As March Madness again leaks into April, the sporting world's spotlight remains on the hardcourt. But the mystery of the NFL draft is only growing more compelling with less than a month remaining, and soon the event will produce its own signature frenzy.
Arguably this year's biggest point of interest is which – if any – teams will try to trade into the top five picks in a play for one of the class' prized quarterbacks. The Minnesota Vikings have widely been suspected to be one of the leading candidates to make a drastic move, as the franchise has two first-rounders at its disposal and little certainty behind center. But what if another team hops up for a signal-caller, sending ripples throughout the rest of Day 1?
That's the scenario explored in USA TODAY Sports' latest 2024 NFL mock draft, which features one significant projected trade:
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers) – Caleb Williams, QB, USC
What's left to say about an outcome that has never been in serious doubt since the Bears secured this slot? Let's focus instead on Chicago's overall approach. Williams will step into an offensive outlook far more promising than the one awaiting other potential rookie signal-callers in Washington and New England, as the Bears' receivers and offensive line look capable of holding their own while a first-year passer finds his way. General manager Ryan Poles recently pushed back against ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III's remarks about the franchise's history of developing quarterbacks, saying "we were hired to break a cycle." Far too early to say whether he will succeed, but the setup for Year 3 has been impressive.
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2. Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Could J.J. McCarthy end up as high as No. 2 to Washington? It's a fun hypothetical, but it still sounds too far-fetched. For now, Daniels makes plenty of sense as the centerpiece for Washington's reboot under Dan Quinn and Adam Peters, as he can alternate between a poised distributor from the pocket and an electric threat as a runner.
3. New England Patriots – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Yes, Robert Kraft undoubtedly wants a quick return back into postseason contention. But new coach Jerod Mayo and director of scouting Eliot Wolf seem to be employing a much more patient approach in initiating the Patriots' turnaround. Keeping that focus on the long view could point them toward Maye, a puzzling prospect whose dazzling highlights are occasionally offset by repeated lapses with ball placement and reading the field. With the proper development plan, however, the 6-4, 223-pounder could pay major dividends.
4. Denver Broncos (proposed trade with Arizona Cardinals) – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Sean Payton said it was "realistic" to envision the Broncos trading up for a quarterback, but it would still be a somewhat of a stunner to see the team pull off the move by turning over what would surely be a pricey pick package – especially for a team without a second-round selection this year. Still, the prospect of simply taking what comes to them at No. 12 or beyond might be too difficult for Payton and general manager George Paton to endure. Getting to No. 4 ensures them a shot at one of the top signal-callers, and McCarthy would represent a significant swing for a franchise that will struggle to be competitive in 2024 unless it makes a bold move.
5. Los Angeles Chargers – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Harrison lasting all the way to No. 5 once seemed unfathomable, but the chase for quarterbacks could leave the Bolts in an enviable spot. An offensive tackle can't be ruled out here given Jim Harbaugh's vow to deploy a strong running game. But Justin Herbert and Harrison would form a downfield connection that could rank as one of the league's scariest not long into the receiver's pro career.
6. New York Giants – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The pre-draft drum beat for Nabers has been getting louder, with many suggesting he could leapfrog Harrison as the first receiver chosen. Regardless of where he goes, the LSU product looks to be the premier run-after-catch threat in this year's class. Nabers' ability to instantly unlock a big-play element in this offense should be a significant selling point for the Giants, who have to field legitimate threats for Daniel Jones if they're not going to use their top pick to bring aboard his successor.
7. Tennessee Titans – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
No team will be cheering on a run on quarterbacks and receivers quite like the Titans, who are in need of an answer at offensive tackle to round out an active offseason. Though he's not as outright dominant as other left tackles taken in the top 10 in recent years, Alt will be prized by Tennessee so long as he can make life easier for Will Levis and keep edge rushers at bay.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
No matter how many mock drafts one sifts through, this pairing is hard to shake. While Jared Verse or Laiatu Latu might be more suited to make pass-rushing contributions as rookies for a franchise that looks intent on making an immediate playoff push under Kirk Cousins, there's no question of the value that the electric Turner could provide by jolting a languishing pass rush.
9. Bears – Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
Many have long assumed that the Bears would use this selection on a pass catcher in a bid to further improve the supporting cast for Williams. But what if Poles gravitates toward making a significant upgrade to a pass rush that ranked 31st in sacks (30) even after the addition of Pro Bowler Montez Sweat? Verse's hard-charging style would make him a fast favorite of Matt Eberflus, and he's the kind of piece capable of helping this defense continue the ascension that began late last year.
10. New York Jets – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Mike Williams certainly gives Gang Green a high-upside target to pair with Garrett Wilson ... if he can return to form after his recovery from a torn ACL and remain healthy throughout 2024. Odunze would be far more than a mere hedge against injury, as the well-rounded Washington receiver has the traits to be the rare rookie capable of earning Aaron Rodgers' trust thanks to his knack for bringing down nearly any pass thrown in his airspace.
11. Minnesota Vikings – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
This surely isn't what Vikings fans have in mind when mulling all the possibilities for their future at quarterback – and perhaps this move would go over better if Nix or Washington's Michael Penix Jr. were the pick at No. 23. But if Minnesota is unable to engineer a trade into the top five, it might need to pounce here or else risk losing out on another one of its preferred options behind center. Nix's extensive experience and command both before and after the snap would come in handy for a Vikings team looking to remain competitive as it undergoes a seismic shift.
12. Cardinals (proposed trade with Broncos) – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Looking beyond the available pass catchers after moving back might be difficult for Arizona given the state of the team's receiving corps, but a franchise this bereft of top-tier talent needs to maximize whatever value it can find at premium positions. Adept at both denying big plays and sparking them himself via takeaways, Mitchell sizes up as exactly the kind of cornerback Jonathan Gannon would covet.
13. Las Vegas Raiders – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
With the defensive line poised to create consistent havoc after the signing of Christian Wilkins, can the back end of the Raiders' defense hold up to put this unit over the top? An outstanding athlete who can close in on the ball in a hurry, Arnold feels like a throwback Raiders pick who nevertheless will help Antonio Pierce usher in a new era.
14. New Orleans Saints – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
There's not much of a point in doubling down on Derek Carr and Co. without enhancing the resources up front, as there are serious concerns at both tackle spots. While Fashanu is somewhat of a work in progress, he's still more polished and promising than struggling left tackle Trevor Penning was as a first-rounder in 2022.
15. Indianapolis Colts – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
With Kyle Granson, Mo Alie-Cox and Jelani Woods all in the fold, Indianapolis has enough to get by at tight end. But simply scraping along shouldn't be the way for a unit that revolves around dynamic second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, and Bowers would be a significant difference-maker who should quickly take on a role as high-volume short-area target in this offense.
16. Seattle Seahawks – Troy Fautanu, OT/G, Washington
New coach Mike Macdonald called the offensive line a "work in progress," and general manager John Schneider said the team would look at some free-agent options to fortify its front. The most promising long-term solution on the interior, however, might be plugging in Fautanu, a left tackle at Washington who has the physical tools and familiarity with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb's system to make a smooth transition to guard.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Can Trent Baalke and Doug Pederson really feel comfortable in the receiving corps they're saddling Trevor Lawrence with after bringing on Gabe Davis but losing out on Calvin Ridley? While Thomas likely duplicates much of what Davis does as a downfield threat, he has higher upside and should draw Baalke's attention as one of the most physically imposing prospects at his position.
18. Cincinnati Bengals – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Even after picking up Trent Brown, the Bengals have to be mindful about continuing to build out a protection plan for Joe Burrow – especially if someone like Fuaga is available. The 6-6, 324-pound bulldozer boasts a build and playing style suited perfectly for Cincinnati, as he could be a fixture at right tackle or kick inside to alleviate any concerns about his ability to handle the speediest pro edge rushers.
19. Los Angeles Rams – Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
This is a highly unfair situation for an undersized defensive tackle to step into, as no one should carry the burden of being expected to replace Aaron Donald. Still, there's plenty to like about what the massively disruptive Murphy could bring to a front that will be facing a new world with its longtime catalyst now retired.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Sure, center and wide receiver are also pressing areas of concern that should be addressed early in the draft. But selecting Latham would allow Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin to expedite the process of moving 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones over to left tackle – and the 6-6, 342-pound Crimson Tide product just seems like a Steelers lineman to his core.
21. Miami Dolphins – Graham Barton, G/C, Duke
To some, a modestly built blocker who likely will be bumped inside at the next level might appear to be a reach here. Don't be surprised if Barton is taken ahead of some of his towering peers, though, as several teams – including Miami, which could face trouble on the interior without proper reinforcements – surely will be captivated by his polished play.
22. Philadelphia Eagles – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
The reshuffling of Philadelphia's pass rush only amplifies the scrutiny on an aging secondary. Boasting elite recovery speed (4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and an overall smoothness in most phases of coverage, Wiggins could take over for either James Bradberry or Darius Slay once he proves he can be physical enough to hold up against NFL receivers.
23. Vikings (from Cleveland Browns via Houston Texans) – Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
If this selection doesn't factor into Minnesota's quarterback plan, the Vikings' decision to trade into the spot will draw plenty of scorn. But with an incoming rookie signal-caller already selected, DeJean is an intriguing option as a versatile chess piece in coverage. And Brian Flores would no doubt be intrigued with the possibilities he can offer as a blitzer.
24. Dallas Cowboys – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Even after attempting to explain himself, Jerry Jones might rue that "all in" remark after an offseason that has featured plenty of attrition from The Star. But just imagine the reaction if Jones calles on a 6-8, 322-pound former H-back still finding his way as a blocker to safeguard Dak Prescott and serve as the potential successor to eight-time Pro Bowl selection Tyron Smith at left tackle.
25. Green Bay Packers – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
If Green Bay wants to go big this offseason, bringing on the 6-8, 340-pound Mims would certainly make a statement. Entrusting Jordan Love's blind side to a player who has only made eight career starts might be quite the leap for Brian Gutekunst, but the potential payoff is tantalizing for an offense that has so many promising young pieces.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Offensive tackles Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke set the tone for a season in which Tampa Bay defied expectations, but the play of the interior line proved problematic, particularly for a rushing attack that posted a league-low 3.4 yards per carry. Powers-Johnson should change that outlook quickly with his rugged approach.
27. Cardinals (from Texans) – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Fortunate break here for the Cardinals, who secure their long-awaited X receiver. At 6-2 and 205 pounds with 4.34-second speed in the 40-yard dash and impressive fluidity for a player of his build, Mitchell could become Kyler Murray's go-to target if he adds a little more consistency and polish to his approach.
28. Buffalo Bills – Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
After Wednesday's seismic trade sending Stefon Diggs to the Texans, the Bills are sorely in need of a top target for Josh Allen. A trade up – perhaps to the teens – to secure either Thomas or Mitchell might be the optimal route. If Buffalo stays put, however, McConkey would give the team a high-volume target who can consistently work himself in the intermediate area.
29. Detroit Lions – Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
A prove-it deal for Marcus Davenport shouldn't truly alter the outlook along the Lions' defensive line, where rising star Aidan Hutchinson needs a proper running mate. With a game much more advanced than what one would find from any of his peers, Latu boasts a skill set and consistency that should help him win over Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell if he slides.
30. Baltimore Ravens – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Always one to keep his eye on value rather than just positional need, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta might be somewhat boxed in this year by several of his team's losses in free agency – particularly along the offensive line, which bid farewell to both starting offensive guards as well as right tackle Morgan Moses. Morgan could be a plug-and-play option at any of the vacant spots while still potentially replacing left tackle Ronnie Stanley in the long term.
31. San Francisco 49ers – Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State
The addition of Leonard Floyd, among others, helped the 49ers recalibrate a pass rush that looked due for an adjustment after the Super Bowl, but it still would be wise to invest in a promising rookie. Robinson more than qualifies as just that, with San Francisco serving as a nearly ideal setting for him to hone his skills.
32. Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
Amid all the speculation about the ways the Chiefs could use a premium pick to continue remaking their receiving corps, left tackle still stands out as a key spot without a clear resolution for the defending champs. Though Paul is a project, but molding a 6-8, 331-pounder with fleet feet and upper-echelon potential as a pass protector is the kind of task most offensive line coaches would relish.
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