2024 NFL Mock Draft: Offensive dominates first two rounds
Tue Apr 16 4:03pm ET
Field Level Media
1. Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The quarterback with the highest upside on the board, the Bears reset priorities to help the unique but talented Williams reach his Patrick Mahomes-like ceiling.
2. Washington Commanders
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
The Commanders secure the best QB available. Even without Williams' immense upside, Maye is comfortable in the pocket and capable in the "Air Raid" derivative scheme employed by new coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
3. New England Patriots
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
A trade wouldn't be a surprise here but predicting the priorities and appetite for risk from personnel boss Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo isn't easy. In the Heisman winner the Patriots would have a dual-threat quarterback with a quick trigger and the open-field skills that indicate his ceiling hasn't been touched.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Nothing to overthink here. Kyler Murray gets a pro-ready, top-tier receiver. This tandem in their physical prime could quickly rejuvenate the Cardinals' passing game.
5. Los Angeles Chargers
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Alt brings another sure thing to the edge in Jim Harbaugh's run-centric scheme that should make Justin Herbert a deadly force from the pocket.
6. New York Giants
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Plus size and athleticism with the ability to separate from man coverage and create after the catch. Odunze isn't a speedster but uses his body and reach to claim every jump ball.
7. Tennessee Titans
Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Fashanu is the most refined pass blocker in the class. Tennessee is trying to support their new potential franchise quarterback in Will Levis, and this is the first step.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
Plus athleticism will excite Raheem Morris as he brings his 3-4 scheme to the Falcons, who can't seem to find a consistent pass rush outside.
9. Chicago Bears
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
One of the youngest prospects in the draft, Nabers can ease into the offense as a second receiver behind DJ Moore and help redefine Monsters of the Midway.
10. New York Jets
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Drafting tight ends in the top 10 might be foolhardy, but the Jets are in win-now mode yet again. Bowers brings a gamebreaker approach to tight end that Aaron Rodgers can use to exploit defenses instantly.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
The Vikings prioritize length in their edge group and Verse has it in spades, combined with explosive athleticism and decent technical refinement. Verse should bring up the floor of a depleted defensive line and elevate Brian Flores to new heights as a defensive coordinator.
12. Denver Broncos
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Betting big on the underdog quarterback isn't a novel concept to Sean Payton, who tutored undrafted free agent Tony Romo in Dallas and pushed his chips to the middle of the table for Drew Brees coming off shoulder surgery. McCarthy isn't going to flinch under the taskmaster coaching of Payton but getting great results might mean surviving growing pains.
13. Las Vegas Raiders
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
With 4.4 speed and nearly unprecedented playmaking to get to balls in the air, Mitchell has a chance to rise to stardom early behind the Raiders' dominant pass rush.
14. New Orleans Saints
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Pass protection is a serious need in New Orleans with a pair of wobbly tackles. A franchise whose draft board rarely matches the masses targets Latham for his strength and the footwork to help preserve QB Derek Carr after a rough year running for cover in 2023.
15. Indianapolis Colts
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Colts would be intrigued by a move down with a handful of offensive linemen and wide receivers that fit the prototypes GM Chris Ballard prefers. The value of landing Arnold in this spot is too good to resist.
16. Seattle Seahawks
Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Versatile defensive linemen are like favorite songs for new coach Mike Macdonald -- he can't pick just one. A gap-shooting force with strength and agility, Newton brings valued versatility to the new-look Seahawks.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Losing Calvin Ridley leaves a mark, but Thomas will be cheaper and more than capable with impressive size, speed and agility.
18. Cincinnati Bengals
Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
Latu's technical refinement fits in a rotation with Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson but it might not be long before he becomes the marquee edge for the Bengals.
19. Los Angeles Rams
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
He's arguably a better long-term prospect than Joe Alt and JC Latham, but Fashanu isn't quite an out-of-the-box play at left tackle. He'll have a chance to nail down the job on a revamped offensive line that is suddenly a strength.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas
A ‘tweener who becomes a 3-4 defensive end in the Steelers' scheme, Murphy's burst and high motor make for the ideal match as Pittsburgh rebuilds the front seven.
21. Miami Dolphins
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Miami could go with an interior lineman or select Fuaga, a power blocker with tackle and guard potential, to fill the massive gap created by right guard Robert Hunt's exit for Carolina.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State
Significant changes came to the Eagles' defense after a late-season meltdown, and Robinson would help further refresh the pass rush alongside new addition Bryce Huff.
23. Minnesota Vikings
Darius Robinson, DT, Missouri
Robinson has great length, a stout frame and serious strength to further bolster Minnesota's defense.
24. Dallas Cowboys
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Value at offensive tackle is tempting in this spot, but Wiggins could be a top-10 level NFL cornerback and is the best player available. Paired with Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, Wiggins would give the Cowboys a top-tier CB crew.
25. Green Bay Packers
Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
There's just something about the Hawkeyes that appeals to Green Bay decision-makers who add the versatile DeJean as a peer to 2023 first-rounder via Iowa, outside linebacker Lukas Van Ness.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Raw as a junior with only eight career starts, Mims has blackout-the-sun size at 6-8, 335 pounds and can break in at right tackle.
27. Arizona Cardinals
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Signing Sean Murphy-Bunting is a solid start, but the Cardinals can't pass on Kool-Aid at the end of the first round. Can play man or zone and isn't afraid to step to the best receivers in the game.
28. Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Coleman would be miscast as a No. 1 receiver or replacement for Stefon Diggs. But the Bills are setting up their offense to emphasize their talent at tight end, and can utilize the tall and reliable Coleman in downfield and contested catch spots.
29. Detroit Lions
Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri
Willing in any role the Lions might choose, Rakestraw doesn't mind brawling with a competitive grade the Lions embrace.
30. Baltimore Ravens
Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Fautanu has tackle and guard flexibility and can pave wide paths in the running game.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Graham Barton, C, Duke
Capable at center or guard, Barton also has experience at left tackle. He's been on the maybe list of at least five teams before getting to this point, and GM John Lynch shouldn't think twice.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Patrick Mahomes gets another big-play toy in Worthy, who ran the fastest 40 ever at the combine (4.21 seconds) right after receiving a motivating text from the KC quarterback.
Second round
33. Carolina Panthers
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
34. New England Patriots
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
35. Arizona Cardinals
T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
36. Washington Commanders
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
37. Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
38. Tennessee Titans
Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
39. Carolina Panthers
Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, W. Michigan
40. Washington Commanders
Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
41. Green Bay
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
42. Houston Texans
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
43. Atlanta Falcons
Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
44. Las Vegas Raiders
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
45. New Orleans Saints
Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
46. Indianapolis Colts
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
47. New York Giants
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
48. Jacksonville Jaguars
Zach Frazier, OL, West Virginia
49. Cincinnati Bengals
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
50. Philadelphia Eagles
Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon
51. Pittsburgh Steelers
Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
52. Los Angeles Rams
Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
53. Philadelphia Eagles
Javon Bullard, S, Georgia
54. Cleveland Browns
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
55. Miami Dolphins
Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
56. Dallas Cowboys
Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
58. Green Bay Packers
Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
59. Houston Texans
Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
60. Buffalo Bills
Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama
61. Detroit Lions
Christian Haynes, OG, Connecticut
62. Baltimore Ravens
Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
63. San Francisco
Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
64. Kansas City Chiefs
Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
- Caleb Williams' OROY odds strengthen, Michael Penix's plummet
- Bills picking up option on DE Greg Rousseau
- Patriots sign DT Christian Barmore to $92M extension
- Broncos acquire DE John Franklin-Myers from Jets
- Boomer Esiason, Phil Simms sacked at 'NFL Today'
- WR Jarvis Landry attempts NFL return in Jacksonville
- Cowboys bring back RB Ezekiel Elliott
- Texans WR Tank Dell wounded in shooting, out of hospital
- Commanders sign former Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman
- Eagles giving former 1st-round WR John Ross tryout
- Bills sign reinstated WR Quintez Cephus
- Jags picking up options for Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne
- Top 10 prospects eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft
- Eagles go trade wild, make nine deals during draft
- NFL draft: Broncos trade up in fourth round, pick Oregon WR Troy Franklin
- Jerry Jones, Cowboys 'keenly interested' in Ezekiel Elliott
- Chargers to pick up fifth-year option of LT Rashawn Slater
- Bills, Chargers pick receivers to open Round 2 of draft
- Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. confident, eager to start career
- Chiefs: Speedster WR worthy of early draft pick
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Rookie QB Landing Spots
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Rookie Mock Draft
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Draft Winners and Losers
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Depth Charts
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Running Back Depth Charts
The Paur Report
Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed running back Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year deal. Dynasty Analysis: Elliott spent his first seven seasons with the Cowboys before a rather unimpressive 2023 campaign with New England. He'll likely compete with Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman to form some kind of committee that could be effective in reality but a mess in fantasy. Elliott simply isn't the same player he once was and while this move makes him roster-worthy again, expectations should be realistic.
The Dallas Cowboys are bringing back former Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. This has been a developing story in recent weeks, and after Dallas did not pick a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft, their former first-round pick is back with America's Team. In seven seasons with Dallas, Elliott rushed 1,881 times for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns. The team let him walk last offseason and elevated Tony Pollard to the RB1 role, but Pollard was underwhelming and left for the Tennessee Titans during free agency this year. Although Zeke averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry last season, he could have RB2 value back in Dallas in one of the best offenses in the NFL. Assuming the Cowboys don't add more legitimate competition to the backfield, he should start, and Rico Dowdle should be viewed as a high-end fantasy handcuff in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Buffalo Bills have signed UDFA running back Frank Gore Jr. Dynasty Analysis: Gore fell out of the 2024 NFL Draft but landed on his feet with the Buffalo Bills quickly after. He'll likely compete with Ty Johnson, Darrynton Evans and a few other runners for a spot behind James Cook and presumptive RB2 Ray Davis. Still, the draft capitlal just isn't there to keep him as anything more than a watch list candidate at the moment.
Dynasty | Adding speed on the perimeter with the addition of WR Tez Walker should soften coverage for Flowers. Dynasty Analysis: On paper, Rashod Bateman is the winner of the Baltimore Ravens' draft as they still haven't searched for his replacement. But the bigger development is the field-stretching abilities of fourth round pick Tez Walker, which would give everyone in the offense some additional breathing room. Top wide receiver Zay Flowers gets the largest increase in high quality targets, which could elevate him from his WR21 DLF ranking into the high end WR2 range... if all goes to plan.
Free-agent WR Jarvis Landry (Browns) is expected to work out at the Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie camp.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent RB Ezekiel Elliott (Patriots) agreed to a undisclosed deal with the Dallas Cowboys Monday, April 29.
Fantasy Spin: Zeke figures to get short-yardage and goal line work, pegging him as an RB3 in fantasy.
From TheHuddle
Dynasty | Johnny Wilson was drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles Dynasty Analysis: Wilson fell all the way down to the sixth round before being taken by the Eagles as the 27th receiver overall. It was a pretty disappointing result for Wilson, whose NFL Draft Combine performance proved to be disastrous. It's hard to say what his future will be but a move to tight end may be best for his career. Regardless, Wilson looks like a late-round dart throw who at least landed on a team known for being creative with players.
Dynasty | The Los Angeles Chargers drafted USC wide receiver Brenden Rice in the 7th round of the 2024 NFL Draft Dynasty Analysis: Rice dropped all the way down to the seventh round before being taken by the Los Angeles Chargers. It was a tough turn of events as he'll have an uphill climb for a roster spot. He's easy to root for as the son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice but it's hard to see him making an impact in the NFL any time soon. Rice is a watch list candidate or late round dart throw in rookie drafts at the moment.
Dynasty | The Tennessee Titans signed undrafted Washington running back Dillon Johnson. Dynasty Analysis: The questions regarding Johnson's speed and athletic profile proved to be too significant for him to be drafted. Instead, he signed a free agent deal with the Tennessee Titans and will attempt the make the roster as a UDFA. Johnson likely chose a solid spot to attempt just that as the Titans aren't exactly stacked at running back. Still, the fact he dropped all the way out of the draft leaves him as a player to simply keep on watch lists.
Dynasty | The New England Patriots drafted Florida State tight end Jaheim Bell in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Bell was drafted by the Patriots all the way down in the seventh round. He was likely knocked by most scouts because of his size, so he'll need to prove he has the physicality to make it. Unfortunately, the odds are long for Bell as a late round pick so he'll need to make a splash quickly. Keep an eye on him this off-season.
Dynasty | The Green Bay Packers drafted Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt. Dynasty Analysis: Pratt was a hot name going into the draft but fell all the way down to final round before being taken by the Packers. WIth Jordan Love established as the starter, Pratt could challenge for the backup spot eventually. However, the drop in the 2024 NFL Draft leaves him as a little more than a late round flier or player to watch this Spring and Summer.
Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was treated and released with a minor gunshot wound Sunday. Dynasty Analysis: Dynasty managers likely lost their minds when they saw headlines today that said, "Tank Dell has been shot." In the end, Dell was one of up to ten people who were wounded after gunshots were fired at a social gathering. It's a scary situation but one that looks to be free of anything worse. Dell is on his way back from a nasty leg injury from last year and remains a high upside player - this certainly won't change that.
The Washington Commanders have signed undrafted running back MIchael Wiley. The Arizona product has put together a fairly strong college career. He has nearly 3,000 yards from scrimmage and 28 touchdowns during his time at Arizona. He's not exactly a workhorse back with only one season with 100-plus rushing attempts. Despite that, Wiley can still make an impact at the pro level. He'll have an uphill battle during camp, but the Commanders don't have many of reliable backs.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders have signed quarterback Sam Hartman on Sunday. The Notre Dame signal-caller went undrafted during this weekend's NFL draft. There were rumors of Hartman going to the Chicago Bears, but instead Hartman will head to Washington. The six-year prospect finished his college career with Notre Dame after playing mostly at Wake Forest. Hartman threw for 2,689 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions during his last year in college. He should get a legitimate chance to compete for the backup gig with veteran Marcus Mariota in camp. It seems likely that Jaylen Daniels has the starting quarterback gig locked up heading into camp.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (leg) suffered a gunshot wound on Sunday morning after a 16-year-old suspect opened fire during a physical altercation at a private event in Sanford, Florida. Dell, who was at the event but not involved, suffered a "minor wound," with the team reporting the wideout is in "good spirits" and has been released from the hospital. Others were injured during the incident. Fortunately, no one suffered life-threatening injuries. As far as the gunman, he was arrested and charged with several crimes, including attempted homicide, before being transported to a juvenile detention facility. The 24-year-old is currently working his way back from a broken leg suffered at the end of last season and should remain on schedule to return for the 2024-25 campaign, barring any setbacks related to the incident.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants TE Theo Johnson was drafted with Darren Waller's potential retirement in mind, according to general manager Joe Schoen on Saturday, April 27. 'We had to take that into account for sure,' Schoen said.
Fantasy Spin: Waller has been largely frustrating for fantasy due to constant injuries. His future in the NFL is still unclear. Johnson is an intriguing flier for dynasty purposes, but it may be a while before he carves out a role big enough to be usable for fantasy managers.
From TheHuddle
Despite taking quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick in this year's NFL draft on Thursday night, the New England Patriots selected Tennessee QB Joe Milton III in the sixth round on Saturday at pick No. 193. The 6-foot-5, 246-pounder said all of his talks with the Patriots have been about playing quarterback, even though some draft analysts have wondered if teams would consider making him a tight end because of his size. "That will never happen," Milton said. The Pats now have five QBs on their roster, led by veteran Jacoby Brissett. After Brissett and Maye, they have Bailey Zappe, Nathan Rourke and Milton. It's the second time in Patriots history that they took two QBs in a draft, with the other coming in 1983 when they took both Tony Eason and Tom Ramsey. They were also the fourth team since 2000 to take a QB after also taking one in the first round.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR John Ross (Chiefs) will participate in the Philadelphia Eagles rookie minicamp, according to sources Sunday, April 28.
From TheHuddle
Despite taking a brief pause in contract negotiations during NFL draft weekend, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the team and wide receiver Justin Jefferson continue to make progress. "We continue to have great dialogue with their representatives," Adofo-Mensah said. "The process is still ongoing. We did say, 'Hey, [let's pause] a couple days.' The draft's coming. They have players they represent. We have our process." The two sides have been discussing a new deal for more than a year, with the GM saying previously they got "unbelievably close" to a deal last summer. Despite going on Injured Reserve in 2023 with a hamstring injury, Jefferson still went over 1,000 yards receiving and scored five touchdowns. Sooner than later, he's going to become the league's highest-paid wideout.
From RotoBaller
Despite the Atlanta Falcons shockingly taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night, veteran QB Kirk Cousins' position as the team's starting signal-caller of the foreseeable future has not changed, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Minnesota signed Cousins to a four-year deal worth up to $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed, in free agency in March. Morris said Cousins doesn't have to look over his shoulder, and that there is no QB controversy at all. Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, said there was frustration and confusion coming from his camp because the team didn't use their first-round pick to improve the team in 2024. Cousins will be Atlanta's starter in 2024, but perhaps the Falcons are just giving themselves some extra insurance with Cousins coming off an Achilles tear.
From RotoBaller
