With the principal wave of free agency completed, the outlook of the 2024 NFL draft is much clearer. The added talent and their contract statuses are the most insight the public will get on each team’s strategies approaching the draft, particularly when it comes to potential trades.
The biggest example of this newfound clarity is the Minnesota Vikings’ deal with the Houston Texans, trading a pair of second-round picks for the Texans’ 23rd overall pick this year. A move like this puts the Vikings in a much better position to move up into the top 10, likely for a quarterback.
Here is an 2024 NFL mock draft with trades included:
*projected trade
The first-overall pick has likely been set since the draft order was set. The Bears restart with a new quarterback.
While this pick was not as assured from the jump, the trade of Sam Howell and signing of Marcus Mariota were klaxons for Daniels’ acquisition by Washington.
The first new trade of the draft! With two first round picks this year, the Vikings are sure to use them to acquire one of the top-three quarterbacks. The Patriots get more ammo to rebuild a roster bereft of talent, and Minnesota gets a magician with the ball for Justin Jefferson.
While teams will likely look to trade into the fourth pick, the Cardinals get arguably the best wide receiver prospect to enter the NFL in years.
Jettisoning both of their starting wide receivers was a pretty obvious sign what Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers have in mind for the fifth-overall pick. If not for Harrison Jr., Nabers would be the top receiver prospect in most other years.
Extending Daniel Jones did not work out for the Giants last year. McCarthy has little more experience than Jones did when he came out, but a national championship has a way of putting shine on a resume.
The Titans had the worst offensive line in the NFL last year and have only added center Lloyd Cushenberry to upgrade the unit. Alt is the best, most complete tackle in the class and should substantially reinforce Tennessee’s trench play.
With the addition of Kirk Cousins, the Falcons addressed their biggest need this offseason. They can now turn their attention to adding young defensive talent like hyper-athlete Turner.
The Bears got their quarterback, and now they get a weapon to pair with him. Odunze was a big reason for Washington’s offensive success last season and should form a formidable trio with D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen.
The Jets are looking to compete for a Super Bowl right now, which means protecting Aaron Rodgers at all costs. Fautanu was a near lock-down presence for Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and has plenty of experience in big games to hit the ground running in New York.
The Patriots have long been known for their prowess and consistency on defense, but with Bill Belichick gone, they will need to upgrade at nearly every position to keep pace. Mitchell may be the best defensive back prospect this year and should be a centerpiece of the defense for years to come.
The Broncos are a tough nut to crack this year, as they need help everywhere. They still do not have a quarterback, but Sean Payton is not the kind of guy just take whoever is available. Murphy automatically upgrades a thin defense, particularly up front.
The Seahawks need pass rush help now, most of all coming off the edge. Verse plays with absurd power and strength, and should fit Mike Macdonald’s defense in Seattle.
The offensive tackle position in New Orleans is in a state of flux. 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning has not panned out, and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk has flirted with retirement. Fashanu is a little raw but has some of the best traits of any tackle in this year’s draft.
The Colts like their first round picks big, fast and athletic. Arnold is all three and then some. He could be Indy’s CB1 inside a year.
The Raiders are another team in need of a quarterback, but with the top guys off the board, they address their offensive instead. Fuaga is a mauler and solid pass protector. He can bookend the line across from left tackle Kolton Miller.
Free agency hit the Jaguars hard, losing Calvin Ridley to the rival Titans. They are now in a position of needing a WR1, which Thomas Jr. can be.
The Bengals need help along both lines, but their biggest investment is in Joe Burrow. Latham is a reliable lineman who will slide right in at Cincinnati’s right side.
With the extra draft capital they got from the Vikings, the Patriots jump into the tackle run and move up to get the biggest one left on the board. Mims has not played a ton of football, but his traits and what little tape he does have indicate he could be a long-time starter in the NFL.
The Eagles hop the Dolphins to ensure they get their guy at offensive tackle. Howie Roseman likes to address needs before they become needs. Right tackle Lane Johnson is closing in on the end of his career, and Guyton is the guy to replace him.
The Dolphins still need offensive line help, but the value for Bowers is undeniable. Mike McDaniel loves his multi-talented weapons and needs some blocking help. Bowers represents both.
Though centers typically do not go in the first round, the Steelers march to the beat of their own drum. They continue to rebuild their offensive line by taking the best interior lineman in the draft.
The Rams cannot replace Aaron Donald, and there is no defensive lineman available worth the 19th pick. Instead they address the backend of the defense by taking DeJean, who has the skill and athleticism to fit multiple positions.
The Cowboys were utterly shredded up front in their Wild Card loss to the Packers. Adding Newton will go a long way to prevent that from happening again next season.
The Packers are reconfiguring their defense this offseason, changing coordinators and adding safety Xavier McKinney. Wiggins gives the Packers flexibility and speed, though maybe not size, in the backend.
The Bucs are looking to stay competitive and need immediate help with their pass rush. Latu is not a supreme athlete, but he is probably the most polished pass-rusher in this year’s class.
The Cardinals could use upgrades at every spot along the interior offensive line. Barton gives them the flexibility to do so, while also bringing top-end play strength.
After losing long-time safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, the Bills will look to rebuild the position by taking Nubin, a smart, physical safety who is an asset against the run and the pass.
The Lions are still looking for more juice across from Aidan Hutchinson. Robinson is more of a five-technique, but has the underlying athleticism needed to play on the edge.
McKinstry is a plug-and-play starter, which is exactly what the Ravens need. They are ready to compete for a championship, and McKinstry comes with all the skills to compete right away.
The interior of the NIners’ offensive line was a big reason why San Francisco came up short in Super Bowl LVIII. Frazier fits best as a center though he does have some versatility.
While the Chiefs were right to trust Patrick Mahomes to carry the team to another championship, Kansas City could certainly make it easier on him by adding receivers who can actually catch the ball. McConkey has strong hands and simply gets open.