2024 NFL mock draft 3.0
With the Senior Bowl festivities behind us and all the coaching searches now officially over with, I’ve decided to conduct my mock draft 3.0.
With the Super Bowl about to kick off, I’ve decided to conduct my mock draft 3.0 to give fans who are looking forward to next season a glimpse of what can be in the future.
In my mock 1.0, I indicated some team needs and got a little bold with my mock draft 2.0. With this mock draft, I’m coming down to earth a little bit and will try to predict what would happen if the draft were to start TODAY, before free agency and the combine festivities. Keep in mind that the Senior Bowl just happened, so my opinions on those prospects are obviously going to be skewed a little bit by recency bias.
1. Bears (Panthers): Caleb Williams, QB
Here’s the thing. If you have to even question whether or not a guy is your franchise QB, he probably isn’t. Caleb Williams offers a top five QB in the league upside and at the very least, allows you to re-set at QB & kick the extension can down the road.
2. Commanders: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR
A bit of a hot take here, but I question the legitimacy of this years QB class based off of the Commanders coaching search. With Ben Johnson staying to call plays in Detroit, it had me thinking: “Why wouldn’t a young offensive mind not want to attach himself to guys like Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels?” Then an epiphany hit. Maybe the league doesn’t view this year’s QB class the way the media does. Remember the 2022 draft? When Malik Willis was given an over/under draft position of 13.5 in the draft and didn’t go until the third round? Maybe we’re a little too high on the guys outside of the obvious with Caleb Williams. Marvin Harrison Jr. is the second best prospect in the draft class outside of Williams & gives the Commanders an exciting weaponry to surround Sam Howell (or whoever they bring in at QB) with, alongside Terry McLaurin.
3. Patriots: Olu Fashanu, OT
“What I will say is this: we’re gonna draft the best player for a position that is very important. You put the pieces together.” Is the only hint newly named head coach, Jerod Mayo made regarding what the Patriots will do in the draft. Obviously, with the third overall pick, finding a player capable of being the best at their position is easy, but I believe that statement best fits the selection being an offensive tackle, considering they would have their pick of the litter. I personally believe there’s a likelihood that the organization acquires a veteran QB in hopes of steadying the ship and getting back to their winning ways next season. Before you can even consider drafting a young QB, you need to have a quality offensive line established to protect him.
4. Raiders (Cardinals): Jayden Daniels, QB
In this scenario, I have the Raiders trading up with the Arizona Cardinals. With Arizona committed to Kyler Murray moving forward, it makes sense for the organization to stockpile draft picks and build around him. For Las Vegas, I can’t get the Jayden Daniels and Antonio Pierce (Officially named the Raiders head coach after filling an interim role this past season) connection out of my head. In fact, during his Heisman ceremony speech, Daniels even made sure to thank Pierce for their time together at Arizona State. Although I found it hard to draft one of Maye or Daniels over Marvin Harrison Jr (and definitely don’t think we’ll see QB’s go 1,2,3), I can definitely see the QB needy Raiders trading up to get their franchise guy by jumping ahead of the Falcons, Vikings and Broncos to do so.
5. Chargers: Brock Bowers, TE
Many might consider this to be too high for a Tight End, but Kyle Pitts already broke that door down in 2021, when he was selected 4th overall. Additionally, did we not just see Sam Laporta play like a top three TE in the league his rookie season and don’t we have a plethora of star studded guys like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Mark Andrews and the emergence of Dalton Kincaid (1st round pick last year) to look at for proof as to how valuable the position is when you have a difference maker at the position? Brock Bowers is simply an offensive weapon that will stress opposing defenses with his speed and what he can do after the catch.
6. Bears (Giants): Joe Alt, OT
Remember the Texans last year, when they traded their 12th and 33rd overall picks to the Cardinals for pick three to select Will Anderson, after drafting CJ Stroud second overall? I can see Chicago doing something similar, by using their second top ten selection (9th overall) to move up and select Caleb Williams a pass protector. Joe Alt isn’t as athletic as some of the other Tackles in this draft, but is definitely the most polished and ready to step in and succeed on day one. He would start at Left Tackle for this Bears team, while Darnell Wright (10th overall pick in 2023) completes the bookends on the right side of the line.
7. Titans: Quinyon Mitchell, CB
Throwback to last years draft, when I had Lukas Van Ness as a first round prospect before anyone else (that I had seen). This year’s prospect I’ve highlighted before many was Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell, whom I had in my mock 1.0 back in November. Tennessee needs to address their offensive line in a bad way and could stand to take a stab at receiver, but I believe that the value of selecting the first defensive prospect in Mitchell here would be too much for the Titans to pass up on. Call it recency bias, but the biggest questions for Mitchell during this draft process was: “How will he hold up against improved competition?” During the Senior Bowl, Mitchell dropped jaws and was winning one on one matchups against some of the country’s best and most experienced. It wouldn’t shock me to see him become the first Cornerback selected in this year’s draft.
8. Falcons: Drake Maye, QB
I’m sorry, I’m just hesitant to buy into the yearly hype of the QB class. That Ben Johnson situation with the Commanders just open my eyes in a weird way. Don’t hear what I’m not saying though, I still think Maye is an extremely gifted young QB. However, I think one of him or Daniels drops lower than the media is expecting, and with Daniels connection to the Raiders coaching staff, Maye just drew the short end of the stick. For Atlanta, this selection makes perfect sense considering they are definitely in the market for a franchise guy after realizing that Desmond Ridder isn’t it.
9. Giants (Bears): Rome Odunze, WR
A perfect scenario for New York, as they trade down to collect some draft capital and still ultimately wind up with the WR2 in the draft, a position that many think is priority number one for them. I’m in love with Odunze and have a personal take on him and Marvin Harrison Jr. that I’ll keep to myself. I’ll let you be the judge on what that take is. He can play the slot, or on the outside and can win at all three levels of the field. His versatility all over the field and uncanny ability to make mid air adjustments on the ball and make tough contested catches reminds me of a personal favorite player of mine, Ceedee Lamb.
10. Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT
One of my favorites in this years draft class, Fuaga reminds me of Darnell Wright from last year, as I believe he will go higher than many think on draft day. For the Jets, it’s all about protecting Aaron Rodgers moving forward and paving the way for star studded RB, Breece Hall.
11. Vikings: JJ McCarthy, QB
This might be the “What the?” Selection of the first round by many, but I personally believe McCarthy is going to test extremely well at the combine and throwing session at his pro day. So much in fact, that he could very easily be QB2 in my next mock draft. For the Vikings, they need to find a new franchise QB for the future, considering that Kirk Cousins likely won’t be returning to the team next season. Even if he does however, he would give McCarthy time to learn and develop for a season or so.
12. Broncos: Malik Nabers, WR
With where the Broncos will be financially atter the inevitable releasing of Russell Wilson, I can see the organization moving forward with Jarrett Stidham as their guy in the 2024 season. Although they drafted Marvin Mims in the second round in 2023, I can see the team moving on from Jerry Jeudy and potentially Courtland Sutton and select LSU's Malik Nabers with the 12th overall pick. Built like your modern "jitterbug" NFL wideouts, he will try to help aid Stidham to success in 2024.
13. Cardinals (Raiders): Dallas Turner, EDGE
When Jonathan Gannon had success with the Eagles in 2022, he had a revolving door of excellent pass rushers at his disposal. With only one defensive player selected so far in this mock, Gannon would have the ability to select the edge rusher of his liking and could do a lot worse than the long and athletic, Turner.
14. Saints: Darius Robinson, EDGE
Ranking in the bottom five in sacks with just 34, it's obvious that the team could use an influx of youth and talent along their defensive line. Robinson has firmly established himself as a first round prospect in this year's draft after his performance at the Senior Bowl and should immediately help the Saints from day one.
15. Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB
Going into this past college football season, much of the hype was on Arnold’s teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry, but it was Arnold who had the superior season for the Crimson Tide. It wouldn’t shock me to see Arnold not only be the first Alabama Cornerback off the board, but also the first player in his position to go as well. For the Colts, they need to focus on their lack of Cornerback depth within the first two rounds of this year’s draft.
16. Seahawks: Byron Murphy II, DL
For Mike Macdonald, his first step on re-vamping this Seahawks defensive unit is addressing one of the leagues worst run defenses from a season ago. Murphy is currently one of the highest risers in this year’s class currently and seems to be a top 20 lock on draft night at this point in the process.
17. Jaguars: JC Latham, OL
One of the Jaguars most glaring needs this offseason is at guard. One of the strongest prospects in this year’s class, Latham reminds me of Kenyon Green, who was the 15th overall pick in the 2022 draft. His versatility will be very appealing and attractive for many NFL front offices.
18. Bengals: Tyler Guyton, OT
At the very least, I believe Cincinnati will franchise tag Tee Higgins this offseason and capitalize on this year’s WR depth with a selection on day two in the draft. However, with Cincinnati likely letting Jonah Williams walk this offseason, the Bengals need to prioritize protecting Joe Burrow moving forward. Guyton had a good showing during Senior Bowl week and will undoubtedly be one of the top Tackles in the draft. He could start day one at Right Tackle, a position he played at Oklahoma.
19. Rams: Cooper DeJean, DB
Look, I don’t know if DeJean is going to be a Cornerback or a Safety at the next level. But I do know he’s the best player available at this point in the draft and that the Rams have needs all over their secondary.
20. Steelers: Nate Wiggins, CB
In this simulation I have Pittsburgh trading with Chicago for Justin Fields.*
With Levi Wallace hitting free agency and Patrick Peterson getting older, Pittsburgh needs to find a running mate opposite of Joey Porter Jr at the Cornerback position. Like Porter, Wiggins is a long, fluid and rangy athlete whose versatility in playing man and zone coverages will be attractive for defensive coordinators.
21. Dolphins: Troy Fautanu, OL
The leader of college football’s Joe Moore award winning offensive line, Fautanu is an explosive and athletic offensive lineman who projects to have more success inside at guard at the next level, which just so happens to be a major need for the Miami Dolphins. Although he moves well for his position and can get to the second level with ease, Fautanu’s area of growth comes in the ground game, where he could stand to gain more technique within his hand placement and learn to be less top heavy when transitioning upfield.
22. Eagles: Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL
This is what the Eagles do with first round picks. Build through the trenches. Not only do they build within the trenches, but they draft to keep a strength a strength and with the potential retirement of Jason Kelce, what better way to replace him than with this year’s Rimington award winner (college football’s best Center) who potentially raised his stock more than anyone at the Senior Bowl. Although the Cam Jurgens selection in 2022 (51st overall) was thought to have been made with this situation in mind, his successful transition at Right Guard last season may just allow him to stay put moving forward.
23. Texans (Browns): Brian Thomas, WR
Although he didn’t showcase an expansive route tree in college, Brian Thomas proved to be arguably the best deep threat in college football this past season, as the 6’4” 205 pound speedster registered 68 receptions for 1,177 yards & 17 touchdowns. With CJ Stroud being one of the best deep ball passers in the league this past season, Houston would be wise to select him another weapon in the offense, especially a field stretcher like Thomas.
24. Cardinals (Cowboys): Keon Coleman, WR
With Dallas needing to add more draft capital (only 5 picks currently In the draft) and Arizona needing to address their WR position (TE Trey McBride was their leading receiver last season) with Hollywood Brown hitting the open market, this draft day trade made a lot of sense. Especially considering Arizona would jump above a WR needy team like Tampa Bay to land them a wideout.
25. Packers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB
Even before the Jaire Alexander drama to end the season last year, the Cornerback position has been widely considered a positional need due to the lack of development from Eric Stokes and the trade of Rasul Douglas. Although McKinstry has probably given up his CB1 status in the draft, he still has all the physical tools to succeed at the next level.
26. Buccaneers: Laitu Latu, EDGE
Outside of receiver, Tampa Bay needs to address their pass rush woes in a big way. In steps Laitu Latu, who I’d describe as a “technician” if I had one word to label him. He has a counter to his counter move and has almost picture perfect hand placement when rushing the Quarterback. Although he’s easily the most polished and NFL ready pass rusher in this year’s draft class, his medical history has pushed him down many mock drafts. Unless I hear of anything to tell me otherwise however, I’m keeping him in the first round of my mocks.
27. Cowboys (Texans): Graham Barton, OL
Dallas has to improve within the trenches this offseason on both sides of the ball. The selection of Graham Barton gives Dallas a versatile piece along the offensive line who can legitimately play all five positions. Although he starred at Duke protecting Riley Leonard’s blind-side at Left Tackle, his lack of length makes me think he’ll project to be more of a Guard at the next level and could even potentially develop into an all-pro level Center.
28. Bills: Jared Verse, EDGE
Obviously wideout is priority number one for the Bills heading into the draft, but you can’t draft need over value. Theres quality wideouts you could select in day two. Jared Verse is easily the best player available at this point in the mock draft and would be the successor for Von Miller, who didn’t play well last season and is getting up there in age.
29. Lions: Jer’Zhan Newton, DL
Although Detroit was one of the NFL’s best offenses last season, they ranked 19th in yards and 23rd in points allowed per game defensively. Needless to say, Detroit has the freedom to select the best defensive player on the board when they’re on the clock. Luckily for them, Newton is easily the best player on the board, as his versatility and explosiveness along the line reminds me of Calijah Kancey from last year’s draft class.
30. Ravens: Ennis Rakestraw Jr, CB
Maybe this is Senior Bowl bias, but the quick footed Rakestraw showcased during Senior Bowl week that he’s capable of being a first round selection and could definitely help Baltimore find Marlon Humphrey a partner in crime across the field.
31. Chiefs: Ladd McConkey, WR
Drafting Patrick Mahomes his Julian Edelman or Cooper Kupp would be dream, considering Kansas City HAS to address the receiver position in this years draft and that’s exactly what McConkey could bring to the table. McConkey is an elite separator at the line of scrimmage, who is also capable of winning downfield and uses his excellent ball tracking skills to make plays. He was CONSTANTLY being a space maker during Senior Bowl week, making opposing Corners look silly.
32. 49ers: Kingsley Suamataia, OT
Super Bowl odds have the 49ers winning the big game*
49ers Right Tackle, Colton McKivitz hasn’t exactly been stellar since replacing Mike McGlinchey this season. Thus, a first round selection of Suamataia is intriguing, due to the upside he offers at the position. He should test like a freak at the combine, as he will reportedly clock in at the 4.8 second range in the 40 yard dash. With Trent Williams getting close to retirement as well, Suamataia starting his career on the right side of the line before potentially transitioning to Left Tackle makes a lot of sense in my eyes.