2024 NFL mock draft: pre-free agency edition
2024 NFL mock draft: pre-free agency edition
With compensatory picks now official and free agency just a few days away, the stage is set for a whirlwind two months of movement
The NFL offseason is in full swing, with teams releasing players to create cap space and making trades to address their needs before free agency begins.
We're approaching the 2024 NFL draft, which will take place in Detroit, Michigan, from April 26th to April 28th, just a couple of months from now. However, we are currently amid the draft season, and there is an abundance of storylines, particularly surrounding this group of quarterbacks.
As NFL free agency starts on March 13th, teams will aim to bolster their rosters by making strategic signings. Those teams with obvious weaknesses will look to draft prospects in order to fill those gaps.
The draft’s first round is always full of surprises and intrigue, especially when free agency has not yet started. Some teams may fill their biggest needs with veteran signings, while others may look to trade up or down to target their preferred prospects. In this mock draft, I tried to project how the first round might unfold based on each team’s current rosters and needs. Here are my picks for the first 32 selections of the draft before free agency shakes things up. I have six quarterbacks going in the first round, which is a lot, but not unheard of. So let’s get started and see who goes where.
Welcome to my first mock draft of the year, where I will try to predict how the first round of the NFL draft will unfold. Let’s have some fun and see what trades and quarterback moves we can expect in this draft.
1. Chicago Bears (from CAR): QB Caleb Williams, USC
It would send a shock wave around the NFL if the Chicago Bears don’t draft standout quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 1 at this point. There has been continuous chatter around the league that the Bears have been shopping Justin Fields around, so all signs point to the Bears selecting Williams here. Williams said he’d be “excited” to be drafted by the Bears, where he acknowledged it would be a good fit for any rookie. He’s also been studying some Chicago greats in Michael Jordan and Walter Payton, wanting to have a similar impact on the NFL.
2. Washington Commanders: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
The Washington Commanders have a tough decision to make with the second overall pick in the draft: do they go with Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels as their future quarterback? Both prospects have strengths and weaknesses, and the Commanders have kept their cards close to their chest. They could also trade down and acquire more picks, but that would mean missing out on a potential franchise QB. I’m leaning towards Maye as the better fit for Washington. He has some question marks but also has a rare combination of size, arm strength, mobility, and accuracy. He could thrive in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, which is designed to take advantage of his skill set. Daniels is a solid prospect too, but he doesn’t have the same upside as Maye. Washington has a lot of former quarterbacks on their coaching staff, so they should be able to develop whoever they pick. But I think Maye is the one they will ultimately choose.
3. New England Patriots: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
The Patriots have a golden opportunity to land the best quarterback in the draft class at No. 3. Many fans who are enamored with Caleb Williams and Drake Maye have overlooked Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner from LSU, But Daniels has shown exceptional poise, accuracy, and mobility against top-notch college defenses. He is the perfect fit for the Patriots’ system and culture. Alternatively, the Patriots could draft Marvin Harrison Jr., the talented wide receiver from Ohio State, and look for a veteran quarterback in free agency. They just traded Mac Jones to the Jaguars for a late-round pick, so they need someone to compete with Baily Zappe, who is not ready to be the starter.
4. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
The Arizona Cardinals are in a brilliant spot if the first three picks of the draft are all quarterbacks. They don’t have to worry about trading down or missing out on a top prospect. They can just take the best player available, who happens to fill a major need for them. That player is Harrison, the dynamic wide receiver from Ohio State. Harrison would give the Cardinals’ offense an additional dimension and a reliable target for Kyler Murray. He has the speed, size, and skills to be a star in the NFL. With Harrison on board, the Cardinals could have all the weapons that Kyler Murray needs and set themselves up to be one of the most explosive offenses in the league.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
The Chargers could look for a new wide receiver in the upcoming draft. Mike Williams is likely to be cut to save some cap space, and Keenan Allen’s future is not guaranteed. He is still a significant player but not getting any younger, and Father Time is undefeated. Quentin Johnston had a lackluster first year (38 rec, 431 yds, 2 TDs) and has to improve his performance. Odunze would be a nice fit for the team. He is a talented receiver with a big body (6-foot-2 and 212 pounds), crisp routes, dependable hands, and a knack for making contested catches.
6. New York Giants: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
The Giants had a tough decision to make at pick 11, with most of the top offensive prospects already gone. They could trade down or take a chance on QB J.J. McCarthy, but I believe they will decide to go with Malik Nabers, the best receiver available. Nabers is a game-changer for the Giants, who have lacked a true WR1 for a long time. He can dominate in the air with his strong hands and body control and line up anywhere on the field. Nabers is exactly what the Giants need to boost their offense and give Daniel Jones a reliable target.
7. Tennessee Titans: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
The Titans finally address their biggest need by selecting Joe Alt, the best left tackle in the draft, with their first pick. Alt has the size, strength, and technique to dominate at the next level and keep Will Levis upright in the pocket. With no elite wide receivers available, the Titans will wisely opt for the cornerstone of their offensive line for years to come.
8. Atlanta Falcons: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
The Falcons are being connected to nearly every quarterback on the market. However, if they don't secure Kirk Cousins or make a trade for Justin Fields, it seems likely that they will consider drafting a quarterback. McCarthy possesses the skills and talent that could establish him as a franchise quarterback for years to come. Atlanta had the opportunity to meet with the former Michigan signal-caller at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, where he showcased his skills with an impressive showing on the field. McCarthy's three seasons in Ann Arbor saw him amass an impressive 6,231 passing yards, throwing for 48 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. Many experts are predicting him to be chosen within the top 12 picks, with the Falcons being a logical choice for him.
9. Chicago Bears: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
The Bears are hoping to land a top receiver with the ninth pick, but they miss out on Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers, who go in the first six picks. However, they get a great consolation prize in Dallas Turner, a long, athletic edge rusher who fits Matt Eberflus’ defensive philosophy. Turner has 34 3/8th inch arms and impressive agility, and he said he likes the Bears’ scheme that gives pass rushers “freedom and opportunities”. The Bears need someone to pair with Montez Sweat, who made the Pro Bowl last year, and Turner could be the perfect partner for him. Turner has the potential to be a dominant force for the Bears’ defense.
10. New York Jets: OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
With only Joe Alt off the board so far in the OT room, the Jets have a wide array of offensive tackle prospects to choose from. Fashanu, Taliese Fuaga, or even JC Latham - any of them could be the one to go either way in this situation. Fashanu is my choice. I'll stick with him. While he may have work to do in the run game, his pass-protection skills are excellent. The team needs Aaron Rodgers' presence on the field to effectively pass the ball, making Fashanu's ability to pass protect a valuable asset.
11. Minnesota Vikings: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
The Vikings' hopes were dashed as the first four quarterbacks were chosen in the top eight picks, leaving them without their desired options. With those players gone, they carefully consider their options and ultimately decide to go with the best available player. On my board, that player is Alabama CB Terrion Arnold. He can play inside and outside with aggressiveness in both the running game and when the ball is in the air. Coming from a Nick Saban defense, Arnold already knows how to thrive in both man and zone concepts, including man-match principles, all of which Brian Flores has shown over his time in the NFL. While cornerback may not be the Vikings' top priority, they made a brilliant choice in selecting Arnold, adding a valuable asset to their roster.
12. San Francisco 49ers (from DEN): OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
Trade Details:
49ers get No. 12
Broncos get Nos. 31, 63, 216
The first trade of the draft. With the 49ers having a lot of draft capital (11 draft picks), this allows them to make this move. The 49ers made a smart move by trading up with the Broncos to get the top offensive tackle in the draft. They only gave up a second-round pick and a sixth-round pick to jump 19 spots and land Fuaga, who is ready to start at right tackle from Day 1. Fuaga has the size, athleticism, and technique to play at a high level in the NFL. He can also slide inside to guard if needed or take over the left tackle spot when Trent Williams hangs up his cleats. Fuaga is a rare prospect who can do it all, and the 49ers got him without sacrificing much of their 2024 draft capital.
13. Dallas Cowboys (from LV): QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Trade Details:
Cowboys get No. 13
Raiders get No. 24, 2025 first-round pick
Imagine a scenario where the Cowboys decide to move on from Dak Prescott after the 2024 season and look for a new franchise quarterback in the draft. That’s the premise of this hypothetical mock draft: Dallas selects Washington Michael Penix Jr. with the 13th overall pick. Penix is a rare talent who combines a strong arm, a quick release, and a high football IQ. He can make all the throws, scramble when needed, and lead an offense with poise and confidence. He’s also a lefty, which adds an extra element of intrigue and challenge for defenses. Penix has been one of college football’s most productive and efficient passers, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in the last two seasons. He has also shown tremendous resilience and toughness, overcoming two ACL injuries and leading Washington to its best season in decades in 2023. Penix is not a perfect prospect, however. His durability is a cause for concern; He also has to adjust to playing under center and reading NFL defenses, which are more complex and faster than what he faced in the Pac-12. But if the Cowboys are willing to take a gamble on Penix’s potential and develop him behind Prescott for a year or two, they could have their next star quarterback in the making. Penix has the charisma, the skills, and the mindset to thrive in Dallas and become Jerry Jones’ new favorite player.
14. New Orleans Saints: LT Troy Fautanu, Washington
In order to improve their offense, the Saints should focus on upgrading their offensive line to provide better protection for Derek Carr and strengthen their running game. Fautanu has the potential to be a valuable resource in addressing that. Not only does he possess the qualities of an excellent left guard, but he also has the potential to excel as a tackle, making him a versatile player. The Saints need improvement in both areas, and Fautanu could play a crucial role in finding a solution.
15. Indianapolis Colts: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
The Colts' top priority this offseason is to add explosive playmakers to their offensive roster. Bowers truly embodies the essence of that undertaking. Considering him as more of an offensive weapon rather than just a tight end should ease concerns about his positional value. His steady hands, a knack for gaining yards after catching the ball, and exceptional body control when running routes make him the ideal candidate for the No. 15 overall pick. Key to furthering the development of QB Anthony Richardson is providing him with opportunities like this, which are easy to come by. While CB Quinyon Mitchell and EDGE Jared Verse were also being considered, the decision to choose Bowers was too difficult to resist.
16. Seattle Seahawks: DT Johnny Newton, Illinois
Since Michael Penix Jr. and Troy Fautanu were unexpectedly unavailable, the Seahawks decide to choose the best interior defensive line prospect remaining, assuming their inability to re-sign Leonard Williams in free agency. Newton, towering at 6-foot-2 and weighing 304 pounds, adds to Seattle's youthful defense, reuniting him with star cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
After releasing Darious Williams last week, the Jaguars have an urgent need for a cornerback this offseason. However, they can benefit from the abundance of offensive talent in the draft, which gives them a strong edge in the first half of the first round. In this mock, they had the luxury of choosing from almost all the cornerbacks in the class. Mitchell has proven himself in every aspect, with a stellar college career, a superb performance at the Senior Bowl, and a remarkable showing at the combine. The Jaguars would not think twice about picking him if he is still available at No. 17.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: OL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
The Bengals have a history of ignoring the interior line in the early rounds of the draft. The last time they spent a high pick on a guard was in 2012, when they had two first-rounders and took Kevin Zeitler. But they let him walk in free agency along with Andrew Whitworth, a huge mistake that changed the course of the franchise. Now, the Bengals are more willing to adapt to the modern game, and that’s why they select Jackson Powers-Johnson here. He can play center, allowing Ted Karras to compete with Cordell Volson for a guard spot. This means the Bengals will have to find a solution at right tackle if they don’t bring back Jonah Williams, but Powers-Johnson is too talented to pass up while the franchise quarterback is coming off another serious injury.
19. Los Angeles Rams: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
The Rams would be ecstatic if Verse fell to them at this spot. He is one of the best pass rushers in this class, a great fit for the Rams’ defensive scheme, and a formidable partner for Byron Young. He has tremendous power as a rusher, as shown by his impressive college stats. He had nine sacks in each of the past two seasons. Verse’s pick in the middle of the first round is an ideal combination of positional value, talent, and the Rams’ needs, boosting their chances of success.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Byron Murphy II, Texas
The Steelers have two glaring holes at offensive line and cornerback, but they also know how to draft for value. That’s why they can’t afford to miss out on Murphy, the best defensive lineman in the class, who somehow slips to them at 20. Murphy is a dominant force inside, who can disrupt the run and the pass with his power and quickness. He would be a great replacement for Adams and Watts, who are leaving in free agency and form a formidable duo with Benton. The Steelers would be getting a steal and a star with Murphy.
21. Miami Dolphins: OL Graham Barton, Duke
Barton is a versatile lineman who can play anywhere on the offensive line. He is a perfect fit for the Dolphins, who may lose up to four starters to retirement or free agency after the 2024 season. Barton has the size, strength and technique to handle any assignment, whether it’s protecting the quarterback or opening holes for the running game. He is also durable and reliable, having started every game in his college career. The Dolphins need to invest in their offensive line to improve their offense, and Barton is a smart and safe pick in the first round.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
Despite the medical tests at the NFL Combine pointing to a Jones fracture in his right foot, Philadelphia is still going to be my pick here. McKinstry, a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide, solidified his reputation as one of the best defensive backs in the country over the past two seasons. McKinstry's impressive stats of 22 pass breakups and an interception over two seasons highlight his growth as a defender, suggesting he has the potential to become an all-pro player at the next level. Despite skipping the on-field workouts at the combine, McKinstry will showcase his skills during his Pro Day on March 20, just before he undergoes surgery prior to the NFL draft in April. With that timetable, McKinstry would be fully prepared just in time for the upcoming training camp in the summer.
23. Houston Texans (from CLE): CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
With Houston's focus on improving their defense, the choice was narrowed down to DeJean, Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins, and Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson. Ultimately, the Texans should prioritize adding a tall and agile outside cornerback to complement Derek Stingley, rather than opting for a smaller, speedier cornerback or another edge rusher at the moment. This becomes even more crucial if they cannot retain Steven Nelson or acquire a seasoned veteran through signing or trading in the offseason. With his athleticism and ability to play both safety and special teams, DeJean is the perfect candidate to address the secondary's glaring weakness. In 2023, the Texans had one of the highest numbers of passing yards allowed, ranking 10th, and also gave up a high average yards per attempt, ranking fifth. This highlights the importance of DeJean's ability to intercept passes, which would be valuable regardless of where DeMeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke decide to position him.
24. Las Vegas Raiders (from DAL): OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
Trade Details:
Cowboys get No. 13
Raiders get No. 24, 2025 first-round pick
The Raiders missed out on the top four quarterbacks in the draft, as they were all taken before the 13th pick. They traded down to get more picks for the 2025 season but still landed a great player in Amarius Mims. He weighed 340 pounds at the NFL Combine and was impressed with his strength and agility. The Raiders want to beef up their offensive line and make it more dominant. Mims would fit in well as their right tackle and help them achieve that goal. Plus, they have an extra first-round pick for the 2025 draft, which gives them more flexibility to pursue their future franchise QB.
25. Green Bay Packers: EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
Chop Robinson would be a surprise pick for the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. Many would expect them to address other positions, such as cornerback, receiver, or offensive line after they had already invested heavily in their edge rushers. But the Packers won’t be able to pass up on the opportunity to add a dynamic and young talent to their defense. Robinson, who goes by the nickname Chop, was a dominant force at Michigan State, where he racked up 24 sacks and 36 tackles for loss in his last two seasons. He also impressed scouts with his athleticism at the combine, where he posted the second-highest Relative Athletic Score among edge rushers. Robinson is only 21 years old and has plenty of room to grow and refine his skills. The Packers love to draft players with high ceilings at premium positions, and Robinson fits that mold perfectly. He may not have the ideal size for a Packers edge rusher, but he makes up for it with his speed and burst off the edge. Robinson will join a talented group of edge rushers that includes Lukas Van Ness, Rashan Gary and Preston Smith. Van Ness was the Packers’ first-round pick last year, and he showed great potential as a rookie. Gary was rewarded with a big contract extension after leading the team in sacks in 2023. Smith agreed to restructure his deal to stay with the Packers for another year. With Robinson in the mix, the Packers will have a formidable pass rush that can terrorize opposing quarterbacks and help their secondary. The Packers may have surprised some people with their pick, but they followed their draft philosophy of taking the best or most upside player available, regardless of immediate needs. Robinson has the potential to be a star in the NFL, and the Packers should be excited to bring in a prospect of his caliber.
26. Kansas City Chiefs (from TB): WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
Trade Details:
Chiefs get Nos. 26, 203 and 2025 sixth-round pick
Bucs get Nos. 32, 94
In this particular scenario, Kansas City executes a trade to secure the services of a supremely talented wide receiver from LSU, aiming to have an instant positive influence on the team. At the combine, Thomas showcased his exceptional speed by completing the 40-yard dash in just 4.33 seconds, leaving everyone impressed. Prior to that, he had an outstanding final season in Baton Rouge, scoring a remarkable 17 touchdowns. If Thomas and Patrick Mahomes develop a strong connection early on, his addition to Kansas City's offense could play a crucial role in securing a third consecutive Super Bowl victory for the Chiefs next season.
27. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU): DL Darius Robinson, Missouri
There are multiple paths the Cardinals could choose to go. The Alabama tackle, J.C. While Latham could work, the Cardinals are looking for a tackle with better mobility. Medical concerns are associated with Laiatu Latu. With his ability to play effectively as a defender both on the edge and in the interior, Robinson is a valuable asset for the Cardinals, who require talent in both areas. In his final season at Missouri, he recorded 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, consistently improving his performance throughout his college career.
28. Buffalo Bills: WR Troy Franklin, Oregon
Gabe Davis appears to be on his way out in free agency, based on his partially goodbye message shared on social media. The Bills held meetings with multiple wide receivers during the combine, one of them being Franklin. Oregon had a successful season, and Franklin contributed significantly. In 13 games, he showcased his skills by achieving 81 catches, 1,383 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Much like Davis, Franklin can stretch the field, but what sets him apart is his already impressive route-running skills and the potential for further development. Franklin has the potential to be the second receiver in Buffalo's offense on Day 1, and could eventually become the top receiver.
29. Detroit Lions: CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
Lassiter is an adaptable outside CB who can play in different schemes. He has length, speed and experience in man coverage, which are essential qualities for the Lions’ most urgent offseason need. He is also a great tackler who can aggressively defend against the run and short passes. Cooper Beebe would be a nice pick here, but I would gladly go with Lassiter, who seems ready to start in Week 1 for Detroit.
30. Baltimore Ravens: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
Keon Coleman, a wide receiver for Florida State, stands at 6 foot 4 and weighs 220 pounds. He possesses a formidable blend of speed, athleticism, and power, which he utilizes to dominate opponents with his diverse skill set and knack for winning contested catches. During the 2023 season with the Seminoles, Coleman had an impressive performance, making 50 catches for 658 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns while Florida State remained undefeated in the regular season. Coleman accumulated a total of 115 receptions, 1,506 yards, and 19 touchdowns during his time at Michigan State and Florida State.
31. Denver Broncos (from SF): QB Bo Nix, Oregon
After trading for Sean Payton last year, the Broncos do not have a second-round pick in this year’s draft. Denver gains an additional pick in the second round by moving down from the 12th overall spot, ensuring they still secure their future quarterback in this mock scenario. Nix is a great fit for Payton's offensive system, which is why he has been a popular choice for the Broncos in mock drafts. Denver secures Nix as a replacement after parting ways with Russell Wilson.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from KC): OL JC Latham, Alabama
The Buccaneers direly need a left guard upgrade, and considering the talent of Latham, who is still available, I cannot miss the opportunity to shift such a dominant and strong blocker to the interior from his typical tackle position. At age 21, he would instantly enhance Tampa Bay’s struggling, running game while offering exceptional pass protection skills as an interior blocker. This is an incredible steal in terms of talent, especially with the addition of an extra third-round pick, and it addresses one of the Bucs' major needs in the starting lineup.
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