With lower than a month left till the 2024 NFL draft, not even the highest of the order appears absolutely set.
In swinging a commerce with the Houston Texans two weeks in the past for an additional first-round choose, the Minnesota Vikings seemingly positioned themselves for one more potential deal to maneuver up the draft board to seize Kirk Cousins’ long-term alternative at quarterback. Vikings normal supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, nevertheless, mentioned the transfer was pushed by including “flexibility” to the crew’s draft plan. However even within the occasion that Minnesota would not attempt to swing a deal to maneuver up, one other quarterback-needy crew might attempt to safe the No. 4 choose from the Arizona Cardinals to seize a passer, which might mark the primary time in historical past that 4 signal-callers had been taken with the primary 4 picks in any class.
With that in thoughts, here is our newest 2024 NFL mock draft, which includes a projected commerce within the prime 5 picks:
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers) – Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Each Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles had been available for Williams’ professional day, and the quarterback is about to go to the Bears subsequent week. Whereas these components of the pre-draft course of usually are not formalities, they could as nicely be on this occasion. There is not any level in entertaining a state of affairs through which Williams would not go No. 1 to Chicago at this level, as it will seemingly take a downright stunner for one thing completely different to occur. This is perhaps the one level of consensus we’ll have within the coming weeks.
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2. Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The understanding that surrounds the primary total choose would not lengthen to No. 2, at the least proper now. And whereas new Commanders coach Dan Quinn mentioned it is “truthful to ascertain” his crew will choose a quarterback within the draft, normal supervisor Adam Peters mentioned “we’re removed from our reply,” noting that there was nonetheless work to be accomplished in evaluating the highest passers. Regardless of all that, there’s loads that is smart in regards to the potential match between Daniels and Washington, even when there could be a steep studying curve for the Heisman Trophy winner as he goes from some of the favorable offensive setups in school soccer to one of many least auspicious ones within the NFL.
3. New England Patriots – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Regardless of the motivation was behind his feedback, new Patriots coach Jerod Mayo had no drawback speaking up Maye on the NFL’s league conferences this week, saying “there actually is not any ceiling with a man like that.” However Mayo additionally urged that the 6-4, 223-pound passer’s “flooring” is perhaps decrease than what his friends supply given his relative scarcity of expertise. Nonetheless, on this state of affairs, the reply is obvious for New England: Take Maye and institute a setup through which he would not need to play the world-beater function that he usually defaulted to at North Carolina, usually to his personal detriment.
4. Minnesota Vikings (proposed commerce from Arizona Cardinals) – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
A daring transfer for either side on this potential commerce, to make certain. For Arizona, there’s threat in dropping too far again – maybe out of vary of the elite receivers on this class. Minnesota, in the meantime, could be mortgaging its future for a shot at maybe its fourth alternative at quarterback. But after selecting up that additional first-rounder within the commerce with the Texans, the Vikings is perhaps positioning themselves to just do that. Whereas McCarthy is proving to be fairly the polarizing prospect in draft circles, touchdown in a spot the place he may very well be mentored by Kevin O’Connell and sling the ball to Justin Jefferson is perhaps the best-case state of affairs for his growth.
5. Los Angeles Chargers – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Might a Michigan man actually launch his Los Angeles tenure by taking the ex-Buckeye nice? A mad scramble for passers little question would profit Jim Harbaugh, who should discover reinforcements for a receiving corps that appears to be one of many league’s iffiest after the Bolts despatched off Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. And whereas Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze needs to be within the dialog, touchdown a transformational goal like Harrison is the form of chance Harbaugh might solely have dreamed of only a few weeks in the past.
6. New York Giants – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
So far as X-factors for quarterbacks go, the Giants are an interesting chance. Hedging their guess on Daniel Jones by securing both McCarthy or Maye, ought to both be inside attain, have to be a robust consideration. Acquiring a type of signal-callers, nevertheless, may necessitate a commerce, which may very well be troublesome for the retooling franchise to abdomen. There needs to be no drawback with taking Nabers and calling it a day, as New York’s offense would lastly have the go-to goal it has lengthy lacked.
7. Tennessee Titans – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
In a comparatively restrained opening to NFL free company, Ran Carthon stood out by making a splash on a number of fronts – most notably signing extensive receiver Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million contract earlier than swinging a commerce with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs for cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Essentially the most evident lacking piece from the offseason plan is a left sort out to fill in for Andre Dillard, who was reduce after one disappointing season. Alt seems like simply the correct of participant to fit subsequent to 2023 first-round choose Peter Skoronski as a vital bodyguard for Will Levis.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
This has broadly been projected to be the Falcons’ choose ever because the draft order was set. Will standard knowledge maintain, or might this be a spot for a shock? For now, there is not any level in overthinking it. An electrical edge rusher is the simple choose for a unit that may’t reliably pester opposing quarterbacks.
9. Bears – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
As Chicago’s mind belief seems to arrange its new signal-caller for quick success, bringing aboard Keenan Allen stands out as a savvy transfer for a franchise flush with cap house. But it should not prohibit the addition of one other top-tier receiver like Odunze. Together with his knack for hauling in contested catches and threatening defenses along with his full route tree, he would type a scorching reference to Williams.
10. New York Jets – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Gang Inexperienced took care of its most urgent offseason process by overhauling the offensive line, rising with new bookends in Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, in addition to offensive guard John Simpson. There’s nonetheless work to be accomplished within the receiving corps, nevertheless, even after the addition of Mike Williams. Bowers’ in depth résumé as a run-after-catch menace signifies he may very well be a right away asset to Aaron Rodgers as an beneath goal whereas Williams and Garrett Wilson work deeper downfield.
11. Cardinals (proposed commerce from Vikings) – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
This may appear early for a go catcher who usually has been considered as within the subsequent tier down from the highest three gamers at his place. However 6-3, 209-pound targets who common 17.3 yards per catch and have 4.33-second pace within the 40-yard sprint do not have a tendency to hold round lengthy. If he hones his routes and demonstrates he can beat press protection extra reliably, Thomas figures to be the form of dynamic menace this offense desperately wants, particularly after shedding Marquise Brown in free company.
12. Denver Broncos – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Sean Payton left the door open for a doable commerce up the draft board to focus on a prime quarterback, however pulling off such a maneuver may very well be too expensive for the Broncos to bear. With no second-round choose following the take care of the Saints to land Payton final 12 months, Denver may need to take its shot at a signal-caller on this slot. Together with his in depth expertise and accuracy each inside and out of doors of construction, Nix may very well be a stable match for what Payton is in search of.
13. Las Vegas Raiders – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Las Vegas seems to be firmly within the combine to take a quarterback on one of many first two days of the draft, although coach Antonio Pierce mentioned second-year passer Aidan O’Connell has earned the appropriate to compete for the beginning function. With the highest 5 signal-callers already accounted for right here, nevertheless, there is not any must power the difficulty. Grabbing Fuaga to carry down the appropriate facet of the offensive line would make for a measured begin to Tom Telesco’s tenure.
14. New Orleans Saints – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Putting in a 21-year-old to function Derek Carr’s blindside protector may appear to run counter to the Saints’ win-now philosophy, however turning again to Trevor Penning seems untenable – and proper sort out Ryan Ramczyk’s profession may very well be in jeopardy as a consequence of a knee situation. There is perhaps some early tough patches with Fashanu as he learns the right way to harness his spectacular bodily instruments and deploy a constant method, however the upside is well worth the funding right here.
15. Indianapolis Colts – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Successful an costly bid for L’Jarius Sneed by no means appeared like an affordable final result for the Colts and ever-cautious normal supervisor Chris Ballard. To deal with the shaky secondary, nevertheless, Indianapolis can import a dynamic playmaker in Mitchell, whose athletic traits and demeanor are custom-fit for a top-flight NFL cornerback.
16. Seattle Seahawks – Troy Fautanu, OT/G, Washington
After firming up their dedication to Geno Smith as their beginning quarterback, the Seahawks can additional help their signal-caller by affording him some sorely wanted assistance on the inside. New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is loads conversant in Fautanu from their time collectively at Washington, although the previous left sort out’s attraction as a fleet-footed guard needs to be readily obvious to any coach.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Doug Pederson acknowledged Monday that Jacksonville is again within the function of “hunter” within the AFC South after fumbling the division crown down the stretch. In an effort to higher decelerate C.J. Stroud and the Texans within the years to return, the Jaguars could be smart to take an extended take a look at Arnold, a sticky asset for man protection who ought to assist new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen deploy the aggressive techniques he is hoping to unleash in 12 months 1.
18. Cincinnati Bengals – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Huge offensive tackles are all the time welcome in Cincinnati, which added the 6-8, 370-pound Trent Brown to step in at proper sort out reverse Orlando Brown Jr., who measures 6-8 and 345 kilos. The previous, nevertheless, seems like a short-term resolution, whereas the 6-6, 342-pound Latham may very well be a fixture for the franchise.
19. Los Angeles Rams – Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
No level in making an attempt to switch the retired Aaron Donald in a one-for-one trend, as recreating the three-time Defensive Participant of the 12 months’s singular presence is not possible. The Rams, nevertheless, should bolster their go rush within the mixture. Verse looks as if a sensible place to begin, as his relentless method would assist Matthew Stafford and Co. maximize the franchise’s present aggressive window.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Even after blowing up its outlook behind heart, Mike Tomlin’s crew nonetheless has lingering offensive query marks on offense, notably at extensive receiver and offensive sort out. However heart additionally stands out as an issue space, and Powers-Johnson offers off loads of Steelers vibes along with his punishing method.
21. Miami Dolphins – Graham Barton, G/C, Duke
The cap-strapped Dolphins absolutely steeled themselves for the lack of Robert Hunt to the Panthers, however there’s nonetheless a large gap on Miami’s offensive entrance. A gradual and savvy left sort out at Duke, Barton has broadly been projected to maneuver inside on the subsequent stage. He ought to make for a fast examine in Mike McDaniel’s scheme as a possible Day 1 starter at guard.
22. Philadelphia Eagles – Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Bringing again Chauncey Gardner-Johnson was a high quality first step to assist an ageing secondary that must be reinvigorated. With DeJean, Philadelphia would have one other versatile defensive piece who might deal with some essential protection assignments early earlier than ultimately taking up as a full-time starter on the surface.
23. Cardinals (proposed commerce from Cleveland Browns by way of Houston Texans and Vikings) – Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Enhancing a lackluster inside go rush usually comes at nice value, whether or not that is within the draft or free company. Fortunately for Jonathan Gannon and Co., probably the most disruptive power on the place is accessible for the taking with the second first-rounder from the hypothetical Vikings commerce. Gannon mentioned on the mix he was in search of “recreation wreckers,” and Murphy has demonstrated he definitely qualifies as simply that.
24. Dallas Cowboys – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Mike McCarthy mentioned Tuesday that Dallas intends to maintain Tyler Smith at left guard, signaling that the Cowboys’ desire for reconfiguring their offensive line could be to look elsewhere for Tyron Smith’s alternative at left sort out. A former H-back, Guyton might entice Jerry Jones along with his uncommon motion capability and 6-8, 322-pound body, regardless that he’d be considerably of a challenge for a crew in want of quick help up entrance.
25. Inexperienced Bay Packers – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
At 6-5 and 311 kilos, Morgan would not supply the identical hulking presence that a number of the different second-tier offensive sort out prospects on this class do. For Inexperienced Bay, nevertheless, he may make for a high quality successor to David Bakhtiari at left sort out, or he might slide in as a promising prospect at guard.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Laiatu Latu, DE/OLB, UCLA
In transferring aggressively to re-sign Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans and apply the franchise tag to Antoine Winfield Jr., the Buccaneers made clear they don’t have any intention of taking a step again after they shocked many with their third consecutive NFC South crown. As probably the most polished and regular go rusher on this class, Latu can assist the crew win now by stepping in reverse YaYa Diaby to present Tampa Bay a promising pair of younger gamers on the sting.
27. Cardinals (from Texans) – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Not a foul option to spherical out a trio of first-rounders. Woefully undermanned on the again finish, Arizona little question would stand to profit from including Wiggins, a hyperathletic protection presence with the body (6-1, 173 kilos) and pace (4.26 seconds within the 40-yard sprint) to stay with any receiver – as long as he bulks up.
28. Buffalo Payments – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Amid some painful farewells made needed by a troublesome cap state of affairs, Buffalo did nicely to switch Gabe Davis with the more cost effective Curtis Samuel. But given the significance of ramping up the explosiveness round Josh Allen – and presumably getting ready for a post-Stefon Diggs future at some point – the dynamic Mitchell could be a gorgeous possibility if he makes it this far.
29. Detroit Lions – Kool-Support McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Although the secondary briefly regarded secure, cornerback Cam Sutton’s launch following an alleged home violence incident sparked additional uncertainty for Detroit’s protection. Together with his even-keeled method, McKinstry makes for a high quality plug-and-play cornerback for a gaggle itching to take the following step as an NFC contender.
30. Baltimore Ravens – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The offseason defections had been to be anticipated, however Baltimore was nonetheless left with plenty of holes and restricted sources for patching them. If the Ravens had been capable of safe the huge Mims (6-8, 340 kilos), it will have a solution at proper sort out after the commerce of Morgan Moses − and doubtlessly a contingency plan at left sort out if Ronnie Stanley cannot shake his damage woes.
31. San Francisco 49ers – Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State
With enviable athleticism an explosive first step, Robinson is the form of edge rusher whom coaches cannot wait to convey alongside. Pairing him with extremely regarded 49ers defensive position coach Kris Kocurek might yield an enormous payoff for each the participant and crew.
32. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs – Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
A left sort out to safeguard Patrick Mahomes looks as if the highest precedence, however the run on blockers considerably depleted the potential choices right here. As an alternative, Mahomes will get yet one more weapon after the Marquise Brown signing, with McConkey figuring to see loads of early motion as an intermediate goal who can shake protection rapidly and preserve the offense transferring.