2024 NFL Mock Draft: Mike Fanelli 1.0

The 2024 NFL Draft is still a few months away. However, we are knee-deep in draft season. The Shrine and Senior Bowl games happened in the past week. Meanwhile, the NFL Combine starts at the end of the month. Pay attention throughout the entire NFL offseason as there are plenty of key events and important deadlines to follow along with and keep track of. Today, I’ll be diving into my first NFL mock draft for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.

2024 NFL Mock Draft

With that, it’s the perfect time for my first mock draft of the year. This 2024 NFL Draft mock draft is a first-round draft with five hypothetical trades. In this mock draft, I analyze team needs, player potential, and draft trends to provide insight into the upcoming selections. Join me as I speculate on the future of football’s brightest talents and the teams poised to secure them. Let’s get straight to it.

1) Chicago Bears (via Carolina) – Caleb Williams (QB – USC)

While many believe the Bears will trade the No. 1 pick for the second consecutive year, the team can’t pass on Williams. Drafting the former USC star allows Chicago to reset the “pay the quarterback” clock while upgrading at the position.

2) Washington Commanders – Drake Maye (QB – UNC)

After hiring Kliff Kingsbury as the offensive coordinator, many believe the Commanders will trade up one spot to secure his former college quarterback – Caleb Williams. However, staying put at second overall, keeping their draft capital, and selecting Maye is the smarter option.

3) New England Patriots – Jayden Daniels (QB – LSU)

Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe aren’t the answer at the quarterback position. While passing on Marvin Harrison Jr. is difficult, the Patriots must find their new franchise quarterback. Daniels is an explosive runner with an excellent arm and will be the future of the franchise.

4) Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – Ohio State)

Unless something wild happens over the next few months, Kyler Murray will remain a member of the Cardinals. Marquise Brown has struggled to stay healthy the past two years and is a free agent this offseason. Even if he returns in 2024, Arizona can’t pass up giving Murray a superstar wide receiver like Harrison.

5) Los Angeles Chargers – Joe Alt (OT – Notre Dame)

Many in the fantasy football community want the Chargers to draft a pass catcher to pair with Justin Herbert for the next several years. However, Jim Harbaugh has put a high priority on the offensive line and running the ball in the past. Pairing Alt with Rashawn Slater will give Los Angeles the best pair of young offensive tackles in the NFL.

6) New York Giants – Malik Nabers (WR – LSU)

If one of the top quarterbacks slide to sixth overall, expect the Giants to consider them. However, they likely have to stick with Daniel Jones for another year. Therefore, giving the former Duke star a legit No. 1 wide receiver is the best thing New York can do during the NFL Draft.

7) Tennessee Titans – Olu Fashanu (OT – Penn State)

The Titans can go in one of two directions with their first-round draft pick – wide receiver or offensive tackle. Will Levis had success with DeAndre Hopkins last season. Meanwhile, Treylon Burks has flashed upside when healthy. Tennessee needs to improve the offensive line over their receiving core. Otherwise, Levis will spend more time on his back than throwing the ball downfield in 2024.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Chicago Bears receive picks 8, 43, conditional 2025 second-round selection. Atlanta Falcons receive pick 9, Justin Fields.

8) Chicago Bears (via Falcons) – Rome Odunze (WR – Washington)

Many Bear fans want to believe the team will secure a top-10 pick for Fields. However, that’s not the case. Instead, Chicago is more likely to secure a second-round pick and a conditional 2025 pick based on how the quarterback plays next season. In this hypothetical trade, the Falcons agreed to flip back-to-back first-round picks as part of the deal.

Chicago landed their new franchise quarterback with the first overall pick. Now it’s time to give him another weapon to pair with DJ Moore and Cole Kmet. Odunze was arguably the top wide receiver in college football last year, totaling over 1,600 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.

9) Atlanta Falcons (via Bears) – Dallas Turner (EDGE – Alabama)

After moving back one draft slot and securing their new starting quarterback, the Falcons turn their attention to their top need on defense – pass rusher. Atlanta has tried to fix this problem for years but hasn’t found a solution. When Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree are your two top sack leaders, you know the roster lacks pass rushers.

10) New York Jets – Taliese Fuaga (OT – Oregon State)

Arguably, the easiest first-round pick to make during mock drafts is for the Jets. New York’s offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL in 2023. With Aaron Rodgers returning from a torn Achilles at 40, the team must improve the offensive line or risk losing the quarterback to another season-ending injury.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Indianapolis Colts receive pick 11. Minnesota Vikings receive picks 15, 82, 150.

11) Indianapolis Colts (via Vikings) – Brock Bowers (TE – Georgia)

Bowers might be the most difficult prospect to place in mock drafts. The talent should make him a top-five pick. However, his positional value is somewhat limited. Indianapolis might lose Michael Pittman Jr. in the offseason, leaving them limited weapons. Even if Pittman returns, that shouldn’t stop the Colts from giving Anthony Richardson a difference-maker at the tight end position.

12) Denver Broncos – Bo Nix (QB – Oregon)

While some believe Russell Wilson could return in 2024, Sean Payton wants to get his guy. Nix has put himself in the driver’s seat to be the fourth quarterback off the board. He has more starting experience in college than any other quarterback, which should help him be ready to start Week 1 for the Broncos.

13) Las Vegas Raiders – Terrion Arnold (CB – Alabama)

Reportedly, the Raiders are the favorite to land Russell Wilson after he gets released by the Broncos. The move would make sense if Las Vegas believes they can win in 2024. Assuming the quarterback position has been dealt with, the Raiders can turn their attention to slowing down Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert with the selection of Arnold.

14) New Orleans Saints – JC Latham (OT – Alabama)

The Saints will again have to jump through several hoops this offseason just to end up the salary cap limit. Andrus Peat is a free agent, while Ryan Ramczyk’s long-term health is in doubt. Despite spending a first-round pick on Trevor Penning two years ago, New Orleans has to add at least one offensive tackle this offseason.

15) Minnesota Vikings (via Colts) – Byron Murphy II (DL – Texas)

Minnesota is reportedly extremely interested in Murphy. While the former Longhorn didn’t get the national attention his former teammate got at Texas, Murphy is the better NFL Draft prospect. He can create havoc in the backfield in the run-and-pass game.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Philadelphia Eagles receive pick 16. Seattle Seahawks receive picks 22, 54.

16) Philadelphia Eagles (via Seahawks) – Jackson Powers-Johnson (C – Oregon)

No one should be surprised if the Eagles use their first-round pick on the offensive line. With Jason Kelce heading towards retirement, Philadelphia drafts the only center prospect worthy of a top-50 selection. Powers-Johnson had an impressive week at the Senior Bowl and belongs in the first-round mix.

17) Jacksonville Jaguars – Troy Fautanu (OL – Washington)

The Jaguars have used a top three-round draft on an offensive lineman in three consecutive years. However, the unit still needs help. Cam Robinson can get cut this offseason, saving the team over $17 million in salary cap space. Meanwhile, Walker Little is in the final year of his contract. Fautanu can play anywhere on the offensive line, giving Jacksonville options when setting their weekly lineup.

18) Cincinnati Bengals – Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – LSU)

Unfortunately, the Bengals are likely to lose Tee Higgins in free agency. Tyler Boyd and Trent Irwin are also free agents. Furthermore, their entire tight end unit is free agents this offseason, meaning Joe Burrow’s receiving core could look drastically different in 2024. While everyone has high hopes for Andrei Iosivas, Thomas would give Burrow a legit No. 2 wide receiver opposite Ja’Marr Chase.

19) Los Angeles Rams – J.J. McCarthy (QB – Michigan)

Matthew Stafford had an impressive second half of the year in 2023. However, he turns 36 this month, and his career is near the end. McCarthy is a polarizing prospect but has massive upside. Sitting behind Stafford for a year and learning from Sean McVay could turn McCarthy into a star.

20) Pittsburgh Steelers – Nate Wiggins (CB – Clemson)

Pittsburgh hit a home run with Joey Porter Jr. last year. However, the rest of their cornerback unit was a disaster. With several explosive and talented wide receivers in the division, the Steelers need to help Porter in the secondary.

21) Miami Dolphins – Cooper DeJean (DB – Iowa)

This pick might surprise some people since the Dolphins have a talented trio of cornerbacks in Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard, and Kader Kohou. Furthermore, the team spent their top draft pick last year on cornerback Cam Smith. However, the cornerback unit struggled to stay healthy in 2023. Furthermore, DeJean can move to safety, where Miami has three upcoming free agents.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Baltimore Ravens receive pick 22. Seattle Seahawks receive picks 30, 93, 131.

22) Baltimore Ravens (via Seahawks, Eagles) – Troy Franklin (WR – Oregon)

Last year, the Ravens drafted their No. 1 wide receiver of the future – Zay Flowers. However, Rashod Bateman hasn’t rebounded from numerous foot injuries. Meanwhile, Odell Beckham Jr. likely won’t return after limited production on his one-year deal. Pairing Franklin with Flowers will give Lamar Jackson two explosive play-making receivers for the next several years.

23) Houston Texans (via Cleveland) – Jared Verse (EDGE – Florida State)

The Texans traded their 2024 first-round pick last year to acquire Will Anderson Jr. While many called the move idiotic, Houston ended up keeping the correct first-round pick. Anderson has been a star as a rookie, but Jonathan Greenard is a free agent. Even if he returns, adding Verse to the pass rush rotation will only make DeMeco Ryans’ defense even better.

24) Dallas Cowboys – Tyler Guyton (OT – Oklahoma)

Guyton doesn’t have much college experience but has all the tools to become an elite offensive tackle. The Cowboys have two starting offensive linemen set to be free agents this offseason, including long-time left tackle Tyron Smith. Whether Guyton takes over at left tackle or replaces Terence Steele at right tackle, Guyton should start Week 1.

25) Green Bay Packers – Quinyon Mitchell (CB – Toledo)

Whether or not Jaire Alexander returns in 2024, the Packers need to improve their cornerback unit. Keisean Nixon is a free agent. Meanwhile, Eric Stokes has struggled to stay healthy over the past two years. Mitchell’s draft stock is on the rise and is firmly in the first-round conversation.

26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keon Coleman (WR – Florida State)

Tampa Bay surprised many people this season, winning the NFC South division title and a playoff game. Mike Evans played a massive role in the team’s success, but he is a free agent this offseason and on the wrong side of 30. Whether he returns in 2024 or not, the Buccaneers need to add to their wide receiver core.

27) Arizona Cardinals (via Houston) – Amarius Mims (OT – Georgia)

After securing their new No. 1 wide receiver earlier in this mock draft, the Cardinals continue to improve their offense. They hit a home run with Paris Johnson Jr. last year. With DJ Humphries suffering a torn ACL late in the season, Arizona could cut him in the offseason and move Johnson to the left side. Mims would be an excellent replacement at right tackle.

28) Buffalo Bills – T’Vondre Sweat (DL – Texas)

The Bills dealt with multiple injuries on defense this season. They had an average run defense, ranking 15th in rushing yards allowed. However, Ed Oliver is the only defensive tackle under contract on the roster next year. Pairing Sweat’s elite run-stopping ability with Olive’s pass-rush skills would give Buffalo an elite interior defensive line.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Washington Commanders receive pick 29. Detroit Lions receive picks 36, 101, 181.

29) Washington Commanders (via Lions) – Laiatu Latu (EDGE – UCLA)

Many were surprised when the Commanders dealt Chase Young and Montez Sweat at the trade deadline. While KJ Henry flashed potential as a fifth-round rookie, Washington has to spend an early pick on a pass rusher. Latu’s injury history will likely cause him to slip in the draft. With six picks within the first 110 selections, the Commanders can part with a few to secure the last clear-cut first-round edge rusher.

30) Seattle Seahawks (via Ravens) – Michael Penix Jr. (QB – Washington)

General manager John Schneider likes to move around during the NFL Draft. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to see them move back once or twice before making a pick, especially since they don’t have their second-round selection. Geno Smith has been solid, but he’s not the long-term answer at quarterback. Penix was successful at Washington and could become elite in the NFL with DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba at his disposal.

31) Kansas City Chiefs – Jer’Zhan Newton (DL – Illinois)

Yes, the Chiefs need help at wide receiver. However, don’t expect them to address it in the first round. Last year, they had the same core of wide receivers and waited until Day 2 to select Rashee Rice, who looks like a star in the making. Instead, don’t be surprised if they take Newton to help ease the potential loss of Chris Jones.

32) San Francisco 49ers – Darius Robinson (DL – Missouri)

Robinson was arguably the biggest riser from Senior Bowl week. He was unblockable during one-on-one drills, winning regardless of where he lined up. The former Missouri star had 8.5 sacks last season and has experience playing all over the defensive line. He will fit in perfectly in San Francisco.

2024 NFL Draft Quick Links

• Senior Bowl Invite Tracker
• 2024 NFL Draft Eligible Prospects Returning to School
• 2024 NFL Draft Tracker: Underclassman Who Have Declared

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