NFL Analysis

3/18/24

15 min read

NFL Mock Draft 2024: Latest Predictions After First Week of Free Agency

Free agency has undoubtedly changed the NFL landscape and will have a massive impact on the draft in April. What could Round 1 look like now that the first week of free agency is completed?

Here is our updated 2024 NFL mock draft.

2024 NFL MOCK DRAFT

1. Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 215 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: There are no changes at the top, as Caleb Williams is the consensus No. 1 pick. He'll have a new weapon to throw to after the Chicago Bears traded for Keenan Allen on Thursday. Surrounding Williams with talent at the skill positions will allow him to succeed immediately in the NFL.

2. Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 210 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: The Seattle Seahawks traded for Sam Howell, so there is no doubt that the Washington Commanders will take a quarterback at No. 2. However, the signing of Marcus Mariota could help signal which passer is picked here. Jayden Daniels is the better fit in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense and should be able to produce immediately with all of the Commanders’ weapons.

3. New England Patriots

Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 230 pounds
Class: RS Sophomore

Fit: Could the New England Patriots shock us all and go with another Michigan quarterback here? That has been the scuttlebutt around the league, but we aren’t buying it. Drake Maye is the superior quarterback prospect, and the Patriots should be running to the podium if he is available at No. 3.

4. Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Outside Williams to the Bears at No. 1, there might not be a more secure lock in Round 1 than Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona desperately needs a No. 1 receiver, and just this week, they lost Marquise Brown (free agency) and Rondale Moore (trade). Harrison Jr. might be the best overall player in this class, but with three quarterbacks drafted in a row, he falls to No. 4.

TRADE

MIN receives: Round 1 (No. 5)

LAC receives: Round 1 (No. 11), Round 1 (No. 23), 2025 Third-Round Pick


5. Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) drops to pass during the second half of the Big Ten Championship game on Dec. 2, 2023, against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 219 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Minnesota Vikings acquired pick No. 23 from the Houston Texans on Friday, which signals they want to trade up in Round 1. The Philadelphia Eagles did this in 2016 when targeting Carson Wentz in Round 1. The talk around the league is that J.J. McCarthy will be a top-five selection, and this would be how that gets done.

6. New York Giants

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Malik Nabers runs along the sideline
Malik Nabers (8) runs with the ball as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 200 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: If Malik Nabers falls to No. 6, this would be a home-run selection for the New York Giants. New York needs a No. 1 receiver, and Nabers isn't that far off as a prospect from Harrison Jr. Expect Rome Odunze to be considered for the Giants at No. 6 as well.

7. Tennessee Titans

Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) blocks Stanford Cardinal linebacker Levani Damuni (3) at Stanford Stadium. (Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 324 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The first surprise of the draft comes at No. 7, with the Tennessee Titans drafting an offensive lineman. That's not a surprise, as they've been expected to pick an offensive tackle here. But the selection of Taliese Fuaga over Joe Alt would undoubtedly be a shock. However, Fuaga is worthy of a top-10 pick. His size, athleticism and power could better fit what Bill Callahan wants at left tackle, so don’t be surprised if Fuaga is the first offensive tackle off the board in April. 

8. Atlanta Falcons

Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

Dallas Turner sacks Texas A&M's quarterback
Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Max Johnson (14) attempts a pass as Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) applies defensive pressure during the fourth quarter at Kyle Field. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 247 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: After making significant upgrades on offense in free agency, including the signing of Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons can use the draft to focus on their defense. Dallas Turner is the best defender in the class. He would be an excellent fit in Raheem Morris' defense. The Falcons need a premiere edge rusher, and Turner could be a 10-sack player as a rookie.

9. Chicago Bears 

Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) blocks Stanford linebacker Jordan Fox (10) at Stanford Stadium. (Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 321 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Bears don’t really need a left tackle, with Braxton Jones playing well in Year 2. But Joe Alt is too good of a value to pass up here. With four quarterbacks and two wide receivers picked in the top six, it allows a talent like Alt to fall to No. 9. The Bears can start Alt at left tackle and solidify their offensive line in front of Williams.

10. New York Jets

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze
Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. (Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 212 pounds
Class: Sophomore

Fit: Now that the New York Jets signed Tyron Smith and acquired Morgan Moses (via trade), the offensive line isn't the No. 1 priority. Instead, they can add a playmaker to pair with Garrett Wilson. Rome Odunze is one of the cleanest players in the draft and would be a fantastic No. 2 receiver in New York.

It seems unlikely that he will fall this far in April's draft, but that's the case here, with four quarterbacks and two offensive tackles selected in the top nine picks.

11. Los Angeles Chargers

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs after a catch against the Mississippi Rebels in the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 243 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Early in the draft process, Brock Bowers was almost always mocked to the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 5. But his stock has taken a hit after not working out at the NFL Combine or Georgia's Pro Day. Still, grabbing him at No. 11 after the Chargers traded down would be quite the pickup for Jim Harbaugh.

12. Denver Broncos

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell breaks up a pass.
Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. (Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 195 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: The Denver Broncos miss out on the top four quarterbacks in this draft and have to pivot to defense in Round 1. The Broncos select Quinyon Mitchell to pair with Patrick Surtain II to give them one of the best cornerback duos in the NFL.

13. Las Vegas Raiders

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Terrion Arnold (3) carries the ball after an interception against the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium. (Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 189 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Las Vegas Raiders must find a No. 1 cornerback to pair with Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones. They luck out with Terrion Arnold falling to No. 13. While he isn’t the most outstanding athlete at cornerback, he’s tough, physical and fundamentally sound. Arnold can play in the slot and outside, making him a steal at No. 13.

14. New Orleans Saints

Byron Murphy, IDL, Texas

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates sacking the Iowa State Cyclones quarterback at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. (Aaron E. Martinez-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 297 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: You can make a strong case that Byron Murphy II is this draft class's most complete defensive player. On top of solid production, Murphy tested off the charts at the NFL Combine and projects as a high-end pass rusher in the NFL.

The New Orleans Saints need more interior pass rush and pairing him with Bryan Breese would make them challenging to block up front.

15. Indianapolis Colts

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Brian Thomas Jr. runs after a catch
LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) runs with the ball toward Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean (10) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. (Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 209 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard prioritizes athleticism above everything else. There might not be a receiver in this class who would be more appealing to him than Brian Thomas Jr. At 6-foot-3, 209 pounds, Thomas ran a blazing 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He is somewhat raw as a prospect, but pairing him with Michael Pittman Jr. for the next several seasons would give Anthony Richardson suitable weapons on offense.

16. Seattle Seahawks

Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu
Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) celebrates after the Huskies scored against Oregon Ducks the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 317 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Seattle Seahawks are intent on improving their trenches with new head coach Mike MacDonald. They could use a player like Troy Fautanu, who can play multiple offensive-line positions. Fautanu played left tackle at Washington, but he could play right tackle in the NFL or either guard spot.

He is similar to Alijah Vera-Tucker, whom the Jets selected at No. 14 in the 2021 NFL Draft. Fautanu is a rising prospect who should be a top-16 lock by the time we get to April.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Adonai Mitchell runs with the ball
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) runs the ball during the Big 12 Championship game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Jacksonville Jaguars missing out on re-signing Calvin Ridley this offseason was quite surprising. That loss will hurt their offense if they don't address receiver early in the draft.

Adonai Mitchell would be a great long-term fit with Christian Kirk, as Mitchell can play on the outside and stretch the field. Running a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Mitchell has the size and athleticism to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL.

18. Cincinnati Bengals

Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 312 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Olu Fashanu's draft stock has fallen a bit during the offseason, but he is still a plug-and-play tackle with a lot of upside. He would be the starting right tackle in Cincinnati with Orlando Brown Jr. on the left side. 

This isn't the best fit for either the player or the team, but he is too good of a value to pass up here for the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 18.

19. Los Angeles Rams

Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 254 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Aaron Donald announced his retirement last week, so the Los Angeles Rams would love to see a player like Murphy fall to replace him. But that didn't happen, and instead, they pivot to Jared Verse, one of the most well-rounded pass rushers in the draft. Upgrading the pass rush has to be priority No. 1 for the Rams during the draft and Verse falling to No. 19 gives them a steal.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

West Virginia Mountaineers offensive lineman Zach Frazier (54) during the first quarter against the Towson Tigers at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. (Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 313
Class: Senior

Fit: The Pittsburgh Steelers cut starting center Mason Cole ahead of free agency and have yet to address that spot. Until they do, it’s foolish to project any other position in Round 1 for the Steelers other than center. Zach Frazier is a sneaky pick for Pittsburgh because he's a perfect fit in Arthur Smith's offense. He's got the athleticism to get to the second level and the toughness to fit in well with the Steelers' culture.

21. Miami Dolphins

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Northwestern wide receiver Cam Johnson (14) tries to catch a pass as Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) defends during the first half at Wrigley Field. (David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 207 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Miami Dolphins overhauled their secondary this offseason, but they could use another versatile defensive back. Cooper DeJean can play all over the secondary, including in the slot. Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller are in the later stages of their careers, so DeJean would be the perfect young cornerback to pair with them for the 2024 season.

22. Philadelphia Eagles

Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins
Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7. (Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 173 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Philadelphia Eagles addressed several weaknesses in free agency, but cornerback was not one of them. Darius Slay and James Bradberry were both liabilities at the end of the season, and the Eagles need to get more athletic at cornerback. Nate Wiggins ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, precisely the speed Philadelphia has lacked.

23. Los Angeles Chargers

JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham
Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham (65) celebrates with a cow bell in Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State after Alabama's 40-17 victory. (Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News)

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 342 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: After trading back from No. 5, the Chargers ended up with Odunze and JC Latham. This is not bad at all for Jim Harbaugh in his first draft. Latham could be a Day 1 starter at right tackle for the Chargers and give Harbaugh more size on the offensive line.

24. Dallas Cowboys

Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon

Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 334 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Dallas Cowboys lost Tyler Biadasz in free agency and have yet to replace him. Jackson Powers-Johnson is a massive center who can drive defenders off the ball. The Cowboys want to be a more balanced offense moving forward, and having an anchor in the middle of their offensive line like Powers-Johnson would significantly improve the unit.

25. Green Bay Packers

Graham Barton, OL, Duke

Graham Barton Duke
Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton. (Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 313 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: The Green Bay Packers could use more help on their interior offensive line, and you can make a case that Graham Barton is the most versatile player in this class. He played most of his career at left tackle but has experience playing guard and center. Barton could be a Day 1 starter at guard or center for Green Bay and give Jordan Love even more help on the interior of the offensive line.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

UCLA defensive lineman Laiatu Latu
UCLA defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) battles against San Diego State tight end Mark Redman (81) during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. (Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 265 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hit on YaYa Diaby last year, but they need to add a pass rusher opposite him now that Shaq Barrett is no longer with the team. Laiatu Latu could go higher than this if his medicals check out, but there is a chance he could fall some on draft day. Latu is the most refined rusher in the class and could instantly impact Tampa Bay as it tries to continue its streak of NFC South titles.

27. Arizona Cardinals

Jer'Zhan Newton, IDL, Illinois

Illinois DL Jer'Zhan Newton
Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (4) sacks Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Ben Bryant (2) during the first half at Memorial Stadium at Champaign, Ill. (Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 295 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: After addressing their wide receiver need at No. 4 with Harrison Jr., the Cardinals return in Round 1 and select Jer’Zhan Newton. Earlier in the draft process, Newton was widely considered a top-20 pick, but a broken foot revealed during the NFL Combine medical process dropped him a bit in mocks. Newton is a dominant interior rusher and is a significant value this late in Round 1.

28. Buffalo Bills

Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

American defensive lineman Darius Robinson of Missouri (6) works through a defensive drill during practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. (Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 296 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: Wide receiver was the Buffalo Bills' biggest need going into the offseason, but the additions of Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins could allow them to go elsewhere in Round 1. Plus, they missed out on the top five receivers in this class, so it might make more sense to wait until Round 2.

Darius Robinson would be a fantastic fit in Buffalo because he can play multiple positions on the defensive line and rush the passer. He's only getting better and would help Buffalo's run defense immediately.

29. Detroit Lions

Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

 Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Jordan Morgan
Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (77) against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 325 pounds
Class: Senior

Fit: The Detroit Lions always want to be strong on the offensive line, and losing Jonah Jackson (Rams) is a significant loss. Jordan Morgan would be a fantastic fit in Round 1 as a potential replacement. Morgan played left tackle at Arizona but has the athleticism and power to kick inside. He could also be a possible replacement for Taylor Decker. But for now, he is a Day 1 starter at guard.

30. Baltimore Ravens

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) and offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 340 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: The Baltimore Ravens have lost multiple starters on the offensive line in free agency, and they traded starting right tackle Morgan Moses to the Jets for a Day 3 pick exchange.

Getting Amarius Mims at No. 30 is an outstanding value, and he could be a dominating run blocker in Baltimore's system. His lack of experience causes him to fall in this draft, but this would be a home-run selection for the Ravens.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

Penn State Edge Rusher Chop Robinson
Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson (44) celebrates following a sack on Massachusetts quarterback Taisun Phommachanh (3) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Massachusetts 63-0. (Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 254
Class: Junior

Fit: The San Francisco 49ers have been searching for a pass rusher opposite Nick Bosa for a while. They finally find one in Chop Robinson. While he isn't an every-down defensive end (yet), Robinson has one of the quickest first steps you will ever see. He is incredibly athletic and brings more pass-rush prowess to a team that needs a steady complement to Bosa.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Oklahoma offensive lineman Tyler Guyton
Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. (Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 322 pounds
Class: Junior

Fit: Tyler Guyton has all the physical tools to be a star tackle in the NFL, but his footwork and hand placement need a lot of work. The Kansas City Chiefs could be the perfect landing spot for him, as he is a much better pass blocker than a run blocker at this stage of his development.


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