While a few free agents are still looking for a place to call home, most big-name players have signed new contracts. Free agency allowed some teams to fill their needs while others now have more than they did a month ago.

The 2024 NFL Draft is less than six weeks away. Let’s dive into my post-free agency mock draft with six potential first-round trades.

2024 NFL Mock Draft: 5 QBs Picked in First Round

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

Following the trade of Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Williams is a lock to be the top pick. The only question is what jersey number will he wear.

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

Many believe the Commanders will take Jayden Daniels after signing Marcus Mariota. However, that’s reading too much into a one-year deal for an average backup. The only thing the team has decided is that they will take a quarterback after trading away Sam Howell.

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

While some believe the Patriots will trade away this pick for a bounty of draft capital, they can’t pass up the chance to take Daniels. New England hasn’t had decent quarterback production since Tom Brady left in 2020.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Minnesota Vikings receive pick 4. Arizona Cardinals receive picks 11, 23, 129, 2025 first-rounder.

4) Minnesota Vikings (via Cardinals) – J.J. McCarthy (QB – Michigan)

Everyone expects the Vikings to trade up for a quarterback. The only way to guarantee one of the top four quarterbacks is to move up to the fourth pick. The San Francisco 49ers gave up the 12th pick in 2021, a first and third in 2022, and a first in 2023 for Trey Lance. Arizona can’t turn down a similar package with so many holes on their roster.

5) Los Angeles Chargers – Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – Ohio State)

After getting rid of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the run-on quarterback saves Justin Herbert’s fantasy value. Harrison could lead the NFL in targets in Los Angeles despite Jim Harbaugh wanting to run the ball 35 times a game.

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

The Giants would love to get their hands on a quarterback. Unfortunately, they missed out and must stick with Daniel Jones for one more year. However, Nabers is an elite wide receiver prospect and an excellent consolation prize.

7) Tennessee Titans – Joe Alt (OT – Notre Dame)

Many expect the Titans to take an offensive tackle with their first-round pick after releasing Andre Dillard and adding Calvin Ridley in free agency. While I wouldn’t rule out them taking a wide receiver to pair with the 29-year-old Ridley, Alt is too elite of a prospect to pass up.

8) Atlanta Falcons – Dallas Turner (EDGE – Alabama)

Atlanta had arguably the best free agency of any team in the NFL. The Falcons solved their quarterback problem, landing Kirk Cousins in free agency. They also improved their receiving core with Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore. However, edge rusher remains a problem for Atlanta, making them the heavy favorites to select the first defensive player in the draft.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Cincinnati Bengals receive pick 9. Chicago Bears receive picks 18, 49, 97.

9) Cincinnati Bengals (via Bears) – Rome Odunze (WR – Washington)

Following their trade to acquire Keenan Allen, the Bears only have four picks in the upcoming draft. Therefore, don’t be surprised if they trade out of the ninth pick to acquire more draft capital. Meanwhile, Tee Higgins wants out of Cincinnati (more on that later), and Tyler Boyd won’t be back in 2024. The Bengals make a blockbuster move and give Joe Burrow an elite young wide receiver.

10) New York Jets – Brock Bowers (TE – Georgia)

The Jets did an excellent job revamping their offensive line through free agency, acquiring three new starters. Therefore, they are no longer forced to take an offensive tackle with their first-round pick, allowing them to select the best player on the board to help out Aaron Rodgers.

11) Arizona Cardinals (via Vikings) – Jared Verse (EDGE – Florida State)

Unfortunately, the Cardinals won’t get an elite rookie wide receiver prospect after trading back with the Vikings. However, they use the first of their three first-round draft picks to improve their awful pass-rush unit.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Pittsburgh Steelers receive picks 12, 203. Denver Broncos receive picks 20, 51.

12) Pittsburgh Steelers (via Broncos) – Taliese Fuaga (OT – Oregon State)

Rarely do the Steelers trade up during the NFL Draft. However, the team has been more aggressive this offseason than in the past. Whether it’s Russell Wilson or Justin Fields under center, Pittsburgh must improve their offensive line. They jump ahead of several offensive linemen-needy teams and secure the top right tackle in the draft class.

13) Las Vegas Raiders – JC Latham (OT – Alabama)

While the Raiders could reach for a quarterback with this pick, they likely let Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell compete for the starting role in 2024. Head coach Antonio Pierce wants to run the ball on offense. Latham might be the best run-blocking offensive lineman in the draft.

14) New Orleans Saints – Olumuyiwa Fashanu (OT – Penn State)

Derek Carr took too many hits last season. Meanwhile, former first-round pick Trevor Penning hasn’t worked out at left tackle. With Andrus Peat still a free agent at the time of writing, the Saints don’t have a reliable left tackle on the roster.

15) Indianapolis Colts – Quinyon Mitchell (CB – Toledo)

The Colts didn’t make any significant moves in free agency but kept all of their top free agents. JuJu Brents and Kenny Moore II have two starting cornerback spots locked up, but the team needs another guy on the outside. After an impressive performance at the NFL Combine, Mitchell could be the first cornerback selected.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Philadelphia Eagles receive picks 16, 102. Seattle Seahawks receive picks 22, 53.

16) Philadelphia Eagles (via Seahawks) – Terrion Arnold (CB – Alabama)

After trading away their second-round pick to the New York Giants for Leonard Williams at the trade deadline, expect the Seahawks to explore trade-back options. The Eagles have an underrated need at cornerback after Darius Slay and James Bradberry struggled last year.

17) Jacksonville Jaguars – Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – LSU)

Jacksonville added Gabe Davis in free agency but let Calvin Ridley sign with a division rival. With Zay Jones’ future with the team up in the air, the Jaguars should select a wide receiver early in the NFL Draft.

18) Chicago Bears (via Bengals) – Laiatu Latu (EDGE – UCLA)

While the Bears missed out on Jared Verse, they managed to move back nine spots, add two Day 2 picks, and still land one of the top edge rushers in the draft class. Latu would form a scary 1-2 punch with Montez Sweat in Chicago.

19) Los Angeles Rams – Byron Murphy II (DL – Texas)

Aaron Donald announced his retirement earlier this week. The future Hall of Famer can’t be replaced with a single player, let alone a rookie. However, Murphy is the best defensive lineman in the draft class and would join Kobie Turner and Byron Young in forming an up-and-coming impressive front seven for the Rams.

20) Denver Broncos (via Steelers) – Bo Nix (QB – Oregon)

Reportedly, the Broncos tried to sign Sam Darnold in free agency. However, he joined the Minnesota Vikings, leaving Denver with Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci as the only quarterbacks on the roster. Don’t be surprised if Nix ends up with the Broncos, whether it’s at pick 12 or after trading back a few spots.

21) Miami Dolphins – Troy Fautanu (OL – Washington)

The Dolphins lost Robert Hunt to the Carolina Panthers, leaving a hole at right guard. More importantly, Terron Armstead nearly retired this offseason and has struggled to stay healthy. Fautanu can play anywhere on the offensive line, allowing him to start at right guard and move to left tackle in a year.

22) Seattle Seahawks (via Eagles) – Graham Barton (OL – Duke)

After trading back and adding a second-round pick, the Seahawks still find a way to fill their top need on offense. They lost their starting left guard and center in free agency. Barton played left tackle in college, but many believe he is best suited to slide inside in the NFL.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Cincinnati Bengals receive picks 23, 104. Arizona Cardinals receive Tee Higgins.

23) Cincinnati Bengals (via Cardinals, Vikings, Houston, Cleveland) – Amarius Mims (OT – Georgia)

What’s the point of a mock draft if you can’t throw a curve ball at least once? Higgins wants out of Cincinnati, as the team hasn’t given him the contract extension he wants. While the Bengals claim they won’t trade the star receiver, it became easier to do after they traded up for Rome Odunze earlier in this mock draft. Cincinnati still needs a right tackle despite signing Trent Brown to a one-year deal earlier this week.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals got three first-round picks from the Minnesota Vikings earlier in this mock draft. Unfortunately, that meant passing up Marvin Harrison Jr. While he doesn’t have the same upside as the rookie, Higgins is a No. 1 caliber wide receiver. He steps in to replace Marquise Brown, giving Kyler Murray the best weapon of his career.

24) Dallas Cowboys – Jackson Powers-Johnson (C – Oregon)

Fans are frustrated with the Cowboys. While most teams have made several moves in free agency, Dallas has added only one player while losing multiple starters. Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz left in free agency, creating two open starting spots on the offensive line. The Cowboys spent a late first-round pick on Travis Frederick in 2013. Hopefully, the team will have the same success again with Powers-Johnson.

25) Green Bay Packers – Cooper DeJean (DB – Iowa)

Green Bay made two big-money moves in free agency, signing Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney. While the addition of the former New York Giant safety is a start, the Packers still need help in the back end on defense. DeJean is a perfect fit for the team with his ability to play multiple spots in the secondary.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Kansas City Chiefs receive pick 26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers receive picks 32, 95.

26) Kansas City Chiefs (via Buccaneers) – Tyler Guyton (OT – Oklahoma)

With a few potential offensive tackle-needy teams picking ahead of them, the Chiefs trade up and secure the last clear-cut first-round offensive lineman on the board. While some will want the team to add a wide receiver, the arrival of Marquise Brown puts that need on the back burner.

27) Arizona Cardinals (via Houston) – Nate Wiggins (CB – Clemson)

The Cardinals have aced the first round of this mock draft. Not only did they get Tee Higgins and a 2025 first-round pick, but Arizona also filled their top two needs on defense. Sean Murphy-Bunting was a solid addition in free agency. However, the Cardinals still need a No. 1 cornerback to match up with DK Metcalf, Puka Nacua, and Brandon Aiyuk.

28) Buffalo Bills – Adonai Mitchell (WR – Texas)

After adding Curtis Samuel in free agency, the Bills don’t have to take a wide receiver in the first round. However, they still need a replacement for Gabe Davis on the outside. Mitchell was outstanding during his lone season at Texas, displaying his ability to make plays downfield and in the red zone.

29) Detroit Lions – Chop Robinson (EDGE – Penn State)

Aidan Hutchinson was a superstar in his second season, totaling 11.5 sacks. However, the rest of the edge rusher unit struggled. While the Lions signed Marcus Davenport to a one-year deal in free agency, that shouldn’t stop them from selecting the ultra-athletic Robinson with their first-round pick.

30) Baltimore Ravens – Jordan Morgan (OT – Arizona)

Baltimore lost two starters on the offensive line during free agency. Furthermore, Ronnie Stanley is entering the final year of his contract in 2024. Morgan has gotten first-round buzz the past few weeks and could get selected in the final few picks. He can start his career at left guard before kicking out to left tackle when Stanley’s contract expires.

31) San Francisco 49ers – Xavier Worthy (WR – Texas)

While the 49ers haven’t traded Brandon Aiyuk at the time of writing, the team will have to make a decision at the wide receiver position soon. San Francisco can keep Deebo Samuel and Aiyuk for the upcoming season. However, one won’t be back in 2025. Whether Aiyuk or Samuel gets traded, the 49ers must replenish their receiving core.

32) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Chiefs) – Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – Alabama)

The Buccaneers kept their top three free agents – Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Antoine Winfield Jr. They also traded Carlton Davis to the Detroit Lions. McKinstry is back in the first-round mix after an impressive performance at Alabama’s Pro Day.

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