2024 NFL Mock Draft: Updated 3.0 with Trades included!

Free agency is all but done at this point. Many of the marquee free agents have been signed, and some major trades have reshaped the NFL landscape. For this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, I will project what teams could do come Draft day – NOT what I would be doing if I were the General Manager. There’s a lot of info to consider between team/player meetings, free agent moves, player trades, and the rumor mill. We’ll try to decipher the madness in my 2024 NFL Mock Draft 3.0!

1. CHICAGO – Caleb Williams, QB, USC

After trading Justin Fields to the Steelers for a 2025 day three NFL Draft pick, Caleb Williams should be a lock to go number one overall.

2. WASHINGTON – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

I haven’t changed this pick since Mock Draft 1.0, and see no reason to change it now. This pick is going to be a quarterback.

3. NEW ENGLAND – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

There are rumors swirling that the Patriots may trade down with a quarterback needy team like Minnesota, but I’m not buying it. Yes, having more Draft picks helps during a rebuild, but if the team feels Daniels or Maye could be a franchise QB, the Pats can’t pass on them.

4. ARIZONA – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Another team that’s being rumored to trade down. This makes a little bit more sense, but I don’t think Arizona is in a position to be walking away from a blue chip prospect. The Cardinals badly need a number one wide receiver, and Harrison Jr. is at the top of a lot of boards.

5. MINNESOTA – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

***TRADE*** Vikings trade 11th and 23rd picks to the Chargers for 5th overall

The first trade in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft is between the Chargers and Vikings. Minnesota recently acquired Houston’s first round pick (23rd overall) via trade, so trading the 5th and 23rd picks to jump the Giants for a quarterback makes sense. McCarthy has seen his stock absolutely soar post Scouting Combine, and it looks like he is a lock for the top ten at this point. Minnesota signed Sam Darnold as a placeholder, but they cannot leave this Draft without a long term answer at QB.

JJ McCarthy 2023 Michigan Highlights 〽️ || HD

6. NY GIANTS – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

If the Giants can’t get a potential franchise QB here, they could select arguably the top wideout in this class. There are whispers that Nabers is ahead of Harrison Jr. on some Draft boards around the NFL.

7. TENNESSEE – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

The Titans have had an excellent off-season so far, but still need to add at least one legitimate starting offensive tackle. Joe Alt would be the immediate starter at left tackle, and allow Nicholas Petit-Frere to compete with Dillon Radunz for the starting right tackle job.

8. LA CHARGERS – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

***TRADE*** Chargers trade the 11th pick and 2024 3rd round pick to the Falcons for 8th overall

The Chargers basically trade a 3rd round pick for an extra first rounder and still end up with a marquee wide receiver prospect. L.A. traded Keenan Allen to Chicago and released Mike Williams, so adding a receiver to pair with last year’s disappointing first round receiver, Quentin Johnston, makes sense here.

9. CHICAGO – Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Chicago did a good job filling a lot of holes this off-season on the offensive side of the ball, but could still use some upgrades on defense. The addition of Montez Sweat was great, but he needs a legit running mate on the other side. Dallas Turner tested very well at the Scouting Combine, and should be one of the first defensive players off the board.

10. N.Y. JETS – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Signing Tyron Smith in free agency and trading for Morgan Moses to be the starting offensive tackles was great, but both are a little long in the tooth. Olu Fashanu can be the top backup for both tackle spots, and learn from the two vets for a year before taking over at left tackle next season. Fashanu also gives the Jets some insurance in case Smith’s injury issues cause him to miss time.

11. ATLANTA – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

***TRADE*** Falcons trade 8th overall to the Chargers for 11th overall and 3rd round pick (69th overall)

Atlanta nets an extra third round pick and still ends up with a quality prospect at a position of need. AJ Terrell is an excellent outside starter at cornerback, but he needs a running mate on the other side. Clark Phillips III is better suited for the slot. The Falcons met with Mitchell at the Combine, and his stock has been rising fast throughout the pre-Draft process.

12. DENVER – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Denver is in an unfortunate place – they need a quarterback badly, but there’s none worth taking at this spot, and they may lack the ammo to trade up for one. Edge rusher and cornerback could both be in play here, but Brock Bowers sliding to this pick might be too tempting. Denver currently has Adam Trautman and Greg Dulcich at tight end, and both are replacement level players. Sean Payton loves using his tight ends in the passing game, and Bowers will be one of the best receiving tight ends in the league as a rookie.

13. LAS VEGAS – Troy Fautanu, G/T, Washington

There was some speculation that Fautanu should slide over to guard, but he performed well at the Scouting Combine and deserves a shot to start at tackle first. He can compete with Thayer Munford at right tackle, or start at right guard for DJ Fluker as a rookie.

14. NEW ORLEANS – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Andrus Peat is a free agent, Trevor Penning has disappointed thus far, James Hurst is best suited as a backup, and Ryan Ramczyk is coming off injury. Fuaga can compete for a starting job at either tackle spot, or move inside and start at left guard.

15. INDIANAPOLIS – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Kenny Moore is one of the better slot cornerbacks in the league, and JuJu Brents played well as a rookie, but another outside starter is needed. Terrion Arnold had an excellent season at Alabama, drew rave reviews at the Combine, and is firmly in contention for being the top cornerback in this class.

16. SEATTLE – Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas

Seattle needs help on the interior of their offensive line, but could stand to add some reinforcements up front on defense. Dre’Mont Jones being could be released after this season and save the team over $16 million, and Murphy II is the perfect long term replacement.

17. PHILADELPHIA – J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama

***TRADE*** Eagles trade 22nd pick and 2025 2nd round pick to the Jaguars for 17th overall

Philadelphia might look to ensure they keep the offensive line a strength after Jason Kelce’s retirement. Latham could compete for a starting spot at guard initially, before eventually taking over for Lane Johnson (34 years old this year) at right tackle.

18. CINCINNATI – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

The Bengals signed Trent Brown in free agency to start at right tackle, but that’s a short term fix. Amarius Mims is raw, but one of the more athletic offensive linemen in this Draft. Mims would definitely benefit from some seasoning behind seasoned vets like Brown and Orlando Brown Jr.

19. LA RAMS – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

The Rams have Alaric Jackson at left tackle, but he didn’t play particularly well this past season. Tyler Guyton had a dominant week at the Senior Bowl and should be a top 25 pick. Los Angeles could have a very solid offensive line after signing guard Jonah Jackson from Detroit and drafting Guyton to start at left tackle.

20. PITTSBURGH – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Pittsburgh traded Dionte Johnson to the Carolina Panthers and released Allen Robinson. The Steelers signed Van Jefferson in free agency, but that shouldn’t prevent them from taking a receiver like Brian Thomas Jr. if he is on the board. Offensive tackle should definitely be in consideration at this spot.

21. MIAMI – Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Bradley Chubb has an opt out in his contract after this season, and Jaelan Phillips only started six games due to injury. Jared Verse dominated at the Scouting Combine, running a 4.58 40 yard dash and performing very well in on-field positional drills.

22. JACKSONVILLE – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

***TRADE*** Jaguars trade the 17th pick to Eagles for 22nd overall and 2025 2nd round pick

Jacksonville trades back and nets a future 2nd round pick, while still getting one of the best outside cornerbacks in this class. Tyson Campbell is set at one spot, but Ronald Darby shouldn’t be counted on to be a full time starter on the outside. Nate Wiggins performed well in positional drills at the Clemson Pro Day and ran a 4.28 40 yard dash at the Combine.

23. LA CHARGERS – Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois

***TRADE*** Vikings trade 23rd and 11th picks to the Chargers  for 5th overall

The Chargers have had one of the worst run defenses in the NFL over the last couple of seasons. They signed free agent Poona Ford to bolster the defensive line, but he isn’t a difference maker. Jer’Zhan Newton is nursing an injury and was unable to workout at the Scouting Combine or the Illinois Pro Day, but his versatility and interior pressure should keep him firmly in the first round conversation.

24. DALLAS – Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

Left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz departed in free agency, and depth is a question. Tyler Smith could slide over to left tackle, but that leaves holes still at left guard and center. Jackson Powers-Johnson has starting experience at both guard and center, and would be an immediate upgrade at either spot over the current options.

25. GREEN BAY – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

The Packers released long time starting left tackle David Bakhtiari, and have a gaping hole at the position. Rasheed Walker filled in for Bakhtiari last season, but didn’t stand out, and he may be better suited for a swing tackle role. Jordan Morgan is one of the better pass blockers in this class, and showed off his athleticism at the Scouting Combine.

26. TAMPA BAY – Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

The Bucs have Yaya Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka as the starters on the edge, but neither stood out this past season. Chop Robinson showed off his elite athleticism at the Combine, running a 4.48 40 yard dash (one of the fastest 40-yard dash times ever recorded by a defensive lineman) and having a 1.54 10 yard split (the fastest time ever for an edge rusher over 250 pounds).

27. ARIZONA – Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

Arizona completely revamped their defensive line in free agency this off-season, but still need talent on the edge. Laiatu Latu is a pro ready edge rusher, and adds depth to go with Zaven Collins and B.J. Ojulari. Adding Latu will allow Collins to shift to inside linebacker more like he did in previous years.

28. N.Y. GIANTS – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

***TRADE*** Bills trade 28th pick to the Giants for 2024 (47th overall) and 2025 2nd round picks

After the Combine, it was reported that the Giants were “done” with Daniel Jones, and those rumors are only getting louder as we get closer to the Draft. Jones is coming off season ending injury and the team signed Drew Lock in free agency. Neither appears to be the long term starter for Big Blue. Penix Jr. has his flaws, but would be the starter in New York sooner than later.

29. DETROIT – Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Cornerback Carlton Davis was acquired via trade with the Bucs, and Amik Robertson was signed during free agency, but more talent at corner is needed. Cooper DeJean is still in recovery from a broken leg, and has been unable to workout for teams. The elite athleticism he showed on tape combined with a solid showing at his workout day in mid April should secure his place in the back half of the first round.

30. BALTIMORE – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Even though the Ravens re-signed Nelson Agholor, Odell Beckham Jr. is a free agent, and Zay Flowers could use a running mate. Xavier Worthy is undersized, but is an absolute burner. Worthy set the 40 yard dash record at the Scouting Combine by running a 4.21.

31. SAN FRANCISCO – Graham Barton, OT/OG, Duke

Outside of franchise left tackle Trent Williams, and maybe Jon Feliciano, the offensive line badly needs upgrades. Colton McKivitz was one of the worst right tackles in the league, so maybe Barton can start out there even though he was a left tackle at Duke. If Barton struggles at tackle, he could slide inside to guard.

32. KANSAS CITY – Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri

Kansas City recently traded cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans for a 2025 third-round pick and a swap of 2024 seventh-round picks. Adding Ennis Rakestraw would allow the team to continue using Trent McDuffie’s inside-out versatility. Rakestraw Jr. is physical, can play on the outside or in the slot, and is excellent in zone coverage.