Welcome to the BSJ Mock Draft 2.0. With just over a month to go until the 2024 NFL Draft, there are more questions than answers, as to what will happen after the Chicago Bears make Caleb Williams the number one overall pick. Be careful of the 'smokescreen season,' where optics don't always appear what they may seem. In some respect, the 'NFL Free Agent Frenzy' may have provided us with some clues but one can never be certain. For example, does the Washington Commanders signing of dual-threat backup Marcus Mariota signal they prefer Jayden Daniels over Drake Maye? Or, would they entertain a trade offer from the Minnesota Vikings who recently stockpiled picks in an attempt to move up? Would New England possibly have to trade up one spot in order to obtain their top choice? Many possibilities still remain atop the draft. We do our best to try and make sense of it below.
At this stage, it would be a major shock if New England didn't select a quarterback with their first-round selection. In this particular mock draft, the Patriots capitalize on the wide receiver depth in round two with their No.34 overall selection. The New England offense requires various upgrades, so expect them to concentrate on that side of the ball early on. They also hold the No.68 overall pick of the third round. Based on the results of our two-round mock draft, some potential candidates for that selection would include Colorado State edge rusher Mohamed Kamara, Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristill, to name a few.
Be sure to check back for more NFL Draft updates at BSJ, as we track the latest buzz surrounding the Patriots with our exclusive coverage. In the meantime, enjoy our latest mock!
FIRST ROUND
1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers) - Caleb Williams, QB, USC: An organization gasping for hope, Chicago hasn't won a playoff game in 14 years and just three since the turn of the century. In Williams, the Bears can find their faith and expect to be in contention rather quickly with the new supporting cast assembled thus far this offseason.
2. Washington Commanders - Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU: The Commanders will be seeking their first winning season in eight years. If they truly wish to reverse their losing ways, it's all about the upside of Daniels. He possesses the arm strength, experience and scrambling ability to develop into the top quarterback from the Class of 2024.
3. New England Patriots - JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan: While knocked for operating a run-orientated offense, McCarthy has proven to make all the throws necessary, in addition to making keen decisions and can move the chains with his feet when needed. It has been the private meetings where McCarthy has shined on the whiteboard, plus his intangibles and leadership is considered to be elite. When listing all the positive attributes that McCarthy exemplifies, it begins to sound similar to another Michigan man that New England fans love to adore.
4. [Projected TRADE with Cardinals] Minnesota Vikings - Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina: It appears to be reset time in Minnesota. With Maye still on the board, this is a projected trade, as Minnesota utilizes their recently acquired draft equity to move up and land their new franchise signal-caller. Maye would be reunited with Josh McCown, his former high school coach, who is currently the Vikings quarterback coach.
5. Los Angeles Chargers - Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State: New Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was the Colts starting quarterback when Marvin Harrison Sr. entered the league as a rookie. In Harrison Jr., he sees an even more polished product coming out of college to step and become the top target for his current quarterback Justin Herbert.
6. New York Giants - Malik Nabers, WR, LSU: The G-Men reinforced their offensive line via free agency, which puts them in position to add a premier playmaker such as Nabers. The Giants' offense was incompetent when it came to their ability to move the chains and that was prior to Saquan Barkley (Eagles) departing. Adding Nabers to the fold would help immensely.
7. Tennessee Titans - Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame: It's evident that Tennessee needs to protect Will Levis and there is a major need at offensive tackle, making Alt the ideal selection. With the addition of center Lloyd Cushneberry (Broncos) in free agency and the selection of left guard Peter Skoronski in the first round of last year's draft, the Titans entire left side of the offensive line would be fortified.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama: A concerted effort was made to boost the offense during the offseason, setting up Atlanta to address their lackluster pass rush on defense. In what is shaping up to be a top-heavy draft for the offensive side of the ball, the Falcons could take advantage of choosing their number one defensive prospect on the board.
9. Chicago Bears - Jared Verse, DE, Florida State: Nabbing a bookend to line up opposite of Montez Sweat would also allow for DeMarcus Walker to kick inside permanently. This alignment makes the Bears stronger across the board, as Verse is a more polished pass-rusher who can get after the quarterback.
10. New York Jets - Rome Odunze, WR, Washington: By adding three new starting offensive lineman in free agency, New York continues to surround their hopes on the arm of Aaron Rodgers. Enter Odunze, who would be a much needed weapon alongside Garrett Wilson. This would still hold true, if the Jets are able to land Mike Williams (Chargers), whom they've been linked to as of press time for this post.
11. [Projected TRADE with Vikings] Arizona Cardinals - Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama: While Arizona was able to land Sean Murphy-Bunting (Titans) in free agency, the Cardinals still need another boundary corner. The selection of Arnold will allow Starling Thomas V to play the slot, where he's better suited. The Jonathan Gannon ran defense is predicated on backend coverage, in order to make for a more effective pass-rush on the front end.
12. Denver Broncos - Michael Penix, QB, Washington: Once known as the 'QB Whisperer,' Sean Payton will have his medal put to the test. Denver will be on the hook for $38M this season after being unable to resuscitate Russell Wilson (Steelers). The Broncos sit on the outside looking in on what is considered to be the 'top-tier' quarterbacks in this year's draft class but Penix could be the lotto ticket Payton needs, as he possesses the arm strength, pocket poise and football IQ to succeed in the NFL.
13. Las Vegas Raiders - Laiata Latu, DE, UCLA: A heavy contingent of Raiders brass was seen at UCLA pro day, where Latu once again displayed his incredible athleticism, bend and explosiveness. Las Vegas used a first-round selection on Tyree Wilson last year but he didn't exactly show enough to be relied upon headed into the season. Adding Latu and recently signed Christian Wilkins alongside Maxx Crosby would strengthen the defensive front.
14. New Orleans Saints - Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State: The demand for pass-rushers will always outweigh the supply, which is why there will likely be a run at the top of the draft. New Orleans sorely needs to inject some fresh, young talent into the fold on the edge and Robinson can provide just that.
15. Indianapolis Colts - Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia: With quarterbacks, wideouts and edge rushers being highly sought after, this would be premium value for a blue-chip prospect such as Bowers. He would serve as the ultimate security blanket underneath for second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson.
16. Seattle Seahawks - Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo: A prototypical fit for what a Seahawks cornerback should look like, it would be hard to image John Schneider and company bypassing the opportunity to pair Mitchell opposite of rookie sensation Devon Witherspoon for "Legion of Boom 2.0.'
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State: In order to make the selection of Fashanu work, Jacksonville would need to kick right tackle Anton Harrison inside to guard. A lingering thigh injury suffered at the combine has limited Fashanu during the draft process but he is still widely viewed as a supreme talent.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State: The departure of Jonah Williams (Cardinals) leaves a gaping hole at right tackle for the Bengals. Adding the nasty Fuaga would be a very cost-effective way to fill the void without much, if any, of a drop-off. This selection is a prime pairing of best available player fits team need.
19. Los Angeles Rams - Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois: It's safe to say that no one person will be able to replace the retired Aaron Donald who is headed to Canton. The selection of Newton, who played through a Jones fracture during this past season, would be a good starting point to help plug the hole left in the middle of the Rams defense.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - JC Latham, OT, Alabama: A leaner-looking Latham impressed at the combine and his proven pass protection skill set (two sacks allowed in 915 snaps during the past two seasons), makes him a top commodity. Latham and Broderick Jones would provide mammoth bookend tackles for the Steelers new quarterback room.
21. Miami Dolphins - Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri: The Dolphins added Kendall Fuller (Commanders) and Siran Neal (Bills) in free agency but more depth is needed. The physical, aggressive Rakestraw brings the type of versatility that can help elevate the Miami secondary, either as a nickel, or insurance policy should veteran Jalen Ramsey sustain injury again.
22. Philadelphia Eagles - Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington: An ideal movement piece, plugging in Fautanu at guard would allow Cam Jergens to slide over to his more natural center position to replace the retired Jason Kelce. He also owns the ability to play tackle should Lane Johnson decide to hang up the cleats down the road.
23. [Projected TRADE with Vikings] Arizona Cardinals (from Texans via Browns) - Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M: Part of the projected trade between the Vikings and Cardinals would require Minnesota to sacrifice both first-round picks. The Cardinals become the beneficiary by adding Cooper, who could play a role similar to the way Gannon employed Hasson Reddick in Philadelphia.
24. Dallas Cowboys - Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia: The decision to part ways with Tyron Smith (Jets) puts the Cowboys in the market for offensive line help. Inserting Mims at left tackle would enable Dallas to have Tyler Smith remain at left guard and present the best possible starting unit up front.
25. Green Bay Packers - Graham Barton, C, Duke: With plenty of needs along the offensive line, Barton would make much sense, as he has started at left tackle for Duke but has also embraced the possibility of moving to the interior at guard or center. He owns top-level instincts/smarts and Green Bay has done a masterful job of identifying linemen who fit schematically.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Darius Robinson, DE, Missouri: Blessed with a rare combination of massive size, extraordinary strength and rare athleticism for a big man, Robinson can play up and down the entire defensive line and brings a much-needed ability to get after the quarterback.
27. Arizona Cardinals (via Texans) - Brian Thomas, WR, LSU: The Cardinals are cleaning up in this mock draft with all the picks accumulated. Arizona signed Chris Moore (Titans) in free agency to help offset the loss of Marquez Brown (Chiefs) and while rookie Michael Wilson showed promise, Thomas can be the WR1 needed for quarterback Kyler Murray.
28. Buffalo Bills - Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas: An improved pass rush continues to be an offseason emphasis in Buffalo. Lining up two extremely agile defensive tackles next to each other in Murphy II and Ed Oliver would make for some intriguing alignments and stunts.
29. Detroit Lions - Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State: The Lions will be looking to replace Jonah Jackson (Rams) on the interior. Beebe owns the type of toughness and experience that the Lions crave and would be able to step in and start at guard from day one.
30. Baltimore Ravens - Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas: With the dangerous speed element added to the Ravens offense, Worthy could be the weapon to help push Baltimore over the top. The signing of Odell Beckham Jr. did not quite provide them with the return they were seeking, it would seem time to go younger and faster.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon: The 49ers re-signed Jake Brendel, who stepped in admirably at center in the Super Bowl, to a one-year deal. However, he is viewed more valuable as an interior backup, while Powers-Johnson owns All-Pro caliber potential.
32. Kansas City Chiefs - Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma: No one has done a more masterful job than churning over their offensive line on a year-to-year basis than Brett Veach. The massive Guyton is still raw but would find himself in the ideal situation to allow him to develop into a quality-caliber starter.
SECOND ROUND
33. Panthers - Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
34. Patriots - Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
35. Cardinals - Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
36. Commanders - Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
37. Chargers - T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
38. Titans - Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
39. Panthers (via Giants) - Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
40. Commanders (via Bears) - Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
41. Packers (via Jets) - Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
42. Texans (via Vikings) - Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
43. Falcons - Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
44. Raiders - Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
45. Saints (via Broncos) - Cooper DeJean, S, Iowa
46. Colts - Chris Braswell, LB, Alabama
47. Giants (via Seahawks) - Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
48. Jaguars - Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
49. Bengals - Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
50. Eagles (via Saints) - Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
51. Steelers - Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
52. Rams - Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
53. Eagles - Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
54. Browns - Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami
55. Dolphins - Dominick Puni, OG, Kansas
56. Cowboys - Trey Benson, RB, Florida State
57. Buccaneers - Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State
58. Packers - Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
59. Texans - Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest
60. Bills - Brenden Rice, WR, USC
61. Lions - Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn
62. Ravens - Bralen Trice, ER, Washington
63. 49ers - Calen Bullock, S, USC
64. Chiefs - Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
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