With the Super Bowl wrapping up the 2023 season this Sunday, the rest of the league is gearing up for the NFL Draft.
This latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft caters to the teams aiming to make franchise-altering moves, all with the hope they can set the tone in making their own Super Bowl chase in the future. This mock comes with aggressive moves, but one deep dive into the reason behind the pick paints the picture of how it makes sense.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
1) Chicago Bears (From CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Starting with the obvious, Caleb Williams stays in place as the draft’s top pick.
New reports have Justin Fields potentially being traded before the NFL Combine, meaning Chicago may need to act by Feb. 29 before they scout Williams in Indianapolis.
We’ll map out this scenario: Fields and Chicago’s 75th selection goes to the nation’s capital in exchange for the 36th pick and a 2025 third-rounder, leading the Washington Commanders to make this next selection in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.
2) Washington Commanders: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
With Fields in place, head coach Dan Quinn provides him with much-needed protection.
Washington surrendered 65 sacks of Sam Howell last season. Looking back at Quinn’s past draft classes, he’s never taken a quarterback but primarily built around the trenches or front seven on defense.
Quinn starts by reestablishing some trench toughness through the powerfully built Olu Fashanu — who has the feet and inside striking ability to keep rushers in check and set an aggressive tone on offense.
3) New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The original thought here is Jayden Daniels only goes to Foxborough if Drake Maye isn’t available. But with Washington snatching tackle help, this opens the door for the Tar Heel to come over.
Daniels, perhaps, could still be the pick here. However, new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt may become more enamored with Maye’s arm strength to help sway this pick. With Van Pelt bringing in a West Coast-based scheme that points to mimicking the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, this offense is best suited for a pocket passer like Maye.
4) Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
With the offense tangibly improving toward the end of 2023 with Kyler Murray, it was enough to convince head coach Jonathan Gannon he’s the QB moving forward.
That means building around him by snagging the towering and dynamic son of the NFL legend and Super Bowl 41 winner. Marvin Harrison Jr. becomes the Cardinals’ most intriguing rookie wide receiver since Larry Fitzgerald.
5) Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT, Norte Dame
Jim Harbaugh needs a tone-setter for his first draft class as Chargers head coach. Norte Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt is perfect for that role.
MORE: Potential 2024 Draft Prospects for Jim Harbaugh
Harbaugh has to turn to the trenches anyway. The Bolts surrendered 43 sacks and have four free agents representing the offensive line ahead of the 2024 free agency cycle. Alt teaming with Rashawn Slater is a dream tackle pairing for the new head coach and quarterback Justin Herbert.
6) New York Giants: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
After allowing a whopping 85 sacks, most would believe offensive tackle would be the pick here. But Giants general manager Joe Schoen told reporters at the Senior Bowl that the team is also open to drafting a quarterback, among other options.
With Fashanu and Alt already off the board, plus undrafted QB Tommy DeVito convincing the team with his surprise rookie run, the Giants can instead turn to form a dangerous pass-rushing duo with Kayvon Thibodeaux by selecting Dallas Turner.
7) Tennessee Titans: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The second Crimson Tide defender goes off the board, with Brian Callahan turning to defense in his first draft.
While Callahan is an offensive guy, this secondary needs changes after watching no one snatch three interceptions or swat nine passes away last season.
Kool-Aid McKinstry is a long-armed, long strider capable of staying attached to any receiver. Besides, Tennessee has to deal with Trevor Lawrence, C.J. Stroud, and a healthier Anthony Richardson in the AFC South. A ball-hawking lockdown CB is needed more in Nashville.
8) Atlanta Falcons: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Here’s our first surprise that doesn’t involve a trade.
We’ll envision the Atlanta Falcons signing Kirk Cousins to a mega deal so he can stay in a Sean McVay-like attack from his Washington and Minnesota Vikings days.
While the Falcons already have a dynamic TE in place until 2026 with Kyle Pitts, imagine him and the in-state hero Brock Bowers together in an offense with Drake London and Bijan Robinson. This would draw crowds like a Migos, Jeezy, or Future concert in Atlanta, filling some empty seats at the Mercedes Benz Dome.
9) Las Vegas Raiders (From CHI): Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Trade: Raiders receive the No. 9 pick; Bears receive picks 13 and 73, plus a 2025 second-rounder
The next stunning move in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft involves an Arizona State reunion between the Heisman Trophy winner and Antonio Pierce.
The two were in Tempe together before Jayden Daniels transferred to Baton Rouge. Daniels even attended a Raiders home game late in 2023 and interacted with “A.P.” — further showing their respect to this day.
While Aidan O’Connell presented some solid moments at QB, many believe he’s more suited as a No. 2. Daniels’ name can additionally galvanize this fan base plus form a wicked tandem with Pro Bowl wideout Davante Adams.
10) New York Jets: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
A tackle could be the move here for the Jets, but Malik Nabers ought to draw significant intrigue for a returning Aaron Rodgers.
Additionally, Garrett Wilson needs more consistent help in the WR room. With Nabers’ strengths as a deep threat and yards-after-catch (YAC) monster, he’s perfect for Wilson and Rodgers.
11) Minnesota Vikings: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
The Vikings may become torn between Terrion Arnold or Cooper DeJean at No. 11.
MORE: Will the Vikings Move Up for a Quarterback in 2024?
PFN NFL Insider Adam Caplan recently spoke with a “high-level scouting source” who told him DeJean is a top-five talent. DeJean is a fleet-footed option as a gap closer with his speed and click-and-close ability. He’s also shown a knack for being a processor in knowing when to jump on routes and adjust his hip direction.
12) Denver Broncos: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
While the Broncos witnessed a late-season surge, the air attack still didn’t produce a 60-catch wideout and ranked 24th in passing yards. In addition, 2020 first-rounder Jerry Jeudy has had his name flare up as a trade possibility.
Keon Coleman brings speed, consistent hands, and tremendous control of his catches to any offense. He’s also equipped with a one-cut ability that can force defenders to miss their tackle attempt and then surge upward.
13) Chicago Bears (From LV): Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
After swapping with the Raiders, the Bears come away here with edge rush help.
Chop Robinson plays with a maniacal attitude that legendary Bears defenders would likely embrace. He’s got a volcanic first step that disrupts pass blocks immediately and finishes plays in a destructive mood.
Robinson has become a steady board climber following back-to-back stout seasons in State College.
14) New Orleans Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The Saints had rather up-and-down line play last season. While New Orleans allowed 35 sacks (less than their 2022 and 2021 totals), they still struggled to establish the run (ranked 21st).
JC Latham is a top-10 talent with powerful prowess in the run game. That bodes well for a Saints offense expected to have Alvin Kamara back for a full season.
15) Indianapolis Colts: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
With Richardson returning healthy, it’s time to give him a dynamic target. Furthermore, Michael Pittman Jr. is walking into unrestricted free agency and, following his epic 109-catch season, will likely be in high demand by other teams.
MORE: Top WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Rome Odunze becomes the perfect potential replacement with his combination of size, route timing, hops, and second gear.
16) Seattle Seahawks: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
New head coach Mike Macdonald will bring his Baltimore Ravens-style attack to the Pacific Northwest.
It’s only fitting he turns his attention to defense for his first draft. The hyper-competitive and versatile Laiatu Latu, who has lined up in multiple spots for the Bruins, is perfect for this defense that calls for positional flexibility.
17) Jacksonville Jaguars: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Minus the play of Josh Allen and Travon Walker, this Jacksonville Jaguars defense stumbled badly toward the end of 2023. The secondary was particularly poor, ranking 26th in passing yards allowed.
With Nate Wiggins, the Jags get a longer CB opposite of top ball hawk Darious Williams. Wiggins is highly skilled in zone coverage with good eye discipline, making quarterbacks pay if they throw in his direction.
Lastly, Jacksonville has a proven track record with Clemson prospects — a la Lawrence and Travis Etienne Jr. That’s a good omen for Wiggins here.
18) Cincinnati Bengals: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Wide receiver could be enticing here, with Tee Higgins’ future in flux. However, with Jonah Williams an unrestricted free agent, tackle is also a priority.
Taliese Fuaga has the fundamentals and trench violence to pave running lanes and protect Joe Burrow.
19) Los Angeles Rams: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Welcome back to the first round, LA Rams. In keeping with previous Rams fashion, a blockbuster move arrives here — but this time via the draft.
While Los Angeles has the trenches and CB to address, their QB situation outside Matthew Stafford looks bleak. Carson Wentz is still a free agent, and Stetson Bennett was never cleared from the non-football injury list in 2023.
MORE: Top QBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
With Stafford now 36 years old, the Rams can lock in their future QB here. For what it’s worth, McVay would likely love J.J. McCarthy‘s intangibles and processing ability. Likewise, McCarthy would love being around Pro Bowlers Cooper Kupp and breakout rookie Puka Nacua.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
The Steelers are searching for an eventual replacement for Cam Heyward, who’ll be 35 in 2024.
Jer’Zhan Newton, shorter by two inches but similar in weight at 295, is PFN’s No. 1 ranked interior defender. He’s perfect to be groomed as the replacement and has the snap explosion and powerful hands to be plugged in multiple spots along the line.
21) Miami Dolphins: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
With two unrestricted OT free agents, the Miami Dolphins turn to that area in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.
Tyler Guyton was hailed as “one of the most upside-driven tackle prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.” And with his first-step explosiveness, he’s perfect for Mike McDaniel’s zone-blocking scheme.
22) Philadelphia Eagles: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., ILB, Clemson
The Eagles need defensive help following their late-season meltdown, period. It’s only fitting they call on the son of a franchise legend.
While his dad was a run-stuffing extraordinaire, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. knives through blocks as a pass rusher — which is greatly needed with Haason Reddick approaching his 30s.
But just like his father before him, Trotter brings quick lateral sideline-to-sideline movement and destruction.
23) Houston Texans (From CLE): Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
DeMeco Ryans scored big by trading to No. 3 following the Stroud selection and snatching Will Anderson Jr. Now, he takes advantage of the phenom from FSU falling to the Texans.
Jared Verse, despite sustaining a gnarly eye injury that needed stitches, still brings the quickness, power, and a toolbox of hand moves that’ll intrigue defensive coaches like Ryans.
Envisioning a Verse/Anderson duo on defense has to invoke memories of Nick Bosa/Arik Armstead for the former 49ers defensive coordinator.
24) Dallas Cowboys: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Adonai Mitchell has been a popular mock selection for the Dallas Cowboys, and it remains that way here.
Face it, owner Jerry Jones is infatuated with speed and any kind of star power Dallas can find. He rarely turns down the opportunity to add more weapons. While pursuing Pittman or Mike Evans to pair with CeeDee Lamb sounds enticing, Mitchell presents a younger, towering, and explosive in-state idea.
25) Green Bay Packers: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
Now that Jordan Love is in a position to lead the Packers moving forward, he’ll need blocking help.
Kingsley Suamataia becomes one of the best remaining tackle options left. But he’s also a fierce road grader in the running game, helping win over Aaron Jones and the RB room.
26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Troy Fautanu, G, Washington
Tampa just may consider quarterback here if Baker Mayfield chooses to walk. But if he’s back, protection help is needed.
Troy Fautanu is a fast-moving guard who shows excellent depth on his kickout blocks to keep rushers in check. He can also rattle edge rushers with his massive palms.
27) Arizona Cardinals (From HOU): Graham Barton, G, Duke
Staying with the theme of building around Murray, line help is another emphasis for him.
MORE: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Graham Barton would bring versatility to the Cards as a past tackle — although PFN projects he’ll switch to a guard/center role. Barton hand fights with defensive linemen but comes with the urgent leg movement to push off space-eating defenders.
28) Buffalo Bills: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Buffalo has yet to find a true complementary option in the WR room outside Stefon Diggs. Plus, Gabe Davis is likely heading out the door as a free agent.
The Bills can try to make a run at a top-quality player via free agency or turn to the draft. But by securing Brian Thomas Jr., Josh Allen will be given a speedy 6’4″ option whose size will come in handy in the red zone.
29) Detroit Lions: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
As the NFC title game and playoffs showed, the Lions were missing a true No. 1 cornerback.
Capable of becoming both an Aaron Glenn and Dan Campbell favorite, Quinyon Mitchell‘s stock has risen following an impressive Senior Bowl, which saw him lock up the best wideouts on the field. He’s a sticky man coverage defender with a rumored 4.3 time in the 40-yard dash and can stuff the run.
30) Baltimore Ravens: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
The Ravens will need to pull off a WR-heavy class with four unrestricted free agents — including Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor, who were signed to one-year deals.
Of course, Baltimore can try to prevent OBJ from drifting off, but they need a wideout who can haul down the tightly contested throws and have strong eyes — something they were missing in the AFC title game loss.
Xavier Legette adds those elements and a needed muscular, towering presence next to Zay Flowers. Legette could become the long-awaited big, physical WR freak Lamar Jackson has long lacked.
31) Kansas City Chiefs: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Kansas City could find itself seeking a WR, CB, or a possible replacement for free agent Chris Jones.
The multiple Super Bowl winner is hard to replace, given his impressive 6’6″ stature and uncanny snap explosion. However, Byron Murphy II is a freakish game wrecker with a deadly concoction of twitch, agility, and upper-body strength.
Murphy has stacked countless victories in 1-on-1 battles — leading to 8.5 tackles for loss last season.
32) San Francisco 49ers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The trenches need to be addressed by the 49ers, with finding Trent Williams’ potential replacement at the epicenter of their thoughts to close out this 2024 NFL Draft.
In a tackle-deep class, Amarius Mims becomes the best remaining option for first-round talents. The Georgia Bulldog moves like an oversized tight end — equipped with the quick feet needed to keep edge rushers in check, plus gain the needed depth on kickout blocks.
While a raw prospect with just eight starts, Mims is at the perfect place to learn with Chris Foerster as OL coach and a veteran-led unit.
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!
