2024 NFL Mock Draft - Best Case First Three Round Scenario for All 32 Teams

April 24, 2024

Rob has his take on his 2024 NFL Mock Draft featuring the best case scenario outcome for all 32 teams. Do you agree with his selection for your favorite team?

NFL Mock Drafts can be conducted in various ways. The most common practice is attempting to predict what will happen, which is futile, especially in March. That is because so many team opinions are going to change. Teams haven't even started doing pre-draft visits yet, which will undoubtedly shed more light on which prospects teams are interested in. NFL Free Agency also starts this week, changing each team's plans to some extent. While they may have a hole at right tackle, mocking them a right tackle makes all the sense in the world, but what happens if they sign Michael Onwenu this week in free agency? That team is probably not drafting a right tackle anymore.

Since there are so many quarterback dominoes to fall yet, which will undoubtedly affect the outcome of the NFL Draft, we will predict some of those moves to get a baseline of what some of these teams might do in the NFL Draft. You'll find these moves below:

• Kirk Cousins signs with the Atlanta Falcons
• Baker Mayfield re-signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears is traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2024 fourth-rounder and a 2025 fourth-rounder. The 2025 fourth-rounder can become a third-rounder if Fields is signed to a long-term extension before the 2025 NFL Draft.
• Russell Wilson signs with the New York Giants and enters a quarterback competition with Daniel Jones.
• Jacoby Brissett signs with the New York Jets to backup Aaron Rodgers.
• Gardner Minshew remains in Indianapolis to backup Anthony Richardson.

Many other free-agent movements will dictate the draft plans of all 32 teams, but we cannot begin to predict them all. From this point forward, draft decisions for each team will be based on their current roster. This particular mock draft will be done with the premise of "What is the best-case scenario for each of the 32 teams?" That can be a difficult question because we all have different opinions on what that looks like, not just from a team's positional need but also from the different opinions of different prospects. We will give it our best shot with a three-round, best-case scenario 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Let's get started. You can click on each team's name, which will take you to their offseason review article, which covers their offseason assets, salary cap situation, and top-three positional needs.

First Round

1. Chicago Bears – QB Caleb Williams, USC

Caleb Williams is widely viewed as the clear-cut, best quarterback prospect in this draft. He's seen by many as one of the best quarterback prospects in the past few years. The Bears have been quarterback-starved since, well, forever. This is an easy, slam-dunk, no-questions-asked pick. Chicago takes Williams and solves their quarterback dilemma.

2. Washington Commanders – QB Drake Maye, North Carolina

What Washington should do is a major question. The public consensus seems split on Maye, Jayden Daniels, and even J.J. McCarthy is entering the fold. Despite a lackluster offensive line and suspect pass-catchers, Maye has been an elite collegiate performer for years. He's got a monster arm, good mobility, and the ability to create plays off-schedule. Some things need to be cleaned up, but that's true with every prospect. Washington needs a franchise quarterback, and Maye fits the bill.

3. Minnesota Vikings – QB Jayden Daniels, LSU *Trade up with New England Patriots*

Minnesota trades 1.12, their 2024 second-rounder, 2025 first-rounder, and a 2025 third-rounder for New England's 1.03 and 2025 fifth-rounder. Minnesota's roster represents a team in transition. Safety Harrison Smith could be cut, and star pass-rusher Danielle Hunter is likely gone. Superstar receiver Justin Jefferson is about to command a $30 million per year contract (at least). While they entertained the idea of re-signing Kirk Cousins, that was mostly for PR purposes. They wanted to move on and make a big move for Jayden Daniels.

4. Arizona Cardinals – WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

The Cardinals have their franchise quarterback and drafted who they hope will be their future left tackle last year. No defensive player makes sense here from a value perspective despite Arizona having massive needs on that side of the ball. Arizona needs a true number-one receiver, and Harrison fits the bill. He's a generational receiver prospect.

5. Denver Broncos – QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan **Trade Up with Los Angeles Chargers**

Denver trades 1.12, their 2024 third-rounder, and 2025 second-rounder for the Chargers' 1.05 and their 2025 third-rounder. Denver released Russell Wilson and now they have a massive hole at quarterback. Denver's roster is in shambles, but Sean Payton decides to move up the draft board to select the very young, toolsy quarterback prospect McCarthy.

6. New York Giants – WR Rome Odunze, Washington

The Giants need a true top receiver who can win on the outside. They have plenty of slot receivers with Wan'Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt, but this team's a true X receiver who can be lined up outside and dominate. As great as Malik Nabers is, Odunze best fills the Giants' needs.

7. Tennessee Titans – T Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Tennessee had the worst offensive line in the NFL. They have a massive hole at left tackle. The Titans selected Will Levis in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and they hope he will be their franchise quarterback. However, for Levis to get a fair shot, he needs better protection. Alt is widely viewed as the best tackle in the draft and has the mentality to change a team's offensive line.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Edge Dallas Turner, Alabama

After signing Kirk Cousins in our hypothetical free agency period, Atlanta can now address their second biggest need, pass-rusher. With the run on offensive players early in the draft, Atlanta gets their pick of the best defensive players left on the board. Turner is the consensus top pass-rusher on the board, and he should add a key and early contributor to a team that could compete in year one of Cousins' tenure.

9. Chicago Bears – WR Malik Nabers, LSU

The Bears have D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet, but they do not have a legit second or third receiver on the depth chart. Darnell Mooney will sign elsewhere this offseason. Giving Williams a trio of pass-catchers consisting of Moore, Nabers, and Kmet is a fantastic way to get him started on the right foot. Their offensive line is strong, and if Williams is who most people think he is, this offense could be potent immediately.

10. New York Jets – T JC Latham, Alabama

The Jets will likely be starting 2-3 new starters along their offensive line. They must fix their offensive line with Aaron Rodgers coming off a torn Achilles. Latham has been a climber throughout this draft process and will hear his name called early during round one. Latham would immediately slot in as the team's starting left tackle. He's a good run-blocker who will also pay dividends for Breece Hall.

11. New England Patriots – T Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State *Trade Down with Minnesota Vikings*

Minnesota trades 1.12, their 2024 second-rounder, and 2025 third-rounder for New England's 1.03 and their 2025 fifth-rounder. The Patriots decided against taking a quarterback early with their vast number of significant needs on their roster. The Patriots need a new left tackle, right tackle, and receivers.

Throwing a rookie quarterback into their current environment could negatively impact their development. With this trade, they pick up an extra first-round pick next season and add more picks to their draft chest to better fill out their roster. Fashanu is considered the second-best left tackle prospect on some boards and an excellent pass-blocking option. He'll help solidly and protect the blind side of their future franchise quarterback.

12. Los Angeles Chargers – TE Brock Bowers, Georiga **Trade Down with Denver Broncos**

Denver trades 1.12, their 2024 third-rounder, and 2025 second-rounder for the Chargers' 1.05 and 2025 their third-rounder. The Chargers are another team with many holes along their roster. By trading down with Denver, they were able to add additional picks to help fill some of those holes. They need a lot of help along their offensive line and their group of pass-catchers. With the trade with Denver, they've gained additional picks and moved down, which makes selecting Bowers a bigger value. Bowers instantly helps their group of pass-catchers, and they can use the additional draft capital to address their offensive line.

13. Las Vegas Raiders – DT Bryon Murphy II, Texas

Murphy has been a big riser throughout the draft process, and the Raiders have a big hole in the middle of their defensive line. Murphy is the clear-cut best defensive line prospect in the draft, and the Raiders can fill a huge hole with the best prospect on the board at that position.

14. New Orleans Saints – Edge Jared Verse, Florida State

Verse is one of the better edge rushers in this draft, and the Saints have a huge need along their front seven. The Saints had one of the worst pass-rushing units and need reinforcements to improve this positional group. Verse is a good value here and is one of the Saints' biggest needs.

15. Indianapolis Colts – CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

The Colts' secondary is a mess. They will likely lose Kenny Moore this free agency period. They could also lose safety Julian Blackmon, so this secondary will need some reinforcements. Mitchell is widely viewed as the top cornerback on draft boards, especially after an elite showing at the NFL Combine.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers – T Troy Fautanu, Washington ***Trade Up with Seattle Seahawks***

Pittsburgh trades 1.20 and their 2024 third-rounder for Seattle's 1.16 and their 2024 fifth-rounder. The Steelers started Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle. He gave up eight sacks and 55 pressures. He was one of the worst left tackles in the league. If they move 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones to the left side, they have a huge hole at right tackle. Either way, this team needs to add a tackle. Fautanu was the best tackle left on the board, and they traded up to get him. With Justin Fields set to start under center, this offense looks much more competent with a strong offensive line and improved play from their quarterback.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars – DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa

The Jaguars have cut safety Rayshawn Jenkins and cornerback Darious Williams this offseason from a secondary that struggled immensely this past season. DeJean can be a chess piece in a team's secondary. He can play the boundary cornerback, slot cornerback, or safety.

18. Cincinnati Bengals – OL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

The Bengals have some big holes along their offensive line. They got suspect play from their guard spots, and right tackle Jonah Williams is a free agent. Fuaga played tackle in college, but some draft experts feel his best position is at guard in the NFL. Either way that versatility will serve Cincinnati well.

19. Los Angeles Rams – CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama

One of the biggest needs the Rams have is in their secondary. Arnold was an extremely productive player at Alabama and has the traits to be a top cornerback in this league. The Los Angeles offense looks very strong on all levels, but their secondary is their team's biggest weakness. Arnold would go a long way to solving that.

20. Seattle Seahawks – C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon ***Trade Down with Pittsburgh Steelers***

Pittsburgh trades 1.20 and their 2024 third-rounder for Seattle's 1.16 and 2024 fifth-rounder. The interior of Seattle's offensive line needs a lot of work. They have several free agents along those three spots. Powers-Johnson has the size and strength to play guard if need be but could also be a long-term starter at center. That versatility should be valued very highly by Seattle, which has holes in both positions.

21. Miami Dolphins – DT Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois

The Dolphins' salary cap situation has caused them to lose star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Newton is a disruptive interior defender, and while he cannot be expected to replace Wilkins immediately, he's ready to start right now.

22. Philadelphia Eagles – CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

The Eagles' secondary was a mess. Teams found out very quickly they could not run on the Eagles, but they sure could throw it against them. James Bradberry's play started to decline last year, and Darius Slay is well past 30. Philadelphia needs to add blue-collar replacements to this group right now. McKinstry's foot injury isn't ideal, but he's one of the best press-man corners in this draft, and he should be ready to go by training camp.

23. Buffalo Bills – WR BrIan Thomas, Jr., LSU ****Trade Up with Houston Texans****

Buffalo trades 1.28, their 2024 fourth-rounder, and 2025 fourth-rounder for Houston's 1.23. Stefon Diggs is now over 30 years old. Gabriel Davis will leave in free agency. The Bills desperately need to add another playmaker to their group of pass-catchers. They constantly require Josh Allen to be Superman, but they need to give him more help. A duo of Diggs and Brian Thomas Jr. would be very dangerous.

24. Dallas Cowboys – T Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma

Tyron Smith is not expected to be back in Dallas in 2024. Terence Steele, at right tackle, was terrible. The Cowboys have a huge hole at left tackle and there are legit questions about their right tackle position. By drafting Guyton, they'll at least solve one of those spots.

25. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington *****Trade Up with Green Bay Packers*****

Las Vegas trades their 2024 second-rounder, 2024 third-rounder, and 2025 sixth-rounder for Green Bay's 1.25. The Raiders couldn't move up earlier in the first round for a quarterback, but they can do so here. The Patriots, Giants, and Falcons could have moved up for a quarterback, too. The Raiders move from their second-rounder to draft Penix and get that fifth-year option.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – C Zach Frazier, West Virginia

The interior of Tampa Bay's offensive line needs a lot of work. Their guard play was poor and their hole at center is massive. Ryan Jensen retired this offseason after spending 2023 on IR. His backup largely struggled, which negatively impacted the team's running game. Frazier is the best center prospect available and solves an immediate hole for the Buccaneers' offense.

27. Arizona Cardinals – T Graham Barton, Duke

Barton was a left tackle at Duke, but many believe he might best move inside to guard or center. Barton has a ton of versatility and displays excellent technique. The Cardinals have plenty of holes along their offensive line, and Barton would be a fantastic addition.

28. Houston Texans – CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson ****Trade Down with Buffalo Bills****

Buffalo trades 1.28, their 2024 fourth-rounder, and 2025 fourth-rounder for Houston's 1.23. Nate Wiggins falls a bit here due to his smaller stature, but Houston stops the slide. Houston could use additional reinforcements in the secondary, and Wiggins was an incredibly productive collegiate player. His size may pigeonhole him to a slot cornerback role, but that's a starting role in the NFL now, and he could make an immediate impact there.

29. Detroit Lions – Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA

The Lions have a big need at cornerback, but without trading up, there is unlikely to be one available at their spot that matches the value. Latu is one of the best edge defenders in this class and falls to the end of the first. The Lions depended immensely on Aiden Hutchinson for their pass rush last season. Latu will add another dynamic pass rusher opposite the budding superstar.

30. Baltimore Ravens – WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas

Odell Beckham Jr. is a free agent. They've re-signed Nelson Agholor, but their group of receivers could still need work. Rashod Bateman, because of injuries and lack of production, has to be considered a bust. He's entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. The Ravens are unlikely to pick up his fifth-year option. Mitchell provides great speed that will give Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews more space to work in the shallow and intermediate parts of the field.

31. San Francisco 49ers – T Amarius Mims, Georgia

Trent Williams Jr. will be 36 years old this year. Colton McKivitz struggled a bit at right tackle this past season. Mims is a very raw prospect who, because of Williams and McKivitz, could be given a year to develop and sit on the bench. However, his immense size and physical gifts could allow him to be an upgrade to McKivitz sooner rather than later.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – WR Troy Franklin, Oregon

The Chiefs have cut Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Their receiving group comprises Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson, and Kadarius Toney. None of them are downfield options, and Patrick Mahomes had to dump the ball off all of last season. The Chiefs need to add a vertical element to their offense and Franklin can do that.

Second Round

33. Carolina Panthers – WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia

34. New England Patriots – QB Bo Nix, Oregon

35. Arizona Cardinals – Edge Chop Robinson, Penn State

36. Washington Commanders – T Jordan Morgan, Arizona

37. Los Angeles Chargers – CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr, Missouri

38. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia ^Player Trade with Tennessee Titans^

Tennesee trades No. 38 and 2025 sixth-rounder for L'Jarius Sneed.

39. New York Giants – Edge Chris Braswell, Alabama 

40. Washington Commanders – Edge Darius Robinson, Missouri

41. Green Bay Packers – S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

42. New England Patriots – WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina *Trade with Minnesota Vikings*

43. Atlanta Falcons – WR Ricky Pearsall, Atlanta Falcons

44. Green Bay Packers – CB Renardo Green, Florida State *****Trade with Las Vegas Raiders*****

Las Vegas trades their 2024 second-rounder, 2024 third-rounder, and 2025 sixth-rounder for Green Bay's 1.25.

45. New Orleans Saints – G Christian Haynes – Connecticut

46. Indianapolis Colts – DT Braden Fiske, Florida State

47. New York Giants – G Cooper Beebe, Kansas State

48. Jacksonville Jaguars – OL Kiran Amegadjie, Yale

49. Cincinnati Bengals – TE Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas

50. Philadelphia Eagles – LB Payton Wilson, North Carolina State

51. Los Angeles Rams – S Javon Bullard, Georgia

52. Pittsburgh Steelers – WR Xavier Worthy, Texas

53. Miami Dolphins – CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State

54. Philadelphia Eagles – Edge Bralen Trice, Washington

55. Cleveland Browns – DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan

56. Dallas Cowboys – LB Junior Colson, Michigan

57. Green Bay Packers – DB Mike Sainristil, Michigan

58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR Keon Coleman, Florida State

59. Houston Texans – DT T'Vondre Sweat, Texas

60. Buffalo Bills – Edge Adisa Isaac, Penn State

61. Detroit Lions – WR Roman Wilson, Michigan

62. Baltimore Ravens – LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

63. San Francisco 49ers – CB Khyree Jackson, Oregon

64. Kansas City Chiefs – T Blake Fisher, Michigan

Third Round

65. Carolina Panthers – Edge Jonah Elliss, Utah

66. Arizona Cardinals – WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

67. Washington Commanders – WR Jalen McMillan, Washington

68. New England Patriots – WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina

69. Los Angeles Chargers – T Kingsley Suamataia, BYU

70. New York Giants – RB Jonathon Brooks, Texas

71. Arizona Cardinals – G Christian Mahogany, Boston College

72. New York Jets – WR Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington

73. Detroit Lions – CB D.J. James, Auburn

74. Atlanta Falcons – DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson

75. Chicago Bears – Edge Austin Booker, Kansas

76. Los Angeles Chargers – RB Blake Corum, Michigan

77. Green Bay Packers – LB Jeremiah Trotter, Jr., Clemson

78. Seattle Seahawks – S Jaden Hicks, Washington State

79. Atlanta Falcons – QB Spencer Rattler, South Carolina State

80. Cincinnati Bengals – WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama

81. Seattle Seahawks – TE Cade Stover, Ohio State

82. Indianapolis Colts – S Kamren Kinchens, Miami

83. Los Angeles Rams – DL Brandon Dorlus, Oregon

84. Seattle Seahawks – Edge Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan

Miami Dolphins – Forfeited

85. Houston Texans – Edge Gabriel Murphy, UCLA

86. Cleveland Browns – CB Max Melton, Rutgers

87. Dallas Cowboys – RB Trey Benson, Florida State

88. Green Bay Packers – T Patrick Paul, Houston 

89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Texas Tech

90. Arizona Cardinals – CB Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri

91. Green Bay Packers – RB MarShawn Lloyd, USC

92. Detroit Lions – G Zak Zinter, Michigan

93. Baltimore Ravens – RB Braelon Allen, Wisconsin

94. San Francisco 49ers – WR Jamari Thrash, Louisville

95. Kansas City Chiefs – S Cole Bishop, Utah

96. Jacksonville Jaguars – C Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia 

97. Philadelphia Eagles – S Calen Bullock, USC

98. San Francisco 49ers – DL DeWayne Carter, Duke

99. Buffalo Bills – CB Cam Hart, Michigan

100. Los Angeles Rams – TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State

101. Washington Commanders – Edge Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State

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