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The 2024 NFL Draft is less than a month away. Yet, that isn’t soon enough for football fans.
While everyone wants to discuss the quarterback class and the first few picks, the NFL Draft doesn’t end after the first round. Teams will find starters and star players on the second and third days of the draft.
However, my first mock draft of the year for RotoBaller is for the first round only. My mock draft has six potential trades, including three in the first eight picks.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!
Picks No. 1-10
1) Chicago Bears (via Carolina) – Caleb Williams (QB – USC)
Following the trade of Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bears will draft Williams with the first pick. We can start writing this pick using ink.
2) Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels (QB – LSU)
The Commanders traded away Sam Howell earlier this month, leaving Marcus Mariota as the current starter for Washington. That won’t be the case come April 25. Reportedly, the growing sense around the NFL is that the Commanders will take Daniels over Drake Maye.
Many Insiders believe that Jayden Daniels to the #Commanders is becoming more and more of a 🔒 pic.twitter.com/88UNS6gVMG
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 19, 2024
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Minnesota Vikings receive pick No. 3. New England Patriots receive picks 11, 23, 129, 2025 first-rounder.
3) Minnesota Vikings (via Patriots) – Drake Maye (QB – UNC)
Many believe the Patriots are open to trading away the third overall pick if Jayden Daniels doesn’t make it to them. In this mock draft, the Vikings pay a similar price as the San Francisco 49ers did in 2021 for Trey Lance to acquire Maye. New England acquires a bounty of draft capital and regroups.
4) Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – Ohio State)
If the Minnesota Vikings don’t trade up to third overall, expect them to give the Cardinals a call. However, no one is desperate enough to trade up for J.J. McCarthy to get Arizona to pass on the superstar wide receiver prospect.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
New England Patriots receive pick No. 5. Los Angeles Chargers receive picks 11, 34, 2025 second-rounder.
5) New England Patriots (via Chargers) – J.J. McCarthy (QB – Michigan)
Surprise! What’s the point of a mock draft if you can’t throw a curveball or two? The Patriots have done their homework on McCarthy. Fans shouldn’t be surprised if he is the third overall pick if Jayden Daniels ends up in Washington. Meanwhile, the Chargers want to trade back and add draft capital, making them a prime trade spot for McCarthy with the New York Giants on the clock next.
The #Patriots had a “lengthy meeting” with QB J.J. McCarthy the day before the projected first-rounder participated in Michigan’s Pro Day, per @AlbertBreer.
Jerod Mayo said “there's about five” QBs in the draft that can be “solid” in the future — McCarthy might be one of them. pic.twitter.com/1cFV4trh8P
— Carlos (@LosTalksPats) March 25, 2024
6) New York Giants – Malik Nabers (WR – LSU)
While many think the Giants will take one of the top-four quarterbacks if they are on the board, that isn’t the case in this mock draft. Instead, they turn their attention to the wide receiver spot after ignoring the position for far too long. Some have Nabers higher than Marvin Harrison Jr. in their draft rankings.
7) Tennessee Titans – Joe Alt (OT – Notre Dame)
Alt to Tennessee might be the most consensus pick in mock drafts over the next few weeks. The Titans improved their receiving corps in free agency, signing Calvin Ridley. However, Will Levis needs better protection up front if he is going to get Ridley the ball downfield.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Indianapolis Colts receive picks No. 8, 197. Atlanta Falcons receive picks 15, 46.
8) Indianapolis Colts (via Falcons) – Rome Odunze (WR – Washington)
Despite re-signing Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts could easily upgrade the No. 2 wide receiver spots over Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. Indianapolis saw what happened when the Houston Texans gave C.J. Stroud two star-caliber wide receivers last year. Pairing Odunze with Pittman would give Anthony Richardson an impressive 1-2 punch at wide receiver.
9) Chicago Bears – Jared Verse (EDGE – Florida State)
Ideally, the Bears would like to trade back and acquire more draft capital. The team only had four picks after trading for Keenan Allen. However, expect Chicago to take an edge-rusher if they stay at ninth overall.
10) New York Jets – Troy Fautanu (OL – Washington)
Many won’t like this pick with several bigger-name offensive tackles still on the board. However, Fautanu is going to get drafted earlier than fans think. The Jets improved their offensive line this offseason, but with older guys with an injury history. Fautanu’s versatility will give New York options in 2024 and a long-term starter to pair with Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Picks No. 11-20
11) Los Angeles Chargers (via Patriots, Vikings) – Brock Bowers (TE – Georgia)
The Chargers passed on the chance to draft one of the big-name three wide receivers. However, they move back, add significant draft capital, and still land an elite receiving prospect. Bowers could lead all rookies in targets in 2024 with Justin Herbert under center.
12) Denver Broncos – Bo Nix (QB – Oregon)
While the Broncos swear they are satisfied having Jarrett Stidham as their Week 1 starter, no one should believe them. Without a second-round pick in this year’s draft, it will be difficult for Denver to trade up for a quarterback. Don’t be surprised if Sean Payton sees some Drew Brees in Nix.
13) Las Vegas Raiders – Taliese Fuaga (OT – Oregon State)
After signing Gardner Minshew in free agency, the Raiders will have the veteran compete with Aidan O'Connell for the starting quarterback role. Head coach Antonio Pierce wants to run the ball and play defense. The team lost Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency, allowing Fuaga to start as a rookie.
14) New Orleans Saints – Olumuyiwa Fashanu (OT – Penn State)
Derek Carr played through multiple injuries last year because of a subpar offensive line. Trevor Penning has been a massive bust as a former first-round pick. Meanwhile, Ryan Ramczyk’s health is a significant concern. Grabbing a plug-and-play offensive tackle in the first round is a must for New Orleans.
The #Saints are preparing for the real possibility that OT Ryan Ramczyk is medically not able to play this season, sources say. Coach Dennis Allen alluded to Ramczyk’s knee not responding as they hoped, and it’s unclear when or if it will. A true question mark. pic.twitter.com/KJpVwvYKGm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 26, 2024
15) Atlanta Falcons (via Colts) – Dallas Turner (EDGE – Alabama)
Despite trading back and adding draft capital to make another deal (more on that later), the Falcons still land a top-tier edge- rusher. After making significant improvements to its offense in free agency, expect Atlanta to build up its defense during the NFL Draft.
16) Seattle Seahawks – Byron Murphy II (DL – Texas)
New head coach Mike Macdonald values his defensive line more than most in the NFL. Despite re-signing Leonard Williams and adding Johnathan Hankins, it will be hard for Seattle to pass on the former Longhorn.
17) Jacksonville Jaguars – Quinyon Mitchell (CB – Toledo)
While the Jaguars could consider a wide receiver with their first-round pick, the draft class is extremely deep. Meanwhile, Ronald Darby is the only cornerback the team added in free agency, leaving them with a massive hole opposite Tyson Campbell.
18) Cincinnati Bengals – JC Latham (OT – Alabama)
Cincinnati is another team that could select a wide receiver in the first round. Instead, they draft Latham. While the Bengals signed Trent Brown earlier this month, it was a one-year deal. Latham can start inside at guard before kicking back outside in 2025.
19) Los Angeles Rams – Chop Robinson (EDGE – Penn State)
Reportedly, Robinson will get drafted higher than many fans expect. Teams love the explosiveness and raw talent following his performance at the NFL Combine. While the Rams hit on a couple of mid-round pass-rushers last year, that shouldn’t stop them from drafting the Penn State star.
4.49u for DL Chop Robinson. 🔥
Absolutely flying.
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/9UjjsGhQvZ— NFL (@NFL) February 29, 2024
20) Pittsburgh Steelers – Terrion Arnold (CB – Alabama)
Most mock drafts have the Steelers adding an offensive tackle with their first-round pick for the second consecutive year. However, cornerback is a massive need for Pittsburgh. Joey Porter Jr. was an impressive rookie, but the rest of the unit struggled. Arnold and Porter would give the Steelers two high-upside athletic cornerbacks for the next several years.
Picks No. 21-32
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Detroit Lions receive pick No. 21. Detroit Lions receive picks 29, 73, 201.
21) Detroit Lions (via Dolphins) – Nate Wiggins (CB – Clemson)
Following the release of Cam Sutton, the Lions have a significant need at cornerback. With the top-tier corners coming off the board, Detroit is aggressive and moves up. Wiggins’ weight is a concern, but he would be an outstanding match opposite Carlton Davis III in an NFC North division loaded with talented pass-catchers.
REPORT: @Lions release CB Cam Sutton after domestic battery allegations pic.twitter.com/KckvrH5h18
— The Fantasy Source (@FantasySource_) March 21, 2024
22) Philadelphia Eagles – Cooper DeJean (DB – Iowa)
The Eagles seem to draft an offensive or defensive lineman with their top pick every year. However, the team has an underrated need in the secondary. C.J. Gardner-Johnson is back after spending last season with the Detroit Lions. Yet, DeJean’s ability to play multiple spots on defense is too good to pass up for Philadelphia.
23) New England Patriots (via Vikings, Houston, Cleveland) – BrIan Thomas Jr. (WR – LSU)
After losing out on Calvin Ridley in free agency, wide receiver is New England’s top need outside of quarterback. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osborn, and Demario Douglas are solid role players but not No. 1-caliber wide receivers.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Atlanta Falcons receive pick No. 24, 2025 fourth-rounder. Dallas Cowboys receive picks 43, 46.
24) Atlanta Falcons (via Cowboys) – Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – Alabama)
Atlanta has gone all-in for the 2024 season after signing Kirk Cousins and Darnell Mooney in free agency. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see them be aggressive in trade talks during the NFL Draft. After adding a top-tier edge-rusher earlier, the Falcons spend their extra draft capital to secure a first-round cornerback to pair with A.J. Terrell.
25) Green Bay Packers – Tyler Guyton (OT – Oklahoma)
On paper, the Packers lack a massive need. They could use help in the secondary, but the run on cornerbacks takes that option off the table. Instead, Green Bay improves its pass protection for Jordan Love by adding arguably the most athletic offensive tackle in the draft class.
26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Xavier Worthy (WR – Texas)
While the Buccaneers re-signed Mike Evans this offseason, it is a two-year deal. Furthermore, Chris Godwin is entering the final year of his contract. With limited depth behind the two veterans, adding a wide receiver early in the NFL Draft is an underrated need for Tampa Bay.
27) Arizona Cardinals (via Houston) – Laiatu Latu (EDGE – UCLA)
Some will be surprised to see Latu slip this far in the first round. However, the UCLA star has medical concerns that will push him down some draft boards. Dennis Gardeck was the only Cardinal with more than four sacks in 2024 (six), making an edge- rusher a top need for the team.
28) Buffalo Bills – Adonai Mitchell (WR – Texas)
Buffalo lost Gabe Davis in free agency but added Curtis Samuel. Unfortunately, the veteran is more of a slot receiver or gadget player than a vertical outside receiver. Mitchell had a breakout season in his lone year at Texas. The former Longhorn would be an upgrade over Davis for the Bills.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Las Vegas Raiders receive pick No. 29. Miami Dolphins receive picks 44, 148, 2025 second-rounder.
29) Las Vegas Raiders (via Dolphins, Lions) – Michael Penix Jr. (QB – Washington)
Many think Penix will slip into the second round of the draft. However, quarterbacks always get pushed up draft boards. Neither Gardner Minshew nor Aidan O'Connell should start at quarterback for Las Vegas in 2024.
30) Baltimore Ravens – Amarius Mims (OT – Georgia)
The Ravens lost two starters on the offensive line this offseason, including right tackle Morgan Moses. Furthermore, Ronnie Stanley has struggled to stay healthy the past few years and is a free agent after the upcoming season. After adding Derrick Henry in free agency, Baltimore must beef up its offensive line during the draft.
CBS Sports has the Ravens taking Georgia OT Amarius Mims in their most recent 2024 NFL mock draft
"Mims did some otherworldly stuff in Indianapolis at the combine at nearly 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds. He's the type of oversized, overwhelming blocker the Ravens love" pic.twitter.com/M2hqaBW9LD
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) March 26, 2024
31) San Francisco 49ers – Graham Barton (OL – Duke)
Many will think this is a wasted pick, especially with several talented wide receivers still on the board. Yet, the offensive line is an underrated need for the 49ers. Trent Williams isn’t getting any younger, while the rest of the unit is average at best. Barton played left tackle at Duke but can play multiple spots on the offensive line in the NFL.
32) Kansas City Chiefs – Jordan Morgan (OT – Arizona)
We end the first round of this mock draft with a third consecutive offensive lineman. Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor were two of the worst starting offensive tackles in the NFL last year. While the Chiefs didn’t re-sign Taylor, they shouldn’t let former third-round pick Wanya Morris have the starting left tackle spot unopposed.
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