WE ARE BACK! The NFL regular season is wrapping up and the playoffs are close to starting. For most of the league, the 2024 NFL Draft order is almost set. Let's kick off the final week of the regular season with a brand-new 2024 NFL mock draft.
2024 NFL Mock Draft
1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina)
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Justin Fields has made great strides this season, proving he still has a high ceiling to reach. That said, a fresh start is coming in the Windy City. Chicago drafts USC QB Caleb Williams, who has the physical tools and improvisational skills to be an outstanding NFL quarterback with coaching.
2. Washington Commanders
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Getting benched for Jacoby Brissett is not a good omen of things to come for QB Sam Howell. The Commanders dip back into the Tar Heel pipeline and find their next potential QB of the future. Drake Maye brings prototypical height for the position paired with mobility and great arm talent. Maye would have multiple weapons at his disposal for the first time in his career.
3. New England Patriots
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Neither Mac Jones nor Bailey Zappe should be viewed as the starting QB heading into 2024. LSU QB Jayden Daniels would give the Patriots a true dual-threat QB with star potential. He's a guy they can build the scheme around instead of finding average talent that fits the scheme. Daniels has "Lamar Jackson" burst and acceleration as a runner with a strong arm to push the ball down the field. A new face of the franchise is needed!
4. Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Kyler Murray is proving he fits with this new coaching staff and general manager. This roster needs blue-chip talent at multiple positions. Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best player in college football. The combination of his height, weight, speed, and savvy route-running makes him the unquestioned WR1 for a Cardinals team that is in desperate need of one.
5. New York Giants
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
There is no QB worth selecting here for the New York Giants. Darren Waller's contract is easier to move after the 2024 season and he is coming off a subpar campaign in the Big Apple. Brock Bowers would give them a long-term answer whenever the split with Waller comes. In the meantime, whoever is under center would have two of the most athletic specimens at the tight end position and they can share the field along with Brian Daboll's play-calling.
6. Tennessee Titans
Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Will Levis appears to be the guy for the Titans at QB—for the next year at least. He needs more playmakers but nothing matters if the OL cannot protect him. Levis has been sacked 28 times in nine starts this season. Olu Fashanu would bring freakish athleticism, wingspan, and movement skills to develop into one of the league's best young OTs. Protecting Levis should be priority No. 1 for the Titans.
7. Los Angeles Chargers
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
New faces will be leading the Chargers in 2024. Justin Herbert will be losing oft-injured wide receiver Mike Williams to free agency after 2024. Malik Nabers would give the young and highly paid signal-caller two young, high-ceiling receivers (Quentin Johnston) to grow with for the foreseeable future. Nabers' explosiveness in the open field and his run-after-catch prowess will mesh well with this offensive supporting cast.
8. New York Jets
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The OT position needs upgrading. Joe Alt is a massive human being who moves with nimble footwork laterally. He is difficult to overpower and drive back into the pocket. Aaron Rodgers would appreciate Alt...deleting the defensive pass rushers in the AFC East.
9. Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Will there be a new head coach in Atlanta for 2024? Hopefully. This franchise needs a new face at QB to lead them for the next 7-10 years. Michael Penix Jr. would be a massive upgrade over Desmond Ridder. With Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson, Penix Jr. could hit the ground running and bring an explosive element to this passing attack.
10. Chicago Bears
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Being able to walk out of the first round with a new toolsy quarterback and one of the best wide receivers in the entire draft feels like a robbery (ahem, Panthers). If this happens, the Bears' offense would be one of the most exciting units in the NFL on paper. Caleb Williams, D.J. Moore, Cole Kmet, and Rome Odunze are a great young nucleus to have moving forward.
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11. Las Vegas Raiders
Jer'Zhan Newton, IDL, Illinois
Aidan O'Connell is not the QB of the future, but reaching for one here is not in the cards. Improving this defensive line with a quick and strong defensive tackle seems more appropriate. Jer'Zhan Newton would give this defense a blue-chip-caliber player to pair with last year's first-round pick Tyree Wilson on the defensive line. Pressuring Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert is a MUST. This move is a bigger step in that direction.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Three of the Vikings' edge defenders are heading into free agency, including Danielle Hunter. Jared Verse would provide an outstanding replacement or partner if Hunter is re-signed. Verse's first step and speed-to-power conversion make him a candidate for the EDGE1 crown of this draft class.
13. New Orleans Saints
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Amarius Mims has the athleticism and movement skills to move over to LT. The Trevor Penning experiment has been somewhat of a disaster at this point. Mims would bring a championship work ethic plus a winning mentality and pedigree. His physical tools are incredible and we have not seen him reach his peak yet.
14. Denver Broncos
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Sean Payton could sell the farm to move up for a QB since he will indeed be in the market for one. Here, none are available worthy of this selection. Grabbing the most nuanced and craftiest pass-rushers in the draft is a win. Laiatu Latu gives them a lead dawg off the edge. Constant and consistent pressure is pivotal for this defensive unit.
15. Seattle Seahawks
Kamren Kinchens, SAF, Miami
Jamal Adams has struggled to stay healthy during his tenure in Seattle and Quandre Diggs could be a cap casualty. Kamren Kinchens is a rangy and versatile safety who can wear many hats in the defensive secondary. His leadership is top-tier and would pair well with Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon.
16. Cincinnati Bengals
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Tee Higgins is due to be a free agent. If he were to change teams, this would leave a void for a big-body receiver to pair with Ja'Marr Chase and current rookie Andrei Iosivas. Keon Coleman is the perfect prospect to step into Higgins' role as that dominant catch point and RAC receiver for Joe Burrow.
17. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU)
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The Cardinals' defense needs more talent in their secondary. They released CB Marco Wilson recently. Nate Wiggins brings competitiveness, ball skills, and coverage versatility and can become the potential CB1 in Jonathan Gannon's system.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The Steelers continue to have winning seasons no matter who is on the roster. Their offensive line remains a unit to upgrade. 2023 rookie OT Broderick Jones has played well, but pairing him with Alabama road grader JC Latham will give an instant boost to the level of physicality of their run game and pass protection. Kenny Pickett would have his best OT duo since entering the league.
19. Green Bay Packers
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
OT is a position Green Bay needs to figure out after losing David Bakhtiari to injury again. Taliese Fuaga is a dominant run blocker. He is a good pass protector with more room to develop and grow. Zack Tom could kick over to the left side, if necessary. Jordan Love's protection and comfort in the pocket will help continue his development.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Mike Evans is preparing to hit free agency and this would leave a void at wide receiver for Tampa Bay. Xavier Legette is an impressive physical specimen with outstanding athleticism and long speed. Pairing him with Trey Palmer and Chris Godwin presents a gifted trio of pass-catchers for Baker Mayfield (potentially) in 2024.
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21. Indianapolis Colts
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Michael Pittman Jr. is due to be a free agent this offseason. Even re-signing Pittman Jr. shouldn't take the Colts out of the market for another WR. Troy Franklin is one of the fastest WRs in this class. Pairing him with Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and a returning Anthony Richardson makes this a dangerous and complete passing attack.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars
Graham Barton, IOL, Duke
The offensive line continues to be a concern for the Jaguars. Graham Barton is going to add toughness, quickness, and stability to the interior OL. He will pave the way for Travis Etienne on the ground and keep pressure out of Trevor Lawrence's face.
23. Los Angeles Rams
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Kool-Aid McKinstry has CB1 potential and the Rams are missing one after trading Jalen Ramsey to the Dolphins. McKinstry thrives in man coverage and with this Rams pass rush speeding up QBs, he can grow as a playmaker.
24. Buffalo Bills
Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Multiple edge rushers are headed to free agency for the Bills. Von Miller has not lived up to his contract. New life needs to be injected into this defensive front. Chop Robinson arguably has the most explosive first step among the entire edge rusher class. He has the bend and burst you want in a potential game-changing edge rusher.
25. Kansas City Chiefs
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Patrick Mahomes' deep passing game has been held back by poor wide receiver play. The Tyreek Hill effect is real. Brian Thomas Jr. brings a big, explosive vertical receiver who can attack the ball at its highest point. Pairing him with Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce will bring full life to the Chiefs' passing offense.
26. Philadelphia Eagles
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Veteran CB James Bradberry is having a tough season in coverage. Rookies like Kelee Ringo and Eli Ricks provide hope for this secondary. Adding Terrion Arnold will extend that hope even more. Arnold is a smooth, patient, and intelligent cornerback. He can play on the outside and in the slot. These three young, talented CBs can grow together.
27. Detroit Lions
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Cooper DeJean is talented and plays with good physicality. He fits the mold of what Dan Campbell wants on his roster. DeJean has a great blend of size/build, instincts, and ball skills.
28. Houston Texans (via CLE)
Byron Murphy II, IDL, Texas
DeMeco Ryans is one of the best defensive minds in football. Giving him a twitched-up and quick winning defensive tackle to pair with Will Anderson Jr. sounds great. Byron Murphy II is a riser and should be on everyone's radar.
29. Miami Dolphins
Jackson Powers-Johnson, OC, Oregon
Tua Tagovailoa is QB1, but he is not the most mobile or athletic at his position. Jackson Powers-Johnson will shore up the interior protection and create lanes for Tagovailoa to step into for the foreseeable future.
30. Dallas Cowboys
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Tyron Smith has struggled with injuries for a few seasons now. He is getting closer to retirement. Jordan Morgan gives them a long-term plan to keep Dak Prescott's blindside protected. Morgan brings strength in the run game at the point of attack, a Cowboys staple.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
Right tackle has been a weak spot for the 49ers' offensive line. Kingsley Suamataia is the upgrade this run-first offense needs. He will help clear even more running lanes for Christian McCaffrey and assist in keeping Brock Purdy clean in the pocket.
32. Baltimore Ravens
Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Sometimes a prospect and an NFL team feel like a match made in heaven. Troy Fautanu is one of the most physical OL prospects in the class. He loves to move defenders in the run game and has great lateral movement skills. He would give the Ravens a great interior tandem with Tyler Linderbaum.
