Post-Rose/Sugar Bowl NFL 2024 Mock Draft

 It has been over a month since my last mock draft and while waiting one more week would sure up some loose ends including naming a CFB national champion and having the official draft order for non-playoff teams set, I still decided it was time. The Bears (via Carolina) have clinched the number one pick in the draft for the second straight year. Today I won't be doing trades EXCEPT one, which you will see in a second. So, lets see how much things have changed in the final weeks of the college and NFL seasons since last time. 

MOCK TRADE: Bears trade pick #1 to the New York Giants in exchange for pick #5 + 2025 AND 2026 FIRST round picks

1. New York Giants (via CHI/CAR) select: Caleb Williams, Quarterback, USC

So, I will not be doing mock trades today as this is so far from draft day, but, I am allowing for one here at the top because while it is early, I really really believe the Bears will trade out of the top spot when it is all said and done and look to build around Justin Fields for the future. With the Commanders happy to take whoever doesn't go at 1 and the Patriots a rarity to move up, especially this high, the Giants made the most sense to make a leap for a QB, going from 5 to 1 and mortgaging the future for it. I think this would be one of the few cases where giving up THREE firsts would be worth it. I know his name has been dragged through the mud a bit of late, but Caleb Williams is one of the best QB prospects I've ever seen. He is probably the closest prospect to Patrick Mahomes we have seen either. He is so good at creating out of the structure of the play, has a huge arm, and is agile as hell. Drake Maye is definitely in consideration here, but I think with Brian Daboll in New York, he would love a physical freak like Williams to build his own offense around. Daniel Jones' time in the big apple comes to an end here.

2. Washington Commanders select: Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

Kind of a big change in Washington in the past month since our last mock. After a great first couple of months as the starter in DC, Sam Howell has really fallen apart and no longer looks like the guy that this team will give another year to develop and see if he can be their guy. With that said, they turn from Howell to his successor from UNC in Drake Maye. Maye took over in Chapel Hill when Howell went to the NFL, and now he comes from Chapel Hill to TAKE Howell's job in Washington. With new ownership and probably a new HC come April, they are going to want to reset and start fresh with their own franchise QB. Maye is an AMAZING prospect who would go no. 1 in most years (and still might this year). He would have easily been the top pick over Bryce Young and CJ Stroud a year ago. While he is not as much of an improviser as Williams, he is awesome in the pocket and has a huge arm as well. He reminds me a lot of Justin Herbert and is probably a better run than Herbert is as well. While offensive line remains a major need in DC, the team will address it later, but now they have their franchise QB finally.

3. New England Patriots select: Jayden Daniels, Quarterback, LSU

This was a tough call here for me, with Marvin Harrison Jr. sitting there and staring them in the face, but I went with what ultimately makes more sense in my opinion. If Bill Belichick is still around come April, I think he'd pass on a QB here and go MHJ, but I am bracing for a full blown reset in New England, and with someone new at the helm, they'd go QB here and kickstart the rebuild that way I think. Daniels has been the biggest draft riser of the season. He started out way outside the first round but wound up lighting college football on fire as a runner and a passer and ended up winning the frickin' Heisman. Daniels reminds us a lot of Lamar Jackson (this year's NFL MVP frontrunner) with potentially a BETTER arm. New England does not have a lot of talent on their roster, but getting a QB with this skillset is perfect to be a foundational building block for the future. Toss-up here between a generational WR prospect and a QB prospect for the future. 

4. Arizona Cardinals select: Marvin Harrison Jr., Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Jonathan Gannon and co. thank their lucky stars here that with QB needy teams picking ahead of them, somehow the best player in the draft (and a guy at a major position of need) falls to them down at 4. Arizona would almost certainly take Harrison Jr. at any spot they could, so the fact that he falls to them at 4 when they would have taken him had they had pick 1 is awesome. With a win over Philly in week 17, it clouded their chances a solid amount, but in this scenario, Harrison Jr. falls into their laps. I think this team is content with Kyler Murray for the future, he has shown them some good stuff since his return from injury. What is evident is that this team desperately needs help in their receiving core. Well, Harrison will help that out a lot, to say the least. MHJ is the best WR prospect I've ever seen. Seriously. At 6'4 he runs 4.3, can run every route, has great hands, and is pretty good after the catch as well. The son of HOF WR Marvin Harrison is the whole package. This pick would create a buzz around this organization and fan base, and would be great for their embattled QB Murray.

5. Chicago Bears (via NYG) select: Rome Odunze, Wide Receiver, Washington

The Bears could have had their absolute dream scenario if Harrison had somehow fallen here to 5 and they got the extra first rounders from the trade, but that was always unlikely. Instead, they get another blue chip WR prospect in Rome Odunze from Washington. No one comes close to Harrison in this class, but in any other normal year where there is not an MHJ on the board, Rome Odunze would be the top WR on the board. There is not much to complain about with Odunze. He is 6'3 and will run in the 4.3/4.4s which is elite. He is also great in contested catch situations and a savvy route runner as well. He is another one of those complete package type WRs. With the Bears trading out of no. 1 and building around Justin Fields for the future, their biggest need is to get him weapons. Pairing up Odunze with the electric DJ Moore makes for an elite WR duo for years to come. LSU's Malik Nabers was also a strong consideration here.

6. Los Angeles Chargers select: Brock Bowers, Tight End, Georgia

Bowers to the Chargers has seemed to be a pairing I've had for months now, and I'm not going to stop now. Even though the Chargers keep inching closer and closer to the top 5, Bowers still remains their best option where they are picking. Until they get into Marvin Harrison range, he feels like their best bet to me. While they could have their pick of the OTs in this class now too, I still think that getting an unreal weapon for franchise QB Justin Herbert has to be the priority. This WR core is good when healthy but always so banged up, and they don't have really anything at TE. Bowers could come in and instantly be Herbert's favorite target. Bowers is on the same level OR maybe better than Kyle Pitts was as a prospect a few years back. You just don't see TEs like this often. Bowers is a monster as a receiver, and in the open field, but he can also give you a TON as a blocker. I think LA is good enough at OT right now to punt on picking one so they can get a generational type TE prospect. While health is the key here, imagine a Keenan Allen/Mike Williams/Josh Palmer/Brock Bowers receiving core for an elite QB like Herbert, and finally with a competent coach at the helm too.

7. Tennessee Titans select: Olu Fashanu, Offensive Tackle, Penn State

This is a dream scenario for the Titans. The board breaks completely their way here as no OTs go off the board ahead of them and they are able to snag the best one in the class. Fashanu is an awesome OT prospect. While I wouldn't label him generational or anything, he probably would have been the first OT off the board in each of the last 2-3 drafts. Fashanu is an elite pass protecting prospect as well as a guy showing a lot of promise as a run blocker as well and should get good with time. The Titans are in the midst of a rebuilding period and with Will Levis likely getting another year to prove he could be their franchise guy, this team can continue retooling the OL. With Peter Skoronski and now Fashanu in back-to-back drafts, the Titans will be well on their way to finally having a legit O-line. 

8. New York Jets select: Joe Alt, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame

While I am intrigued at the idea of giving them someone like a Malik Nabers or Keon Coleman to pair with Aaron Rodgers, I have to be smart here and hope the Jets would do the same by taking Joe Alt should he fall here to 8. This would be a steal. Alt is ever so slightly OT2 in this class but there is a drop off after he and Fashanu. The Jets are lucky he is here at 8 when he could have easily gone somewhere in the top 5. Alt is a pro ready prospect who is pretty polished and a good all-around blocker with potential to be an All-Pro in time. Rodgers is so old and now injury prone that they cannot afford to have him under a ton of duress. This is a much needed pick for both now and the future in New York, even though passing on one of the good weapons available might hurt.

9. Atlanta Falcons select: Dallas Turner, Edge Rusher, Alabama

I have a strong feeling that Dallas Turner will wind up being the first defensive player off the board in an offense-top-heavy draft. Atlanta has a lot of needs, including a huge one at QB, but I don't know if there will wind up being another first round worthy QB in this class outside of the big 3 (that went 1, 2, and 3 in this mock). Outside of QB, Atlanta's biggest need is easily edge rusher. They don't have much there and it is becoming a problem. Enter Turner, a really fun prospect who I think will be really really good in the NFL. This is one of the more athletic edge rushing prospects over the past couple of years and he has produced very well in both pass rush and run defense for the Crimson Tide this year. He made a handful of impactful plays in Bama's heartbreaking loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl this week. This just isn't the spot to reach for a QB, so adding Turner is still a really great consolation. 

10. Chicago Bears select: Malik Nabers, Wide Receiver, LSU

Call me just INSANE here, but I'm double dipping at the WR position in the top 10 here for the Bears. I think they narrowly decided on Odunze over Nabers at 5, and with Nabers falling to 10 and none of their major positions of need totally worth reaching on at 10, they just snag Nabers as well. If this team is serious about building around Fields, this is not crazy. Now Fields has three elite WR options in DJ Moore, Odunze, and Nabers as well, along with Cole Kmet at TE. I've seen crazier things and I like this fit a lot. Fields would potentially have the best WR core in the league all the sudden to throw to, which would go a very long way towards some real success finally in Chicago.

11. Las Vegas Raiders select: Laiatu Latu, Edge Rusher, UCLA

The Raiders are an extremely tough team to mock draft for in this spot. A lot of the very best talent is gone and then aside from QB, their most glaring needs aren't super clear. They are kind of just average at most spots. I kind of went best player available here in Laiatu Latu. While there are some injury history concerns with him, there is no denying his production on the field. Latu is such a refined pass rusher already which is rare and just has a 6th-sense for getting to the quarterback. He has all the things teams look for in an edge rusher and is really great at utilizing his hands and weight to get around tackles. It is early, but it feels like the Raiders may have whiffed with their first rounder in Tyree Wilson (edge) in last year's draft. They add another body to the pass rushing group in Latu, who they hope can be an elite combination with All-Pro level Maxx Crosby on the other side.

12. Minnesota Vikings select: Jared Verse, Edge Rusher, Florida State

This range of picks is a string of teams hard to draft for right now. The Vikings have a lot of small needs while not many glaring ones. I decided that pass rush was their biggest need right now and was also the position with the most available players to potentially fill that need. Verse is an underrated guy that I like a lot. He has elite size and power and has taken over multiple games while playing for one of the best teams in the country. Verse would have likely been a top 5-10 pick last year. Minnesota does not have a lot off the edge and might even lose superstar rusher Danielle Hunter in free agency this off-season as well. Verse has a chance to be a perennial 10+ sack guy in time.

13. New Orleans Saints select: Jer'Zhan Newton, Defensive Tackle, Illinois

I'll say it again for another team in this range: the Saints are a hard team to draft for here. Not many glaring needs, but still a pretty average team in the NFL right now. I do think they could stand to improve in the middle of their DL, and Jer'Zhan Newton is one of my favorite players in this draft. As many know, pass rushing DTs are becoming increasingly difficult to find in the NFL, and you maybe see 1-2 guys PER draft if you are lucky that even have real potential to turn into a game-wrecker in that regard. Newton is one of those guys with POTENTIAL to become a good pass rushing DT at the next level. He is already a pretty good run stuffer, but he has shown some good things in terms of QB pressuring at Illinois. The Saints could stand to add a guy like that to their aging DL.

14. Denver Broncos select: Bralen Trice, Edge Rusher, Washington

I took a long look at UW QB Michael Penix Jr. here, and while his play is first-round worthy, he is an older prospect with huge injury risk. I didn't think impatient HC Sean Payton would be willing to take that risk. Instead, Denver goes out and addresses one of its bigger needs in the pass rush department. While Trice still has some work to do in terms of developing into a dominant every down rusher, he still produced well this season at UW with 7 sacks this season. He is a monster in my opinion with potential to become a great pass rusher with time but he is a guy who is already an ELITE run defender which will be his calling card in year 1. Maybe not the most electrifying pick to a fanbase that has had a lot of struggles of late, but Trice will be a really good pro in time and this pick is a good one for the future.

15. Seattle Seahawks select: Michael Penix Jr., Quarterback, Washington

If any team is going to take a flier on Michael Penix in round 1, it feels like Seattle to me. The 'Hawks have a pretty good roster with a lot of young, ascending talent, but they really need that roster elevating QB to get to the next level. Michael Penix COULD be that guy. The big armed gunslinger plays right in their backyard and is a Seattle legend already. That could continue to grow if he can win one of the most unlikely national championships ever for this city. Geno Smith will probably be around at least one more year, but Penix could sit for a year or start right away. Just imagine what this guy could do with the receiving core Seattle has. If he stays healthy, he would be a Pro Bowler or more with this offense around him!

16. Cincinnati Bengals select: Keon Coleman, Wide Receiver, Florida State

It still seems really 50/50 if the Bengals are going to be able to re-sign star WR Tee Higgins this off-season. Either way, this pick would be great. You can never have too many weapons, especially when you have an elite QB, so imagine adding a Tee Higgins CLONE to Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. If you lose Tee, Coleman is an easy instant replacement. Coleman may not be an amazing route runner, but man he is everything else. He is HUGE and is one of the best pure jump ball/contested catch wideout prospects I've ever seen. He also is quite fast and agile, this guy returned PUNTS at FSU this season...at 6'4, 215. Special player goes to a great situation. 

17. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) select: Nate Wiggins, Cornerback, Clemson

After securing WR1 in the class in the top 5, the Cardinals get the arguable CB1 in the class as well down at 17 with their pick from the Texans. While there doesn't feel like a stand-alone top guy at this position at least right now, Wiggins feels the closest. Wiggins has elite size and speed for the position (6'2, 4.4 speed) and demonstrated he can lock down an entire side of the field this season. His game against FSU was awesome, and it was against real NFL talent WRs. Arizona needs to improve on the back-end, and Wiggins can step in and be their CB1 on day 1.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers select: JC Latham, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

Latham has been sort of a perennial top 10 pick in all my in-season mocks so far, but he slides a bit this time. The Michigan/Alabama Rose Bowl game was not the best for Latham (or any of the Tide's linemen for that matter). Latham got a bit manhandled at times by a good DL. It happens, but that was a big stage and it will hurt his draft stock to an extent. Still, this is one of the better OT prospects in the draft, with HUGE size and good athleticism. The Steelers found their LT of the future in last year's first round in Broderick Jones, and now they hope to have their RT of the future in Latham this year. If Latham hits here, the Steelers would be set at bookend tackles for the next decade-plus.

19. Green Bay Packers select: Terrion Arnold, Cornerback, Alabama

CBs 1-5 in this class remain an extreme toss-up right now, but give me Terrion Arnold for the time being as CB2. The Packers are always weird drafters in round 1, but this one would make a lot of sense to me. Green Bay has needed secondary help all year and now with sudden question marks regarding superstar CB1 Jaire Alexander's future with the team, the need becomes all the more pressing. Arnold does not have elite size, but he is a very feisty, aggressive prospect who is always around the ball. He brings a swag to the position that teams will love to see and has some impressive tape against good teams in the loaded SEC. At best, Green Bay gets an elite CB2 prospect behind Alexander, at worst, he can replace Jaire altogether.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select: Chop Robinson, Edge Rusher, Penn State

An early run on edge rushers leaves Tampa Bay with not many options at that position, but Chop Robinson is still on the board as one of the final R1 worthy rushers, and the Bucs pounce. Robinson is far from a finished product, but he has a ton of juice, athleticism, and most importantly, potential. Robinson is already a really good run defender which Tampa would love, but has the bend to develop into an elite pass rusher for a defense that does not have much right now. Good pick for the future here by Tampa. 

21. Indianapolis Colts select: Xavier Legette, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

It was a tough choice here between wideout and DB here, but I ultimately just went with my favorite player at either of the spots in Xavier Legette out of South Carolina. This feels like a player HC Shane Steichen would LOVE, and it fits the bill from GM Chris Ballard who loves athletic freaks. Some have compared Legette to a DK Metcalf or Julio Jones with his size (6'3) and speed (4.3-4.4) while others have compared him to another former Gamecock in Deebo Samuel with his YAC ability. If he is any combination of any of those aforementioned guys, good luck. There is no guarantee star WR1 Michael Pittman Jr. is back, and even if he is, this team needs to surround potential franchise QB Anthony Richardson with weapons and talent. Legette can be used in so many ways and would be quite the add to this speedy Indy offense.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars select: Graham Barton, Offensive Line, Duke

Not many glaring needs for the Jags here, but their O-line could definitely be improved. Enter Graham Barton from Duke. He is extremely versatile and gives you very solid play on both the interior and tackle positions of the O-line. The Jags could move him around and use him wherever they believe is best. I think he could be a good tackle in the NFL and potentially an All-Pro level guard in time. Heady pick here from the Jags.

23. Los Angeles Rams select: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cornerback, Alabama

It is a true testament to Sean McVay with how good this Rams team has been this year despite an overall lack of true talent on the roster. Seriously, how have they gotten by with the weak play from their corners at many points in the season. LA lucks out here as they are able to snag the second Bama corner off the board in Kool-Aid McKinstry. McKinstry has elite size and length for the CB position and possesses potential shutdown ability. This is a Jalen Ramsey replacement. Knowing LA's development track record, they could get the most out of one of the most hyped up prospects in this class in McKinstry.

24. Buffalo Bills select: Cooper DeJean, Cornerback, Iowa

In a very deep CB class, Cooper DeJean COULD wind up as CB1 when it is all said and done. I've mock this pairing before, and I don't see any reason to change it up now. Buffalo just needs secondary help in general. The mid-season trade for Rasul Douglas just proves that. DeJean has been shutdown at CB all season long for Iowa but is versatile enough to play both outside and slot corner, as well as safety at a high level. The Bills could plug in DeJean all over their defense wherever they need the help any given Sunday. DeJean even gives you a little as a return man. I like this player/team fit a lot.

25. Kansas City Chiefs select: Brian Thomas Jr., Wide Receiver, LSU

Another dynamic LSU WR off the board in this first round. This would be a dream landing spot for the speedster. It is clear as day that the Chiefs are desperate for help at the WR position, and adding Thomas would really help resolve that need. Thomas may be the best pure deep threat in the class. He brings all-world speed to the position along with elite, top-end speed. This guy can flat out fly. He is like a MUCH better version of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who has not really worked out in Kansas City. Pairing Thomas Jr. with Patrick Mahomes could yield 1,000+ yard production in just year 1. What an add this would be for KC.

26. Philadelphia Eagles select: Quinyon Mitchell, Cornerback, Toledo

Don't let the small school scare you, Quinyon Mitchell can really play. Mitchell is one of the fastest players in this whole draft class and has been downright SHUTDOWN this season for Toledo. Obviously, he is playing against lesser talent on most occasions, but his skillset should really translate to the next level and Philly desperately needs secondary help as has been proven over their last few weeks where they have struggled mightily against the pass. There may be some initial growing pains, but I think Mitchell in time could develop into their CB1 once Darius Slay is officially over the hill. Day 1, he should be CB2 on this team over James Bradberry.

27. Detroit Lions select: T'Vondre Sweat, Defensive Tackle, Texas

With their success this season, it is clear that this team does not have a lot of major needs. However, I do think they could stand to improve on their D-line, especially in the middle. T'Vondre Sweat is one of my early draft crushes and I think he would be a perfect fit in the middle of Dan Campbell's defense. Sweat has been an absolute game-wrecker on one of the nation's best teams all season long. Sweat took home the hardware for the nation's best lineman (the award encompasses both offensive AND defensive players) so that should tell you just how good this guy has been. Sweat is a MASSIVE man at 6'4, 350 pounds and has unreal athleticism for someone so big. He is an elite run defender and has real pass rush upside. This is a great team fit and Sweat is a guy I could see developing into one of the best DTs in football playing on the same line as Aidan Hutchinson.

28. Houston Texans (via CLE) select: Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Playing in the shadow of Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka has not gotten a ton of hype this season, but he can really play. He is a silky smooth route runner with great speed and hands, and feels like he could be a great pro in the right situation. Houston has some nice pass catchers for the future in Nico Collins and the electric rookie Tank Dell, but the front office should know they need to keep surrounding their elite young QB CJ Stroud with talent, and adding Egbuka fits that bill. Pairing young QBs with their college wideouts has really shown nothing but success in recent memory, and it would make sense here again. Stroud loved Egbuka at Ohio State, and he would make this offense even better in Houston reuniting with Stroud.

29. Miami Dolphins select: Amarius Mims, Offensive Tackle, Georgia

Everyone knows that Miami's primary need right now is OL, and they address it in a big way here by adding a BIG man in Amarius Mims. In past mocks I've had Mims going way earlier, and he only falls here due to other team needs ahead being more pressing. In short, I feel Miami is getting a steal here with Mims at 29. Mims is about 6'7, 345 pounds which would make him one of the largest tackles in the league right away. He isn't just huge, but he is athletic and already a great pass protector. With Terron Armstead getting up there in age and oft injured, Mims could fill in for him at times but also bookend him on the other side when he is in the lineup. No matter how you slice it here, the Dolphins appear to be getting great value on an awesome OT prospect who could solidify this OL for years to come. Protecting Tua Tagovailoa is paramount in Miami. 

30. Dallas Cowboys select: Tailese Fuaga, Offensive Tackle, Oregon State

I debated going WR here for awhile with some good options left on the board, but ultimately knew that the biggest need in Dallas is on the OL and Tailese Fuaga is too good of value at 30 to go another direction. Fuaga is possibly a top 15-20 talent in the class here and the Cowboys get him at 30. While Dallas does have some talent on their OL, they are ultimately kind of old and injury prone, and could stand to build for the future. Fuaga has put himself on the map in a big way with a great 2023 season where he has been a mauler in run blocking and shown upside in pass protection. I think Fuaga could do well at both OT or OG in the NFL, and Dallas could line him up wherever they need with injuries. This would be the smart pick here for Jerry Jones and co.

31. San Francisco 49ers select: Adonai Mitchell, Wide Receiver, Texas

With not a ton of worthy value here at their bigger positions of need here, the 49ers make a luxury pick that they can afford to make at 31 in Adonai Mitchell from Texas. If this wasn't such a loaded WR class, Mitchell would probably be an easy top 15-20 pick. The Niners have great weapons at receiver in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, but adding a do-it-all deep threat like AD Mitchell would make them even more unstoppable. Mitchell is just so good in contested catch situations and can really run. He would be a really fun addition to an already loaded offense.

32. Baltimore Ravens select: Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver, Oregon

Rounding out the first round is another insanely talented wideout who would go higher in most years. Franklin is another do-it-all threat at the position that would fit right in with this awesome Baltimore offense. With OBJ aging and on a one year deal, the Ravens need to continue building a set of playmakers for Lamar Jackson. Zay Flowers is awesome and will be in Baltimore for a long time, but outside of him, they don't have any other key longterm cogs at the position. Flowers is an amazing gadget RAC player while Franklin could dominant on the other side as a bigger-bodied guy who can go up and get it while being an excellent YAC player as well. Sort of a luxury pick, sort of a smart pick for the future here by Baltimore to round out this first round mock! I also thought Michigan RB Blake Corum was a fun consideration here in this spot.

There you have it, my mock draft for the first time in over a month. Soon, I will make these more and more often with the ending of both the college and NFL seasons so close by, but here is where we stand at the moment! Draft season is going to be a lot of fun.