We’re a day away from the 2024 NFL Draft, so there’s still time to squeeze one more mock draft in! It’s time for our final NFL Mock Draft of 2024.
As the draft gets closer, there’s been more reporting about teams’ plans for the first round. Two teams that have gotten a lot of talk are the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings.
—Ranking the biggest needs on the Patriots’ roster
—2024 Patriots pick-by-pick big board
—Patriots Mock Draft 3.0
On Monday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported the Patriots “are listening and taking calls from teams looking to move into 3.” This comes after de facto Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf told reporters last week that “we’re drafting to develop the team. The more picks we have the better.”
Meanwhile, the Vikings have been tied to projected third overall pick Drake Maye on multiple occasions. The most direct link is that Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown coached Maye in high school. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said last week that “if Minnesota were to find a way to go up to 3, my sense is Drake Maye is the preference.”
What would the first round look like if that trade happened? Let’s play it out, as well as look at other scenarios based on recent reports, in NFL Mock Draft 3.0…
1. Bears: QB Caleb Williams, USC
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans passes the ball during the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Stick it and pick it for Chicago. Nothing has changed – nor should it have – for the Bears. Williams becomes that organization’s latest attempt at finding a franchise QB.
2. Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 11: Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers throws the ball during the first half against the Florida Gators at Tiger Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
We’ve been projecting Daniels to go second overall since the offseason began, and it now seems like that is coming to fruition. Reports on Tuesday indicated the Commanders were no longer taking calls on the pick, and most of the buzz in that regard has centered around Daniels.
3. Vikings (from Patriots): QB Drake Maye, UNC
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 07: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks to pass against the Syracuse Orange during the first half of their game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Vikings get:
— 3rd overall pick
Patriots get:
— 11th overall pick
— 23rd overall pick
— 2025 1st-round pick
— 2026 1st-round pickJerod Mayo said earlier this offseason the Patriots are looking for ‘a bag’ – or a wealth of picks – to move down from third overall. On Tuesday, MassLive reported the offers so far have been “laughable” and “not close” to what the Patriots are looking for.
That makes it seem like the Patriots are looking for a truly significant haul to move down. What’s laid out above would represent that, with the Patriots getting one additional first compared to what Miami got when moving back from three to 12 in 2021. This would be a significant get for the Patriots but would come with significant risk given Maye’s tremendous upside.
4. Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 23: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 23, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Cardinals probably could get a haul for this pick, but they already got multiple assets in a trade back last year – including another first in this year’s draft. So they keep the pick and take Harrison, hoping to give Kyler Murray every chance to succeed.
5. Broncos (from Chargers): QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 25: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines passes the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Broncos get:
— 5th overall pick
Chargers get:
— 12th overall pick
— 121st overall pick (4th round)
— 2025 1st-round pick
— 2025 3rd-round pickYes the Broncos just traded for Zach Wilson, but they can’t be done. Their current quarterback room is Wilson, Jarrett Stidham, and Ben DiNucci. They need a player in there with real upside. Sean Payton is reportedly willing to get aggressive in a move up the board, and this is his chance to do that. Given the precedent the Patriots and Vikings set, this move would be very costly as well.
6. Giants: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 04: Malik Nabers #8 of the LSU Tigers pulls in this touchdown reception against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
While the Giants have been talked about as a quarterback team, using the sixth-overall pick on a QB just a year after giving Daniel Jones a $160 million contract would be a near-impossible sell to ownership. Instead they try to make the best of the situation they have at quarterback by adding the most explosive big-play threat receiver in the draft in Nabers.
7. Titans: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – APRIL 22: Joe Alt #76 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on during the Notre Dame Blue-Gold Spring Football Game at Notre Dame Stadium on April 22, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The Titans still haven’t truly addressed the long-term need at tackle since cutting Taylor Lewan two years ago. They’ve given Will Levis plenty of options at receiver but if they truly want him to succeed they’ll need to protect him. With the best lineman in this class falling to them at seven, it’s a no-brainer.
8. Falcons: OLB Dallas Turner, Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 23: Dallas Turner #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide tackles Jordan Watkins #11 of the Mississippi Rebels during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Yes the Falcons could work on building around Kirk Cousins, but they’ve done a good job on adding talent to their offense in recent years. Instead, they add to a unit that ranked 22nd in the NFL last year with 42 sacks, after finishing with 21 sacks two years ago. A first-year defensive head coach with a chance to add the best defensive player in the draft? Pencil it in.
9. Bears: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 25: Rome Odunze #1 of the Washington Huskies scores a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars during the second quarter at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
This has been the pick in just about every mock draft we’ve done, but it just makes so much sense. In order to maximize their new quarterback, the Bears need as many options as possible for him to throw to. The duo of Odunze and D.J. Moore has a chance to be a matchup nightmare.
10. Bengals (from Jets): TE Brock Bowers, Cincinnati
ATHENS, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 16: Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs is tackled by Debo Williams #0 of the South Carolina Gamecocks at Sanford Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Bengals get:
–10th overall pick
— 134th overall pick (4th round)Jets get:
— 18th overall pick
— 80th overall pick (3rd round)
— 97th overall pick (3rd round)The Bengals should be in win-now mode as they try to capitalize on Joe Burrow’s prime years. Adding another weapon would be the best way to do that in 2024, while also keeping the offense stocked long-term if Tee Higgins leaves after this season. They get aggressive to move up and get Bowers, giving them their first real elite receiving tight end of the Burrow era.
11. Patriots (from Vikings): QB Michael Penix, Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 11: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Washington Huskies passes against the Utah Utes during the second quarter at Husky Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
After now showing any public interest in Penix for the majority of the draft process, the Patriots hosted him for a visit two weeks ago. That was right around the time the ‘trade down’ reports started picking up again. Are the two related? Is this the scenario the Patriots are preparing for?
In Penix, the Patriots would get an elite downfield thrower whose style is an ideal fit for Alex Van Pelt’s offense. Penix has also been described as having the leadership and character traits off the field teams covet in a starting quarterback. Yes he’s on the older side as a 24-year-old rookie, but his game is already relatively developed. His injury history is a factor too, so keeping him clean in the pocket will be very important. But, more on that in a bit…
See Pick 3 for trade details
12. Chargers: OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
Oct 28, 2023; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga #75 walks off the field against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Harbaugh is going to want to build his team from the line of scrimmage out. While the Chargers have a star left tackle in Rashawn Slater, they’re not at set on the right side. Fuaga is the top right tackle – and one of the top overall tackles – in this class and will bring the kind of physical edge Harbaugh will want his offense to play with.
See Pick 5 for trade details
13. Raiders: OT J.C. Latham, Alabama
Sep 4, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) blocks against the Miami Hurricanes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders are another team that is in need of a right tackle after losing Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency last year. 2022 seventh-round pick Thayer Munford is penciled in as the starter right now but there’s certainly room to improve. They have the weapons to give Aidan O’Connell a chance as the starting quarterback, but they also need to keep him protected.
14. Saints: OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 30: Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Ryan Field on September 30, 2023 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The run on tackles continues with the Saints. Trevor Penning hasn’t worked out at left tackle in New Orleans so they capitalize on Fashanu falling to them in the middle of the first round.
15. Colts: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
AUBURN, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 25: Rivaldo Fairweather #13 of the Auburn Tigers fails to pull in this reception as he is hit by Jihaad Campbell #30 and Terrion Arnold #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Terrion Arnold is one of the more underrated players in this draft, so the Colts could be getting a steal at 15. Indy has most of its money tied up in the offensive side of the ball, so a potential long-term starter on defense at a premium position on an affordable deal is too good for Chris Ballard to pass up.
16. Seahawks: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 11: Laiatu Latu #15 of the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
New Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald comes from a defensive background, so it stands to reason he’ll be looking to boost that side of the ball. Latu has elite pass rusher potential, but a neck injury that nearly ended his career in 2021 may make some teams nervous, hence his slide down the board.
17. Jaguars: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; 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. Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
It’s between receiver and cornerback for the Jaguars, but a player with Mitchell’s potential falling makes this easy. The biggest question about Mitchell going into the pre-draft process was how he’d look against a higher level of competition, but his Senior Bowl was very encouraging.
18. Jets (from Bengals): WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 01: Brian Thomas Jr. #11 of the LSU Tigers makes a catch during the ReliaQuest Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers at Raymond James Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
The Jets have a lot of wide receiver talent on paper, but there are questions on their depth chart. Mike Williams has dealt with multiple injuries in recent years, and Allen Lazard is coming off of the worst season of his career. In order to make sure Aaron Rodgers has options to throw to, the Jets grab Thomas here.
See Pick 10 for trade details
19. Rams: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 4: Jared Verse #5 of the Florida State Seminoles rushes the pocket against Branson Taylor #78 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first quarter during the game at Acrisure Stadium on November 4, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
The Rams need to re-build their defensive front post Aaron Donald. Finding another lynchpin defensive tackle will be tough so instead they look to the edge and Verse. Verse plays with tremendous power, which has historically been the Rams’ style of rusher.
20. Chiefs (from Steelers): WR AD Mitchell, Texas
FORT WORTH, TX – NOVEMBER 11: Adonai Mitchell #5 of the Texas Longhorns catches a touchdown pass as Josh Newton #2 of the TCU Horned Frogs defends during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Chiefs get:
— 20th overall pick
Steelers get:
— 32nd overall pick
— 95th overall pick (3rd round)
–131st overall pick (4th round)
— 2025 4th-round pickThe Chiefs historically love trading up in the draft, and given how badly they need NFL receivers for Patrick Mahomes to throw to, there’s no reason to think it won’t happen again. This is actually based off of a trade the Chiefs made in 2022, when they moved up with the Patriots.
21. Dolphins: OL Troy Fautanu, Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 19: Troy Fautanu #55 of the Washington Huskies in action during the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Husky Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Draft media is split on whether Fautanu is a tackle or a guard. He checks the boxes size-wise (6-foot-4, 317 pounds, 34 1/2-inch arms) but will need to prove he has the movement skills to play tackle at the NFL level. For the Dolphins though, that may not matter. They’re entire offensive line will need a rehaul over the next few years and wherever Fautanu ends up, he’s ultimately a talented blocker.
22. Eagles: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 23: Keon Coleman #4 of the Florida State Seminoles and Nate Wiggins #2 of the Clemson Tigers compete for a catch late in the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
The Eagles’ top cornerbacks are older and have no guaranteed money on their contract beyond 2024. Planning ahead, the Eagles take Wiggins from the cornerback factory that is Clemson. Wiggins ran the fastest 40 of all cornerbacks at the Combine and second fastest among all players, at 4.28.
23. Patriots (from Vikings): OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
Sep 2, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) in action against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Guyton makes a ton of sense for the Patriots in this scenario, in more ways than one. First and foremost, the Patriots have to make sure to keep Michael Penix protected. At Oklahoma Guyton was a right tackle, but played as a blindside protector in front of lefty Dillon Gabriel. There’s arguably not a single tackle in this draft better suited to pair with Penix than Guyton (especially with Troy Fautanu already off the board).
The Patriots are also familiar with Guyton, having hosted him for a top-30 visit. Guyton’s length and athleticism would make him a great fit in Alex Van Pelt’s offense. With him in place the Patriots could move Mike Onwenu back into his best position at right guard, and Chuks Okorafor’s move to left tackle becomes easier now that he’s no longer the blindside blocker.
See Pick 3 for trade details
24. Cowboys: OT Amarius Mims, Georiga
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mims is a true project player with only seven college starts under his belt. However his upside is as massive as his 6-foot-8, 340-pound, 36-inch-arm frame. Dallas has historically done a good job of developing offensive linemen, and now hopes Mims will become the latest success story.
25. Packers: DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
Oct 21, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) looks on during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Packers have an immediate need at safety, while their cornerback room is also shaky as players return from injury or try to bounce back from disappointing seasons. Given that DeJean has the upside to play any position in the secondary at a competitive level, he’s an ideal fix-all for Green Bay’s situation.
26. Buccaneers: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
Tennessee wide receiver Kaleb Webb (84) reaches for the ball while defended by Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) during a football game between Tennessee and Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel/USA TODAY Network)
The Buccaneers have a long list of potential first-round needs. Among them is cornerback, especially after they traded Carlton Davis to the Lions earlier this offseason. Hoping to find a new starting boundary cornerback they add McKinstry, the second player from Alabama at the position expected to be drafted in the first round.
27. Cardinals: DT Byron Murphy, Texas
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) sacks TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, November. 11, 2023, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman/USA TODAY Network)
The Cardinals are another team in position to simply take the best player available. Here that’s Murphy, who slid a bit from his pre-draft projections. Murphy is the kind of attacking, up-field defensive tackle that has become more and more popular in the modern game.
28. Bills: WR Troy Franklin, Oregon
TEMPE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 18: Wide receiver Troy Franklin #11 of the Oregon Ducks during the NCAAF game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. The Ducks defeated the Sun Devils 49-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
While they Bills desperately need a wide receiver, they also have a number of other needs to fill despite issues with cap space. Since they can’t afford to part with too many additional draft assets they have to stay where they are and wait to see which receiver falls to them. That’s Franklin, the speedster from Oregon. He’s at his best playing downfield, which makes him a good fit with Josh Allen.
29. EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 30: Chop Robinson #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions rushes the quarterback against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Ryan Field on September 30, 2023 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Aidan Hutchinson is an undeniable hit for the Lions. The next step is finding a player who can capitalize on all of the attention he gets from opposing blocking schemes. That leads them to Robinson, who is an elite-tier athlete who will only continue to improve as he deepens his pass rush toolbox.
30. Chargers (from Ravens): WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 04: Ladd McConkey #84 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball for a touchdown in the second quarter of the SEC Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 04, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Chargers get:
— 30th overall pick
Ravens get:
— 37th overall pick
— 105th overall pick
— 2025 4th-round pickHarbaugh brothers trade! After moving down earlier in the draft, the Chargers move back up to add a receiver after losing their top two pass catchers earlier this year. McConkey is the kind of quarterback-friendly wideout who will succeed in Harbaugh’s offense, and will become a PPR monster playing with Justin Herbert.
31. 49ers: OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona
TUCSON, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 30: Offensive lineman Jordan Morgan #77 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
With Trent Williams entering his age-36 season, the 49ers should start thinking about their long-term plans at tackle. Morgan presents the best option here, and while he’s waiting to step in for Williams his positional versatility will make him a valuable backup.
32. Steelers (from Chiefs): IOL Graham Barton, Duke
Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) before the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Heading into the draft, the Steelers don’t have a starting center. That changes with this pick. Barton played mostly tackle in college but has worked almost exclusively at guard and center during the pre-draft process.
See Pick 20 for trade details
