The 2024 NFL Draft is quickly entering view. Although there are still many months to go, the NFL regular season is winding down, as fans have begun looking ahead. In today’s mock draft, the Commanders and Bears link up on another trade while Jayden Daniels heads to the Big Apple.
The mock draft order for this article has been determined by the current standings at Tankathon. Without further ado, let's dive in and see where the highly-regarded first-rounders could end up next Spring. But first — there is a trade!
Another Trade Between The Bears And Commanders Gets The Mock Draft Rolling
Commanders Receive:
•No. 1 Overall (2024)
Bears Receive:
•No. 4 Overall (2024)
•No. 41 Overall (2024)
•No. 68 Overall (2024)
•Future First-Round Pick (2025)
As the great Emperor Palpatine once said, in all of his Star Wars glory, “It’s ironic”. After trading away a second-round pick to the Commanders via a midseason Montez Sweat trade, the Bears front office recoups that selection, plus more in exchange for No. 1 overall.
The Commanders will likely have a new head coach and general manager combo. That makes it difficult to project which quarterback the team will target, but trading up the board for one of the highly-touted signal-callers would make sense. A new regime would have zero allegiance to Sam Howell, after all.
Caleb Williams Swaps Out West Coast For East Coast
No. 1: Washington Commanders (via CHI) — Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Enter Caleb Williams. The potential pairing of Williams with current offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is enticing, and the former Chiefs assistant should be near the top of the list to replace Ron Rivera in D.C. Flanked by Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, the USC star will have an ample amount of weapons in Year 1.
The Patriots Find A Promising Option At QB In Latest Mock Draft
No. 2: New England Patriots — Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Patriots will happily take Drake Maye at No. 2 overall, bringing the Mac Jones/Bailey Zappe era to a merciful end. With Maye, New England gets a prototypical pocket passer with pinpoint accuracy who isn’t afraid to churn out yardage on the ground when necessary.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals — Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The best player in the 2024 NFL Draft comes off the board third overall in this mock draft. Marvin Harrison Jr. is a brilliant route runner with sure hands and elite body control. MHJ will form an instant star-studded pairing with quarterback Kyler Murray.
No. 4: Chicago Bears (via WSH) — Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Braxton Jones is coming off his worst game of the season and has struggled to stay healthy in 2023. Olu Fashanu presents a higher upside option with franchise cornerstone potential at left tackle. If Chicago wants to stick with Justin Fields, he needs protection upfront.
The Bears Still Find Two Premier Talents After Trading Down
No. 5: Chicago Bears — Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
As good as Montez Sweat is, the Bears need another capable edge defender to keep the heat off the veteran. Dallas Turner, an athletic marvel from Alabama, can be that guy. Turner wins with a lightning-quick first step and an impressive, still expanding, array of pass-rushing moves.
No. 6: New York Jets — Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Jets must protect 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers should he return for the 2024 campaign. Joe Alt is a plug-and-play option at either tackle position for New York. He boasts All-Pro potential early in his career and figures to be the next in a long line of successful Notre Dame linemen.
No. 7: New York Giants — Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Jayden Daniels, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, heads back to New York to stay for good. The Giants need more than Daniel Jones behind center — Daniels is a quality first-round target at quarterback with his top-tier deep ball and deathly athleticism.
No. 8: Los Angeles Chargers — Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Chargers could go several ways at No. 8 overall, but in today’s mock draft, they choose insurance for Justin Herbert. Taliese Fuaga is a better option at right tackle than Trey Pipkins and will give L.A. building block bookends at offensive tackle.
Mock Draft: The Titans’ Offense Gets An Influx Of Youth At WR
No. 9: Tennessee Titans — Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Deandre Hopkins isn’t getting any younger, and Treylon Burks is trending toward falling short of his first-round pedigree. Malik Nabers is an NFL WR1 upon arrival with phenomenal concentration in contested catch situations and electrifying ability with the ball in tow.
No. 10: Atlanta Falcons — Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
The Falcons select an heir apparent to Grady Jarrett, who can also play alongside the All-Pro talent. Jer’Zhan Newton is a game wrecker from the interior, showing brute strength in his lower body, a red-hot motor, and the hand usage of a karate black belt.
No. 11: Green Bay Packers — Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
There are bigger needs for the Packers, but selecting so close to the top 10, the team shouldn’t get hung up trying to fill gaps this early. Instead, why not stack the pass-rushing group with Laiatu Latu? A natural-born quarterback hunter, Latu frequently applies pressure to the pocket.
The Secondary Adds A Building Block In Las Vegas
No. 12: Las Vegas Raiders — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Raiders have some blue-chip talent on the roster. But the depth chart at cornerback is severely lacking a pillar. Kool-Aid McKinstry is the best player at the position in 2024, giving Las Vegas a difference-maker on the boundary.
No. 13: New Orleans Saints — Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Outside of Chris Olave, the Saints lack a consistent threat in the passing game. Rome Odunze complements Olave’s skillset well, as the Washington product is a big-bodied, go-up-and-get-it receiver. Odunze is blazing fast as well, adding to his credibility as an instant contributor as a rookie.
No. 14: Denver Broncos — Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Broncos have put together a respectable season following a shaky start. Still, the defense can’t stand pat in the front seven. Jared Verse, a powerful pass rusher and adequate run defender, has 10+ sack potential in Denver.
The Seahawks Benefit From Runs At Other Positions, Stealing Brock Bowers In This Mock Draft
No. 15: Seattle Seahawks — Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
It’s hard to believe Brock Bowers will last until No. 15 overall, but if the forecasted run on quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive tackle come to fruition, it’s well within reason. The Seahawks, per usual, benefit by adding a supremely talented pass catcher in Bowers.
No. 16: Pittsburgh Steelers — Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Joey Porter Jr. is a hit for the front office, but the facelift at cornerback should continue at the 2024 NFL Draft. In today’s mock draft, the Steelers take Nate Wiggins out of Clemson. Wiggins displays exceptional recovery ability, and at times, it looks like he has eyes in the back of his head.
No. 17: Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) — Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Head coach Jonathan Gannon got his quarterback a weapon earlier in the mock draft -- now he gets to go shopping for himself. Chop Robinson shows arguably the best bend in the class and racks up pressures like Kanye West racks up controversy. (That’s a lot).
Keon Coleman Is Exactly What Josh Allen Needs To Get Bills Over The Top
No. 18: Buffalo Bills — Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Gabe Davis is far too inconsistent to trust as the WR2 in Buffalo. Keon Coleman, on the other hand, checks every box physically and shows better technique than Davis. Coleman is billed as a jump ball specialist, but don’t sell his athleticism short after the catch.
No. 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama
Baker Mayfield has shown enough to earn a contract extension in the offseason. To help Mayfield’s chances of continued success, placing J.C. Latham opposite Tristan Wirfs would go a long way. Latham boasts refined hand usage on tape, backed up by his experience at Alabama.
No. 20: Minnesota Vikings — J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The Vikings may re-sign Kirk Cousins on a short deal, but no matter his future with the franchise, it shouldn’t stop the front office from actively seeking a long-term option. J.J. McCarthy needs work, but few coaches are better equipped to smooth out his rough edges than Kevin O’Connell. McCarthy has the arm talent to seize a starting role on Sundays.
Rams Make Good On Rare Day 1 Selection By Snagging A Potential Franchise LT
No. 21: Los Angeles Rams — Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
It’s not often the Rams come to the podium on Day 1. To ensure they get the most out of it, a premium position should be on the radar. Amarius Mims is as raw as gas station sushi, but his length, size, strength, and tape vs. the SEC make him a nice dart throw for L.A.
No. 22: Indianapolis Colts — Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Colts fans will be clamoring for a wide receiver in the first round, but with four already off the board, Chris Ballard is unlikely to force the position. Instead, Indy invests more in the offensive line, bringing in Graham Barton to start as the right guard in 2024. Barton, a savvy veteran from Duke, can play center and offensive tackle, too.
No. 23: Jacksonville Jaguars — Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Reunited, and it feels so good. Former Oklahoma teammates Anton Harrison and Tyler Guyton rejoin forces in Duval. Guyton, like Harrison, is still cleaning up bad habits, but the duo's ceiling is as high as any — Trevor Lawrence is already smiling.
Protecting Joe Burrow Should Be Priority No. 1
No. 24: Cincinnati Bengals — Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
One day, Joe Burrow will know what it feels like to play behind a decent offensive line. Drafting Jordan Morgan brings the Bengals one step closer to their ultimate vision. Morgan is already a difference-maker in pass protection but will need to improve in the run game a bit.
No. 25: Kansas City Chiefs — Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
Donovan Smith isn’t cutting it at left tackle, and for a franchise that employs Patrick Mahomes, that presents a major issue. Patrick Paul has the long arms, fleet feet, and strong anchor to be a decade-long starter in the league.
No. 26: Houston Texans (via CLE) — Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Will Anderson Jr. was a strong start to building an effective pass-rushing assault in Houston. Bralen Trice, a star from Washington, can feed off Anderson’s energy, using his length to give opposing linemen fits. Head coach DeMeco Ryans gets a second high-end option off the edge.
A Run On Defensive Backs Takes Place To Wrap Up First-Round Mock Draft
No. 27: Detroit Lions — Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The “other” Alabama cornerback has played his way into first-round consideration. Terrion Arnold is a sticky coverage defender who flashes elite mirror ability and a knack for getting his arms in passing lanes downfield. He will start immediately for the Lions.
No. 28: Philadelphia Eagles — Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Darius Slay and James Bradberry are both over 30 years old, making Quinyon Mitchell a no-brainer choice at No. 28 overall. Mitchell has the best ball skills at cornerback, and his work ethic will allow for an even better professional career than his collegiate career.
No. 29: Miami Dolphins — J.T. Tuimoloau, DL, Ohio State
If all it took is a highlight reel to get drafted early, J.T. Tuimoloau would be a top-five player in this mock draft. Alas, consistency has been an issue for JTT since arriving in Columbus. If the Dolphins can keep the Buckeye star locked in, he might go down as the steal of the draft.
No. 30: Dallas Cowboys — Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Once the workout phase of the offseason arrives, Cooper DeJean, still healing from a season-ending injury, will have all eyes his way. DeJean is one of the better athletes in the class and his instincts are unteachable. For the Cowboys, the versatile defender can line up anywhere in the secondary.
No. 31: San Francisco 49ers — Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
The Niners are loaded — this isn’t earth-shattering analysis. However, the trenches can always use reinforcements. Troy Fautanu plays the blindside at Washington, but his ceiling is likely highest from the interior. Either way, San Francisco will find a spot for him in the starting five.
Zay Flowers Welcomes A Partner In Crime To The Ravens
No. 32: Baltimore Ravens — Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
If Zay Flowers began the transformation at wide receiver in Baltimore, Xavier Legette is the next step in their evolution. Legette stands at a gaudy 6-foot-3, weighs 227 pounds, and has been clocked well north of 20 miles per hour with the ball in his hands.
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