NFL Mock Draft: Offense Dominates Top Ten
As the Arizona Cardinals enjoy their bye week, it feels like a good time for a new 2024 NFL mock draft - and things have changed drastically since we last met.
The Patriots are in possession of the second overall pick, while the Bears stay pat at one thanks to the Panthers' horrendous season. The Steelers have lost back-to-back weeks to former 2-10 teams. The Eagles maintain the league's best record even after being thumped by the 49ers. And the Colts and Texans are firmly in the playoff race... just like we all predicted.
Even still, the time is now for an updated mock draft. As always the order is provided by Tankathon, so take your complaints to them.
With the first pick:
1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina):
The pick: Caleb Williams, Quarterback, USC
All things considered, Justin Fields has played well to this point in the season and the Bears could be willing to give him one more season. That being said, I expect there to be a new regime in place following the end of this season and would anticipate them to want their own quarterback.
Williams is as good a prospect as we've seen over the last several years even with a "down" junior season. The pure athleticism alone makes Williams a slam-dunk number one overall prospect. Unless the Bears are offered another haul to move down, this has to be the pick.
2. New England Patriots
The pick: Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina
Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe are objectively terrible quarterbacks and have no business being starters in the NFL. The Patriots offense has never been worse than it is now and the team desperately needs a new signal caller. Maye is QB1 in last year's draft and is only QB2 this year because of the borderline generational talent that Williams is. Maye offers everything you could as for at the position and is exactly the type of passer the Pats need to get things back on track.
3. Arizona Cardinals
The pick: Marvin Harrison Jr., Wide Receiver, Ohio State
The Cardinals' receiving core has shown its true colors while Kyler Murray has looked like his old self for the most part. We've seen Murray play at a Pro Bowl level when he's had a top-tier receiver and the Cards would be wise to get him exactly that. Pound for pound, MHJ may be the most talented prospect in this draft with elite size, speed, and hands.
Plus, the last time the Cardinals took a receiver with a top-three pick it was Larry Fitzgerald. While MHJ has a long way to go to get to Fitz's career, he's arguably as good of a prospect.
4. Washington Commanders
The pick: Olu Fashanu, Offensive Tackle, Penn State
Sam Howell has been sacked 58 times this season and while he hasn't been the best quarterback in the league, he is far from the biggest problem for the team. The Commanders could look to get a new signal caller here, but nothing is going to change until they improve that offensive line.
Fashanu is a freaky athlete at the position and has refined his play from last year to this year. This is a plug-and-play left tackle with upside through the roof and a great bodyguard for Howell or whoever is under center in 2024.
5. Chicago Bears
The pick: Joe Alt Jr., Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame
The Bears offensive line is lacking a true left tackle and Alt Jr. is precisely the player to take their offensive line to new heights. Rookie Darnell Wright has looked excellent on the right side, so getting a bookend across from him would be a perfect way to turn this unit into one of the biggest strengths on the team.
Alt Jr. will get some arguments for being the top tackle in the class, so the Bears should have no issue using another top-10 pick on an offensive tackle in back-to-back drafts.
6. New York Jets
The pick: JC Latham, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
The Jets are also a team in need of an improved offensive line. The unit has allowed 51 sacks this season and there are few players worth retaining for the future. Latham has looked like another plug-and-play tackle like the two guys before him and has his highest upside on the ride side.
Some may view that as a bad thing, but having guys play great on either side is more important than ever with pass rushers rotating as much as they do in today's league. Latham is the first player to help shore up this unit.
7. New York Giants
The pick: Laiatu Latu, Edge Rusher, UCLA
For my money's worth, Latu is the best defensive player in this draft class. Latu has been nothing short of dominant in his two seasons at UCLA and just won the Lombard Award for the nation's top lineman on either side of the ball. Latu has compiled 23.5 sacks over the last two seasons alone and has the versatility to line up inside or outside and from either a two-point or three-point stance.
The Giants have an elite pass rusher in Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has 11 sacks this season, but the rest of the team has combined for 10 sacks. Thibodeaux needs a partner in crime and I can't imagine a better one than Latu.
8. Tennessee Titans
The pick: Malik Nabers, Wide Receiver, LSU
To this point, Treylon Burks is entirely unreliable due to health concerns and that's a huge problem for a former first-round pick. DeAndre Hopkins has had a solid season for the Titans, but there is nobody across from him to help, as he has more than double the receiving yards of the next receiver on the team. It also doesn't help that Hopkins is on the wrong side of 30 and will have just one more season under contract in 2024.
Nabers is every bit an elite prospect that MHJ is and I wouldn't be surprised to see people place him about MHJ as the top receiver in the class. Nabers is the kind of receiver that alters your offense in more ways than one with speed, route running, and play-making ability. Will Levis has looked the part of being the team's quarterback of the future. The next step is to get him a young go-to receiver and that's Nabers.
9. New Orleans Saints
The pick: Brock Bowers, Tight End, Georgia
The Saints' tight end position is an interesting one with the wildcard that Taysom Hill is, but beyond him, everybody is replaceable at best. Bowers is an elite prospect at tight end and I would argue he's the greatest ever. The Saints are all in with Derek Carr for at least one more season, so the least they can do is get him another weapon to throw to and Bowers is as good a player as they'll be able to find.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The pick: Jayden Daniels, Quarterback, LSU
There is no longer any denying the talent and upside that Daniels possesses. The Heisman front-runner has elite athleticism and is a game-changing runner, but he also has the arm strength to beat defenses at every level of the field. The Buccaneers have found stable play out of Baker Mayfield, but Daniels is a franchise-altering quarterback.
With (hopefully) Mike Evans and Chris Godwin at his disposal and hopefully some more younger guys added to the mix, Daniels could find immediate success in the pros.
11. Las Vegas Raiders
The pick: Bo Nix, Quarterback, Oregon
Jimmy Garoppolo is a bad quarterback at this point in his career and the Raiders have no direction at the position right now. They can get back on track by adding Nix, who has seen plenty of starting time in college and has taken unreal steps toward greatness in the last two seasons. Nix has the arm talent to push the ball down the field and better yet the accuracy to dissect defenses. Nix isn't the fastest guy in the world, but he'll beat you as a runner.
Bottom line, Nix is the franchise quarterback the Raiders need to get back on track to competing again.
12. Los Angeles Chargers
The pick: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cornerback, Alabama
Just the second defensive player off the board but don't be fooled... McKinstry is a great one. Asante Samuel Jr. has proven to be a valuable starter for the team, but after the failed JC Jackson experiment the Chargers need a partner in crime for him.
McKinstry has proven to be a lockdown corner for Alabama the last two seasons and can help take the Chargers' secondary which also features Derwin James to another level.
13. Buffalo Bills
The pick: Rome Odunze, Wide Receiver, Washington
The Bills wide receiving room, side from Stefon Diggs, is very underwhelming and the team needs a new face with Gabe Davis set to hit Free Agency. Odunze, who I have dubbed "DOOMSDAY" has been one of the best receivers in college football this year and stands out in a Washington offense that has no shortage of future NFL players.
To me, Odunze is the receiver that the Bills wish Davis would be and has realized his upside before even getting to the pros. This is a perfect fit for an offense run by Josh Allen and his big arm.
14. Denver Broncos
The pick: Jer'Zhan Newton, Interior Defensive Line, Illinois
The Broncos have been a pleasantly surprising team this season, but their defense still needs some work, particularly on the defensive line. Newton has been an absolute force for Illinois over his career and comes into this class with a high floor and high ceiling. Adding him to the defensive line should get the unit moving in the right direction and hopefully get the pass rush to improve.
15. Seattle Seahawks
The pick: Michael Penix Jr., Quarterback, Washington
Geno Smith has regressed this season and the Seahawks are in a perfect position to draft his heir apparent. Penix Jr. is a Heisman finalist after a masterful regular season while guiding the undefeated Washington Huskies to the College Football Playoff. If you like resumes, then you're going to love Penix.
He may not be beating many people in a sprint, but he'll beat you with his arm every single time. With the weapons the Seahawks have at his disposal, Penix Jr. will be set up for success no matter when he starts.
16. Los Angeles Rams
The pick: Jared Verse, Edge Rusher, Florida State
The Rams have overachieved this season, but they still have several glaring holes that need to be addressed. The pass rush leaves much to be desired and it just so happens that an ace pass rusher is available here. Verse has compiled back-to-back great seasons and feels like a player many will overlook until he gets to the pros and dominates. Verse would help get this pass rush back on track and be the superstar the team is looking for with an aging Aaron Donald.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
The pick: Keon Coleman, Wide Receiver, Florida State
Tee Higgins can't stay healthy and is a pending free agent. Tyler Boyd is also a pending free agent, but he's not been himself in a few years. The Bengals have to think about extending Ja'Marr Chase as soon as possible and that means making tough choices like letting Higgins and Boyd walk.
They can replace them with a talented rookie in Coleman. If we're being honest, Coleman looks exactly like Higgins when he's healthy and he'll be a fraction of the cost. With his massive frame and ridiculous play-making abilities, Coleman would have an immediate impact on this offense across from Chase.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
The pick: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan
Kenny Pickett is simply not good at quarterback and the Steelers cannot afford to continue forcing him to be the starter; especially when a definitive upgrade is sitting on their laps.
McCarthy isn't some stat-padding monster, but he's a touch passer with a good arm and plenty of athleticism. McCarthy is also the face of a Michigan team that is heavy favorites to win the national title this season. Simply put, McCarthy is more than his box score indicates and the Steelers will happily take him here.
19. Atlanta Falcons
The pick: Dallas Turner, Edge Rusher, Alabama
The Falcons could fancy a quarterback here, but Arthur Smith feels like the kind of guy to push the position off and try to find blue-chip players to surround the team with (although he doesn't like to use them...). Turner is exactly that and someone who should be drafted much higher.
Due to team needs, however, Turner slips a bit in this mock and the Falcons pounce on the premier edge rusher they haven't had since John Abraham.
20. Green Bay Packers
The pick: Taliese Fuaga, Offensive Tackle, Oregon State
Fuaga will be seen as just a right tackle, but he should be seen as one of the top offensive linemen in the draft. The Packers may have something in Jordan Love as he has come into his own the last few weeks, so the best thing they can do for him now is keep him upright.
Fuaga feels like a day-one Pro Bowler at the next level, so the Packers should have no complaints here.
21. Minnesota Vikings
The pick: Bralen Trice, Edge Rusher, Washington
Trice is an absolute menace off the edge and is going to make his future employer very happy with his ability to create pressure and bring down the quarterback. The Vikings have been searching for a running mate across from Danielle Hunter for quite some time now and they desperately need to end that search for their defense to catch up to the offense.
Trice is a perfect fit in this defense and could very well be a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate with the one-on-ones he'll get thanks to Hunter.
22. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston)
The pick: Kalen King, Cornerback, Penn State
Marco Wilson cannot continue to be a starting cornerback for the Cardinals unless the team is happy with the third-year player consistently getting roasted. King is a lockdown corner who erases opposing receivers. Sounds exactly like what Jonathan Gannon and the Cardinals could use on defense. King would come to the desert and immediately be the top dog in the room.
23. Indianapolis Colts
The pick: Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
The Colts will need to decide whether or not to extend Michael Pittman Jr. after the season (they should), but no matter if he stays or goes the team needs more bodies at the position. Egbuka dealt with injuries for most of the season so it feels easy to forget about him, but the Colts certainly won't as he drops to them here in the 20s. Egbuka is an elite number-two receiver if Pittman returns, but even if he doesn't he can be a top option anyway.
24. Houston Texans (via Cleveland)
The pick: Kamren Kinchens, Safety, Miami FL
The Texans' defense is solid but could use a true center fielder over the top to force turnovers. Kinchens has recorded 11 interceptions over the last two seasons and is simply a magnet to wherever the ball is.
The Texans have some solid young corners, including a breakout star in Derek Stingley Jr., but giving them a literal safety net over the top will take this defense a step forward.
25. Kansas City Chiefs
The pick: Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver, Oregon
For the love of all that is good, somebody gets Patrick Mahomes a capable wide receiver! The Chiefs thought they could roll out an even worse receiving room than last year and Mahomes could do what he did twice. Turns out, that every quarterback, even Mahomes, needs a good receiver. Thankfully, I am here to give them one.
Troy Franklin wound up being one of the most disrespected receivers in the nation this year after putting up some of the best numbers compared to any other receiver. With size and speed, Mahomes will have fun seeing Franklin stretch the field.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
The pick: Xavier Legette, Wide Receiver, South Carolina
There are several question marks at the wide receiver spot for the Jaguars entering 2023. Calvin Ridley is set to hit Free Agency and he's been extremely up-and-down this year. Zay Jones will be in the final year of his contract, but it feels like you could get an upgrade no matter who's back.
Legette had as good a senior season as any other receiver in the nation and profiles as a top go-to option for any team. As I said, no matter who returns for next year, it'll be very difficult to justify keeping Legette off the field.
27. Dallas Cowboys
The pick: Nate Wiggins, Cornerback, Clemson
The Cowboys have very little needs right now so a "best player available" approach best suits them. Right now the cornerback position is strong, but that may not be the case in 2024. Stephon Gilmore is set to be a free agent after this season and Trevon Diggs is coming off a season-ending injury. As exciting as DaRon Bland has been this year, he still has a long way to go to become a full-time starter.
In the meantime, the Cowboys can add more depth to the position to stay deep and cheap. Wiggins is somebody who's made a lot of money for himself this season and should only continue to up his stock through the process.
28. Detroit Lions
The pick: Chop Robinson, Edge Rusher, Penn State
Robinson across from Adain Hutchinson is dangerous and should put the fear of God into the hearts of opposing quarterbacks. Robinson is big and long with great explosion off the snap. He's somebody whose potential feels limitless and placing him in a Dan Campbell scheme across from one of the best young pass rushers in the league is a perfect fit for the athletic marvel.
29. San Francisco 49ers
The pick: Amarius Mims, Offensive Tackle, Georgia
Trent Williams can't play forever and even still the 49ers need a better running-mate across from him. I have consistently had Mims drafted inside the top 15 of my mocks, but he's slipped down the board a bit and team needs have him free-falling to a contender. Mims can follow in the footsteps of guys like Penei Sewell and Tristan Wirfs by coming into the pros moving to the right side and flourishing. If he even sniffs their success, this pick is a steal.
30. Baltimore Ravens
The pick: Cooper DeJean, Cornerback, Iowa
The Ravens don't have many needs as of now, but they should be looking to keep their secondary full of talent. We all know how good Marlon Humphrey is and Brandon Stephens has developed into a starting outside corner wonderfully in year three, but Stephens could out-price himself if he continues his current play. Even if he returns in the future, you can never have too many cover guys.
DeJean is one of the most disrespected prospects in the draft and it feels like he will be picked late in the draft despite being a top-end talent. Don't forget, he's an elite return man, too. The Ravens do what they do best and let the board fall to them and land a steal.
31. Miami Dolphins
The pick: Graham Barton, Interior Offensive Line, Duke
The Dolphins' offensive line has done more with little this season, but outside of Terron Armstead and Connor Williams, the rest of the unit could be upgraded. Barton feels like a discount version of Peter Skoronski in that he's a really solid tackle but a smaller build likely pushes him inside at the next level and he could thrive.
I like Barton to do this and be a plug-and-play kind of player.
32. Philadelphia Eagles
The pick: Tyler Nubin, Safety, Minnesota
The addition of Kevin Byard makes safety a lesser concern for the Eagles, but his best days are likely behind him, and even then he needs a running mate. Nubin is climbing up boards after a wildly successful senior season where he recorded five of his 13 career interceptions.
The value of Nubin at the end of the first round is more than good enough for a player with a high floor who can start immediately.
