2024 NFL Mock Draft: Arizona Cardinals Trade No. 1 Pick, Bears Trade No. 2 Pick
Let's get wild with this 2024 NFL Mock Draft as the calendar turns to November!
Nine weeks are nearly down in the NFL regular season, and the playoff pictures are forming. On the AFC side of things, every single AFC North team is currently in the postseason (if the Jets win on MNF, that changes), and the Bills are on the outside looking in with a tough schedule remaining. Every game matters in the AFC race, and Chargers/Jets will be important. On the NFC side, the Eagles are running away as the top seed again, and there will be intrigue for those 6 and 7 slots.
The top of the 2024 NFL Draft order is also forming, with the Cardinals sitting with the top pick. The Bears will likely have two top-five selections, and the Giants and Patriots are trending down as well.
Because it’s midseason, we aren’t going to completely chalk this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Things are going to look different in the late winter and early spring. So let’s do that, starting with a couple trades at the top! Off we go!
1. New York Giants (via ARI): Drake Maye, QB, UNC
The New York Football Giants make the first move in the 2024 NFL Draft. Daniel Jones likely has a torn ACL, and he has a pretty clean out after 2024. Clearly the current plan in place was a flash in the pan last year, so now a look to the future at QB begins.
Drake Maye has impressive arm talent, can layer throws with accuracy and touch, and looks so clean in his post-snap approach. Some teams will have Maye higher, and the Giants go that way here.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via CAR thru CHI): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Tampa Bay is next! After a strong start, they are trending in the wrong direction, losing four in a row. The good news is that the roster has some strong pieces. If they bring back Mike Evans, the WR core looks fine. Trey Palmer is developing well, as is Cade Otton at tight end.
So get the QB. Caleb Williams has immense creation capabilities as a quarterback, making ridiculous throws on the move and out of structure look common week in and week out. He must improve his in-structure playmaking, but a strong offensive coordinator can reign him in and improve that in-structure ceiling.
3. Chicago Bears: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Chicago still holds onto their pick at three in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. It’s a tough call between wide receiver and tackle, but if the Bears believe in Braxton Jones, they go all in for Justin Fields and get Marvin Harrison Jr.
Harrison is a tremendous separator, with all the tools in his release, no matter how basic or advanced. He’s got efficient route breaks, gains leverage well at the top of routes, and is advanced in the air and at the catch point with body control. Him and D.J. Moore would be an excellent duo.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The conundrum starts here for the Arizona Cardinals. D.J. Humphries is locked in for a couple seasons, but making sure both tackle spots are exceptional for Kyler Murray’s return. Olu Fashanu is a great pass protector with exceptional grip strength and anchoring skills. If you keep Humphries, maybe Johnson slides into guard for a year or two to really fortify things up front. With offensive line play struggling and depth a problem, a stacked cupboard along the line is a great thing.
5. New England Patriots: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The New England Patriots are hard to figure out. They love offensive line, but they find value late all the time. They’re probably in the QB market, but it didn’t work out here. Instead, they grab Brock Bowers to be an elite receiving weapon at tight end. He can eat over the middle of the field for whoever plays QB next year, even if it’s Mac Jones.
6. Los Angeles Rams: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Los Angeles Rams could easily play their way out of this slot, especially with how good Matthew Stafford has played this year. For now, they’re here, and they take advantage, selecting Joe Alt. Alt’s quicks and leverage at contact is impressive at 6’8”, and he’s great in pass pro and has the quicks and power for the run game. Alt and Steve Avila on the left side would be awesome.
7. Green Bay Packers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Let’s get wild. Green Bay doesn’t do this, they just don’t. Jer’Zhan Newton could easily be the guy right here. However, Christian Watson hasn’t become the “X”, and he might never. The rest of the receiver room is great depth, but there isn’t a true alpha.
Malik Nabers can be that alpha. He has the size that Brian Gutekunst likes and will test exceptionally well. Nabers is a well-developed route runner, can win the catch point, and has the acceleration to win deep and after the catch. He’s been dominant all season long, and might have the highest ceiling in the WR class.
8. Chicago Bears (via TB): Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Chicago has options with this eighth selection, from receiver to the defensive line. To get a pairing with newly-extended Montez Sweat, the Bears go Jared Verse here. Verse isn’t having the season he had in 2022, but he still has 31 pressures and five sacks this season and is as powerful and quick as a pass rusher with great hand usage.
9. Denver Broncos: Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
The Denver Broncos could get an offensive tackle here, and they also might be in the QB sweepstakes this offseason. Here though, it’s grabbing a guy who can help attack as a pass rusher from the interior. Jer’Zhan Newton is a phenomenal interior pass rusher with the explosiveness, first step, and hand usage to quickly create pressure and wreak havoc in the backfield.
10. Tennessee Titans: J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama
It must be boring to go back to the offensive line well in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, but the Titans might have something in Will Levis. It’s worth exploring into 2024. To give him the best chance, lock down a tackle spot with J.C. Latham. He’s a brick wall in pass pro with an impressive kick slide for his size.
11. Los Angeles Chargers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Who knows what could happen if the Chargers end up missing the postseason? Brandon Staley likely departs if they pick 11th, and then all bets are off with a top-12 pick. Kool-Aid McKinstry would instantly boost the secondary with his physicality, length, change-of-direction skills, and his productivity at the catch point.
12. Atlanta Falcons: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Is there a better fit in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft? There might not be. Desmond Ridder truthers won’t like it, but this offense still needs the right engine. J.J. McCarthy has become the engine for the 2023 Wolverines. His decision making is good, he’s dominating in the intermediate window, and his arm talent will make him a first-round pick. He has a lot to work with in Atlanta to elevate the offense.
13. Washington Commanders: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
The Washington Commanders lost both Chase Young and Sweat at the trade deadline, and if they don't like what’s there at tackle, edge might be the move. They usually like bigger edge rushers (260+), but Chop Robinson could be the exception. His explosiveness, power, and fiery demeanor could fit in so well with the Commanders defense.
14. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
It was an impressive win for the Raiders on Sunday against the Giants. Even if Antonio Pierce becomes the long-term head coach, I don’t imagine that Aidan O’Connell is in the long-term plans (Jimmy G wouldn’t be either). They’ll be in the QB market. Shedeur Sanders is an impressive processor in the pocket, and throws an accurate ball to all levels for the field. Build up the offensive line around him, and he’ll be able to elevate the pass catchers and feed Davante Adams.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The Indianapolis Colts are still fighting with Gardner Minshew, which is great to see. The defense has young talent that can improve. On offense, they have a question mark in the form of a Michael Pittman Jr. extension. Instead of extending him, they can go cheaper in Rome Odunze. The 6’3” wide receiver is explosive, reliable, and has a tremendously high floor as a route-running, separation merchant “X”. Odunze, Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs is a very complementary receiver room.
16. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
After grabbing a tackle, the Cardinals take a swing at receiver to help Murray in the passing game. Will Marquise Brown be extended? He might be tied to Murray in terms of front office decision making. Either way, Keon Coleman is expanding his skill set at Florida State, showing he can operate in all three phases.
17. Buffalo Bills: Cooper DeJean, DB/Queen on the Chessboard, Iowa
Yes, it’s time to start going rogue a bit. The Bills are struggling to find a WR2, even as Dalton Kincaid takes over as the short area/middle of the field merchant. However, the secondary is dealing with injuries, a struggling first-round pick in Kaiir Elam, and a potential departure in Micah Hyde. Here, why not add a versatile defensive back with the top receivers off the board? Cooper DeJean can play outside corner long-term once Rasul Douglas’ contract expires, but he can hang at safety and play in the box as well.
18. New York Jets: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
We’re going rogue here for sure. The Jets need offensive line help. With Aaron Rodgers likely returning next season, the plan might as well be to grab great pass protecting tackles. Patrick Paul is one of them. His size and length present a problem for rushers, and he looks more fluid as a mover right now. Look out for the rise.
19. New Orleans Saints: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The New Orleans Saints could go the quarterback route, but they’re still firmly in the playoff hunt. Instead, they go back to the defensive well and get a true CB2 opposite Marshon Lattimore. Nate Wiggins is uber-fluid in coverage with loose hips and recovery athleticism.
20. Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Minnesota Vikings could go quarterback here, there’s no doubt. Michael Penix has been a popular selection, and it makes sense even with a potential Kirk Cousins return. However, Dallas Turner is an immense value pick here. He’s been expanding his pass rush repertoire this season, still is successful converting speed to power, and has the production to boot (38 pressures, 8 sacks).
21. Dallas Cowboys: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
The Dallas Cowboys could easily go right back to the offensive line well in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, speed matters in the league. Dallas is still looking for their WR2, and Xavier Worthy could be it. His speed will be helpful in hitting deep shots, and his route running chops will give him a chance to be a great separator as well.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Nubin, SAF, Minnesota
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a secondary issue right now, even with Joey Porter Jr. playing well. A safety opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick would be helpful, and Tyler Nubin would fit really well. He’s great tackling in the box, and has the quick processing skills to decipher route concepts and read the quarterback’s eyes. He closes well and creates turnovers, something that the Steelers do well, but Nubin brings reliability as well.
23. Houston Texans (via CLE): Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Houston Texans could help out C.J. Stroud further, but they take the value route as well here. Laiatu Latu has injury questions that could get flagged at the combine, but his ability as a pass rusher would be welcomed. He has a whopping 112 pressures and 24 sacks the past two seasons, and his hand usage, plan of attack, and finishing skills would form a fearsome duo with Will Anderson.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Cincinnati Bengals will likely lose Jonah Williams in free agency, and they must protect Joe Burrow, something that has been patchwork for a couple seasons now. Taliese Fuaga is the riser right now at tackle, with a skill set built for zone or gap runs, and the quick feet and hands for pass protection.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
The Seahawks are clearly building a potential juggernaut for the postseason after adding Leonard Williams, but they sputtered hard against Baltimore. Improving the run defense would help defensively, and Kris Jenkins is the guy for that. His ability to anchor and leverage in a single gap is excellent, and he has the power to shed blocks effectively.
26. San Francisco 49ers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The 49ers have figured out how to make things work with Trent Williams and day three picks at offensive line. No more. Get the heir apparent for Williams, or at least his bookend buddy. Amarius Mims has elite size and is brimming with potential.
27. Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
In their three losses against good teams, the Miami Dolphins look outclassed in the trenches, particularly the offensive line. The great news is that Graham Barton has experience at tackle, but might have the skill set to move inside to play guard or center with his lack of length.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
The Jacksonville Jaguars probably will extend Josh Allen, lessening the need on the edge. Corner is a different story. Even if he hasn’t played up to snuff with last year’s production, Kalen King is well worth a swing at the end of round one.
29. Detroit Lions: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
The Detroit Lions look like a force for years to come in the NFC. However, their doom this season might end up being outside corner. T.J. Tampa brings impressive size, physicality, and a mentality that fits Dan Campbell and the defense.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
The Baltimore Ravens are rolling right now, thanks to excellence on both sides of the ball. If they want to be a consistent juggernaut on defense, they need more production on the edge. Bralen Trice has that production (70 pressures, nine sacks in ‘22, 49 pressures, four sacks in ‘23) and should be a force on all three downs.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Kansas City Chiefs are having wide receiver woes. Rashee Rice is dominating zone coverage, but has to work on drops. The others are struggling mightily. Emeka Egbuka could fix things in an instant for the offense. He’s overshadowed by Harrison, but Egbuka is a strong route runner who can glide through space.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Josh Newton, CB, TCU
The Eagles could literally do anything here and it makes sense. If they want a third receiver, go for it. Build out the trenches more? Sure. Leonard Taylor III fell out of round one in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, and his pass rush skill set would be welcome. Instead, we’ll inject some youth at corner and grab Josh Newton.
Teams Without First-Round Picks
34. Carolina Panthers: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
The Carolina Panthers must get better on the offensive side of the ball to help Bryce Young. That doesn’t completely excuse Young’s play, but his top receiver is an aging veteran. Adonai Mitchell has so much route-break transition fluidity for a 6’4” wide receiver, and he has the ball skills to boot.
55. Cleveland Browns: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
The Cleveland Browns jump at the chance to continue attacking along the defensive line, selecting redshirt sophomore Dontay Corleone, who has been a menace for Cincinnati against AAC and Big 12 competition the last two seasons.