The 2024 NFL offseason is underway with the Senior Bowl representing the first critical step in the pre-draft process. With some of the top prospects rising and falling, it’s time for a new 2024 NFL mock draft featuring a few trades.
While quarterback prospects like Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix did themselves no favors in practices this week, many other top 2024 NFL Draft prospects strengthened their stock. There will be plenty of rumors before the NFL Combine, leading to more movement in future NFL mock drafts.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft order, picks by team
With the Senior Bowl behind us, let’s dive into our latest 2024 NFL mock draft.
2024 NFL mock draft: Commanders, Chicago Bears swap top picks
1. Washington Commanders*: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
- TRADE: Washington Commanders trade 2nd overall pick, 2025 first-round pick to Chicago Bears for the 1st overall pick
There’s still no telling which of the top quarterback prospects the Chicago Bears prefer, but the Washington Commanders need a win this offseason. Following the Ben Johnson saga, Commanders’ ownership needs something to bring excitement back to the city and bringing Caleb Williams home accomplishes that. Dan Quinn will improve the Commanders’ defense and Washington can use its cap space to add more talent on that side of the ball. Williams is the ceiling-raiser for this offense, lifting up Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotso. Plus, he’d help draw fans to FedEx Field and giving up a 2025 first-round pick to secure him isn’t cost-prohibitive.
Related: Caleb Williams scouting report
2. Chicago Bears*: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
This would be an ideal scenario in the 2024 NFL Draft for the Chicago Bears. Not only would it secure general manager Ryan Poles with two first-round picks in consecutive years, but he still gets a franchise-caliber quarterback with five years of contractual control. Plus, he can then flip Justin Fields for a second-round pick. Drake Maye has drawn NFL comps to Justin Herbert and when you look at his combination of arm strength and athleticism, it makes sense. He’ll fit nicely in Shane Waldron’s offense and further unlock DJ Moore.
Related: Chicago Bears’ QB decision potentially revealed
3. Atlanta Falcons*: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
- TRADE: Atlanta Falcons trade 8th, 43rd and 109th overall picks and a 2025 1st to the New England Patriots for 3rd overall, 139th overall and 182nd picks
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Smith is desperate to solve his quarterback problem. As the Carolina Panthers demonstrated last year, that often leads to aggressive moves to address the problem. With the New England Patriots seemingly open to moving down in order to be in a better spot for an offensive tackle, Atlanta jumps up and adds Jayden Daniels to pair with Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson. While Atlanta’s offensive coordinator Zac Robinson would need to do plenty of work with Daniels as a passer, the Heisman Trophy winner’s dual-threat ability makes him an electrifying fit in this system.
Related: Grading NFL coaching hires 2024
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State
While some consideration is given to an offensive tackle here, the firm belief is that quarterback Kyler Murray needs a No. 1 receiver. Marvin Harrison Jr. isn’t just the best offensive weapon in the 2024 NFL Draft, he boasts the skills to be a Pro Bowl receiver as a rookie. With the depth in this year’s draft class, Arizona can address its offensive line later in Round 1 and then focus on defense in Day 2.
Related: Best NFL dynasties
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Los Angeles Chargers could go in several directions with the fifth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Wide receiver feels unlikely given Harbaugh’s preference for physical, run-heavy offenses. It leaves tight end Brock Bowers or offensive tackle Joe Alt as the choices. The stylistic comparisons to George Kittle highlight the type of play Bowers can be in the Chargers’ offense. An impact tight end who gets physical as a blocker and can make some explosive plays past the line of scrimmage fits what Harbaugh likely wants to run to support Justin Herbert.
Related: Revisiting NFL Draft classes for Jim Harbaugh, Joe Hortiz; Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator candidates
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The New York Giants are running it back with Daniel Jones in 2024. With a general manager, head coach and quarterback seemingly all on the hot seat next season, New York needs to put Jones and Daboll in the best position to be evaluated. Malik Nabers can immediately be a No. 1 wide receiver, providing the kind of pass-catching help that Jones has never had in his NFL career.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
After hiring offensive line coach Bill Calahan, the Tennessee Titans stand out as the perfect team to take the first offensive tackle off the board. While Notre Dame’s Joe Alt might not have Olu Fashanu’s upside, he is an NFL-ready starter who would immediately solve Tennessee’s issues at left tackle. Under Callahan’s tutelage, Alt and left guard Peter Skoronski could develop into one of the best offensive line tandems in the AFC. That’s critical for long-term success and for fairly evaluating Will Levis in 2024.
Related: Highest-paid NFL players
8. New England Patriots*: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The signs are already pointing to who is running the show in the new England Patriots and those clues point us in a direction for how things may play out in the 2024 NFL Draft. Many in Foxborough might want the franchise quarterback, but the Patriots roster doesn’t have the talent to support a young quarterback. By trading down, New England lands Olu Fashanu’s All-Pro upside and plugs a massive hole at left tackle. Plus, the Patriots’ draft capital will allow them to potentially move up for a quarterback later in Round 1.
Related: Recently-hired New England Patriots coaches may point toward draft plans
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odune, WR, Washington
After kicking off our 2024 NFL mock draft with the Chicago Bears trading down to the No. 2 overall pick, they now add an outstanding offensive weapon to help support Drake Maye. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah rates Rome Odunze on the same level as Marvin Harrison Jr. and when Matt Harmon, the creator of Reception Perception backs that up, you know Odunze is a special player. An offense with Maye, Moore, Odunze and Cole Kmet could be one of the best in the NFC for years to come.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft rumors
10. New York Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The New York Jets could easily double-up on offensive tackles this offseason, taking one with their top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and potentially adding David Bakhtiari if he becomes available in NFL free agency. Whether Bakhtiari reunites with Rodgers or not, Taliee Fuaga solves one of the biggest problems on the Jets’ roster. Plus, protecting Rodgers will go a long way in keeping the 40-year-old quarterback healthy.
2024 NFL Draft mock: Vikings, Rams, Raiders land top defenders
11. Minnesota Vikings: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores turned around this unit from a bottom-10 defense before his arrival to a top-12 defense in 2023. Remarkably, he achieved this without much help from his inexperienced and inconsistent cornerbacks. Before a season-ending injury, Cooper DeJean showed the athleticism and tape in his last two seasons at Iowa that he can develop into a No. 1 cornerback on a great defense.
Related: Minnesota Vikings insider reveals team’s interest in 2024 NFL Draft QB class
12. Denver Broncos: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
While the Denver Broncos’ defense improved after a brutal September, it also didn’t finish the regular season strong. There are needs at every level of this group, but what stands out the most is a front seven that finished with the fourth-lowest pressure rate (18.2 percent) in the NFL. Dallas Turner is arguably a top-10 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft and he could make an immediate impact as a three-down player in his rookie season.
Related: 5 best Russell Wilson landing spots in 2024
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
There isn’t a quarterback worth taking here, so the Las Vegas Raiders pivot to one of the best players available. Terrion Arnold already provides the prototypical length, instincts and athleticism to be a No. 1 cornerback at the highest level. As for his production, holding opponents to a 50.7 QB rating when they targeted him highlights Arnold’s shutdown skills. He’d be a welcome addition to the Raiders’ secondary.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders mock draft 2024
14. New Orleans Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
With the New Orleans Saints committed to Derek Carr, the best path forward to improving this offense is addressing the offensive line. Ryan Ramcyk faces an uncertain future with an injury threatening his career and Trevor Penning has been a massive disappointment through two seasons. Whether he plays right tackle or kicks inside for the 2024 season, JC Latham will improve the Saints’ pass protection and run blocking.
Related: New Orleans Saints expected to move on from All-Pro this offseason
15. Indianapolis Colts: Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU
Brian Thomas led the nation in receiving touchdowns (17) this past season and was still overshadowed by teammate Malik Nabers. However, the combination of Thomas Jr’s ball skills (catch radius, length, contested catch ability) paired with his track record as a big-play threat would complement Michael Pitttman Jr’s work nicely and give quarterback Anthony Richardson two excellent weapons he can rely on in 2024 and beyond.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
After the performance he put on in the Senior Bowl, Oregon Ducks center Jackson Powers-Johnson cemented his status as a first-round pick. The Seattle Seahawks could trade down, but there are plenty of teams within the top 25 picks who would likely snag Powers-Johnson. Instead, Seattle stands pat and fills the void on its offensive line. The rest of the Seahawks’ draft picks can be devoted to building a defense for Mike Macdonald.
Related: Seattle Seahawks optimistic star player re-signs in 2024
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Outside of Josh Allen (90 pressures, 17.5 sacks), the Jacksonville Jaguars were awful at bringing down opposing quarterbacks last season. We’re very confident that new Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen will help this unit improve, just as he did with the Falcons. However, more juice is needed. Jared Verse was one of the most productive pass rushers in college football over the last two seasons and putting him opposite of Allen would do wonders for the Jaguars’ pass defense.
Related: Jacksonville Jaguars general manager may resign
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Jonah Williams’ departure opens up a void at right tackle and we’ve already seen what happens when the Cincinnati Bengals can’t protect Joe Burrow. Amarius Mims isn’t one of the more polished prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he shows all the traits to become an outstanding right tackle. There would be some growing pains in his rookie season, but this is a long-term paly to help ensure Burrow stays healthy.
Related: 5 unbelievable Super Bowl stories
19. Los Angeles Rams: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Powers-Johnson and Quinyon Mitchell were two of the biggest standouts from the Senior Bowl. The Los Angeles Rams happen to have needs at both positions. Following the departure of defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Los Angeles will need more talent on the defensive side to make up for the coaching change. Opponents stopped throwing to Quinyon Mitchell in 2023 for good reason, he either erased wide receivers or snagged interceptions the year before. After holding his own against top talent at the Senior Bowl, Mitchell could sneak into the top 20 with the Rams needing a corner.
Related: Los Angeles Rams mock draft 2024
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Nate Wiggins, QB, Clemson
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was outstanding as a rookie, outside of penalties. The issue for Mike Tomlin was that opponents just attacked every other Steelers’ cornerback. Nate Wiggins offers the length and athleticism Pittsburgh will love, plus he can be very physical and hold his own in press coverage. Considering how good Porter Jr. looked with the help of the Steelers coaching staff, we’re fairly confident Wiggins would have a shot to become a high-end No. 2 corner in Pittsburgh.
2024 NFL mock draft: J.J. McCarthy sneaks into Round 1
21. Miami Dolphins: Tyler Guyton, OL, Oklahoma
After a strong week of practices at the Senior Bowl, Tyler Guyton might’ve guaranteed himself a spot in Round 1. For NFL scouts with concerns that he might be more of a project player, Guyton demonstrated in Mobile, Alabama that he can be a Week 1 starter. With Terron Armstead contemplating his future and a high risk of missing games with injuries in 2024 if he returns, Guyton provides the Miami Dolphins with a long-term plan at left tackle.
Related: NFL insider reveals potential cost of a Tua Tagovailoa contract extension
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Ennis Rakestraw Jr, CB, Missouri
Adding defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will help the Philadelphia Eagles’ pass defense improve, but neither Darius Slay nor James Bradberry held up well in 2023. It’s past time for Philadelphia to start preparing for the future and Ennis Rakestraw Jr could be the Eagles’ nickel corner in 2024 and then transition to the outside in 2025 or even replace Bradberry if he keeps struggling.
Related: Everything you need to know about Philadelphia Eagles OC Kellen Moore
23. Houston Texans (via CLE): Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Sometimes, a front office just has to take the best player available over addressing a bigger need. Will Anderson Jr. is the blue-chip pass rusher on the Houston Texans defense, but you can bet DeMeco Ryans would be elated to add a player like Laiatu Latu. By pairing Latu and Anderson Jr. together, Ryans could likely generate one of the most effective pass rushes next season and Houston could finish top-3 in pressure rate.
Related: Houston Texans mock draft 2024
24. Dallas Cowboys: Jer’Zhan Newton, iDL, Illinois
The Dallas Cowboys struck out on Mazi Smith last year and while we’re not writing off his entire NFL career, defensive tackle remains a pressing need. Besides, with Dan Quinn gone, Dallas will need to find players who can help boost this interior pass rush. Not only does Jer’Zhan Newton offer that for the Cowboys, but he could also stay in on early downs and hold his own against the run.
Related: 2024 Dallas Cowboys mock draft
25. Green Bay Packers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
With the hiring of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, the Green Bay Packers will be asking a lot more of their cornerbacks in the years to come. Jaire Alexander is locked in as the No. 1 defensive back and he is well-equipped to handle top receivers in man coverage. Beyond that, Eric Stokes is an unknown heading into his third season and Carrington Valentine plays a volatile position where consistency varies. Even if Valentine starts in 2024, Kool-Aid McKinstry would round out the Packers’ cornerback room and ensure Hafley’s scheme has the bodies at corner to hold up in one-on-one coverage.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Once a strength of this Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, this pass rush has taken multiple steps backward in consecutive seasons. Between aging players and a lack of development, a lot more juice is needed. Bralen Trice (6-foot-4, 275 pounds) will provide Tampa Bay with a physical edge rusher who wins with power and instincts.
Related: Surprise NFL team may challenge Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Baker Mayfield
27. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): Jordan Morgan, OL, Arizona
After adding the elite offensive weapon near the top of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals now start building a stronger offensive line for Kyler Murray. One season removed from ACL surgery, Arizona offensive tackle Jordan Morgan held up well on the left side. A tandem of Morgan and Paris Johnson Jr. would provide the Cardinals with two pillars on each side of the offensive line.
Related: Super Bowl picks
28. Buffalo Bills: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
The AFC Divisional Round gave us a glimpse of a Buffalo Bills offense that wants Josh Allen to work underneath more and take what the defense gives him. It’s very similar to the adjustments Patrick Mahomes had to make two years ago. With that in mind, Ladd McConkey is one of the best route runners in the 2024 NFL Draft class. Not only will he get open underneath to pick up first downs, but his speed can also turn those short receptions into explosive YAC plays.
Related: Buffalo Bills may cut these two All-Pro players in 2024
29. Detroit Lions: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Outside of Aidan Hutchinson, the Detroit Lions really couldn’t generate much of a pass rush in 2023. A healthy Alim McNeil will certainly help that somewhat, but it’s not remotely enough. Byron Murphy II, who another NFC North team is very high on, would truly help this Lions’ defensive line take a critical step forward.
30. New England Patriots*: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
- TRADE: New England Patriots trade the 34th, 68th overall picks to Baltimore Ravens for 30th, 93rd overall picks
After trading down and passing on Jayden Daniels to land a blue-chip offensive tackle prospects, the New England Patriots jump back at the end of Round 1 to snag their quarterback. In Alex Van Pelt’s offense, J.J. McCarthy can play the point guard role while also offering the athleticism to expand the offense and make plays on the move. Because of the previous trade with the Falcons, New England could afford to make this deal with the Baltimore Ravens and still add pass-catchers to support McCarthy on Day 2.
Related: Best 2023 NFL rookie classes
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
The Kansas City Chiefs have neglected the receiver position a bit in recent years, asking a lot of Patrick Mahoems to elevate those around him. Fortunately, the 2024 NFL Draft is flush with talented pass-catchers. Troy Franklin is among the top potential targets at the back end of Round 1, offering the home-run speed and height to give Mahomes the big-play threat downfield while Rashee Rice works underneath.
Related: Patrick Mahomes’ playoff resume versus all-time greats
32. San Francisco 49ers: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
There are issues in the trenches and with the secondary for the San Francisco 49ers defense, so this pick becomes a BPA selection. In his rookie season, Kamari Lassiter could slide into the nickel role or potentially serve as a rotational defensive back who Steve Wilks uses at a variety of spots in the secondary.
