Super Bowl Sunday has come and gone. It is fully #DraftSzn for everyone and it's time for a post-Super Bowl NFL mock draft. I am tasked with improving each team. How did I do?
2024 NFL Mock Draft
1. Chicago Bears (via CAR)
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Bears reset the clock at QB by swapping Justin Fields for USC's Caleb Williams. The combination of playmaking mobility and outstanding arm talent gives Chicago another chance to find its franchise QB.
2. Washington Commanders
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Drake Maye takes the starting job from fellow Tar Heel alum, Sam Howell. Maye's accuracy, mobility, and arm talent make him an ideal QB to build around for the foreseeable future.
3. Atlanta Falcons (via trade-up with NE)
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Falcons have been rumored to be in the mix as a trade-up candidate as a QB-needy team. Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and a healthy Kyle Pitts need a reliable guy under center. Jayden Daniels will give them that and more due to his dynamic dual-threat skill set.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Cardinals find their Larry Fitzgerald 2.0 in Marvin Harrison Jr. Kyler Murray would have a true WR1 to lead this passing attack and pair with soon-to-be third-year TE Trey McBride and second-year WR Michael Wilson.
5. Minnesota Vikings (via trade-up with LAC)
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Another trade? YES! Minnesota knows its options are slim. They can either re-sign Kirk Cousins and avoid drafting a young signal-caller or make a move for one. J.J. McCarthy is loved more by NFL personnel/scouts than the general draft community. Pairing him with Kevin O'Connell, Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison will allow his full skill set to blossom.
6. New York Giants
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Daniel Jones is set to be QB1 in the Big Apple for at least one more year. Protecting him should be a high priority. Taliese Fuaga is arguably the most complete and polished RT in the draft. Evan Neal has not fared well at RT, potentially kicking him inside to guard would give the Giants a much improved OL.
7. Tennessee Titans
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Will Levis flashed his toolsy abilities as a rookie but protection was atrocious in Tennessee. Joe Alt is the most polished OT in the class with great physical gifts to be a franchise LT for 10-plus years.
8. New England Patriots (via trade-down with ATL)
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Rumors have been floating that the Patriots could bypass a rookie QB for a veteran in free agency, creating a viable trade option for QB-needy teams. WR Rome Odunze would give them a true No. 1-caliber receiver to build their passing game around if they trade down.
9. Chicago Bears
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Bears are a jackpot winner by snagging their future franchise QB (hopefully) and another dynamic WR option to grow alongside him for years. Malik Nabers and D.J. Moore would be one of the better WR duos in the league on paper.
10. New York Jets
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Protecting 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers is a must for the New York Jets. JC Latham can accomplish this task while bringing a violent, aggressive temperament to their running game to open lanes for Breece Hall.
11. Los Angeles Chargers (via trade-down with MIN)
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
After trading back and acquiring more draft capital, the Chargers add one of the best receiving tight ends we've seen in quite some time. Brock Bowers will be an explosive run-after-catch weapon for Justin Herbert to target all over the field.
12. Denver Broncos
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Quarterback is a massive need but reaching may not be the best solution. A nice consolation prize is arguably the top pass rusher in the class, Laiatu Latu. His crafty/polished pass-rush skill set will boost any defensive front.
13. Las Vegas Raiders
Jer'Zhan Newton, IDL, Illinois
The Raiders are another team with a need at quarterback, but the board did not fall in their favor. Jer'Zhan Newton brings a quick-twitched and active-handed IDL that would excel as a 3-technique. Newton brings strong value on third/passing downs to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
14. New Orleans Saints
Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Trevor Penning has not panned out and it is unclear if he will be given a chance to do so. Olu Fashanu has one of the highest ceilings in the OT class due to his freakishly athletic ability. He has everything needed to develop into a high-profile LT.
15. Indianapolis Colts
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Colts need to improve the talent in their defensive secondary, Alabama CB Terrion Arnold would be a great fit. He is coverage versatile and brings a level of toughness on the perimeter that most CBs do not possess.
16. Seattle Seahawks
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
With new HC Mike Macdonald running the show, I cannot envision a scenario where they bypass a talented edge rusher like Jared Verse. With Boye Mafe and Derick Hall on the roster, MacDonald could conjure up creative ways to harass NFC quarterbacks.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
One of the biggest risers from the Senior Bowl, Quinyon Mitchell brings a CB1-caliber defender to Duval County. His intelligence, competitiveness, and outstanding ball skills will be welcome in Jacksonville.
18. Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
With Jonah Williams hitting the free agent market, Cincinnati replaces him with a high-ceiling, uber-athletic OT. Tyler Guyton has the movement skills, raw/functional strength, and untapped potential to become an elite-level OT.
19. Los Angeles Rams
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Dallas Turner joins Aaron Donald, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young to form a dangerous inside/outside pass-rush unit. The Rams will be able to generate more than enough pressure when the time calls for it.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Steelers' defense has not lived up to their past reputation. Fixing this secondary is a good start. Kool-Aid McKinstry and Joey Porter Jr. is a talented cornerback duo to live on the outside. With this pass rush, they should be able to make a strong impact together.
21. Miami Dolphins
Graham Barton, IOL, Duke
Graham Barton will improve the run game and pass protection for the Dolphins. Whether at center or guard, his ability to keep the pocket from collapsing will benefit Tua Tagovailoa.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Tyler Nubin, SAF, Minnesota
Kevin Byard's contract is without guarantees after the 2024 season and Sydney Brown is rehabbing a torn ACL, leaving the safety position as a need. Tyler Nubin is my top safety with an NFL frame and the versatility to wear many hats on defense.
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
23. Houston Texans (via CLE)
Byron Murphy II, IDL, Texas
DeMeco Ryans knows his IDL was not a strength in 2023. Byron Murphy II will be a big improvement versus the run and pushing the pocket on passing downs.
24. Dallas Cowboys
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Terrence Steele did not have a great 2023 and after 2024, his contract is easier to get out of. Amarius Mims would give the Cowboys a toolsy, physically gifted OT on a cheaper contract. Mims can elevate both the run and pass blocking for Dallas.
25. Green Bay Packers
Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon
Josh Myers has been underwhelming in Green Bay. Jackson Powers-Johnson showcased his strength, technique, toughness, and athletic ability at the Senior Bowl. He can play both center and guard.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Todd Bowles can do a lot with Cooper DeJean in his defensive scheme. Whether at CB, SAF, or both, DeJean's physicality, speed, and ball skills will be used well in Tampa.
27. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU)
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Jonathan Gannon's defense played with grit and toughness in 2023 but lacked a true CB1. Nate Wiggins is a good cover corner with recovery speed and outstanding ball skills. His effort/motor will fit right into Gannon's culture.
28. Buffalo Bills
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Stefon Diggs and Josh Allen need another receiving threat in Buffalo. Brian Thomas Jr. has excellent long speed and incredible ball skills at the catch point. Allen could stretch the field more with a receiver like Thomas Jr. as a Gabe Davis replacement.
29. Detroit Lions
Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
Darius Robinson is a riser and it is well deserved. He went from playing inside to outside in 2023 and did it at a high level. He showcased everything necessary down in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson will be tough on opposing OLs.
30. Baltimore Ravens
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' offense have a big need at WR this offseason. Keon Coleman would pair well with Zay Flowers, Isaiah Likely, and Mark Andrews. Coleman has the build/frame you want as an X-receiver. His game is reminiscent of Texans WR Nico Collins.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
Kingsley Suamatia impressed at the Senior Bowl. He can play both OT spots and the RT position needs upgrading for San Francisco. Suamatia and Trent Williams as bookend tackles will keep Brock Purdy clean in the pocket.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Rashee Rice has proven to be a WR1 in the making for the Chiefs, but he needs help. Xavier Worthy is a quick route-runner with immense explosiveness and speed. Mahomes needs a reliable deep receiver and Worthy brings that.
