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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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33. Carolina Panthers
Xavier Legette | WR | South Carolina
34. New England Patriots
JT Tuimoloau | EDGE | Ohio State
35. Arizona Cardinals
36. Washington Commanders
37. Los Angeles Chargers
38. Tennessee Titans
Denzel Burke | CB | Ohio State
39. New York Giants
40. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ)
Cooper Beebe | OL | Kansas State
41. Washington Commanders (from CHI)
Chris Braswell | EDGE | Alabama
42. Las Vegas Raiders
43. Minnesota Vikings
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
48. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO)
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | LB | Clemson
49. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. | CB | Missouri
50. Houston Texans
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
52. Green Bay Packers
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
58. Detroit Lions
59. Cleveland Browns
60. Philadelphia Eagles
Malachi Corley | WR | Western Michigan
61. Dallas Cowboys
62. Miami Dolphins
Ja'Tavion Sanders | TE | Texas
63. San Francisco 49ers
64. Baltimore Ravens
Caelen Carson | CB | Wake Forest
THIRD ROUND
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65. Carolina Panthers
66. Arizona Cardinals
67. Washington Commanders
Edgerrin Cooper | LB | Texas A&M
68. New England Patriots
69. Arizona Cardinals (from TEN)
Jackson Powers-Johnson | OL | Oregon
70. New York Giants
Javon Foster | OT | Missouri
71. Los Angeles Chargers
72. New York Jets
73. Las Vegas Raiders
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)
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
93. Dallas Cowboys
94. San Francisco 49ers
95. Baltimore Ravens
Christian Mahogany | OL | Boston College
*96. Jacksonville Jaguars
*97. Philadelphia Eagles
Christian Haynes | OL | Connecticut
*98. San Francisco 49ers
*99. Buffalo Bills
Jalen McMillan | WR | Washington
*100. Washington Commanders (from SF)
Mike Sainristil | CB | Michigan
*=projected compensatory selection
