There are very few offseasons that can compete with the NFL. Especially since the league added an 18th regular season week, the delay between the Super Bowl and all of the best offseason festivities just doesn't feel all that long anymore. It's 2024 NFL mock draft season with the Scouting Combine underway, and we're on the doorstep of 2024 NFL free agency as well.
It's a great time for NFL fans, especially those looking for renewed optimism. So let's take a crack once again at predicting the NFL Draft, as well as some major moves over the course of the offseason. We will look not only at projecting the 2024 NFL Draft but also some crazy trades within this exercise to make it even more fun. Could Justin Jefferson be on the move? Is someone moving up for Drake Maye?
Let's find out in the latest 2024 NFL mock draft.
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
At this stage of the game, it really feels like we’re trending toward the Chicago Bears moving on from Justin Fields (more on that later) and taking Caleb Williams in the top overall slot. Until something really shifts like the Bears actually trading the #1 overall pick, this seems like the direction things are going.
Although Caleb Williams has been scrutinized and overanalyzed, he’s undoubtedly worthy of the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Just like every other rookie, he’s going to have to come in and make some massive adjustments but the Bears have the assets to surround him with the best possible talent where his playmaking abilities will hopefully be able to thrive.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Washington Commanders hired Adam Peters away from the 49ers as their new general manager and Dan Quinn as their head coach. The addition of Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator may be the most important hire they made this offseason, however, because he’s in charge of the development of their next franchise QB.
So why Jayden Daniels over Drake Maye here? Or anyone else, for that matter? Historically speaking, Daniels is much more in line with the type of playmaker at the QB position that Kliff Kingsbury has worked with. Not that Kliff is getting autonomy to pick his own QB here, but he’s had guys like Caleb Williams, Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, Patrick Mahomes, etc. He works well with the dual-threat at the position.
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3. Minnesota Vikings: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Trey Lance trade between the 49ers and Jets back in 2021 can serve as precedence for this kind of a deal, even right within the same range the Vikings are picking in 2024. Back then the 49ers moved up from the 12th pick to the 3rd pick for essentially the price of three first-round picks.
If you determine Justin Jefferson is worth two first-round picks and then some, adding their first-round pick this year should get that deal done. It isn't an overly steep drop for the Patriots, but say the Pats fell in love with Williams and/or Daniels in this draft process, but not Drake Maye. It could put them in a situation to punt that QB position.
Heck, maybe the Patriots could sign Kirk Cousins in this instance...
The Vikings just hired Josh McCown as their new QBs coach, and McCown was one of Drake Maye's high school coaches. The Vikings reset the clock at QB, albeit at the cost of Justin Jefferson. Maye would still have Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson as top targets in the passing game, and the Vikings could look to make some other moves at receiver.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Arizona Cardinals are moving forward with Kyler Murray as their franchise QB, and understandably so. But in order for Murray to get this franchise back to the playoffs, he’s going to need some much better playmakers on the outside.
Luckily for the Cardinals, there probably couldn’t be a better situation for them to be in than this. Not only do they have their choice of top non-QB at this pick slot, but they will likely have their choice of wide receivers in a class where it feels like you really can’t go wrong among the top three. Getting the opportunity to pick Marvin Harrison Jr. here seems similar to the Cardinals’ opportunity to draft Larry Fitzgerald back in 2004.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Taliese Fuaga, OL, Oregon State
Could we see the Los Angeles Chargers be a little bit of a wild card in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft? For the longest time, this pick has been projected as Brock Bowers, and that could still be the case, but what if the Chargers go offensive line? I think most people would project Notre Dame’s Joe Alt or Penn State’s Olu Fashanu at this point, but let’s not sleep on Taliese Fuaga.
Fuaga is getting hype as a top 10 player in this class right now, and if he’s in the top 10 of the Chargers’ draft board, there’s really no reason they should pass on him at this pick slot. If Jim Harbaugh wants to be physical up front, put Taliese Fuaga as the bookend to Rashawn Slater, or if you’re happy with Trey Pipkins out there, put Fuaga at right guard. Build in the trenches.
Wide receiver also makes a ton of sense here for the Chargers depending on what happens with Mike Williams.
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The New York Giants apparently believe that Daniel Jones is the future at the position (still). I don’t understand it at all, given Jones’s injury and turnover history, but it’s where the Giants are at and there’s nothing any of us can really do about it.
The only thing Giants fans can hope for is that the team surrounds him with such incredible talent that it becomes painfully obvious that he’s not the answer. Adding Malik Nabers as a true WR1 for this offense might even help Jones, who knows? He’s that good.
7. New York Jets: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Tennessee Titans need some pieces in this year's draft and they are currently without a third-round selection. Having multiple appealing options at this stage of the draft works in Tennessee's favor as they are able to trade this pick to the offensive line-needy Jets.
The Jets get the opportunity to take perhaps the best overall tackle on their board, something that could end up being a necessity for Aaron Rodgers this season. The Jets need to make sure they do whatever they possibly can in order to keep Rodgers upright and healthy. Joe Alt could help the Jets right their wrongs from the 2020 NFL Draft when they took the talented but oft-injured Mekhi Becton, who is a free agent this offseason.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The Atlanta Falcons have become experts of picking skill players in the top 10 of the NFL Draft in recent years. I think Falcons fans would love to see this team finally pick a quarterback, because they’ve been very hesitant to commit to anyone since Terry Fontenot became GM of this team.
With that said, if you don’t love any of the guys left at this pick slot, why would you not continue to set the table perfectly for the QB? And as you’ll see later in this mock draft, the QB could be on his way…
If you have an offense that features Rome Odunze, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts? How is it possible for a quarterback to fail?
9. Chicago Bears: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
After taking Caleb Williams with the #1 overall pick, I think the Bears find themselves in a pretty favorable situation here. They could go with either Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu on the offensive line but I think they like Braxton Jones at that left tackle spot. They could go with a receiver but the top three stars are off the board at this point.
We could see them take a corner here with Jaylon Johnson’s situation in limbo, but I think the Bears ultimately can’t go wrong with Dallas Turner, the top EDGE player in a draft class that is sort of lacking at that position. Turner would pair up with Montez Sweat to give the Bears a pair of stud pass rushers to win on third down and late in games.
10. Tennessee Titans: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
After trading down with the Jets in this scenario, the Tennessee Titans come away with a home run of a pick and an additional third-rounder on top of it.
Olu Fashanu is the type of player who could come in and start immediately, and give the Titans peace of mind knowing that Will Levis’s backside is going to be taken care of. Fashanu doesn’t have many peers in this class when it comes to his ability to pass protect.
Even if he’s not as dominant of a run blocker as he is in pass protection right now, new head coach Brian Callahan needs to learn from his days in Cincinnati and upgrade that offensive line as the first order of business.
11. New England Patriots: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Just imagine it. The New England Patriots have come away from this mock draft scenario with Justin Jefferson and Brock Bowers. If you're a Patriots fan reading this and you're wondering who in the world is going to throw them the football, you make a fair point.
There seems to be a general consensus that the Patriots will move on from Mac Jones this offseason, but I'm not so sure. Maybe Jerod Mayo and his new offensive staff will determine that Jones got a raw deal, and that he should get another shot in New England.
Surround him (or any QB) with guys like Justin Jefferson and Brock Bowers? You might be surprised by what happens.
12. Denver Broncos: JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
There's no question about the fact that the Denver Broncos need to find their next franchise quarterback. The Broncos are becoming the new Browns of the NFL with a quarterback list since Peyton Manning that is well beyond embarrassing at this point.
The Broncos' latest failure is the Russell Wilson trade, which cost them their top two picks in both the 2022 and 2023 NFL Draft classes. The Broncos' cupboard isn't bare, but losing those picks hurt bad.
Although there are questions about whether JJ McCarther can truly "carry" a team, I think there's no doubt about his playmaking ability, his field vision, and his massive upside. Sean Payton is determined not to have another QB's name crossed off the list, and while there's some risk with McCarthy, he seems to fit what Payton wants to do as far as being able to win from the pocket, orchestrate the offense, and be selectively aggressive.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
I don’t really know what to make of the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. The decision to hire Antonio Pierce isn’t something to scoff at given how good of a job he did last year, it just feels like an odd move when so many big-name coaches were available this cycle. Good for Pierce landing that gig and doing such a great job that the Raiders can’t live without him.
You hear rumors that the Raiders could go after a variety of different QBs here, but I see a team whose defense is on the rise and needs some help in the secondary. It’s not often you get the chance to pluck the first cornerback off the board at pick #13 overall, but the Raiders might have a steal here in Terrion Arnold.
14. New Orleans Saints: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The New Orleans Saints may not quite yet be ready to give up on Trevor Penning at the left tackle positon, but they have to make sure they don’t pass on such a talented offensive tackle class just clinging to hopes and dreams.
If they’re not certain Penning is going to work out, then they need to dip into a talented draft pool at offensive tackle and perhaps land the most talented one of them all in Amarius Mims out of Georgia. A former five-star recruit, Mims is the type of player who will need some development and seasoning, but the highs on his tape are brilliant.
The dilemma I had here was passing on LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who could step in as the #1 receiver for this offense as well.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Just call them the IndianapolRAS Colts. There is no NFL team out there that seems to prioritize high RAS numbers than the Colts, and you can expect that to continue into the 2024 NFL Draft.
When you look at this Colts roster, you see a group that is talented but also losing a lot in free agency this offseason. I expect the Colts to keep Michael Pittman Jr., even if it costs them the franchise tag, but this is a team with a number of starters and key defensive players hitting free agency. Notably: defensive lineman Grover Stewart, safety Julian Blackmon, and cornerback Kenny Moore.
The Colts need to add at the cornerback position, and Nate Wiggins is probably going to have a RAS (Relative Athletic Score) over 9.0.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Seattle Seahawks have had a number of huge draft classes in a row thanks to the Russell Wilson blockbuster trade, and they have undoubtedly answered some long-term questions on the roster, but some concerns on the defensive front remain.
Even after stealing the Broncos’ top picks as well as their best defensive lineman – Dre’Mont Jones – the Seahawks still had to make a deal at the deadline last year for Leonard Williams to upgrade their defensive front. I think when you look all across this defensive front for Seattle, some upgrades could be necessary.
Jared Verse is a force off the edge with 18 sacks over the last two seasons at Florida State. The Seahawks could move out of this pick and maybe go after Byron Murphy later (or just take him here) but I like adding Verse to this defensive front.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The Jacksonville Jaguars were so bad defensively last year.
How bad were they?!
The Jaguars were so bad defensively in 2023 that they started the year 8-3 and missed the playoffs completely. How does that work?
Jacksonville brought in Ryan Nielsen as their new defensive coordinator to right the ship, but that addition will only mean so much if the personnel is not right. The Jaguars desperately need to add at all levels of the defense, but Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and his playmaking skills would be very welcomed additions on that side of the ball. Jacksonville ranked 26th against the pass last season.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The Cincinnati Bengals needing help on the offensive line is a tale as old as time at this point. The Bengals will potentially be losing former first-round pick Jonah Williams in 2024 NFL free agency, so the right tackle position will be in focus.
Luckily for the Bengals, they are sitting in a range where they might be able to have their pick of many really strong offensive tackle prospects. JC Latham brings a great combination of length and power to the table and would give Cincinnati two of the toughest tackles in the league to get around with Orlando Brown Jr. on the other side.
The Bengals should do whatever it takes to make sure that offensive line is fully stocked.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
The Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl a couple of years ago, and left tackle Andrew Whitworth rode off into the sunset. The Rams figured they could easily replace him with Joe Noteboom, who signed a relatively large deal in free agency considering he was never a full-time starter.
The Rams’ faith in Noteboom was apparently misplaced, and they had to pivot to former UDFA Alaric Jackson last season. Jackson could be back as a restricted free agent, but the Rams would be wise to look for long-term options in the draft.
Adding someone like Troy Fautanu, who has all of the skills you look for at the left tackle position, could be ideal for this roster. Fautanu played left tackle at Washington but also has guard flexibility if the Rams are satisfied with Jackson at left tackle.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon
The Pittsburgh Steelers just released starting center Mason Cole, and not to make a pick based on recency bias, but maybe that decision to let go of Cole just highlighted the fact that Jackson Powers-Johnson is maybe the ideal pick in round one for this Steelers team.
Of course, the quarterback position will need to be addressed in some way, but adding Powers-Johnson to the offensive line seems like a no-brainer. The Steelers have made a lot of quality additions to the offensive line in recent years, and this kind of a selection might be the cherry on top of it all.
21. Miami Dolphins: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Miami Dolphins go a number of different directions with this top pick.
The Dolphins are banking on both Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb getting healthy off the edge, because Andrew Van Ginkel is a candidate to leave in free agency. Xavien Howard is expected to be a cap casualty. Christian Wilkins is a free agent.
There’s a lot going on for this Dolphins team right now with Tua Tagovailoa’s contract situation hanging over it all. I think upgrading the offensive line is a safe move for Miami with three starters on that unit hitting free agency as well. Tyler Guyton should have positional flexibility going forward with just one year of starting experience at Oklahoma.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
The Philadelphia Eagles brought in Vic Fangio to coach the defense in 2024, and not that Fangio is going to be the GM of the team, but I can tell you for a fact he’s going to come in and give a harsh opinion of what went wrong for that Eagles defense in 2023.
And I think it’s safe to assume he’s going to have a loud voice in that NFL Draft room when it comes to finding solutions in the NFL Draft.
The linebacker position was a problem area for the Eagles last year. You don’t love that kind of positional value in round one, but Edgerrin Cooper has the type of playmaking ability and instincts at the position to be an instant game-changer.
23. Houston Texans: Byron Murphy, DL, Texas
I don’t know that there’s going to be any team in the NFL that’s going to be more fun to watch in the 2024 offseason than the Houston Texans. They are loaded with salary cap space, they have their franchise QB in place, and they are coming off of a worst-to-first season. Free agents are going to want to go there, and whatever the Texans do in the NFL Draft is likely to be icing on the cake.
So why not appeal to the hearts of so many Texas/Texans fans by taking Byron Murphy to come in and be an impact player on DeMeco Ryans’s defensive front? The Texans could lose Sheldon Rankins in free agency. Even if they replace him with Chris Jones, that defensive line will get more of a revamp going forward. Ryans wants to make it painful for teams to try to have to block his defensive front.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
The run on offensive tackles earlier in this 2024 NFL mock draft scenario really hurt the Dallas Cowboys, because they probably would love to add someone at that position. Maybe we see them move up.
If not, they sort of lucked into a really great situation here at the wide receiver position. With Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb coming up on massive contracts, the Cowboys are going to need to get some financially responsible players elsewhere on the offense, and what they’ve assembled at the wide receiver position right now is unacceptable.
You could get rid of both Michael Gallup and Brandin Cooks and it wouldn’t make much of a difference. Brian Thomas Jr. is a 6-foot-4 playmaker who led FBS with 17 touchdown grabs. His speed and ability to win at all levels of the field could pair great with Lamb.
25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Fresh off of a surprisingly great season, the Green Bay Packers are in a position this offseason to add to one of the most talented young rosters in the league. General manager Brian Gutekunst took a lot of heat from a lot of people (present company included) for the way he was going about building the Packers’ roster.
More often than not, it felt like he was actually tearing it down.
But the Packers need to add to the secondary this offseason. After going with Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness in the first round last year, the Packers go back to the Hawkeye well this offseason and land Cooper DeJean, a playmaker who will be able to slot in wherever they need him in year one – outside corner, nickel, moving around the formation, playing special teams, returning punts, etc.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ decision to cut Shaquil Barrett certainly raises some questions about their overall pass rush going forward. The emergence of rookie YaYa Diaby is certainly noteworthy, but under Todd Bowles, the identity of this Bucs team is going to be on the defensive side of the ball.
Adding an athlete like Chop Robinson off the edge would be a great use of their first round asset, especially if the Bucs are able to come away from free agency keeping both Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans around.
Robinson is expected to blow up at the Scouting Combine and could be one of the biggest risers of the pre-draft process.
27. Kansas City Chiefs (from Cardinals): Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri
The Kansas City Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill a couple of years ago, so the idea of trading L’Jarius Sneed shortly after giving him the franchise tag is certainly on the table.
I think the Arizona Cardinals are the ideal team to trade for Sneed given the lack of top-tier corners in this class and the fact that there’s not really a better way to utilize this 27th overall pick from their vantage point. For Kansas City, having the rookie contract is going to be valuable, and you would have to continue to trust your outstanding development in the secondary.
Chiefs fans who are also fans of the Missouri program would be elated to see Ennis Rakestraw join the Super Bowl champs.
28. Buffalo Bills: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
There are some injury risks to consider with Laiatu Latu, who has been routinely projected as a top-20 pick in most 2024 NFL mock draft scenarios. The Buffalo Bills undoubtedly need to upgrade their pass rush since the Von Miller investment hasn’t paid off and AJ Epenesa is hitting free agency in 2024.
Latu could come in and make a massive impact for the Bills right away off the edge.
Given their situation at receiver with Gabe Davis hitting free agency, that’s a popular pick late in round one for Buffalo, but this is much better value.
29. Detroit Lions: Zach Frazier, OL, West Virginia
The Detroit Lions definitely have a “type” in the NFL Draft, and it’s not just that the look for “lunch pail” type guys. They look for absolute “dawgs” in the draft, and they find guys who fit their culture perfectly.
I think with three interior linemen slated for free agency, there might not be a better overall fit for this team in round one than someone like West Virginia center Zach Frazier. This might seem like a reach to some, but do you think the Lions care about your big board? Do you think they care about your idea of positional value?
They’re going to get as many “dawgs” as they possibly can, and this guy helps them keep their identity offensively.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
The Baltimore Ravens have a “type” in the NFL Draft, and Missouri’s Darius Robinson is really it.
The Ravens got some nice production off the edge this past season from veteran Jadeveon Clowney, the NFL’s number one nomadic pass rusher these days.
If Clowney isn’t back (and even if he is), we could see the Ravens prioritize a pass rusher with this top pick. I’ve thrown around the idea of them making a deal for Brian Burns in the past, which I still think would be fun, but here they get Robinson, a guy who can truly play all over your defensive front and make an impact with his power right from the start.
31. New England Patriots (from 49ers): Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
After moving down in the top half of round one, the Patriots now move back into place to get a quarterback that could ultimately be their franchise guy.
Anymore, I think it’s all about taking darts. Say what you want about the realism of this 2024 NFL mock draft scenario (how realistic are any mock drafts?), but the idea of the Patriots landing Justin Jefferson, Brock Bowers, and Bo Nix in one night?
That would be absolutely wild. Nix’s game is predicated on timing and getting the ball off quickly, this could be a match made in football heaven. And heck, instead of a mid-round pick, maybe the Patriots throw the 49ers Mac Jones as a backup option. That would be hilarious given all of the rumors surrounding the 49ers and Mac Jones just a couple of years ago.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
There was definitely some good progress made in 2023 by rookie Rashee Rice, whose game will hopefully continue to grow in 2024, but the Chiefs still really lacked a consistent presence at the receiver position in 2023.
I played with the idea of someone like Ladd McConkey from Georgia here, and maybe his stock will soar to that range, but the Chiefs ultimately seem like they need someone who can win vertically on a consistent basis. AD Mitchell from Texas averaged 15.4 yards per reception last season with 11 touchdown catches.
After cutting the lanky Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the Chiefs go after another 6-foot-4 receiver who can help take advantage of some of Patrick Mahomes’s ridiculous downfield throws.
2024 NFL mock draft: 2nd round
33. Cincinnati Bengals (from Panthers): Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
This one almost seems too simple on paper to actually happen. Effectively, this is a trade of Tee Higgins for Keon Coleman and salary cap relief. The Cincinnati Bengals franchise tagged Tee Higgins, but they could still end up trading him when all is said and done.
There's probably not a team out there that needs Higgins more than the Carolina Panthers, who moved on from DJ Moore last offseason and don't have a true WR1 to speak of. Higgins played college ball at Clemson, so this would bring him back to a familiar place where he would instantly be the WR1 and featured target in the passing game for Bryce Young.
The Bengals get almost a one-for-one replacement in Keon Coleman, who plays the ball in the air as well as any receiver in this class.
34. San Francisco 49ers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The San Francisco 49ers need to continue collecting players on rookie deals now that so many stars are coming up for big contracts. Building in the trenches on rookie deals is never a bad idea, especially when you get guys who have positional versatility like Graham Barton.
35. Arizona Cardinals: Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
The Arizona Cardinals follow up the pick of Marvin Harrison Jr. and the trade to acquire L’Jarius Sneed by going after Jer’Zhan Newton. This team obviously needs to keep adding brick after brick while also getting instant contributors. This would be a borderline ideal use of their top three picks.
36. Washington Commanders: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
After trading both Chase Young and Montez Sweat at last year’s deadline, the Washington Commanders reach a little bit for Chris Braswell here. The Commanders are going to have to go after some EDGE guys in free agency, because this draft class isn’t exactly loaded at the position.
37. Los Angeles Chargers: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Given the fact that Mike Williams could be a salary cap casualty this offseason for the Los Angeles Chargers, it wouldn’t be surprising if one of their top two picks was a receiver. In fact, it might be more surprising if one of them isn’t. Even after using their top pick on Quentin Johnston last year, the Chargers need more weapons for Justin Herbert.
38. Tennessee Titans: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
Brian Callahan knows the value of having as many playmakers as possible. He saw it in Denver when they had Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Wes Welker. He saw in in Cincinnati when he had Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. Now he’s off to Tennessee where the combination of DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, and Ladd McConkey could torture defenses.
39. New York Giants: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
The Giants continue to upgrade the situation around the quarterback by going after Jordan Morgan, the All-Pac 12 tackle out of Arizona. The Giants have needs on the interior offensive line, and Morgan could potentially swing over to one of those spots to give them a boost, or he could stay at tackle if they want.
40. Washington Commanders: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Nobody loves a good Alabama Crimson Tide player like the Washington Commanders, right? Maybe that doesn’t carry over with a completely new regime, but you can’t deny the value of someone like Kool-Aid McKinstry at this juncture. Dan Quinn likes to have those bigger, longer corners in his scheme and McKinstry fits the bill.
41. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Safety might end up being one of the top needs for this Green Bay Packers team in 2024, and Tyler Nubin just might be the best safety overall in this class. He showed at Minnesota that he can make plays all over the back end, giving the Packers an ideal centerfielder for new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
42. Minnesota Vikings: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
In this scenario, the Vikings obviously traded away Justin Jefferson, which stings. But they do still have Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson for Drake Maye to throw to. Now, the Vikings land arguably the most sure-handed receiver in this class in Michigan’s Roman Wilson. Obviously, it’s not ideal losing someone like Jefferson, but that would give the Vikings a really strong core offensively (at a very team-friendly price).
43. Atlanta Falcons: Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson
After snagging Rome Odunze in round one, the Atlanta Falcons come back and get someone for Raheem Morris’s defense in round two.
There is a lot of buzz right now surrounding Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro, who has a chance to see his stock soar after the scouting combine. A strong showing at the combine could help Orhorhoro with the defensive line class in 2024 looking weak overall.
44. Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
The fall for Heisman candidate Michael Penix Jr. ends in Las Vegas, where his fit and situation are very intriguing. Obviously, the Raiders are running it back with the crew they had last season. That could mean Aidan O’Connell getting another shot to be the team’s full-time starter.
As solid as O’Connell was last year, don’t be shocked if the Raiders take a shot like this in the NFL Draft and see what happens. Penix is obviously talented, but he comes with pretty substantial injury history and therefore, risk.
45. New Orleans Saints: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
The New Orleans Saints have Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed at the wide receiver position, but Michael Thomas may not be around much longer and the wide receiver position is going to need to be addressed. Worthy proved over the last three seasons at Texas that he was capable of being a relatively high-volume target who could be trusted in any type of situation.
46. Indianapolis Colts: Braden Fiske, DL, Florida State
If the Indianapolis Colts lose Grover Stewart this offseason on the defensive line, they’re going to need to make some moves to supplement. Once again, the Colts love guys who test well in the pre-draft process, and I think that will give someone like Florida State’s Braden Fiske a huge edge.
47. New York Giants: Kam Kinchens, S, Miami
It’s hard to know exactly where to slot some of the best safeties in this year’s class, but Kam Kinchens going to the New York Giants with Xavier McKinney hitting free agency feels right. Kinchens is a playmaker and can move all over the place within the defensive formation.
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
The Jacksonville Jaguars lost Jawaan Taylor last offseason and were sort of left picking up the pieces all year long. With Cam Robinson, Anton Harrison, and Walker Little on the roster, the Jags probably figured they had the depth and flexibility to be set. We’ll see what they do going forward, but the in-season trade to acquire Ezra Cleveland was perhaps a tell for the direction the Jaguars will look in this class. Kingsley Suamataia has played both tackle positions and could possibly slide in at left guard next to Cam Robinson.
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
The Cincinnati Bengals add another big weapon in the passing game for Joe Burrow to get the ball to in Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. He averaged over 15 yards per reception last year for the Longhorns and would give the Bengals a dynamic presence at the position that people (like me) have been trying to give them in mock drafts for the last handful of years.
50. Philadelphia Eagles: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Nobody loves a Georgia Bulldog quite like Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman.
After going for the linebacker position in the first round, the Eagles get some desperately needed help in the secondary in the form of Kamari Lassiter, who could project immediately as a starting outside corner or in the slot if need be. His combination of versatility and physicality will appeal to Vic Fangio.
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa State
After getting a steal at the top of round two in the 2023 NFL Draft (Joey Porter Jr.), the Pittsburgh Steelers go for yet another round two cornerback here in the 2024 NFL Draft and land TJ Tampa from Iowa State.
Tampa has great size, length, and ball skills at the position and would give the Steelers an enviable duo of young outside corners to build around.
52. Los Angeles Rams: Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
Doesn’t it feel a little bit like the Los Angeles Rams are looking to find the heir apparent to Matthew Stafford? They haven’t gone to quite these lengths just yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if someone like Spencer Rattler really catches their attention in the pre-draft process. He seems like he could be a great fit in the Sean McVay offense, and McVay might be the perfect coach to get the best out of him at the NFL level.
53. Philadelphia Eagles: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
Who gave the Philadelphia Eagles multiple picks in the second round? General manager Howie Roseman always knows how to keep his NFL Draft war chest fully stocked.
The Eagles went after big-time athletes at linebacker and cornerback with their top picks in this 2024 NFL mock draft, and here they get an absolute stud after the catch to add to the offense. The lack of depth at receiver was glaringly obvious at times last season for the Eagles, and Malachi Corley would be a great third option for this team at receiver.
54. Cleveland Browns: Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State
In a couple of months, predicting Payton Wilson to go this late in the second round might be a laughable take. There are certainly some questions over his health and ability to stay on the field, but when you watch him play, he could be the best overall linebacker in the draft. The Browns have a couple of starters hitting free agency, and Wilson has the ability to step in right away and start along with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
55. Miami Dolphins: Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State
Injuries to both Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb last season will certainly complicate the Dolphins’ plans moving forward. They both need to rely on those guys getting healthy and can’t rely on them staying healthy.
Getting an edge player that is ready to contribute Day 1 on a rookie deal is hugely important for this team.
56. Dallas Cowboys: Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
The Dallas Cowboys could be looking to find a long-term replacement for left tackle Tyron Smith in the 2024 NFL Draft. Maybe they are able to bring Smith back on a one-year deal and snag a developmental project like Kiran Amegadjie, a project out of Yale who is generating some serious hype in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft.
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
With Mike Evans hitting free agency, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could have an obvious hole at the receiver position. Ricky Pearsall may not be a one-for-one replacement to Mike Evans, but he’s got a lot of toughness at the catch point and in the open field, somewhat similar to Puka Nacua coming out of BYU.
58. Green Bay Packers: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
The Green Bay Packers could eventually say goodbye to veteran De’Vondre Campbell, their starting off-ball linebacker next to recent first-round pick Quay Walker. Having someone like Junior Colson flying around the field with Walker would be borderline unfair at that position.
59. Houston Texans: T'Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas
You want to get more physical in the trenches this offseason? You want to win the line of scrimmage? You want to make life easier for your EDGE rushers? Draft someone like T’Vondre Sweat. In this 2024 NFL mock draft scenario, the Texans go back-to-back with Texas defensive linemen, landing both Byron Murphy and Sweat. I think that would be massive for this defense to be able to add that kind of talent up front, literally.
60. Buffalo Bills: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
The Buffalo Bills missed out on a receiver in the first round, but they find some nice value here in the second round. The former Kent State transfer acclimated to Chapel Hill quickly, averaging 17 yards per reception in his lone year as a Tar Heel. At 6-foot-3, he could help the Bills replace Gabe Davis.
61. Detroit Lions: Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan
The Detroit Lions go after an NFL legacy and son of Kris Jenkins, a player I’m sure Dan Campbell, Aaron Glenn, and many on that Lions staff are very familiar with. Although his son isn’t the exact same type of player, he’s an impactful defensive lineman especially in the pass rush department.
62. Baltimore Ravens: Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
The Baltimore Ravens seemed to be leaving no stone unturned last year when it came to adding players at the running back position. They added players like Melvin Gordon and Dalvin Cook, but with Gus Edwards hitting free agency this offseason, it might be time for Baltimore to spend a high draft choice on someone. Trey Benson out of Florida State has the size and physicality to give the Ravens what they want in a RB1.
63. San Francisco 49ers: Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
The San Francisco 49ers made a handful of moves last year to try and upgrade off the edge opposite Nick Bosa, trading for Randy Gregory and Chase Young. They will almost undoubtedly be looking to upgrade their EDGE depth in the 2024 NFL Draft even though that’s not the strongest position group in the class. Kneeland plays with so much effort that he might carve out a rotational role right away.
64. Kansas City Chiefs: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
With Donovan Smith hitting free agency and not likely coming back to Kansas City, left tackle will be a position of focus for the Chiefs this offseason. While they may not want to wait this long to grab a starter, I think Blake Fisher is someone who could step in right away if needed. He played right tackle at Notre Dame, so the transition could be tough, but the Chiefs could also keep him at RT and move Jawaan Taylor over as they had planned to last year.
2024 NFL mock draft: Third Round
As we jump into the third round of this 2024 NFL mock draft, we’ll take a look at some specific selections throughout and highlight some of the more interesting ones.
65. Carolina Panthers: Christian Haynes, OL, UConn
66. Arizona Cardinals: Jonah Elliss, EDGE, Utah
67. Washington Commanders: Calen Bullock, S, USC
68. New England Patriots: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Jonathan Brooks, RB, Texas
For the longest time, I’ve had the Los Angeles Chargers taking Blake Corum in this slot. And maybe it’s just for the sake of not being repetitive, but I went with Jonathon Brooks here, even coming off of injury.
The fact that he’s coming off of injury could deter the Chargers, but we’re into round three and Brooks might be the best back in the class. If Jim Harbaugh wants to make this a physical team that pounds the ball on the ground, a player like Brooks will help him do exactly that.
70. New York Giants: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
71. Arizona Cardinals: Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
72. Tennessee Titans (from Jets): Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
73. Detroit Lions: Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
74. Chicago Bears (from Falcons): Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
The Chicago Bears send Justin Fields home to Georgia in this scenario, giving the Falcons an intriguing young quarterback to work with for a year (maybe two) while also recouping some decent NFL Draft value. I feel like the value going back to the Bears in a trade gets lower every time I do one of these exercises, but it seems like the closer we get to the draft, the less leverage the Bears have.
75. Chicago Bears: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama
76. Denver Broncos: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
How can you not love the idea of getting Michael Penix Jr. one of his old targets at Washington? One of the best things in the NFL Draft is when teams pair up former college teammates at the professional level. Does it work out all the time? No, but especially when we’re talking about quarterback and receiver, it makes sense to give young guys a familiar face in the locker room and on the practice field.
78. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon
79. Atlanta Falcons: Austin Booker, EDGE, Kansas
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington
81. Seattle Seahawks: Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame
82. Indianapolis Colts: Brenden Rice, WR, USC
83. Los Angeles Rams: Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malik Washington, WR, Virginia
Nobody has mastered the art of picking offensive skill players on day two quite like the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers here get a player in Malik Washington who has tremendous abilities after the catch. He’s only 5-foot-8, but he’s got the type of skill set to really do well right away, especially from the slot.
He’s not fazed by physicality and would give the Steelers an option in their rotation immediately.
85. Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall Jr., DL, Ohio State
86. Houston Texans: Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
It’s going to be fun to see how the Houston Texans approach the running back position this offseason. They could be players in free agency with the likes of Saquon Barkley or Josh Jacobs, but we could also see them look to take advantage of the value in the 2024 NFL Draft.
There aren’t many running back prospects worth investing top 50 picks into, but Jaylen Wright of Tennessee has three-down abilities and could come in and steal the RB1 job right away.
87. Dallas Cowboys: Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State
88. Green Bay Packers: Christian Mahogany, OL, Boston College
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
90. Kansas City Chiefs (from Cardinals): Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
Don’t worry, Swifties, Theo Johnson isn’t coming for Travis Kelce’s job…
…yet.
91. Green Bay Packers: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
With AJ Dillon hitting free agency and time running out on Aaron Jones in Green Bay, the Packers need a back that can handle every-down duties. Blake Corum might not be the most impressive back in this class physically, but he’s got a proven skill set in big games and would be a reliable option early on for Matt LaFleur.
92. Detroit Lions: Sione Vaki, S, Utah
Sione Vaki could go out there and catch a 50-yard touchdown and prevent one on the very next possession playing for the Utah offense and defense, respectively. He’s one of the most interesting players in this draft, and I think the Detroit Lions – perhaps more than anyone else – will love this guy for his love of football.