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We’ve officially reached the offseason, which means we have a proper order for the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL draft. However, rounds 3-7 won’t be fully baked until compensatory picks are confirmed later this month.
I’ve held out as long as humanly possible before the temptation has come too great to crank out one of these bad boys.
Over the course of the offseason, I try to mirror my mocks with what I believe will happen rather than play snark and tell you what should happen.
With that said, below is my Mock Draft 1.0 (consisting of two rounds)…have at it!
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Despite what dudes on the Twitter streets may suggest, this is the easiest pick to telegraph within the entire mock. Caleb Williams is a generational prospect and Justin Fields’ winning percentage is laughably bad. Couple that with a reset rookie wage scale and the Chicago Bears have officially reentered the 21st century with a franchise-altering QB.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
No singular player in college football last season had better tape for a QB than Jayden Daniels. The arrival of OC Kliff Kingsbury likely cements the team’s desire to have a true difference maker (arm talent and elite mobility) at the position. Daniels has a chance for immediate success thanks to a receiving core that sports Terry Mclaurin and Jahan Dotson.
3. (TRADE) Minnesota Vikings: Drake Maye, QB, UNC
*New England Patriots receive 2024 first-round pick, 2024 second-round pick, 2025 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick.
With Kirk Cousins’ future in serious doubt, the Vikings pull off a shocker to move up with the talent-deficient Pats in order to snag Maye. The ex-Tar Heel gives Minnesota a legitimate long-term option to compete against the likes of Caleb Williams, Jordan Love and Jared Goff. Kevin O’Connell deserves an opportunity to hitch his wagon to a stud QB prospect.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Should the Patriots be naive enough to think they could support MHJ given the egregious state of their roster, the Cardinals will be in prime position to secure a monster haul for the rights to either Daniels or Maye. Otherwise, the arrival of Marvin Harrison Jr. to the desert figures to be the most impactful first-round draft pick since the likes of Kyler Murray (2019) and Patrick Peterson (2011).
MHJ or trading down are the only two choices come late-April for GM Monti Ossenfort.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Another selection that’s incredibly easy to telegraph, as Jim Harbaugh desperately wants to reignite his version of NFL “bully-ball”. Joe Alt remains a top 5 overall player in this draft class and projects as a franchise caliber left tackle. He’s also the LOS tone-setter that harkens back to the Joe Staleys and Mike Iupatis during Harb’s tenure in San Fran.
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
It feels like the Giants will be mandated to take a playmaker sixth-overall and Malik Nabers could be “WR1” in most any other draft class. I don’t necessarily buy the narrative that he’s the third best player in the draft, but Nabers certainly warrants top 5-7 consideration especially with his already borderline elite route running ability.
7. Tennessee Titans: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Given their abrupt firing of Mike Vrabel back in January, I think it’s fair to peg the Titans as a true wildcard this offseason. However, with no defensive player worthy of this selection, it’s a toss-up between OT2 and WR3. Fashanu could develop into an elite pass protecter for whomever plays QB in Tennessee and is the kind of draft pick that can reignite a franchise upfront. This is also a prime “trade-down” spot given the team’s criminally thin roster.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
Even though the board may not warrant a defender this high, with the arrival of a defensive head coach in Raheem Morris, I think they pivot from offense for a year. Dallas Turner may never be Will Anderson Jr., but his physical traits (height, length) are already superior.
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Chicago is liable to move up for either Nabers or Odunze should either fall into striking distance. Yet with this much offensive talent available, and recent draft picks already traded away for the likes of Chase Claypool (barf) and Montez Sweat, Ryan Poles opts to stay put. Odunze is perhaps the most polished deep-threat in this year’s class and is an immediate WR2 alongside D.J. Moore.
10. (TRADE) Las Vegas Raiders: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
*New York Jets receive 2024 first-round pick and 2024 second-round pick.
NFL scouts are MUCH higher on J.J. McCarthy then “draft twitter”, which leads me to believe he’ll go top 10-15. No team is more desperate for a young signal-caller than Las Vegas, but save for mortgaging picks into 2026, their best option is to “hope and pray” for someone legitimate to fall. Early on, McCarthy must be supported with a run game comparable to what he had at Michigan.
11. New England Patriots: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Tremendous outcome for the Patriots, who take their medicine in 2024 while also securing part of their future in the process. New England’s roster is bordering on “expansion team” bad. Fuaga’s physical nature should compliment the elements and play style of the AFC East while buying time for the rest of the roster to play catchup.
12. Denver Broncos: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
It’s hard to pinpoint a clear direction for the Broncos other than Sean Payton has full control and can do anything he wants. Brock Bowers isn’t my favorite player in this class, but Payton is certainly someone who can maximize his value and unique abilities (ala Jimmy Graham). The arrival of an offensive skilled player also tracks with the rumors that Jerry Jeudy could be dealt in the offseason.
13. New York Jets: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
After a quality showing at the Senior Bowl, Tyler Guyton has officially entered the conversation for OT3/OT4. With rumors of a Mekhi Becton departure, the ex-Sooner is the type of polished prospect that makes too much sense for Gang Green. Guyton carries on the long tradition of “pro ready” Oklahoma tackles that are immediate contributors.
14. New Orleans Saints: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Full transparency, I have no idea who the consensus CB1 will be come April’s draft but Arnold projects as a top 20 guy regardless. The Saints are a disaster and could be headed toward a top 5 pick next year, so might as well go BPA with a premium position. Also, are we sure Marshon Lattimore will be on the team next fall?
15. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
After exposure to a full year of the C.J. Stroud experience, the Colts are likely to wise-up and invest some assets into their fledgling defense. Wiggins has elite physical traits and is only 20 years old.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
A continuation of the current Seahawk brass seemingly lighting the franchise on fire, Seattle goes for the local product in the soon-to-be 30-year-old Michael Penix Jr. In all seriousness, Penix Jr. has some Dak Prescott vibes to his game and could immediately be elevated by Seattle’s plethora of offensive weaponry.
Regardless, I’m sure Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be on board with whatever Seattle opts to do!
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Despite Calvin Ridley netting perhaps the quietest one-thousand-yard receiving season in league history, it’s fair to expect more offensive additions in Jacksonville this offseason. As bad the Jag’s defense has been, the priority will be ensuring Trevor Lawrence gets back on track, and Brian Thomas Jr. is an immediate impact receiver at the pro level. His physicality, especially in the redzone, could see him approach double-digit touchdowns as a rookie.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Are we 1-2 more Joe Burrow injuries away from another Andrew Luck scenario developing in the AFC? In an offensive tackle class this deep and rich with talent, it would be INEXCUSABLE for the Bengals to go anything but at pick #18. Mims has the collegiate pedigree of someone who figures to have a 10-year NFL career, with a few Pro Bowls mixed in.
19. LA Rams: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Latu can probably lay claim to some of the best defensive tape in college football, especially when you consider his team-leading 13 sacks came for the ABYSMAL Bruins defense. Yet, there are some rumblings that his physical traits are likely to underwhelm come the NFL Combine. The Rams have benefited from netting premium players late in the past several drafts and can now pick their spots accordingly.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
While the selection of Kenny Pickett remains laughably bad, it’s much more likely that the Steelers look for free agent competition (hello Justin Fields) to pit against the baby hands phenom at QB. Byron Muphy II is one dominant combine performance away from planting his flag as DT1 and a firm top 20 selection.
21. Miami Dolphins: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
With an sizable financial investment in Tua Tagovailoa almost certainly coming this offseason, Miami will then likely pivot to securing his blindside protection in the form of a premium OT. Latham has “All-Pro” caliber traits with a ceiling on par with the likes of Alt and Fashanu.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
In true Howie Roseman fashion, the Eagles net a potential top 10-15 talent late in the first-round. The only questions that remain with someone like Quinyon Mitchell is if he’s fully prepared to make the jump from the Mid-America to covering the likes of CeeDee Lamb. If the Senior Bowl is any indication, however, the ex-Rocket is poised for a Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie like ascension into the NFL.
23. (TRADE) Arizona Cardinals: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
*Houston Texans receive 2024 third-round pick
Another Cardinals/Texans draft day trade?!? Houston needs picks after last year’s investment in Will Anderson Jr. and the Cardinals DESPERATELY need young talent at defensive tackle. Jer’Zhan Newton has the kind of interior rush ability not seen in the desert since the likes of Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett. At only 21 years old, Ossenfort takes his first real step in rebuilding one of the worst position units in pro football.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Word on the street is Demarcus Lawrence and his $20 million-dollar cap hit could be jetset out of Dallas following a mere four sack performance this past season. Jared Verse, once a top 10 darling, remains a physical specimen despite some stiffness in his game. He’ll likely EAT on Sundays opposite the Micah Parsons double-team extravaganza.
25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, CB/PR/KOR, Iowa
After tapping into the Iowa Hawkeye pipeline with their first-rounder in 2023, why not run it back with Cooper DeJean if your the Green Bay Packers? With Jaire Alexander’s future a bit murky, DeJean has the necessary skills to succeed as high-end outside CB. He’s also, unquestionably, the best return man available this year.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
The Buccaneers have no business picking this far down in the 2024 NFL Draft yet here they are. That’s a testament to head coach Todd Bowles, who is rewarded in the form of the ubber-talented Chop Robinson. This is a high motor, high effort player that should see a boost in his sack total playing alongside Vita Vea.
27. Houston Texans: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
After screwing around with the position all of last year, the Texans need to get serious about right tackle come 2024. Improving every season while in the Big 12, Sumataia has a chance to partner with Laremy Tunsil to form perhaps the league’s most intimating pair of starting OTs.
28. Buffalo Bills: T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
If your starting defensive line, in the year of our football lord 2024, is sporting both Jordan Phillips AND Von Miller…that’s a big time yikes. Thankfully the Bills pluck a supremely gifted DT from one of college football’s most dominate units.
29. Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
The Lions LOVE THEMSELVES some Alabama players early in the draft. From Jahmyr Gibbs to Jameson Williams, Detroit may as well be Tuscaloosa North. Kool-Aid is talented but has a tendency to get lost downfield. Despite that, he’s a pretty willing tackler that has been consistently exposed to the best receivers in college football. No doubt a worthy selection this late in round one.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
Is Justin Madubuike actually leaving Baltimore? If he does, you know the Ravens are gonna be all over this DT class and Kris Jenkins fits the mold for what they want at the position. Oh, and he was coached by the other Harbaugh brother at the collegiate level. You can argue his ceiling, but the floor remains incredibly high with this Wolverine National Champion.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Graham Barton, iOL, Duke
Following the ass-kicking at the hands of Chris Jones in the Super Bowl, it’s due-time the 49ers got serious about upgrading the interior of their offensive line. Barton has a chance to be an immediate standout in Kyler Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme that loves to pound the football. He also has the position flexibility to play offensive tackle in a pinch.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Despite yet another Lombardi Trophy, it feels like a pretty surefire bet that KC is going receiver early to supplement the Kadarius Toneys of the world. Only Rasheed Rice looks like a long-term keeper, and Coleman’s physical style of play would lend itself well to offset the aging Travis Kelce down the seam.
Round Two
33. (Trade) New York Giants: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
*Carolina Panthers receive 2024 second-round pick, 2024 third-round pick.
34. New England Patriots: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
35. Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson, DE, Missouri
36. Washington Commanders: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OC, Oregon
37. LA Chargers: Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
38. Tennessee Titans: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
39. Carolina Panthers: Troy Fautanu, OG, Washington
40. Washington Commanders: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
41. Green Bay Packers: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
42. New England Patriots: Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State
43. (Trade) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jordan Morgan, OG, Arizona
*Atlanta Falcons receive 2024 second-round pick, 2024 fourth-round pick, 2024 fifth-round pick.
44. New York Jets: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
45. New Orleans Saints: Zach Frazier, OC, West Virginia
46. Indianpolis Colts: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
47. New York Giants: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
48. Atlanta Falcons: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
50. Philadelphia Eagles: Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
52. LA Rams: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
53. Philadelphia Eagles: Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
54. Cleveland Browns: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
55. Miami Dolphins: Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
56. Dallas Cowboys: Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
58. (Trade) Baltimore Ravens: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
*Green Bay Packers receive 2024 second-round pick, 2024 fourth-round pick.
59. Houston Texans: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
60. Buffalo Bills: Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
61. Detroit Lions: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
62. Green Bay Packers: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georiga
63. San Francisco 49ers: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
64. Kansas City Chiefs: Devontez Walker, WR, UNC
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