JOE BROBACK’S LATEST 2024 NFL MOCK DRAFT: COMMANDERS SURPRISE WITH J.J. MCCARTHY PICK, MARVIN HARRISON JR. BECOMES JUSTIN HERBERT’S NEW WEAPON

Now that free agency has settled, the needs of all 32 NFL teams have become more apparent. Speculation about the quarterback prospects, however, isn’t as clear, and our latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft buys into the hype of a polarizing player.

Latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft

1) Chicago Bears (From CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Caleb Williams continues to be in the news no matter what he does, and everyone seems to have an opinion on him as a QB prospect — and a person. The former Trojans star is still the top quarterback to many despite any concerns people might have, and the Chicago Bears are ready to make him their franchise player in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

Williams joins an offense that should help him succeed immediately. With D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen out wide, the Bears should thrive once Williams gets up to speed. A group that showed flashes of excitement last year becomes even more dangerous, and their quarterback plays a significant role.

2) Washington Commanders: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The J.J. McCarthy hype is rampant, and some draft odds list him as the potential new face of the Washington Commanders. If this organization saw enough at McCarthy’s Pro Day — that saw record attendance levels — then this pick seems more likely.

McCarthy’s biggest obstacle is convincing teams that he isn’t just a game manager. There’s plenty of available film to show what he can do, but is there enough to convince teams that he deserves to be a top-five pick? In this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, the Commanders think so.

3) New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Even with the amount of draft capital the Patriots will be offered for this pick, they still need a quarterback. It might seem enticing to add more picks, but it’s hard to pass up a considerable need unless they like someone outside of the top four options.

Jayden Daniels took massive strides as a passer this past year. Sure, it helps throwing to fellow first-round picks Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., but Daniels helped them as much as he did himself this year. He was a confident passer who didn’t hesitate to take shots, and now he’ll do the same for the Patriots.

4) Minnesota Vikings (From ARI): Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Trade: The Vikings receive pick 4; the Cardinals receive picks 11 and 23.

Even if the Vikings can’t move up into the top three, there’s a chance they’ll still get the guy they want. There isn’t a consistent consensus of J.J. McCarthy, Jayden Daniels, or Drake Maye, so any of them could fall into the Vikings’ lap. I think Maye is the best-case scenario, and that happens here.

Maye is a big-framed quarterback who can make all the throws Kevin O’Connell needs his quarterbacks to make. His arm talent jumped out on film, and he’s also an underrated athlete who can make plays with his legs. Giving the rookie QB weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to play with gives the beleaguered Minnesota fan base hope for the future.

5) Los Angeles Chargers: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

With multiple teams needing a quarterback, the Los Angeles Chargers sit in a great spot to add more picks or get an elite player. In this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, they sit tight and see a big-time playmaker fall to them.

Marvin Harrison Jr. won’t last long in the first round, but there’s a chance he falls to the Chargers with the fifth pick. The four teams above need quarterbacks, allowing a premier WR to fall further than he should. With the Chargers trading Keenan Allen, losing Mike Williams to the Jets, and Quentin Johnston struggling, a wide receiver is a must to keep Justin Herbert happy.

6) New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Don’t count out the Giants as a team that could move up for a quarterback, but they could also decide to stick with the guys on their roster already. If so, they’ll have elite options at other positions, such as in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

We don’t officially know how fast Malik Nabers is on the field, but the film tells us the kid can fly. His acceleration jumps out on tape, adding to an offense that already features the speedy Jalin Hyatt. The Giants don’t necessarily need a quarterback if their current ones just need to get the ball to their speed demons and let them eat after the catch.

7) Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Even with their free-agency moves, the Tennessee Titans must add another lineman in the draft. With Joe Alt still available, this pick is a no-brainer. The Notre Dame OT brings a massive frame to the Titans line, and he checks off many boxes for teams looking to get an elite player at one of their tackle positions.

8) Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Atlanta took care of their offense in free agency, so now they can look to add talent on the defensive side of the ball. Their pass rush could use an upgrade, and Dallas Turner fills that need.

Turner’s an athletic player who can be a nuisance for an opposing offense. He’s a powerful player who refuses to quit on a play, and that will help the Falcons get after the quarterback this year.

9) Chicago Bears: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Having addressed their need at quarterback to open this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, the Bears flip to defense to get arguably the best player at the edge position. Jared Verse has top-five potential if the right team is in a position to do so, but he should still be available when the Bears pick ninth overall.

Verse is a powerful player with good length; at times, he’s almost unblockable. He’s worked on his craft a ton, and you can tell on film. If he continues on this trajectory, the Bears have a new fearsome player on the edge who can affect opposing game plans.

10) New York Jets: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

It’s no secret that the New York Jets need another playmaker at receiver, but the question remains: what will they do to get one? They don’t necessarily have to move up, but they might want to if they want Harrison or Nabers.

A consolation prize (if you want to call it that) would be getting Rome Odunze. At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, Odunze brings good size to the Jets offense and gives Garrett Wilson some help. With Aaron Rodgers returning from injury, this team wants to ensure they give him the best options possible heading into the season.

11) Arizona Cardinals (From MIN): Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Wide receiver depth in this draft class allows the Cardinals to move back and wait to address their need at receiver. The trade with Minnesota gives them three first-round picks in this 2024 NFL Mock draft, and they start by addressing their secondary.

Quinyon Mitchell has been rising up draft boards since the offseason began, and he could be the first corner taken in the NFL Draft. He’s a speedy corner with excellent ball skills, and he upgrades an Arizona secondary that needs it.

12) Denver Broncos: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

Denver is another team that needs a quarterback, but how much are they willing to pay to get one? They’re limited on resources compared to other teams, so they might have to sit tight with what they have on the roster already.

Even if that’s true, they can still add a difference-maker on defense in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Laiatu Latu is easing any concerns teams might have about his health, which excites them about what they see on film.

He was a force at times for UCLA this past year, and he joins a Broncos defense that could be fun to watch in 2024.

13) Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

While Michael Penix Jr. isn’t a consensus first-round pick, we’ve seen weirder things happen in the draft. His arm talent is obvious, and some believe he’d be a good fit for the Raiders’ offense.

Keeping Davante Adams is a priority, and the Raiders might be forced to take a quarterback to do that. The question is if they’ll wait for someone to fall or take matters into their own hands. Penix is talented, and he’s played a ton of good football, but will he be available with the Raiders’ second-round pick?

14) New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

New Orleans needs an upgrade at tackle, and it’s hard to pass on a talent like Taliese Fuaga. The former Oregon State star elevated his draft stock this past year, and his offseason performances put him among the top tackles in the class. He’s tough to beat, and his strength on the edge will make the Saints happy with this selection.

15) Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Imagine how good the Colts’ secondary could be if they found the right player to complement Juju Brents. Their current starter already brings a great frame and skill set to the defense, and the right pairing could make this group electric.

Enter Terrion Arnold, a hypercompetitive player on an upward trajectory as a corner. While there’s still development needed, Arnold has a solid foundation for an NFL rookie that should help him until he can fine-tune his game.

16) Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, G, Washington

With Ryan Grubb coming in as the new offensive coordinator, there’s a chance he could reunite with one of his former players from Washington. With the Seahawks needing help on the offensive line, that seems likely.

Troy Fautanu was a big reason the Huskies won the Joe Moore Award as the top offensive line in college football, and now he reunites with his former playcaller. Fautanu entered the offseason listed as a guard by some, so there is a chance he could slide inside if the Seahawks need help there.

17) Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

With Calvin Ridley gone, the Jaguars suddenly need a wide receiver, but they’ll have options in the draft. Allowing Trevor Lawrence to make plays will be the best thing this group can do in 2024, but they must upgrade their talent on the boundary.

Brian Thomas Jr. came on strong in 2023, and his speed helped him break out for the LSU Tigers. He ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and now he adds that speed to the Jaguars offense. If he becomes an even better route runner, this offense could jump up a notch.

18) Cincinnati Bengals: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

If the Bengals can find a way to keep Tee Higgins happy, then the Cincinnati Bengals offense has huge upside heading into the season. Joe Burrow’s coming back from injury, and the offense needs help at tight end, so this pick seems obvious.

CONTINUE READING: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board

Brock Bowers might not fall this far, but it would make the Bengals’ choice easy if he does. He’s a versatile weapon who should see plenty of favorable matchups with teams honing in on Higgins and star receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

19) Los Angeles Rams: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

If Chop Robinson can be a three-down type player, then he’ll be one of the better picks in this draft when we look back. Robinson’s explosive at the snap, and he’s made a ton of talented offensive tackles look bad because of that quickness.

Robinson needs to find a way to use that explosiveness against the run. He was largely a nonfactor at Penn State, but it’s not because he doesn’t have the tools. At worst, he’s a pass rush specialist for the Rams, but there’s plenty of upside in his game overall to get fans excited.

20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

If Amarius Mims can convince teams that his injuries are a thing of the past, then he has a chance to go way higher than this. He’s a dominant player with a freakish skill set, but injuries have hampered his career. He’s still worthy of a first-round pick with those issues, but it might scare some teams away from him.

21) Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, G, Duke

For how little cap space the Dolphins had heading into free agency, they still found a way to add talent to the roster. The offensive line didn’t take as many hits as anticipated, though they need help on the interior.

Graham Barton addresses one of their needs while also adding depth. He’ll play either guard or center in the NFL, but he played tackle his entire senior year for the Duke Blue Devils.

22) Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

While the Eagles added good talent on the defensive side of the ball in free agency, they still need help at corner, with an injection of youth and play-making capability to the secondary being a must.

Nate Wiggins shined at the NFL Combine, and it’s a big reason he’ll likely be a first-round pick. He wasted little time getting into the starting lineup at Clemson, and there are plenty of reasons to believe he’ll do the same with the Eagles.

23) Arizona Cardinals (From CLE via HOU via MIN): Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Again, a deep class at receiver allows the Cardinals to wait before addressing that need. With Adonai Mitchell still on the board, they get a player who could be drafted much higher.

Mitchell gives the Cardinals a player yet to hit his peak of consensus value. He didn’t truly start until this past year, and we finally saw his skill set on full display.

While he’s not in the running for the top receiver prospect, he has the potential to be one of the best in this class. He fills a big need for the Cardinals offense and should be fun to watch with quarterback Kyler Murray.

24) Dallas Cowboys: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Someone will fall in the draft that we don’t expect; that’s the nature of the NFL’s annual selection event, and it will be interesting to see who that player will be. Olu Fashanu is a top-10 talent, but some development is needed in his game.

KEEP READING: Top OTs in the 2024 NFL Draft

There’s plenty of upside, though. He’s an athletic player who’s faced plenty of talent on the edge, and he gives the Cowboys a potential replacement for Tyron Smith. This experienced group will assist in his development, and Fashanu hitting his ceiling means excellent things for the Cowboys.

25) Green Bay Packers: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

An injury in the Rose Bowl is on every team’s radar, but there shouldn’t be many concerns outside of that one for JC Latham. Tackle is a need for the Green Bay Packers, and it will be tough to pass on a talent like Latham.

He brings a big frame to the Packers offense and has experience on the inside that makes him more valuable. With Jordan Love taking a big step this past year, the offense feels like it’s in good hands. Throw in Latham to the mix, and the Packers have plenty of reasons to believe in a deeper run this year.

26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

One of the offseason surprises was that the draft community didn’t know how good Darius Robinson was until just before the Senior Bowl. After the showcase, his draft stock took off.

While Robinson didn’t post the best numbers at the NFL Combine, his tape shows a powerful player who can be a force on the edge. Tampa Bay is looking for a complement for Yaya Diaby, and Robinson checks many boxes to be that guy.

27) Arizona Cardinals (From HOU): Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

It’s hard to believe the Cardinals wouldn’t consider adding a third pick in the first round, and this 2024 NFL Mock Draft shows why. With Quinyon Mitchell and Adonai Mitchell already on the roster, they add another explosive player to the mix.

Johnny Newton was a wrecking ball for the Illinois defense this past year, and he also brings experience at multiple positions to the Cardinals’ defense. While he’ll stick to the DT position, they can utilize him as a defensive end in certain packages.

28) Buffalo Bills: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Regardless of how the Stefon Diggs situation resolves itself, the Buffalo Bills need another receiver. Gabe Davis is already gone, and the offense struggled to move the ball consistently last year. Even Diggs struggled at times, so a new playmaker is needed.

Xavier Worthy could singlehandedly spark excitement in the fanbase. His speed is the primary talking point for anyone discussing his profile, but Worthy’s a good route runner who’s also tough. If he can add a little weight to his frame, then durability becomes less of a concern.

29) Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

This is one of the best-case scenarios for the Detroit Lions in the draft. Kool-Aid McKinstry has the potential to go in the top 10, but this cornerback class is highly volatile. This class has good depth, but there is no clear favorite, meaning someone will fall.

Fortunately for Detroit, it benefits from McKinstry’s slide in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. The Lions need an upgrade in talent at multiple positions, and they get a potential lockdown corner with the former Crimson Tide star.

30) Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

Safety is another position that doesn’t have a clear favorite. Baltimore already has two secondary stars, safety Kyle Hamilton and cornerback Marlon Humphrey, but the Ravens could use a complementary piece for one of them.

Tyler Nubin‘s name isn’t getting much love yet, but he’s a proven playmaker who could sneak into the first round. He was a consistent player for the Minnesota Golden Gophers defense, and now he joins a Ravens defense that will allow him to play more freely.

31) San Francisco 49ers: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

San Francisco focused on the defense in free agency, but now they turn their attention to the offensive line. The Super Bowl showed that this unit could use an addition, and they’ll have options late in the first round.

Kingsley Suamataia brings good size to the 49ers’ line, and he joins a group with experience. He spent time in a BYU offense that struggled at times, but now he joins an innovative unit that should seem night and day from his time in college.

32) Kansas City Chiefs: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Despite being the best team in the league, the reigning Super Bowl champions have needs, so there’s work to do heading into 2024. They could add a receiver, but they also need a tackle, and Tyler Guyton remains on the board in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

GET DRAFTING: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades

Guyton brings a big frame and solid foundation to the Chiefs offense. He’ll have to fine-tune some parts of his game, but there’s plenty of upside. He joins an explosive offense with the best quarterback in the league, so he’ll need to be ready to go right away.

All the 2024 NFL Draft resources you need — the draft order, the top QBs, the Top 100 prospects, and the full 2024 Big Board — right at your fingertips at Pro Football Network!

2024-03-28T12:11:46Z dg43tfdfdgfd