NFL mock draft 2024: J.J. McCarthy among four QBs to be first-round picks

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NFL mock draft 2024: J.J. McCarthy among four QBs to be first-round picks

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Tue, Jan 9, 2024 ·

12 min read

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For fans of more than half the league's teams, it's already time to contemplate that offseason staple: the NFL mock draft.

Sunday brought a close to the regular season, meaning that 18 franchises are already turning the page to the 2024 season. And while the combine, free agency and trades will undoubtedly shape the coming months, draft season is officially off and running, with the College Football Playoff title game being held Monday night and the deadline for players to declare looming on Jan. 15.

Only the top 18 selections have been set so far . But with a rough estimate of how the remaining slots might pan out, here's our latest 2024 NFL mock draft:

1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers ) – Caleb Williams , QB, USC

Justin Fields made an impressive final push, and the Bears' locker room is clearly behind him. But this is not a decision that will be made by popular vote within the organization. Landing Williams, an abundantly creative and dynamic passer, had to be all general manager Ryan Poles could have hoped for when he swung the trade with the Carolina Panthers last year that would give the team this pick. In taking Williams, Chicago can set itself up with a more favorable timeline to compete as it continues to build out its roster and provide the support that Fields lacked for most of his tenure.

2. Washington Commanders – Drake Maye , QB, North Carolina

It wasn't too long ago that Sam Howell appeared to be one of the lone bright spots for an underwhelming Washington roster. Instead, the second-year signal-caller ended the season as the NFL's leader in interceptions thrown (21) and sacks taken (65), and he now might be in line to be replaced by his successor at North Carolina. Strong-armed and athletic, Maye could provide some much-needed hope for a franchise that has long been treading water behind center.

3. New England Patriots – Jayden Daniels , QB, LSU

Regardless of Bill Belichick's fate, an offensive overhaul seems sure to come in New England . Daniels hasn't been mentioned alongside Williams and Maye as a surefire top-three pick, but the Heisman Trophy winner has a highly desirable package of traits. While his athleticism and deep passing might be his hallmarks, his composure in the pocket should give any front office an additional level of comfort in projecting him to the next level.

4. Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

The Cardinals will likely root hard for quarterbacks to be taken with the first three picks atop the draft, as it's the only way the team can land the premier non-passer in the class. If Harrison is available for Arizona, he's a no-brainer. With the best wide receiver prospect in years paired with emerging standout tight end Trey McBride , Kyler Murray would have the makings of a very impressive receiving corps.

5. Los Angeles Chargers – Malik Nabers , WR, LSU

Keenan Allen and Mike Williams could be on shaky ground for a franchise with a rough short-term financial outlook. No matter what the team decides regarding the veteran pass catchers, the receiving corps needs to become more dynamic for the Chargers to properly take advantage of Justin Herbert 's talent. Nabers, who can stress defenses both as a deep threat and in racking up yards after the catch, can certainly help in that department.

6. New York Giants – Joe Alt , OT, Notre Dame

It's been a rough go for Evan Neal , the No. 7 pick in 2022 who has floundered at right tackle. Maybe Joe Schoen isn't ready to cut bait just yet, but he also shouldn't be dissuaded from looking to make serious improvements to a front as Daniel Jones prepares to return as the starting quarterback in 2024. Alt is about as steady as offensive line prospects come, and he could make for a fine pairing with Andrew Thomas if he can handle flipping to the other side.

7. Tennessee Titans - Olu Fashanu , OT, Penn State

Expect Ran Carthon to embrace a more complete roster overhaul after starting the process last season. Carthon has already shown a proclivity for building up front after taking left guard Peter Skoronski No. 11 overall last year, and the fleet-footed Fashanu would help the offense turn the page as the team prepares for a new era with Will Levis behind center.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama

The quarterback question is going to hang over the franchise all offseason after Arthur Smith's firing , but there doesn't seem to be a suitable solution here for an otherwise playoff-ready roster. Still, there should be no problem with picking up Turner, a dynamic and explosive edge threat who would recalibrate a lackluster pass rush.

9. Chicago Bears – Rome Odunze , WR, Washington

While Matt Eberflus would surely be interested in boosting a defense that ended the season on a serious upswing, there's too much potential firepower here to pass up. Odunze's knack for boxing out defensive backs and plucking jump balls makes him a fitting complement to DJ Moore in what would be the franchise's most formidable receiver tandem since Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery .

10. New York Jets – Brock Bowers , TE, Georgia

Catering to Aaron Rodgers is still the priority above all for Gang Green. While revamping the offensive front is necessary, it seems like a stretch to think any rookie could come in and provide Rodgers with sufficient protection. Bowers, meanwhile, boasts the superlative ball skills and run-after-catch ability to be an immediate asset in the passing game as someone who can help ease the burden on Garrett Wilson .

11. Minnesota Vikings – Laiatu Latu , DE, UCLA

Retooling a subpar pass rush is likely a necessity for Minnesota, especially with Danielle Hunter 's free agency looming after a 16½-sack season. Though Latu will carry medical concerns after he retired at Washington due to a neck injury before transferring to UCLA, the Lombardi Award winner has a strong case to be considered this class' most skilled edge rusher.

12. Denver Broncos – Nate Wiggins , CB, Clemson

Aidan O'Connell tossing two touchdowns in the regular-season finale should serve as a reminder that this secondary still is a problem. At 6-2 and 185 pounds with the fluidity to stick with receivers at every level of the field, Wiggins would make for an imposing cornerback tandem with Patrick Surtain II.

13. Las Vegas Raiders – J.J. McCarthy , QB, Michigan

Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts while leaving the field following a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium.

A good bit of faith is required in this projection, as McCarthy is hardly a finished product as a potential early first-round prospect – and he hasn't even declared his intentions for next year yet. But his athleticism and arm strength will position him to be selected far earlier than some might expect based off his production. After the failed Jimmy Garoppolo move, it's time for the Raiders to make a substantial investment in a young quarterback to develop for the long term.

14. New Orleans Saints – JC Latham , OT, Alabama

An unexpected addition to the Saints' growing list of issues was the late-season revelation that Ryan Ramczyk faces an uncertain future due to a cartilage defect in his knee. If New Orleans ' woes up front grow even more urgent, Latham warrants strong consideration as a potential replacement at right tackle who is capable of becoming a high-level starter.

15. Indianapolis Colts – Kool-Aid McKinstry , CB, Alabama

Indianapolis endured some growing pains from a young secondary this season, but another infusion of young talent might be necessary. McKinstry is a versatile and savvy in coverage, and he would make for a nice pairing with 2023 second-rounder JuJu Brents .

16. Seattle Seahawks – Chop Robinson , DE, Penn State

Not many simple solutions in this offense-heavy draft for Pete Carroll to address a defense that fell apart – particularly against the run – after Uchenna Nwosu 's season-ending injury. At this spot, Robinson's top-notch burst and elasticity are too attractive for Seattle to pass up, even if his game requires significant development.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Troy Fautanu, G, Washington

Improving the interior line should be an essential step for a Jacksonville team that was too often undone by self-inflicted mistakes. The Jaguars can bolster their chances for long-term stability up front by bringing on Fautanu, a fluid protector who looks ticketed for a move from left tackle to the inside due to his 6-4, 317-pound frame.

18. Cincinnati Bengals – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Put aside the receiver question for now, as the Bengals have some degree of insurance on Tee Higgins with the potential use of the franchise tag. A replacement for Jonah Williams at right tackle should be on the to-do list, and the 6-7, 340-pound Mims' massive potential makes him an attractive long-term bet.

19. Green Bay Packers – Cooper DeJean , CB, Iowa

Between a bevy of potential free-agent safeties and the overall state of the secondary, the back end of Green Bay 's defense looks due for change. Whether at cornerback or safety, DeJean offers the playmaking prowess to lift a unit that ranked 31st in the NFL with just seven interceptions last year.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keon Coleman , WR, Florida State

This might be Mike Evans ' last ride with Tampa Bay , as the five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is set to hit free agency after being unable to reach an extension with the organization before the season. No rookie should be expected to match Evans' production, but the 6-4, 215-pound Coleman would be a fitting successor as a target who can beat defenders by overpowering them at the catch point or breaking away from them.

21. Cardinals (from Houston Texans ) – Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

Jonathan Gannon surely misses the interior pressure he once could rely on from the Eagles' defense, as Arizona hasn't been able to generate anything from its defensive tackles. Though undersized at 6-2 and 295 pounds, Newton has made a habit of wrestling past blockers and making plays in the backfield.

22. Los Angeles Rams – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Pay no mind to the level of competition. The Mid-American Conference standout showed off his penchant for finding the ball with a Football Bowl Subdivision high 25 passes defensed in 2023. Though the Rams' young defense has exceeded expectations this season, the secondary is in need of this kind of talent.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

While McKinstry has received the bulk of the recognition in the Crimson Tide secondary, don't sleep on Arnold as a pro prospect. The former safety is still finding his way at the position, but his tools to be a major asset in man coverage should be enticing to a Pittsburgh defense that has had its share of problems at cornerback.

24. Miami Dolphins – Graham Barton , G, Duke

Miami's long-maligned offensive front has made nice strides over time. Grabbing a guard, however, could provide added security, especially with Robert Hunt in the final year of his contract. Like Fautanu, Barton is a proven left tackle who could be a steadying presence on the interior.

25. Philadelphia Eagles – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Maybe this seems like a luxury for a team that has undergone a full-blown defensive collapse late in the season. But Howie Roseman's affinity for building up his line is well-documented, and the massively powerful Fuaga could be a short-term option at guard while shaping up as a potential long-term replacement for Lane Johnson at right tackle.

26. Kansas City Chiefs – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

No need to sell Andy Reid or Patrick Mahomes on a 6-4, 205-pound target who averaged 17.3 yards per catch and hauled in 17 touchdowns this season. While Thomas is still refining his game, he already has the makeup of a true No. 1 receiver who can provide Mahomes and Travis Kelce the assistance they have so sorely lacked this season. His impressive tracking as a downfield target and prowess in the red zone could quickly change the complexion of Kansas City's attack.

27. Texans (from Cleveland Browns ) – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Never a bad idea to provide superior protection for your franchise quarterback. Guyton, a former H-back, is an ascendant prospect whose outstanding physical tools could make him a valuable right tackle to safeguard C.J. Stroud.

28. Detroit Lions – Jared Verse , DE, Florida State

No question of fit here. Verse would make for a fine pass rusher to put opposite Aidan Hutchinson , but it's his strength at the point of attack and his ability as a run stopper that should make him a fast favorite of Dan Campbell.

29. Buffalo Bills – Leonard Taylor III , DT, Miami (Fla.)

With DaQuan Jones , Tim Settle , Jordan Phillips and Linval Joseph all on expiring contracts, Buffalo could be perilously thin at a position of concern. Taylor is a load at the point of attack, and his best football is likely ahead of him.

30. Dallas Cowboys – Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

The future of Dallas' offensive front remains unclear with mainstay left tackle Tyron Smith set to be a free agent. Versatile and experienced, Morgan would give the Cowboys nice flexibility, though his best fit likely is at guard.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Kamari Lassiter , CB, Georgia

After reports linked them to both Jaylon Johnson and Patrick Surtain II around the trade deadline, it stands to reason that the 49ers would at least have some interest in upgrading their outlook at cornerback. Lassiter is one of the most pro-ready defensive prospects in this class thanks to his schematic versatility and route recognition.

32. Baltimore Ravens – JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State

Eric DeCosta has built one of the NFL's most formidable rosters by scooping up gems in the draft rather than forcing picks based on need. Here, that strategy points them toward Tuimoloau, a powerful if inconsistent force off the edge who should help replenish a pass rush that could lose Pro Bowl defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and Jadeveon Clowney in free agency.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NFL mock draft: J.J. McCarthy among 4 QBs picked in first round

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