2024 NFL Mock Draft: Risers, Fallers in Latest 3-Round Projections

See who's moving up and down the draft board in the latest three-round projections for the 2024 NFL Draft.
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Risers, Fallers in Latest 3-Round Projections
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Risers, Fallers in Latest 3-Round Projections /

If the new year's approaching, you know it's officially NFL Draft season for plenty of fan bases already. 

The last few weeks of the regular season give playoff contenders one last stretch to make their postseason push, but for the rest of the league, the focus is already starting to shift to the offseason.

In the college ranks, early declarations and bowl-game opt-outs are already in full force, and we're already seeing names moving up and down the imaginary draft board heading into bowl season.

As we get ready for the homestretch at both levels of the gridiron, here's a fresh look at how the first three rounds of next year's draft could shake out, using the latest updated pick order following Week 14 results:

1. Chicago Bears (from CAR)

Caleb Williams | QB | USC

USC quarterback Caleb Williams
Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears should strongly consider using this pick to keep building around Justin Fields, but if they end up bringing in a new coaching staff in the offseason, restarting at QB seems more likely. Despite a roller-coaster season full of inconsistency, Williams' rare physical tools should still make him the top pick.

2. New England Patriots

Drake Maye | QB | North Carolina

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The post-Tom Brady era hasn't been kind to the Pats, and Bill Belichick's time leading the team might be coming to an end. Whether he's back or not, New England's biggest need is clear, and they should be in position to land their next franchise quarterback. Maye has all the tools to be exactly what they need to return to contention.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Ohio State

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

The Cardinals are already financially invested in Kyler Murray as their franchise quarterback, and the best way to ensure he lives up to his contract is to give him a true No. 1 receiver. Harrison's name alone sets a high bar, but he's got all the traits to live up to the hype as the best overall prospect in this entire class.

4. Washington Commanders

Olu Fashanu | OT | Penn State

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

After watching Sam Howell spend the majority of the 2023 season running for his life, upgrading the offensive line has to be Washington's top priority this offseason. That starts with finding a franchise left tackle, and this scenario puts them in position to land the best of this year's deep class in Fashanu.

5. Chicago Bears

Dallas Turner | EDGE | Alabama

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

After taking Williams as their new franchise quarterback, the Bears shift to the other side of the ball with their other top-five pick. Trading for Montez Sweat is already paying big dividends, but that shouldn't stop Chicago from target another explosive edge rusher here. Turner is versatile, athletic, and put up huge numbers this season.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Jayden Daniels | QB | LSU

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

This entire roster needs a massive overhaul, but nothing matters until you have a difference-maker at quarterback. That's exactly what Daniels was for the Bayou Bengals this season, putting up historic numbers while making huge leaps as a passer to go with this dynamic running ability. The Heisman Trophy winner would bring immediate juice to this entire franchise.

7. New York Jets

Joe Alt | OT | Notre Dame

Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt
USA TODAY Sports

The Jets are hoping for a redo in 2024 with Aaron Rodgers, and Super Bowl hopes will be back on the menu. If they want to reach them this time, they'll have to make sure Rodgers has better protection, so he can hopefully avoid another serious injury. The son of a Pro Bowl tackle himself, Alt is as polished and pro-ready as any prospect in this class.

8. New York Giants

Rome Odunze | WR | Washington

Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants shouldn't be opposed to upgrading at QB, but with three off the board already, they're better off waiting to see who falls to Day 2. Instead, they should help out whoever ends up throwing passes for them next year by landing a true No. 1 receiver like Odunze, who has the complete skill set to transform their passing game.

9. Tennessee Titans

Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia

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

There are bigger needs on both sides of the ball here, but when an elite talent falls to you, you take it. That should be how the Titans approach this scenario, as they have the opportunity to land one of the most dynamic playmakers in the entire draft. Bowers is a matchup nightmare who would help Will Levis in a big way.

10. Los Angeles Chargers

Jer'Zhan Newton | DL | Illinois

Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton
USA TODAY Sports

This defense needs help at every level, but it's always best to start in the trenches. Newton isn't the biggest interior defender, but he's easily the best one in this year's class, and he makes up for his smaller frame with elite explosiveness and instincts that allow him to spend plenty of time in opposing backfields.

11. Atlanta Falcons

Jared Verse | EDGE | Florida State

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

Without a quarterback on the board worthy of this slot, the Falcons should look to address one of multiple needs on defense, the biggest of which is for a dynamic edge rusher. Verse was the anchor of Florida State's dominant unit all year long, and proved in the ACC title game that he can single-handedly take over a game.

12. New Orleans Saints

Malik Nabers | WR | LSU

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

Offensive line is the bigger need, but it would be hard for the Saints to pass up Nabers if he falls to them here. Chris Olave is a stud, but New Orleans could use another explosive pass-catcher who can stretch the field and make big plays after the catch. Nabers would be a perfect fit, and he'd be a bargain outside of the top 10.

13. Seattle Seahawks

Chop Robinson | EDGE | Penn State

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

Trading for Leonard Williams bolstered the interior of Seattle's defensive front, but they still need another playmaker coming off the edge, and this scenario gives them multiple options worthy of this slot. Robinson has an explosive first step and a vast array of pass-rushing moves that should make him an instant-impact player at the next level.

14. Los Angeles Rams

Taliese Fuaga | OT | Oregon State

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

Alaric Jackson looks like a gem at left tackle, which should point the Rams toward the right side if they want to upgrade the offensive trenches. There are multiple prospects who would fit the bill in this scenario, but Fuaga is a fast-rising name who has been as dominant as any offensive lineman in the country this season.

15. Denver Broncos

Terrion Arnold | CB | Alabama

Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, a corner comes off the board, but it might not be the Crimson Tide prospect many would expect. His Alabama teammate (Kool-Aid McKinstry) got more preseason hype, but Arnold has been the best corner on the field in Tuscaloosa this season. He's got a well-rounded skill set, as well as the technique, smarts and toughness to be a stud opposite another former Bama corner in Patrick Surtain II.

16. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)

Nate Wiggins | CB | Clemson

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK

Back-to-back corners here, as Wiggins fills one of Arizona's many needs on defense after landing the best player in the draft in Harrison for the offense. With ideal height and length for the position, Wiggins would be a perfect fit for what the Cards need on the outside, where they've been desperate for an impact player since Patrick Peterson's departure.

17. Buffalo Bills

Keon Coleman | WR | Florida State

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

Don't count out safety or defensive line here, but the biggest priority for Buffalo should be giving Josh Allen as much help as possible. That means finding another stud pass-catcher to take pressure and attention away from Stefon Diggs, and Coleman's combination of size and physicality would be the perfect complement to Diggs' skill set.

18. Cincinnati Bengals

JC Latham | OT | Alabama

Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency could deplete the wide receiver group behind Ja'Marr Chase, but if the top four prospects are off the board there, the Bengals should shift to the offensive line, where Joe Burrow needs as much help as possible. Right tackle should be the priority, and Latham would be the perfect fit after handling top competition in the SEC.

19. Green Bay Packers

Amarius Mims | OT | Georgia

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

Another team that needs an upgrade at tackle, the Packers need to find a successor for David Bakhtiari, who isn't getting any younger and has struggled with injuries in recent years. Mims missed a handful of games with an ankle injury of his own this year, but at full strength, he's a massive mauler with limitless upside.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Laiatu Latu | EDGE | UCLA

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

Tampa Bay's list of needs could be a mile long this offseason, so this pick could go in any number of directions. In this scenario, the best match of need and value comes at the EDGE spot, where the Bucs could use an eventual replacement for veteran Shaq Barrett. Latu's injury history could cause him to tumble a bit, but he's been dominant a full strength this season.

21. Indianapolis Colts

Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | Alabama

Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry
USA TODAY Sports

This secondary needs help at both levels, and the Colts have options at both corner and safety here who would be solid matches and great value picks. Corner is the more premium position, though, so they go in that direction here. McKinstry was a top-10 favorite heading into the season, and still has the physical tools and upside to be a shutdown presence on the outside.

22. Minnesota Vikings

Leonard Taylor III | DL | Miami (FL)

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

This entire defensive front needs reinforcements, so this pick is about finding the best value, either along the interior or on the edge. In this scenario, it's the former for Minnesota, as they land an explosive and disruptive presence at the point of attack in Taylor. His attacking style of play would be put to good use by defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kalen King | CB | Penn State

Penn State cornerback Kalen King
Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers already have one budding star at corner from Happy Valley, so it wouldn't be surprising if they went back for another. King already has experience lining up across from Joey Porter Jr. and making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks, and this would allow them to reunite and do it again at the pro level.

24. Houston Texans (from CLE)

Xavier Legette | WR | South Carolina

South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Nico Collins and Tank Dell are already a fantastic tandem, but you can never have too many dynamic weapons for a young franchise quarterback. Legette's rare combination of size, physicality, and elite speed should make him a riser throughout the pre-draft process, and would make C.J. Stroud even more dangerous next year.

25. Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Paul | OT | Houston

Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul
USA TODAY Sports

All the headlines scream for wide receiver help, and while that's warranted to a degree, the Chiefs' biggest need is at left tackle, where they need both an immediate and long-term upgrade protecting Patrick Mahomes' blind side. Paul's combination of size, length, and athleticism give him as much upside as any tackle in this year's loaded class.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars

Troy Fautanu | OL | Washington

Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of protecting your franchise quarterback, the Jags need to do the same with Trevor Lawrence. Fautanu has been a stud at left tackle for the Huskies (protecting Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Penix Jr.), but he could be even more dominant at the next level if he slides inside to guard, where Jacksonville has a bigger need. 

27. Detroit Lions

JT Tuimoloau | EDGE | Ohio State

Ohio State edge defender JT Tuimoloau
USA TODAY Sports

Aidan Hutchinson has already established himself as one of the most dominant edge rushers in the NFL in just his second season, but the Lions need an upgrade on the other side of the defensive front. Tuimoloau's complete skill set and knack for making big plays of all kinds would make him an ideal pairing.

28. Philadelphia Eagles

Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | LSU

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

There aren't too many glaring needs for the Eagles, so they can afford somewhat of a luxury pick here. While opposing defenses are busy trying to defend AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, Philly could make their lives even more difficult by adding a big, explosive playmaker like Thomas to Jalen Hurts' bag of tricks.

29. Miami Dolphins

Graham Barton | OL | Duke

Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton
Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

Protecting Tua Tagovailoa has to be Miami's top priority, and they could target an upgrade at any position across the offensive line here. That being the case, why not grab a player who can play all five positions up front? Barton has played most of his snaps at tackle for the Blue Devils, but may project better inside at the next level.

30. Dallas Cowboys

Quinyon Mitchell | CB | Toledo

Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell
Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

DaRon Bland is proving to be quite the find, but with Trevon Diggs coming off a torn ACL, the Cowboys should still be willing to add more talent at corner. Mitchell might not be a household name just yet, but he's got all the physical tools, as well as the instincts and intelligence, to be worthy of first-round consideration.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Tyler Guyton | OT | Oklahoma

Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The secondary could use some help at both corner and safety, but the 49ers' top priority here has to be an immediate upgrade at right tackle. Thankfully, a deep class at the position still gives them a strong candidate in Guyton, who has the talent and experience to be a plug-and-play starter on the right side.

32. Baltimore Ravens

Cooper DeJean | DB | Iowa

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

Baltimore already has one versatile playmaker in the secondary (Kyle Hamilton), but why not grab another? DeJean is coming off a season-ending injury, but he's one of the best pure athletes in the entire class, and his ability to line up all over the field and make big plays would be another huge addition to this defense.

SECOND ROUND

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy
Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK

33. Carolina Panthers

Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State

34. Arizona Cardinals

Bralen Trice | EDGE | Washington

35. New England Patriots

Jordan Morgan | OT | Arizona

36. Washington Commanders

Chris Braswell | EDGE | Alabama

37. Las Vegas Raiders

Denzel Burke | CB | Ohio State

38. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ)

Kamren Kinchens | S | Miami (FL)

39. New York Giants

J.J. McCarthy | QB | Michigan

40. Tennessee Titans

Cooper Beebe | OL | Kansas State

41. Los Angeles Chargers

Jabbar Muhammad | CB | Washington

42. Washington Commanders (from CHI)

Ja'Tavion Sanders | TE | Texas

43. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO)

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | LB | Clemson

44. New York Giants (from SEA)

Kamari Lassiter | CB | Georgia

45. Los Angeles Rams

Landon Jackson | EDGE | Arkansas

46. Atlanta Falcons

Bo Nix | QB | Oregon

47. Houston Texans

Brandon Dorlus | DL | Oregon

48. Buffalo Bills

Tyler Nubin | S | Minnesota

49. Cincinnati Bengals

Adonai Mitchell | WR | Texas

50. New Orleans Saints (from DEN)

Kingsley Suamataia | OT | BYU

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Michael Penix Jr. | QB | Washington

52. Green Bay Packers

Ruke Orhorhoro | DL | Clemson

53. Minnesota Vikings

Jack Sawyer | EDGE | Ohio State

54. Pittsburgh Steelers

Maason Smith | DL | LSU

55. Indianapolis Colts

Xavier Worthy | WR | Texas

56. Cleveland Browns

Ja'Lynn Polk | WR | Washington

57. Jacksonville Jaguars

T.J. Tampa | CB | Iowa State

58. Kansas City Chiefs

Devontez Walker | WR | North Carolina

59. Detroit Lions

Josh Newton | CB | TCU

60. Philadelphia Eagles

Caelen Carson | CB | Wake Forest

61. Miami Dolphins

T'Vondre Sweat | DL | Texas

62. Dallas Cowboys

Troy Franklin | WR | Oregon

63. San Francisco 49ers

Calen Bullock | S | USC

64. Baltimore Ravens

Kris Jenkins | DL | Michigan

THIRD ROUND

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

65. Carolina Panthers

Princely Umanmielen | EDGE | Florida

66. New England Patriots

Ladd McConkey | WR | Georgia

67. Arizona Cardinals

Michael Hall Jr. | DL | Ohio State

68. Washington Commanders

Edgerrin Cooper | LB | Texas A&M

69. New York Jets

Javon Bullard | S | Georgia

70. New York Giants

Kiran Amegadjie | OT | Yale

71. Arizona Cardinals (from TEN)

TreVeyon Henderson | RB | Ohio State

72. Los Angeles Chargers

Cade Stover | TE | Ohio State

73. Chicago Bears

Malachi Corley | WR | Western Kentucky

74. Las Vegas Raiders

Tyleik Williams | DL | Ohio State

75. Seattle Seahawks

Donovan Jackson | OL | Ohio State

76. Los Angeles Rams

Payton Wilson | LB | North Carolina State

77. Atlanta Falcons

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. | CB | Missouri

78. Denver Broncos (from NO)

Johnny Wilson | WR | Florida State

79. Green Bay Packers (from BUF)

Zak Zinter | OL | Michigan

80. Cincinnati Bengals

Nazir Stackhouse | DL | Georgia

81. Seattle Seahawks (from DEN)

Rod Moore | S | Michigan

82. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)

Sedrick Van Pran | OL | Georgia

83. Green Bay Packers

Trey Benson | RB | Florida State

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Zach Frazier | OL | West Virginia

85. Pittsburgh Steelers

Jackson Powers-Johnson | OL | Oregon

86. Indianapolis Colts

Cole Bishop | S | Utah

87. Detroit Lions (from MIN)

Christian Haynes | OL | Connecticut

88. Cleveland Browns

Jalen McMillan | WR | Washington

89. Kansas City Chiefs

McKinnley Jackson | DL | Texas A&M

90. Jacksonville Jaguars

Brendan Rice | WR | USC

91. Detroit Lions

Tyler Davis | DL | Clemson

92. Houston Texans (from PHI)

Mike Sainristil | CB | Michigan

93. Dallas Cowboys

Blake Corum | RB | Michigan

94. San Francisco 49ers

D.J. James | CB | Auburn

95. Baltimore Ravens

Christian Mahogany | OL | Boston College

96. Jacksonville Jaguars

Zion Tupuola-Fetui | EDGE | Washington

97. Philadelphia Eagles

Javon Foster | OT | Missouri

98. San Francisco 49ers

Jaheim Bell | TE | Florida State

99. Buffalo Bills

Mekhi Wingo | DL | LSU

100. Washington Commanders (from SF)

Jason Marshall Jr. | CB | Florida


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