After an interesting week of Scouting Combine testing and interviewing for top prospects, many have solidified their stock, while others might fall out of the first round. Without further a due, let’s jump right into my 3.0 post-combine mock.
2024 Mock Draft 3.0
1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina)
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Nothing new here. Based on recent news, Justin Fields should be traded soon after free agency’s top quarterbacks have been signed.
2. Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
After positive meetings with teams around the league, the new buzz is that Daniels could likely surpass Drake Maye as the No. 2 quarterback in the class. Daniels has all the athletic ability that Maye doesn’t have and can throw just as well.
3. New England Patriots
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Although his stock may be trending slightly downward, Maye still has all the tools needed to be a productive NFL quarterback. The jury is still out on whether he has elite potential, but with the lack of free-agent quarterbacks, selecting Maye for the future makes all the sense in the world.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
With quarterbacks flying off the board early, we’re back to what’s been the most popular pick for Arizona. They may be tempted with trade offers, but getting Kyler Murray’s WR1 for the next decade is invaluable.
5. Los Angeles Chargers
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Even with elite offensive playmakers still on the board, the Chargers opt for securing the right tackle spot to keep Justin Herbert upright. He’s been injured far too often and with Alt, the nearly 6’9, 321-pounder with 34-inch arms, nearly all opposing rushers will be kept at a distance.
6. New York Giants
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
With the top tackle off the board, Joe Schoen’s attention turns to acquiring an elite playmaker in Malik Nabers. The LSU product is a big play waiting to happen with understanding how to control his body in his sharp route running.
7. Tennessee Titans
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
With the top two receivers off the board, Odunze falls to Tennessee where his high-point talents will be paramount to the development of Will Levis. Outside of DeAndre Hopkins, who is not guaranteed to be on the roster come week one, there’s not much to work with.
8. Atlanta Falcons
JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
There may not be a bigger Combine winner than JJ McCarthy. Teams came away from interviews impressed with his game IQ. While he had a couple of bad throws in the drills, he connected on some picture-perfect deep balls. He may not start immediately, but NFL circles are confident that he can become a quality starter.
9. Chicago Bears
Dallas Turner, DE, Alabama
Unfortunately, Chicago has missed the top three receivers. On the bright side, Dallas Turner is still on the board. A dominant combine performance including an electric 4.47 40-yard dash time has solidified Turner as the draft’s best defensive player. Turner and Montez Sweat will terrorize NFC North quarterbacks for years to come.
10. New York Jets
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
While the tight end is considered a luxury pick, Bowers could be integral to the potential success of the 2024 Jets’ offense. Outside of Garrett Wilson, Rodgers’ next top target is Allen Lazard. Quality pass catchers are extremely important in the modern NFL and with an elite one still on the board, the Jets pass on an offensive tackle.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
With the possibility of Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, and D.J. Wonnum not being on the roster come April, the Vikings do what they must here. Selecting Latu is one of the safest picks in the draft as he figures to be an excellent edge-setter from day one.
12. Denver Broncos
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
On the surface, cornerback may not look to be a huge level of need, but Denver desperately needs a running mate for Patrick Surtain II. Their cornerback room has been severely depleted over the last couple of years, forcing them to rely on Fabian Moreau. In Arnold, Denver gets a day-one starter with great physicality and explosive athleticism.
13. Las Vegas Raiders
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
With Jermaine Eluemunor set to hit the market, the Raiders need offensive line help in the worst way. JC Latham’s immense size and lateral agility make him a prime candidate for this selection. He can step in at right tackle from the start and protect whoever the starter may be.
14. New Orleans Saints
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
I see no reason to change this selection from my 2.0 mock. Though he had a couple of drops, Thomas Jr. increased his stock by running a blazing 4.33 40. Selecting the high catch-radius Thomas helps them get the most out of Derek Carr.
15. Indianapolis Colts
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
There won’t be a change here either. After another dominant pre-draft showing, Mitchell has his name written in stone for the CB2 spot. A sub-4.4 40 and an impressive bout on the bench press could even have Mitchell selected above Terrion Arnold. Indianapolis gets their CB1 here.
16. Seattle Seahawks
Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon
In just a couple of years, the Seahawks have found their starting tackles for the future in Abraham Lucas and Charles Cross. The same cannot be said for any of their current starters on the interior. Powers-Johnson instantly upgrades the unit and can play any position on the inside.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
As was noted during this past year’s regular season, the Jaguars have a major pass rush issue outside of Josh Allen. Even though Travon Walker notched 10 sacks last year, he has not lived up to No. 1 overall pick expectations as seen in his low pass rush win rate. They currently don’t have any quality rotational guys which is where Verse could be instant help.
18. Cincinnati Bengals
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
This mock favors Cincinnati, with many of the top tackle talents falling. Here, they choose Taliese Fuaga to replace Jonah Williams on the right side. Fuaga brings a mauler mentality that will instantly help in the run game. With his size and skill, he’ll be able to develop into a quality pass protector as well.
19. Los Angeles Rams
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Due to a decline based on play from 2022, Fashanu becomes the fourth tackle taken in this mock. Fashanu has great assets as a blocker showcased by his size and pass blocking technique. He struggles in the run game but with McVay’s genius offensive scheme, that likely won’t be an issue. Fashanu would be a clear upgrade at left tackle.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
The Steelers end Nix’s fall here. They’ve made it clear they at the very least, intend to bring in competition for Kenny Pickett. Many in league circles were concerned with Pickett’s low ceiling and it showed in 2023. When he wasn’t injured, Pickett managed to throw only six touchdowns in the 12 games he started. Nix is likely the second most pro-ready quarterback in the draft and could already be better than Pickett.
21. Miami Dolphins
Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
No change here. It’s been confirmed that Miami won’t tag star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. It’s unclear whether they intend to resign him once negotiations open, but they’ll have plenty of competition for him. Murphy II has elite athletic skills at the defensive tackle position and has plenty of pass-rush moves, as shown in his 40 total pressures.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Troy Fautanu, OT/IOL, Washington
Jason Kelce’s retirement leaves a massive hole in the middle of Philadelphia’s offensive line. Guard Cam Jurgens has been groomed to eventually take over at center, his natural position at Nebraska. This leaves a perfect opportunity for the Fautanu to slide inside to the right guard, where his use of leverage and arm length will be on display.
23. Houston Texans (via CLE)
Kool-Aid McKinistry, CB, Alabama
With the top interior defensive lineman off the board, Nick Caserio instead opts to upgrade the cornerback position. Houston’s CB2, Steven Nelson, didn’t play badly in 2022 but they could upgrade at that position. McKinstry is physical, smart, and a great fit in DeMeco Ryan’s zone-heavy defense.
24. Dallas Cowboys
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Everyone knew that Amarius Mims was going to be a riser in the combine. All he needed to do was show up and measure up. He did even more than that. He ran a 5.07 40-yard dash at 6’8 and 340 pounds. Although he doesn’t have a ton of starting experience, he projects to be an above-average tackle at the NFL level. With expected holes at left and right tackle, Mims can help stop the bleeding.
25. Green Bay Packers
Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
No change made here. Not only do the Green Bay Packers covet Iowa’s defensive players, but they have a ton of holes in their secondary. Green Bay has question marks at CB2, slot, free, and strong safety. With DeJean’s elite instincts, he can be a stopgap at any secondary position the Packers play him at.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State
With Mike Evans resigned, the Buccaneers can now focus on other areas like pass rusher. With Shaquille Barrett released, there’s a hole at strong-side linebacker. While Robinson is raw, he has the elite athletic ability to develop into a dominant speed rusher. His 4.49 40-yard dash will make it difficult for teams in this range to pass him up.
27. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) Trade w/ Minnesota Vikings
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
At 27, the Cardinals decide to trade their extra first-round pick for future draft assets. With the last of the second-tier quarterbacks still on the board, the Vikings make their move. Kirk Cousins is rumored to be moving on and the Vikings don’t have a suitable replacement. Penix Jr. has a strong arm most suitable for throwing to downfield receivers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He passed all medical tests at the combine, clearing him to be a first-round pick.
28. Buffalo Bills
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Buffalo needed receivers in 2023 with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis on the team. With Diggs a year older and Davis set to test the market, the Bills land Mitchell. His impressive footwork helps Mitchell create separation and can maintain it, as shown in his 4.34 40. Off the rip, Mitchell can be a productive No. 2 next to Diggs.
29. Detroit Lions
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Wiggins’ fall ends here at 29. He has the makings of a good corner prospect; height, arm length, and speed (4.28 40 at the combine). There are little things though that knock him down, like how he struggles to change direction in a short area or his thin frame. Still, with the proper coaching Wiggins can develop into one of the better corners on the team. If taken here, he’d likely compete with Jerry Jacobs for the CB2 spot.
30. Baltimore Ravens
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
With Odell Beckham Jr. unlikely to come back, the Ravens will again need a receiver. Rashod Bateman is nearing bust territory and Zay Flowers can’t do everything by himself. Here, McConkey reunites with former Georgia Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken. McConkey has incredible short-area quickness and has a route-running polish that is not often found in this range. He could easily become Lamar Jackson’s top target 5-10 yards from the line of scrimmage.
31. San Fransisco 49ers
Graham Barton, OT/IOL, Duke
Regardless of where Barton lines up, he’s made sure his signal-caller is well protected. He’s played tackle, guard, and center in his years with the Blue Devils. The 49ers could use an upgrade at center, right guard, or right tackle. His power and versatility will make him a valuable asset in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Even with Chris Jones rumored to be coming back, the Chiefs could use depth at the defensive tackle position. Jones is currently the only sufficient interior pass rusher on the roster. With Newton’s quick burst and ability to use his leverage, he could contribute immediately as a rotational guy. It’s unlikely Jones stays in Kansas City for more than two years, making Newton an excellent candidate to develop under the future Hall of Famer.
Main Image: SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
