RADIO
Predicting the first round of the NFL Draft is a futile exercise. The “best” mock drafts have a hit rate lower than Kyle Schwarber’s batting average, which probably explains why there are so many of them floating about. Here, we won’t be trying to predict the future of the 2024 NFL Draft. Instead, we will be doing an NFL mock draft to make all of you, the fans, happy.
If you’re a fan of the Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders, or New York Jets, you’ve likely become more accustomed to watching NFL Draft highlights that could be used in a what NOT to do training video. Here, we will try to make as many of the 32 NFL fan bases as happy as possible by giving their team exactly what they need. It’s more of a "what should happen" mock draft if you will.
Now, there’s no way to make everyone happy. For goodness sake, we have Pittsburgh Steelers fans who believe Kenny Pickett has shown glimpses of being a quality starter and Chicago Bears fans who think keeping Justin Fields over Caleb Williams is the better choice. There are probably even some San Francisco 49ers fans who think Kyle Shanahan should be fired because he can’t win the big one. We won’t be able to make everyone happy, but we’re going to give it a try. Here’s a two-round mock draft, with trades based on what should make each fan base happy… or not. Here's to hoping!
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First Round
1. Chicago Bears – QB Caleb Williams, USC
The Justin Fields experience has run its course. He hasn't been unstartable like Zach Wilson, but he hasn't elevated the offense. The Bears can reset their quarterback contract while selecting one of the better quarterback prospects of the last 10 years. Is he generational? Maybe not, but he's an elite-level prospect and should immediately improve Chicago's passing offense.
2. Washington Commanders – QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
The Commanders may be intrigued by Jayden Daniels' skill set and mobility, but Maye is no slouch in that department either. Maye is plenty mobile and can escape the pocket if he needs to. While it took Daniels five years to break out, Maye did it in two. Maye's sophomore statistics are not all that different from what Daniels put up as a fifth-year senior. Maye is also two years younger than Daniels and is a more polished passer. Not to diminish anything Daniels did at LSU, but he was throwing it to two first-round receivers. Was that a reason for his fifth-year breakout? Maybe not entirely, but it certainly didn't hurt. Maye's never been surrounded by that talent level, and he's still excelled.
3. Atlanta Falcons – QB Jayden Daniels, LSU *TRADE UP with New England*
The Falcons traded with the New England Patriots to land their future franchise quarterback. The Patriots decide their offense is not nearly strong enough to support a quarterback. Their offensive line is a bottom-10 unit, and their pass-catching group is the worst in the NFL. No quarterback could be successful under these conditions.
For the Falcons, adding Daniels to an offensive unit that already includes Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, along with a strong offensive line, could create one of the best up-and-coming offenses in the NFL. Atlanta is closer to competing than it appears on the surface, but they're largely being held back due to their quarterback position.
If Daniels can elevate their offense in a way previous Falcons quarterbacks have been unable to, their collection of skilled players could push them to the forefront of the NFC South division. The Falcons gave up their 2024 first-round pick (No. 8), 2024 third-round (No. 74), 2024 fifth-round pick (No. 142), and their 2025 first-round pick to move up. Using the Jimmy Johnson Model, the Falcons are giving up roughly 2,655 points vs. the Patriots, who are giving up 2,200 points.
4. Arizona Cardinals – WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Once Kyler Murray returned from his injury, his leading receiver was former undrafted free agent Greg Dortch. Their best receiver, Marquise Brown, is a free agent and is unlikely to be re-signed. Arizona desperately needs a No. 1 receiver. Harrison is arguably the best prospect in the entire draft but gets pushed down because of the importance of the quarterback position.
5. Los Angeles Chargers – WR Rome Odunze, Washington
The Chargers are guaranteed to cut Mike Williams. Keenan Allen will turn 32 in April. Quentin Johnston was a massive bust, and his peripherals were so bad that it's hard to believe he'll be able to bounce back meaningfully to become an impact player. Joshua Palmer is a fine complementary piece but is best used as a depth player. They do not have a pass-catching tight end on the roster. Gerald Everett, their previous starter, is a free agent. They desperately need to add a secondary pass-catcher that Justin Herbert can depend on.
6. New York Giants – OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
The Giants allowed 85 (!!!) sacks last year. The Panthers and Commanders were second with 65. The Giants had 20 more sacks than the two teams that tied for second. Evan Neal struggled immensely at right tackle this past season. Maybe kicking him inside to guard would help. In either case, a tackle combination of Andrew Thomas and Joe Alt would be one of the best young duos in the NFL.
7. Tennessee Titans – WR Malik Nabers, LSU
DeAndre Hopkins will turn 32 before the start of the 2024 NFL season. Their No. 2 leading receiver this past season was Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Former first-round pick Treylon Burks has been a bust. Nabers is an elite-level prospect and is a menace after the catch. He should make Will Levis' job easier and give him a true No. 1 target to lean on.
8. New England Patriots – OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State *TRADE DOWN with Atlanta*
The Patriots traded 1.03 away, but in return, they’ll receive the Falcons’ 2024 first-round pick (No. 8), their 2024 third-round pick (No. 74), 2024 fifth-round pick (No. 142), and the Falcons’ 2025 first-round pick. Using the Jimmy Johnson Model, they received an additional 455 points, but that's the cost to move up into the top three, especially to select a former Heisman-winning quarterback.
The Patriots do not have an offensive environment conducive to a rookie. Their offensive line is a mess, and their group of pass-catchers is worse. They grab Fashanu, who is on par with Alt as a prospect and looks the part as an elite pass-blocking left tackle and someone who can be a building block for their offensive line for years to come. Trent Brown, their 2023 left tackle, is a free agent.
9. Las Vegas Raiders – QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan *TRADE UP with Chicago*
Chicago trades down here with the Las Vegas Raiders. In return, they pick up the Raiders’ 2024 third-round pick and their 2025 third-round pick. Using the Jimmy Johnson Model, this roughly comes out to the Raiders trading 450 points and the Bears trading 390 points.
It’s a fairly even trade and works out well for both teams. Las Vegas felt compelled to move up for McCarthy, with Denver lurking. They may have slightly overpaid, but trading up often comes with that requirement. The overpay wasn't substantial, and keeping McCarthy off a divisional rival's team is worth it.
The Raiders used Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O'Connell last season and had a bottom-10 passing offense despite having a top-10 offensive line (per PFF), Davante Adams, and Jakobi Meyers. McCarthy is young and wasn't required to throw the ball a lot at Michigan, but he's a proven winner and has some excellent physical tools.
10. New York Jets – OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
The Jets offensive line in 2023 was a disaster. They ended up tied for fourth in the most sacks allowed. Their two tackle positions were the biggest weak links. With Aaron Rodgers returning from a torn Achilles and 40 years old, they must give him proper protection. Fuaga is an excellent prospect with great size and a proven track record of being a dependable and efficient pass-blocker. That's exactly what the Jets and Rodgers need.
11. Minnesota Vikings – Edge Dallas Turner, Alabama
Danielle Hunter is a free agent and won't be back in 2024. He had 16.5 sacks last season. D.J. Wonnum is also a free agent and he had 8.5 sacks. While they may have been tempted to go with Michael Penix Jr. here or to trade up for McCarthy, after re-signing Kirk Cousins in this hypothetical future, the Vikings feel comfortable bypassing on quarterback for the best pass-rusher in the draft. This is arguably the team's biggest need, and they fill it by getting the No. 1 player at that position.
12. Denver Broncos – QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Denver attempted to move up for McCarthy, but the Bears decided to take Las Vegas' deal instead. With Russell Wilson cut and no starting option on the roster, the Broncos select Penix Jr. here. He's a smooth passer who has shown the ability to go through his reads and make quick decisions. That's what head coach Sean Payton is looking for from his offense. Wilson often held the ball too long, looking to take downfield shots. Payton wants the ball out quickly, and Penix has shown that ability.
13. Chicago Bears – Edge Jared Verse, Florida State *TRADE DOWN with Las Vegas*
Chicago traded down from No. 9 to No. 13 and got an additional third-round pick this year and next year from the Raiders. Chicago finished with the second-fewest sacks in the NFL last season. Getting a full season from Montez Sweat will certainly help, but their defense still needs another pass-rusher they can depend on. The Bears felt comfortable trading down from No. 9 to No. 13 with the hopes that Turner or Verse was still on the board. In this scenario, Verse is there, and Chicago makes the easy decision, selecting the second-best pass-rusher on the board and adding another third-round pick.
14. Cincinnati Bengals – TE Brock Bowers, Georgia *TRADE UP with New Orleans*
Cincinnati sees a blue-chip talent falling, and they decide to leapfrog Indianapolis, who could also have interest in Bowers. Reports have indicated they plan to franchise Tee Higgins, a sign they might not be able to sign him long-term. They currently do not have any tight ends under contract.
The Bengals give up their 2024 third-round pick and their fifth-round compensatory pick. Based on the Jimmy Johnson Model, the Bengals end up giving up 350 points, and the Saints are giving up 325. This is a chance for the Saints to recoup some additional picks. With Tyler Boyd leaving in free agency, Cincinnati could use a No. 3 pass-catcher this season. If they cannot re-sign Higgins next offseason, a duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Bowers should be plenty productive for Joe Burrow.
15. Indianapolis Colts – DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
Is DeJean a cornerback? Is he a safety? It doesn't matter. The Colts have a big hole at both positions. Their best cornerback, Kenny Moore II, and best safety, Julian Blackmon, are free agents. DeJean is a chess piece that can be used as a boundary corner, a slot corner, or a safety. His versatility makes him such a unique player. The Colts secondary struggled in 2023, and adding a blue-chip talent like DeJean will improve their pass defense this season.
16. Seattle Seahawks – DT Byron Murphy II, Texas
Seattle struggled to stop the run last season, and they have several free agents along their defensive line. Mike Macdonald, former defensive coordinator of the Ravens, will want to build Seattle’s defense from the inside out. Here, they get the best defensive lineman on the board.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
The Jaguars defense was abused in the passing game last season. Their No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 cornerbacks allowed a passer rating north of 119. They also allowed 15 touchdowns and had just one interception. Jacksonville needs secondary help in a big way, and Arnold should be able to provide that.
18. New Orleans Saints – Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA *TRADE DOWN with Cincinnati*
The Saints have no money and very few draft picks, so trading down with Cincinnati was a good decision for them. They picked up a 2024 third-round pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick and still ended up with an excellent edge-rusher, one of their biggest needs. They finished 29th in sacks and 28th in pressures. Latu should be able to help with that.
19. Los Angeles Rams – CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Ahkello Witherspoon is a free agent, and the only other cornerbacks on the roster are Day 3 picks. Their secondary needs an influx of young talent and some believe that Mitchell might be the best cornerback in this class.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT JC Latham, Alabama
Dan Moore Jr. was a major liability at left tackle. If the team moves their first-round pick from last year, Broderick Jones, to the left side, they have a major hole at right tackle. If they keep Jones on the right side, they have a major hole at left tackle. Either way, Latham solves both problems.
21. Miami Dolphins – OT Troy Fautanu, Washington
Terron Armstead is planning to play in 2024, but he struggled with injuries the past few years and isn’t getting any younger. Miami has bigger holes on the interior, but if need be, Fautanu could play guard his first season until he kicks out to left tackle in place of Armstead. He can be a quality starting guard immediately and provide elite insurance if Armstead gets hurt.
22. Philadelphia Eagles – CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Philadelphia’s defense was gashed through the air last season. James Bradberry hit a cliff, and the entire secondary was exposed. They allowed the second-most passing yards, second-most passing touchdowns, and had the seventh-fewest interceptions. Wiggins is a player that can help their secondary right away.
23. Houston Texans – DT Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
Houston has four free agents along the defensive line, and it’s unlikely they’ll all be re-signed. They’ll need reinforcements to that group and Newton can be a disruptive force in the passing and running game.
24. Dallas Cowboys – OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
Tyron Smith is a free agent, so Dallas needs to find a new left tackle. Right tackle Terence Steele was dreadful last year, too, which means that position may not be as fortified as they thought before. If they can bring back Smith on a cheap one-year deal, Mims can challenge Steele or be an elite swing tackle if Smith gets hurt or Steele disappoints again.
25. Green Bay Packers – CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
The Packers secondary needs major reinforcements. Eric Stokes has been injured for the past two years. Rasul Douglas was traded. All of their safeties are free agents. Their slot cornerback is a free agent. McKinstry is the best cornerback on the board, and he would provide a fun duo between him and Jaire Alexander.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Ryan Jensen retired this offseason. His backup, Robert Hainsey, struggled immensely. So did Matt Feiler, Aaron Stinnie, and Cody Mauch. That was their entire interior offensive line. Tampa Bay needs better play out of their left guard, center, and right guard. Powers-Johnson can play any of those positions and will provide a jolt to their interior.
27. Arizona Cardinals – DL Darius Robinson, Missouri
The Cardinals finished dead last in quarterback hits, 30th in sacks, and 31st in pressures. They need to find a quality pass-rusher in the first round and Robinson accomplishes that. He’s been climbing up boards.
28. Buffalo Bills – WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
The Bills will lose Gabriel Davis to free agency, which leaves their receiver group to Stefon Diggs and Khalil Shakir. The Bills have plenty of holes on defense, but this offense desperately needs a dependable No. 2 target. Having Thomas drop to them at the end of the first round is a steal, one too good for them to pass up.
29. Detroit Lions – CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
Cornerback is Detroit’s biggest need. They have quality safeties and a slot cornerback in Brian Branch, but they need a No. 1 corner who can lock down the opposition’s best wide receiver. Rakestraw has the tools to do that. This is an easy decision for Detroit to get the best cornerback left on the board.
30. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma *TRADE UP with Baltimore*
Kansas City gets nervous San Francisco might get to take their guy. Donovan Smith was atrocious last season as Patrick Mahomes' blind-side tackle. Guyton is the best tackle on the board and played extremely well at the Senior Bowl. The Chiefs deal a fourth-round pick this year and a fifth-round pick next year, but in the end, they got their future left tackle and Mahomes' blind-side protector.
31. San Francisco 49ers – OT Graham Barton, Duke
The 49ers have massive needs along their offensive line. Barton played left tackle at Duke, but most feel he might be best suited at center. For the 49ers, they have major issues at center and right tackle. Not only that, but Trent Williams isn’t getting any younger. Kyle Shanahan can use Barton at center or right tackle, and maybe, just maybe, he’s their future left tackle. His versatility is a major selling point for a team with multiple holes on their offensive line.
32. Baltimore Ravens – Edge Chop Robinson, Penn State *TRADE DOWN with Kansas City*
Jadeveon Clowney is a free agent with 9.5 sacks and 23 pressures last season. Defensive lineman Justin Madubuike is also a free agent, and he had 12 sacks last season. The Ravens will need to bolster their pass rush, and adding Robinson out of Penn State is a good way to start. The Ravens get a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick from the Chiefs to move down two spots.
Second-Round
- Carolina Panthers – WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
- New England Patriots – WR Troy Franklin, Oregon
- Arizona Cardinals – CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
- Washington Commanders – TE Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas
- Los Angeles Chargers – Edge Chris Braswell, Alabama
- Tennessee Titans – OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona
- New York Giants – WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
- Washington Commanders – C Zach Frazier, West Virginia
- Green Bay Packers – S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
- Minnesota Vikings – QB Bo Nix, Oregon
- Atlanta Falcons – WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
- Las Vegas Raiders – OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
- New Orleans Saints – WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
- Indianapolis Colts – LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
- New York Giants – Edge Bralen Trice, Washington
- Jacksonville Jaguars – S Javon Bullard, Georgia
- Cincinnati Bengals – T Kiran Amegadjie, Yale
- Philadelphia Eagles – LB Junior Colson, Michigan
- Chicago Bears – WR Xavier Worthy, Texas *JUSTIN FIELDS TRADE WITH PITTSBURGH*
This pick belonged to the Steelers before. The Steelers and Bears have agreed to a trade that will send No. 51 and Pittsburgh’s 2025 third-round pick for Justin Fields.
- Los Angeles Rams – S Kamren Kinchens, Miami
- Philadelphia Eagles – Edge Adisa Isaac, Penn State
- Cleveland Browns – WR Roman Wilson, Michigan
- Miami Dolphins – Edge Jonah Ellis, Utah
- Dallas Cowboys – RB Jonathon Brooks, Texas
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB Payton Wilson, North Carolina State
- Green Bay Packers – OG Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
- Houston Texans – CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
- Buffalo Bills – Edge Austin Booker, Kansas
- Detroit Lions – OG Christian Hayes, Connecticut
- Baltimore Ravens – DL Kris Jenkins, Michigan
- San Francisco 49ers – DT T'Vondre Sweat, Texas
- Kansas City Chiefs – WR Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington
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