Mock Draft: Rams, Giants trade up for Drake Maye, Caleb Williams — It’s a quarterback frenzy
In our latest NFL Mock Draft, the quarterbacks come off the board at a breakneck pace. The Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants trade considerable draft capital to move up and select Drake Maye and Caleb Williams, respectively.
By Hunter Haas
With Week 9 of the NFL regular season in the books, more and more attention is gearing toward the 2024 NFL Draft. The quarterback discourse is running rampant as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and others jockey for position in a loaded class. Between J.J. McCarthy, Quinn Ewers, Michael Penix Jr., and Bo Nix, there are upwards of half a dozen signal-callers in play for Day 1. This mock draft sees most of those names taken early on.
Rams Get A Quarterback, Giants Get A Quarterback — Everyone Gets A Quarterback
Elsewhere, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Olu Fashanu grade out as blue-chip prospects on my Big Board; both should hear their name called within the first five selections next Spring. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Laiatu Latu, Jared Verse, and Jer’Zhan Newton headline an impressive defensive pool of players, too.
As of today, using the current order on Tankathon, the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants hold all the power. Will the franchises stick by quarterbacks Justin Fields, Kyler Murray, and Daniel Jones? Or will the allure of Williams and Maye be too much to pass up? In our latest mock draft, we have answers to these questions!
Up first, the Bears are on the clock. And with Fields likely to return to the field in Week 11, let’s imagine a scenario where the Chicago regime stands pat with its current QB1. In this instance, the No. 1 overall selection could be auctioned off at an unprecedented price.
A Trade Kicks Off This Mock Draft In Exciting Fashion: Drake Maye Heads To Hollywood
No. 1: Los Angeles Rams (via CHI) — Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Rams fly up the board to land a long-term successor to veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. Drake Maye is making a strong case for the QB1 mantle, as the Tar Heel star boasts ideal size, pinpoint accuracy, and plenty of arm strength to be a high-end starter on Sundays.
Another Trade Shakes Up The NFC Landscape As Caleb Williams Lands With Giants
No. 2: New York Giants (via ARI) — Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Another trade occurs, with the Giants moving up for Caleb Williams. Daniel Jones’ time as the starter will end after the 2024 campaign, giving the USC superstar enough time to acclimate to the NFL before taking the reins. Williams’ arm talent is remarkable, and his creativity outside the pocket is video game stuff.