2024 NFL Mock Draft: New 2-Round Projections Heading into Week 7

An updated look at how the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft could turn out.
2024 NFL Mock Draft: New 2-Round Projections Heading into Week 7
2024 NFL Mock Draft: New 2-Round Projections Heading into Week 7 /

It's hard to believe we're already a third of the way through the 2023 NFL regular season, but the first six weeks are indeed in the books, which means we're already seeing some trends develop at the top of next year's draft order.

The Chicago Bears are currently tracking to be just the second team in the modern draft era to land both of the top two overall picks, joining the 1992 Indianapolis Colts, and putting them in the driver's seat to win the Caleb Williams sweepstakes.

There are some usual suspects still on pace to land in the top 10, as well as some surprisingly disappointing teams who no doubt had higher hopes heading into the season.

Considering what we've seen on film from this year's top prospects so far this season at the college level, and what all 32 NFL clubs might be needing most next offseason, here's an updated look at how the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft could turn out, using the latest updated pick order after Week 6 results:

1. Chicago Bears (from CAR)

Caleb Williams | QB | USC

USC quarterback Caleb Williams
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears will have plenty of options if they end up with this pick. They could trade it again, this time for way more than they got last year, collecting more resources with which to keep building around Justin Fields. Or, they could move Fields, and restart at QB with Williams instead. Right now, the latter feels more likely.

2. Chicago Bears

Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Ohio State

Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK

I wouldn't count out Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu here, but the idea of pairing Harrison with Williams might be too much to pass up. The Bears can target offensive line help in free agency or later in the draft, and purely go with the best player available.

3. Denver Broncos

Drake Maye | QB | North Carolina

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Wilson's contract makes this a tricky scenario, but it wouldn't be shocking if the Broncos decided to take Maye here, and figure the rest out later. He's got all the tools to be a franchise quarterback, and would be the easy No. 1 overall pick in any other class that didn't have a Caleb Williams in it.

4. Arizona Cardinals

Olu Fashanu | OT | Penn State

Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu
Dan Rainville-USA TODAY NETWORK

This is an easy pick for the Cards if the board falls this way, with Harrison and the top two quarterbacks all off the board. If Arizona is going to roll with Kyler Murray moving forward, protecting him has to be the top priority. Fashanu would have been a top-10 pick last year, but will be even more polished and experience after another year in college.

5. New York Giants

Jared Verse | EDGE | Florida State

Florida State edge defender Jared Verse
USA TODAY Sports

The Giants need a true No. 1 receiver, but they also need another blue-chip pass rusher to pair with Kayvon Thibodeaux. In this scenario, the better value comes on defense, where they're able to add the year's most polished and pro-ready edge defender in Verse.

6. New England Patriots

Shedeur Sanders | QB | Colorado

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Plenty of teams need a new franchise quarterback, and none might be more desperate than the Pats. Sanders might still need some polish, but he's got some special traits you just can't teach, and his sky-high ceiling would be well worth taking a swing here (if he declares).

7. Minnesota Vikings

Michael Penix Jr. | QB | Washington

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Nick King/Lansing State Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK

Much like Tua Tagovailoa, Penix is a left-handed flame-thrower who comes with some injury concerns, but he's an elite passer when fully healthy. Some teams might be put off by the fact that he'll be a 24-year-old rookie, but the Vikings should welcome the opportunity to make their offense look like the high-flying Huskies. 

8. Tennessee Titans

Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Passing on Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt might be tough here, but there should still be quality offensive line help available on Day 2. There's not another Brock Bowers in the entire draft, though, or most other drafts. He's a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands, and a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

9. Green Bay Packers

Joe Alt | OT | Notre Dame

Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt
USA TODAY Sports

The David Bakhtiari era at left tackle appears to be coming to an end, and the Packers need to find his successor as soon as possible. This scenario gives them the perfect candidate, as Alt is one of the most polished and pro-ready prospects in the entire class, regardless of position.

10. Los Angeles Chargers

Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | Alabama

Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry
USA TODAY Sports

It didn't long for the Chargers to cut their losses with J.C. Jackson, but that failed free-agent acquisition still leaves them with a huge need at corner. McKinstry has one of the best names in the draft, but he's also one of the best players, with all the traits of a true shutdown artist (and bonus value in the return game).

11. New Orleans Saints

Malik Nabers | WR | LSU

LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers
Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive line needs help, but there's way more value at receiver. Chris Olave is a stud, but Michael Thomas is a shell of his former self, and Rashid Shaheed is a hit-or-miss gadget at this point. The Saints need a top-shelf No. 2 to pair with Olave, and Nabers' explosiveness after the catch would be the perfect match.

12. Atlanta Falcons

Laiatu Latu | EDGE | UCLA

UCLA edge defender Laiatu Latu
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback could obviously be a consideration here, but I'm not sold on any of the remaining passers this early. Instead, the Falcons fill their biggest need on defense by dipping into a deep class of edge rushers. Latu's injury history could cause some concern, but when healthy, he's explosive and productive.

13. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)

Kalen King | CB | Penn State

Penn State cornerback Kalen King
Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports

After getting a franchise cornerstone for the offense earlier in the round, the Cards do the same for their defense here. Corner is their biggest need on that side of the ball, and King has been one of the most consistent performers at the position for the last two seasons. 

14. Las Vegas Raiders

Jer'Zhan Newton | DL | Illinois

Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton
USA TODAY Sports

This roster has needs all over the place, so this pick should be all about adding the best player available, regardless of position. In this scenario, that's Newton, the most dominant and disruptive interior defender in this year's class. What he might lack in overall size, he more than makes up for with explosiveness and power. 

15. Indianapolis Colts

Cooper DeJean | DB | Iowa

Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean
George Walker IV/USA TODAY NETWORK-USA TODAY NETWORK

Indy has needs at both levels of the secondary, so why not draft a prospect who can play pretty much anywhere on that side of the ball? DeJean has the versatility and athleticism to line up outside or in the slot at corner, on the back end at safety, or even at linebacker when necessary. Oh, and he's a monster of a return man, too.

16. Washington Commanders

JC Latham | OT | Alabama

Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Sam Howell looks capable of being Washington's franchise quarterback, but he desperately needs more protection up front. This scenario would give Washington multiple options to address their need at left tackle, and Latham has been battle-tested against top competition in the SEC.

17. New York Jets

Amarius Mims | OT | Georgia

Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Rodgers plans to return for the 2023 season (or sooner?), but much like Washington, the Jets need to improve things up front if they want to avoid another serious injury to their star quarterback. Mims is dealing with an injury of his own right now, but at full strength, he's a dominant blocker in both the run and pass games.

18. Cincinnati Bengals

Rome Odunze | WR | Washington

Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

If the Bengals can't keep Tee Higgins with a long-term contract extension, they'll need to invest elsewhere in a blue-chip No. 2 receiver to pair with Ja'Marr Chase. Odunze actually compares well with Chase in terms of the traits he brings to the table, and a loaded receiver class could keep him on the board longer than he should be.

19. Los Angeles Rams

Dallas Turner | EDGE | Alabama

Alabama edge defender Dallas Turner
USA TODAY Sports

This defense could use an infusion of young talent at every level, but their biggest need is on the edge up front, where they need a dynamic pass rusher. Turner is making the most of his chance to shine as a full-time starter this season, and would bring top-flight explosiveness and big-play ability to the next level.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chop Robinson | EDGE | Penn State

Penn State edge defender Chop Robinson
Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Shaq Barrett turns 31 in November and is coming off a torn Achilles, while the jury is still out on recent first-rounder Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. The Bucs need to invest in another high-upside edge rusher, and this year's deep class should give them plenty of value here. Robinson's skill set would be the perfect fit for Todd Bowles' defense.

21. Houston Texans (from CLE)

Keon Coleman | WR | Florida State

Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman
Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Nico Collins is having a breakout season, and rookie Tank Dell looks promising, but neither should stop Houston from adding more weapons for C.J. Stroud. Coleman has a rare blend of size, athleticism, physicality and leaping ability that makes him a dominant receiver at the catch point, and a red-zone nightmare for opposing defenses.

22. Seattle Seahawks

Leonard Taylor III | DL | Miami (FL)

Miami defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle has one of the best young defenses in the league, but they could use an interior disruptor who can collapse the pocket from the inside and blow up run plays before they start. Taylor would be the perfect fit, and would represent solid value at this point in the first round.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers

Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State

Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka
USA TODAY Sports

This roster doesn't have too many glaring needs, but if you look at the receiver group, there's not much to get excited about long-term beyond George Pickens. A deep receiver class could leave a talented prospect like Egbuka still on the board, and his polished, well-rounded skill set would allow him to make an instant impact.

24. Buffalo Bills

Kamren Kinchens | S | Miami (FL)

Miami (FL) safety Kamren Kinchens
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Wide receiver should be a strong consideration here, but free agency could decimate Buffalo's safety room, and this scenario gives them the chance to grab the best one in this year's class. Kinchens has the range, athleticism, and complete skill set to be an every-down playmaker against both the run and pass.

25. Dallas Cowboys

Nate Wiggins | CB | Clemson

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK

Trevon Diggs will be coming off a torn ACL, and the Cowboys already needed an upgrade at the other corner spot. Wiggins has been one of this year's biggest risers, showing off ideal height, length and ball skills for the position. He could use some bulk, but the traits are all there.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars

Graham Barton | OL | Duke

Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton
Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

As evidenced by his current knee injury, protecting Trevor Lawrence at all costs needs to be Jacksonville's top priority. That means bolstering the offensive line, and Barton brings tons of experience at tackle, with a skill set that might be even more valuable inside at guard. 

27. Baltimore Ravens

Maason Smith | DL | LSU

LSU defensive lineman Maason Smith
USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens could use some reinforcements in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and in this scenario, the better value comes on defense. Smith is a massive defender with impressive athleticism for his size, and the versatility to line up in multiple spots along the defensive front.

28. Detroit Lions

JT Tuimoloau | EDGE | Ohio State

Ohio State edge defender JT Tuimoloau
USA TODAY Sports

Aidan Hutchinson is already one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL, but the Lions could use an upgrade across from him. Tuimoloau is a well-rounded prospect who brings similar versatility to Hutchinson with his ability to line up on the edge or create mismatches against interior blockers.

29. Miami Dolphins

Patrick Paul | OT | Houston

Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul
USA TODAY Sports

Even without Terron Armstead's injury issues, the Dolphins still would have needed to bolster the offensive tackle position next offseason. Paul has a massive frame and wingspan, with impressive athleticism for his size. He might has as much upside as any offensive tackle in this entire class.

30. San Francisco 49ers

Taliese Fuaga | OT | Oregon State

Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Losing Mike McGlinchey in free agency has left the 49ers with a gaping hole at right tackle across from Trent Williams. One of the fastest-rising prospects in the country, Fuaga is a massive mauler who has all the traits to be a first-round pick, and would be an ideal fit for San Francisco here.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Kingsley Suamataia | OT | BYU

BYU offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia
Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard-USA TODAY NETWORK

The offensive tackle run continues, as the Chiefs land a monstrous blind-side protector for Patrick Mahomes. Donovan Smith has struggled in that role this season, and Suamataia would give Kansas City an immediate upgrade and a long-term solution at a premium position.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Chris Braswell | EDGE | Alabama

Alabama edge defender Chris Braswell
Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles are loaded at just about every position, but free agency could leave them a little thin on the edges of the defensive front. Another prospect flying up the board thanks to a stellar start to the 2023 season, Braswell is a five-star talent who is putting up massive numbers, and has all the physical traits to be a star at the next level.

SECOND ROUND

33. Carolina Panthers

Bralen Trice | EDGE | Washington

34. New Orleans Saints (from DEN)

J.J. McCarthy | QB | Michigan

35. Arizona Cardinals

Troy Franklin | WR | Oregon

36. New York Giants

Xavier Legette | WR | South Carolina

37. New England Patriots

Jordan Morgan | OT | Arizona

38. Chicago Bears

Cooper Beebe | OL | Kansas State

39. Tennessee Titans

Tyler Guyton | OT | Oklahoma

40. Minnesota Vikings

Denzel Burke | CB | Ohio State

41. Los Angeles Chargers

Jack Sawyer | EDGE | Ohio State

42. Green Bay Packers

Tyler Nubin | S | Minnesota

43. Atlanta Falcons

Quinn Ewers | QB | Texas

44. Houston Texans

Kris Jenkins | DL | Michigan

45. Las Vegas Raiders

Bo Nix | QB | Oregon

46. Indianapolis Colts

Calen Bullock | S | USC

47. Washington Commanders

Barrett Carter | LB | Clemson

48. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ)

Brandon Dorlus | DL | Oregon

49. Cincinnati Bengals

Troy Fautanu | OL | Washington

50. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO)

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | LB | Clemson

51. Los Angeles Rams

Riley Leonard | QB | Duke

52. Cleveland Browns

Zak Zinter | OL | Michigan

53. Seattle Seahawks

Jayden Daniels | QB | LSU

54. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kamari Lassiter | CB | Georgia

55. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sedrick Van Pran-Granger | OL | Georgia

56. Buffalo Bills

Adonai Mitchell | WR | Texas

57. Jacksonville Jaguars

Josh Newton | CB | TCU

58. Baltimore Ravens

T.J. Tampa | CB | Iowa State

59. Dallas Cowboys

Xavier Worthy | WR | Texas

60. Detroit Lions

Caelen Carson | CB | Wake Forest

61. San Francisco 49ers

Malachi Corley | WR | Western Kentucky

62. Miami Dolphins

Ja'Tavion Sanders | TE | Texas

63. Kansas City Chiefs

Johnny Wilson | WR/TE | Florida State

64. Philadelphia Eagles

Ja'Lynn Polk | WR | Washington


Published
Luke Easterling
LUKE EASTERLING

Luke Easterling (he/him) has been covering college football and the NFL for more than two decades, with a particular focus on the nexus of both, the NFL Draft. Writing for some of the largest and most recognizable brands in sports media, Luke's experience and expertise in evaluating potential NFL prospects and evaluating team needs/fits has earned the appreciation of his readers, and the respect of his peers. Luke cut his sports journalism teeth at The Tampa Tribune before spending two years at Bleacher Report as a featured columnist covering the NFL Draft and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Luke then spent nearly seven years at USA TODAY Sports Media Group as editor of Draft Wire and Bucs Wire, building both into authoritative destination sites for their respective audiences. Now at The Arena Group, Luke covers the NFL and college football for Athlon Sports, and runs Sports Illustrated's FanNation site for the NFL Draft. A graduate of the University of South Florida, Luke has been a featured guest on ESPN Radio, CBS Sports Radio, Fox Sports Radio, SiriusXM and more.  Based in Tampa, Florida (the true home of the Cuban sandwich), Luke plays the drums, loves 2000s pop-punk, watches way too many British murder mystery shows, and channels the energy of his deep-south Grammy and his full-Italian Nana in the kitchen. Twitter: @lukeeasterling Email: luke.easterling@si.com