The 2024 NFL draft is among us. As always, there have been multiple mock drafts from experts trying to figure out exactly where these college athletes will wind up starting their professional careers. Lets take a look at some of the scenarios being talked about and see what makes sense for some of these teams.
After months of speculation as to who the Chicago Bears would have behind center to start the 2024 season, it seems as though they finally answered that question when they sent Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2025 6th-round pick that could become a 4th-rounder depending on playing time. With that move, the franchise seems though as if it is now in the hands of Caleb Williams. The 22 year-old junior totaled 93 touchdowns and 14 interceptions during his collegiate career (between Oklahoma and USC). He also added another 27 touchdowns on the ground during that time. He is all guaranteed to be the first name called on draft night.
Then the fun begins. The next team on the clock is the Washington Commanders. Washington is another team that has all signs pointing to drafting a QB with their first pick after moving Sam Howell to Seattle just a few days ago. There has been a difference of opinion here as to what direction the Commanders will go. Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels have both been slotted in the #2 spot. For the sake of argument, let’s say they don’t take another North Carolina quarterback and take Daniels at #2.
Next on the clock is the New England Patriots. It has been awhile since New England has been this high in the draft because of their record. Now with the Brady-Belichick era officially gone, the Patriots move on from Mac Jones and find the right guy to run Jerod Mayo’s system. Drake Maye is a big quarterback with a strong arm who can move (4.65 second 40-yard dash). I think he would be a great fit in just about any system and may be the most complete QB in the draft. So while we are at it, lets make a trade here. The Denver Broncos trade up to #3 and draft Drake Maye.
The Arizona Cardinals sit at #4 and have the likelihood of drafting the #1 overall player in the draft, Marvin Harrison Jr. The former Buckeye is living up to the hype of his father, Marvin Harrison Sr., and will most likely be a whole lot better than him. The potential of MHJ is through the roof and if Kyler Murray can get back to his old self, Harrison Jr. could be in for not only a big year, but a big career.
The next pick belongs to the Los Angeles Chargers. They have quietly let 3 major pieces of their unit go (Ekeler, Allen & Williams) as it seems like new coach Jim Harbaugh has quickly started the process of making the team his. With 2nd year WR Quentin Johnston the now likely WR1, Harbaugh gets Justin Herbert another playmaker here and drafts LSU WR Malik Numbers.
The Giants are an intriguing pick at #6. There has been discussion that the Giants will go quarterback here. They brought in Drew Lock to compete with Daniel Jones so I am not sure they will actually go QB. With the WR big board being thin after day 1, I think the Giants go WR and grab Rome Odunze out of Washington.
At the #7 spot, we have the Tennessee Titans. The Titans have been very active this off season. They need defensive help after bolstering the offensive side of the football with players like Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley. But with the Falcons on deck, now is a perfect time for the Minnesota Vikings to pull the trigger on a trade to bring in a rising quarterback. The Vikings trade up to #7 and draft Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
Two more quarterbacks that will are veterans at the college level are Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix. In our mock draft, since we have New England trading down in a trade with the Broncos, I see them getting back in the mix around pick #25. Let’s say they trade with Green Bay at #25 and take Michael Penix Jr.
The last team who needs to find a franchise quarterback is the New York Giants. Nix started his career off at Auburn and after and up and down career, transferred to Oregon where his draft position climbed after he threw for 45 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions in 2023. Nix early in the 2nd round (say 35th pick) is a sleeper here.
Given the fact that nobody has ever gotten a mock draft correct, I wouldn’t bet the farm that these moves happen in April. Given the unpredictability of the draft, I’m not sure if it will ever happen. But again, mock drafts are always interesting. Until April, happy drafting!
Thanks for reading and God bless!
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