Lucas' 2024 Mock Draft 1.0 - With Trades!

The NFL Offseason is truly upon us. 

As we crossover into the NFL's free agency period, we take a look at how the first round can shake up to truly be a compelling complement to the transactions that have already happened. 

In a loaded 2024 NFL Draft Class, there are seemingly 50 players that could have their names called on opening night. Each has unique skill sets and fills different needs for each franchise. 

Pick 1, Chicago Bears - Caleb Williams, QB, USC 

Justin Fields has not delivered consistently as the Chicago Bears franchise QB. 

Despite showing flashes, the Windy City turns to the potential generational talent of USC's superstar darling Caleb Williams. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner has flashed elite traits that have analysts comparing him to Patrick Mahomes. Williams has had terrific production, racking up more than 10,000 yards and 93 touchdowns in his three seasons. The Bears acquire their franchise quarterback, reset the rookie quarterback advantage, and look to move on from Fields. 

Pick 2, Washington Commanders - Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina 

The Commanders grab their future franchise QB prospect right after the Bears in North Carolina's Drake Maye. The Tar Heel prospect oozes prototypical size, sizzling arm talent, and tools to be able to be a superstar at the pro level. Washington will hand the keys to the organization to him in the hopes of returning to the top of the NFC East. 

Pick 3, New England Patriots - Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State 

While Pats fans may want Jayden Daniels here, the Patriots would have very limited weapons for the rookie to work with. Instead, they grab arguably the single best prospect in the draft and a tantalizing prospect in Marvin Harrison Jr. The Ohio State prospect is the son of Hall Of Fame Colts receiver Marvin Harrison and will be asked to be the primary target for the Patriots quarterback from day one. 

Pick 4, New York Giants - Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

TRADE:

NYG receive: 2024 1st Round Pick (4th overall) 

AZ receive: 2024 1st Round Pick (6th overall), 2025 1st Round Pick, WR Jalin Hyatt

The New York Giants, recognizing their opportunity to get a replacement for Daniel Jones, bite the bullet and pounce on the fourth overall selection. With Harrison off the board, the Cardinals acquire premium value from their trade partner, snagging a future first-round pick and speedy wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. New York hopes that Daniels' play makes them swiftly forget the cost of moving up.

Pick 5, Minnesota Vikings - J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan 

TRADE: 

MIN receive: 2024 1st Round Pick (5th overall) 

LAC receive: 2024 1st Round Pick (11th overall), 2025 1st Round Pick, OT Brian O'Neill 

In a reactive move, the Minnesota Vikings trade up six spots to net their QB of the future. McCarthy can sit behind veteran signal-caller Sam Darnold, allowing him to slowly develop and build on the tools that have scouts intrigued with him as a top-12 prospect. The leader of the NCAA champion Michigan Wolverines brings a winning pedigree and solid upside. 

Pick 6, Arizona Cardinals - Malik Nabers, WR, LSU 

The Cardinals pulled off a mighty trade with the Giants, using their desperation for a QB against them. They move down two selections to allow for New York to snag Jayden Daniels, and in the process still can draft the best available wide receiver after Marvin Harrison Jr. Nabers had 1568 yards and 14 touchdowns in his final collegiate season and looks to be an explosive pass catcher that the Cardinals need. 

Pick 7, Tennessee Titans - Rome Odunze, WR, Washington 

The conventional selection for the Titans in several mock drafts has been an offensive tackle, but here they choose to give Will Levis additional pass-catching weapons. With a quartet of Rome Odunze, DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, and newly acquired free agent Calvin Ridley, Tennessee has a deep wide receiver corps capable of allowing the Titans to assess their young quarterback's true potential. 

Pick 8, Atlanta Falcons - Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo 

The Atlanta Falcons are desperate for another outside corner across from AJ Terrell and snag an enamoring defensive prospect. Mitchell ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the combine and showed out at the Senior Bowl. He allowed just 27 catches in 62 targets last season and did not relinquish a single touchdown. This move allows Atlanta to create a terrific tandem in the secondary and build their defense with a premium talent. 

Pick 9, Cincinnati Bengals - Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

TRADE:

CIN receive: 2024 1st Round Pick (9th overall) 

CHI receive: 2024 1st Round Pick (18th overall), 2024 2nd Round Pick (49th overall), and 2024 2nd Round Pick. 

Simply put, the Bengals are on the brink of losing their second-best receiver, who has requested a trade. They have an elite QB in Joe Burrow, and they must surround him with the weapons that can make their offense as lethal as possible. Bowers is a rare breed of tight end, possessing elite after-the-catch ability and being an absolute mismatch for every defender on the field. He can be deployed in a variety of alignments and gives the Bengals a prospect with All-Pro potential. 

Pick 10, New York Jets - Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame 

The New York Jets sured up the right tackle position with a short-term fix from the Ravens, OT Morgan Moses. Alijah Vera Tucker can slide back inside to guard, and Joe Alt becomes the left tackle of the future. Alt is the consensus OT1 in the 2024 class and has a PFF grade over 90 each of the last two seasons. The Jets get the opportunity to galvanize the most important position on their line, before adding depth inside in later rounds. 

Pick 11, Los Angeles Chargers - Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama 

The Los Angeles Chargers are leaning into a semi-rebuild. They acquire additional first-round draft capital and a reliable right tackle by moving down and can address the wide receiver position in a deep class on day two. As a result, they should entertain the idea of building a young defense. Arnold is a consensus top-three corner prospect in the draft and can start across from Asante Samuel Jr. immediately. The Alabama defender had five interceptions last season and has been battle-tested against elite collegiate competition. 

Pick 12, Denver Broncos - Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington 

Michael Penix Jr's hype has certainly dropped off, but the Denver Broncos will not care. After releasing Russell Wilson, they cannot afford to come out of the 2024 draft without a QB. Thus, Penix becomes the prospect that has high upside, a sizzling arm, and has been tested in big situations. The Broncos hope that they can get performances like his absolute explosion against the Texans Longhorns. 

Pick 13, Las Vegas Raiders - JC Latham, OT, Alabama 

The Raiders need to bolster their trenches. Latham creates an imposing force in the offensive trenches, with his 6'6", 342 pounds, and his 35-inch arms. The Crimson Tide prospect allows Thayer Munford Jr to take his 80.4 PFF run blocking grade inside to right guard and dramatically upgrades their overall blocking. 

Pick 14, New York Saints - Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State 

Jared Verse is another freaky athlete, that can dramatically improve New Orleans' EDGE defense. The Florida State defender ran a blazing 4.58 40-yard dash despite being 6'4", 254 pounds. Verse had an absurd 21.8% pass rush win rate in 2023, en route to nine sacks and 12.5 TFLs. 

Pick 15, Indianapolis Colts - Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas 

Xavier Worthy is a physical freak. The 6'1", 172 pounds receiver broke the NFL Combine record with a 4.21 40-yard dash. The Texas prospect will be irresistible to Jim Irsay and Chris Ballad, who will jump at the chance to snag an athlete of this caliber. Pairing Worthy with the sizzling cannon arm of Anthony Richardson should lead to some truly explosive plays. 

Pick 16, Seattle Seahawks - Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama 

The best EDGE prospect comes off the board at the 16th pick, as the Seattle Seahawks bolster their pass rush and build on an already solid defense. Turner has faced terrific competition in his Crimson Tide career. He has racked up 22.5 sacks, 32.5 TFLs and had a phenomenal 19.6% pass rush win rate in 2023. He gives the Seahawks true game-wrecking potential off the edge of their defense. 

Pick 17, Jacksonville Jaguars - Byron Murphy, IDL, Texas 

Speaking of 19.6% pass rush win rate, Murphy shares that statistic with Turner, but at a much heavier 308 pounds. The Texas Longhorn prospect had five sacks and 8.5 TFLs in 2023. PFF credited him with a terrific 91.5 pass rush grade, and he will join an absolutely blistering front seven that includes new acquisition Arik Armstead, Josh Allen, and Travon Walker.

Pick 18, Chicago Bears - Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU

The Chicago Bears bolster the weapons further around their new quarterback and grab speedster Brian Thomas Jr. The 6'3", 209 pounds wide receiver ran a sensational 4.33 in the 40-yard dash and has a knack for the end zone (17 touchdowns in 2023). He averaged a phenomenal 17.3 yards per reception and caught 53.8% of contested catch opportunities. Caleb Williams will benefit greatly from having his new weapon tilt the field and be able to catch contested balls as he creates out of structure. 

Pick 19, Los Angeles Rams - Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State 

Fashanu is a complete steal at the 19th selection, as the offensive tackle run begins far later than expected. The Rams have paid premium money to acquire guards Kevin Dotson and Jonah Jackson, which results in Steve Avila manning the pivot. Rob Havenstein is a very good right tackle, which leaves a gap on the left side. Fashanu not only fills that need but presents terrific immediate pass blocking and the athletic potential to become an All-Pro blind side blocker at the next level. 

Pick 20, Pittsburgh Steelers - Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State 

Pittsburgh have a variety of directions they can go with their first-round selection. Fuaga presents terrific value here and replaces the below-average incumbent Dan Moore. The Steelers would then likely shift Broderick Jones to right tackle, and allow the Oregon State rookie to play at his natural right side. Fuaga did not surrender a sack in his last three seasons and had a phenomenal 90.9 PFF run blocking grade in 2023. 

Pick 21, San Fransisco 49ers - Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington 

Trade: 

SF receive: 2024 1st Round Pick (21st overall), 2025 7th round pick

MIA receive: 2024 1st Round Pick (31st overall), 2024 3rd round pick (94th overall), 2025 4th round pick.

The tackle run continues, and the 49ers catapult themselves up the board to ensure they don't miss out. While Colton McKivitz was solid at RT, and Trent Williams may still be the best offensive lineman in the NFL, Fautanu has the flexibility to play anywhere on the line. The Washington offensive lineman can begin his career at guard, and then kick out to a tackle spot after Williams retires. Fautanu had a 88.2 PFF pass block grade in 2023 and will help to keep Brock Purdy upright in 2024, from whatever alignment he ends up in. 

Pick 22, Philadelphia Eagles - Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA 

In the most predictable Howie Roseman move, the Eagles invest further in their pass rush. Philadelphia is rumored to be shopping Josh Sweat and/or Haason Reddick. Latu presents a pro-ready EDGE prospect, that has absurd production. In 2023, the UCLA defender had a 96.3 overall PFF grade, racked up 13 sacks, 21.5 TFLs, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two passes defended in 12 games. He is an absolute game wrecker, and Roseman simply will not be able to resist. 

Pick 23, Houston Texans - Jer'Zhan Newton, IDL, Illinois 

The Texans upgrade their defensive interior, grabbing an undersized defender that PFF has ranked 11th on their 2024 NFL Big Board. Newton had 7.5 sacks last season for Illinois and 15.4% pass rush win rate. Despite his size limitations, the Illinois prospect oozes potential and can be an elite disruptor with his play recognition, technique, and quickness. 

Pick 24, Dallas Cowboys - Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Guyton is athletic, raw, and oozing with upside. He is a seamless fit for the Cowboys, who do not need him to immediately contribute. As a result, Dallas gets truly fantastic value if they are patient. The Oklahoma prospect is a physical freak at 6'7", 327 pounds and he did not allow a sack in the 2023 collegiate season. Dallas takes a flier on a player with all the tools, that could be elite with the right development. 

Pick 25, Green Bay Packers - Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Speaking of physical freaks, Amarius Mims is the very next pick. At 6'8", and 340 pounds, the Georgia offensive lineman has no business being this athletic. He did not allow a single sack in the last three seasons and went against some of college football's finest competition. This feels like a steal for the Packers, who can even sit Mims as he develops or provide an immediate upgrade at tackle and kick either Rasheed Walker or Zach Tom inside. 

Pick 26, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa 

DeJean is terrific value at 26. PFF's eighth-rated prospect on their big board, the Iowa defensive back allowed just a 37.8 passer rating in 2023. He surrendered a measly 194 yards and no touchdowns. The Buccaneers are thin at corner, and this bolsters their chances of defending their NFC South division title. 

Pick 27, Kansas City Chiefs - Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon 

Trade: 

KC receive: 2024 1st Round Pick (27th overall) 

ARI receive: 2024 1st Round Pick (32nd overall) and 2024 3rd Round Pick (94th overall).

The Chiefs already bolstered their wide receiving corps by signing free agent Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, but the 2023 season made it apparent that they need to invest in more weapons. With Travis Kelce turning 35 during the 2024 season, Kansas City move up the board to snag a tall target in 6'2", 176-pound receiver Troy Franklin. The Oregon prospect had fantastic production in 2023, catching 81 passes for 1383 yards and 14 touchdowns. Paired with Mahomes, Franklin's upside becomes tantalizing for Chiefs' GM Brett Veach. 

Pick 28, Buffalo Bills - Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia 

The Buffalo Bills also look to bolster their wide receiving corps, even after adding solid contributors Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins. Josh Allen gets a player that PFF touted as a prospect with "devastating quickness", and had an overall PFF grade of 82.6 in 2023. The Bills continue to add weapons to attempt to finally make it to the Super Bowl. 

Pick 29, Detroit Lions - Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon

The Detroit Lions need interior offensive line help. Jackson Powers-Johnson is far better than the 29th pick, but the draft has fallen in a manner that gives the Lions a chance at an elite lineman. The Oregon prospect has not given up a sack in his collegiate career, and only allowed one quarterback hit. Oh yeah, and he had a PFF 85.2 run-blocking grade in 2023. He might rapidly become Jared Goff's best friend. 

Pick 30, Baltimore Ravens - Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State 

Chop Robinson has elite tools. He ran a scorching 4.48 40-yard dash, despite weighing in at 254 pounds. His 10-yard split was blistering, at an impressive 1.54 seconds. He had a dominant 20.9% pass rush win rate in 2023, as well as a truly elite 92.3 pass rush PFF grade. As has become habitual, the Ravens get terrific value at 30 and may have a star if Robinson can bring his production to the next level. 

Pick 31, Miami Dolphins - Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas

PFF touts Ja'Tavion Sanders as a "Tier 1 athlete for the tight end position". Although he might take a little bit to develop as most tight ends do, Sanders presents a perfect scheme fit for the Miami Dolphins, and the trade-down allows the Dolphins to take another swing at interior lineman in the third round. He ran a 4.69 40-yard dash, and a 1.59 10-yard split, despite being 6'4" and a solid 245 pounds. Miami gets another weapon to add to this ultra-speed offense. 

Pick 32, New England Patriots - Bo Nix, QB, Oregon 

Trade: 

NE receive: 2024 1st round Pick (32nd overall), 2025 6th Round Pick

ARI receive: 2024 1st Round Pick (34th overall), 2024 4th Round Pick (103rd overall) and 2025 5th Round Pick

The Pats trade back in to secure the final pick of the first round and grab a quarterback. New England gets the opportunity to take their signal caller of the future and have the fifth-year option to help with his evaluation. Bo Nix feels like a Patriot, although the identity might shift with the departure of Bill Belichick. The Oregon prospect had a PFF grade over 90 in every category in 2023 and had just a 1% turnover-worthy play rate, which paced CFB. He also led college football in screen yards, which is less impressive. That being said, Nix had elite production, amassing 45 TDs and just three interceptions last season. The Oregon prospect can sit behind free agent acquisition Jacoby Brissett to learn the NFL game and come in to develop after several games. 

That concludes my first mock draft of the NFL offseason. What picks do you like, or dislike in this one? Let us know on our socials, and don't forget to make Stadium Rant your home for all sports content. 

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