2024 NFL Mock Draft: New 3-Round Projections Heading Into Wild Card Weekend
It's playoff time for 14 fortunate NFL teams this weekend, but for the rest of the 32 clubs in the league, it's already time to prepare for next season.
The 2024 NFL Draft is fast approaching, featuring a deep and talented class at multiple positions that could help any team change their fortunes next year and make a postseason run of their own.
A trio of top quarterbacks headline this year's crop of top talent, and a fourth could join them in the top 10. Loaded groups at both wide receiver and offensive tackle should also dominate the first round.
As we get ready for wild-card weekend, here's an updated look at how the first three rounds of this year's draft could turn out, using the latest updated pick order following the end of the regular season:
*=projected trade
1. New England Patriots (from CAR via CHI)*
Caleb Williams | QB | USC
Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
Retaining head coach Matt Eberflus, but clearing out the offensive coaching staff, makes it feel more likely than ever that the Bears will continue building around Justin Fields. If that's the case, Chicago could entice a team like New England to leap ahead of Washington to make Williams their new franchise quarterback. It would take the Pats' first-round pick next year and their high second-rounder this year, and likely more to get the deal done.
2. Washington Commanders
Drake Maye | QB | North Carolina
Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
Even if the Pats leapfrog Washington for Williams, they'll still have a quality consolation prize in Maye. Much like Williams, Maye's 2023 campaign was a mixed bag, but he's still got all the traits to be a franchise passer at the next level. Sam Howell showed flashes of potential, and the offensive line still needs work, but Maye's the easy pick here.
*3. Chicago Bears (from NE)
Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Ohio State
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
After moving back a couple of spots and loading up on more premium draft resources, the Bears continue to load up on talent around Justin Fields in hopes that he can take the next step in his development under a new offensive staff. Harrison is the best overall prospect in this draft, and would give Fields a dynamic tandem with D.J. Moore.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Olu Fashanu | OT | Penn State
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Watching Harrison come off the board right before them would be painful, but a loaded receiver class should still allow the Cards to find a No. 1 target for Kyler Murray later in the draft. Here, the best option is a new franchise left tackle in Fashanu to replace veteran D.J. Humphries (who just suffered a torn ACL) opposite 2023 first-rounder Paris Johnson.
5. Los Angeles Chargers
Malik Nabers | WR | LSU
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
On paper, the Chargers have one of the more impressive wide receiver groups in the league. But Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both aging players who have struggled with injuries, and also happen to carry two of the biggest cap numbers at their position for next season. Nabers is a big-play machine who would pair well with 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston.
6. New York Giants
Jayden Daniels | QB | LSU
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Daniel Jones just signed a hefty extension, but missed most of the 2023 season with a torn ACL, and wasn't terribly effective even before the injury. If given the opportunity to reset with an elite prospect like Daniels, the Giants might not be able to pass it up, even if it means eating some dead cap money by moving on from Jones.
7. Tennessee Titans
Joe Alt | OT | Notre Dame
USA TODAY Sports
This is the ideal scenario for the Titans, who need to overhaul the entire offensive line, but desperately need a franchise left tackle to anchor that rebuild. The son of a Pro Bowl tackle, Alt has all the polish and pro-readiness you'd expect, with the physical traits to be even more dominant than his dad was in his day.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. | QB | Washington
Nick King/Lansing State Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK
The Falcons spent three straight top-10 picks on offensive playmakers, but haven't had a quarterback (or a head coach) who could make the most of them. Arthur Smith's replacement will be tasked with doing just that, and despite a disappointing (and banged-up) performance in the national title game, Penix has the arm talent and playmaking mentality to do the same.
9. Chicago Bears
Laiatu Latu | EDGE | UCLA
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Harrison shores up one of Chicago's biggest needs on offense, so this pick should be used in the same way on the other side of the ball. Montez Sweat was dominant after the Bears added him at the trade deadline, but adding another dynamic edge rusher like Latu (assuming his medicals check out) would be ideal here.
10. New York Jets
Rome Odunze | WR | Washington
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive tackle is easily the biggest need for the Jets, but the value just isn't there in this scenario. Instead, they still find a way to help out Aaron Rodgers by giving him another No. 1 receiver in Odunze, who has a complete skill set and the size to pair well with Garrett Wilson.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Dallas Turner | EDGE | Alabama
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings' defensive front needs reinforcements across the board, and this year's deep class of edge rusher should give them plenty of quality options here. Turner made the most of his chance to shine as a full-time starter this season after Will Anderson Jr.'s departure, putting up huge numbers and flashing rare explosiveness.
12. Denver Broncos
Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
If they're not able to make a big move up the board for one of the top quarterbacks, the Broncos might have to wait for next year's class, and load up on talent elsewhere in this draft. Tight end isn't at the top of their needs list, but if a blue-chip talent like Bowers is still on the board, it might be too much to pass up.
13. Las Vegas Raiders
Nate Wiggins | CB | Clemson
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK
Much like the Broncos, the Raiders are better off waiting at quarterback instead of reaching for one here if the board falls this way. Instead, they can address one of multiple needs on defense, grabbing a playmaking corner in Wiggins with impressive height, length and ball skills.
14. New Orleans Saints
JC Latham | OT | Alabama
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
This offensive line needs a ton of help, and it has to start at tackle, where the Saints could use long-term upgrades on either side. Latham is a massive mauler with surprising athleticism for his size, and the versatility to be an immediate starter at either right or left tackle.
15. Indianapolis Colts
Keon Coleman | WR | Florida State
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
If the Colts aren't able to keep Michael Pittman Jr. with a long-term contract extension, they'll need a new No. 1 receiver to take his place. Coleman would be the perfect candidate, with a similar combination of size, length, physicality and athleticism that made him a highlight-reel presence for FSU in 2023.
16. Seattle Seahawks
Jared Verse | EDGE | Florida State
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
You can never have too many talented pass rushers, and in this scenario, the Seahawks would be wise to take advantage of a deep class that still has massive value on the board. Verse was the most dominant player on the field for one of the nation's best defenses in 2023, and has the polish to make an immediate impact.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
Xavier Legette | WR | South Carolina
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
This offseason has to be about helping Trevor Lawrence in every way possible, either by rebuilding the interior of the offensive line, or adding more playmakers in the passing game. Calvin Ridley's future with the team is still in question, and Legette's elite combination of size and speed should have him flying up the board in the coming months.
18. Cincinnati Bengals
Taliese Fuaga | OT | Oregon State
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
"Protect Joe Burrow at all costs" needs to be the Bengals' motto until further notice, and while reloading the receiver room should be a priority, an immediate upgrade at right tackle is the more pressing need. Fuaga was as dominant as any offensive lineman in college football this year, and would be the perfect fit.
19. Green Bay Packers
Terrion Arnold | CB | Alabama
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Despite spending 12 of their last 13 first-round picks on defensive players, the Packers still have plenty of work to do on that side of the ball. The personnel improvements should start in the secondary, and adding a complete corner with Arnold's combination of physical traits and mental prowess would make a huge impact.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chop Robinson | EDGE | Penn State
Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Third-round rookie YaYa Diaby already looks like a massive steal, but the Bucs need another young edge rusher to replace Shaq Barrett, who could be released to save some salary cap space. Robinson has an explosive first step off the ball, and the polished pass-rushing moves to get after the quarterback right away.
21. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)
Kool-Aid McKinstry | CB | Alabama
USA TODAY Sports
They still need a No. 1 receiver, but if the board falls this way, the Cards are better off taking better value at corner and seeing which pass-catchers fall to them at the top of the second round. McKinstry has the physical tools and playmaking ability to be a dynamic presence the Cardinals haven't had on the outside since Patrick Peterson.
22. Los Angeles Rams
Cooper DeJean | DB | Iowa
George Walker IV/USA TODAY NETWORK-USA TODAY NETWORK
Modern NFL defenses thrive on versatility and athleticism, and the Rams need more of both, particularly in the secondary. That makes DeJean the perfect candidate, with his impressive athletic ability and playmaking flair, as well as the ability to line up either outside or in the slot at corner, or even on the back end at safety.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Amarius Mims | OT | Georgia
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Would the Steelers really pick offensive tackles in the first round two years in a row after going nearly 30 years without doing it at all? They should, if they want their offense to keep progressing, regardless of who's under center. Mims missed a decent chunk of the 2023 season with an ankle injury, but when fully healthy, he'd be a fantastic pairing with former teammate Broderick Jones in Pittsburgh.
24. Miami Dolphins
Troy Fautanu | OL | Washington
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Miami needs to do whatever it takes to keep Tua Tagovailoa healthy, and that means upgrading the offensive line wherever they can. The biggest need is along the interior, and while Fautanu has been a stud at left tackle for the Huskies, he might be even more dominant if he slides inside at the next level.
25. Philadelphia Eagles
Quinyon Mitchell | CB | Toledo
Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Philly has a fantastic tandem of veteran corners, but they need to reload with some youth behind them. Mitchell is a fast-rising prospect in this year's class who has all the traits to quickly develop into a quality starter, especially if he's able to learn behind experienced teammates who play at such a high level.
26. Kansas City Chiefs
Adonai Mitchell | WR | Texas
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Don't count out a left tackle here, but the Chiefs' desperate need for better wide receivers has been painfully evident all season long. Mitchell brings an impressive height/length combo to the table, with the speed to beat defenses deep, and the leaping ability/ball skills to win contested catches.
27. Houston Texans (from CLE)
Jer'Zhan Newton | DL | Illinois
USA TODAY Sports
What a fantastic match of need and value this would be. DeMeco Ryans' defense still needs couple of key pieces to be a truly complete unit, and a disruptive interior presence is one of them. Newton is easily the top prospect in this year's class at the position, and has the perfect skill set to be a dominant force in this defense.
28. Detroit Lions
Bralen Trice | EDGE | Washington
Joe Nicholson - USA TODAY Sports
Aidan Hutchinson is already one of the NFL's most dominant edge rushers, but the Lions could use an upgrade on the other side of the defensive front. Trice is a complete player who can get after the quarterback with both speed and power, and he'd be even more dangerous when opposing teams have to focus on stopping Hutchinson first.
29. Buffalo Bills
Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | LSU
Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
There are some needs on defense that must be addressed, but Josh Allen desperately needs another dynamic receiver to take pressure and attention away from Stefon Diggs. Thomas has a rare blend of size and speed, and excels at beating opposing defenses over the top. He'd take full advantage of Allen's rare arm strength.
30. Dallas Cowboys
Graham Barton | OL | Duke
Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys could use help at multiple spots along the offensive line, so why not spend this pick on a player who can play all five positions? Barton spent most of his time at tackle for the Blue Devils, but projects even better as an interior blocker at the next level. Wherever he lines up, he's the kind of lineman you can forget about in the best way.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Tyler Guyton | OT | Oklahoma
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
There are some needs lurking on both sides of the ball for the 49ers, but none more glaring than at right tackle, where they desperately need an immediate upgrade. Guyton is a smooth-moving blocker with rare agility for his size, and the experience at right tackle to be the plug-and-play starter San Francisco simply has to have.
32. Baltimore Ravens
Kalen King | CB | Penn State
Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore could look to address the interior trenches on both sides of the ball, but their biggest need is at corner right now. King has all the traits to be a shutdown player at the next level, and he'd somehow be the first Penn State defensive back ever selected in the first round.
SECOND ROUND
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
33. Carolina Panthers
34. Chicago Bears (from NE)*
Sedrick Van Pran-Granger | OL | Georgia
35. Arizona Cardinals
36. Washington Commanders
37. Los Angeles Chargers
Denzel Burke | CB | Ohio State
38. Tennessee Titans
Jabbar Muhammad | CB | Washington
39. New York Giants
40. Washington Commanders (from CHI)
Chris Braswell | EDGE | Alabama
41. Green Bay Packers (from NYJ)
Kamren Kinchens | S | Miami (FL)
42. Minnesota Vikings
Leonard Taylor III | DL | Miami (FL)
43. Atlanta Falcons
Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State
44. Las Vegas Raiders
45. New Orleans Saints (from DEN)
Ja'Lynn Polk | WR | Washington
46. Indianapolis Colts
Kamari Lassiter | CB | Georgia
47. New York Giants (from SEA)
Tez Walker | WR | North Carolina
48. Jacksonville Jaguars
Cooper Beebe | OL | Kansas State
49. Cincinnati Bengals
Ja'Tavion Sanders | TE | Texas
50. Philadelphia Eagles (from NO)
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | LB | Clemson
51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
52. Green Bay Packers
53. Los Angeles Rams
JT Tuimoloau | EDGE | Ohio State
54. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. | CB | Missouri
55. Houston Texans
56. Miami Dolphins
57. Kansas City Chiefs
58. Cleveland Browns
59. Philadelphia Eagles
Malachi Corley | WR | Western Kentucky
60. Detroit Lions
61. Buffalo Bills
62. Dallas Cowboys
TreVeyon Henderson | RB | Ohio State
63. San Francisco 49ers
Caelen Carson | CB | Wake Forest
64. Baltimore Ravens
THIRD ROUND
Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK
65. Carolina Panthers
66. Arizona Cardinals
67. Washington Commanders
Edgerrin Cooper | LB | Texas A&M
68. New England Patriots
69. Los Angeles Chargers
Theo Johnson | TE | Penn State
70. New York Giants
Trey Benson | RB | Florida State
71. Arizona Cardinals (from TEN)
Jackson Powers-Johnson | OL | Oregon
72. New York Jets
Javon Foster | OT | Missouri
73. Detroit Lions (from MIN)
Johnny Wilson | WR | Florida State
74. Atlanta Falcons
75. Chicago Bears
Michael Hall Jr. | DL | Ohio State
76. Denver Broncos
Jack Sawyer | EDGE | Ohio State
77. Las Vegas Raiders
Payton Wilson | LB | North Carolina State
78. Seattle Seahawks
Donovan Jackson | OL | Ohio State
79. Atlanta Falcons (from JAX)
80. Cincinnati Bengals
Brenden Rice | WR | USC
81. Seattle Seahawks (from NO)
Cameron Ward | QB | Washington State
82. Indianapolis Colts
83. Green Bay Packers
Christian Mahogany | OL | Boston College
84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Zach Frazier | OL | West Virginia
85. Pittsburgh Steelers
Tyleik Williams | DL | Ohio State
86. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)
87. Los Angeles Rams
88. Cleveland Browns
89. Houston Texans (from PHI)
Jermaine Burton | WR | Alabama
90. Kansas City Chiefs
McKinnley Jackson | DL | Texas A&M
91. Detroit Lions
92. Green Bay Packers (from BUF)
Braelon Allen | RB | Wisconsin
93. Dallas Cowboys
Mike Sainristil | CB | Michigan
94. San Francisco 49ers
Jalen McMillan | WR | Washington
95. Baltimore Ravens
Christian Haynes | OL | Connecticut
96. Jacksonville Jaguars
Kris Abrams-Draine | CB | Missouri
97. Philadelphia Eagles
Jaheim Bell | TE | Florida State
98. San Francisco 49ers
Byron Murphy II | DL | Texas
99. Buffalo Bills
100. Washington Commanders (from SF)
Kamal Hadden | CB | Tennessee
