2024 NFL Mock Draft: New 3-Round Projections Heading into Week 18

As we head into the final week of the regular season, here's an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft could turn out.
2024 NFL Mock Draft: New 3-Round Projections Heading into Week 18
2024 NFL Mock Draft: New 3-Round Projections Heading into Week 18 /

Only one week remains in the regular season, and while there are still plenty of NFL teams hoping to clinch a playoff spot at the buzzer, there's plenty of high drama happened at the other end of the standings.

The No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has already been locked up by the Chicago Bears, thanks to the Carolina Panthers, who finished with the league's worst record but already traded their first-round selection next year to Chicago in the trade that netted them the No. 1 spot in 2023.

But right behind them, there's a three-horse race for the No. 2 pick, with the New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders all sitting with four wins after 17 weeks.

As we head into the final week of the regular season, here's an updated look at how the first three rounds of next year's draft could turn out, using the latest updated pick order following Week 17 results:

1. Chicago Bears (from CAR)

Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Ohio State

Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears have a fantastic dilemma here. Do they spend this pick on a new franchise quarterback? Do they keep building around Justin Fields, and give him the best player in the draft? Do they auction the pick off to the highest bidder for the second year in a row, likely for more than they got last time? Keeping Fields seems more likely now than it has all season, and since we're not projecting any trades just yet, taking Harrison is the way.

2. Washington Commanders

Caleb Williams | QB | USC

USC quarterback Caleb Williams
Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

It still feels unlikely that a QB doesn't go No. 1 in this draft, but if the Bears stick-and-pick with Harrison, what a huge win this would be for Washington. Williams had a roller-coaster season in 2023 after his Heisman-winning campaign the year before, but his arm talent and playmaking ability still give him limitless potential.

3. New England Patriots

Drake Maye | QB | North Carolina

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye
Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

Harrison going No. 1 is the gift that keeps on giving for the QB-needy teams at the top of the draft, as the Pats are still able to come away with one of this year's franchise passers at the No. 3 spot. Maye had some inconsistency of his own in 2023, but the physical and mental tools are all there to make him a difference-maker in the NFL.

4. Arizona Cardinals

Olu Fashanu | OT | Penn State

Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Losing out on Harrison would be a huge bummer for Arizona, but they're still able to land a blue-chip prospect at a premium position here. Losing veteran DJ Humphries to a torn ACL makes offensive tackle an even bigger need, and landing an elite talent like Fashanu would give them an ideal succession plan on the left side opposite Paris Johnson. 

5. New York Giants

Jayden Daniels | QB | LSU

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, the Giants just signed Daniel Jones to a lucrative extension, but that shouldn't keep them from taking one of his year's top quarterback prospects if the opportunity presents itself. Daniels' development as a passer in 2023 made him a true dual-threat playmaker, and launched him into the top-five conversation.

6. Los Angeles Chargers

Malik Nabers | WR | LSU

LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

This defense needs plenty of help, but it might be difficult for the Chargers to pass on the elite pass-catching talent still on the board here. Quentin Johnston has shown flashes as a rookie, but Justin Herbert needs more with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both aging and carrying massive cap numbers. Nabers is smooth and explosive, with big-play ability after the catch. 

7. Tennessee Titans

Joe Alt | OT | Notre Dame

Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt
USA TODAY Sports

This is the ideal scenario for the Titans, who desperately need one of the top two tackle prospects to fall to them here. The entire offensive line needs help, but it starts with a franchise left tackle to protect Will Levis and anchor the entire unit. Alt's dad was a Pro Bowler at the same position, and he's got all the polish needed to make an instant impact.

8. New York Jets

Rome Odunze | WR | Washington

Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Missing out on both of the top tackles would be crushing for the Jets, but they can still help Aaron Rodgers by giving him another dynamic pass-catcher. Odunze has the complete skill set to be a WR1 in his own right, which would make him even more dangerous when paired with Garrett Wilson. 

9. Atlanta Falcons

Michael Penix Jr. | QB | Washington

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons are loaded with explosive weapons on offense, but they need a quarterback who can take full advantage of them. Penix comes with some caveats (he'll be a 24-year-old rookie with a long injury history), but he's an elite passer who can push the ball down the field, and has underrated movement skills in the pocket.

10. Chicago Bears

Dallas Turner | EDGE | Alabama

Alabama edge defender Dallas Turner
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Building around Justin Fields includes keeping the defense loaded with top talent, and this scenario gives the Bears the perfect opportunity to do just that. Montez Sweat has made an immediate impact after arriving in Chicago at the trade deadline, but the Bears could use another explosive edge rusher like Turner, who enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023.

11. Las Vegas Raiders

Jer'Zhan Newton | DL | Illinois

Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton
USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback is the biggest need here, but there's nobody left on the board worth taking this early. Instead, the Raiders shift gears and land a difference-maker for the interior of their defensive line. Newton might be a bit undersized, but he's an explosive, disruptive playmaker who camps out in opposing backfields.

12. Minnesota Vikings

Jared Verse | EDGE | Florida State

Florida State edge defender Jared Verse
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Much like the Raiders, the Vikings could be looking for a new QB, but there aren't any available worth this slot. Free agency could leave Minnesota desperate for impact pass rushers, and a loaded 2024 class should give them some quality options here. Verse was a dominant force for one of the nation's top defenses, and comes as pro-ready as any player at the position.

13. New Orleans Saints

JC Latham | OT | Alabama

Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints' offensive problems start in the trenches, where they desperately need an infusion of top talent. Latham is a massive mauler with the size, power and athleticism to make an instant impact and be a long-term upgrade at either tackle spot. He's been tested against top competition throughout his career. 

14. Denver Broncos

Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia

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

There might be more glaring needs elsewhere, but if Bowers is still on the board, the value might just be too much for Denver to pass up. Regardless of who ends up throwing passes for the Broncos next year and beyond, that quarterback will be better off with a dynamic weapon like Bowers making life miserable for opposing defenses.

15. Seattle Seahawks

Troy Fautanu | OL | Washington

Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

This might seem a little early for an interior offensive lineman, but it's easily the Seahawks' biggest need, and Fautanu is well worth taking in this range. He's been dominant at left tackle for the undefeated Huskies this season, but might be even better at the next level if he slides inside. 

16. Cincinnati Bengals

Keon Coleman | WR | Florida State

Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency could decimate the Bengals' receiver depth behind Ja'Marr Chase, so finding a top-end prospect to pair with him and replace Tee Higgins should be a high priority. Coleman's elite combination of size, athleticism, length and physicality would be a huge help to Joe Burrow, and punish opposing defenses for double-covering Chase.

17. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)

Nate Wiggins | CB | Clemson

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK

It would be surprising if it takes this long for a corner to come off the board, but it would be an ideal development for the Cardinals, who desperately need a shutdown presence on the outside. Wiggins has the height, length and ball skills to be the perfect fit, and would be a fantastic match of need and value for Arizona here.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers

Taliese Fuaga | OT | Oregon State

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

Taking offensive tackles in the first round in back-to-back drafts would be surprising after going nearly 30 years without doing it at all, but it would be a wise decision for the Steelers. Fuaga is a dominant presence on the right side, with the punishing playing style that would make him a perfect fit in Pittsburgh opposite Broderick Jones.

19. Green Bay Packers

Terrion Arnold | CB | Alabama

Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

This secondary needs help at both levels, and with only one defensive back off the board, the Packers have some strong options available here, and corner makes the most sense in this scenario. Arnold wasn't even considered the best cornerback on his own team heading into the season, but his stellar play and complete skill set should make him a top-20 pick. 

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chop Robinson | EDGE | Penn State

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

Tampa Bay could have a long list of needs in the offseason, so this pick will be about matching any of them with the best value on the board. In this scenario, it's a deep class of edge defenders that gives them a bargain pick in Robinson, who has the explosiveness and pass-rushing polish to be the perfect successor to veteran Shaq Barrett.

21. Indianapolis Colts

Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | Alabama

Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry
USA TODAY Sports

Another defensive backfield that needs help across the board, the Colts need some reinforcements at both corner and safety. They're likely to find better value on the back end on Day 2, and if a prospect like McKinstry is still on the board here, he's got the size, length and athleticism to be the perfect fit for Indy.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars

Laiatu Latu | EDGE | UCLA

UCLA edge defender Laiatu Latu
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

An offensive lineman or wide receiver to help Trevor Lawrence is the ideal priority here, but if the board falls this way, the Jags might have to opt for the value on defense. Latu's injury history could keep him on the board longer than his talent might suggest, but at full strength, he's a dominant pass rusher who could be the steal of the draft at this spot.

23. Los Angeles Rams

Amarius Mims | OT | Georgia

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

They might have a stud in left tackle Alaric Jackson, but the Rams need a long-term solution on the right side, where Rob Havenstein will be 32 next season. Mims missed a decent chunk of the 2023 season due to ankle surgery, but when he's fully healthy, he's proven to be a dominant blocker who puts his massive frame to good use.

24. Buffalo Bills

Kamren Kinchens | S | Miami (FL)

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

A wide receiver wouldn't be surprising here, but the Bills have multiple needs on defense, the biggest of which could be at safety, depending on what happens in free agency. Kinchens is the consensus top prospect at the position in this year's class, with a versatile skill set and polish that should allow him to be a Day 1 starter.

25. Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Paul | OT | Houston

Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul
USA TODAY Sports

Another team that could use help at wide receiver, the Chiefs might be better off taking advantage of the depth there on Day 2, and targeting a more premium position here. Protecting Patrick Mahomes' blind side should be the top priority, and Paul's combination of size and length give him as much upside as any tackle in this year's loaded class.

26. Philadelphia Eagles

Quinyon Mitchell | CB | Toledo

Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell
Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles have done a great job bolstering their defensive front in recent drafts, but now it's time to do the same for the back seven. That starts with reloading the young talent at corner, and while Mitchell might not be a household name just yet, he's got all the physical tools to be a shutdown player at the next level.

27. Detroit Lions

Bralen Trice | EDGE | Washington

Washington edge defender Bralen Trice
Joe Nicholson - USA TODAY Sports

The Lions already have one of the NFL's most dominant edge rushers in Aidan Hutchinson, but they could use an upgrade on the opposite side of the defensive front. Trice is a well-rounded player who can rush the passer and defend the run, and his dominant performance in the Sugar Bowl proved he can take over big games.

28. Houston Texans (from CLE)

Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | LSU

LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Stroud already has a promising tandem of Nico Collins and Tank Dell at wide receiver, but you can never have enough talented weapons when you're developing a young franchise quarterback. Thomas has a rare blend of size and speed that challenges opposing defenses over the top, which would be a dangerous addition to this offense. 

29. Miami Dolphins

Graham Barton | OL | Duke

Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton
Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

Miami could use help at multiple spots along the offensive line, so why not spend their top pick on somebody who can line up anywhere up front? Barton spent most of his college snaps at tackle for the Blue Devils, but has the versatility to slide inside and play guard or even center at the next level. Wherever he plays, he'll be a stud.

30. Dallas Cowboys

Tyler Guyton | OT | Oklahoma

Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Another team that needs a boost in the offensive trenches, the Cowboys would benefit from an upgrade at right tackle. Guyton would be the ideal fit, with a track record of success against top competition on the right side, and a surprising blend of agility and athleticism for a blocker of his size.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Kalen King | CB | Penn State

Penn State cornerback Kalen King
Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports

If there's such a deep and early run on tackles in the first round, the 49ers might pivot to their biggest need on defense and look for better value at right tackle on Day 2. King is a big-play cover man with impressive ball skills who would be a valuable addition to the secondary, and would be the first Nittany Lion defensive back ever picked in the first round.

32. Baltimore Ravens

Leonard Taylor III | DL | Miami (FL)

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

Don't count out a cornerback or an offensive lineman here, but if the board falls this way, the best value for Baltimore would be along the interior of the defensive front. Taylor isn't the biggest prospect at the position, but he's an explosive defender who can blow up plays in the backfield and get after the passer in a hurry.

SECOND ROUND

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

33. Carolina Panthers

Xavier Legette | WR | South Carolina

34. New England Patriots

JT Tuimoloau | EDGE | Ohio State

35. Arizona Cardinals

Adonai Mitchell | WR | Texas

36. Washington Commanders

Jordan Morgan | OT | Arizona

37. Los Angeles Chargers

Cooper DeJean | DB | Iowa

38. Tennessee Titans

Denzel Burke | CB | Ohio State

39. New York Giants

Xavier Worthy | WR | Texas

40. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ)

Cooper Beebe | OL | Kansas State

41. Washington Commanders (from CHI)

Chris Braswell | EDGE | Alabama

42. Las Vegas Raiders

J.J. McCarthy | QB | Michigan

43. Minnesota Vikings

Bo Nix | QB | Oregon

44. Atlanta Falcons

Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State

45. New Orleans Saints (from DEN)

Ja'Lynn Polk | WR | Washington

46. New York Giants (from SEA)

Kamari Lassiter | CB | Georgia

47. Cincinnati Bengals

T'Vondre Sweat | DL | Texas

48. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO)

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | LB | Clemson

49. Pittsburgh Steelers

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. | CB | Missouri

50. Houston Texans

Brandon Dorlus | DL | Oregon

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tyler Nubin | S | Minnesota

52. Green Bay Packers

Calen Bullock | S | USC

53. Jacksonville Jaguars

Donovan Jackson | OL | Ohio State

54. Los Angeles Rams

Jabbar Muhammad | CB | Washington

55. Indianapolis Colts

Devontez Walker | WR | North Carolina

56. Buffalo Bills

Jack Sawyer | EDGE | Ohio State

57. Kansas City Chiefs

Troy Franklin | WR | Oregon

58. Detroit Lions

Josh Newton | CB | TCU

59. Cleveland Browns

Ruke Orhorhoro | DL | Clemson

60. Philadelphia Eagles

Malachi Corley | WR | Western Michigan

61. Dallas Cowboys

T.J. Tampa | CB | Iowa State

62. Miami Dolphins

Ja'Tavion Sanders | TE | Texas

63. San Francisco 49ers

Kingsley Suamataia | OT | BYU

64. Baltimore Ravens

Caelen Carson | CB | Wake Forest

THIRD ROUND

Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

65. Carolina Panthers

Cade Stover | TE | Ohio State

66. Arizona Cardinals

Maason Smith | DL | LSU

67. Washington Commanders

Edgerrin Cooper | LB | Texas A&M

68. New England Patriots

Kiran Amegadjie | OT | Yale

69. Arizona Cardinals (from TEN)

Jackson Powers-Johnson | OL | Oregon

70. New York Giants

Javon Foster | OT | Missouri

71. Los Angeles Chargers

Kris Jenkins | DL | Michigan

72. New York Jets

Javon Bullard | S | Georgia

73. Las Vegas Raiders

D.J. James | CB | Auburn

74. Detroit Lions (from MIN)

Johnny Wilson | WR | Florida State

75. Atlanta Falcons

Kamal Hadden | CB | Tennessee

76. Chicago Bears

Sedrick Van Pran-Granger | OL | Georgia

77. Seattle Seahawks

Michael Hall Jr. | DL | Ohio State

78. Cincinnati Bengals

Jaheim Bell | TE | Florida State

79. Denver Broncos (from NO)

Max Melton | CB | Rutgers

80. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN)

Cameron Ward | QB | Washington State

81. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)

Trey Benson | RB | Florida State

82. Pittsburgh Steelers

Byron Murphy II | DL | Texas

83. Green Bay Packers

Tyleik Williams | DL | Ohio State

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Zach Frazier | OL | West Virginia

85. Los Angeles Rams

Zion Tupuola-Fetui | EDGE | Washington

86. Indianapolis Colts

Jaylin Simpson | S | Auburn

87. Atlanta Falcons (from JAX)

Jonah Elliss | EDGE | Utah

88. Green Bay Packers (from BUF)

TreVeyon Henderson | RB | Ohio State

89. Kansas City Chiefs

McKinnley Jackson | DL | Texas A&M

90. Houston Texans

Kris Abrams-Draine | CB | Missouri

91. Cleveland Browns (from PHI)

Brenden Rice | WR | USC

92. Detroit Lions

Zak Zinter | OL | Michigan

93. Dallas Cowboys

Blake Corum | RB | Michigan

94. San Francisco 49ers

Mekhi Wingo | DL | LSU

95. Baltimore Ravens

Christian Mahogany | OL | Boston College

*96. Jacksonville Jaguars

Ladd McConkey | WR | Georgia

*97. Philadelphia Eagles

Christian Haynes | OL | Connecticut

*98. San Francisco 49ers

Cole Bishop | S | Utah

*99. Buffalo Bills

Jalen McMillan | WR | Washington

*100. Washington Commanders (from SF)

Mike Sainristil | CB | Michigan

*=projected compensatory selection


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