The 2023 NFL regular season is complete. Plenty of heartwarming stories remain for playoff teams: the Packers' young core pushing for a berth in Week 18 and facing off against their former head coach, 38-year-old Joe Flacco and the Browns taking on rookie C.J. Stroud in Houston, and more. But it's on to the 2024 NFL Draft for many teams and fan bases.
The Chicago Bears have a unique decision: use the first overall pick they acquired from the Carolina Panthers in the Bryce Young deal in 2023 on a rookie quarterback to reset the timeline for a quarterback extension and place a rookie on a near-playoff roster, or trade the pick (again) for a haul that could net them multiple first-round picks and impact players. The Washington Commanders and New England Patriots face similar decisions, though there's less ambiguity surrounding their signal-callers.
The 2024 class boasts strengths at the wide receiver, quarterback, and offensive tackle positions, with many expected to leave the board early. Footballguys Staff will explore all possibilities this offseason, with more draft coverage and mock drafts than in the offseasons prior, updating as more information is available and draft stocks rise and decline.
The official declaration deadline for underclassmen is Monday, January 15th. Some players in this mock draft may return to school, and some omissions could change these projections. Thank you to Tankathon for providing the most updated draft order.
The Chicago Bears are on the clock (or are they?).
1. Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI) - Caleb Williams (QB - USC)
LV sends No. 13, No. 44, a 2025 first-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 first-round pick to CHI for No. 1.
The arguments for the Bears to select Caleb Williams are strong, but Justin Fields finished the 2023 season strong, and a massive haul could entice general manager Ryan Poles to move down (again). Caleb Williams, while not without areas of improvement, is one of the best quarterback prospects to enter the draft in the last decade. He has franchise-altering talent, and the Raiders making a splash while moving into a new era of the team with a new head coach and general manager would be on brand for the storied franchise.
2. Washington Commanders - Drake Maye (QB - North Carolina)
The Commanders are in the quarterback market after Sam Howell's rollercoaster of a year, and bringing his former backup to town could kick off a new era of Commanders football. While Maye is a different flavor of quarterback, he has high-end traits, throws with great anticipation, and looks like a long-term starter with some development at the position.
3. New England Patriots - Joe Alt (OT - Notre Dame)
The Patriots are in an unfamiliar position: in need of almost everything. The roster lacks talent, and with the top two quarterbacks off the board, they add a franchise left tackle to replace Trent Brown and reinvigorate the impressive trench play that made the Patriots dynasty so great. Trade and free agent options remain (Kirk Cousins, Ryan Tannehill, Drew Lock, and Jimmy Garoppolo come to mind as stop-gap options), as this team isn't ready for a rookie quarterback.
4. Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR - Ohio State)
The Cardinals found success in their passing attack following Kyler Murray's return, and adding weapons should be a top priority this offseason. Their leading receiver was tight end Trey McBride, and no receiver came close to 1,000 yards. Insert Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the best wide receiver prospects to enter the draft in this millennium, and the Cardinals' offense will have an upward-pointing arrow for 2024 and beyond.
5. Atlanta Falcons (via LAC) - Jayden Daniels (QB - LSU)
ATL sends No. 8, No. 141, and a 2025 second-round pick to LAC for No. 5 and No. 182.
The Falcons have a quarterback problem, and a new era is here following the firing of Arthur Smith. Jayden Daniels does two things at an elite level: throw the deep ball and run the football. Adding him into the read option game with Bijan Robinson would be deadly for opposing defenses, and the assortment of pass-catching options would make his life easy as a rookie.
6. New York Giants - Malik Nabers (WR - LSU)
The Giants have tried and failed to construct a wide receiver room that can produce, and the mix of "best player available" and "need" makes the selection of Malik Nabers an easy one. Nabers would be the No. 1 receiver in almost every other class, as his acceleration and fluidity after the catch make him a dangerous weapon for the modern NFL. With Marvin Harrison Jr. gone, the Giants get one of the best consolation prizes in recent memory.
7. Tennessee Titans - Olu Fashanu (OT - Penn State)
The Titans have many needs, but none more apparent than offensive tackle. Olu Fashanu is a divisive prospect, as the potential is more enticing than the film, but he possesses an All-Pro ceiling, is an elite athlete, and has room to grow. He would be a day-one upgrade for Tennessee, and his work as a pass protector would allow the team to evaluate second-year quarterback Will Levis properly.
8. Los Angeles Chargers - JC Latham (OT - Alabama)
Through his first four seasons, Justin Herbert has taken 15 more sacks than early-retiree Andrew Luck did in his first four seasons. Rashawn Slater has the left side covered, but entering 2024 with Trey Pipkins III as the starting right tackle would be malpractice. Insert JC Latham, a punishing run blocker with quick feet and strong hands in pass protection. Latham had a down game against Alabama in the College Football Playoff, and he's a work in progress, but at just 21 years old for the entirety of the 2024 season, he's a bet the Chargers should make.
9. Chicago Bears - Rome Odunze (WR - Washington)
Trading out of the first pick and moving outside the top ten would be a difficult choice, but drafting Rome Odunze could make stomaching that reality less taxing. Odunze is everything teams look for in No. 1 receivers: a great route runner who can win at all three levels and reliable hands. His improvements in 2023 were notable, and Odunze would also be considered the No. 1 receiver in many draft classes.
10. New York Jets - Taliese Fuaga (OT - Oregon State)
The Jets must determine how to improve the offensive line and the pass-catching options this offseason. The elite tight end prospect Brock Bowers is not out of the question here, but keeping Aaron Rodgers upright is the most important task. Taliese Fuaga can do that while also being a dominant run blocker. He is a great athlete with outstanding size and strength, and he'd immediately become the starting right tackle in New York.
11. Minnesota Vikings - Laiatu Latu (EDGE - UCLA)
Laiatu Latu has an extensive medical history that caused him to retire from football for some time. But he's the most technically refined edge rusher in the 2024 class when he's on the field, and he's been on the field for two straight years. His hand usage and pass-rush plans are that of an NFL veteran, and he's a great athlete at 6-foot-five and 265 pounds. Teams may have questions about his medical history, but he should be the first edge rusher off the board if he's cleared.
12. Denver Broncos - Terrion Arnold (CB - Alabama)
The cornerback class is full of potential top options, but none have a better blend of ball skills and stickiness in coverage than Terrion Arnold. The Broncos have one of the stickiest corners in the NFL with Patrick Surtain, and pairing him with a fellow Alabama standout - one with excellent ball production - is a move that should intrigue Sean Payton.
13. Chicago Bears - Dallas Turner (EDGE - Alabama)
The Bears have two massive needs: wide receiver and center. Centers simply don't go at this area of the draft, and with the trade back, Poles is loaded with draft capital to move up and down as he wishes. Their third-biggest need is EDGE, and Dallas Turner is a fantastic option there. Turner isn't quite Will Anderson, but the motor, elite athleticism, and surprising bend make him a high-potential option at a premium position. Turner would slide in the lineup opposite Montez Sweat and make for an imposing duo for years.
14. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS - JARED VERSE (EDGE - FLORIDA STATE)
Carl Granderson had an excellent season for the Saints. Still, the Saints must upgrade their edge position with Cameron Jordan at the very end of his career and Payton Turner's lack of availability (and impending free agency following 2024). Jared Verse is a powerful, pocket-collapsing athlete who played inconsistently until the college football season's final weeks. When he turned it on, he looked like a long-term NFL starter, displaying improved pass-rush plans and dominance when his team needed it. Verse is a day-one starter and would shore up a position of need for New Orleans.
15. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - KOOL-AID MCKINSTRY (CB - ALABAMA)
While his teammate is off the board first in this mock, McKinstry may be the higher-upside player. McKinstry is a technical marvel, consistently staying in phase in man coverage and operating with great instincts in zone coverage. The Colts saw flashes from rookie JuJu Brents, but they should still look to upgrade the position. McKinstry would alleviate Brents of No. 1 cornerback duties, improving the secondary and putting the Colts into division contention.
16. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS - JER'ZHAN NEWTON (DT - ILLINOIS)
The Seahawks acquired Leonard Williams this year, but they still lack difference-makers on their defensive line. Jer'Zhan Newton has the potential to become that. Newton is an explosive pass-rusher, consistently getting to the quarterback (as seen in his 7.5 sacks, which tied for second in the nation) while holding his own in the run game. Newton would slide onto the line with Dre'Mont Jones and Williams, giving the downline immense upside in a good division
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Brian Thomas Jr. (WR - LSU)
Calvin Ridley's situation is unique, as his inconsistencies were apparent in 2023 following his long layoff from football. Zay Jones and Christian Kirk missed time, and neither are No. 1 options in an elite offense, something the Jaguars should aspire to be with a quarterback as talented as Trevor Lawrence. Brian Thomas Jr. is a potential No. 1, with fluid athleticism, strong hands, and an ability to win vertically. Even if the Jaguars keep Ridley, surrounding Lawrence with reliable weapons should be priority No. 1 this offseason.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Byron Murphy II (DT - Texas)
The Bengals remain a legitimate Super Bowl contender with a healthy Joe Burrow, meaning their list of needs is somewhat small. Still, DJ Reader is nearly 30 years old, and BJ Hill was inconsistent in 2023. Byron Murphy II was an elite pass-rushing 3-tech option in 2023, displaying powerful hands, jaw-dropping agility, and good sack production. Generating an interior pass rush is essential, especially in a historically great division. Murphy would do just that.
19. Kansas City Chiefs (via GB) - Brock Bowers (TE - Georgia)
KC sends No. 26, No. 91, and No. 173 to GB for No. 19.
While the Chiefs need to improve the wide receiver room, adding the Travis Kelce replacement might be equally important. Kelce slowed down in 2023, and his retirement may be closer than many believe. Bowers won't have the immediate chemistry with Patrick Mahomes II, but he'd be a top option in the passing attack and a force as a run blocker immediately.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Nate Wiggins (CB - Clemson)
Carlton Davis has a $14.5M cap saving if designated to be post-June 1st. He didn't exactly play well when on the field in 2023, either. Outside of Jamel Dean, the Buccaneers struggled to get great play from their cornerbacks. Nate Wiggins can fix that. An elite athlete with great recovery speed, Wiggins is a physical corner with great length and the ability to shut down one side of the field. Even if the team retains Carlton Davis, Wiggins injects youth into the room.
21. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) - Cooper DeJean (CB - Iowa)
The Cardinals played inspired football for stretches of 2023, but the team doesn't have much juice in the secondary. With a talented safety tandem and a front seven loaded with potential, adding Cooper DeJean to become their No. 1 corner is an easy call at this stage of the draft. DeJean is an elite athlete who profiles as an elite zone corner with the athleticism and upside to become a lockdown man corner.
22. Los Angeles Rams - J.J. McCarthy (QB - Michigan)
Admittedly, I think J.J. McCarthy will return to school for the 2024 season. But if he declares, I believe this is his floor. McCarthy is a perfect McVay quarterback, constantly making excellent decisions when presented with open receivers. With Matthew Stafford playing some of his best ball and not looking like he'll retire this offseason, drafting the quarterback of the future and continuing on this path of success established when McVay took over is a smart move.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Amarius Mims (OT - Georgia)
The Steelers can't run Dan Moore out as their starting left tackle in 2024, and what better way to solidify the offensive line than to bump the 2023 first-round pick, Broderick Jones, over to left tackle and bring in his former running mate in Amarius Mims. Mims is a project, and it may take time for him to develop. Still, the upside is elite, and a team will be enamored by his measurables and the flashes of greatness.
24. Miami Dolphins - Graham Barton (OL - Duke)
The Dolphins have a strong roster, but a strong scheme and agile players boost their offensive line play. Improving the interior should be a priority this offseason, and Graham Barton profiles best as a guard or center. He plays with tenacity and is a terror in the run game, a pivotal component to Miami's offensive success.
25. Philadelphia Eagles - Jackson Powers-Johnson (C - Oregon)
Jason Kelce is nearing retirement, and the center position is pivotal to Philadelphia's success. While the team has two former centers in Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens, keeping them at their respective offensive guard positions could prove beneficial. Powers-Johnson is a first-round talent with All-Pro potential.
26. Green Bay Packers - Quinyon Mitchell (CB - Toledo)
The Packers have a cornerback need, as there is little promise behind Jaire Alexander. Quinyon Mitchell is a fantastic click-and-close, instinctual cornerback who operates zone coverage well and has outstanding ball skills. Decisions about Joe Barry's future could change the scheme, but there isn't a corner on the board better suited to assume the No. 2 cornerback role in the current iteration of Green Bay's defense.
27. Houston Texans (via CLE) - Tyler Nubin (S - Minnesota)
Jimmie Ward gave the Texans a good safety tandem, and Adrian Amos stepped in and played well down the stretch, but a solid running mate for Jalen Pitre is necessary. Tyler Nubin is a versatile, athletic safety with range and an ability to play in multiple schemes. He's best as a two-high safety but is effective in man coverage, too. The Texans have a solid young core on offense and should look to improve on the defensive side of the ball.
28. Detroit Lions - Kamari Lassiter (CB - Georgia)
The Lions' secondary has left much to be desired over the past few years. Iffy Melifonwu, Brian Branch, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson have flashed good play when healthy, but the patchwork at the corner position is tearing. Kamari Lassiter is an impressive athlete with a mirroring ability to succeed in man coverage and instincts to be an impact player when dropped into zone coverage.
29. Buffalo Bills - Troy Franklin (WR - Oregon)
The Bills have gotten production out of Khalil Shakir and Gabe Davis over the past couple of years, but it's time to upgrade the position with an actual vertical threat with three-level ability. Troy Franklin displays that ability, winning with speed and nuanced route pacing, allowing him to dominate the Pac-12 in 2023. Franklin's play style, matched with Josh Allen's, would terrify opposing defensive coordinators.
30. Dallas Cowboys - Tyler Guyton (OT - Oklahoma)
Tyron Smith is 33, and Tyler Smith looks like a potential All-Pro guard. The right tackle position has been problematic, and the Cowboys should look to shore up the trench play to continue their Super Bowl window. Tyler Guyton is a big ball of clay, with elite athleticism and traits that indicate he could become a great player, but his inconsistent technique prevents him from being a top-20 pick.
31. San Francisco 49ers - Xavier Legette (WR - South Carolina)
While Deebo Samuel came on strong at the end of the year, an eye toward the future is critical. The Shanahan offense hasn't had a dangerous No. 3 wideout in many years, and Legette's blend of size, strength, and ability to gain yards after the catch gives him a ton of game-breaking upside in a creative offense.
32. Baltimore Ravens - Chop Robinson (EDGE - Penn State)
The Ravens are often the team where NFL fans say, "How did the league let that guy fall to them?" That trend would likely continue in this scenario, with Chop Robinson heading to Baltimore to continue their history of drafting edge rushers juiced with potential. Robinson is one of the bendiest edge rushers in the class, but inconsistent technique and pass-rush planning present questions about his ceiling. Here, the Ravens add a young player to an already great defensive line.
