Week 13 of the NFL regular season has arrived, along with conference championship season in college football. With that comes an updated mock draft, giving fans a glimpse at the draft order if the 2024 NFL Draft took place today. The Bears and Cardinals remain atop the board, but teams like the Patriots and Giants are jockeying for position.
On the prospect side of things, plenty of the players featured in today’s mock draft will appear in the championship matchups for their respective teams. J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr., and Bo Nix hold down the fort at quarterback, while Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, and Jayden Daniels have already shifted focus to the NFL Draft.
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders Trade Up, Falcons Select Bo Nix
Elsewhere, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Terrion Arnold, Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Kamari Lassiter, and Bralen Trice rank amongst the best defensive prospects in the class — all of them will be in action this coming weekend. Simply put, there’s an embarrassment of riches on both sides of the football in 2024.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the latest first-round mock draft. Up first, the Chicago Bears. Will they stand pat and select Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 1 overall? Could the franchise opt for a fresh start at quarterback by moving on from current starter Justin Fields? Is a trade-down in the cards? It’s time for some answers!
No. 1: Chicago Bears (via CAR) — Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
A wide receiver at No. 1? Yep! Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best pass-catching prospect I’ve ever evaluated. He’s the ideal size, boasts teach tape route running, and has the talent to step in as WR1 in an NFL offensive immediately. If the Bears stick with Justin Fields, this is a layup pick.
A Trade! Cardinals Move Down, Giants Move Up!
The Arizona Cardinals, rather than replacing Kyler Murray, choose to trade down and let the New York Giants jump to No. 2 overall.
No. 2: New York Giants (via ARZ) — Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Giants need a franchise-caliber quarterback to make the most of Brian Daboll’s brilliant offensive mind. Caleb Williams, through all his faults, still profiles as a high-end starter at the next level. This is thanks to a blend of natural arm talent and creativity outside the pocket few can match.
No. 3: New England Patriots — Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Patriots thought Mac Jones could be a capable Tom Brady replacement, but the Alabama product has regressed mightily. In his place, New England adds Drake Maye, a polished, accurate passer with substantial upside.
Another Trade! Raiders Snag A QB, Cardinals Snag Extra Draft Capital!
Another trade! This time, the Bears trade down to acquire more future (and current) draft capital. The Raiders, at long last, have an answer behind center.
No. 4: Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI) — Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Jayden Daniels has flown up NFL Draft boards everywhere. In this mock draft, the LSU star is the fourth overall selection, paving the way toward starting in Year 1. Vegas has several premier weapons on offense; Daniels’ arm talent and dual-threat ability can transform the unit.
No. 5: Washington Commanders — Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
If Olu Fashanu, a premier pass-blocker from Penn State, is available, the Commanders can’t turn the card in fast enough. Washington is on pace to allow the most sacks in NFL history, making Fashanu a plug-and-play option who is still improving in the ground game.
No. 6: Arizona Cardinals (via NYG) — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Cardinals, after a savvy trade down, are still able to have their pick of the litter on defense. Kool-Aid McKinstry makes sense. He is a gifted defensive back, excelling in press coverage. Arizona would give head coach Jonathan Gannon a pillar at cornerback.
No 7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Buccaneers boast an impressive front seven, but the team desperately needs a top-end pass rusher off the edge. Laiatu Latu’s medicals are important, but if everything checks out, he is a natural rusher with 10+ sack potential as a rookie.
Jets Address Offensive Line In Latest Mock Draft
No. 8: New York Jets — Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Aaron Rodgers or not, the Jets have to upgrade the offensive line. Joe Alt is on the heels of Fashanu in most rankings, but make no mistake, the Notre Dame product is a star in his own right. At 6-foot-8, 322 pounds, and possessing elite traits, Alt checks all the boxes.
No. 9: Los Angeles Chargers — Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
The steam behind Jer’Zhan Newton as the top defender taken in 2024 is building. While that didn’t come to fruition in this mock draft, No. 9 overall isn’t too shabby. The Chargers have a porous run defense and lack an interior pass rusher of Newton’s caliber.
No. 10: Tennessee Titans — Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Off sheer talent alone, the Titans get a steal with Brock Bowers at No. 10. The Georgia standout is a tad undersized, but he passes with flying colors in every other category. He’s a dangerous pass catcher, a committed blocker, and a beast with the ball in his hands.
Montez Sweat And Dallas Turner? Sign Me Up!
No. 11: Chicago Bears (via LV) — Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Few in the class flex the size and speed profile of Dallas Turner. As a standup rusher at Alabama, Turner is at his best. He uses an impressive first step and a wide array of pass-rushing moves to get to the quarterback. The Bears need an imposing threat opposite Montez Sweat.
No. 12: New Orleans Saints — Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Saints could go the quarterback route, but with the top three names already gone, I see Malik Nabers as the target. Nabers played his college football in the same state, and his skill set, including an elite contested catch ability, would be a welcomed addition alongside Chris Olave.
No. 13: Green Bay Packers — Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Packers are another team that cannot go into the 2024 season without reinforcements in the trenches. Taliese Fuaga is a right tackle prospect with the ability to kick inside or even play the blindside on Sundays.
No. 14: Los Angeles Rams — Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Jared Verse wins with power as a pass rusher, utilizing a dominant burst with violent hands. He’s a plus defender in the running game and has shown steady improvement at his multiple stops in college. Pairing Verse with Byron Young is a recipe for success for years to come in LA.
Mock Draft: Bengals Commit To Protecting Joe Burrow At No. 15 Overall
No. 15: Cincinnati Bengals — J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama
Could the Bengals invest even more in the offensive line? That answer should be an easy yes. Sure, a ton of money and draft resources have already been spent on the group, but that doesn’t matter if the quality of play remains mediocre. J.C. Latham possesses more upside in his pinky finger than anyone currently rostered.
No. 16: Buffalo Bills — Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The Bills swung and missed on Kaiir Elam recently, but that shouldn’t dissuade them from taking Nate Wiggins. With Wiggins, Buffalo gets an uber-competitive and uber-talented cornerback who can make fans forget about the Elam misstep. He displays 4.3 speed on tape and an ever-improving ability in man coverage.
No. 17: Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) — Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
After addressing the defense earlier in this mock draft, Kyler Murray gets a weapon. Keon Coleman profiles as a DeAndre Hopkins type of pass catcher — but get this, Coleman is an astonishing three inches taller. That shows up in jump-ball situations, but the FSU star is a return man for special teams as well, highlighting his overall athleticism.
No. 18: Denver Broncos — Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
The Broncos have an underrated defense, but infusing Chop Robinson into the fold could elevate the unit as a whole. Robinson is an old-school type of pass rusher, using strength and impeccable pad level to terrorize his assignments. Not many in the class are as natural at getting into the opposing backfield.
Is Bo Nix The Answer For Falcons? Desmond Ridder Isn’t
No. 19: Atlanta Falcons — Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Full disclosure: my list of first-round quarterbacks begins and ends after the first three names in this mock draft. Still, Bo Nix has shown enough to merit Day 1 consideration. For the Falcons, he presents a higher-upside than Desmond Ridder, and frankly, that’s enough to pull the trigger.
Vikings Find A Kirk Cousins Replacement
No. 20: Minnesota Vikings — J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Piggybacking on the last section, McCarthy garners a strong Day 2 grade from me. But at No. 20 overall, barring a trade-up, this presents the Vikings with the best opportunity at a starting-caliber replacement for Kirk Cousins. McCarthy can sling the rock but needs work with his decision-making and fundamentals.
No. 21: Indianapolis Colts — Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs, but to complete the wideout trio necessary for Shane Steichen’s scheme, another top-tier receiver is required. Enter Rome Odunze. The Husky star is special at the catch point, showcasing one-of-one body control and elite hands. His size, speed, and polish will resonate with Chris Ballard.
No. 22: Seattle Seahawks — Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Seahawks spent a first-rounder on Devon Witherspoon in 2023, and Tariq Woolen is a quality starter, but let’s complete the cornerback room. Terrion Arnold is instinctive, competitive, and never out of a play. His top speed might be a tick below his peers, but his skillset aligns well with Seattle’s scheme.
No. 23: Pittsburgh Steelers — Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
At one point, the Steelers had too many wide receivers. Now, with the disdain the fanbase is feeling toward Diontae Johnson, there’s a chance it’s George Pickens and “everyone else”. If Pittsburgh wants a running partner, Xavier Legette, at 6-foot-3 and 223 pounds, can be a Deebo Samuel-esque player at the next level.
Will Anderson Jr. Welcomes Bralen Trice To Houston In Today’s Mock Draft
No. 24: Houston Texans (via CLE) — Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
Will Anderson Jr. can only do so much by himself. Adding Bralen Trice on the opposite end of the line will benefit the defense from Day 1. Trice is built like a robot, possessing long arms, impressive power, and a refined pass-rushing catalog.
No. 25: Miami Dolphins — Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The Dolphins can always use athletic, positionally versatile offensive linemen within the Mike McDaniel scheme. Graham Barton is exactly that. He can line up anywhere in the trenches, as far in as center and as far out as either tackle position.
No. 26: Dallas Cowboys — Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
The Cowboys boast one of the best secondaries in the NFL when healthy. Still, Cooper DeJean brings more to the table than Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker at safety. DeJean is amongst the most athletic in the class, and his high football IQ makes him a starter anywhere in the secondary.
No. 27: Detroit Lions — Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Amon-Ra St. Brown is the straw that stirs the drink in Detroit, but a prospect like Troy Franklin can add another element to the offense. Franklin is a long, lanky pass catcher with the best release package in the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s always open, even when he’s not.
A Potential Franchise LT Arrives In Jacksonville
No. 28: Jacksonville Jaguars — Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
There’s a chance Amarius Mims is long gone before this pick, but in today’s mock draft, he got pushed down the board. The Jaguars scoop up the Georgia star who flashes dominant reps on tape. Mims is 6-foot-7, 340 pounds, and still scratching the surface of the player he could be.
No. 29: Kansas City Chiefs — Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Continuing the offensive tackle trend, the Chiefs need to send Donovan Smith to the closest nursing home. Jordan Morgan, a standout blocker from Arizona, will start on Patrick Mahomes’ blindside upon arrival.
No. 30: San Francisco 49ers — Kamren Kinchens, SAF, Miami
It’s always difficult to pinpoint one area of need in a mock draft for the Niners. The offensive line could always use some bolstering, but let’s pivot to the secondary instead. Kamren Kinchens is the best safety available in 2024. Kinchens would start over Tashaun Gipson right now if he was on the roster.
No. 31: Baltimore Ravens — Kalen King, CB, Penn State
Once considered a shoo-in for the first round, Kalen King has put together some spotty tape in 2023. Still, I’d be willing to take the Penn State cornerback at this point of the mock draft. The Ravens need more juice at cornerback; King is a much-needed jolt for Baltimore.
Another Mock Draft, Another Homerun For Howie Roseman
No. 32: Philadelphia Eagles — Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Darius Slay and James Bradberry are running out of time in the league, so prioritizing a long-term option should be a focal point of the offseason. Denzel Burke bounced back after a down 2022 campaign, recapturing the imagination of scouts everywhere. Burke has every trait necessary to succeed; he just needs a boost in confidence.