2024 NFL Mock Draft Version 3: A Ton of QBs Off the Top

We are less than two weeks away from the NFL Draft, which means a few things. One, it's time to update my NFL mock draft. And two, there are more NFL Draft betting markets to dive into.

According to the NFL Draft odds, and everyone else for that matter, Caleb Williams is still a lock to go No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears. But after that, this year’s draft could go QB crazy.

Who makes some big moves from my 2024 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0, and what free betting picks am I making for the 2024 NFL Draft right now? Find out below.

2024 NFL Mock Draft Version 3.0

1. Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

When I started this process I may not have agreed with this but after moving on from Justin Fields, the Chicago Bears are all in on Williams and he is the -10,000 favorite to be the No. 1 pick.

My hesitation with Williams has always been that I’m not sure he’s the can’t-miss prospect that some are making him out to be. He is immensely talented with an elite arm, but he too often relies on that to get out of tight spots and it can cost him.

That said, Williams’ ceiling is the highest among this group of quarterbacks, but there is no value in his betting markets.

2. Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, UNC

This spot was always going to come down to Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. And with the Washington Commanders hiring Kliff Kingsbury, everyone is penciling Daniels in thanks to him being a perceived better fit in the offense.

But I’m sticking to my guns, as I slotted Maye to the Commanders in each of my first two mocks. Maye is the new prototypical NFL quarterback. He has great size with a massive arm and is an underrated athlete. I still believe Maye and Williams are in a tier above the rest of this QB class and at +215 (DraftKings), I think there is some value for him to go No. 2 overall.

3. Vikings (mock trade via NE): Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Let’s get spicy. New England’s new GM Eliot Wolf comes from Green Bay, where they have a history of developing QBs, and he may not be enthralled with Daniels immediately starting on a roster with so many holes. So, he fixes that with a trade to the Minnesota Vikings, who have the most firepower to make this move.

The Kirk Cousins era is over, but the offense could be even more explosive with the Heisman winner from Baton Rouge. Daniels put up monster 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 he doesn't have the strongest arm, but he makes up for that with his touch and accuracy. Pairing him with another from Bayou Bengal in Justin Jefferson would be fun.

4. Broncos (mock trade via ARI): JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Yup. This mock draft just went QB, QB, QB, QB. With the Vikings making their move a pick before and a few QB-needy teams ahead of them, Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos can’t afford to wait around to find their QB of the future.

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 a surprisingly strong arm who 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.

5. Chargers: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Everyone and their grandmother has the Los Angeles Chargers taking a tackle even though it isn’t a pressing need. If you look at Jim Harbaugh’s teams at Michigan, their foundations were that of a dominant offensive line and he's even said how much he loves the tackles in his class, so the line of thinking makes sense.

But Harbaugh is also very smart. He knows Harrison is a generational talent who almost single-handedly cost him the Big Ten Championship. And have you seen that Chargers WR room?

Harrison is still the -500 favorite to be the first non-QB selected in the draft and I think there’s value in him to be selected with the No. 5 pick (+300 at FanDuel).

6. Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

It’s the dealer’s choice for the New York Giants 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) the best target they've had in years.

Malik Nabers could have been the No. 1 WR in many recent classes. The former LSU Tiger has game-changing speed, excellent hands, and breaks a ton of tackles, making him a problem after the catch.

7. Titans: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

While most mocks are pegging Notre Dame’s Joe Alt here due to him being the more balanced tackle, Olu Fashanu has been the No. 1 tackle on my board all year and that won’t change now.

Additionally, this won’t be the same run-heavy Tennessee Titans offense we’re accustomed to. Brian Callahan comes over from Cincinnati where he was the offensive coordinator who helped develop Joe Burrow. And now he’ll be tasked with doing the same for Will Levis. The Bengals also passed the ball at the second-highest rate in the NFL last season and Fashanu is the best pass blocker in this class. 

Getting him at +1,000 (FanDuel) to be the first offensive lineman selected looks like a great long-shot bet.

8. Falcons: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama 

The Atlanta Falcons used this offseason to improve their offense by signing Kirk Cousins to a big deal and bringing in Rondale Moore and Darnell Mooney to boost their talented core of skill position players. So, they use this pick to select the first defensive player in this draft.

Atlanta has needs at both cornerback and edge rusher. My bet is they go corner and pair Terrion Arnold with A.J. Terrell to suddenly have a lockdown duo at the position.

Quinyon Mitchell is getting a lot of hype to be the first corner selected but Arnold is arguably the best all-around corner in this draft class, with excellent size and speed combined with a high football IQ. Also, not to hate on the MAC, but Arnold’s tape came against the SEC.

We are getting value in Arnold to be the first corner selected at +185 (DraftKings) but the sneaky play here is him to be the first defensive player selected at +2,500 (DraftKings).

9. Bears: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

The Bears are probably thinking about adding Rome Odunze here but won't pass on the chance to pair their new franchise quarterback with an elite tackle prospect to protect him for years to come.

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. Joe Alt has tested extremely well during the draft process and will be the top tackle on the board for many teams.

10. Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

The New York Jets addressed some of their offensive line issues by bringing in former all-pro Tyron Smith and trading for Morgan Mosses. But Smith’s durability is a question mark as he gets older so someone like Washington’s Troy Fautanu, who can play all along the line, could still be considered.

But New York must make the most of this, um, abbreviated Aaron Rodgers timeline. He has two outside weapons in Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams, so let’s give him an inside threat in Brock Bowers, one of the best prospects in the draft. He’s a tight end in name only. The guy just makes plays and will be an instant hit for the Jets.

11. Patriots (mock trade via MIN): Rome Odunze, WR Washington

Well, this worked out for the New England Patriots, didn't it? They traded down, collected more draft equity, and still grabbed one of the premier prospects in this class in Rome Odunze to address a major area of need.

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.

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

The Arizona Cardinals don’t end up with one of the Top 3 wideouts in this version of my mock draft, but this WR class is deep well into Day 2. So, they happily address another area of need at edge rusher. 

Dallas Turner is the top edge rusher on my board. He 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 Arizona the impact defender it desperately needs.

13. Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

The Las Vegas Raiders could be another team in play for a quarterback, but whoever is under center in Las Vegas will need better offensive line play. Enter Taliese Fuaga.

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

14. Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

The New Orleans Saints desperately need to improve in the trenches. Trevor Penning hasn’t panned out the way they hoped so JC Latham steps in as a starting tackle.

The former Bama product is huge, solid in pass protection, and 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 has lots of great tape from his time in Tuscaloosa.

15. Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toldeo

The Indianapolis Colts need to improve the back end of their defense and Quinyon Mitchell is in the discussion for top cornerback in this draft class. In fact, he’s the favorite to be the first cornerback selected at most books at the moment.

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

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

16. Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

It feels like the Seattle Seahawks always need to address their offensive line. Well, they can’t pass up the opportunity to take a good one in Troy Fautanu here.

Early evaluations of Fautanu were all 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.

17. Jaguars: Brian Thomas, WR, LSU

The Jacksonville Jaguars offense has not been as explosive as expected, but giving Trevor Lawerence a wideout like Brian Thomas could change that.

Thomas has elite size and is a real burner. With easy speed, smooth acceleration, and reliable hands, he might be the best deep-ball threat in this class. If Lawrence can’t get things going with Thomas, it would not be a good look.

18. Bengals: Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas

Byron Murphy II is rising up draft boards following a breakout season at Texas and testing through the roof. 

He is a dynamic and powerful pass rusher from the interior who has a knack for collapsing the pocket, plus an explosive first step that makes him effective against the run.

Murphy fills a need and is exactly the type of player the Cincinnati Bengals need to improve in the trenches.

19. Rams: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

The Los Angeles Rams actually have a first-round pick for once, and they need to make the most of it considering all the holes they need to fill on this roster, particularly after future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald retired.

Luckily, they still have an interior pass rush thanks to Kobie Turner. So, the Rams pair him with Laiatu Latu, who could be the best edge rusher in this class as long as he is healthy.

If he is, the Rams might have a steal. 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.

20. Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to try to employ a power run game that features a lot of play-action with Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator, and they'll need to improve the offensive line. That makes Amarius Mims the guy here.

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

21. Dolphins: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

Graham Barton fills a huge need for the Miami Dolphins, who need to do a serious overhaul of their offensive line. He played left tackle during his career at Duke but grades out as the potential top interior offensive lineman in this draft.

Barton's technique is outstanding, and his versatility makes him a tantalizing prospect for the Fins.

22. Eagles: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles have proven they will go for the best player available in the draft, and I think they would be stunned to see Jared Verse sitting at 22 and would forego a corner to take him, particularly after trading Haason Reddick to the Jets.

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 jumped him. Either way, Verse is an explosive pass rusher with excellent power, a tremendous first step, and a high motor. 

23. Patriots (mock trade via MIN): Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

The Pats make their second selection of the first round after trading down. They improved an awful wide receiver room by taking Rome Odunze with that first pick. Now, they solidify the offensive line by taking Tyler Guyton, which sets them up to take a QB at 34.

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

24. Cowboys: Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon

First off, a hell of a football name. Second, Jackson Powers-Johnson fills a huge need for the Dallas Cowboys, whose once-dominant o-line needs to be rebuilt with a true anchor of the future.

The former Duck is sneakily athletic and has tested very well during the draft process. He has good size and balance and excellent quickness.

But what makes him an intriguing 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 Cowboys.

That said, I don't hate the Cowboys to select a WR here either, which you can get at +1,100 (FanDuel).

25. Packers: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Cooper DeJean has fallen a little under the radar after an injury cost him much of the 2023 season. But the former Hawkeye performed well at his pro day and started climbing up boards now that he's healthy.

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

26. Buccaneers: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need help both on the offensive line and at edge rusher. With most of the first-round linemen off the board by this point, the Bucs go with Chop Robinson.

The former Penn State edge rusher might have the quickest first step in this class with a super high motor. And even though his production may not be what he wanted last season, his traits have many thinking that production could come at the pro level.

27. Cardinals: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

The Cardinals go defense-defense with their two first-round picks, covering both primary areas of need while knowing they can get a good WR or two on Day 2.

Nate Wiggins is 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 that instantly improve this Cardinals secondary.

28. Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

The Buffalo Bills desperately need to get a weapon for Josh Allen now that Stefon Diggs is gone and Adonai Mitchell is just the guy. 

He 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: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

The Detroit Lions have done an excellent job of addressing the biggest holes on the roster this offseason, setting themselves up to take the best player available to them on draft day.

The best fit is Darius Robinson out of Mizzou. He’s a big, physical edge rusher who played all across the line for the Tigers with a high level of intensity. He checks all of Dan Campbell’s boxes and should do well playing opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

30. Ravens: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

How do the Baltimore Ravens keep doing this? Every year it’s the same thing. Wait around for valuable draft picks to fall in their lap. And that’s what happened here with Kool-Aid McKinstry.

The former Crimson Tide defensive back 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 then ran a 4.47-40 at Alabama’s pro day. Yeah, he looks like he’s ready for the draft.

31. 49ers: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

The San Francisco 49ers have a surprising amount of needs for a team that was just in the Super Bowl. But that’s mostly due to the cap. They could look at edge, offensive line, and even wide receiver if they end up trading Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk.

I like them to go with Jordan Morgan here. He is coming off a great career at Arizona as the team's left tackle but he’s capable of playing on the right side, which is where the Niners would need him. Morgan also has good footwork and strong hands and is an excellent run blocker. Something the Niners love.

That also takes us Over 9.5 offensive linemen in the first round. But at -180 (DraftKings), I don't love the price.

32. Chiefs: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

It’s incredible to think what Patrick Mahomes was able to do with a sub-par receiver room. Well, the Kansas City Chiefs are trying to remedy that.

Many have Xavier Worthy mocked here after posting his blazing 40-time at the combine but KC signed Hollywood Brown to take that role. This group needs another reliable, intermediate type, and Georgia’s Ladd McConkey fits the bill perfectly. His combination of quickness and excellent route running means he’s open a lot, which he backs up with great hands.

The Chiefs selecting a wide receiver here would take us over the position total of 6.5, which you can get at +182 (FanDuel).

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