NFL Mock Draft 2024 1.0: Minnesota Trades Up And Finds Their QB

2. Chicago Bears – WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

While I don’t think this pick is as apparent as some would think, it’s tough to pass up Marvin Harrison Jr. to pair with Williams. Harrison isn’t just an elite athlete but has a nuanced understanding of the position and is relatively refined. In addition, he catches just about everything thrown his way. Defense is a more crucial need right now, but you can’t pass up a potential hall of famer. Caleb and Harrison Jr. could be one of the most incredible QB-WR combos ever.

3. Denver Broncos – CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

Denver’s offense seems fine, and this defense is what’s killing them. Well, nothing could fix a defense better than getting an elite Corner duo, and that’s what Kool-Aid McKinstry could potentially do. I considered QB here, but it’s too hard to move off Russ. Kool-Aid would be an instant spark plug for this defense. While he’s grabby, he’ll learn to be less so, and it ultimately pays off more often than not. His athletic profile is elite, and he’d likely thrive covering number twos. This pick would quickly turn this defense around.

4. Minnesota Vikings (Trade W/ AZ) – QB Drake Maye, North Carolina

MIN Acquires: Fourth OVR

AZ Acquires: Seventh OVR, 107th OVR, 228th OVR, 2025 Second Rounder

We all know the Kirk Cousins era is ending, and Minnesota has a golden opportunity to trade up to get their guy. Drake Maye isn’t a finished product, but genuinely would be the number-one pick in some drafts. He’s got the arm and mobility, plus phenomenal accuracy. He’ll just need to refine his processor and learn an NFL system. While he might struggle a little out the gate, you feel confident about him developing into a stud.

5. New York Giants – EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State

An offensive piece would be tremendously beneficial to this team. However, Jared Verse would give this defense something to hang their hat on. This would’ve been a trade, but no good partners were available. Kayvon Thibodeaux has looked good, but you need someone to play next to him. Verse is a freakish athlete with exceptional hands as a pass rusher. As Dexter Lawrence would be drawing double teams, Verse would have a conducive role and could come into his own.

6. Green Bay Packers (Trade W/ NE) – OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

GB Acquires: Sixth OVR

NE Acquires: Ninth OVR, 73rd OVR, 146th OVR, 2025 Fourth Rounder

David Bakhtiari’s career with the Packers is in jeopardy, and who else is better to succeed him than Olu Fashanu? With a legit frame at 6’6, 320 lbs, Fashanu is as explosive and agile as they come. To go along with that athleticism, he also has displacing power. Where he lacks as a run blocker, he makes up for it in pass-pro. The depth in his kick slides is unfair for the collegiate player. How he’s able to mirror and recover against pass rushers is remarkable. After a surprising decision to stay, it’s hard seeing him pass this area of the draft.

7. Arizona Cardinals (Trade W/ MIN) – DI Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

MIN Acquires: Fourth OVR

AZ Acquires: Seventh OVR, 107th OVR, 228th OVR, 2025 Second Rounder

The Cardinals have several notable weaknesses, especially on defense. Jer’Zhan Newton is precisely what Arizona needs most on defense – an explosive pass rusher on the interior. BJ Ojulari has immense potential, and Dennis Gardeck is a solid bridge player at EDGE. There is no one Arizona has that you feel confident about on the interior. Newton may be undersized at just under 300 lbs but don’t discount his power and ability to disrupt the run. Because of his size, he gets excellent leverage and is explosive off the ball. He’d be perfect for the scheme and would fit this culture well.

8. Tennessee Titans – OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Everything about Joe Alt screams franchise Tackle, which Tennessee needs the most. The Titan’s offense can’t function with their O-Line blocking like this, but getting Alt in the building would change that. Alt is a massive Tackle at 6’8, 322 lbs, and has a basketball background. He’s got stellar quickness and lateral movement ability, which aids him in handling finesse in pass-pro. After having an elite run-blocking grade in 2022, he is now grading out as an elite pass-blocker in 2023. Alt would do wonders for this offense in both departments and could easily be an all-pro.

9. New England Patriots (Trade W/ GB) – QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

GB Acquires: Sixth OVR

NE Acquires: Ninth OVR, 73rd OVR, 146th OVR, 2025 Fourth Rounder

Mac Jones appears to be the number one problem for this offense, and Michael Penix Jr. has a chance to be a quick upgrade. His accuracy numbers are off the charts, and he has a stunningly low pressure-to-sack conversion rate. With impressive accuracy, a good arm, and the ability to escape pressure, how is he not a good fit in New England? The knock on Penix Jr. is his average upside and the fact he’ll be 24 as a rookie. Still, he’d be good value for the ninth overall pick.

10. New Orleans Saints – TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

While the Receivers here are likable, the Tight End room could use an upgrade, and Brock Bowers would be enormous for the franchise. Bowers is objectively undersized but is surprisingly a real physical and feisty blocker. What he does as a Receiver is undeniable and would significantly help Derek Carr. With incredible speed and outstanding ball skills, he’ll add a vertical threat that New Orleans needs. An EDGE would’ve been lovely, but why not make this offense have some serious weapons?

11. Atlanta Falcons – WR Malik Nabers, LSU

Atlanta can take several different avenues here, but Malik Nabers is the exact impact they need on offense. Nabers is a twitched-up but also robust and compact Receiver who can potentially be an elite RAC threat. Furthermore, his speed and ball skills will allow him to win as a deep threat in this offense. Atlanta is looking for someone to be a true number-one Receiver, and Nabers can be just that.

12. Arizona Cardinals – CB Kalen King, Penn State

The current Arizona Corners are getting by, but upgrading it could kick this defense up a notch. Jonathan Gannon loves to run off-man coverage, and that’s where Kalen King is at his best. Even though King lacks long speed, his click-close ability and fluidity are outrageous. He’d be a playmaker both in run defense and on the back end. Pair King with Newton together, and this defense could suddenly get competitive.

13. Indianapolis Colts – WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Michael Pittman may be gone next year, and even if he isn’t, Emeka Egbuka is a more suitable scheme fit. Anthony Richardson seems like the franchise guy, and it’s just about continuing to build around him. Egbuka could greatly help with that, as he’s an intelligent Receiver with refined route running. His speed and release package will let him take the top off the defense. He’s the ideal perimeter threat in this offense and is excellent value here.

14. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Bo Nix, Oregon

If a clear franchise Tackle or elite Guard was available, that’d be the pick. However, the ones available aren’t immediate upgrades, and you have a shot at a damn good QB prospect. I wasn’t a fan of Bo Nix last year, but he’s starting to make a case for being a top-ten pick this year. His accuracy has improved while also nearly cutting his turnover-worthy throws in half. He still needs to improve his pocket presence, as he’s taken more sacks this year, but the natural traits are there. The best thing about this pick is that he can sit behind Garoppolo for a year. I’d bet he develops well and turns into a franchise QB.

15. Washington Commanders OT Graham Barton, Duke

This offensive line has been a bit questionable this year, and Sam Howell has a poor pocket presence, so acquiring someone who can help give him more time would be highly advantageous. Graham Barton would elevate this pass-pro and also help with run blocking. He has the needed get-off and tenacity to succeed as a run blocker. Additionally, he is scheme versatile, making him an excellent fit to play RT here. I’m sure Howell would appreciate this pick.

16. New York Jets – OT JC Latham, Alabama

The Jet’s defense is already stacked, yet this offense can’t figure it out. Even if Rodgers is fully recovered from his Achilles, this line is a concern, and the offense may not be able to hang with the top dogs. JC Latham is the ideal long-term Tackle for this offense, as he’s athletic and a terrific zone-blocker. Most importantly, he pass-blocks well, which will be huge for this team. This would be a frightening team if he panned out as a rookie.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – DI Leonard Taylor, Miami

Cincinnati got their high-upside pass rusher on the EDGE last year; now they can get their high-upside guy on the inside. Leonard Taylor has rare athleticism for his build. He’s very raw but has all the physical traits you could ask for from a D-Tackle. With the outstanding coaching in Cincinnati, he’d be bound to break out, especially getting to play next to several seasoned vets.

18. Los Angeles Chargers – SA Kamren Kitchens, Miami

When Brandon Staley inevitably gets fired, they’ll likely need someone to play single-high Free Safety. Unless you take Kam Kitchens here, there’s no clear answer to who that’d be. Kitchens has legit size at 6’0″, 205 lbs, and the speed and range to potentially dominate as a single high Safety. He’s instinctive and will also come up and play the run physically, making him a versatile piece. Whoever the next DC is would be thankful to have this type of FS paired with Derwin James.

19. Los Angeles Rams – EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama

I like what I see from Byron Young, but you also need two EDGEs. Dallas Turner would be an excellent scheme fit and potentially a true number-one pass rusher. Just imagine Tuner’s explosiveness and quickness being paired with Aaron Donald’s knowledge. He could put together some supreme pass-rush moves in no time. This kind of pick could make a significant day-one impact on defense.

20. Houston Texans – Rome Odunze, Washington

C.J. Stroud is killing it, but the offense still lacks the firepower needed to win them games consistently. Romeo Odunze has the size profile and athletic ability to be a dependable deep threat. At 6’3″, 215 lbs, Odunze has the speed to win vertically and has improved his contested catch ability. Moreover, his hands are reliable, as he’s only dropped six catches on 115 targets. Odunze would likely continue to flourish with Stroud, and this is good value for the selection.

21. Seattle Seahawks – IDL Kris Jenkins, Michigan

Every year, there seems to be a highly talented prospect to come out of Michigan, and this year, it’s Kris Jenkins. Seattle spent draft capital on the crucial positions last draft, and now it’s time to spend some on the trenches. Jenkins appears to be the best D-Tackle left, and he’d add a much-needed spark to this pass rush. Don’t let his size fool you; he has exceptional power and does the job in run defense. He’s the type Pete Carrol would fall in love with.

22. Kansas City Chiefs (Trade W/ Dallas) – WR Keon Coleman, Florida State

KC Acquires: 22nd OVR

DAL Acquires: 31st OVR, 94th OVR, 131st OVR, 2025 Fourth Rounder, 2025 Sixth Rounder

This Receiving core lacks a guy who can win 50-50 balls on the perimeter. Keon Coleman could be that guy for Kansas City and is worth trading up for. He’s not an amazing athlete, but he has enough speed to win on the perimeter. Coleman has made some unreal catches and could be special when paired with Mahomes.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – SCB/ SA Cooper DeJean, Iowa

I wanted to go interior offensive line, but no one was good value here. Instead, why not plugin a versatile defender who can be a Slot Corner or a Strong Safety? Pittsburgh has a ton to like about this defense but is missing that last final touch. Cooper DeJean could be that, as he is all over the football at Iowa and fills a position of need. He’s the type of player who just feels like a Steeler, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they feel the same way come draft day.

24. Buffalo Bills – EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA

This pick could’ve easily been a Receiver, but Laiatu Latu is a bit more appealing value. I still have to watch his 2023 tape, but his 2022 film didn’t impress me too much. That said, he’s got exceptional moves and won many of his reps. It’s just hard to get behind pac-12 production, and his upside isn’t the best. He’d still make for a wonderful long-term answer, as Von Miller will soon retire.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TE/ WR Johnny Wilson, Florida State

I am making this pick with the expectation to play Johnny Wilson at Tight End. Tampa Bay could use a threatening Receiving TE, and Johnny Wilson has the potential to be more than just that. I don’t see him as a true Receiver as he lacks lateral quickness and short-area burst, although his skill set would be perfect for Tight End. He made DBs look silly as a run blocker and should be able to transition just fine. There are some QBs I’m eyeing in the second, but Wilson gets the first-round pick for Tampa.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars – SA Rod Moore, Michigan

As no good Interior O-Linemen are available, it leaves the secondary to bolster up. Rod Moore may come as a surprise; however, he’s looking like the second-best single-high Safety in this class. He has good size and the range to one day be a high-end Free Safety in this scheme. You can play him in the nickel or as a Dime Safety on day one, and he’ll likely flourish. It may seem like a reach, but don’t be surprised to see Moore be a fringe first-rounder come draft day.

27. Baltimore Ravens – DI Maason Smith, LSU

Michael Pierce is getting older, and while Travis Jones is here, you need someone to play three-tech. Maason Smith would develop well under this culture, which could lead to a superstar presence on the interior. His size-athleticism combo is freaky, and he comes with refined hand usage, too. Injuries are a concern with him, but Baltimore would still love to have that type of talent on defense.

28. Detroit Lions – EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State

Where Detroit failed to find value in last year’s first round, they can make up for it by drafting someone most people have in the top ten this year. Chop Robinson is a bit overhyped, but I could see him being a stud for Detroit. He’s got an explosive first step with good length and power. He’s yet to develop a full-fledged pass-rush repertoire, although he has the tools to do so. Chop will have to grow as a run defender to see meaningful reps, but Detroit could fall in love with his pass rush upside.

29. Miami Dolphins – WR Xavier Worthy, Texas

Miami doesn’t need Xavier Worthy, but putting him on this team would make for a nightmare game plan to go up against. I could not imagine how difficult it would be to stop four playmakers who all have elite speed. In addition to being extraordinarily fast and quick, he possesses impressive ball-tracking ability. This speedster would fit right in and is well worthy of a first-round pick.

30. San Francisco 49ers – CB Josh Newton

The only thing this defense truly needs is a high-end number two Corner. An O-Linemen would undoubtedly be beneficial, but none of the ones left are worth a first. Josh Newton is accustomed to running man, which is perfect for this bump-n-run system. He isn’t the best athlete, but he has terrific technique and fits this culture. A Corner like Newton would put the cherry on top of an already fantastic defense.

31. Dallas Cowboys (Trade W/ DAL) – RB Trey Benson

KC Acquires: 22nd OVR

DAL Acquires: 31st OVR, 94th OVR, 131st OVR, 2025 Fourth Rounder, 2025 Sixth Rounder

Tony Pollard is great and all, but do you know what would make Dak’s life a whole lot easier? An elite run game and Trey Benson paired with Pollard would achieve that. While Pollard could be the third down back, Benson can be that bruiser you send out on early downs or in short-yardage situations. Benson is a running back built out of a lab and would be an incredible asset to this team.