2024 NFL Mock Draft: New 3-Round Projections for Thanksgiving Week

An updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft could shake out.
2024 NFL Mock Draft: New 3-Round Projections for Thanksgiving Week
2024 NFL Mock Draft: New 3-Round Projections for Thanksgiving Week /

If it's time for turkey and stuffing, your favorite football team is either preparing for a playoff push, or already thinking about the 2024 NFL Draft.

While there are still plenty of fan bases with postseason hopes for which they can be thankful, a handful of teams already have their faithful supporters looking ahead to another offseason.

The Chicago Bears are having another rough season, but they're on track for a pair of top-four picks in 2024, including the No. 1 overall pick thanks to last year's pre-draft deal with the Carolina Panthers. For the second year in a row, they'll control the early going of the draft.

If your team needs a franchise quarterback, a star wide receiver, or a stud offensive tackle, you're in luck. If we don't see a safety, off-ball linebacker or running back in the first round, it won't be surprising.

Keeping all that in mind, here's an updated look at how the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft could turn out, using the latest updated pick order following Week 11 results:

1. Chicago Bears (from CAR)

Caleb Williams | QB | USC

USC quarterback Caleb Williams
Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

It's likely the Bears will have a new coaching staff in 2024, and the new crew usually wants to hand-pick their own quarterback. If it were me, I'd auction this pick off to the highest bidder (they'll get more than they did for last year's No. 1 pick), or stay put and take the best player in the draft (Marvin Harrison Jr.), and keep building around Justin Fields. If new management disagrees, don't be shocked if Williams still lands here, despite some inconsistency in his play this year.

2. Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Ohio State

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

Kyler Murray is back to full strength, and the Cards have already committed to him financial for the long-term. That means the best-case scenario is landing Harrison, who would give Murray an elite receiver to help him live up to that massive contract. They could be tempted by offers from teams looking to move up for whichever quarterback doesn't go No. 1, but it'll have to be a hefty price to pass up Harrison.

3. New England Patriots

Drake Maye | QB | North Carolina

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The ideal scenario for the Pats, who desperately need an upgrade at quarterback over Mac Jones. Similar to Williams, Maye's 2023 campaign has been somewhat of a roller-coaster, but the tools are there to be a franchise passer at the next level. New England will still need to add more talent to the offense (both in the trenches and at receiver), but none of that matters until they have a difference-maker under center.

4. Chicago Bears

Olu Fashanu | OT | Penn State

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

After drafting their new franchise quarterback at No. 1, the Bears use their other top-five selection to make sure he's protected. Williams spent most of the 2023 season running for his life behind the Trojans' struggling offensive line, and adding an elite left tackle like Fashanu would help ensure that doesn't happen in Chicago.

5. New York Giants

Rome Odunze | WR | Washington

Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Whenever Daniel Jones returns to full strength, the Giants are going to need a true No. 1 receiver if they want their quarterback to live up to his new contract extension. Odunze was underrated coming into the season, but his dominant play all year long should have him in the top-five conversation as one of the most complete players in the entire draft.

6. Tennessee Titans

Joe Alt | OT | Notre Dame

Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt
USA TODAY Sports

This offensive line desperately needs help across the board, and it starts at left tackle, where the Titans must find a cornerstone player to protect Will Levis and set the tone of the entire unit. The son of a Pro Bowl player at the same position, Alt is as polished and pro-ready as any player in this draft, and would be an instant upgrade.

7. Washington Commanders

Laiatu Latu | EDGE | UCLA

UCLA edge defender Laiatu Latu
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive line is the biggest need in Washington, but if the board falls this way, they'd be better off using this pick to help replace either of the star pass rushers they traded away at the deadline (Chase Young, Montez Sweat). With the top two tackles off the board, and the opportunity to have their pick of this year's loaded class of edge defenders, grabbing a dominant presence like Latu would be the ideal play.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Jayden Daniels | QB | LSU

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels
Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons have invested their last three first-round picks (all top-10 selections) in dynamic playmakers for their offense (Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Bijan Robinson), but they don't have a similar presence at quarterback who can take full advantage of that supporting cast. Daniels has been the most explosive player in college football this season, and wouldn't have that problem.

9. Green Bay Packers

Amarius Mims | OT | Georgia

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

It's been more than a decade since the Packers spent a first-round pick on an offensive tackle, but with a 32-year-old David Bakhtiari struggling to stay healthy, it's time to end that streak. Mims missed time with an ankle injury earlier in the season, but at full strength, he's a dominant force with impressive athleticism for his massive frame.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia

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

The Bucs could have a long list of needs next offseason, and tight end isn't exactly one of them. But what every team needs is as many mismatch weapons as possible, on either side of the ball, and Bowers definitely qualifies. He's a top-five prospect in this class, and would be an absolute steal if he's still on the board here.

11. New York Jets

JC Latham | OT | Alabama

Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

If the Jets want to keep Aaron Rodgers healthy next season, the offensive line has to get some massive upgrades, particularly at the tackle spots. Latham is a huge presence in the offensive trenches, with the versatility to play on either side, and give the Jets an immediate upgrade no matter where he lines up.

12. Los Angeles Chargers

Dallas Turner | EDGE | Alabama

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

Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack are a dominant tandem when they're both on the field, but moving on from Mack next offseason could save the Chargers plenty of salary cap space. This scenario would give Los Angeles the opportunity to replace Mack with another explosive edge rusher in Turner, who is putting up huge numbers this year.

13. Los Angeles Rams

Chop Robinson | EDGE | Penn State

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

If the Rams want to roll with Matthew Stafford for another year, they'll still have plenty of needs to fill elsewhere on both sides of the ball. They could use an explosive edge rusher to take advantage of all the attention opposing offenses have to pay Aaron Donald, and Robinson as the best first step in this year's loaded class.

14. Las Vegas Raiders

J.J. McCarthy | QB | Michigan

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

The Raiders need just about everything, but nothing matters if you don't have a quarterback. Even if Jimmy Garoppolo was still healthy, the Raiders would still need an upgrade under center, and McCarthy brings a well-rounded skill set with accuracy, efficiency, and an underrated ability to make plays as a runner. 

15. Indianapolis Colts

Keon Coleman | WR | Florida State

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

If the Colts aren't able to bring back Michael Pittman Jr. (either with a long-term extension or the franchise tag), they'll need a true No. 1 receiver to replace him. Coleman would be the perfect candidate, with his impressive combination of size, athleticism, and leaping ability, and he'd be a bargain this late in the first round.

16. Denver Broncos

Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | Alabama

Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry
USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos already have one of the NFL's best young corners in Patrick Surtain II, but they could use an upgrade on the other side of the field. McKinstry has all the physical traits to be a shutdown artist himself at the next level, and he brings added value as one of the most explosive return specialists in the class.

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Malik Nabers | WR | LSU

LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers
Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Tee Higgins isn't the only wide receiver the Bengals could lose in free agency, so don't be surprised if the Bengals spend this pick on a blue-chip pass-catcher to pair with Ja'Marr Chase. Nabers is a smooth route-runner whose physicality and explosiveness makes him a big-play machine after the catch, and he's worthy of a much higher pick.

18. Buffalo Bills

Jer'Zhan Newton | DL | Illinois

Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton
USA TODAY Sports

Wide receiver and safety are strong candidates here, but if the board falls this way, the Bills should take the opportunity to fill their need along the defensive interior with this year's best prospect at the position. Newton might be a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with power and explosiveness that keeps him in the opposing backfield often.

19. New Orleans Saints

Troy Fautanu | OL | Washington

Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

If the Saints are gonna get their money's worth for Derek Carr (and keep him healthy), the offensive line has to get some big upgrades this offseason. Fautanu is a powerful blocker with impressive quickness and athleticism who has lined up at left tackle for the Huskies, but projects better as a dominant guard in the NFL.

20. Minnesota Vikings

Jared Verse | EDGE | Florida State

Florida State edge defender Jared Verse
USA TODAY Sports

It makes the most sense for Kirk Cousins with a new contract, otherwise quarterback might be on the table here. Otherwise, the Vikings' biggest needs are along the defensive front, where they need an infusion of young talent. Verse was getting top-five hype in the preseason, and has the polished skill set to make an immediate impact.

21. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)

Nate Wiggins | CB | Clemson

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK

After landing the best player in the entire draft in Harrison, the Cardinals can switch gears here, and give their defense a dynamic playmaker. Wiggins has ideal height and length for the position, and a knack for making splash plays when the ball gets anywhere near him. 

22. Seattle Seahawks

JT Tuimoloau | EDGE | Ohio State

Ohio State edge defender JT Tuimoloau
USA TODAY Sports

Trading for Leonard Williams filled the Seahawks' need for a dominant interior presence along the defensive front, but they could use another impact player on the edge who can make plays on all three downs. Tuimoloau is a complete player with the ideal skill set to defend both the run and pass.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers

Terrion Arnold | CB | Alabama

Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Joey Porter Jr. already looks like a potential star, but the Steelers still need a similar presence across from him. One of the fastest-rising prospects in this class, Arnold has been as impressive as any corner in the country this season (including teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry), and playing in Nick Saban's defense will have him well-prepared for the NFL.

24. Houston Texans (from CLE)

Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State

Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka
USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Stroud already has a strong receiver tandem (Tank Dell, Nico Collins), but why not give him another weapon? Egbuka has been limited by injury this season, but at full strength, he's a polished pass-catcher who runs sharp routes and creates consistent separation, and a young quarterback can never have too many of those guys.

25. Miami Dolphins

Patrick Paul | OT | Houston

Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul
USA TODAY Sports

Terron Armstead has struggled with injuries, and he'll turn 33 years old next July, so finding a potential replacement at left tackle should be high on Miami's priority list in the offseason. Paul's combination of size, length, power and athleticism give him as much upside as any offensive tackle in this class.

26. Dallas Cowboys

Graham Barton | OL | Duke

Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton
Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

This team will continue to go as Dak Prescott goes, so fortifying the offensive line should remain the Cowboys' primary objective. Barton's best trait is his versatility, with the ability to play any of the five positions in the offensive trenches. He's most experienced at tackle, but might project better inside at the next level.

27. San Francisco 49ers

Taliese Fuaga | OT | Oregon State

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

The secondary could use some reinforcements, but right tackle is easily the biggest and most immediate need for San Francisco. Fuaga has been as dominant as any offensive lineman in college football this year, sending him skyrocketing up the draft board. He'd be the perfect match of need and value for the 49ers here.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

Cooper DeJean | DB | Iowa

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

The Jags could use another playmaker in the secondary, and DeJean might be the most versatile athlete in the entire class. He can line up outside or in the slot as a corner, deep or in the box at safety, or even at linebacker. He's also one of the best return specialists in the country. He'll be coming off an injury, but at full strength, he's a stud.

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | LSU

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

It's never been more painfully obvious that Patrick Mahomes desperately needs more help at wide receiver, and this year's loaded class should give the Chiefs the perfect opportunity to remedy that. Another fast-rising prospect this season, Thomas is big, fast, physical and athletic, and most importantly, will catch the ball.

30. Detroit Lions

Chris Braswell | EDGE | Alabama

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

The Lions already have one of the NFL's most dominant edge defenders in Aidan Hutchinson, but they need another high-impact player on the other end of the defensive front. Braswell has flown up the draft board thanks to a highly productive season, and he's got all the physical tools to keep ascending at the next level.

31. Baltimore Ravens

Kalen King | CB | Penn State

Penn State cornerback Kalen King
Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports

They may be one of the best teams in the league right now, but the Ravens still have a couple of glaring needs looking ahead to next year. Corner is atop that list, as they need more consistent play and more splash plays from that group. King has all the tools to be the first Nittany Lion defensive back ever drafted in the first round.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Xavier Legette | WR | South Carolina

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

The Eagles are the most complete team in the NFL right now, with a roster that doesn't have any significant holes. That means they'll just get to keep loading up on talent and maximizing value in the draft, and this year, that means dipping into a deep receiver class. Legette's thick frame, explosiveness and physicality look a lot like a young A.J. Brown. 

SECOND ROUND

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Joe Nicholson - USA TODAY Sports

33. Carolina Panthers

Devontez Walker | WR | North Carolina

34. Arizona Cardinals

Leonard Taylor III | DL | Miami (FL)

35. New England Patriots

Tyler Guyton | OT | Oklahoma

36. New York Giants

Bralen Trice | EDGE | Washington

37. Washington Commanders (from CHI)

Jordan Morgan | OT | Arizona

38. Tennessee Titans

Denzel Burke | CB | Ohio State

39. Washington Commanders

Ja'Tavion Sanders | TE | Texas

40. Green Bay Packers

Kamren Kinchens | S | Miami (FL)

41. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Michael Penix Jr. | QB | Washington

42. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ)

Cooper Beebe | OL | Kansas State

43. Los Angeles Chargers

Kamari Lassiter | CB | Georgia

44. Los Angeles Rams

Bo Nix | QB | Oregon

45. Atlanta Falcons

Jonah Elliss | EDGE | Utah

46. Las Vegas Raiders

Barrett Carter | LB | Clemson

47. New Orleans Saints (from DEN)

Adonai Mitchell | WR | Texas

48. Cincinnati Bengals

Kingsley Suamataia | OT | BYU

49. Indianapolis Colts

Calen Bullock | S | USC

50. Buffalo Bills

Ja'Lynn Polk | WR | Washington

51. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO)

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | LB | Clemson

52. Minnesota Vikings

Maason Smith | DL | LSU

53. New York Giants (from SEA)

Josh Newton | CB | TCU

54. Pittsburgh Steelers

Troy Franklin | WR | Oregon

55. Houston Texans

Ruke Orhorhoro | DL | Clemson

56. Cleveland Browns

Brandon Dorlus | DL | Michigan

57. Dallas Cowboys

Xavier Worthy | WR | Texas

58. San Francisco 49ers

Tyler Nubin | S | Minnesota

59. Jacksonville Jaguars

Landon Jackson | EDGE | Arkansas

60. Miami Dolphins

Kris Jenkins | DL | Michigan

61. Kansas City Chiefs

Kiran Amegadjie | OT | Yale

62. Detroit Lions

Malachi Corley | WR | Western Kentucky

63. Baltimore Ravens

Zak Zinter | OL | Michigan

64. Philadelphia Eagles

T.J. Tampa | CB | Iowa State

THIRD ROUND

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

65. Carolina Panthers

Jack Sawyer | EDGE | Ohio State

66. Arizona Cardinals

T'Vondre Sweat | DL | Texas

67. New England Patriots

Ladd McConkey | WR | Georgia

68. Chicago Bears

Princely Umanmielen | EDGE | Florida

69. New York Giants

Michael Hall Jr. | DL | Ohio State

70. Arizona Cardinals (from TEN)

Trey Benson | RB | Florida State

71. Washington Commanders

Edgerrin Cooper | LB | Texas A&M

72. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sedrick Van Pran-Granger | OL | Georgia

73. New York Jets

Andrew Mukuba | S | Clemson

74. Los Angeles Chargers

Brenden Rice | WR | USC

75. Los Angeles Rams

Caelen Carson | CB | Wake Forest

76. Atlanta Falcons

Quinyon Mitchell | CB | Toledo

77. Green Bay Packers

TreVeyon Henderson | RB | Ohio State

78. Las Vegas Raiders

D.J. James | CB | Auburn

79. Cincinnati Bengals

Cade Stover | TE | Ohio State

80. Indianapolis Colts

Jabbar Muhammad | CB | Washington

81. Denver Broncos

Johnny Wilson | WR | Florida State

82. Green Bay Packers (from BUF)

Carson Beck | QB | Georgia

83. Seattle Seahawks (from NO)

Christian Haynes | OL | Connecticut

84. Detroit Lions (from MIN)

Jason Marshall Jr. | CB | Florida

85. Pittsburgh Steelers

Zach Frazier | OL | West Virginia

86. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)

Jacob Cowing | WR | Arizona

87. Seattle Seahawks

Cameron Ward | QB | Washington State

88. Cleveland Browns

Antwane Wells Jr. | WR | South Carolina

89. San Francisco 49ers

Max Melton | CB | Rutgers

90. Jacksonville Jaguars

Donovan Jackson | OL | Ohio State

91. Dallas Cowboys

Blake Corum | RB | Michigan

92. Kansas City Chiefs

Tyleik Williams | DL | Ohio State

93. Detroit Lions

Jackson Powers-Johnson | OL | Oregon

94. Baltimore Ravens

Dontay Corleone | DL | Cincinnati

95. Houston Texans (from PHI)

Kris Abrams-Draine | CB | Missouri

*96. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jermaine Burton | WR | Alabama

*97. Philadelphia Eagles

Javon Foster | OT | Missouri

*98. San Francisco 49ers

Jalen McMillan | WR | Washington

*99. Buffalo Bills

Javon Bullard | S | Georgia

*100. Washington Commanders (from SF)

Gabriel Murphy | EDGE | UCLA

* = 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