2024 NFL mock draft: Big QB trade shakes up post-free agency forecast

Now that Justin Fields has been traded, the Bears are 100% taking a quarterback at No. 1 – and there’s a 99.9% chance it’s going to be Caleb Williams. Chicago will get a chance to host Williams at Halas Hall after his pro day on a Top 30 visit that should solidify the selection. GM Ryan Poles has done everything he can – to this point – to create an ideal situation for a rookie quarterback to come into. Chicago added some shiny new weapons in Keenan Allen, D’Andre Swift and Gerald Everett to pair with DJ Moore and Cole Kmet; they have an average offensive line; and the defense is on the verge of being a top-10 unit – oh and they’ve still got another top-10 pick this draft. This might just be the most perfect situation a No. 1 QB has ever had. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

There is a lot of smoke around Jayden Daniels right now. And it’s possible that Daniels is the guy for Washington. However, when the Commanders traded Sam Howell, I believe that pointed to Maye being the pick. In an interview with Adam Schefter, Maye acknowledged his close friendship with Howell, but that coming to the same team may not be ideal but they’d make it work. Maye is polarizing to some, but his upside is higher than Daniels. Washington is banking on its deep and experienced coaching staff to help Maye reach his potential. – Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire

There will be plenty of temptations for the Patriots to pass on drafting a quarterback with the No. 3 pick. Unless the trade offer is something ridiculous—and we’re talking more than two first-round draft picks levels of ridiculous—the Patriots should put on the blinders and get their quarterback. In this mock draft, they come away with Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, who just might be the most talented quarterback on the entire draft board. He has tremendous pocket awareness, a great arm and the ability to turn a broken play into a track meet. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire

Assuming the Vikings or Broncos don’t make an offer that knocks the socks off GM Monti Ossenfort or makes him react the way Alabama’s Dallas Turner’s 40 time at the combine did, this is an easy pick. The Cardinals have one of the least promising receiver rooms right now after Hollywood Brown left in free agency and Rondale Moore was traded to Atlanta (the only receiver on the roster to have gained 600 yards in a season is Zach Pascal and he had four catches in 2023). There is no better receiving prospect to bet on than Harrison. He has a Hall of Fame receiver for a father. He has size, speed, playmaking skills, durability and elite production over multiple seasons, both with an elite quarterback and a below average quarterback. He immediately completes the Cardinals’ offense. – Jess Root, Cards Wire

Trade details:

• Vikings receive No. 5
• Chargers receive Nos. 11, 23

The Vikings made the trade to get up to 23rd overall in order to get their quarterback of the future in a trade-up. Here, the Vikings find that partner in the Los Angeles Chargers without having to give up anything in the future. Despite not being on the same level as the other top quarterbacks, McCarthy has a very intriguing profile. Michigan didn’t ask him to do a lot, but that doesn’t mean he can’t. His projection will vary from analyst to analyst but his ability to convert on third down and attack the middle of the field will be appealing to Kevin O’Connell. – Tyler Forness, Vikings Wire

With the Minnesota Vikings jumping up to grab J.J. McCarthy, general manager Joe Schoen has two options: Take the top available wide receiver or trade back. Selecting a defensive player would be a sneaky play but ultimately, the Giants add to their very limited skill position group with Malik Nabers. Some argue that he’s the top wide receiver in the draft but whether or not that’s true, he immediately improves the team’s offense and gives them a true WR1. His presence will also greatly benefit Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, and Wan’Dale Robinson (and even Darren Waller if he opts to return in 2024). – Dan Benton, Giants Wire

The Titans have had the worst left tackle situation in the NFL for each of the past two seasons and did not make a major signing in free agency, which is why Alt, who projects to be the solution for the next decade, is a no-brainer here. – Titans Wire, Mike Moraitis

Despite signing wide receiver Darnell Mooney and trading for Rondale Moore, the Falcons would have a hard time passing on Odunze if he’s still on the board here at pick No. 8. Washington’s go-to receiver finished his final collegiate season with 92 catches for 1,639 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Odunze has the size, speed and contested catch ability to thrive at the NFL level. Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins would have no excuse not to produce with weapons like Odunze, Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson on offense. Dallas Turner and Quinyon Mithcell would make sense here as well. – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire

The Bears defense is looking to establish itself as a top-10 unit in 2024, and the only concern is edge rusher opposite Montez Sweat. After Chicago didn’t sign a starting defensive end in free agency, it certainly looks like edge rusher will be the play at No. 9 – although they could also trade back from this spot and still land one of the top three edge rushers on the board. But in this scenario, the Bears land arguably the top defensive player in Alabama’s Dallas Turner, an athletic freak who would be a huge get for this defense. Turner has a quick first step, speed and explosive skillset that would make him an ideal candidate to pair with Sweat. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

Changing things up a little bit from the previous mocks. With the Jets adding Tyron Smith, John Simpson and Morgan Moses, they don’t have to feel locked into taking an offensive tackle at No. 10 anymore. They certainly still can in this situation with only Joe Alt off the board. But extra weapons for Aaron Rodgers should also be in play as well and a trio of Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams and Brock Bowers could become a nightmare for opposing defenses. The Jets could be in a “best player available” scenario now and that best player may wind up being Bowers at this point. – Billy Riccette, Jets Wire

The Chargers trade down a few spots and pick up an additional first-round pick as they look to build out their roster with more talent. Jim Harbaugh has a vision of running the ball, and they need road graders up front to make it happen. Fuaga is a massive man with power and plus run-blocking skills. He could take over Trey Pipkins as the starting right tackle, but he is also capable of kicking inside to guard. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire

Trade details: 

• Jaguars receive No. 17
• Broncos receive Nos. 17, 96

After addressing a few of their needs in free agency, it seems cornerback and wide receiver will be the Jaguars’ top priorities in April. Sitting back at No. 17 overall to wait for one might not cut it, though. Mitchell looks like a perfect fit with new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, but the Toledo cornerback has a strong chance at being the first cornerback off the board. With three receivers already gone in the top eight and a drop-off to the next tier of talent at the position, the Jaguars instead let go of a late third-round pick to slide up and secure Mitchell. It’s a small price to pay to snag the top defensive back of the draft class. – Adam Stites, Jaguars Wire

The Raiders would love to see one of the top four quarterbacks fall to a place where they could make a trade, but that didn’t happen here. And with the top two offensive tackles off the board, the Raiders “settle” for Amarius Mims. There is no player in this class that is more compelling than Mims, who started just eight games in his college career. But at 6’7, 340 pounds, Mims has the chance to be a dominant right tackle in the NFL. Pairing him and Kolton Miller together could be a lot of fun. – Marcus Mosher, Raiders Wire

We would have gone with a defender like Laiatu Latu here, but signing Chase Young in free agency lessens the priority to improve the pass rush. So we’re going to invest in the offensive line instead, and it came down to Fashanu or Washington OL Troy Fautanu. Fautanu may have greater versatility but we believe Fashanu is a franchise left tackle who can immediately provide  a big upgrade on Derek Carr’s blind side given his experience at a high-level college program and rare athletic gifts. Trevor Penning; get ready to learn guard buddy, or possibly right tackle. – John Sigler, Saints Wire

As it currently stands, the wide perception of the Colts decision will come down between one of the elite cornerbacks or an explosive player on offense. With Brock Bowers off the board, we considered wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Xavier Worthy. However, Arnold is simply the perfect fit. The combination of need and best player available matches well here. Arnold is a smooth operator who can work in press-man and zone coverage. He’s a physical defender with the innate ability to flip his hips, plant and drive. He’s an ideal complement to Julius Brents on the boundary. – Kevin Hickey, Colts Wire

The Seahawks have a solid starting edge combo in Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe. However, they need their rotation to get a lot better if they’re going to catch up with the 49ers. Landing Verse here helps. Over the last two seasons at Florida State, he’s totaled 18 sacks and 29.5 tackles for a loss, making him one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the nation. Verse may even be able to surpass Mafe on the Seahawks’ OLB depth chart in Year 1 and wind up starting. – Tim Weaver, Seahawks Wire

Trade Details:

• Broncos receive Nos. 17, 96
• Jaguars receive No. 12

Denver attempted to trade up in this mock to select Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy, but the Chargers accepted an offer from the Vikings instead. With the top four QBs off the board, the Broncos moved down from No. 12 and added another third-round pick that could help them get back into the second round. With the 17th pick, Denver lands Nate Wiggins, one of the top CBs in this year’s class, to pair with Pat Surtain. With Bo Nix and Michael Penix falling, the Broncos might be able to land one of them on Day 2, or the Broncos could wait and target Michael Pratt. Bottom line: Denver shouldn’t settle for a lesser QB prospect at No. 12 if the top options are already off the board. – Jon Heath, Broncos Wire

The Bengals would sprint to the podium in this scenario. With Trent Brown serving as a stopgap solution at right tackle after Jonah Williams left for Arizona, the team can focus on the interior of the defensive line that just lost DJ Reader. While coaches might be higher on Sheldon Rankins as a run-stopper than the public realizes, Murphy joins him and B.J. Hill as interior pass-rushers would open things up nicely for edge rushers like Trey Hendrickson and last year’s first-rounder, Myles Murphy. The team can still address long-term offensive tackle in the second round or use one of its many draft picks in a package to move up for a guy coaches like there, too. – Chris Roling, Bengals Wire

The Rams don’t have to go with a defensive tackle in Round 1 to replace Aaron Donald, but they do need to add talent on defense at some point early in the draft. Latu would be a fantastic selection at No. 19 if Jared Verse is gone because he might be the best pure pass rusher in the entire class. Obviously, he doesn’t fill the void of Donald, being an outside linebacker, but he’s someone who can generate pressure on the quarterback consistently. He played in the Rams’ backyard at UCLA so they should have a good idea of what type of player he is. – Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire

We have been on the Jackson Powers-Johnson bandwagon for a long time but if by some chance Troy Fautanu somehow lasts to No. 20, he has to be the pick. He’s incredibly athletic for a man his size and has the potential to start at any spot on the offensive line and dominate. The Steelers need a center but could also use an upgrade at right tackle to allow Broderick Jones to move over. If the Steelers select Fautanu it gives them so much more freedom in the second wave of free agency. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire

The Dolphins don’t necessarily need an offensive tackle at the moment, as Terron Armstead is set to return to the left side of the line in 2024, and Austin Jackson will, once again, man the right. However, Latham, with his incredible strength, could fit in Miami as a guard during his rookie season with the Dolphins currently set to have a competition for both starting spots on either side of Aaron Brewer. Then, if Armstead decides to retire after the year, or the team moves on from him, the Crimson Tide product could slide back to his natural tackle position for the rest of his time in aqua and orange. – Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire

The Nittany Lions 6-2 254-pound pass rusher recorded an official 40-yard dash time of 4.48 seconds at the NFL combine. After transferring to Penn State from Maryland, Robinson shifted to defensive end, emerging as one of the Big Ten’s highest-graded edge rushers over the past two seasons. Robinson was a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten honoree in 2023 after making 7.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. Robinson also forced two fumbles, recovering one, and recorded 16 quarterback hurries. The Eagles have three pass rushers slated for 2025 NFL free agency, and Robinson teams with Bryce Huff and Nolan Smith to lead Philadelphia into a new era. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire

Keenan Allen (traded to the Bears) and Mike Williams (cap casualty) are gone, leaving Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston as the primary receivers. Even though they miss out on the top wideouts, they still take advantage of a loaded class by grabbing Thomas, a big-time playmaker with great size, speed, and acceleration. The Chargers need a dynamic and explosive element, which Thomas could bring from Day 1. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire

Trade details:

• Browns receive No. 24, 2025 third rounder
• Cowboys receive Nos. 54, 85 and 2025 first rounder

What’s another year without a first round pick? Moving up 30 spots, the Browns have to surrender quite a bit. However, even with the new extension for Jerry Jeudy, the Browns wil lsee both Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore hit free agency after this season. With their inability to hit on mid-round receivers, the Browns cannot sit back and wait on one this year as they build their wide receiver room for the future. With four already off the board, the Browns come up and get the twitchy and explosive 6-foot-2 Adonai Mitchell.

After dominant seasons with both the Georgia Bulldogs and Texas Longhorns, Mitchell has proven he can compete and dominate against any competition. Just look what he did to two potential first round cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold when Texas beat Alabama in 2023. Guys his size should not move like Mitchell does, and now he’ll do that in brown and orange. Assuming the risky Jeudy extension pays off, the Browns could be pairing him and Mitchell for some time to come. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire

How’s this for all-in? The Cowboys are looking towards having to draft a quarterback next year, and they give themselves the ammo to do as much. Two picks in the 20s can land them in the top seven more than likely and they could bundle their 2026 pick to get next draft’s top QB. Getting back two top-100 picks was paramount here to have three overall, and Will McClay will have to do magic on Day 2, but Dallas is preparing things for Mike McCarthy’s successor. – K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire

With several attractive options still on the board, a trade down was considered. But after working for the phones (and coming up with a different way to take advantage of all the team’s draft capital), the Packers stayed put and took DeJean at 25. Boring pick, whatever. Teaming DeJean with safety Xavier McKinney in the Packers’ new-look secondary was too good of an opportunity to pass up. The former Iowa star could play corner or safety for Jeff Hafley. DeJean is a playmaker on the ball, plays two positions of need and has elite athletic tools. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire

Trade details:

• Packers receive Nos. 26, 92
• Buccaneers receive Nos. 41, 58, 126

Brian Gutekunst throws a curveball and jumps back into the first round to snag the perfect fit along the offensive line. Barton played left tackle at Duke, but it’s possible he’ll have five position potential at the next level. The Packers could see him as a plug-and-play starter at right guard. Having Elgton Jenkins, Zach Tom and Barton along the offensive line would provide incredible versatility in front of Jordan Love. The cost of moving up 15 picks from 41 to 26 was moving down 34 spots from 58 to 92 and a fourth-round pick. Steep, but worth it. The Packers would get Day 1 starters at CB/S and OL and still have three picks in the third round to play with on Day 2. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire

Trade details:

• Cardinals receive No. 27
• Buccaneers receive No. 57, OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

Pulling off two trades at the same time gave me serious Sonny Weaver Jr. energy here. I loved Barton and JPJ at 26, and knowing I had an offer from the Packers for 26 (and that they would take Barton), I simultaneously swung another deal with the Cardinals to move back up to this spot for my other target. The Bucs have desperately missed Ryan Jensen’s presence at the heart of the offensive line, and JPJ can have a similar impact. Combining both of the trades, I ended up moving down one spot in both the first and second rounds, dropped from one of my late third-rounders to a late fourth-rounder, and dealt OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, who hasn’t lived up to his first-round billing (and didn’t get his fifth-year option picked up). In return, I added the No. 41 overall pick in the second round, and still landed an instant-impact starter at a huge position of need. – Luke Easterling, Bucs Wire

As it currently stands, the Bills are hosting free-agent safeties on visits but have yet to sign one. The team is keen to get someone in to start next to Taylor Rapp, who signed a three-year extension. After not adding a safety in the opening wave of free agency, expect Buffalo to wait until seeing how the draft goes before signing one… which brings us to Nubin. With the way our mock falls, Nubin over a receiver would be a pretty easy selection for the Bills. The 6-foot-2 lengthy defensive back has athleticism and a ball-hawking ability. The latter is exactly what Buffalo is going to lose in Micah Hyde and Rapp fits the Jordan Poyer mold much better. This would be your new safety duo in western New York. – Nick Wojton, Bills Wire

The Lions brought in veteran nose tackle D.J. Reader to play next to rising star Alim McNeill on the defensive interior. They can still use more firepower, and Newton offers just that. His ability to attack between the tackles and finish plays is a real plus for Detroit. Newton reminds me a great deal of Gerald McCoy as a prospect, and getting that at No. 29 overall almost feels like stealing. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire

Baltimore is always ahead of the curve at retooling the roster, and they’ve started to assess elite talent like Tyler Guyton. The Oklahoma All-American offensive tackle confirmed a formal meeting with Ravens brass at the NFL combine, and he’d be the perfect replacement for the traded Morgan Moses.  At 6-7, 328 with 34 1/4-inch arms, Guyton’s frame and movement skills are elite, and he’s stout enough to anchor down against an elite power rusher. – Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire

The 49ers are breaking a mold here by going away from the front seven where their first-round picks have typically been under general manager John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan. Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper would absolutely make sense here, but Rakestraw is too good of a prospect at a key position of need for San Francisco to pass on. Rakestraw has good size and athleticism, plus his physicality in coverage and against the run should make him an immediate fit for the 49ers’ secondary. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire

Conventional wisdom says that Kansas City should select a wide receiver with this pick, and in mocks past Chiefs Wire has traded up to secure one of the top pass catchers in the class. But, with star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed’s future uncertain, Kansas City opts to take McKinstry with the last pick in the first round. Nicknamed “Kool Aid,” McKinstry wouldn’t be the most polished cornerback prospect taken on day one, but could flourish in Steve Spagnulo’s defense playing opposite Trent McDuffie. Factor in how cool his name would sound on broadcasts when he reels in interceptions, and this pick is sure to get fans in Western Missouri excited. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire