JUST NOW:2024 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 by Joe DeLeone…

The Minnesota Vikings triggered the first domino to fall for the inevitable chaos of the 2024 NFL Draft. After making a move to acquire the 23rd overall pick from the Houston Texans, they’re clearly aggressively eyeing a way to get their quarterback of the future. While their goal is to get into the top 5, we could see other teams like the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants attempt to box out the Vikings.

In this mock draft, I projected the Vikings traded up with the Arizona Cardinals at 4th overall, giving Arizona three first-round picks.

We’ve reached the point in the draft cycle where everyone and their mother will have a different take on what the Bears will do with the first pick. In reality, nothing has changed for the Bears to not be excited about securing the future of their offense with Caleb Williams.

2. Washington Commanders | Jayden Daniels, LSU QB

Jayden Daniels’s ability to play at a high level for a rookie will be enticing for Washington’s already talent-filled offense. Daniels also feels to be the better option between him and Drake Maye because his athleticism fits nicely in Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive system.

3. New England Patriots | Drake Maye, UNC QB

The Patriots roster will be a multi-year project for first-year coach Jerod Mayo, especially on offense. As they look for a QB of the future, Maye being a developmental project allows the Patriots to sit him behind recently signed veteran Jacoby Brissett as they lay a foundation.

4. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings | JJ McCarthy, Michigan QB

It couldn’t be more blatantly obvious the Vikings were moving up to get their quarterback of the future when they acquired the Texas first-round pick. The easiest trade partner for them is the Arizona Cardinals, who are in need of extra draft capital to rebuild a barren roster. While JJ McCarthy presents a risk, his traits and mobility line up well with Kevin O’Connell’s offensive philosophies.

5. Los Angeles Chargers | Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State WR

I couldn’t create a more perfect, dream scenario than this. By staying put and letting other teams freak out over picking a quarterback, the Chargers land an immediate high-impact replacement for Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. Marvin Harrison Jr. can’t replace two guys, but he can be a 1,000-yard receiver as a rookie with Justin Herbert tossing him the rock.

6. New York Giants | Malik Nabers, LSU WR

If the Giants don’t make their own push for a top quarterback, staying put lands them a franchise cornerstone at a position they’ve failed to fill since Odell Beckham Jr. was traded. Malik Nabers brings an explosive YAC ability and will emerge early as the Giants’ top receiving target.

7. Tennessee Titans | Joe Alt, Notre Dame OT

An expensive deal given to Calvin Ridley signals the Titans could be prioritizing the offensive line with their first pick. Luckily for them, one of the few elite prospects in the class lands in their lap. Joe Alt has the size, mobility, and flexibility to eventually be an All-Pro alongside Peter Skoronski.

8. Atlanta Falcons | Dallas Turner, Alabama EDGE

I’m not sure there’s a more rapidly changed franchise after free agency than the Falcons. Kirk Cousins completely eliminates the potential of them picking a QB. Defensively the Falcons have lacked a premier pass rusher, and a high-ceiling prospect like Dallas Turner would satisfy that need.

9. Chicago Bears | Rome Odunze, Washington WR

After picking the quarterback of their future, adding one final receiver to join a room that just added Keenan Allen would make this group soar in 2024. Caleb Williams could be throwing to Allen, DJ Moore, and the tall deep-threat Rome Odunze. Now that’s dangerous.

10. New York Jets | Brian Thomas Jr., LSU WR

A trade for Morgan Moses calls into question the potential of picking an offensive lineman early in the 2024 NFL Draft. Outside of protecting Aaron Rodgers, he also needs more weapons to throw to outside of Garrett Wilson. Brian Thomas Jr. put on a show at the NFL Combine and has the highest ceiling of all of the receivers in this class.

11. TRADE: Arizona Cardinals | Nate Wiggins, Clemson CB

By trading back the Cardinals missed on the first wave of receiver prospects, but they did get their first swing at picking a cornerback. Nate Wiggins has elite length and mobility that will help him develop into a lockdown corner in the NFL.

12. Denver Broncos | Jared Verse, Florida State EDGE

The Broncos are a team to consider for picking a quarterback because their current options are very thin. However, assuming they missed out on the McCarthy sweepstakes, they’d be better off finding defensive help. Jared Verse is a very powerful and explosive defensive end that could have an early impact for Denver.

13. Las Vegas Raiders | Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State OT

Fixing the Raiders offensive line has felt like an endless journey under multiple general managers. The perfect prospect with the identity Antonio Pierce is trying to build in Las Vegas has to be the mauling Taliese Fuaga.

14. New Orleans Saints | Olu Fashanu, Penn State OT

Trevor Penning hasn’t lived up to expectations and making Derek Carr’s life easier has to be a top priority. Olu Fashanu is an incredibly natural mover in pass protection that will lock in as the man protecting Carr’s blindside.

15. Indianapolis Colts | Brock Bowers, Georgia TE

Anthony Richardson is ready to cook in 2024, and what better way to help him than buying him some ingredients. Brock Bowers is an extremely rare prospect for a tight end because of his acceleration, route running, and willingness to block. Bowers will emerge early as a top tight end in the NFL.

16. Seattle Seahawks | Laiatu Latu, UCLA EDGE

Building a defensive identity similar to that of the Ravens is inevitable for new head coach Mike Macdonald. Laiatu Latu is the prototype of an EDGE rusher the Ravens would pick, because of his power and technical prowess. Latu staying out west would be a big early building block for Seattle.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars, Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo CB

Jacksonville was yet again a big spender in free agency. They can cap off a successful offseason by drafting one of the biggest risers throughout this draft process. Quinyon Mitchell flashes tremendous athleticism and length to make him the top corner on the Jaguars roster.

18. Cincinnati Bengals | Amarius Mims, Georgia OT

Understandably, the Bengals were limited in their ability to add offensive linemen during free agency. Jackson Carman should not be the starting right tackle at the beginning of the season. Lucky for them, they’re still able to scoop up a physical freak in Amarius Mims. Even though Mims is still developing, he has the makings of a consistent Pro Bowler.

19. Los Angeles Rams | Terrion Arnold, Alabama CB

The Rams were very aggressive in bringing back Kevin Dotson and signing Jonah Jackson away from the Lions. Now that their interior offensive line is secured, they badly need to find help in their secondary. Terrion Arnold is a very well-coached corner with natural ball skills.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers | Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon IOL

Fixing the interior of their offensive line has been a massive need for the Steelers for some time. Pittsburgh can return to the days of consistent play at center by picking a high-floor prospect like Jackson Powers-Johnson.

21. Miami Dolphins | Troy Fautanu, Washington IOL

Miami’s offensive line has thinned even more since free agency with Robert Hunt leaving. Troy Fauntanu was a steady pillar for Washington at left tackle this past year and can have that same level of impact at guard for the Dolphins.

22. Philadelphia Eagles | Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama CB

The Eagles have made it very apparent that they’re waiting until the draft to find their replacement for James Bradberry on the outside. Kool-Aid McKinstry was the epitome of consistency at Alabama and was often avoided by SEC QBs.

23. TRADE: Arizona Cardinals | Adonai Mitchell, Texas WR

Jonathan Gannon can really clean up with his second of three first-round picks after the projected Vikings trade. Adonai Mitchell took a strong step forward after transferring to Texas from Georgia and reminded us at the Combine how explosive of an athlete he is. Mitchell can be a steady target for Kyler Murray.

24. Dallas Cowboys | Cooper DeJean, Iowa CB

For some reason, Jerry Jones decided to be fairly quiet during free agency this cycle. The Cowboys’ performance against the Packers has left a lasting impression of how devoid their secondary is of quality talent. Cooper DeJean can solve that problem, as he possesses the traits to be a versatile moveable piece for Dallas.

25. Green Bay Packers | JC Latham, Alabama OT

Franchise left tackle David Bakhtiari was let go this offseason, signaling the Packers could prioritize offensive line in the draft. JC Latham is a hulking presence with easy flexibility that will help him develop into the Packers’ next stud offensive tackle.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Darius Robinson, Missouri EDGE

The Buccaneers opted to move on from aging pass rusher Shaq Barrett this offseason, so they’ll be aiming to add pass rushers this draft. Darius Robinson brings a massive frame and commanding power that will supplement the elusiveness of Calijah Kancey.

27. Arizona Cardinals | Christian Haynes, UConn IOL

I’d like to take a second to reiterate how ridiculous it could be for the Cardinals to have THREE first-round picks if they trade with the Vikings. With their final first-round pick, it can set them up to find a stout interior offensive lineman like Christian Haynes. With the signing of Jonah Williams and progression of Paris Johnson, the Cardinals could have a formidable offensive line for the coming years.

28. Buffalo Bills | Keon Coleman, FSU WR

The Bills still need to find a running mate for Stefon Diggs this offseason. Adding a boxout machine and jump ball master like Keon Coleman will boost the red zone production of Josh Allen.

29. Detroit Lions | Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois DL

I’m not sure if there’s a better culture fit than Jer’Zhan Newton playing for Dan Campbell. Defensive tackles may not hold significant draft value these days, but Newton would free up so much attention for Aidan Hutchinson to tee off on quarterbacks.

30. Baltimore Ravens | Bralen Trice, Washington EDGE

While Baltimore’s defense was historic in 2023, it wouldn’t hurt to add another physical pass rusher to play alongside Justin Madubuike. Bralen Trice is an aggressive and high-motor EDGE prospect and would continue the lineage of productive pass rushers in Baltimore.

31. San Francisco 49ers | Kingsley Suamataia, BYU OL

The 49ers offensive line may not have been a serious liability this year, but they do stand to add more youth and talent to the group. Kingsley Suamataia has high developmental potential, and could eventually replace the 35-year-old Trent Williams when he decides to retire.

32. Kansas City Chiefs | Xavier Worthy, Texas WR

If the Chiefs end up with Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy, the whole NFL should be on notice. While Worthy may not have the frame to be a number one option, his elite speed would be highly coveted in Kansas City.