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Early 2024 NFL Mock Draft with Trades: Picks & Predictions

Early 2024 NFL Mock Draft with Trades: Picks & Predictions

The 2023 NFL Draft wrapped up less than 10 days ago. Yet, it’s never too early to look ahead at the 2024 NFL Draft. All right, that’s a lie. However, it’s always fun to do a way-too-early mock draft and see how much went right (or wrong) a year later.

Instead of trying to guess the record for all 32 teams next year, I used DraftKings’ Super Bowl odds to determine the draft order. Let’s dive into my way-too-early 2024 NFL mock draft.

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Early 2024 NFL Mock Draft with Trades: Picks & Predictions

1) Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Williams (QB – USC)

Arizona is undergoing a complete rebuild. While Kyler Murray is a talented player, the Cardinals draft arguably the top quarterback prospect since Trevor Lawrence.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receive pick No. 2. Arizona Cardinals receive pick No. 5, 2024 second-round pick, 2025 first-round pick.

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Cardinals, Houston): Drake Maye (QB – UNC)

Thanks to their Draft-day trade this year with the Texans, the Cardinals project to have the top two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. While many mock drafts would have the team taking Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona would be better off trading the pick to a quarterback-needy team. The Buccaneers move up and secure their next franchise quarterback after spending a year with Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.

3) Indianapolis Colts: Olu Fashanu (OT – Penn State)

The Colts have spent the past two years trying to replace Anthony Castonzo at left tackle. While Indianapolis has spent a pair of mid-round picks the past two years, that won’t stop Indianapolis from giving Anthony Richardson the franchise left tackle he deserves.

4) Tennessee Titans: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – Ohio State)

Will Levis might not be the long-term QB, but the Titans won’t give up on the former Kentucky star unless they can land one of the top two quarterbacks next year. Instead, Tennessee gives Levis the top weapon in the 2024 NFL Draft.

5) Arizona Cardinals (via Buccaneers): Brock Bowers (TE – Georgia)

After drafting their new franchise quarterback, the Cardinals give Williams the top tight end prospect since Kyle Pitts. Yes, Trey McBride was a second-round pick a year ago. However, Brock Bowers is on a completely different level as a prospect.

6) Chicago Bears (via Carolina): Jared Verse (EDGE – Florida State)

The Bears spent this offseason improving the offense around Justin Fields. However, they didn’t spend a single draft pick on their pass rush unit. Verse would have been a top-15 pick had he declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He should only see his draft stock improve after another year at Florida State.

7) Atlanta Falcons: J.T. Tuimoloau (EDGE – Ohio State)

The Falcons spent a third-round pick this year on Zach Harrison, but that’s not enough. Atlanta had only 21 sacks last year. While J.T. Tuimoloau has only seven sacks over the first two years of his career, the Buckeye pass rusher should have a breakout season with Harrison in the NFL.

*** TRADE ALERT ***

Arizona Cardinals receive pick No. 8, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 second-round pick. Washington Commanders receive Kyler Murray.

8) Arizona Cardinals (via Commanders): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – Alabama)

Washington will give Sam Howell the starting role this year, but his chances of being the franchise quarterback are slim. Instead of drafting a rookie, the Commanders give up the draft capital needed to land Murray. Meanwhile, Arizona has jump-started its rebuilding process with three first-round picks this year and three first-round picks next year. After adding Williams and Bowers, the Cardinals secure their new No. 1 cornerback.

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9) Las Vegas Raiders: Quinn Ewers (QB – Texas)

Jimmy Garoppolo made it through the 2023 NFL Draft without a challenger to his starting role on the roster. However, the veteran quarterback is a stop-gap option. Quinn Ewers didn’t have the best season at Texas last year, but the Longhorn star has unlimited potential.

10) Green Bay Packers: Joe Alt (OT – Notre Dame)

Assuming Jordan Love is the next franchise quarterback in Green Bay, the Packers need to improve his offensive line. David Bakhtiari has struggled with injuries in his career. Replacing the aging left tackle with a top-10 pick will make the quarterback happy.

11) Los Angeles Rams: Emeka Egbuka (WR – Ohio State)

The Rams have arguably the worst wide receiver corps in the NFL if you remove Cooper Kupp from the equation. Furthermore, Van Jefferson is entering the final year of his contract. While Harrison Jr. is the star of Ohio State’s passing core, Emeka Egbuka will be a top-15 pick next year.

12) New England Patriots: Dallas Turner (EDGE – Alabama)

New England spent a second-round pick on Keion White this year. However, the team still needs help rushing the passer, especially with Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings entering the final year of their rookie deals.

13) Chicago Bears: J.C. Latham (OT – Alabama)

Yes, the Bears used their first-round pick this year on Darnell Wright. However, he will play right tackle in the NFL. If Braxton Jones holds up at left tackle, J.C. Latham can slide inside to guard. Otherwise, Chicago will have their bookend tackles set for the next several years.

14) New York Giants: Rome Odunze (WR – Washington)

The Giants added speed to their wide receiver unit this offseason through free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft. However, they still lack an alpha outside wide receiver. While the Ohio State duo headlines next year’s wide receiver class, Rome Odunze is a first-round talent.

15) Pittsburgh Steelers: Maason Smith (DL – LSU)

Pittsburgh got two long-term starters in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, including Keeanu Benton. However, Cameron Heyward is heading towards the end of his career. Furthermore, his contract expires after the 2024 season.

16) Minnesota Vikings: Jack Sawyer (EDGE – Ohio State)

While the Vikings could be looking for a new franchise quarterback a year from now, they focus on defense in the first round. Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport are entering the final year of their contracts. Furthermore, Za’Darius Smith will likely be a cap casualty next offseason. Minnesota could find itself without its top three pass rushers a year from now.

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17) Denver Broncos: TreVeyon Henderson (RB – Ohio State)

On paper, the Broncos don’t have a pressing need unless Russell Wilson‘s play falls off a cliff this season. However, Javonte Williams will enter the final year of his contract in 2024. Samaje Perine will also likely be a cap casualty. TreVeyon Henderson could split the work with Williams as a rookie before taking over as the lead RB the following year.

18) Houston Texans (via Cleveland): Malachi Moore (DB – Alabama)

New head coach DeMeco Ryans signed Jimmie Ward in free agency this offseason to lead a young secondary. However, the veteran safety could be a cap casualty next year. Furthermore, Ward only signed a two-year deal this offseason. Malachi Moore could be his replacement, joining a talented secondary with Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre.

19) New Orleans Saints: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB – Clemson)

Demario Davis has led the New Orleans defense for the past five years. However, 2024 is the final year of his contract. It’s time for the Saints to find his long-term replacement. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was a force last year, leading Clemson in tackles (89) and sacks (6.5).

20) Seattle Seahawks: Michael Penix Jr. (QB – Washington)

The Seahawks had 10 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. They spent two on running backs but didn’t draft a quarterback. Will they regret the decision eight months from now? Possibly. However, landing a local star to replace Geno Smith isn’t a bad idea.

21) Los Angeles Chargers: Cooper DeJean (CB – Iowa)

Surprisingly the Chargers didn’t spend a single pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in the secondary. However, that won’t be the case next year. Michael Davis is entering the final year of his contract. Meanwhile, Asante Samuel Jr. will be a free agent after the 2024 season.

22) Jacksonville Jaguars: Kamari Lassiter (CB – Georgia)

Many thought Jacksonville would spend an early-round draft pick on a cornerback this year. Instead, they waited until the fifth round to draft one. Meanwhile, Tre Herndon is a free agent after this season, while Darious Williams will likely be a cap casualty.

23) Baltimore Ravens: Jack Nelson (OT – Wisconsin)

Baltimore surprisingly didn’t use any of their 2023 NFL Draft picks on the offensive line. However, that will change next year. Kevin Zeitler‘s contract expires after this season, while Morgan Moses could be a cap casualty. Jack Nelson could step in as a rookie in either starting spot.

24) Miami Dolphins: Michael Hall Jr. (DL – Ohio State)

The Dolphins must make some decisions about their defensive line next offseason. Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis and Zach Sieler are all entering the final year of their contracts. While Wilkins will likely sign a long-term deal, Miami could need to replace the other two starters.

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25) Detroit Lions: Xavier Worthy (WR – Texas)

No one is calling Jameson Williams a bust yet. However, the former first-round pick has one career reception and will miss the first six weeks of the 2023 season. Meanwhile, Amon-Ra St. Brown can sign an expensive long-term deal next offseason. Even if Williams becomes a reliable starter and St. Brown signs a long-term contract, the Lions still need one more starting-caliber wide receiver.

26) Dallas Cowboys: Raheim Sanders (RB – Arkansas)

While many mock drafts had the Cowboys spending an early-round pick this year on a running back, the team waited until the sixth round to select Deuce Vaughn. Meanwhile, Dallas placed the franchise tag on Tony Pollard this offseason despite coming off a fractured fibula. Even if the speedy running back signs a long-term deal, the Cowboys need to pair him with a bigger running back like Raheim Sanders.

27) Green Bay Packers (via New York): Andrew Mukuba (S – Clemson)

The Packers waited until the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft to add a safety. Meanwhile, Darnell Savage struggled last year and is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Furthermore, Tarvarius Moore and Rudy Ford will also be free agents next offseason. Green Bay has to spend one of its two first-round picks on safety next year.

28) Cincinnati Bengals: T’Vondre Sweat (DL – Texas)

DJ Reader has played a critical role in changing the Bengals’ defense over the past few years. However, the massive nose tackle is entering the final year of his contract and will turn 30 before the start of the 2024 season. With Cincinnati needing to use every dime possible to pay Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins, Reader likely will find a better offer on the open market. T’Vondre Sweat is the perfect replacement.

29) San Francisco 49ers: Zion Nelson (OT – Miami)

Welcome back to the first round San Francisco. The 49ers haven’t made a first-round pick since 2021, when they drafted Trey Lance. Unfortunately, the team lost Mike McGlinchey this offseason. Meanwhile, Trent Williams is getting older and hasn’t played a complete season since 2013. Zion Nelson can start at right tackle before replacing Williams in a year or two.

30) Buffalo Bills: Johnny Wilson (WR – Florida State)

The Bills could have a drastically different-looking wide receiver corps a year from now. Hopefully, Stefon Diggs remains in Buffalo. However, Gabe Davis is entering the final year of his contract and likely finds a better offer on the open market. Meanwhile, the Bills waited until the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft to add a wide receiver. They can’t afford to do that again next year.

31) Philadelphia Eagles: Bralen Trice (EDGE – Washington)

Philadelphia always invests in the trenches. Unfortunately, there isn’t a Georgia Bulldog worth the pick here. Yet, Bralen Trice would be an excellent addition to the team. Meanwhile, Derek Barnett will be a free agent after the 2023 season.

32) Kansas City Chiefs: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE – Texas)

Travis Kelce has to slow down at some point. The superstar tight end turns 34 during the 2023 season. Furthermore, there are rumors that Kelce will retire next offseason if his brother calls it a career. More importantly, giving Patrick Mahomes another weapon is always a good idea.

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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.

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