It's hard to believe we're exactly one month away from the 2024 NFL Draft. The bulk of free agency is in the books, which means team needs for late April are coming into focus.
The foundation of championship teams is built through the draft. That's what I'll attempt to do for all 32 NFL teams in my first mock draft of the 2024 cycle. Some of the player-team fits below are cultivated from information gleaned from in-person trips to the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine. Others just fit together snuggly when watching film and evaluating team needs.
I hope you enjoy this two-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft, and I hope I made your favorite team better.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
1. Chicago Bears (via CAR)
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Prospect fatigue is real, but Caleb Williams is and has been the QB1 in the 2024 NFL Draft all along. While Williams has rubbed many the wrong way—whether by what he paints on his nails, how he chooses to react to a tough loss, or by not measuring/working out at the NFL Combine—his talent has never been in question. He's the new QB1 in Chicago and Bears fans are just desperately hoping their organization got this one right.
2. Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Commanders have been pretty tight-lipped about which passer they prefer at the top of the draft, so I'm going to go with a fit I love. Jayden Daniels' glow-up has been enjoyable to watch. Daniels dazzles with his feet, but his arm is nothing to sneeze at. Daniels' downfield ability is a perfect fit for this offense.
3. New England Patriots
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Drake Maye has received a soupçon of the C.J. Stroud treatment from last year's cycle, but he's a high-end quarterback prospect worthy of a top-10 pick in any draft class. The Patriots reset their coaching staff, shipped Mac Jones off to Jacksonville, and now will draft their QB of the future. Drake Maye's measurables fit what Eliot Wolf is perceived to covet.
4. Minnesota Vikings (via ARI)
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
MIN receives: 1.4
ARI receives: 1.11, 1.23
The Vikings being aggressive in the pursuit of a quarterback is not shocking. Those working in the NFL have been discussing this since their season ended and Minnesota has been doing extensive homework on the top passers in this class since last fall. Their recent trade with the Texans to acquire another 2024 first-round pick only confirms the chatter. The Vikings will make a move up the board for their Kirk Cousins replacement and I've heard for the last two months that the Cardinals are a trade-back team to watch. Minnesota also has a visit with J.J. McCarthy set. McCarthy, despite his limited college workload, is thought of very highly in league circles with the traits to mold into a franchise QB.
5. Los Angeles Chargers
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The wide receiver purge in Los Angeles makes this an easy pick here. Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer can't be the top options for Justin Herbert heading into the 2024 season. A stroke of luck and the overwhelming desire for quarterbacks allows arguably the best player in the draft to slip. Jim Harbaugh might want to run the ball a ton, but he can add to his offensive line later.
6. New York Giants
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
New York's wide receiver room is in desperate need of a top option. They have some intriguing complementary pieces but a lot of duplicate skill sets. Adding Malik Nabers will give Daniel Jones (or Drew Lock) the best chance to succeed. Nabers combines his big-play ability with a physicality needed in the Giants' receiving room.
7. Tennessee Titans
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Sometimes the obvious answer is the right one. The Titans MUST improve their offensive line and Joe Alt is the top left tackle in the class. He'd be a great fit with offensive line coach Bill Callahan and should be ready to play as a day-one starter in Tennessee.
8. Arizona Cardinals (via ATL)
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
ARI receives: 1.8
ATL receives: 1.11, 3.90
We've seen Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort move down and back up the board before, so why not do it again? Now armed with three first-round picks, Arizona can easily part with one of their three third-rounders to move up to take the final tier-one wide receiver in the class—and jump the Bears and Jets in the process. Rome Odunze does just about everything well and is my personal WR2. He'll be the instant WR1 in Arizona and a young piece that will make Kyler Murray's life easier.
9. Chicago Bears
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
If the board falls this way, I feel pretty confident the Bears will A) try to trade down or B) draft an edge rusher. Jared Verse is a powerful, high-motor EDGE with the prototypical measurables to match. He'd help ensure opposing offenses can't key in on only Montez Sweat.
10. New York Jets
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Taliese Fuaga's stock has been on the rise this draft season and it's really gratifying to see. This man is an absolute baller and should be a mainstay for the Jets at RT for years—whether he displaces Morgan Moses in 2024 or 2025. Fuaga can also play guard as needed. He has an NFL-ready frame and NFL-ready run-game dominance. He has a shot to be the best offensive lineman in the 2024 class.
11. Atlanta Falcons (via MIN/ARI)
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Atlanta can move down a few spots and still land a preferred pass-rusher. Dallas Turner had a sensational NFL Combine and could very well be the EDGE1 in this class. He's a disrupter in the passing game and will give the Falcons a much-needed boost in that department.
12. Denver Broncos
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Sean Payton era in Denver will ultimately be defined by how well his offense performs. Without the ammo needed for an aggressive trade into the top five, the Broncos can either draft the best player available or reach for a quarterback. I chose the former option as Brock Bowers is the perfect tight end for Payton's offense. Whether Bowers is used a little like Jimmy Graham or a little like Michael Thomas, he'll be a key weapon for whoever is under center in 2024 and the future quarterback to come.
13. Las Vegas Raiders
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
If the Raiders don't move up for a quarterback, they can go a variety of ways with this selection. Right tackle is a need but Antonio Pierce has shown a lot of interest in CBs recently. Pierce met with Terrion Arnold at the NFL Combine and Alabama's Pro Day. There's only so much stock you should really put into that, but adding an explosive athlete in the secondary who can get his hands on the football is never a bad thing.
14. New Orleans Saints
Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
A few months ago, you couldn't get out of the top 10 in any mock draft without seeing Olu Fashanu's name. Now? Finding a landing spot isn't so easy. Adding another pass-rusher could still be in play despite the addition of Chase Young, but a high-upside talent like Fashanu falling—coupled with Trevor Penning's lack of development—makes this a solid pick for the Saints.
15. Indianapolis Colts
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Kenny Moore II is locked into the slot and I still have high expectations for 2023 second-rounder JuJu Brents, but adding another outside corner will strengthen the Colts' defense and allow them to address other positions for the foreseeable future.
16. Seattle Seahawks
Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
There are really special IOL still available and I almost mocked on to Seattle. However, let's give new head coach Mike Macdonald a new defensive piece to work with. Chop Robinson has all the tools and potential to be a dangerous pass-rusher. Getting him fine-tuned within a mix of Boye Mafe and Uchenna Nwosu gives the Seahawks a chance to be disruptive to NFC West offenses.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Both Cam Robinson and Walker Little are in contract years. Will either be back in Jacksonville in 2025? The Jaguars taking Amarius Mims doesn't leave him with a clear role this season, but maybe that's a positive. Mims is raw but his upside is as high as any tackle in this class. Either he forces his way into the starting lineup or he extra has time for some polish to be added. Also, he just looks like a guy Trent Baalke would draft.
18. Cincinnati Bengals
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
After the Trent Brown signing and with the Bengals seemingly pushing a lot of their chips into the center of the table for this season, let's give them a player we know can contribute right away. Brian Thomas Jr. has inside-outside versatility to play whatever role Zac Taylor needs him to now (with Tee Higgins) and in the future (likely without Higgins). Plus, I'd pay good money to watch Joe Burrow and Thomas Jr. connect on a slot-fade.
19. Los Angeles Rams
Johnny Newton, IDL, Illinois
If the Rams do take an IDL here, that poor soul will be forced to at least somewhat live up to the expectations that come with filling Aaron Donald's shoes—fair or not. Johnny Newton has experience from a plethora of alignments along the defensive line and can make an impact on both run and passing downs.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon
The Steelers have a glaring need at center and Jackson Powers-Johnson is a no-brainer to fill that void. Powers-Johnson is a smart, athletic IOL who's ready to start at center (or guard) as a rookie. He'll quickly develop a rapport with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.
21. Miami Dolphins
Byron Murphy II, IDL, Texas
Much like the Rams, the Dolphins also lost the centerpiece of their defensive line. Byron Murphy II can fill that hole as a high-motor IDL with a strong first step that makes him effective against the run and pass.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Philadelphia must improve its secondary in both the short-term and long-term. Kool-Aid McKinstry is a high-caliber athlete who has some physicality to his game as well. He has great arm length (32") for his size and is a menace at the catch point.
23. Arizona Cardinals (via MIN/HOU/CLE)
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Arizona needs plenty of help in the pass-rushing department too and benefit from Laiatu Latu's slight slide. Latu can be a significant disruptor from day one with a chance to lead all rookies in sacks.
24. Dallas Cowboys
Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Troy Fautanu can play guard or tackle and be an instant contributor at LG for the Cowboys, helping clear the way for whatever stable of running backs is present come September. Love the fit here if he falls out of the top 20.
25. Green Bay Packers
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The Packers get a bit of a steal here as JC Latham slides to them at No. 25. I'd wager he can play either tackle spot despite being primarily a right tackle at Alabama. Pretty much every measurable but his height is in the 82nd percentile or better for an offensive tackle.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Graham Barton, IOL, Duke
Edge rusher was strongly considered here, but the interior of the offensive line is too shaky to let a talent like Graham Barton go by. Barton has the versatility to play any position on the line but should find a long-term home at center or guard.
27. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU)
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The addition of Sean Murphy-Bunting does fill one hole in the secondary, but there's a lot more work to be done. Nate Wiggins is a speedy, high-IQ corner who can thrive on the outside.
28. Buffalo Bills
Kris Jenkins, IDL, Michigan
The addition of Curtis Samuel on a multi-year deal lessens the need to draft a wide receiver here. I love the idea of Buffalo adding to its defensive line here and taking the son of a player Brandon Beane had a hand in drafting 22 years ago.
29. Detroit Lions
Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
Despite the addition of Carlton Davis III, the Lions still need corner help. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has the length, instincts, and physical willingness to fit in well in the Lions' secondary.
30. Baltimore Ravens
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Given the injuries and/or inconsistencies at the tackle spots in recent seasons, the Ravens should look to add a tackle here at the back end of the first round. Tyler Guyton is incredibly athletic for his size and is pro-ready as a pass-blocker.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
The 49ers added a couple pass-rushing pieces in free agency, including Yetur Gross-Matos on the defensive line, but who knows if that risk pays off—plus you can never have too many quality pass rushers. Darius Robinson can align in multiple spots along the defensive line and make an impact as a pass rusher and run stopper.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
I like the idea of not only giving Patrick Mahomes another weapon but giving him a bigger-bodied weapon on the outside to complement Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice. More weapons for Mahomes is a bad thing for the rest of the NFL.
33. Carolina Panthers
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
34. New England Patriots
Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
35. Arizona Cardinals
Zach Frazier, OC, West Virginia
36. Washington Commanders
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
37. Los Angeles Chargers
Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
38. Tennessee Titans
Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
39. Carolina Panthers (via NYG)
Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
40. Washington Commanders (via CHI)
T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
41. Green Bay Packers (via NYJ)
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
42. Houston Texans (via MIN)
Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
43. Atlanta Falcons
Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
44. Las Vegas Raiders
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
45. New Orleans Saints (via DEN)
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
46. Indianapolis Colts
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
47. New York Giants (via SEA)
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
48. Jacksonville Jaguars
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
49. Cincinnati Bengals
Christian Haynes, IOL, Connecticut
50. Philadelphia Eagles (via NO)
Braden Fiske, IDL, Florida State
51. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
52. Los Angeles Rams
Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
53. Philadelphia Eagles
Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
54. Cleveland Browns
Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
55. Miami Dolphins
Cooper Beebe, IOL, Kansas State
56. Dallas Cowboys
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State
58. Green Bay Packers
Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
59. Houston Texans
Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
60. Buffalo Bills
Cole Bishop, SAF, Utah
61. Detroit Lions
Michael Hall Jr., IDL, Ohio State
62. Baltimore Ravens
Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
63. San Francisco 49ers
Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
64. Kansas City Chiefs
Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
