2024 NFL Mock Draft: Arizona Cardinals Land QB-WR Duo, Bucs Land Drake Maye

Plus, a tackle run, edge rushers fly off, and where does Brock Bowers land?

Happy Mock Draft Tuesday! With the long weekend behind us, as well as college football week one wrapped up, we now turn our focus to both days of the weekend for football. The Chiefs and Lions will kick things off Thursday night, and then a full slate of college and pro football awaits on the weekend.

Because the college season has begun, and positional rankings for the 2024 NFL Draft have been released (stay watchful on this site), it’s time to take a peek ahead to what the 2024 NFL Draft might have in store.

What will the Cardinals do with (likely) two of the top picks in the draft? Who will select quarterbacks? Do the talented edge rusher and tackle classes get poached early? There’s a lot of projection involved, and with so much to go, it may seem pointless. However, it’s good to get in the mind of where teams are at with needs and how they could shape up next offseason, as well as get familiar with top draft prospects. To the mock we go!

****Note: The order is based on current Super Bowl odds.****

1. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

This will be a tough decision for the Arizona Cardinals. Do you roll with Kyler Murray, a named captain this year? Or, does the prospect of getting Caleb Williams make things too enticing, and you look to move Murray?

Right now, it’s still 50/50. Building around Murray might be the way, but it’s Caleb Williams. A spectacular player out of structure who makes wow throws every week, Williams has everything to succeed at the next level. Taking a step up in terms of progressions/post-snap processing will even further prove he’s the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck.

2. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

After selecting Williams, the Cardinals add a bonafide WR1 in Marvin Harrison Jr. Marquise Brown hasn’t signed an extension. Maybe this regime won’t want him to do so. That leaves a hole for WR1, and Harrison Jr. fills it brilliantly. A refined technician with great separation skills, routes, and phenomenal work at the catch point, Harrison will likely make a Ja’Marr Chase-level impact as a rookie.

3. Indianapolis Colts: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

The Colts might just have the guy at quarterback in Anthony Richardson. It might take some time to iron out the mechanical issues, but playing him to get reps as a rookie is important. The protection must get better in the future, and fourth round pick Blake Freeland isn’t enough. Get a stud like Olu Fashanu, who has great functional strength and a great anchor to handle the bull rush, while also possessing quick feet and the high IQ to be dominant on day one.

4. Tennessee Titans: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

The Titans could once again go tackle and no one would bat an eye - they need it. However, building the defense with another building block at edge rusher is a move that Mike Vrabel will like, especially if it’s Jared Verse. Verse has the first-step explosiveness to threaten wins around the arc, but it’s his well-timed, well-placed hand usage (and power) at the contact point that give him multiple ways to win as a rusher.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask could result in a miserable year for the Bucs. However, it could position them well to get a franchise quarterback to kickstart the post-Brady era. Drake Maye must clean up his lower half mechanics and be better versus pressure, but his accuracy, anticipation, touch, and playmaking skills could see him be better than last year’s signal callers.

6. Los Angeles Rams: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

The Los Angeles Rams just need to get better everywhere. Honestly, it was probably best for them that Carolina said no to a large offer for Brian Burns. The Rams need those first-round picks. Getting a steady presence like Joe Alt, who has the quicks and technique to win in both phases could create a great duo on the left side with Steve Avila for years to come.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Riley Leonard, QB, Duke

It wasn’t the greatest start Riley Leonard could have wanted at Duke, but it was extremely far from bad. The Raiders might like rolling out Jimmy Garoppolo this season, but the long-term plans should include a young QB. Leonard has the pocket presence, poise, anticipatory skill versus zone, and his own ability on the move to succeed in the NFL. He might be the riser this year, and is already moving up boards.

8. Chicago Bears (via CAR): Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

The Chicago Bears reloaded the cupboard in the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting a ton of high profile high school recruits at important positions. The one area they still lack young talent is edge rushers. Chop Robinson is a disruptor on the edge. His explosiveness creates an early advantage, and when he lands a good strike at contact, he’s hard to stop. His game against Auburn last season shows what the ceiling is.

9. Washington Commanders: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Speaking of ceiling, the Washington Commanders are banking on that with Sam Howell. The one area that they seem solid, but lack top talent, is the offensive line. If Howell hits, more up front is needed. Amarius Mims is the true leap candidate along the offensive line from 2024 NFL Draft summer scouting. He has all the physical tools, from the quicks, agility, strength, and balance. His size and length is elite as well. When it comes to working against the bull rush, setting vertically, displacing defenders in the run game, and working in space, Mims has consistency there. If he improves his hand technique, look out.

10. Atlanta Falcons: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The Atlanta Falcons are banking on a young QB as well in Desmond Ridder. If it doesn’t work, it’s back to the drawing board in the 2024 NFL Draft. J.J. McCarthy manages things well at QB, from making strong decisions to having complete command of the offense. His accuracy flashes on the run and on the deep ball, and an Arthur Smith offense would be perfect to hone his consistency and find the ceiling.

11. Green Bay Packers: Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan

Perhaps the first surprise of the mock draft, the Packers might be in the market at QB. It’s possible. Let’s look elsewhere in this mock. The defensive tackle position in Green Bay has pass rushers, but lacks three-down studs. Kris Jenkins could be that, especially after packing on 10-15 pounds in the offseason. His explosive burst displays his disruptive nature. He can be gap sound in the run game, and has the strength to stack and shed. Jenkins could be the guy the Packers have looked for to be the stalwart in the middle.

12. New England Patriots: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

The New England Patriots have tried to put a band-aid on the offense at the skill positions, and things haven’t worked out at tight end and wide receiver. Brock Bowers would be the perfect versatile threat in the offense to help out Mac Jones. His speed is still underrated, and he can be effective out wide, in the slot, and helping out inline in two-TE sets.

13. Minnesota Vikings: Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois

It could be a long year for the Vikings on defense, even with Brian Flores entering the building. The personnel just won’t be there to take a giant leap. Jer’Zhan Newton will help things out in 2024 with his ability to consistently disrupt from the interior.

14. Chicago Bears: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

The Chicago Bears have put a significant amount of effort into getting better at receiver. D.J. Moore should be the number one by a wide margin. The question is, after that, what do they have? An injured Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool on an expiring contract don’t inspire confidence. Keon Coleman is a strong foil to Moore. Is this too much of a reaction to Sunday’s performance? No, considering that (believe it or not) Coleman currently sits fifth in my WR rankings for the 2024 NFL Draft. Coleman dominates the catch point and is surprisingly slippery after the catch.

15. Denver Broncos: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

The Denver Broncos are one of the more fascinating teams to watch this fall. Will Sean Payton be the difference to get Russell Wilson back on track? Will the overspend at offensive line pay off? Many questions will be answered. Looking to 2024, Patrick Surtain II could use a running mate. Kool-Aid McKinstry is great value here at 15 and his fluidity and production would be welcomed in the secondary.

16. Houston Texans (via CLE): Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The Houston Texans have two strong tackles and a very good running back to support rookie QB C.J. Stroud. The WR room? Not so much. It needs an upgrade, and it will likely get one in the 2024 NFL Draft. Why not draft Emeka Egbuka, who has some familiarity with Stroud. Egbuka can be a big-play threat and is a smooth mover with route-running upside.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

The Pittsburgh Steelers look ready to contend for the postseason. A lot will depend on the offensive line truly taking the step, along with Kenny Pickett in year two. Still, the roster looks pretty strong. The one weakness is in the secondary, and Cooper DeJean could help that out, whether it be at corner, in the slot, or at safety.

18. New York Giants: Kamren Kinchens, SAF, Miami

The New York Giants got help for Daniel Jones in the offseason, landing Darren Waller and Jalin Hyatt. The secondary is solid in the big apple, especially after landing Deonte Banks. Still, safety is a long-term question. Kamren Kinchens brings limitless range and ball skills at the safety position, and will convert on turnover opportunities from the back end.

19. New Orleans Saints: J.C. Latham, OL, Alabama

The New Orleans Saints love getting trenches early, and could cut their losses with the Trevor Penning selection, along with James Hurts set to hit free agency in 2024. J.C. Latham is moving over to left tackle for Alabama in 2023, but has the versatility to fill in anywhere when needed.

20. Seattle Seahawks: Leonard Taylor III, DL, Miami

The Seattle Seahawks have really reloaded the roster after the Russell Wilson trade, and they get more help for the defensive line here in Leonard Taylor. Taylor was one of the best interior rushers in 2022, and another strong year could see him selected in the top 20.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

There are questions about both Josh Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson sticking around past this season in Jacksonville. While Travon Walker develops as a rusher, he needs a running mate on the edge, and the Jaguars need upgrades on defense as a whole. Dallas Turner brings the burst, agility, and explosiveness to be the lightning to the thunder that is Walker.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

The Chargers defense has its moments under Brandon Staley, but there have to be concerns about the aging (and oft-injured) edge rushers in tow. Laiatu Latu has injury concerns as well, but his technical approach as a pass rusher would be strong value for the Chargers here.

23. Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, OT, Duke

The Dolphins look good on paper. AFC title threatening good. Their undoing, if they fail to meet expectations, will be the offensive line. It must get better there. Graham Barton has the quicks to mirror in pass pro, and has the versatility to kick into center (played there in 2020) if needed.

24. Detroit Lions: Kalen King, CB, Penn State

The Detroit Lions draft could end up a very good one after all the scrutiny it received. The one real criticism of the draft was the lack of investment at outside corner when the room is shallow, especially beyond this season. Kalen King brings competitive toughness to the corner position, and he’d be a great fit on the boundary.

25. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

The Baltimore Ravens will land value somehow in the first round, it’s what they do. Nate Wiggins is currently trending towards the first round, and the Ravens have questions and a potential big need at corner this offseason. Wiggins has impressive speed and a nose for the ball, often getting his head around at the right time and elevating to challenge the catch point.

26. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Nubin, SAF, Minnesota

Safety is one of the clear needs for the Packers right now, and Tyler Nubin has a chance to contend for SAF1 in the 2024 NFL Draft class. Nubin has the zone awareness, eyes to read the quarterback, quicks to close, and ball skills to create turnovers. He’d be a perfect fit in Green Bay.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia

The Dallas Cowboys are pretty strong across the board, but there are some potential departures after 2023 on the offensive line that will need to be addressed. Sedrick Van Pran could take over for Tyler Biadasz. Van Pran’s physical demeanor and football IQ would make for a seamless transition in Dallas to keep a strong offensive line together.

28. Buffalo Bills: Maason Smith, DL, LSU

The Buffalo Bills did address the offensive line in the draft, but both units in the trenches seem overwhelmingly average, especially with Von Miller out of the equation. Maason Smith must work on consistency this season, but his pass rush upside could be the jolt the Bills need on the defensive line.

29. San Francisco 49ers: Zak Zinter, G, Michigan

The San Francisco 49ers have long stood on going cheap at offensive line and letting players walk. Well, now it’s time to reload the cupboard. Zak Zinter would be a great presence along the offensive line, possessing enough quicks for zone blocking and the functional strength to dominate in a phone booth.

30. Cincinnati Bengals: Nazir Stackhouse, DL, Georgia

The Bengals have a lot of extensions on their plate right now. Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins likely take priority, but DJ Reader leaving in free agency would be a big blow. Nazir Stackhouse was, like his predecessors, buried on a loaded depth chart. When Stackhouse played, he was a force. He generated 13 pressures last season, but more important, he was dominant against the run, which is was the Bengals ask of their defensive tackles.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The Philadelphia Eagles are loaded and don’t need much. So, we’ll give them Malik Nabers to form a fearsome trio at wide receiver. Good luck to whoever is playing slot corner on Sundays.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

The Kansas City Chiefs could end up moving Chris Jones if both sides don’t agree, and that leaves a big hole on the defensive line. While not the same position, JT Tuimoloau could join Georgia Karlaftis on the edge to form a power rush duo that could wreak havoc.