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New Year Mock Draft: Seven QBs, several shocking trades, and a defensive drought

In NFLMocks’ first mock draft of 2024, quarterbacks fly off the board in a hurry. Who will Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels end up with? Can the Vikings and Seahawks find signal-callers of the future?
ByHunter Haas
Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham congratulates USC Trojans quarterback Caleb
Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham congratulates USC Trojans quarterback Caleb | Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY
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Two more mock draft trades shake up the end of Day 1

Lions Send:
•No. 27 Overall (2024)

Raiders Send:
•No. 42 Overall (2024)
•No. 112 Overall (2024)
•Future 2nd Round Pick (2025)

No. 27: Las Vegas Raiders (via DET) — J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The Raiders jump back into the first round, this time for the all-important quarterback position. Whether Jim Harbaugh becomes the head coach in Vegas or not, J.J. McCarthy will be a name linked to the Silver and Black.

While the first round is a tad rich, overpaying is necessary at times, especially if a franchise has complete belief in said prospect. McCarthy has shown enough arm talent, maturity, and rushing ability to justify a dart throw at the end of Day 1. But fans must exhibit patience as he develops.

No. 28: Houston Texans (via CLE) — Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

Will Anderson Jr. is the most impressive rookie defender in 2023, but the Texans still lack a pass rusher to take pressure off the former No. 2 overall pick. Insert Chop Robinson. The Penn State alum displays consistent bend on tape and will only improve as he introduces more moves to the tool belt.

No. 29: Miami Dolphins — Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Dolphins have Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard, which — on paper — reads as a strength. However, both men will be on the wrong side of 30 in 2024 and have dealt with injuries this season. Miami gets ahead of the curve by selecting Quinyon Mitchell, a sticky zone specialist with man coverage chops.

No. 30: Dallas Cowboys — Graham Barton, OL, Duke

The Cowboys could go with a flashy selection, but bolstering the offensive line is the smartest play. Graham Barton is a rare prospect who can legitimately play anywhere on the line. With Dallas, Barton can provide Pro Bowl-level play instantly.

The final trade allows Atlanta to find a Desmond Ridder replacement!

49ers Send:
•No. 31 Overall (2024)

Falcons Send:
•No. 44 Overall (2024)
•No. 143 Overall (2024)
•Future 2nd Round Pick (2025)

No. 31: Atlanta Falcons (via SF) — Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

Another trade occurs, this time with the Atlanta Falcons flying back into Round 1. Bo Nix holds the college football record for most starts by a quarterback, highlighting his experience and marked improvement over the years.

For the Falcons, Nix wouldn’t be asked to carry the team — nor should he feel the pressure to do so. With Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts already in tow, along with the addition of Rome Odunze, there’s a strong chance Nix would find himself in Rookie of the Year convos.

No. 32: Baltimore Ravens — Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

The Ravens look like the best team in football and that leads to a luxury of sorts at No. 32 overall. Wide receiver? Cornerback? There’s no shortage of options at the end of this mock draft. But Troy Fautanu, a refined blocker from Washington, makes the most sense.

Fautanu can play guard at a high level in Year 1. He also has the skillset (and experience) to play offensive tackle when necessary. It’s hard to find a better fit for both sides, as Fautanu excels at using his strength to create running lanes.

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