I’m a little later than other bigger sites to be putting out the first version of a mock draft, but there are reasons for that. First, because I like to wait until the first wave of free agency mayhem dies off. Second, most of the scouting, pro-days, and visits have been completed. Third, because I have full time job outside of this, so cut me some slack, alright? We are still a month away from the 2024 NFL draft, so I’m sure this will be just one of many changing mock drafts. Leave some comments and let me know what you think!
1. If the Bears were smart they would find a way to get out to this spot. Caleb Williams is not the guy. Justin Fields COULD have been the guy, especially with the tools that were added to the offense this offseason. But, we will never know. I would trade this pick to Washington straight up at this point.
Williams didn’t beat any ranked teams last year, couldn’t come back from behind, cried like a baby, and now wants ownership options. He’s a franchise KILLER!
2. Drake Maye is the best QB in the draft. I said the same thing about CJ Stroud over Bryce Young last year, and I’m saying it about Maye this year. If Washington doesn’t take him, they are FOOLS.
3. New England NEEDS a QB. 31-year-old Jacobi Brissett is not the guy you want to hand your offense over to if you’re new HC Jerod Mayo. Jayden Daniels is the third best QB of the group, and you can look for him to make an immediate impact.
4. Arizona is starving for a great WR since DHop left, and “Hollywood” Brown didn’t work out. Marvin Harrison Jr. is just that guy, and the Cards get lucky that the first three teams are QB needy.
5. A lot of people think the Chargers are going to trade this pick to Minnesota, but the Bolts are in need of a WR as well. Herbs and Harbs will add Nabers to their young and talented group featuring Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston.
6. THIS is where the Vikings make their move to get a franchise QB. The Giants don’t have an immediate need to pick right here, so they’ll take advantage of Minnesota’s inability to keep Kirk Cousins.
7. Tennessee needs to protect it’s young QB, and what better way than by taking the best OT in the draft. Joe Ott reminds me of Joe Thomas, and he should be in the league for a while.
8. The Falcons need to add some youth to their defense, and without Calais Campbell, they also need to add some pressure on opposing QBs. Dallas Turner is the best Edge in the draft.
9. The Bear need to go O-line here, but it’s too early for a Center or Guard. They can bookend Darnell Wright (Chicago’s first pick last year) here, and start creating better protection for whichever QB they select.
10. Aaron Rodgers should be back, and have a nice gift waiting for him. The Jets got WR Mike Williams in the offseason, but he only played three games last year. Putting 6’3” Odunze with Garrett Wilson should be something special to see.
11. After the Giants trade their earlier pick to the Vikings they address their need on defense. Giants were 29th in sacks last year. Verse should help with that.
12. Denver doesn’t have to move to get it’s QB of the future in Bo Nix. You didn’t think that they were going to ride with Jerrett Stidham or Ben DiNucci, did you?
13. The Raiders were 30th in rushing yards and 23rd in passing yards. O-Line and is a must, and LV has three viable options to choose from, but Fuaga is more balanced.
14. The Saints are another team that need OL help, and JC Latham falls right into their laps. Going from Alabama to Louisiana shouldn’t be a tough move, and he’ll bookend Trevor Penning.
15. The Colts need more production out of the Tight Ends. Whether it’s Anthony Richardson dumping it off so he doesn’t have to run so much (and get injured) or Joe Flacco coming in to save the season, Brock Bowers will provide another great receiving option.
16. From Washington Huskie to Seattle Seahawk, Fautanu is a guy that help this offensive line that was 28th in rushing yards last year.
17. A team can never have too much depth at CB, and the Jags take the best one in the draft. Mitchell should immediately help this squad that finished 26th in passing yards allowed.
18. The Bengals love LSU (Burrow, Chase, etc.), and they will go back to that well after losing Tyler Boyd. Brian Thomas Jr, and Ja’Marr…the Bengals offense doesn’t lose a step.
19. Aaron Donald is gone. Welcome the best DT in the draft; Byron Murphy. I’m not saying that he’s going to the “next Donald”, but he will certainly help.
20. The Steelers were 25th in passing yards, 25th in total yards, and 28th in points scored. Now they have all new QBs to protect (Russell Wilson and Justin Fields).
21. The Dolphins don’t have a “true Center”. They have Guards and Tackles playing Center. That’s why this pick makes so much sense.
22. The DBs in Philly were showing their age at the end of last year. They were 31st in passing yards allowed, 30th in points allowed, and 25th in INTs.
23. IF the Vikings still have this pick after trading with the Giants, they need to replace Danielle Hunter. Latu is one of the best Edge players in the draft.
24. There are a lot of question marks on that Dallas OL. Graham Barton just looks like a Cowboy, doesn’t he? Go get ‘em, hoss!
25. The Packers had the second fewest INTs last season with seven. It’s between Nate Wiggins and Cooper DeJean here…
26. The Bucs starting CBs combined for…zero INTs last year. Cooper had three. Case closed.
27. Yes, Marvin Harrison Jr AND Adonai Mitchell. Do you want to know if Kyler Murray is really a bust (which he is)? Get him some weapons! How else are they going to keep up with Seattle, San Fran, and the Rams?
28. Leonard Floyd was the Bills leading “sacker” last year and now he’s in San Fran. Can you imagine Johhny Newton next to Ed Oliver? I can!
29. The Lions were 27th in passing yards allowed and have already started to revamp their CB room. You might as well ad some “blue raspberry” Kool-Aid!
30. Baltimore lost most of it’s O-line this offseason so the fact that OT Tyler Guyton is still there will be a blessing for Lamar and the King.
31. Defense wins championships, and the 49ers could have used a little more pressure on Mahomes. Less offensive holding not being called would help too, but then you have to buy refs instead.
32. Eventually the Chiefs are going to need offensive linemen that are actually good at something other than getting away with holding. Here’s a start.
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