2024 NFL Mock Draft 4.0

It’s Mock Draft Monday! The NFL Draft is next week, and there’s a lot of info to consider between team/player meetings, medical checks/rechecks, and the rumor mill. For my 2024 NFL Mock Draft 4.0, I will project what teams might do come Draft day – NOT what I would be doing if I were the General Manager. I’ll try to decipher the madness in my 2024 NFL Mock Draft 4.0!

1. CHICAGO – Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Lock this pick up pending something random and unforeseen happening. Check out the top football betting apps.

2. WASHINGTON – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

I have Drake Maye as my QB2, but since I’ve mocked Maye in this spot since Mock Draft 1.0, I decided to mix it up. Recent rumors (and a Freudian slip by LSU head coach Brian Kelly) point to Daniels possibly being the pick here.

3. NEW ENGLAND – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

New England has flirted with the idea of trading down, but the cost might be too high for another team to swoop in here. Recent reports have come out that the Patriots are looking for three first round picks plus other considerations. In the end, they stay put and take a potential franchise QB.

Drake Maye Highlights

4. ARIZONA – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

I’ve had Marvin Harrison Jr. locked into this pick since my Mock Draft 1.0, but I wanted to do something different this time around. Since the Scouting Combine, there have been reports that some teams rank Malik Nabers above Harrison Jr. While I don’t agree with that sentiment, Nabers going ahead of MHJ wouldn’t shock me.

5. L.A. CHARGERS – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

The popular thing in Mock Drafts lately is to have Minnesota trade their two first round picks in this year’s Draft to move up to fourth or fifth to select JJ McCarthy. If MHJ is on the board here, I don’t know how the Chargers can pass on him here.

6. N.Y. GIANTS – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

If JJ McCarthy is still available, the Giants might be tempted to replace Daniel Jones. It came out after the Combine that the G-Men were “done” with Jones, so taking a QB here wouldn’t be a surprise. If they decide to not take a quarterback, then Rome Odunze would make a lot of sense.

7. TENNESSEE – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

This has been the same pick for some time for me, and I see no reason to change it now. Recent rumors make it sound like this could be an edge rusher, or even a trade down.

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

***Trade with ATL – 11th, 4th round pick (108th), 2025 3rd round pick for 8th overall***

Our first trade up. Minnesota might want to get a jump on the Raiders and Broncos by trading up to secure J.J. McCarthy if the Giants pass on him. Everyone has the Vikings trading up into the top four or five, but this might be more cost effective if J.J. falls a bit.

9. NEW ORLEANS – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

***Trade with CHI – 14th, 5th round pick (150th), 2025 2nd round pick for 9th overall***

In this scenario, New Orleans identifies offensive tackle as a primary need, and trades ahead of the Jets and Raiders to secure their man. Former first round pick Trevor Penning hasn’t played well, and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk only started 12 games due to injury. Fashanu needs some development, but he could start immediately at either tackle spot.

10. N.Y. JETS – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

This is a popular pick in many Mock Drafts these days, but it makes a ton of sense. The Jets have a need at the position, and Aaron Rodgers loves throwing to his tight ends. Offensive tackle is a possibility here, as is a trade down. Check out the best new sports betting apps for the NFL draft.

Brock Bowers Highlights

11. ATLANTA – Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

***Trade w/ MIN***

Atlanta could’ve stayed at eight and taken Dallas Turner there, but netting an extra picks in a trade down and still getting their man would be a nice win. Arnold Ebiketie and Turner would give the Falcons one of the most athletic young edge rushing duos in the league.

12. L.A. RAMS – Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas

***Trade with DEN – 19th, 2nd round pick (52nd), 6th round pick (196th) for 12th overall***

It sounds like the Rams have interest in Byron Murphy II, but he won’t be on the board at 19. They will likely have to trade up ahead of Vegas, Indy, and Seattle if they want Murphy II. Denver trades down, and picks up a 2nd round pick after trading theirs for Sean Payton.

13. LAS VEGAS – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

The Raiders could be interested in an offensive tackle here, but they should bolster their secondary. Terrion Arnold had an excellent Scouting Combine, interviewing well and showing out in the on-field work.

14. CHICAGO – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

***Trade w/ NO***

Chicago trades back after missing out on the top wide receivers, and beefs up their offensive line to help Caleb Williams. Fuaga can compete at left tackle as a rookie, or move inside and start at guard.

15. INDIANAPOLIS – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Indy has two good starters at cornerback already, but another outside starter opposite JuJu Brents is needed. Mitchell had a great season for Toledo, and was one of the best players at the Senior Bowl. He had an excellent Combine as well and is pushing to be the CB1 of this class.

16. SEATTLE – Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

While I believe the Seahawks will want to upgrade on the interior of the offensive line, they have been a true wildcard in the past. Maybe with a new, young defensive minded head coach, Seattle will be interested in beefing up their pass rush. Chop Robinson is one of the most explosive defensive players in this class, with a lightning quick first step.

17. JACKSONVILLE – Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

The Jaguars could go a number of directions with this pick, but adding an athletic corner to start on the outside is a top priority. Cooper DeJean recently worked out for NFL teams after missing the Scouting Combine and Iowa Pro Day due to injury. All DeJean did was show off his athleticism with a 4.43 40-yard dash, 38.5″ vert, and 10’4″ broad jump.

18. CINCINNATI – Troy Fautanu, OG, Washington

I don’t think Troy Fautanu will fall to this spot come Draft Day, but if he is, Cincy could jump at the chance to add him to their offensive line. Fautanu was a left tackle in college, and he quieted any concerns about his size and arm length at the Combine. He can start inside at guard as a rookie, before taking over at tackle next season.

19. BUFFALO – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

***Trade with DEN – 28th, 4th round pick (128th), 2025 2nd round pick for 19th overall***

Denver trades down again! Buffalo is known to be aggressive when targeting certain players, so them moving up isn’t out of the question. Brian Thomas Jr. needs to develop as a route runner, but has the size/speed combo to step in right away as Buffalo’s WR1.

20. PITTSBURGH – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Offensive tackle will be in strong consideration at this spot, but Nate Wiggins would be a day one starter in Pittsburgh. Nate Wiggins performed well in positional drills at the Clemson Pro Day and ran a 4.28 40 yard dash at the Combine.

21. MIAMI – Graham Barton, OL, Duke

Miami has gaping holes on the interior of their offensive line, and Graham Barton can play every position along the line. Barton was a tackle at Duke, but should be an excellent guard or center. He might go higher than this – if you believe the rumors.

Graham Barton Highlights

22. PHILADELPHIA – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Recent reports sound like Philly might be thinking about the future with this pick. Longtime starting right tackle Lane Johnson is 33 years old, and may follow Jason Kelce into retirement sooner than later. Tyler Guyton had a dominant week at the Senior Bowl and should be a top 25 pick.

23. MINNESOTA – Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

In this Mock, Minnesota didn’t have to part ways with this selection to move up for their QB, and can take the best player available. Laiatu Latu is a pro ready edge rusher, and adds depth to go with free agent additions Jon Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel.

24. DETROIT – Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

***Trade with DAL – 29th, 5th round pick (164th), 2025 4th round pick for 24th overall***

Detroit added D.J. Reader in free agency to bolster the interior of the defensive line, but they still need a running mate for stud edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Jared Verse dominated at the Scouting Combine, running a 4.58 40 yard dash and performing very well in on-field positional drills.

25. GREEN BAY – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

With David Bakhtiari hitting free agency, Green Bay might be looking to add depth at left tackle. Amarius Mims needs development, but he showed off his athleticism at the Combine. Rasheed Walker got some quality playing time last season, but he may be better suited for the swing tackle role.

26. TAMPA BAY – Jackson Powers-Johnson, OC, Oregon

The Bucs lost guard Aaron Stinnie in free agency, while veteran signings Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta are best suited for backup roles. Jackson Powers-Johnson has experience at both guard and center, and was dominant at the Senior Bowl. J.P.J. could start at center, or at guard as Stinnie’s replacement.

27. ARIZONA – J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama

Arizona signed Jonah Williams in free agency to start at one of the tackle spots, but he isn’t a long term option. Paris Johnson Jr. is locked into a starting role at tackle despite struggling as a rookie. J.C. Latham struggles with his footwork, but has prototype size, length, and power. He could be the long-term answer at right tackle, but would bump inside to start at guard as a rookie. Check out the best sports promo deals for betting on the NFL draft.

28. DENVER – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

***Trade w/ BUF***

Denver trades down twice, picking up extra picks in this and next year’s Draft. Denver is in dire need of a potential starting quarterback, with Jarrett Stidham currently the projected starter. Michael Penix Jr. comes with injury concerns, but is experienced as a starter and would challenge for the starting job immediately.

29. DALLAS – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

***Trade w/ DET***

Dallas moves back a few slots, picks up some extra day three picks, and adds another weapon for Dak Prescott. Brandin Cooks is a free agent after this season, and the team is thin at wide receiver. With Prescott’s contract expiring, rumors are swirling about Dallas potentially taking a quarterback with their first pick. I’m not buying those rumors at all.

30. BALTIMORE – Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

Baltimore re-signed Justin Madubuike, but Brent Urban is getting up there in age and quality depth is needed. Darius Robinson has excellent length, and upper echelon physical tools. Robinson needs to work on his pass rush moves, and the lack of college production is concerning given his elite traits.

Darius Robinson Highlights

31. SAN FRANCISCO – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Charvarius Ward is great at one starting outside corner spot, but San Francisco needs an upgrade on the outside opposite Ward. Kool-Aid McKinstry is a big, physical corner with excellent awareness and versatility. McKinstry performed better than expected at his Pro Day, with a 4.5 40-yard dash, 34.5-inch vertical, and 10+ foot broad jump.

32. KANSAS CITY – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

With Rashee Rice’s recent legal troubles, the Chiefs might need to add another wide receiver. Adonai Mitchell can be a weapon in the intermediate and deep game due to his elite size/speed combo. Mitchell isn’t a complete receiver yet, but he’s a good fit with Kansas City.