2024 NFL Mock Draft Version 2: Williams, Harrison Jr. Team Up?

The NFL Draft Combine has come and gone, which means it's time to update my NFL mock draft.

Who is rising up draft boards since 2024 NFL Mock Draft Version 1.0, and who is falling? And how can we take advantage of that in the NFL Draft odds? Plus, this year's draft could be quarterback crazy at the top. That means trades. Lots of 'em. 

Who makes a splash in version 2.0 of my 2024 NFL mock draft? Find out as I tease some early leans and free betting picks for the 2024 NFL Draft.

2024 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0

1. Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

I may not agree with the move in general but as a betting man, it’s hard to ignore the NFL odds. And right now the Atlanta Falcons are the heavy favorite in the Justin Fields next team odds.

And the move all but guarantees the Chicago Bears stay put and take Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. My hesitation is because I’m not sure Williams is the can’t-miss prospect that some are making him out to be.

That said, Williams’ ceiling is the highest among this group of quarterbacks. He has an elite arm, and his creativity takes that to the next level. But too often he relies on his arm and ability to get out of tight spots, and it can cost him.

There is little to no betting value when it comes to Williams markets at the moment.

2. Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, UNC

Pour one out for Sam Howell. Will the Washington Commanders take Drake Maye or Heisman winner Jayden Daniels? This is going to be debated for much of the draft process and I don’t think the combine did anything to clear that up.

My pick is Maye. He is the new prototypical NFL quarterback. Maye has great size with a massive arm and is an underrated athlete. While he has a big-league arm, he needs to improve his decision-making and accuracy on shorter throws. But I still believe he and Williams are in a tier above the rest of this QB class.

There is still value in him to go No. 2 overall (-125 at DraftKings).

3. Bears (mock trade via NE): Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

We’re assuming the Bears move Justin Fields in this scenario, further improving their draft capital. It also allows the New England Patriots' new regime to stockpile more picks to get their rebuild going. And just like that, we have a team making two Top 3 selections in back-to-back years. 

Pairing Williams with Marvin Harrison Jr. is the type of move that can set up this franchise for years to come. Harrison is the best prospect in this draft. Full stop. He is one of the best wide receiver prospects in years. 

Harrison has it all. Size, speed, athleticism, hands, footwork, route running. His comp? Marvin Harrison, but taller? He’s the favorite to be the first non-QB selected at -650 (DraftKings) and even though there are rumblings that some teams have LSU’s Malik Nabers as the top wideout, I would be stunned if it wasn’t MHJ. You can get him at +230 at bet365 to be the No. 3 overall pick.

4. Cardinals: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Harrison going to the Bears throws a wrench in the Arizona Cardinals’ plans as the team is likely salivating at the chance to pair him with Kyler Murray. Luckily, this wide receiver class is as good as they come.

Malik Nabers might be the No. 1 WR in many recent classes. The former LSU Tiger has game-changing speed and excellent hands. Plus, he’s got that dog in him. He breaks a ton of tackles, making him a problem after the catch. The Cardinals should be happy with this consolation prize.

5. Vikings (mock trade via LAC): Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

The Minnesota Vikings couldn’t sit idly by and watch the Bears make huge moves in this draft, so they make one of their own in this version of my mock while new Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh can still grab an elite wideout or tackle at No. 11 and stockpile more picks all at once.

The Kirk Cousins era is over, but the offense could be even more explosive with the Heisman winner from Baton Rouge. Daniels put up huge numbers this season both through the air and on the ground. He is an elite athlete who makes smart decisions with the football. What hurts his stock is his arm isn’t the biggest. But he makes up for that with his touch and accuracy. Pairing him with another from Bayou Bengal in Justin Jefferson would be fun.

6. Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

It’s the dealer’s choice for the New York Giants here, because they have a lot of needs on offense. Many in New York are clamoring for a change at quarterback, but Daniel Jones’ contract will be an issue. So, instead, they give Jones (or whoever is under center) arguably the best target the Giants have had in years.

Rome Odunze is coming off a special season at Washington. He has great size, is an elite route runner, and arguably does a better job than anyone in this class when it comes to making contested catches. He’s what you want an NFL receiver to be.

7. Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

The Tennessee Titans look like another trade-down candidate as they have many needs, but they would also be very happy to have their choice of what is a strong offensive tackle class. Will Levis showed some flashes last season and protecting him is a must.

Joe Alt should be up to the task. The former Irish tackle is a monster at 6-foot-8 and 320 pounds. He’s strong with great footwork and is equally effective in run and pass blocking. 

Olumuyiwa Fashanu is my top tackle, but Alt showed out at the combine and the talk around the NFL is that Alt is moving up draft boards.

8. Broncos (mock trade via ATL): JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan

In this scenario the Falcons have traded for Fields, addressing their quarterback needs. So, this pick becomes valuable for anyone wanting a quarterback, and with the Patriots in the market for a QB and holding the next pick, the Denver Broncos make their move.

Denver has to eat a massive dead cap hit for cutting Russell Wilson, so a QB on a rookie deal is almost a must. 

JJ McCarthy is an athletic quarterback with maybe a surprisingly strong arm. He can make all the NFL throws. He is a polarizing prospect because he wasn’t asked to do a lot at Michigan. But he is a big reason why the Wolverines won their first national championship since 1997.

9. Patriots (mock trade via CHI): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Daniels sure had some awesome weapons to throw to at LSU. Brian Thomas Jr. saw his stock rise at the combine. Everyone knew he was a freak with an elite combination of size and speed. But when the 6-foor-4, 205-pound wideout ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the combine, everyone noticed. 

In my first mock, I had the Patriots taking Harrison Jr. at No. 3, but they will happily take Thomas and the added draft capital instead.

10. Jets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

This is pretty much a dream scenario for the New York Jets as the top tackle on my board falls in their laps. For better or worse, it sounds like Aaron Rodgers will be back under center for the New York Jets in 2024. Mekhi Becton mercifully is done. So, keeping upright should be the team’s biggest goal. That means more protection.

The Jets are getting a beast in Fashanu. The Penn State tackle would probably have been the first lineman off the board last year. He has a great frame, combined with great footwork and technique. His ceiling is the best left tackle in the NFL.

11. Chargers (mock trade via MIN): JC Latham, OT, Alabama

I would have had the Chargers taking a tackle at No. 5 because just look at Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan teams the last few years. Much of that team’s success came behind a dominant, physical offensive line, and JC Latham fits the bill.

The former Bama tackle is huge. Latham is solid in pass protection and is a truck in the running game. His power might be unmatched in this class. 

Latham’s athleticism is also impressive for a guy so big. He took some heat for his performance against the Wolverines in the College Football Playoff. But with him playing right tackle last season, he’s a perfect bookend with Rashawn Slater.

12. Falcons (mock trade via DEN): Dallas Turner, EDGE Alabama

With Fields under center for the Falcons in this mock, the team can turn its attention to the defensive side of the ball. And with a stunning 11 straight offensive players selected to start this draft, Atlanta has its pick of the litter.

The Falcons need to improve their pass rush, and Dallas Turner is the top edge rusher on my board. Turner might not be Will Anderson but he isn't far off, and he tested through the roof in Indianapolis. His elite first step and flexibility mean he is winning the race to the edge at a very high rate. He gives Atlanta the impact defender they desperately need.

13. Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

The Las Vegas Raiders could be another team in play for a quarterback. But maybe they bring in a veteran to compete with Aidan O’Connell instead. Either way, whoever is under center in Las Vegas is going to need better offensive line play.

The former Beavers tackle has a great combination of size, power, and balance to become an excellent NFL tackle. Taliese Fuaga also has the versatility to slide inside if the Raiders need him to do so early in his career.

14. Saints: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

The New Orleans Saints desperately need to improve in the trenches. Trevor Penning hasn’t panned out the way they had hoped.
 
Early evaluations of Troy Fautanu were over the place and some had him listed as a guard. But he put on a strong showing at the combine and looked like the left tackle for the best offensive line in college football this past season. 

Fautanu is explosive with long arms and can really move on pulls and screens. He also has great versatility and could play all five positions across the line.

15. Colts: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

The Indianapolis Colts would do well to give Anthony Richardson some more weapons. Wide receiver is probably the biggest need in Indianapolis but Brock Bowers is my top-rated pass catcher on the board and looks like a game-changer at tight end.

Bowers will be a matchup nightmare in the NFL. He can outmuscle corners, and outrun linebackers and should be a perfect fit in the Colts offense.

16. Seahawks: Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas

The Seattle Seahawks are another team that needs better play in the trenches and with all the best tackles off the board, Byron Murphy looks like a great fit in Seattle, particularly if Leonard Williams doesn’t come back.

The defensive tackle had a breakout season at Texas. He is a dynamic and powerful pass rusher from the interior who has a knack for collapsing the pocket. He also has an explosive first step and is effective against the run.

17. Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Some teams in the bottom half of the first round are going to get some excellent defenders with the first half being so offense-heavy.

Cornerback may not be the Jacksonville Jaguars' biggest need, but they can’t pass on Terrion Arnold here. He is arguably the best all-round corner in this draft class, with excellent size and speed combined with a high football IQ. He can press, play off, man or zone, can tackle, and is a ball hawk. 

Simply put, Arnold can do it all.

18. Bengals: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

If you are the Cincinnati Bengals, the only thing that matters is protecting Joe Burrow. And to do that they desperately need to fix their offensive line.

We have seen in recent years that positional value can outweigh best player available, particularly when it comes to the offensive line. So, a guy like Tyler Guyton could definitely go here.

He is another player who has tested well. He has a great frame and has stunning quickness and balance for a player his size. His only knock is his lack of experience with just 15 career starts in college.

19. Rams: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Quinyon Mitchell is flying up draft boards.

Don’t let the fact that he played in the MAC fool you. Mitchell can play. He is an elite athlete who has a nose for the football with 32 passes defended and six interceptions over the last two seasons.

He has tested through the roof. He was the top corner at the combine in the bench press and paired that with a 4.33 40-yard dash.

I will not be surprised in the least if Mitchell is the first cornerback selected come April and will be looking to bet that market as soon as it's available. For now, I have him going to the Los Angeles Rams.

20. Steelers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Public support for Kenny Pickett aside, I think the Pittsburgh Steelers know they still need a quarterback. But the way things have gone in this mock, I’m taking them to address their next biggest need, which is their secondary.

That means Nate Wiggins continues the run on corners. He's another defensive back who put up a blazing 40 time in Indy at 4.28. Wiggins is a tall and lean corner, with long arms great for disrupting passes. He also has excellent coverage skills and instincts and will be a great fit across from Joey Porter Jr.

21. Dolphins: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon

First off. Hell of a football name. Second. Jackson Powers-Johnson fills a huge need for the Miami Dolphins, who might have to do a serious overhaul of their offensive line.

Powers-Johnson is probably the top interior offensive lineman in the draft after a great showing at the Senior Bowl. He has good size and balance and excellent quickness.

But what makes him tantalize as a prospect is his versatility. He can play all three interior positions but does his best work at center, which is where I would expect him to play for the Dolphins.

22. Eagles: Laitu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

Unlike other teams, Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles have proven they will go best player available in the draft. I think they would be stunned to see Laitu Latu sitting here at 22 and would forego a corner here.

Latu is coming off a dominant season with the UCLA Bruins, ranking second in the nation in pressure rate. He has an excellent first step and elite hand moves. Latu’s issue has been injuries, but we saw what he can do with a clean bill of health last season.

23. Texans: Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois

Jer'Zhan Newton is an explosive and powerful player who gets dinged a bit for being a little undersized. But he sure doesn’t play undersized. He’s been one of the most disruptive defenders in college football the past few seasons and can pressure the QB from the inside while also being a run stuffer.

Put him on the same defensive line next to Will Anderson and suddenly the Houston Texans' defense goes from improving to a real problem.

24. Cowboys: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Amarius Mims is another gargantuan right-tackle prospect who didn’t get a ton of playing time in Athens because of injuries and the ridiculous talent depth at Georgia. But when he finally got on the field, he showed his potential. He has massive, long arms and smooth footwork. 

The once-dominant Dallas Cowboys offensive line needs to be rebuilt. Mims will immediately help with that. Plus, he has the skills to shift over to left tackle now that the team has decided to move on from long-time blindside tackle Tyron Smith.

25. Packers: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Cooper DeJean has fallen a little bit under the radar after an injury cost him much of the season. But I expect the former Hawkeye to test well once he’s 100 percent and start climbing up boards again.

DeJean is a playmaking defensive back with excellent size, speed, and physicality. He also has rare versatility. I think he’s best as a corner, but he can play safety as well. The Green Bay Packers, who were thin in the secondary, could really benefit from that versatility.

26. Buccaneers: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would likely be sprinting to submit this pick. It feels weird to have Jared Verse this low, but sometimes guys just fall because of the way the board goes. And that’s what happened here.

Verse entered the season as the potential top edge prospect of this class. But a bit of a slow start to his season meant some other players may have jumped him. Either way, Verse is an explosive pass rusher with excellent power, a tremendous first step, and a high motor. He fills a big need for the Bucs.

27. Cardinals: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

In this mock, the Cardinals addressed their need at wide receiver with their first pick, so they turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball for their second first-round pick. They have needs at both edge rusher and corner and would be very happy to see Kool-Aid McKinstry available at this spot.

McKinstry has great physical traits and does his best work in press coverage. He did not work out at the combine due to a Jones fracture in his right foot but said he would be ready for Alabama’s Pro Day.

28. Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

The Buffalo Bills only have one defensive tackle under contract for next season at this point. But taking someone remaining on the board at that position feels like a little bit of a reach at this point. So, instead, they get a weapon for Josh Allen who needs a true No. 2 receiver to support Stefon Diggs. 

Adonai Mitchell has deceptive speed and proved it with a 4.35 40-yard dash at the combine. He mixes that speed with excellent hands and does a great job of high-pointing the football. With the way he is testing combined with his game film, Mitchell could go much higher than this.

29. Lions: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

Everyone and their grandmother has the Detroit Lions picking a cornerback in this spot. And it’s easy to see why. The Lions got burned by explosive pass plays all season long, and it was part of the reason they lost the NFC Championship.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is a physical and high-energy corner out of Missouri. He has excellent speed and can play both out and on the edge. And he loves to tackle. Basically, he is how Dan Campbell would design a corner.

30. Ravens: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

Lamar Jackson just won his second MVP. Keeping him upright should be the highest priority and the Baltimore Ravens could have some holes to fill on their offensive line this offseason.

Graham Barton is another player quickly rising up draft boards. He was the anchor of Duke’s offensive line as its left tackle for the last three seasons. He started his career at center and has the versatility to play all across the line. This is something the Ravens will need with both starting guards hitting free agency.

31. 49ers: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

The San Francisco 49ers will need to replenish the cupboards at edge rusher with Nick Bosa being the only impact player expected back next season. Chop Robinson addresses that problem immediately. 

The former Penn State edge rusher might have the quickest first step in this class and has a super high motor. And even though his production may not be what he wanted last season, playing opposite of Bosa could mean a quick uptick in sacks.

32. Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Most people a WR mocked to the Kansas City Chiefs here. And why not? Giving Patrick Mahomes more weapons is never a bad thing.

They hit a home run taking Rashee Rice in the second round last year. But the wide receiver room is still thin, and Travis Kelce is no spring chicken.

Even though this is the last pick of the first round, there is so much depth at WR this year that there are plenty of great options still available. So, it will be a question of who fits best.

I think Tez Walker and Ladd McConkey are in the running here. But Andy Reid won’t be able to resist Xavier Worthy’s speed following his record-breaking 4.21 40 at the combine. It doesn’t hurt that he’s tough with solid hands too.

Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

Pages related to this topic