trading back into the first round, the Giants will get a fifth-year option on Penix’s rookie contract. The Baltimore Ravens, always willing to trade down in the draft, grab an extra third-round selection and Ojulari, a contract-year edge rusher who could help replace pending free agents Jadeveon Clowney, Kyle Van Noy, and Malik Harrison.
31) San Francisco 49ers: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
The 49ers’ defensive line is facing upheaval this offseason, when Chase Young, Clelin Ferrell, Javon Kinlaw, and others will hit the market. No team is losing more defensive end snaps to free agency, per Over the Cap, while San Francisco is also losing the third-most DT snaps.
Let’s give the 49ers a lineman who can play both spots. Darius Robinson began his collegiate career on the interior but moved to the edge by the end of his Missouri stint. Robinson might not be available this late after an exceptional Senior Bowl performance; San Francisco should be interested if he is.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
While the Chiefs could consider an offensive lineman with the final pick of Round 1, wide receiver remains an obvious need. Tee Higgins and Mike Evans have already been removed from the free agent WR market, while the Colts will likely tag or extend Michael Pittman Jr.
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The draft looks like a more realistic path for Kansas City’s wideout improvement. Rashee Rice posted the NFL’s second-most yards after the catch during his 2023 rookie campaign. Ladd McConkey can help the Chiefs double down on YAC, while Rice and McConkey can line up nearly anywhere on the field.
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!