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    Joe Broback’s Latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft: J.J. McCarthy Slides to Giants, Michael Penix Jr. Takes Over Vikings Offense

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    As we enter draft month, we dive into another 2024 NFL Mock Draft that sees five quarterbacks taken in the first round.

    For those who have waited for the NFL Draft, this is your month. To celebrate, why not dive into another 2024 NFL Mock Draft? While there won’t be any trades in this edition, quarterbacks still fly off the board in the first 15 picks.

    Latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft

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

    Now that the dust has mostly settled from the offseason, we’re getting closer to the Chicago Bears making Caleb Williams their franchise quarterback. Even with the suggestions that Williams should hold out instead of coming to the Windy City, the Bears won’t change their minds.

    Williams inherits one of the better situations we’ve seen for a rookie in a long time. To take over a team that finished 7-10 last year is already better than most first-overall picks, but it gets better. The Bears return both wide receiver D.J. Moore and tight end Cole Kmet, but they traded for former Los Angeles Chargers receiver Keenan Allen to further bolster their receiving corps.

    2) Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

    It’s time to look through the smokescreens, people. While there are rumors that the Commanders are considering Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy, it’s tough for me to believe they think either of those players is better than Drake Maye.

    Is Maye flawless? No, but the film clearly indicates who is the QB2 in this class. He brings a strong frame to the Commanders’ offense, and his arm talent jumps out on film. Throw in his underrated ability as a runner, and Maye gives the Commanders everything they need.

    3) New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

    While the New England Patriots should entertain trade offers for this pick, they still need to add a quarterback. If they think there will be a quality option later in the first or second rounds, trading back makes sense. However, it’s tough to see that in this class.

    Four quarterbacks are considered worthy of being picked in the top three, and Jayden Daniels is one of them. He took huge strides as a passer this past year and adds above-average running abilities to an NFL offense. If he can learn to preserve his body better, he’ll help his durability by not taking massive hits.

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

    Another team that could consider trading back to get more picks, the Arizona Cardinals sit tight in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. With the first three teams needing quarterbacks, the Cardinals have their pick of the rest of the class. Given that they need a wide receiver, this pick is easy.

    Marvin Harrison Jr. elevates the Cardinals’ passing attack immensely. The offense needs someone who can stretch the field vertically, especially if they want their endorsement of Kyler Murray to play out in their favor.

    5) Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

    The combination of departures (Keenan Allen and Mike Williams) along with the struggles of Quentin Johnston move wide receiver up the Chargers’ team needs. Will Jim Harbaugh make that happen in the first round? In this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, they add an explosive player to help their franchise quarterback.

    Malik Nabers should mesh well with Jim Harbaugh. Nabers stated that he allegedly saw “reports” saying he’d run a 4.6-second 40-yard dash. Call it self-motivation or delusion, but it makes him a good fit for the quirky Harbaugh.

    Personality aside, Nabers can ball. Even without the pro day results, we knew he was a fast player capable of putting stress on a defense. He’s been the go-to weapon for LSU for the past two years, and now he gives Justin Herbert a reliable target who can open up the field for the rest of the offense.

    6) New York Giants: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

    Even though the Giants paid Daniel Jones and will most likely keep supporting that decision, there’s no doubt they’re discussing their quarterback options in the 2024 NFL Draft. There are rumors that they’re looking to move up, but they might not have to if the right player falls.

    MORE: J.J. McCarthy a Lock To Be a Top-5 Pick?

    J.J. McCarthy continues to be the most interesting player in the draft. He has tools that make him an intriguing prospect, but there are also huge questions surrounding his game. If he’s still around when the Giants pick, there will be a serious debate in their war room about if he’s the future of this organization.

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

    Tennessee got off to a good start addressing the offensive line in free agency, but there’s still more work to do. Fortunately, they see the top tackle in the class drop to them in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

    Joe Alt brings a 6’8″ frame to the Titans’ offense, one that needs quarterback Will Levis to take a step this year. If he’s given time, the coaching staff gets a good picture of his abilities for the future. Alt helps in that regard as an elite pass protector, and he’ll also pave the way for a rushing attack that could be electric.

    8) Atlanta Falcons: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

    After signing Kirk Cousins, there are many reasons why the Atlanta Falcons could have one of the best offenses in the league. With Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London all returning, Cousins isn’t lacking in talent around him. So why stop there?

    The Falcons decide in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft that they need another target for Cousins, and they add another big target in Rome Odunze. London and Pitts are matchup problems, and Odunze gives them another gifted player who’s big but also moves well for his size.

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

    With the Bears addressing their need at quarterback earlier in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, they turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. Montez Sweat gives this defense a great option on the edge, and now Chicago adds a perfect complement to him.

    Jared Verse comes to the NFL with a chip on his shoulder, and he has a strong case for best edge player in the class. The former Albany transfer bet on himself when he transferred to Florida State, and now he’s doing it again by going pro.

    Verse is a mature player who should learn from Sweat, and the combination of the two could be elite when Verse transitions to the professional game.

    10) New York Jets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

    Protecting Aaron Rodgers remains the biggest priority for the New York Jets, and the offensive line needs depth to make that happen. Injuries haven’t been kind to this group, so at worst, they need someone to be a part of the rotation if someone goes down.

    Olu Fashanu isn’t here to be a backup, which is the mindset New York wants if it takes a tackle in the top 10. Fashanu is still developing, so the belief is that his best ball remains ahead of him. He’ll immediately compete for a starting spot and give the Jets a player to help them keep their franchise quarterback healthy.

    11) Minnesota Vikings: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

    Kevin O’Connell needs a quarterback, and there’s a chance the Vikings will move up to get one of the top prospects. If the price is too steep or they like someone outside of that group, don’t be surprised if they hang on to their two first-round picks.

    While Michael Penix Jr. isn’t a consensus first-round pick, he does bring intriguing traits to the table. He proved that he could make throws all over the field while at Washington, and the right system would make him a solid quarterback in the NFL. I think he’s a great fit in O’Connell’s system and brings mobility to the table when needed.

    12) Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

    The Denver Broncos are in a tough spot. They need a quarterback, given that they don’t have quality options currently, but they also don’t have a ton of draft capital to offer to move up. So they either have to reach for a quarterback or hope one falls into the second round.

    MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Quarterback Tiers

    In this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, they don’t wait. Bo Nix is another quarterback who isn’t consistently picked in the first round, but some believe he’ll be taken here. The right team, like the Broncos — who desperately need a quarterback — might bite, and there’s a lot to like about Nix in Sean Payton’s system.

    13) Las Vegas Raiders: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

    If the Raiders can find the right trade partner to move up for a quarterback, they’ll do it. However, they might not be willing to pay the price. Here, they see five teams take quarterbacks ahead of them, so they look to the cornerback position.

    Terrion Arnold brings a fierce mindset to the Raiders’ defense. He’s ultra-competitive, which shows on film when the ball is in the air. He needs to iron out a couple of things in his game, but he’s an intriguing prospect with an exciting NFL future.

    14) New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

    If the Saints want a game-changer up front, they should look no further than Taliese Fuaga. He’s an elite run blocker who’s also tough to beat in pass sets, and the Saints add a quality player to their line in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

    Fuaga helps ease concerns about Ryan Ramczyk’s future with the team and gives them a more durable player at the position. The Oregon State OT is a thick player who doesn’t get beat often, and he’ll push the other prospects at his position to be the first one taken.

    15) Indianapolis Colts: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

    Any help that Anthony Richardson receives this offseason makes this offense incredibly exciting. The Colts have an excellent trio of pass catchers, with Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce returning. Here, they make it better by drafting a versatile weapon.

    Brock Bowers can line up all over the field for the Colts. He did the same with Georgia and proved he can thrive no matter where teams put him. He’s excellent in space and is also a solid blocker who can contribute to the run game.

    16) Seattle Seahawks: Graham Barton, G, Duke

    Graham Barton is the definition of versatility. While he’s likely going to play guard or center in the NFL, playing tackle isn’t out of the question either. The fact that he can play any of those positions makes him an even more valuable prospect for a Seahawks offensive line with several holes to address.

    17) Jacksonville Jaguars: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

    Losing Calvin Ridley hurt, but the Jacksonville Jaguars got to work finding potential replacements. Adding Gabe Davis was solid, but wide receiver will still be a need for this team and quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

    GET DRAFTING: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades

    Luckily, this class is deep at the position, and Adonai Mitchell‘s value at this point in the draft is too good to pass on. He’s a good route runner who understands leverage and joins an experienced group that can help him transition to the NFL.

    18) Cincinnati Bengals: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

    Cincinnati could also look to add a receiver, but they can most likely find one later in the draft, thanks to the depth of the class. They also have two great options in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, so they look at their defensive line in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

    Johnny Newton brings unique experience to the tackle position. At Illinois, he slid along the line for the past two years and thrived at any position the Illini asked him to play. While he won’t have that level of success in the NFL, he can still fill in on the edge in a pinch.

    19) Los Angeles Rams: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

    It’s hard to imagine a scenario where Dallas Turner drops this far, but it all comes down to team needs. The Alabama outside linebacker is an athletic player who showed off his traits at the NFL Combine, and he’ll help the Rams defense get after the quarterback.

    That athleticism and his natural power make him an intriguing prospect. He’s also relentless when chasing the ball carrier, and his energy will be infectious with his new team.

    20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

    Pittsburgh is another team that needs help at multiple offensive line positions, so someone like Troy Fautanu will be a great selection. He can play either guard or tackle, giving the Steelers flexibility up front.

    21) Miami Dolphins: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

    Miami’s offense has so much potential, but it won’t be realized if Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t have time to throw. The Dolphins did a great job in free agency of addressing their offensive line on a tight budget, and now they can add a rookie to the mix.

    JC Latham gives the Dolphins offense a massive tackle with considerable upside. He joins an experienced line that can help him learn the offense and adjust to the game, and he’ll also give them a backup guard if needed. If Tagovailoa has time this year, watch out.

    22) Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

    It became quickly evident that the Philadelphia Eagles needed to address the secondary. Not only do they need a long-term option, but they also need a young and hungry player to compete immediately.

    Insert Quinyon Mitchell, a rising star in the offseason and someone who will push anyone for starting time. He’ll learn from the veterans on the roster while helping that group elevate the defense to what it used to be.

    23) Minnesota Vikings (From CLE via HOU): Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

    With the Vikings addressing their need at quarterback, they open up their draft board to other options. Brian Flores’ defense got a couple of acceptable additions at defensive end in Jerry Tillery and Jonathan Bullard, and now they add a player in the middle to help in the long term.

    Byron Murphy II showed why Texas had so much success defensively, and he’ll be an exciting fit in this new system. He’s an explosive player with plenty of power and a quick first step, and he’ll learn a lot from Harrison Phillips while working into the rotation.

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

    Even with the loss of Tyron Smith, the Dallas Cowboys have a plan to address the tackle position. Unfortunately, that means the interior offensive line needs help. With Jackson Powers-Johnson available, there won’t be too much hesitation to take him.

    JPJ is a nasty player who showed tremendous growth at center for Oregon this year, but he also has experience as a guard. The Cowboys can slide him across the line, giving them depth at multiple positions.

    25) Green Bay Packers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

    With Jaire Alexander locking down one side of the secondary, Nate Wiggins gives the Packers a dynamic duo. He’s a competitive player who is blazing fast and shouldn’t have trouble acclimating to his new team.

    CONTINUE READING: Top CBs in the 2024 NFL Draft

    He’ll be tested plenty with Alexander on the other side of the field, but Wiggins is ready for that test.

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

    There are a few options for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers here, but edge rusher is a position they need to address. Laiatu Latu continues checking the boxes required for teams to feel comfortable with him as a first-round pick, and he adds to a talented front seven in Tampa.

    27) Arizona Cardinals (From HOU): Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

    If the Cardinals truly go wide receiver and cornerback with their two first-round picks, we’ll talk about the practice matchups all summer. Here, they add Kool-Aid McKinstry to battle with their earlier pick of Ohio State’s Harrison in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

    Both players fit a similar role for the Cardinals. They’re calmer players who let their skills do the talking, but they also allow their respective units to take significant strides forward for the 2024 season.

    28) Buffalo Bills: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

    Xavier Legette is an intriguing prospect. He has all the raw tools teams want in a receiver, but we don’t talk about his route running enough. With Stefon Diggs heading to Houston, the Bills need a big-time threat downfield, and Legette will fill that role once he gets up to speed.

    29) Detroit Lions: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

    If the Detroit Lions can find a complement to Aidan Hutchinson, they’ll have a terrifying duo on the edge. Hutchinson commands so much attention that the new face will love the one-on-one matchups he sees. Here, it’s Chop Robinson.

    Robinson is an explosive player with an incredible first step to beat his tackle around the edge. He needs some work against the run, but he’s an absolute terror when rushing the passer.

    30) Baltimore Ravens: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

    The more weapons the Baltimore Ravens can find for Lamar Jackson, the better. In this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, they also add someone who challenges the entire team for the fastest player on the roster.

    Xavier Worthy isn’t just fast, but it’s easily his best attribute. He’s a tough player for his size, but he’ll need to bulk up a little if he wants to be in the league for a long time. Still, he opens up the field for the Ravens and could be an instant impact player.

    31) San Francisco 49ers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

    Anyone paired with Trent Williams will be fun to watch. If Amarius Mims can have a healthy career in the NFL, he’ll continue Williams’ legacy. When healthy, the former Georgia OT makes a strong case for the best tackle in this class. His problem is staying on the field.

    Mims shined briefly at the NFL Combine before a hamstring injury cut it short, and that same injury kept him out of Georgia’s Pro Day. If he finds the right team to work through those injuries, the 49ers get another version of Williams that can dominate for them upfront.

    32) Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

    Kansas City isn’t satisfied with winning two consecutive Super Bowls. They want a three-peat and need another wide receiver who can help them get there. Regardless of Rashee Rice’s status, the Chiefs need another weapon for Patrick Mahomes.

    KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board

    Brian Thomas Jr. gives this offense a blazing-fast player who can stretch the field vertically. A weapon like that seems unfair in Andy Reid’s system, and it gives them more options in terms of plays than they had last year.

    Draft with your friends today! PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator now supports multiple drafters during the same draft! Ensure your player rankings are up to date on the 2024 NFL Draft Big Board and you know what every NFL team needs before drafting.

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