Patrick Chiotti's 2024 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
1. TRADE - Washington Commanders (from CAR) - Caleb Williams, QB USC
Justin Fields has yet to be traded and with Caleb’s old coach calling plays in Washington, there could be a scenario where the Bears DON’T select Williams and look to collect more picks. Could be a crazy idea, but if you think about it, the opportunity to get more picks for the future wouldn’t necessarily be a terrible thing when you can get more picks to add to the offense and look at what the future holds at the QB spot. Washington spent some money to solidify the interior of the line and on the defensive side. Giving up a couple of picks won’t really matter when your new ownership group is spending money like they want to win now…with a quarterback that their OC knows.
2. TRADE - New York Giants (Trade w/ CHI from WAS) - Drake Maye, QB North Carolina
About trading down for more picks…the Giants could very well be moving on from Daniel Jones and Brian Daboll would absolutely love a big quarterback like Drake Maye. They spent some money bolstering the right side of the offensive line and just traded for an amazing pass rusher in Brian Burns. The Giants are getting aggressive, and this could be their chance to get a REAL quarterback of the future here.
3. New England Patriots - Marvin Harrison Jr., WR Ohio State
What if the Patriots aren’t really sold on Jayden Daniels at quarterback and brought back Jacoby Brissett to at least stave off the “we need a quarterback” crowd for a season or so. They need an elite pass catcher in New England, BAD. They get the blue chip Buckeye and start building their new offense with a different brick.
4. Arizona Cardinals - Malik Nabers, WR LSU
I could see an opportunity here for Arizona to trade down with a QB-hungry team, but with MHJ going just before them, Malik Nabers would have to be the pick for the Cardinals. Nabers is a shifty route runner who would be a dynamic weapon for Kyler Murray, who honestly didn’t play terribly coming back from the injury. Wide receiver is a big need and they can’t pass up the opportunity to take an elite playmaker at this spot.
5. TRADE - Seattle Seahawks (Trade w/ LAC) - Jayden Daniels, QB LSU
Okay, this is nuts, but hear me out: Geno Smith is the only QB on this roster right now and with Williams and Maye gone, the new coaching regime goes after THEIR guy. Ryan Grubb and Jayden Daniels feels like it could be a really great pairing and with Daniels possessing a true ability to run the ball, he could be a fun franchise quarterback in Seattle.
6. Chicago Bears (from NYG) - Rome Odunze, WR Washington
The Bears traded down a couple of times to gather more picks, but they don’t do it again with two of the top pass catchers off the board. DJ Moore needs a true “dawg” receiver across from him and Odunze has the potential to be a complete NFL receiver right out of the gate. With Moore, Odunze, Kmet, and now Gerald Everett, does this finally give the Bears a chance to see what Fields can do, barring a trade of course.
7. Tennessee Titans - Joe Alt, OT Notre Dame
This could very well still be where we see a trade up/down scenario or even a Brock Bowers selection, but the Titans do the right thing and add to their offensive line with a blue chip left tackle. Alt’s measurables and combine performance were eerily similar to Lane Johnson, and pairing him with 2023 pick Peter Skoronski on the left side and new center Lloyd Cushenberry could make the Titans’ line a point of emphasis this season.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Jared Verse, EDGE Florida State
Kirk Cousins is the new quarterback in the ATL and Falcons head coach Raheem Morris gets his explosive pass rusher and edge defender. Might see Dallas Turner here, but Turner still needs to work on his technique. Verse comes in with explosive athleticism, freaky length and bend, and a bag of pass rush moves. The Falcons should be REALLY fun this season.
9. TRADE - Denver Broncos (Trade w/ CHI) - J.J. McCarthy, QB Michigan
Sean Payton gets aggressive here to go get his quarterback in this class. McCarthy has plenty of upside with his age, mental stability, and coaching history being with Harbaugh at Michigan. Payton asks a lot of his quarterbacks and McCarthy has a fantastic blend of traits that might finally give Broncos Country the franchise quarterback they’ve been looking for since Peyton Manning.
10. New York Jets - Taliese Fuaga, OT Oregon State
Despite trading for Morgan Moses, the Jets still go offensive line here to address a truly abysmal group. Fuaga could play pretty much anywhere on the offensive line and could bring that level of “nasty” that they need for their offensive identity after the clown show that was last season. Fuaga has the most perfect attitude for an offensive lineman, disgusting in the run game, but athletic and strong enough to eliminate pass rushers in pass pro.
11. Minnesota Vikings - Byron Murphy II, IDL Texas
The Vikings brought in some key defensive pieces in free agency including linebacker Blake Cashman, the Flores-familiar Andrew Van Ginkle, and essentially trading Danielle Hunter for Jonathan Greenard, but they remain incredibly thin in their defensive line. This could be an area where we see the Vikings take a quarterback, but with Denver jumping them for McCarthy, they decide to go defense here and get a beast to boost their defensive front. Murphy is versatile enough to play in multiple spots and gives them an interior pass rusher to create more pressure.
12. Chicago Bears (from DEN) - Dallas Turner, EDGE Alabama
Snagging Montez Sweat at the deadline last year turned out to be great for the Bears’ long-term plans. Now they add an athletic edge defender who doesn’t necessarily NEED to be rushed into a starting role but can grow and develop into what the Bears need. With Turner’s explosive first step and his growth as a run defender in coming years, he and Sweat would form a great one-two punch pass rush for Chicago.
13. Las Vegas Raiders - Amarius Mims, OT Georgia
The Raiders are in an interesting spot here and with the signing of Gardner Minshew to compete with Aidan O’Connell, I see them investing more into the offensive line with this pick. Thayer Munford was fine in his time split between playing right and left tackle last season, but I think his value is probably more in being that reliable swing tackle. The team just brought in DJ Fluker, but that’s kind of a wild card at this point. Taking Georgia’s FREAK, Amarius Mims, here gives them some flexibility. They can let him grow (played less than 800 snaps in his college career) and see where he fits better for the future.
14. New Orleans Saints - J.C. Latham, OT Alabama
I’ll say the same thing I did in my other mock: the Saints have needs all over the board and you can’t solve them all with one pick. The Saints did more Saints things and restructured the contract of Ryan Ramczyk to free up some space, but his long-term durability remains in question. Taking an offensive lineman like Alabama’s J.C. Latham can give the Saints a plan for when Ramczyk is no longer in black and gold.
15. Indianapolis Colts - Brian Thomas, Jr., WR LSU
The Colts are one of the teams that spent free agency bringing back some of their own defensive guys and agreed to an extension with Michael Pittman. So why take a wide receiver here? Alec Pierce is still coming along and Josh Downs has shown those beautiful flashes of explosiveness that made him one of my favorite slot receivers from last year’s class, but what the Colts are missing is that big body, alpha guy. Brian Thomas, Jr.’s athletic profile and his ability to win deep make him an absolute home run pick for Shane Steichen and Anthony Richardson.
16. Los Angeles Chargers (from SEA) - Brock Bowers, TE Georgia
Well, well, well…the Chargers trade down from five and STILL end up getting the guy that honestly makes so much sense for them. Bowers isn’t your all-around nasty tight end like Gronk, but he’s more of a Kelce type. He won’t be very effective blocking in-line and you definitely don’t want him matched up with elite pass rushers one-on-one. This is the guy you scheme to get the ball, and man does Jim Harbaugh LOVE his tight ends. Elite after the catch, a good route runner, and an incredible athlete. This guy with Justin Herbert is going to be electric.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama
The Jags brought in Darnell Savage and Ronald Darby in free agency, but the secondary in Jacksonville is still missing some quality pieces. Snagging arguably the top corner in this class in Arnold, the Jaguars can use him in a variety of ways to see where he fits best. Could be a quality slot defender, as he’s very willing to play the run and they could still get him reps outside.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Troy Fautanu, OL Washington
Jonah Jackson is now in Arizona and D’Ante Smith is slated as the starter at right tackle for the Bengals going into 2024. Fautanu is easily one of the best athletes in this offensive line crop, but his size is going to make some people guess if he really has what it takes to be a right tackle at the next level. His creativity in using his athleticism in leverage for pass block moves is one of his best attributes in my opinion and he brings enough grit in the run game that it could be worth a shot.
19. Los Angeles Rams - Cooper DeJean, DB Iowa
The Rams brought back Darious Williams after his stint in Jacksonville, but this secondary still leaves a lot to be desired. Cooper DeJean could fill multiple spots in this secondary and be a key contributor on special teams. Don’t underestimate him as a cover corner, either. His athleticism will help him tremendously at the next level, but there’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll be able to utilize the same coverage and ball skills that held passers to a 37.8 passer rating when he was a Hawkeye in 2023.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Adonai Mitchell, Texas
The Steelers limped their way to the playoffs last season and are doing sort of a retooling with their offense in 2024. Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator, Russell Wilson comes over from Denver, and Diontae Johnson is shipped out of town. I originally had a cornerback as the Steelers pick here, but the Johnson trade changed things. This could be an amazing landing spot for Texas receiver Adonai Mitchell. He’s got almost a perfect build with explosive athleticism for a guy who clocked in at a tick over 200 pounds. While George Pickens plays more of that traditional “X” role for the Steelers, Mitchell could be more of a heavy “Z” or a big slot for Pittsburgh.
21. Miami Dolphins - Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL Oregon
I feel like this is a match made in heaven for the Dolphins. They signed Aaron Brewer from Tennessee in free agency, but Jackson Powers-Johnson could either beat him out or move to guard and still see success. His freakish blend of size, athleticism, and explosiveness in the run game feels like a perfect fit for the Dolphins, who also need to make sure that they keep Tua protected after losing pretty much their whole interior.
22. Philadelphia Eagles - Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo
The Eagles' secondary was simply not very good last year, even with veterans like Slay and Bradberry on the edge and a rotation of young guys like Ricks, Jobe, and Ringo cycling in. This pick gives them someone who really identifies with the mentality that Nick Sirianni is looking for in his defense. He can be very physical in man situations or dominate in zone, which we could see a bit more of a mix of with Vic Fangio as the defensive playcaller. Mitchell fought very well against top competition at the Senior Bowl and really made his mark during the draft process.
23. Houston Texans (from CLE) - Jer’Zhan Newton, IDL Illinois
Who has honestly had a better offseason than the Houston Texans? Denico Autry, Danielle Hunter, Folo Fatukasi, Jeff Okudah…and now this? Come on. This is a dream scenario for DeMeco Ryans, getting a versatile interior defensive presence who can create havoc with his strength and squeeze the pocket from multiple alignments. Watch the Texans have a DEEP playoff run after this offseason.
24. Dallas Cowboys - Zach Frazier, IOL West Virginia
This was a pick I went back and forth on. The Cowboys are retooling on defense and let several key players walk. They lost one of their best linemen in Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz left in free agency. This could be an opportunity for the Cowboys to reinforce the line with one of the more underrated linemen in this group. West Virginia’s Zack Frazier comes with a background in wrestling (four-time state heavyweight champion), which we’ve seen have tremendous advantages for guys who play center at the next level. This feels like a solid Cowboys pick to rejuvenate the line after a tremendous loss in the group.
25. Green Bay Packers - Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT Penn State
I feel like no matter what the pick for the Packers is here, the fanbase might hate it. However, with David Bakhtiari gone and Rasheed Walker now slated to be the starting left tackle for Jordan Love, I think Packers fans should love the fact that this scenario has led them to the player that many considered to be OT2 in this class. Fashanu’s measurables left a little to be desired, with his hand size landing him in the second percentile for offensive tackles, but his athleticism and ability to lock down pass rushers on the edge still make him one of the best pass protectors in this class.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Laiatu Latu, EDGE UCLA
Shaq Barrett is gone and the Bucs are lacking a bit in their pass rusher rotation. UCLA’s Laiatu Latu could add a bit of pop off the edge for Tampa Bay after the loss of Barrett. Latu collected 127 pressures over his two seasons as a Bruin, second only to Washington’s Bralon Trice (150) for total pressures since 2022. He’s bendy, has a mean first step, and knows how to get hands off of him on his way to the quarterback. I love this fit for the Bucs.
27. Arizona Cardinals - Darius Robinson, DL Missouri
A bit of a shock here for some, but those who know Darius Robinson well would probably be saying this is perfect. After two seasons of being primarily in the B gap, Robinson was moved outside where he went pretty much berserk. He went from 19 total pressures and 10 hurries in 2022 to 42 total pressures and 27 hurries in 2023. Robinson could play from multiple alignments for Jonathan Gannon’s revamped defense.
28. Buffalo Bills - Troy Franklin, WR Oregon
Gabe Davis is gone and the Bills need a receiver who can win in the deep game consistently to take the top off of defenses. Oregon’s Troy Franklin could assume that role with Stefon Diggs (hopefully) still playing the “Z” role and even with the team bringing in the bigger-bodied Mack Hollins. Franklin would be a fun red zone target for Josh Allen, as well.
29. Detroit Lions - Graham Barton, IOL Duke
The Lions have a pretty big hole at guard with the departure of Jonah Jackson and Duke’s Graham Barton could slide into that role. Duke used his run blocking skills wisely when having him pull and clear out lanes for runs. Athletic enough to get to the second level and drive blocks, this could be a solid replacement along the interior and help Detroit’s run game stay creative.
30. Baltimore Ravens - Ladd McConkey, WR Georgia
This selection had me thinking “Why have we not thought about this more”. McConkey knows this system to a tee and is one of the most nuanced route runners in this class. The combination of Flowers and McConkey with Lamar going into year two of this scheme AND Derrick Henry in the backfield? Goodness.
31. San Francisco 49ers - Jordan Morgan, OL Arizona
The interior of San Francisco’s line needs a boost after the performance in the Super Bowl and Arizona’s Jordan Morgan is a specimen to fill in. Playing mostly at left tackle in college, Morgan could slide in at guard with his size, broad frame, athleticism and fluidity next to Trent Williams and at the same time prepare himself to assume that role one day. He still has some things to clean up with his technique, but he’s a good enough athlete that he should be able to make an impact in The Bay day one.
32. Kansas City Chiefs - Xavier Worthy, WR Texas
We all saw this one coming. The Chiefs need help at receiver, barring an attempt to snag Tee Higgins away from Cincy, but even still they need help. We’ve seen what Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid can do with a pure speed guy who can run more than just Go’s and Post’s. Xavier Worthy possesses not only the best speed from any prospect we’ve seen but a very quick and violent selection of routes. His ability to snap his hips down and change direction is very reminiscent of watching someone like Zay Flowers run routes. Quick, deliberate, violent breaks that leave defenders in the dust. Here we go again…
