For fans of every team except the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, we've officially entered into 2024 NFL mock draft season. The Chiefs and 49ers are all that remains after another fun NFL season, but it's time to get back to the drawing board for almost everyone else and start looking at prospects that can hopefully come in and make a major difference in 2024.
We're going to take a fun look at the 2024 NFL Draft with some projected trades throughout, including trades involving some players and the fallout of the selections that will be made in this whole mock draft process. And with the Senior Bowl practices and game taking place this week, there will be a ton of buzz surrounding a wide variety of prospects whose stock could be on the rise.
It's barely February, but let's take a look at a full three-round 2024 NFL mock draft scenario with some trades mixed in.
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Chicago Bears are kicking off this 2024 NFL mock draft scenario with a rather unsurprising selection. I think everyone is in wait-and-see mode of what the Bears are going to do with Justin Fields this offseason, but there's just no way -- if I was Ryan Poles -- that I would be passing on CJ Stroud one year and Caleb Williams the next.
We'll find Fields a new home in this mock draft scenario.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Some folks have Drake Maye as QB1 in this year's NFL Draft class. Some people view Jayden Daniels as the superior overall prospect. I think the Washington Commanders are in a pretty good position here. They won't likely get Caleb Williams, but they'll be able to choose either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels to lead their franchise forward.
Daniels won the Heisman this past year and Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN gives a pretty good justification of taking him over Drake Maye right here.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The New England Patriots have moved on from Bill Belichick and are moving into the Jerod Mayo era. It's also time for a new quarterback in New England after things fizzled out with Mac Jones, who could be traded this offseason to the highest bidder.
Drake Maye is such a natural navigating the pocket, throwing from different arm angles, and distributing the ball all over the field at every level. He's also probably a steal here with the third overall pick.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
This is a dream scenario for the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals are sticking with Kyler Murray at the QB position, which makes the most financial sense anyway, but they really need to get him a viable WR1 this offseason.
Thanks to loading up in the 2023 offseason, they have the capital to really surround Murray this offseason and getting Marvin Harrison Jr. with this pick could be similar to the effect getting Ja'Marr Chase had on the Cincinnati Bengals. I think the Cardinals are on the cusp of something in 2024.
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5. Los Angeles Chargers: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Jim Harbaugh left the Michigan Wolverines program because he believes that Justin Herbert is the best quarterback in the NFL. The Chargers are going to have to back up their massive investment in Harbaugh by surrounding Herbert with the best talent possible offensively.
Brock Bowers certainly qualifies. He's such a mismatch in the passing game with his ability to get open, natural pass-catching ability, vision after the catch, and overall consistency. This would be a huge addition for a Chargers offense that could be going through a bit of a reset in terms of personnel in 2024.
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The New York Giants need to figure out their quarterback position in 2024 as well. Sorry to all the Tommy DeVito fans out there.
But even if the Giants don't have the QB position 100 percent settled this offseason, they can start putting the best possible collection of talent out there at the offensive skill positions. This year's draft class is loaded at receiver and the top-end guys are all likely to be difference-makers right away.
Malik Nabers is not even exactly a "consolation" for missing out on Marvin Harrison Jr. so much as he is on an equal playing field.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Titans landed Peter Skoronski last year in the NFL Draft and now they get the chance to pair him up with Joe Alt, who will provide them with an enviable duo of young players on the left side of the line. I think the Titans and new head coach Brian Callahan are moving forward with Will Levis at QB, at least for a season, and giving him the best possible offensive line can give them the cleanest possible evaluation.
I think this would be a huge pick for Tennessee in year one post-Mike Vrabel.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
***TRADE***
Let's look at Raheem Morris and the Falcons making some waves here early on in this 2024 NFL mock draft scenario. I think the Falcons are the ideal landing spot for Justin Fields this offseason, and Atlanta could easily justify a 2nd-round pick with their roster as it currently stands.
On top of getting Fields in this scenario, the Falcons land Dallas Turner, arguably the top EDGE player in the class. Get some real talent at the QB position, and get Morris some dawgs to rush the QB on the other side. We're also eight picks in, and Turner is the first defensive player off the board.
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
General manager Ryan Poles finally attaches himself to a QB in this cycle (Caleb Williams) and he's going to need to load up on some more weapons for him.
We all know that DJ Moore is going to be a high-volume receiver once again, but with two top-10 picks in this draft, Poles has a chance to not only land QB1 but possibly get himself another star at receiver with a guy like Rome Odunze, who was the top target for Michael Penix Jr. in a loaded Washington WR corps.
10. New York Jets: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Although the New York Jets certainly didn't benefit from the Aaron Rodgers injury, it's clear that the offensive line was a major problem once again in 2023 for this team. I don't know how the Jets can justify passing on tackles again in this class after reaching for pass rusher Will McDonald in last year's class.
Olu Fashanu has been projected as the potential top tackle in this year's class for over a year now, and he would be a great value for the Jets at no. 10 overall.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
While it's fun to think about where Kirk Cousins could ultimately wind up playing if he leaves the Vikings, the most likely option seems to be that Cousins will find his way back onto Minnesota's roster, doesn't it?
With that said, there could be casualties elsewhere on the roster and the Vikings could be losing nearly 25 sacks from this past season with Danielle Hunter and DJ Wonnum leaving free agency. Laiatu Latu's presence off the edge could be a necessity.
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
By the end of the pre-draft process, it's going to be fascinating to see where the consensus is on Oregon quarterback Bo Nix. One of the most efficient passers in college football this past season, Nix has the quick trigger Sean Payton likes at the position. Payton is also cut from the Bill Parcells cloth, so you can assume that Nix's collegiate experience, winning, and leadership traits will all be massive in the evaluation process for a team like Denver.
The Broncos moving on from Russell Wilson this offseason seems like a certainty and getting someone like Nix in the fold could help this team compete sooner than later.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
You can't help but wonder if the Raiders' decision to run it back with Antonio Pierce is also a signal that this team will be willing to run it back with Aidan O'Connell at the quarterback position.
I thought O'Connell looked good in his rookie season, and the Raiders should probably be thinking the same. They were in the playoff mix to the bitter end and perhaps with a full offseason, O'Connell could really make some progress as this team's QB1. I don't think the Raiders need to rush to move on from him.
14. New Orleans Saints: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The New Orleans Saints are running it back with Dennis Allen, and they're going to need some help off the edge this coming season. Carl Granderson led the Saints with a respectable 8.5 sacks and 20 QB hits this past season, but New Orleans needs a much more consistently disruptive threat in the pass rush department.
Jared Verse can absolutely be that guy with his combination of speed, quickness off the ball, and powerful upper body strength.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Ultimately, we know the Indianapolis Colts value RAS (relative athletic score) more than just about any team in the NFL Draft every single year. When you look at Nate Wiggins, a 6-foot-2 cornerback who runs a sub-4.4-second 40-yard dash, I think this could be a match made in heaven.
The Colts are going to be a fun team to watch this offseason as we project forward with Anthony Richardson as their QB1, but they have a number of notable free agents on both sides of the ball that could dictate their direction with this pick.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
After picking Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks come back in round one of the 2024 NFL Draft and take one of his old teammates in Jer'Zhan Newton.
Seattle has really struggled to find guys to help their defensive line. Big-money free agent Dre'Mont Jones was a disappointment this past season, and trade deadline acquisition Leonard Williams is slated to hit free agency.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Byron Murphy, DL, Texas
The Jacksonville Jaguars were one of the NFL's most disappointing teams in 2023, especially considering the fact that they got off to an 8-3 start. To miss the playoffs after that kind of start to the season requires a collapse of epic proportions.
And heads rolled because of it. Head coach Doug Pederson fired defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell and brought in Ryan Nielsen, formerly of Arthur Smith's staff in Atlanta. I think the Jaguars will place a huge emphasis on the trenches this offseason on both sides of the ball, and Murphy will bring his disruptive presence to Nielsen's unit. He was a monstrous pass rusher for Texas on the interior, creating a pressure on nearly 20 percent of his snaps.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Ultimately, the Cincinnati Bengals are a super popular destination for receivers in 2024 NFL mock draft scenarios, but I don't see them letting Tee Higgins just walk out the door this offseason. Time will tell.
Jonah Williams, on the other hand, could be walking out the door in free agency. In that case, how about we replace him with another former Alabama offensive tackle? JC Latham could be the strongest player on the offensive line in this draft class and will help the Bengals shore up a problem area.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
The Los Angeles Rams went almost an entire offseason without making a free agent pickup in 2023. It was so out of character for Les Snead given his "F*** Them Picks" mentality of the past.
There should be a return to some normalcy for the Rams in 2024 in terms of Snead's aggressiveness, especially with Matthew Stafford not getting any younger and this Rams team really showing something in 2023. I love the idea of Cooper DeJean and his versatility being added to this defensive backfield. He's one of the best playmakers on that side of the ball coming out in 2024 and can play all over the formation as well as give you an ace on special teams.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
I don't know where the Steelers are at with Kenny Pickett as the potential QB of the future, but I would be willing to guess that this team is just about fed up with the way this position has held the team back in recent years.
The Steelers need to keep throwing darts, and Michael Penix Jr. is a risk/reward type of prospect who could give Pittsburgh a major boost. Penix has a history of injuries that could push him way down teams' boards, but I don't know if the Steelers can risk some team taking him early in round two or trading up at the back end of round one, and missing out on the chance to draft him.
21. Miami Dolphins: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
After being spurned by Vic Fangio who bolted for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dolphins could be in the market for some new defensive players in 2024. With season-ending injuries suffered by both Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb last year, don't be shocked to see the Dolphins go that direction.
But the offensive line also needs to be an area of emphasis and a talent like Amarius Mims probably isn't going to be on the board very long. The Dolphins would be taking a risk here as Mims is raw and relatively inexperienced but someone who could really blossom at the pro level.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Help us Vic Fangio, you're our only hope.
The Philadelphia Eagles desperately need to add to the roster defensively. This was a group that ended up being a complete failure in 2023 and nearly cost Nick Sirianni his job. Philadelphia's primary source of disappointment in 2023 was probably James Bradberry, who was credited with giving up 11 touchdowns at the outside cornerback position.
The change to Fangio is likely the tip of the iceberg for the Eagles in terms of their personnel changes in 2024.
23. Houston Texans: Taliese Fuaga, OL, Oregon State
From drafting second overall in 2023 to winning a playoff game in the first year of the DeMeco Ryans/CJ Stroud era. The Houston Texans weren't really "disappointing" in any significant way in 2023 other than the fact that the running game wasn't great, and Dameon Pierce took an unexpected step back after looking tremendous in 2022.
Taliese Fuaga is an absolute brawler in the trenches and I think he could start at either tackle or guard projecting to the next level. He could upgrade Houston's running game substantially.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
The Dallas Cowboys are doubling down with Mike McCarthy, and in all likelihood, Dak Prescott as well. I just think the Cowboys need to do whatever they possibly can to ensure that CeeDee Lamb isn't a one-man band out there at receiver again in the 2024 season.
Thomas has outstanding size, athleticism, and ability to separate at the catch point. He's got natural ball skills and is really good after the catch. This kind of playmaker could be just what Dallas's offense needs to get to the next level in 2024.
25. Green Bay Packers: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Jordan Love has emerged as a franchise quarterback. The Green Bay Packers are loaded with draft picks once again in 2024. General manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur are going to reload again this offseason and keep this Packers team in contention.
They need to keep Jordan Love clean, first and foremost. It looks like Rasheed Walker is a find at left tackle, but the Packers may need to replace starting guard Jon Runyan and a versatile option like Troy Fautanu should give them options at either tackle or guard.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be breaking in a new offensive coordinator and quarterback in 2024. I think the idea of Baker Mayfield returning to Tampa Bay is anything but a foregone conclusion given the fact that Dave Canales has bolted for the Carolina Panthers job.
With that being said, how about JJ McCarthy to the Bucs in round one? This would be a long time to wait for a possible starting QB in round one, but McCarthy's talent is worth taking a gamble on at this juncture.
27. Arizona Cardinals: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
When's the last time you saw a Toledo player in the first round of an NFL mock draft?
I don't recall either.
Quinyon Mitchell was dominant for the Rockets at the cornerback position and I could see the Cardinals and head coach Jonathan Gannon absolutely falling in love with him. After selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. in the earlier portion of this mock draft, the Cardinals land a much-needed stud to build around in the secondary, which happens to be Gannon's area of expertise.
28. Buffalo Bills: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
One of the top free agents to hit the market in 2024 is going to be Bills receiver Gabe Davis, who will price himself well out of Buffalo's range to bring him back. I think the Bills sorely missed Davis's presence in their playoff loss to the Chiefs, and someone like Keon Coleman could come in and provide Josh Allen with a breath of fresh air at receiver.
Especially given the status of Stefon Diggs could be up in the air as far as requesting a trade, I think receiver in round one is the move for Buffalo.
29. Detroit Lions: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
The Detroit Lions were clowned for so many of their 2023 NFL Draft picks, but they ended up having the best draft out of any team in the league (arguably). Kamari Lassiter may not be a unanimous first-round player for everyone, but he fits what the Detroit Lions look for in terms of guys who compete every single snap.
I think adding him to a secondary that needs game-changers at cornerback would be a great move for Detroit in the 2024 NFL Draft.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon
The Baltimore Ravens have an identity offensively and they got away from it in their playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. It will be interesting to see how this team attacks the offseason with one of the best overall rosters in the league.
After losing Ben Powers in 2023 free agency, the Ravens will have veteran Kevin Zeitler hitting free agency in 2024. They could use some depth on the interior offensive line and Jackson Powers-Johnson could end up being a steal this late in round one.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
The Kansas City Chiefs have the most penalized offensive tackle in the league on the right side in big-money free agent Jawaan Taylor. On the other side is Donovan Smith, the longtime starter for the Buccaneers who also has a lengthy history of committing a ton of penalties.
I think the Chiefs may need to overhaul at least one of the tackle positions and perhaps their depth this offseason. Tyler Guyton is the type of prospect that the Chiefs might end up having to make a trade for given his athletic profile and overall size profile at 6-foot-7, nearly 330 pounds.
32. San Francisco 49ers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The San Francisco 49ers will be aggressive in the 2024 offseason with Brock Purdy on such a team-friendly contract. I think we’ll see them be aggressive in pursuing upgrades on both sides of the ball, but their heaviest investments may be in the defensive backfield.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the 49ers will look to upgrade on the offensive line, one of the deepest ares of this class, especially in the early rounds. Graham Barton played left tackle at Duke but most project him to the inside at the NFL level, and that’s where I think the 49ers will envision him as well.
2024 NFL mock draft: Second round
33. Carolina Panthers: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
The Carolina Panthers need to find weapons for Bryce Young. The DJ Moore trade hurt more than perhaps anyone could have anticipated.
34. New England Patriots: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
The Patriots got themselves a franchise QB in round one, and here to kick off the second round, they draft someone to protect him.
35. Arizona Cardinals: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
The Cardinals upgrade their offensive line with a local product in Jordan Morgan who could start right away for them at guard or tackle.
36. Washington Commanders: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
After trading away both Montez Sweat and Chase Young at last year’s deadline, the Commanders need to reload in the pass rush department.
37. Los Angeles Chargers: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
This might feel a little high, but the Los Angeles Chargers need someone to filter their running game through with Austin Ekeler headed to free agency. Jim Harbaugh gets the heart and soul of his Michigan offense to come with him to LA.
38. Tennessee Titans: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
The Titans ended the season in the bottom third of the league when it comes to sacks per game. It’s not the only metric to look at when determining the effectiveness of a pass rush, but the Titans can’t pass up on a value like this in round two.
39. New York Giants: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
The Giants go with a big-time athlete off the edge here in the second round after getting Malik Nabers in round one. The Giants had the fourth-fewest sacks of any team last season.
40. Washington Commanders: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
If you get a franchise QB in the first round, you’ve got to find ways to protect him. The Commanders actually have Patrick Paul’s brother already on their roster and he provides them another lengthy option at tackle.
41. Green Bay Packers: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
The Packers could be resetting at safety this offseason with both Rudy Ford and former first-round pick Darnell Savage hitting free agency. They get an instant starter in Tyler Nubin and someone who makes a ton of plays on the ball.
42. Minnesota Vikings: Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan
The Vikings go with their defensive front on back-to-back picks. Kris Jenkins can provide some explosiveness on the interior defensive line and wreak some havoc for Brian Flores’s defense.
43. Chicago Bears (trade w/ATL): T’Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas
Even after trading for Montez Sweat last year, there is plenty of work to be done on the Chicago Bears’ defensive front. Matt Eberflus gets another clogger in the middle with T’Vondre Sweat here in round two. Sweat is over 360 pounds and moves well for his size.
44. Las Vegas Raiders: Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas
The Las Vegas Raiders are building with new general manager Tom Telesco, and I think the interior offensive line with multiple starters up for free agency could be emphasized.
45. New Orleans Saints: Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State
Andrus Peat is hitting free agency in 2024, and the Saints are going to have to look out for his potential replacement if he doesn’t come back. Cooper Beebe is beloved among many in the NFL Draft community.
46. Indianapolis Colts: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
The Indianapolis Colts may have to replace starting safety Julian Blackmon in free agency, and although Kam Kinchens is a different type of player, he could be a great addition for a Colts defense that has multiple potential holes because of departing players. He’s physical and plays fast.
47. New York Giants: Kaleb King, CB, Penn State
The New York Giants added to their pass rush earlier in round two, and here they get another playmaker for the back end who can give the secondary a boost. Kalen King had a down year statistically in 2023 but had three interceptions the year prior.
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ overhaul defensively continues here in round two with one of the best names in the NFL Draft. His stock is expected to climb to potential first-round status after people see him put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine, but time will tell.
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Although the Bengals don’t seem to be in danger of losing Tee Higgins (realistically, anyway), Tyler Boyd is hitting free agency. I think Troy Frankin and his big play ability would be an outstanding fit at this juncture for Joe Burrow and company.
50. Philadelphia Eagles: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
The Philadelphia Eagles sorely underestimated how much they would miss starting linebackers TJ Edwards and Kyzir White in 2023. They need to dip into this year’s talent pool and find some potential starters at off-ball linebacker.
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
I always love it when teams double up on teammates at the collegiate level and pair them up in the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers got quarterback Michael Penix in the first round of this 2024 NFL mock draft, and here they get one of his favorite targets in Ja’Lynn Polk.
52. Los Angeles Rams: Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
With the future status of Stetson Bennett in question, I think the Rams will look to add at the quarterback position at some point in the 2024 NFL Draft. One of the top risers at the position right now is Tulane’s Michael Pratt, who would be an awesome fit in Sean McVay’s offense, learning behind Matthew Stafford.
53. Philadelphia Eagles: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
When the Eagles had to deal with AJ Brown’s injury late in the season, their lack of depth at receiver was abundantly clear. We know how much Howie Roseman loves to add former Georgia players…
54. Cleveland Browns: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
Even after emphasizing the WR position last offseason, the Cleveland Browns could go back to the drawing board in 2024. Malachi Corley is a rising prospect whose ability after the catch has a lot of NFL teams excited about how he will translate to the next level.
55. Miami Dolphins: Zach Frazier, IOL, West Virginia
Connor Williams is expected to hit free agency this offseason, so the center position could be a primary need for Miami going into the 2024 NFL Draft. A player like Zach Frazier in round two could work out perfectly.
56. Dallas Cowboys: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
I think the Dallas Cowboys are poised to reset at the running back position completely this offseason. Tony Pollard is hitting free agency. Ezekiel Elliott is long gone. Jonathon Brooks is a local product who would give Dallas an all-around back to build around.
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavier Leggette, WR, South Carolina
The possibility of Mike Evans leaving in free agency looms for the Buccaneers, who still have Chris Godwin and a promising young player in Trey Palmer, but a big body with after the catch ability like Xavier Leggette could be a steal at the back half of round two.
58. Green Bay Packers: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
De’Vondre Campbell is a potential salary cap casualty for the Packers in the 2024 offseason and they would need to reset at the position. They are going to need some playmakers with range at this spot.
59. Houston Texans: Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
The Texans were turning over every possible stone late in the 2023 season to find help at the safety position by signing players like Adrian Amos and Kareem Jackson. They go out and get a longer-term option to pair with Jalen Pitre here.
60. Buffalo Bills: Calen Bullock, S, USC
The Buffalo Bills have been rolling with some (really good) aging safeties in recent years and they’ve needed to invest some NFL Draft capital in the position for a while. Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde won’t be around forever.
61. Detroit Lions: TJ Tampa, DB, Iowa State
I think this position group is important enough for the Lions to potentially have to double up. Detroit was exposed through the air at times in 2023 due to the cornerback position being one of the weaker areas of the roster. Expect Brad Holmes to fix it in 2024.
62. Baltimore Ravens: Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson
The Ravens are always building through the trenches on either side of the ball. Here they get a player in Ruke Orhorhoro who had eight tackles for loss each of the past three seasons and has tremendous overall size and length.
63. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaden Hicks, DB, Washington State
We’ve learned to never question the Chiefs when it comes to evaluating defensive backs. Jaden Hicks is a safety but can play nickel or wherever you want to line him up. Those types of versatile players have had success in this Chiefs program and I think this would be a great pick for an already strong secondary (which could lose L’Jarius Sneed in 2024).
64. San Francisco 49ers: Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
The San Francisco 49ers could be saying goodbye to a number of defensive linemen in 2024, including former first-round pick Javon Kinlaw. Darius Robinson fits what they look for in terms of his length and athleticism. He also had a huge year in 2023 with 14.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.
2024 NFL mock draft: 3rd round
As we enter the third round of this 2024 NFL mock draft, we’re going to list and speed through some of the selections as well as highlight some of the most interesting fits/picks and the trades we have remaining in this scenario.
65. Carolina Panthers: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
66. Arizona Cardinals: Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State
67. Washington Commanders: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
68. New England Patriots: Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Zak Zinter, OL, Michigan
You know we had to give Jim Harbaugh another one of his guys. Obviously, Harbaugh going to the Chargers doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to see them draft strictly Michigan players, but you can’t help but see the fit, either.
70. New York Giants: Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon
71. Arizona Cardinals: Leonard Taylor, DL, Miami
72. New York Jets: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
73. Detroit Lions: Jonah Elliss, EDGE, Utah
74. Atlanta Falcons: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama
75. Chicago Bears: Caelan Carson, CB, Wake Forest
76. Denver Broncos: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
Here’s an interesting connection to ponder. The Denver Broncos have Keary Colbert as their wide receivers coach. Colbert was previously the receivers coach at Florida, where he last coached in 2022. That offseason, the Gators landed a top-flight transfer named Ricky Pearsall from the Arizona State program.
Perhaps Pearsall will be reunited with Colbert in Denver, where they could use help at receiver.
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
78. Seattle Seahawks: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
79. Atlanta Falcons: Josh Newton, CB, TCU
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State
81. Seattle Seahawks: Maason Smith, DL, LSU
82. Denver Broncos (trade w/Colts): Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
Here we have another intriguing possible trade to watch out for.
There were some rumors of the Colts sniffing around the Denver Broncos’ receiver group last year, and we could see them do that again in 2024 especially if Michael Pittman Jr. leaves in free agency.
Courtland Sutton would be a fantastic addition for young QB Anthony Richardson to get the ball to, and is coming off of the best year of his pro career with 10 touchdowns.
This trade would allow the Broncos to take a shot on a potential left tackle of the future with Garett Bolles entering the last year of his deal in 2024.
83. Los Angeles Rams: Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: DJ James, CB, Auburn
85. Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall Jr., DL, Ohio State
86. Houston Texans: Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State
87. Dallas Cowboys: Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon
Yes, we have the Dallas Cowboys doubling up on the running back position. It’s not a mistake or a typo. I said I believed we could see them really reset at the position, and frankly it’s probably past due.
Bucky Irving could give the Cowboys back what they are potentially losing in free agency from Tony Pollard, especially in the passing game.
88. Green Bay Packers: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sedrick Van Pran, IOL, Georgia
90. Arizona Cardinals: Javon Solomon, EDGE, Troy
91. Green Bay Packers: Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
92. Detroit Lions: Mekhi Wingo, DL, LSU
93. Baltimore Ravens: Brenden Rice, WR, USC
94. Kansas City Chiefs: Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State
95. New England Patriots (trade w/49ers): Mike Sainristil, DB, Michigan
Wouldn't it be funny to see this happen?
No, the 49ers don’t need a starting QB, but that’s not what this is about, either. The 49ers would be getting Mac Jones for pennies on the dollar here, and he could come in as a backup option to Brock Purdy and some insurance going forward.
The 49ers always have a plethora of picks from the third round and beyond, and Mac Jones might be more of a worthwhile investment here than any of the remaining QBs on the board. After all the rumors leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft, this would be kind of fun to see.