2024 NFL Mock Draft: Giants Make Blockbuster Move To No. 1, Heisman Jayden Daniels Enters Top 10
The Packers Take An Interesting Route, And The Bears Build Around Fields
We are inching ever so close to NFL Draft season, at least for those who aren’t sickos like me (those of us believe it’s always draft season). Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl announcements are in full swing, as are draft declarations. Penn State’s Chop Robinson was among the first underclassmen to declare his intentions.
The quarterback class is forming, but as we know, when it comes to other positions, the draft process will provide us with risers and fallers. Jayden Daniels is the newest Heisman trophy winner. The college football playoff will give us exciting matchups to watch.
The draft order is forming as well. We’re seeing what teams will likely be interested in quarterback, and others that will look to pivot off early picks. There’s just one trade in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, but it’s a big one. Without further ado, let’s roll!
1. New York Giants (via CAR thru CHI): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Giants get pick 1, Bears get two 1s and two 2s (the 2024 second comes from the Leonard Williams trade)
The number one pick in the 2024 NFL Draft will be heavily coveted, and the Giants are the team to move up here. Daniel Jones is under contract, but there’s an out in a year. If Brian Daboll wants to stick around, the rookie quarterback clock can give him and Joe Schoen more time to get things right. Caleb Williams can jump start the reload, giving the Giants a masterful off-script creator with impressive accuracy within structure, down the field, and on the move. He must improve within structure, but the upside is still insane.
2. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The New England Patriots are getting a new quarterback, Bill Belichick or not. Mac Jones didn’t work. Bailey Zappe is a fun backup. The Patriots will likely need to go mostly (if not all) offense in the 2024 draft, and it starts with Drake Maye. Maye’s accuracy, touch, and post-snap processing skill set is great, and his upside as a creator gives him that high ceiling.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Arizona Cardinals need a lot of things, and even if Marquise Brown returns, a WR1 is one of those. Marvin Harrison Jr. is advanced in his stem and route technique, can be complex and simple with his release, thrives at the catch point with insane body control, and can generate explosive plays. Harrison and Trey McBride are an excellent duo to help Kyler Murray in the passing game.
4. Washington Commanders: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Washington Commanders might still roll with Sam Howell, and if so, the offensive line needs some work. Olu Fashanu is a young tackle prospect with excellent technical skills in pass protection. He’s building up play strength to better handle bull rushes and displace defenders in the run game, but the foundational skills of balance, agility, quicks, and strength in pass pro is exceptional.
5. Chicago Bears (via NYG): Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Chicago Bears choose to build around Justin Fields in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, landing a receiver to pair with D.J. Moore in Malik Nabers. Nabers actually has a higher ceiling than Harrison, with elite acceleration and explosiveness to generate big plays down the field and after the catch. He wins above the rim as well and has a good feel for space working against zone coverage.
6. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Tennessee Titans have options here in the top six. They could continue a run at receiver or grab Brock Bowers, but they need a clean evaluation of Will Levis, which means yet another trip to the offensive line well. Joe Alt’s impressive balance, functional quicks, technique, and extension in pass pro makes it look easy for him, and he has the athleticism and power to excel as a run blocker too.
7. Chicago Bears: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
The Chicago Bears are back up quickly, and this time they turn to the defensive side of the ball. The Matt Eberflus defense is getting better, but they could use another edge rusher to pair with Montez Sweat. The Bears might want to go bigger at the position, but Dallas Turner has a budding repertoire as a pass rusher, and already possesses the explosiveness and flexibility to turn the corner. His length and play strength is showing up in improvements against the run too.
8. Las Vegas Raiders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Aidan O’Connell isn’t the answer. Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t either. It’s time for the reset. Jayden Daniels has shown improvement every year as a starter, culminating in a 50-touchdown Heisman season. His processing is getting better, he throws a great deep ball, and has the athleticism and explosiveness to be a force multiplier in the run game.
9. New York Jets: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
With the top two tackles off the board, the Jets pivot to the skill positions in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. The wide receiver position in New York, behind Garrett Wilson, featured healthy scratch Allen Lazard, and aging Randall Cobb, and Xavier Gipson taking meaningful snaps. Rome Odunze is a height/weight/speed threat with impressive catch instincts and catch point prowess who has every route on the tree.
10. Los Angeles Chargers: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Chargers will likely have a new coach in 2024, and it’ll be interesting to see how the philosophy changes. Justin Herbert has an adequate room of receivers, but the struggles of Quentin Johnston will likely continue as he develops. Brock Bowers gives Herbert a great threat over the middle of the field with reliable hands, advanced catch-point separation skills, and the burst and acceleration to create big plays with the ball in his hands.
11. Atlanta Falcons: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The Falcons still have the inside track to winning the division, but as of this moment, they don’t hold the lead. If this is how the season ends (a top 12 pick), quarterback has to be considered, such as a move up for Daniels. Instead, Arthur Smith gets a passer with gobs of experience under center in J.J. McCarthy, who has growing confidence, precision, and arm talent as a passer.
12. New Orleans Saints: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The Saints 1) sitting in the division race and 2) scoring more points than last year per game on offense are quite surprising. They should be in on the quarterbacks. With four off the board, they turn their attention to corner, where Nate Wiggins has the impressive fluidity to transition in coverage and stay attached well while on an island.
13. Seattle Seahawks: Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
The Seattle Seahawks have a decision to make regarding Leonard Williams this offseason, and Dre’Mont Jones hasn’t quite played up to expectations. Jer’Zhan Newton could ignite the Seahawks’ interior pass rush. Newton has incredible first-step explosiveness, combined with excellent flexibility and well-timed hand usage to generate pressure on a consistent basis.
14. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Rams have gotten a lot from their 2023 draft class, from Puka Nacua to Steve Avila, Byron Young and Kobie Turner. They could continue to build out the front four by adding a premier pass rusher in Jared Verse. Verse times up effective hand usage well in the contact phase and has a devastating speed to power rush.
15. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
The Arizona Cardinals are back up in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, and it’s really about best available for them. Chop Robinson and B.J. Ojulari would be an excellent duo off the edge to create pressure and wreak havoc.
16. Denver Broncos: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Denver Broncos could look at wide receiver here, or perhaps right tackle to fix the mistake they made in free agency. However, Terrion Arnold is shooting up media boards for a reason: he had a great 2023 season. His ability to hang in man coverage along with his well-timed aggressiveness will make teams fear throwing on the Broncos.
17. Buffalo Bills: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Perhaps the first surprise of the mock draft, there’s a new WR4 in town. Xavier Legette could have a D.K. Metcalf-esque draft process. When the media sees his speed and explosiveness at the combine, he’ll appear higher in mock drafts. Legette defeats man coverage well and would be a dangerous pairing with Stefon Diggs.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama
The Cincinnati Bengals have to continue to work at protecting Joe Burrow and getting the offensive line to the point where they’re considered one of the best in the league. J.C. Latham can step in quickly at right tackle. His impressive kick slide and fleet feet in pass pro will be lauded, but he can also be effective in zone blocking for Cincinnati.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
We could be watching the final 1,000-yard season for Mike Evans in a Bucs uniform, which is very strange. Tampa Bay could potentially have a replacement in Keon Coleman here, who is expanding his skill set to be a three-phase threat. It just needs to be more consistent. Coleman, Chris Godwin, and Trey Palmer could be a good trio for whoever plays quarterback next year.
20. Green Bay Packers: Kamren Kinchens, SAF, Miami
The Green Bay Packers are a strange team to mock draft for all of a sudden. The roster is rounding into form, and with no true value at left tackle, it’s back to defense. Kamren Kinchens had a down 2023 compared to 2022, but the Packers capitalized on that last year with many prospects, including Jayden Reed. Kinchens has rare range for a safety, and the frame to operate in the box as well.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
The Indianapolis Colts could afford to get better at right tackle, but they often find gems in the middle rounds. Instead, Cooper DeJean’s athleticism will be enticing to Chris Ballard, and he gives the Colts an opportunity to trot out a “best five” in the secondary with DeJean playing a number of roles.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Minnesota Vikings are playing better on defense under Brian Flores, but if it’s to continue year-over-year, they have to start hitting on picks in early rounds on defense. Laiatu Latu carries a bit of injury risk, but he’s the best pass rusher in the class. His plan of attack and expanding rush toolbox would be a welcome add.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Pittsburgh Steelers improved the offensive line last offseason, but the project is not yet finished. Pairing Broderick Jones with Taliese Fuaga, a big right tackle with impressive linear explosiveness, quicks, and finishing power, Pittsburgh could quickly turn what was a 2022 weakness into a 2024 powerhouse.
24. Houston Texans (via CLE): Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Houston Texans have options in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Since he’s fallen to this point, why not pair up Derek Stingley Jr. with Kool-Aid McKinstry? McKinstry has the length and physicality to challenge receivers in press-man, combined with the fluidity to transition vertically and horizontally. He challenges the catch point as well as anyone.
25. Kansas City Chiefs: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Chiefs will be spamming wide receiver in mock drafts for the next four months, and that’s understandable. Their room is horrendous. Emeka Egbuka didn’t have the season he had in 2022 due to injuries, but he’s a smooth operator with reliable hands.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
The Jacksonville Jaguars could go a number of directions here, but why not continue to build out the offensive line? Troy Fautanu has tackle experience, but his best position might be at guard. He’s an excellent pass protector with great balance, hip sink, and active hands, but he can pull and be effective as a run blocker with more development.
27. Detroit Lions: Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas
Get familiar with Byron Murphy II now before he jumps on the scene to become a consensus top three defensive tackle. Murphy’s ability to bull rush with explosiveness to power, dominate at contact with great rush moves, and hold his own against the run is a skill set the Lions are looking for on the interior of their defensive line.
28. Philadelphia Eagles: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
The Philadelphia Eagles could look at corner here or make their routine trip to add more to the trenches, but they’ve been looking for a third receiver. Xavier Worthy’s speed is insane. He becomes a deep threat for the offense immediately. Worthy also has impressive route break efficiency and a great separation skill set as a route runner.
29. Dallas Cowboys: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
The Dallas Cowboys continue to flaunt an impressive defense without Trevon Diggs, but the linebacker position is one that could use some help. Edgerrin Cooper had a dominant 2023 season that earned him All-American honors, and he’s going to be coveted as a coverage linebacker.
30. Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The Miami Dolphins must get better along the offensive line, even with the (surprising) improving play of Austin Jackson that earned him an extension. They could lose Connor Williams. Terron Armstead is getting older. Graham Barton has experience at tackle, but could move inside due to arm length concerns. He’d be an effective guard and maybe a better center.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The San Francisco 49ers are loaded in a lot of spots, but offensive line is one area that can get better. Amarius Mims is brimming with potential due to his size and movement skills. He’s improving as a pass protector and can be a force in Shanahan’s run scheme.
32. Baltimore Ravens: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
The Baltimore Ravens will find value. They always do. T.J. Tampa should be another player who ascends in the media during the draft process. He’s got elite size for the corner position and should flourish in Baltimore’s scheme.
Non-First Round Selections:
33. Carolina Panthers: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
Yes, the Panthers need receiver help, but they can take care of that in free agency. Ikem Ekwonu’s play right now is concerning. Patrick Paul has the pedigree of an elite pass protector at tackle. He should help fix the offensive line woes, and a deep receiver class should give the Panthers opportunities in the middle rounds.
56. Cleveland Browns: Leonard Taylor III, DL, Miami
The Browns’ defensive tackle room could get very thin in free agency. Leonard Taylor’s potential is through the roof as a pass rusher, and he has time to develop.
Five Players I Wanted To Put In The First Round
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington - Penix is such a fun quarterback that might not be a first round pick because of the injury concerns. Still, he’s an assassin with accuracy and touch to all levels and could easily end up better than QBs who are likely first-round picks.
T’Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas - At 6’4” and 362 pounds, T’Vondre Sweat will be a nose tackle/1-tech teams will want to have on early downs as a run defender. Sweat has proven that he can get after the quarterback as well, and he could dominate down in Mobile.
Tyler Nubin, SAF, Minnesota - It was difficult to target Tyler Nubin in coverage (41.3 passer rating allowed in coverage, per PFF), and he has a well-rounded skill set that could easily get himself picked in round one.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo - Two years of elite play at Toledo should have Quinyon Mitchell soaring in media circles very soon. He can back up his play with a strong week in Mobile.
Patrick Paul, OT, Houston - He was picked just outside round on in this mock draft, but Patrick Paul’s ability as an elite pass-protecting left tackle isn’t something the class has minus Fashanu and Alt (Latham has played RG and RT, Fuaga RT, Mims RT, Barton/Fautanu project inside). The others in round one could end up playing there, but Paul already has that experience to step in and contribute.