NFL mock draft 2024: Post-free agency edition
Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr., Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Brock Bowers and other prospects are expected to be among the top picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, which will begins on April 25 in Detroit. But which teams will pick them? And with both the Jets and Giants picking in the top 10, what will they do?
With free agency in full swing, here’s our latest mock draft of the first round.
1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
With Justin Fields traded to Pittsburgh — and a strengthened supporting cast elsewhere— the path is clear for the Bears to take Caleb Williams as their next franchise quarterback. Williams has incredible upside thanks to an elite arm and an innate ability to make plays when everything else breaks down.
2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
A QB shakeup is underway in Washington, with last year’s starter Sam Howell traded to Seattle and Marcus Mariota brought in as a veteran backup for whoever gets picked here. In this case, it’s Drake Maye, who has prototypical size (6-4, 232) paired with a great arm, awareness and mobility.
3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Despite bringing back old friend Jacoby Brissett, the Patriots will look for a long-term answer at QB here. Jayden Daniels, last year’s Heisman winner, is very accurate from the pocket but also has the legs to scramble if needed.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
This could be an intriguing spot for a trade with a QB-needy team, but staying put and taking Marvin Harrison Jr. here would be an excellent consolation prize. The son of the Pro Football Hall of Famer may be the best receiver prospect to enter the draft in some time, with a complete skillset that should make him an instant impact as an X receiver.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Another potential trade down spot here, as the Chargers have plenty of needs and could benefit from extra bites at the apple. If they stay, they could try to replenish a depleted receiver corps with Malik Nabers, an explosive, versatile receiver with great yard-after-catch skills.
6. Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Trading up for one of the top three quarterbacks can’t be ruled out, though it feels a little less likely with one fewer second-round pick (No. 39 overall was sent to Carolina as part of the Brian Burns trade), Drew Lock newly signed and a host of other teams also potentially looking to move up for those same quarterbacks. If there's no trade, their next option could be to improve the offense elsewhere by drafting an alpha receiver. Rome Odunze is a big, physical receiver (6-3, 215 pounds) who excels in jump-ball and contested-catch situations yet also has great speed for his size (4.45-second 40-yard dash at the Combine).
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, T, Notre Dame
The Titans added Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley to help out Will Levis, so now the focus should turn to strengthening the offensive line. Joe Alt, the son of former Pro Bowl tackle John Alt, is very athletic for a 6-8, 322-pound tackle, and it shows up in his pass-protection footwork.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, Edge rusher, Alabama
Now that the Falcons have Kirk Cousins at quarterback, they can give defensive-minded head coach Raheem Morris a new pass-rushing toy. Dallas Turner is very athletic, with the speed and acceleration to get into the backfield quickly.
9. Bears: Jared Verse, Edge rusher, Florida State
The Bears have focused on offense for most of this offseason: trading for Keenan Allen, signing D’Andre Swift and — presumably — drafting Caleb Williams. Now it’s time to keep building on defense, especially on the edge opposite Montez Sweat. Jared Verse is an explosive rusher who converts speed to power very well.
10. Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Jets acted quickly to plug major holes in their offense: revamping their offensive line with the signings of Tyron Smith and John Simpson and the trade of Morgan Moses, then signing Mike Williams as Aaron Rodgers’ newest WR2 behind Garrett Wilson. As a result, the Jets are free to take the best player available here. That BPA would be Brock Bowers, who has been the most talked-about tight end since Kyle Pitts. That hype is for good reason. He’s as well-rounded as they come, with the soft hands to make any catch needed, the size and speed to line up outside and the blocking ability to play in-line.
11. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Could the Vikings package this pick and their newly-acquired No. 23 pick to move up for a quarterback? Sure. But in this mock, they stand pat and still manage to get one here. J.J. McCarthy didn’t put up monster stats at Michigan, but he has a strong arm, processes things quickly and can extend plays with his legs.
12. Denver Broncos: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Here, the Broncos miss out on the top four quarterbacks, so instead they pivot to finding another cornerback opposite Patrick Surtain II. Terrion Arnold is an athletic, versatile defensive back who isn’t afraid to mix it up in run defense. (Of note: the Broncos don’t pick again until the third round. So if they can’t get one of the top four passers, they could decide to trade down and acquire more picks, with an eye on taking, say, Oregon QB Bo Nix later in the first.)
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Olu Fashanu, T, Penn State
After signing Gardner Minshew to compete with (or back up) Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders can address an offensive line that lost right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (Giants). Olu Fashanu has the size (6-6, 317 pounds), strength and technique to excel in both pass protection and as a run-blocker.
14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga, T, Oregon State
The Saints benched former first-round left tackle Trevor Penning after he struggled at left tackle. Taliese Fuaga is a mauler who is always looking for the next defender to pancake, and he has the balance to handle quicker pass-rushers as well. He also can play inside at guard if needed.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The Colts have plenty of pieces on offense, so it’s time to add some much-needed talent in the secondary. Quinyon Mitchell has shot up draft boards since Senior Bowl week with his athleticism and ability to make plays in both press-man and off-coverage.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, T, Washington
New head coach Mike McDonald opts to fix Seattle's offense from the inside out. Troy Fautanu played tackle in college but can slide inside to guard thanks to his toughness and athleticism.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Even after signing Ronald Darby to a two-year deal, more cornerback help could go a long way in new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s scheme. Nate Wiggins has great length at 6-2, 185 pounds, as well as the speed to match receivers downfield.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, T, Alabama
The Bengals still need to replace Jonah Williams, who left for Arizona. JC Latham has more experience on the right side, but he’s an aggressive blocker with size (6-6, 360 pounds) and power.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
Kobie Turner, last year’s rookie sensation, is in line to replace the retired Aaron Donald, so the Rams can focus on finding help on the edge alongside fellow ascending second-year player Byron Young. Laiatu Latu is a well-rounded edge defender with great athleticism, but teams will need to look into a neck injury suffered while at Washington.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Even after taking Joey Porter Jr. in the second round last year, the Steelers still need another lockdown corner. Kool-Aid McKinstry has aggressive instincts in press-man coverage and excellent awareness when dropping back into zone.
21. Miami Dolphins: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Christian Wilkins left for Las Vegas on a $110 million megadeal, and while Miami signed multiple defensive tackles in free agency, none of them are true replacements. Byron Murphy II, like Wilkins, is an explosive interior rusher who creates chaos up front with his strength and first step.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Cooper DeJean, CB/S, Iowa
The Eagles brought back safety CJ Gardner-Johnson in free agency but still need secondary help. Versatility is Cooper DeJean’s calling card. He can play outside cornerback, slot or safety, and he also can return punts.
23. Vikings (from Cleveland via Houston): Chop Robinson, Edge rusher, Penn State
Again, this pick may be part of a package for a trade up, but let’s assume they stay put. In that case, maybe they opt for another edge rusher to pair with the newly signed Jonathan Greenard. Chop Robinson is more promise than polish at this point, but his combination of athleticism and flexibility is tantalizing.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Amarius Mims, T, Georgia
Tyron Smith left for the Jets, leaving a gaping hole on Dak Prescott’s blind side. Amarius Mims (6-7, 340) is a massive tackle prospect with excellent power, yet he moves like a smaller, quicker lineman in space.
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan, T, Arizona
The Packers have plenty of offensive playmakers for the ascending Jordan Love. Now it’s time to protect him. Jordan Morgan is a well-rounded lineman who can play left tackle or slot inside at guard.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, G/C, Oregon
Ryan Jensen retired and Aaron Stinnie left for the Giants, leaving the Bucs without two of their starting interior linemen from last season. A Senior Bowl standout, Jackson Powers-Johnson can play guard or center and is a technically sound blocker.
27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
The Cardinals could use more pass-rush help, whether it comes from the edge or the interior. Jer’Zhan Newton is on the smaller side for a defensive tackle at 6-2, 295 pounds, but he is very disruptive in the passing game.
28. Buffalo Bills: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
The Bills brought in slot receiver Curtis Samuel to replace the departed Gabe Davis, but Josh Allen could use another outside pass-catcher. Brian Thomas Jr. is a speedy downfield threat who can take the top off a defense or do damage after the catch on a crossing route.
29. Detroit Lions: Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri
Among the Lions’ few holes: more pass-rush depth alongside Aidan Hutchinson and the newly-signed Marcus Davenport. Darius Robinson is a long, powerful defensive lineman who can play outside at end or inside at tackle.
30: Baltimore Ravens: Graham Barton, G/C, Duke
The Ravens lost three of their starting linemen with Kevin Zeitler going to the Lions and Simpson and Moses to the Jets. Graham Barton can play any of the five offensive line spots thanks to his very balanced skillset.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Guyton, T, Oklahoma
The 49ers don’t have too many needs, but some extra offensive line depth would be helpful. Tyler Guyton is an athletic project at tackle who, at 6-8, has the length to become a solid pass-blocker.
32. Kansas City: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Kansas City signed Hollywood Brown in free agency to join Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, but more pass-catching options for Patrick Mahomes wouldn’t hurt at all. The 6-4, 215-pound Keon Coleman is a contested-catch monster with great downfield athleticism.
Nick Klopsis is Newsday.com's sports editor. He often can be found studying NFL and college football film for his latest draft breakdown.
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