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    Joe Broback’s 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Malik Nabers Upgrades Bears Passing Attack, Brock Bowers Joins Promising Colts Offense

    Free agency is in full swing, affecting team needs in the process. Our latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft dives into how certain teams can replace lost players.

    With free agency in full swing, rosters will change plenty between now and the beginning of the season, especially via the NFL Draft. We’ve already seen certain teams address needs in free agency, making their priorities different in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

    2024 NFL Mock Draft

    1) Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

    The longer this plays out, the more I’m inclined to believe the Bears are moving on from Justin Fields. It’s just a matter of when. If they’re truly moving on from Fields, then trading back doesn’t make sense.

    Caleb Williams is the most polarizing player in this draft class, but he brings an electric skill set with him to the Bears offense. Sure, the offense needs a few other pieces around him, but Williams can help ease some of those concerns early.

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

    Even with Sam Howell and Marcus Mariota on the roster in 2024, the Commanders are looking for a quarterback. Mariota and Howell figure to compete early for the starting spot but are most likely viewed as bridge players for the new face.

    Drake Maye brings a talented arm with him to the Commanders offense, and he’ll have plenty of weapons around him to utilize. The arm talent sticks out the most, but Maye can also make plays with his legs. If Howell and Mariota can help him get up to speed quickly, then his era will begin sooner, and the Commanders offense could look extremely exciting.

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

    Even with Bailey Zappe, Nathan Rourke, and new quarterback Jacoby Brissett on the roster, the Patriots are looking toward the future. With Williams and Maye off the board, Jayden Daniels is that future.

    The Patriots made moves on the offensive side of the ball to help a young signal-caller, so Daniels should feel comfortable with the situation he inherits. The thought of Daniels and new running back Antonio Gibson should give fans plenty of hope too.

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

    Kyler Murray is their guy, and the Arizona Cardinals shouldn’t have to overthink this pick if three quarterbacks get taken ahead of them. This offense needs a certified deep threat, and a player of this caliber opens up the offense for everyone.

    Marvin Harrison Jr. stands above the rest in a deep wide receiver class, and he gives the Cardinals a vertical threat. Murray will love having him in the offense and should find that the rest of his receivers take steps forward as well.

    5) Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

    Jim Harbaugh appears to be beginning a rebuild of sorts after rumors of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack being on the trade block. He has the quarterback to guide them through it, but Justin Herbert needs better protection.

    MORE: Top Offensive Tackles in the 2024 NFL Draft

    Even with other needs on defense, taking a tackle will be high on the priority list. Joe Alt brings great size to the Chargers offense, and he’ll give them an elite pass protector for their star quarterback.

    6) New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

    New York made waves by trading for Brian Burns, so they’ll turn their attention to the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback remains in play, but they might stick with their options if they can add another big weapon.

    The passing attack features a couple of electric players, but Rome Odunze gives the Giants the size they need to balance everything. He’s a smooth operator running routes, and he routinely cooked college defensive backs. With Jalin Hyatt’s speed threatening NFL defensive backs, Odunze could make this group even better.

    7) Tennessee Titans: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

    Offensive line was a big need for the Titans, but they started addressing it when they agreed to terms with center Lloyd Cushenberry. Now, they continue that process by taking Taliese Fuaga.

    The former Oregon State star is a physical player who’s rising up draft boards, and he gives the Titans an anchor on the edge. He’s a thick player who’s tough to beat, and he’ll help an offense that has young and promising skill talent.

    8) Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

    Now that the Falcons have their guy in Kirk Cousins, one of their draft needs is gone. They also agreed to terms with free agent Darnell Mooney, meaning they can hold off on drafting a wide receiver (though they still might do that anyway).

    In this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, the Falcons turn their attention to defense. Dallas Turner shined at the NFL Combine, and he gives this defense a freakish player who can be a disruptor for his new team.

    9) Chicago Bears: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

    Chicago lost Mooney to free agency, so that means they turn their attention to a new and younger player to replace him. DJ Moore and Cole Kmet give newly drafted quarterback Caleb Williams reliable targets, but the Bears aren’t done.

    KEEP READING: Bears Acquire Star WR in Shocking Trade

    Malik Nabers has speed that hasn’t been measured yet. He sat out of Combine drills, but the film shows us a player with a serious burst. If his 40-yard dash time matches what we see on film, watch out. The Bears add an explosive weapon, and suddenly the offense becomes more terrifying because of him.

    10) New York Jets: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

    If the New York Jets are going to succeed in 2024, then they must protect their quarterback. Aaron Rodgers is coming off an Achilles injury, and he needs time to get his playmakers the ball.

    If Amarius Mims can stay healthy, he’s a monster on the field. He showed off his athletic traits at the NFL Combine and could be an anchor for the Jets up front.

    11) Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

    J.J. McCarthy is a potential first-round pick because he has the traits that teams like, and the right situation could make him a good pro.

    From his athleticism to his poise, McCarthy could be a great fit for Minnesota. With Kirk Cousins gone, they need a future franchise player. But there are concerns too.

    MORE: Top Quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft

    The biggest concern with McCarthy is whether he can elevate his game to be a major factor in an offense. He was on a dominant team this past year, and the Michigan staff’s decision to highlight the passing attack typically resulted in inconsistent results.

    If Kevin O’Connell works his magic, then McCarthy is going to thrive. Providing the Vikings secure Justin Jefferson long-term, the young QB can also grow with Minnesota’s numerous weapons.

    12) Denver Broncos: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

    With Russell Wilson gone, the Broncos may need to consider a quarterback in the draft. It just might cost them too much to move up, and they already took a big hit by releasing Wilson. Instead, they look to the defense.

    Jared Verse shouldn’t have much trouble finding the field in the NFL. He brings a good frame, multiple years of experience, and a big chip on his shoulder. The Broncos need a boost up front, and Verse gives them that in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

    13) Las Vegas Raiders: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

    The Raiders don’t have their quarterback of the future, but they have a couple of players ready to usher in a new era whenever that happens. They signed Gardner Minshew, so he figures to be the starter for now, but they’ll wait until later to take a quarterback with the top options off the board.

    Las Vegas addressed their need on the defensive line in free agency, so now the Raiders look to the offensive line in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Olu Fashanu‘s name isn’t getting a ton of love this offseason, but it’s not because his stock is falling. He’ll give this offense a reliable pass protector who’s still on the rise.

    14) New Orleans Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

    With Jameis Winston gone, protecting Derek Carr becomes even more important without a proven backup. The offense has the pieces to be exciting in 2024, but Carr and the skill position players need time to make plays.

    JC Latham‘s size makes him an intriguing prospect, and he gives the Saints another physical player. He’s still nursing an injury from the Rose Bowl, but he’ll be ready to go once fall camp arrives.

    15) Indianapolis Colts: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

    The Indianapolis Colts can’t wait for quarterback Anthony Richardson to get back to full strength, and the expectations for this offense are still on the rise. With Michael Pittman Jr. back, the offense has potential, but another explosive piece can make it even better.

    Even with their current tight end situation, drafting Brock Bowers brings a ton of value to the Colts offense. His time with Georgia showed that he can line up all over the field, and his skill set opens up the field for the rest of the receivers.

    16) Seattle Seahawks: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

    Chop Robinson brings an explosive and athletic profile to the NFL, and he has the potential to be a nightmare for the offensive tackles he faces. He was a force for Penn State in college, and his ability to get around the edge stood out the most.

    His biggest concern is in run support. While he’s not great when it comes to the run game, many of his best traits can help him improve. An explosive first step would help him get into his gap quicker, and it could allow him to beat his man to be disruptive stopping the run.

    17) Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

    Even while living in Malik Nabers’ shadow, Brian Thomas Jr. kept working. His breakout season in 2023 wasn’t a surprise to those in the LSU program, but now he’s showing the NFL why he can be the go-to guy for a franchise.

    His speed at the NFL Combine helped solidify him as a first-round pick, and now the Jaguars add him to their offense in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. He’s a dangerous vertical threat and gives Trevor Lawrence someone who can take the top off the defense.

    18) Cincinnati Bengals: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

    With Tee Higgins reportedly requesting a trade, the Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in need of skill position talent. It’s not a guarantee that Higgins will be traded, but the Bengals must have a plan in place should they decide to grant his request.

    MORE: Top Wide Receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft

    Adonai Mitchell could be the perfect fit for this offense. He’s an underrated player in this draft class, and he’ll give this offense someone who’s on the rise. His athleticism and route running make him tough to cover, and that takes attention away from JaMarr Chase.

    19) Los Angeles Rams: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

    Los Angeles started working on their secondary in free agency, but there’s still a need on the back end of this defense. With a guy like Terrion Arnold available, they shouldn’t hesitate to keep working on their need at corner.

    Arnold is an aggressive player when the ball is in the air. He’s fun to watch because he competes on every play, and that should help, even with certain parts of his game needing work.

    20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

    With the quarterback situation figured out for the time being, the Steelers now must address the offensive line. They have needs all along the line, and they work towards fixing that group in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

    Tyler Guyton brings a big frame to the Steelers offense. He’s still working through some of the nuances of the position, but he has a ton of upside that should make him a reliable blocker for an offense full of potential.

    21) Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, G, Duke

    Free agency was always going to be tough for the Dolphins, so they need to find cheaper options through the draft. The interior offensive line is an area of need, and Graham Barton gives them a starter and depth at multiple positions.

    22) Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

    A big winner of the offseason, Quinyon Mitchell is just waiting to see where he lands in the first round. Philadelphia needs help in the secondary, and they need a younger player who’s hungry to make a name for himself. Mitchell checks both of those boxes and should win over the fanbase quickly.

    23) Houston Texans: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

    Houston’s offense brings plenty of excitement to the field in 2024, but they’re not done building the hype. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has a bright future, and wide receiver Tank Dell returning to full strength will help.

    So, how do they get better? Drafting the fastest player in NFL Combine history certainly helps. While Xavier Worthy is fast, he’s also shown that he can be a force as a route runner. If he can add weight to his frame, durability will become less of a concern, and the Texans will know they have a dangerous vertical threat.

    24) Dallas Cowboys: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

    While the Cowboys stayed put in free agency for the most part, they still have time to make moves. The draft will be interesting to watch for them too. Cornerback is a position of need, and this class has options.

    Nate Wiggins helped his draft stock with a strong performance at the NFL Combine, and now he gives the Cowboys a competitive player who’s arguably the most resilient in this class.

    25) Green Bay Packers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

    Anyone that gets to line up opposite of Jaire Alexander will see plenty of action in 2024, but someone like Kool-Aid McKinstry welcomes that attention. The former Alabama star corner is a calm player who can be a shutdown player, and the Packers get a strong duo in their secondary thanks to this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

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

    Even if Laiatu Latu passes his physicals, there will be concerns about his health in the long term. So it wouldn’t be a shock to see him drop, but that means someone’s getting great value.

    Tampa Bay could use a talented player on the edge like Latu to join their talented line. Despite those health concerns, Latu is a force when it comes to disrupting the opposing offense. Good size and a good arsenal of moves make him a potential early contributor in this defense.

    27) Arizona Cardinals: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

    Now that the Cardinals have their vertical threat, they look to give Kyler Murray and the skill position players more time to move the ball. Kingsley Suamataia gives the Cardinals offensive line a big blocker who plays tough. He has a nasty streak to him, too, so expect him to be a tone setter once he gets into the league.

    28) Buffalo Bills: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

    The idea of Johnny Newton pairing with Ed Oliver should excite the Bills fanbase. Newton has been a unit for Illinois over the past couple of years, and he’s looking to do the same in the NFL. There aren’t many teams that need a defensive tackle early in the first round, so Newton’s drop isn’t surprising.

    The Bills aren’t upset, though, and get a versatile tackle who can also slide out and play end when needed — most likely for a specific package. Newton has proven that he can handle it.

    29) Detroit Lions: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

    Detroit is an intriguing team to watch this offseason. Many of their 2023 offseason moves shined this past year, but can they do it again? The draft will put the final touches on what has already been a solid offseason.

    The Lions defense was fun to watch this year. While they need upgrades at certain positions, this group played hard for Dan Campbell. Adding players like Byron Murphy II will aid their efforts to return to the NFC Championship Game. Murphy is an underrated player with explosive athleticism, and he makes the Lions defensive line even better.

    30) Baltimore Ravens: Cooper DeJean, S, Iowa

    Baltimore could still go with a wide receiver here, but drafting a defensive back to pair with rising star Kyle Hamilton is also in the cards. Throw in the fact that they have Marlon Humphrey at corner, and this pick could make some noise.

    Cooper DeJean will try both corner and safety at the next level, and that gives the Ravens depth. He’s an electric player who can also return kicks, so the value of this selection continues to rise.

    31) San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

    One thing the Super Bowl showed us is that the 49ers could use another tackle. Future Hall of Famer Trent Williams has been fine as of late, though he had his lapses during the big game. This group needs to get younger at certain spots.

    Jordan Morgan is an underrated tackle in this class, and he joins a veteran group in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. If he can consume everything that the older guys have to give him, the 49ers shouldn’t skip a beat when guys like Williams retire.

    32) Kansas City Chiefs: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington

    With Patrick Mahomes restructuring his contract, the Chiefs have more flexibility than they had coming into the offseason. That could mean big things in free agency, but they could also address needs in the draft. Mahomes needs another weapon in the passing game, and they get one in Ja’Lynn Polk.

    KEEP READING: FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades

    Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice were the top targets this year, but depth clearly was an issue. Polk gives the Chiefs a big-body receiver who posted fast times at the NFL Combine too, making him an ideal target for Andy Reid’s team in the draft.

    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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