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2024 NFL Mock Draft: 2 Rounds of Chaos with No QB at No. 1, Deion & Shedeur to the Raiders, Caleb Williams in New York

This updated two-round projection for the 2024 NFL Draft is a wild ride.

Even this early in the 2024 NFL Draft process, mock drafts can start to get boring.

The same handful of names in the same order at the top, the same guy going to your favorite team because he's the best guy left on the board at the position they need the most. 

But when the real thing rolls around, we all know better. 

Chaos reigns on draft weekend, so let's throw some curveballs into the mix this time.

Here's an updated look at how the first two rounds of next year's draft could turn out, using the latest updated pick order after Week 8 results:

1. Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Ohio State

Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

The Cardinals are already financially committed to Kyler Murray in a big way, so why not give him everything he needs to live up to his pay grade? This year's top QB prospects might be tempting, but Harrison is the best overall player in this draft class, and would give Murray an immediate superstar in the passing game.

2. Chicago Bears (from CAR)

Drake Maye | QB | North Carolina

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye

If the Bears are picking twice in the top three, they're likely to reset at quarterback and let Justin Fields continue his development elsewhere. Maye might have a slightly lower ceiling than Caleb Williams, but he's got a higher floor and has been more consistent with his play this season.

3. Chicago Bears

Olu Fashanu | OT | Penn State

Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu

Braxton Jones has outplayed his draft slot as a fifth-round pick, but that shouldn't keep the Bears from upgrading with an elite prospect to protect Maye's blind side. Fashanu could have been a high first-rounder last year, but he'll be even better after another year of polish and experience.

4. New York Giants

Caleb Williams | QB | USC

USC quarterback Caleb Williams

Yes, the Giants just signed Daniel Jones to a lucrative contract extension. That said, if Williams (or Maye) is still on the board here, they might be forced to throw all that out the window and figure out the financials later. Williams has struggled at times this year, but he's still got rare potential and upside Jones just doesn't bring to the table.

5. New England Patriots

Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers

If Maye and Williams are off the board, the Pats would likely look for the best overall player available instead of reaching for the next-best quarterback. Bowers is easily the top prospect on the board in this scenario, regardless of position, and would bring big-play ability New England's offense has been starved for in recent years.

6. Green Bay Packers

Joe Alt | OT | Notre Dame

Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt

It looks like the David Bakhtiari era is coming to an end, and it's time for the Packers to invest a premium draft pick in his successor at left tackle. Alt is one of the most polished and pro-ready prospects in this entire class, and would give Green Bay a seamless transition from one Pro Bowler to another.

7. Indianapolis Colts

Keon Coleman | WR | Florida State

Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman

The Colts have their franchise quarterback in Anthony Richardson, but he could be in need of a new No. 1 receiver if Michael Pittman Jr. isn't re-signed in the offseason. Coleman brings a similar combination of size and physicality, but with explosiveness, big-play potential and upside that could make him a long-term upgrade.

8. Las Vegas Raiders

Shedeur Sanders | QB | Colorado

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders

So, I'm stealing this idea from my good buddy at ESPN, Matt Miller. What if the Raiders hand Deion Sanders a blank check to leave Colorado and replace Josh McDaniels, and Shedeur warns every other NFL team that he'll only play for his dad? It's too fun of a scenario not to consider, and Sanders has as much potential as any quarterback in this class.

9. Denver Broncos

Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | Alabama

Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry

Pat Surtain II is one of the NFL's best corners, but the Broncos need an upgrade across from him. If there's not an elite left tackle on the board like Fashanu or Alt, Denver would be wise to grab the top cornerback in the class in McKinstry, who also brings value as an explosive return man.

10. Los Angeles Rams

Laiatu Latu | EDGE | UCLA

UCLA edge defender Laiatu Latu

Aaron Donald is still one of the most dominant interior defenders in the NFL, but the Rams are in desperate need of impact players on the edge after losing the likes of Von Miller and Leonard Floyd in recent years. Latu's injury history is a concern, but he's been dominant this season at full strength.

11. Washington Commanders

JC Latham | OT | Alabama

Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham

Sam Howell continues to put up impressive numbers despite spending most of every game running for his life behind a lackluster offensive line. Latham would be an immediate upgrade at left tackle, and would allow Howell to take full advantage of an impressive group of offensive weapons.

12. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)

Cooper DeJean | DB | Iowa

Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean

After getting a dynamic playmaker for the offense at No. 1 overall, the Cards do the same for their defense here. I wouldn't count out a pass rusher here (especially if the board fell this way), but DeJean is a versatile defender who can lineup anywhere and make big plays when the ball gets near him.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rome Odunze | WR | Washington

Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze

The Bucs could have a long list of needs in the offseason, so this pick is about maximizing talent and value. If the can't afford to re-sign Mike Evans, the need for a big, athletic pass-catcher would leap to the top of the list, and Odunze is a top-10 talent who would be the perfect fit.

14. Los Angeles Chargers

Dallas Turner | EDGE | Alabama

Alabama edge defender Dallas Turner

The Chargers could go any number of directions on defense here, but the best value comes from a deep group of edge rushers. Turner is making the most of his chance to shine as a full-time starter this season, and has the athleticism, explosiveness and versatility to be a star at the next level.

15. Tennessee Titans

Amarius Mims | OT | Georgia

Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims

Andre Dillard doesn't look like the solution at left tackle, so the Titans should keep looking for their long-term replacement for departed veteran Taylor Lewan. Mims is still working his way back from ankle surgery, but when healthy, he's got the physical tools and upside to quickly develop into a franchise player.

16. New Orleans Saints

Malik Nabers | WR | LSU

LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers

Offensive line is the bigger need, but if Nabers is still on the board, he'd be tough to pass up. The Saints need an explosive pass-catcher to pair with Chris Olave, and Nabers has been a nightmare for opposing defenses after the catch. He's got the complete skill set to be an immediate upgrade over Michael Thomas.

17. New York Jets

Patrick Paul | OT | Houston

Houston offensive tackle Patrick Paul

Whenever Aaron Rodgers returns, the Jets will want better protection in front of him, so they can hopefully avoid another serious injury. Paul has a massive frame and ridiculous wingspan, with impressive athleticism for his size. In a pass-happy Cougars offense, he's logged 356 pass-blocking snaps this season without giving up a sack.

18. Cincinnati Bengals

Chop Robinson | EDGE | Penn State

Penn State edge defender Chop Robinson

Offensive line, wide receiver and tight end will all be priorities here, but if the board falls this way, the Bengals would be wise to grab a better value pick for the edge of their defensive front. Robinson has the explosive first-step quickness and wide range of pass-rushing moves to make an instant impact at a premium position.

19. Atlanta Falcons

J.J. McCarthy | QB | Michigan

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy

The Falcons have invested their last three first-round picks in dynamic weapons for their offense, but they still don't have a quarterback who can take full advantage of them. McCarthy is a versatile passer who can win comfortably from the pocket, or use his mobility to make defenses pay by extending plays through the air and on the ground.

20. Minnesota Vikings

Jared Verse | EDGE | Florida State

Florida State edge defender Jared Verse

The Vikings might be looking for a quarterback here, but with four already off the board, they might be better off waiting until Day 2. Instead, they take advantage of a loaded EDGE class and land a polished pass rusher in Verse who was getting top-five projections in the preseason. 

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kalen King | CB | Penn State

Penn State cornerback Kalen King

The Steelers stole one Penn State corner at No. 32 overall in 2023, and they might just be able to pair Joey Porter Jr. up with his old teammate next April. King has all the traits to be a shutdown player in the NFL, and he'd somehow be the first Nittany Lion defensive back ever selected in the first round.

22. Houston Texans (from CLE)

Jer'Zhan Newton | DL | Illinois

Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton

DeMeco Ryans' defense has some promising playmakers, but a disruptive interior presence could take the unit to the next level. Newton would be the perfect match of need, fit and value, bringing an impressive blend of power and explosiveness that would be a huge steal at this point in the first round.

23. San Francisco 49ers

Taliese Fuaga | OT | Oregon State

Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga

The loss of Mike McGlinchey has been painfully obvious for the 49ers, who desperately need an upgrade across from Trent Williams on the right side of the offensive line. Fuaga is one of the fastest-rising prospects in this class, and a dominant force who would be the perfect fit here.

24. Buffalo Bills

Kamren Kinchens | S | Miami (FL)

Miami (FL) safety Kamren Kinchens

A wide receiver or interior defensive lineman wouldn't be shocking here, but free agency could leave the Bills in dire need of reinforcements at safety. This scenario gives them the opportunity to grab the best one from this year's class in Kinchens, who has the complete skill set to make big plays against both the run and pass.

25. Seattle Seahawks

JT Tuimoloau | EDGE | Ohio State

Ohio State edge defender JT Tuimoloau

Even after trading for Leonard Williams at the deadline, the Seahawks should keep loading up their defensive front with more versatile weapons. Tuimoloau is a well-rounded prospect who can defend the run and collapse the pocket off the edge, or even slide inside on passing downs.

26. Dallas Cowboys

Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State

Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka

A cornerback wouldn't be shocking here, but it might be hard to pass up a pass-catcher like Egbuka if he's still available. He may play second fiddle to Marvin Harrison Jr. in Columbus, but Egbuka has a WR1 skill set in his own right, which would be a nightmare for opposing defenses if he's lining up across from CeeDee Lamb.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars

Graham Barton | OL | Duke

Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton

The Jags have a few different areas that could be addressed here, but protecting Trevor Lawrence has to be the top priority. Barton has the experience and skill set to play all five positions in the offensive trenches, and that kind of versatility is invaluable. He's got a tackle frame, but his length might make him better suited inside.

28. Baltimore Ravens

Nate Wiggins | CB | Clemson

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins

Baltimore needs an infusion of youth and high-end talent in their cornerback room, and this year's class should give them some quality options at this point in the first round. Wiggins has been one of the biggest risers this season, with the height and length to be a shutdown player early in his NFL career.

29. Detroit Lions

Chris Braswell | EDGE | Alabama

Alabama edge defender Chris Braswell

Aidan Hutchinson is already one of the NFL's best edge rushers, but the Lions could use another stud on the opposite site of their defensive front. Braswell is another prospect who has flown up the board thanks to an impressive 2023 campaign, and he brings five-star talent and huge production to an already strong unit.

30. Miami Dolphins

Leonard Taylor III | DL | Miami (FL)

Miami defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III

If the Dolphins aren't able to keep Christian Wilkins with a long-term extension, they'll need to find a replacement with the skill set to make a similar impact for their defensive front. They don't have to look far in this scenario, grabbing a disruptive force from the nearby Hurricanes in Taylor.

31. Kansas City Chiefs

Tyler Guyton | OT | Oklahoma

Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton

Jawaan Taylor has been solid on the right side, but the Chiefs need both an immediate upgrade and a long-term solution at left tackle. Guyton has the size, length, power and athleticism to be that kind of presence, protecting Patrick Mahomes' blind side for the foreseeable future.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | LSU

LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

What do you get for the team that has pretty much everything? Another explosive playmaker for the offense, of course. Even with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith already giving Jalen Hurts one of the NFL's best receiver tandems, don't be surprised if they add another one here, and the fast-rising Thomas could sneak into the first round.

SECOND ROUND

33. Arizona Cardinals

Bralen Trice | EDGE | Washington

34. Carolina Panthers

Tez Walker | WR | North Carolina

35. New York Giants

Troy Franklin | WR | Oregon

36. New England Patriots

Quinn Ewers | QB | Texas

37. Washington Commanders (from CHI)

Landon Jackson | EDGE | Arkansas

38. Green Bay Packers

Calen Bullock | S | USC

39. Las Vegas Raiders

Jordan Morgan | OT | Arizona

40. New Orleans Saints (from DEN)

Jayden Daniels | QB | LSU

41. Los Angeles Rams

Bo Nix | QB | Oregon

42. Washington Commanders

Ja'Tavion Sanders | TE | Texas

43. Indianapolis Colts

Denzel Burke | CB | Ohio State

44. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Barrett Carter | LB | Clemson

45. Los Angeles Chargers

Terrion Arnold | CB | Alabama

46. Tennessee Titans

Troy Fautanu | OL | Washington

47. Houston Texans

Xavier Legette | WR | South Carolina

48. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO)

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | LB | Clemson

49. Cincinnati Bengals

Ja'Lynn Polk | WR | Washington

50. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ)

Maason Smith | DL | LSU

51. Minnesota Vikings

Michael Penix Jr. | QB | Washington

52. Atlanta Falcons

Kamari Lassiter | CB | Georgia

53. Cleveland Browns

Kris Jenkins | DL | Michigan

54. Pittsburgh Steelers

Ruke Orhorhoro | DL | Clemson

55. Buffalo Bills

Xavier Worthy | WR | Texas

56. San Francisco 49ers

Tyler Nubin | S | Minnesota

57. Dallas Cowboys

Josh Newton | CB | TCU

58. New York Giants (from SEA)

Jack Sawyer | EDGE | Ohio State

59. Baltimore Ravens

Brandon Dorlus | DL | Oregon

60. Jacksonville Jaguars

Malachi Corley | WR | Western Michigan

61. Miami Dolphins

Kingsley Suamataia | OT | BYU

62. Detroit Lions

T.J. Tampa | CB | Iowa State

63. Kansas City Chiefs

Adonai Mitchell | WR | Texas

64. Philadelphia Eagles

Caelen Carson | CB | Wake Forest