Joe DeLeone's 2024 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
The NFL regular season is behind us, now starting the clock for many teams to begin their rebuilds toward competitiveness in 2024. For this mock draft, I’ve included two massive trades that shake up the top 10: Washington swapping with Chicago, and Atlanta trading with Arizona. As of right now the temperature in Chicago feels as if they’re going to ride with Justin Fields. With that in mind, let’s dive in on what the 2024 NFL Draft could look like if that happens.
1. TRADE: Washington Commanders (Prev CHI) | Caleb Williams, QB USC
Justin Fields’ future remains in flux this offseason, so let’s project what could happen if the Commanders traded up one spot to take their new QB. Sam Howell showed so much promise this season but significantly regressed in the final weeks. Washington can now draft a quarterback who has pride for his hometown region to lead the future of the franchise.
2. TRADE: Chicago Bears (Prev WSH) | Marvin Harrison Jr, WR Ohio State
If the Bears aim to keep Justin Fields, finding him more weapons is a must. Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the most talented receiver prospects in the past 10 years and can be an immediate 1,000-yard target as a rookie. The Ohio State to Ohio State connection can be fruitful for years to come.
3. New England Patriots | Drake Maye, QB UNC
A complete reset is needed for the Patriots to return to their Super Bowl-winning glory, and selecting a very talented and toolsy QB is where they can lay the foundation. Maye has tremendous ball velocity and play-making ability that will raise the floor of a nonexistent offense.
4. TRADE: Atlanta Falcons (Prev ARI) | Jayden Daniels, QB LSU
Can the Falcons finally get their guy to replace Matt Ryan? To leave no doubt, I’m projecting the Falcons trading up with the Cardinals to land the Heisman Trophy winner, Jayden Daniels. Daniels will have so many weapons to work with as a rookie and can help return Atlanta to NFC South dominance.
5. Los Angeles Chargers | Brock Bowers, TE Georgia
The Chargers' tumble at the end of the season placed them in an awkward position to remedy some of their defensive weaknesses. Picking in the top 5 does set them up to round out their offense with one of the most gifted tight-end prospects ever in Brock Bowers. Bowers has elite speed, strong route running, and sure hands to become Justin Herbert’s best friend.
6. New York Giants | Malik Nabers, WR LSU
If the Giants don’t take this opportunity to draft a franchise-changing receiver after years of offensive ineptitude, then I will be extremely disappointed. Daniel Jones has desperately needed a receiver of impact, and Malik Nabers can be that guy. The LSU star can stretch the field, fool defenders with his route running, and shake opponents after the catch.
7. Tennessee Titans | Joe Alt, OT Notre Dame
Young quarterbacks improve when they’re better protected. Since Taylor Lewan retired, their offensive line has rapidly regressed. Joe Alt is a massive offensive tackle who will bolster the group alongside last year’s first-rounder Peter Skoronski.
8. TRADE: Arizona Cardinals (Prev ATL) | Keon Coleman, WR FSU
Kyler Murray returned to the field for the Cardinals and reminded us of why he was the first overall pick a few years ago. As most of the roster has been turned over, the Cardinals have lacked a go-to option for Murray to connect with. Keon Coleman’s frame and body control make him a jump ball dominator who will be a consistent target for Murray.
9. Chicago Bears | Nate Wiggins, CB Clemson
Chicago’s efforts to build a young, talented roster can continue with the best cornerback in the draft in Nate Wiggins. Wiggins has elite length and fluidity to be a sticky number-one corner in the NFL.
10. New York Jets | Taliese Fuaga, OT Oregon State
What was once a bright future for the Jets has become a tense situation. The clock is ticking for Aaron Rodgers and Robert Saleh to win out of the gate in 2024. With significant investment in their defense, it’s now time to boost their offensive line by adding the mauling Taliese Fuaga to play the opposite of Mekhi Becton.
11. Minnesota Vikings | Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB Alabama
The Vikings' defense has slowly aged over the past five years, and they’ve yet to find a true elite outside cornerback to lead their secondary. Kool-Aid McKinstry has been the epitome of consistency for Alabama and will be an early-impact rookie for Minnesota.
12. Denver Broncos | Brian Thomas Jr., WR LSU
There’s a plethora of question marks surrounding the offensive situation for the Broncos. While Denver could look for a veteran at quarterback, they badly need a young and healthy receiver to improve their offensive production. Brian Thomas Jr. will blow up the NFL Combine with his rare physical traits and can be an explosive option alongside Jerry Jeudy.
13. Las Vegas Raiders | Bo Nix, QB Oregon
The Raiders are starting over…again. With a new coaching staff on the way, it will behoove them to find the next quarterback of the future with a higher floor. Bo Nix was phenomenal for Oregon in 2023 thanks to his accuracy and processing and can step in early in Las Vegas.
14. New Orleans Saints | Olu Fashanu, OT Penn State
New Orleans is one of the most perplexing teams in the NFL especially because of their consistent mediocrity throughout 2023. Their offensive line has not been consistent since Drew Brees left, and injecting new blood into the group will be important for helping Dereck Carr play better than he did in his first season with the Saints. Olu Fashanu would be impactful in improving their pass protection.
15. Indianapolis Colts | Amarius Mims, OT Georgia
The goal in 2024 for the Colts should be to come out swinging now that Anthony Richardson is back to full health. The only way they’ll accomplish that is by drafting a premiere offensive lineman to protect him. Amarius Mims has played a limited number of snaps in his college career but boasts rare physical tools that can make him a stud for Indianapolis.
16. Seattle Seahawks | Troy Fautanu, IOL Washington
Seattle’s offense has improved over time, but they’ve lacked the talent in the interior of their offensive line necessary to take the next step. Troy Fautanu anchored Washington’s offensive line in 2023, and can do so for the Seahawks. Because of his length, he’ll project best as a star guard in the NFL.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars | Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama
The Jaguars skid at the end of the season just barely places them out of range to improve their interior offensive line to protect Trevor Lawrence. It does set them up to pick a steady corner with great ball skills in Terrion Arnold out of Alabama.
18. Cincinnati Bengals | JC Latham, OT Alabama
The Bengals are yet another team that dealt with serious quarterback injuries that can’t miss on taking an offensive lineman in the first round. Joe Burrow’s health is paramount for the success of the team, and JC Latham can provide consistency along their line. Latham is a massive tackle who could play either right or left tackle.
19. Los Angeles Rams | Kingsley Suamataia, OT BYU
Since the Rams' Super Bowl run, they’ve struggled to find the anchor of their offensive line. BYU tackle Kingsley Suamataia has tremendous length and mobility that will help mold him into a quality tackle in the NFL.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers | Rome Odunze, WR Washington
Offensive woes have become the norm for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the past two seasons. With a new offensive coordinator on the way, Kenny Pickett will need added weapons to a very unproductive receiving room. Rome Odunze was a deep ball monster at Washington who displayed the versatility to become a very productive player in the league.
21. Miami Dolphins | Jackson Powers-Johnson, C Oregon
Miami has been decimated by injuries at the end of the 2023 season and was hampered by their offensive line play at times this year. Sureing up their center position which has been a revolving door is crucial to their long-term success. Jackson Powers-Johnson was a very high-floor player for Oregon this year and can provide stability to the Dolphins' offensive line.
22. Philadelphia Eagles | Kalen King, CB Penn State
Safe to say that James Bradberry is no longer the same player he once was, as general secondary issues have plagued the Eagles this year. Kalen King has very quick hips and great physicality to play inside or outside corner for the Eagles.
23. Houston Texans | Dallas Turner, EDGE Alabama
There couldn’t be a more perfect landing spot for Dallas Turner than Houston. The toolsy and bendy pass rusher took a massive step forward in 2023 and has the traits to be harnessed by defensive mastermind Demeco Ryans. It will also reunite him with his college teammate Will Anderson.
24. Dallas Cowboys | Kam Kinchens, S Miami
Dallas was cooked by Romeo Doubs and Jordan Love in the Wild Card Round. It’s become clear they need help in their secondary. Kam Kinchens plays with fantastic instincts and ball skills. Joining the likes of Daron Bland and Trevon Diggs will be very scary for opposing quarterbacks to face.
25. Green Bay Packers | Cooper DeJean, CB Iowa
Green Bay’s offensive core is incredibly promising, but their defense was very inconsistent in 2023. Finding a talented corner to play opposite of Jaire Alexander is paramount, and Cooper DeJean can be that player. The uber-athletic DeJean is a moveable chess piece, that can play in the slot, outside, deep at safety, and even return kicks.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Jared Verse, EDGE Florida State
The Buccaneers are another aging defense desperately in need of an injection of youth. Jared Verse is a physical freak who can outmuscle offensive tackles and will pair nicely with Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea, and company.
27. Arizona Cardinals | Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo CB
Defensive-minded Jonathan Gannon will be looking for his first building block for his defense in this year’s draft. Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell is a very well-rounded corner prospect with quick trigger instincts, consistent tackling, and disruptive ball skills
28. Kansas City Chiefs | Jer’Zhan Newton, DT Illinois
Drafting a wide receiver for the Chiefs would make a lot of sense in this spot, but they can’t pass up on the best defensive tackle in this year’s class. Newton is a very slippery and problematic interior presence that will free up Kansas City's pass rushers.
29. Buffalo Bills | Xavier Worthy, WR Texas
The Buffalo Bills badly need to add more juice to their receiver room. Josh Allen is loaded with weapons, but having yet another option to throw to will help him return to his MVP-level status. Xavier Worthy’s quick feet and YAC ability will be dangerous in Buffalo.
30. Detroit Lions | Laiatu Latu, EDGE UCLA
Aidan Hutchinson is blossoming into one of the better defensive ends in the NFL. As the Lions' needs are small, having a secondary rusher who is a technician like Laiatu Latu will cause nightmares for the NFC North.
31. San Francisco 49ers | Jordan Morgan, G Arizona
The interior of the 49ers offensive line has been quite messy in 2023. Arizona’s Jordan Morgan has a hulking frame and strong feet ideal for him to make the transition into either guard spot for San Francisco.
32. Baltimore Ravens | McKinnley Jackson, DT Texas A&M
There aren’t many significant needs for the Ravens with the way they’ve looked this season on both sides of the ball. Texas A&M’s McKinnley Jackson can provide depth and disruption to the Ravens' defensive tackle group, which will help free up Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith.
You can hear more from Joe on The First Team podcast, where he is joined by Matt Simms and Ryan Roberts weekly.
