Josiah Caswell’s 3-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Patriots Add J.J. McCarthy, Chiefs Get a Steal in Kool-Aid McKinstry

Josiah Caswell’s 3-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft Patriots Add J.J. McCarthy, Chiefs Get a Steal in Kool-Aid McKinstry

One. More. Week. That’s all that’s left until the 2024 NFL Draft is here, and everything becomes official, with hundreds of prospects finding new homes. However, with so many players looking to make their mark on the league, there still remains much speculation on what could happen.

With such little time left before the draft, this 2024 NFL Mock Draft will be my official prediction for what happens on the big day! I’m looking at good fits and fighting through all the smoke that’s been flying around over the last few months to hone in on what might actually take place in the 2024 NFL Draft.

2024 NFL Mock Draft | Round 1

1) Chicago Bears (From CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

This is the only sure thing in the entire draft this year. It’s been the worst-kept secret that the Chicago Bears love Caleb Williams and plan to have him as their quarterback of the future.

For Williams, he’ll be surrounded by a plethora of offensive talent and will look to become the first-ever 4,000-yard passer in Bears’ franchise history.

2) Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

I said it last time, but it’s still the case now. File this pick under “I don’t think they should do, but ultimately will.”

Rumors and reports have been flying for over a month now that the Commanders are honing in on Jayden Daniels, and at this point, it’s almost hard to see it not happening.

I think the pick should be Drake Maye, who would be an awesome fit in Washington. But Daniels will have an opportunity to use his electric big-play-threat play style to his advantage and bring back what Washington once had in Robert Griffin III in 2012.

3) Minnesota Vikings (From NE): Drake Maye, QB, UNC

Trade: The Patriots receive picks 11 and 23 and a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft; The Vikings receive pick 3 in the 2024 NFL Draft.

While I just said Drake Maye should go to Washington, he goes to the perfect spot here. Many are down on the North Carolina Tar Heel, but I’m not, and neither are the Minnesota Vikings.

With Josh McCown as the team’s quarterbacks coach, his having coached Maye in high school is just a can’t-miss connection.

Imagine this: Maye, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, with Kevin O’Connell calling plays. Fireworks, that’s all.

4) Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

In my opinion, the best player in the draft lands with Kyler Murray in Arizona. Arizona could trade down, but Marvin Harrison Jr. is too special of a prospect to pass on, especially when you lack quality at the position.

The Cardinals will now have a healthy Murray throwing to Harrison, Michael Wilson, and Trey McBride, and have an opportunity to get even more playmakers as the rest of the draft unfolds.

5) Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Yes, I know the Chargers’ current top receivers are either Quentin Johnston or Joshua Palmer. However, I also know that Jim Harbaugh loves to stack the trenches, and no matter how good the receivers available are, he’s going to commit to what he does best.

Joe Alt is the best offensive lineman in the class and will immediately give Justin Herbert protection while boosting the team’s run blocking. If Harrison is available, maybe the Chargers consider him, but I’m pretty sure LA will stack the trenches and grab a pass catcher later.

6) New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The Chargers may pass on a receiver, but the Giants will not. Since Odell Beckham Jr. left, New York has desperately needed an alpha receiver, and they finally get one in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

It could be Rome Odunze, but I think the Giants want a home-run threat, and that’s what Malik Nabers gives, among many other things. Nabers could have a big year if New York can figure out its quarterback situation. Even if they don’t, he still might.

7) Tennessee Titans: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

The Titans will (and should) be pretty mad for a few minutes when they see the Chargers select Alt. But they’ll get over it when they choose arguably the best pass protector in the class in Olu Fashanu.

After having the worst left tackle in the NFL in 2023 in Andre Dillard, Tennessee should see a significant improvement when they roll Fashanu out there instead. He will now play alongside 2023 first-round pick Peter Skoronski at left guard.

8) Jacksonville Jaguars (From ATL): Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Trade: The Falcons receive picks 17, 48, 153, and a 2025 second-round pick; the Jaguars receive No. 8 overall of the 2024 NFL Draft.

All the smoke the last couple of weeks has been that the Jaguars are looking to get a wide receiver. And if they don’t trade for Tee Higgins or Brandon Aiyuk, they can trade up in the draft and get a star in Rome Odunze.

In college, Trevor Lawrence made his money throwing to big, athletic receivers. He hasn’t had one since but is getting a perfect version of one in Odunze.

9) Chicago Bears: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

The Bears have done a ton to fix the offensive side of the ball this offseason, highlighted by the pick of Williams at 1. However, they still need help on defense, especially in terms of pass rush.

Dallas Turner is an athletic monster with upside through the roof. In Chicago, he’d be rushing across from Montez Sweat, who the team traded for last season. If Turner develops, it could be a scary season for quarterbacks playing in the Windy City.

10) New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

I made this pick last time, and it makes sense. The Jets have several needs in the long term, but they want to win now. With Aaron Rodgers returning for potentially his final season, they’re going all in, making Brock Bowers the best option.

The Georgia tight end will immediately slot in as the team’s starter and should be an incredibly reliable and dangerous threat for Rodgers to get the ball to over the middle of the field.

11) New England Patriots (From MIN): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

While they could have taken a quarterback at 3, the Patriots opted to gain some capital and move back. Ultimately, it worked out, as J.J. McCarthy fell right into their lap. The two had a visit and dinner recently, and I’d have to assume it went pretty well.

He could go earlier, but if McCarthy were to fall right into New England’s laps post-trade, I think the Patriots would be pretty happy with the outcome.

12) Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

I personally don’t think Bo Nix should go in the first, but the smoke is that he will. If that’s the case, the Broncos are a team that has a high likelihood of taking the former Oregon QB.

Sean Payton has a type of quarterback he succeeds with: guys who can spread the ball and limit mistakes. That’s precisely what Nix did at Oregon, making him a good fit in Denver.

13) Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

The Raiders’ biggest need is the offensive line. Whether it’s tackle or guard, they need them both. As a result, they get one of the best options for either spot.

I think Taliese Fuaga has exceptional potential as a guard, but even if Las Vegas wants to play him at tackle, he should still be pretty dang good.

14) New Orleans Saints: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

The Saints have a gaping hole at tackle heading into 2024. While former first-round pick Trevor Penning is in line to start at left tackle, that isn’t necessarily a good thing, since he was benched last year for poor performance.

As a result, New Orleans will just take the best tackle on the board when they pick. In this case, it’s Alabama’s JC Latham, a mauler in the run game with uncanny play strength.

15) Indianapolis Colts: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

I’m beginning to sound like a broken record on this one, but I won’t back off. I think this is arguably the best fit in the entire first round and would be an awesome pick by the Colts.

Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley will live and die by Cover 3, and Cooper DeJean is the perfect carbon copy outside corner for his scheme. Add on the fact that DeJean can play in the nickel, at safety, or even return kicks, and Indianapolis would be making a home-run pick.

16) Seattle Seahawks: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

This is the first spot that had me in a bind. I love Jackson Powers-Johnson and think he’s the best center in the draft. But how early is too early?

In this case, I think it’s more than acceptable. The Seahawks need both center and guard pretty badly, and Johnson can play both at a high level.

MORE: Top iOL in the 2024 NFL Draft

Seattle may go a handful of ways in the 2024 NFL Draft, but fill its need with one of the best offensive linemen in the entire draft, despite some positional value questions.

17) Atlanta Falcons (From JAX): Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

If the Falcons didn’t trade back, I would have given them Turner. However, they move back and still get the second-best EDGE in the class in Laiatu Latu, with a good argument that he might be the best.

The Falcons’ pass rush has been dreadful the last few years, and the only way to change that is to get great players. That’s what Atlanta is doing here.

18) Cincinnati Bengals: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

The Bengals’ priority is (and has been) getting the offensive line right for Joe Burrow. They’ve failed him, having suffered two season-ending injuries in four years. However, they’re going to try to right their wrongs once again.

Similar to the Raiders, the Bengals need both tackle and guard, so they grab a guy who can do both at a high level. Troy Fautanu‘s future could be at either spot, but he should be pretty good regardless.

19) Los Angeles Rams: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

Another pick I’ve become bullish on is the Los Angeles Rams taking Johnny Newton. I think the Illinois standout is the best defensive tackle in the draft, and with Aaron Donald retiring, I don’t think there’s a better replacement in this class.

Undersized, super explosive, a pass-rush menace, etc. Newton sounds like a young Donald to me. Put him next to second-year Kobie Turner and turn them loose; that should be fun.

20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Yes, I know the Steelers took a Georgia OT in the first round last year. That’s precisely why I think this fit would be awesome.

While Amarius Mims and Broderick Jones never actually played together at Georgia, they’re both athletic freaks who could be Pittsburgh’s bookends for a long time.

21) Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

Typically, I have the Dolphins grabbing Powers-Johnson here. However, with the Seahawks taking him out of the equation, Miami must re-evaluate. As a result, they get arguably the most versatile lineman in the entire draft in Graham Barton.

Barton played offensive tackle at a high level but profiles best as a guard or center. For the Dolphins, there’s no telling where he’d play, considering their struggles on the offensive line. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up replacing Connor Williams at center.

22) Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

It took a while, but the first cornerback off the board is Nate Wiggins. I’m pretty sure the Eagles will end up with one of the talented DBs in this class; it’s just a question of which one.

MORE: Top CBs in the 2024 NFL Draft

Ultimately, I landed on Wiggins, who I think is the best available. While he’s thin and wiry, he has the most scheme-versatile coverage ability and a level of athleticism Howie Roseman won’t want to deny.

23) New England Patriots (From CLE via MIN via HOU): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

The Patriots’ two biggest needs coming into the draft are quarterback and wide receiver. Getting McCarthy earlier in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft fixed one of those things, and now Brian Thomas Jr. will fix part of the other.

They still shouldn’t be done improving receiver, but Thomas gives them a deep threat that can be their top option lining up at X.

If it isn’t Thomas, I could see Adonai Mitchell being the selection. Either way, I think the Patriots will look to pair a receiver with McCarthy and let him have a new best friend.

24) Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

The Cowboys losing Tyron Smith to free agency and not adding anyone in response leaves them in quite a pickle. As it stands, Tyler Smith is the left tackle with no one at left guard. However, they’ll ideally want him back at guard and someone else at tackle.

Tyler Guyton is the best tackle remaining on the board, and while he’s played primarily RT, he has the athleticism and traits to make the transition. Guyton’s still very raw and developing, so it won’t be pleasant early, but he has all the making of a long-time starting lineman in the NFL.

25) Green Bay Packers: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Of all the corners in the class, I don’t think any of them helped themselves more this offseason than Quinyon Mitchell. From the Senior Bowl to the Combine, he dominated it all. As a result, the Toledo product lands in the first round of this 2024 NFL Mock Draft with the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers’ outside corners have been plagued by injuries and inconsistencies. Mitchell would look to fix that.

26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jared Verse, EDGE, FSU

Who doesn’t love keeping players home? I certainly do. In this case, the EDGE-needy Buccaneers keep FSU’s Jared Verse in-state, just a handful of hours south of his collegiate hunting ground.

Verse is the best power rusher in this draft and should be able to start immediately for Tampa Bay. It won’t be a fun time matching up against him in practice.

27) Arizona Cardinals (From HOU): Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

The Cardinals got the receiver they needed earlier, and now they’ll add to the trenches. While they could also use an EDGE, Byron Murphy II is too good to pass up, especially when the team needs drastic help on the interior of the defensive line.

He’s undersized, but Murphy should immediately improve the pass-rush issues that plagued Arizona in 2023.

28) Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

The Bills’ perfect fit is Thomas, who could easily replace the role Gabe Davis left and likely improve it as well. However, with the LSU receiver gone, they’ll have to redirect.

MORE: Adam Schefter Predicts Adonai Mitchell Will Go Higher Than Expected

Adonai Michell would also be a perfect fit, especially with the Stefon Diggs trade. Mitchell can play X or Z, and with his route running and ability to go up and get the ball, he and Josh Allen should become pretty close in no time.

29) Detroit Lions: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Remember those videos of Brad Holmes and the Lions’ front office yelling and celebrating in joy when they got the guy they wanted in the 2023 NFL Draft? If this is the result, that’s likely to happen again.

One of the most significant weaknesses for Detroit in 2023 was their secondary. Although they’ve made some moves in free agency, none of that would compare to Terrion Arnold falling in their lap.

30) Baltimore Ravens: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

What’s one thing the Ravens could never have enough of? Pass rushers.

Despite Baltimore leading the league in sacks in 2023, they did it with a bunch of guys that had career years. Now, you give them Chop Robinson — the best pure pass rusher in the class — and who knows what they could do with him?!

Robinson still needs to improve his run defense, but the Ravens could make this pick worth it and turn him into a double-digit sack player.

31) San Francisco 49ers: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

Similar to the Ravens, the 49ers love pass rushers and players in the trenches. With them losing Chase Young, Arik Armstead, and others, they need a new player to fill in. That’s where Darius Robinson comes in.

I think the 49ers could fall in love with Robinson because of his traits and how much of a chess piece he could become.

32) Kansas City Chiefs: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Because, of course, right? Yep, the Chiefs still get a premiere outside corner despite having the last pick in the first round. They lost L’Jarius Sneed in a trade with the Tennessee Titans, leaving an opening that Kool-Aid McKinstry could fill.

GET DRAFTING: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades

It makes even more sense when you consider that McKinstry is the best press-man corner in the draft, and the Chiefs love running press-man, which Sneed had excelled at.

3-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft | Round 2

nfl mock draft

33) Carolina Panthers

Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

34) New England Patriots

Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

35) Arizona Cardinals

Max Melton, CB, Rutgers

36) Washington Commanders

Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

37) Los Angeles Chargers

Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

38) Tennessee Titans

Junior Colson, LB, Michigan

39) Carolina Panthers (From NYG)

Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

40) Washington Commanders

Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

41) Green Bay Packers (From NYJ)

Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

42) Houston Texans (From MIN)

Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan

43) Atlanta Falcons

T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State

44) Las Vegas Raiders

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

45) New Orleans Saints (From DEN)

Christian Haynes, G, UConn

46) Indianapolis Colts

Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida

47) New York Giants (From SEA)

Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

48) Atlanta Falcons (From JAX)

Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

49) Cincinnati Bengals

Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington

50) Philadelphia Eagles (From NO)

Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

51) Pittsburgh Steelers

Cole Bishop, S, Utah

52) Los Angeles Rams

Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama

53) Philadelphia Eagles

Payton Wilson, LB, NC State

54) Cleveland Browns

Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

55) Miami Dolphins

Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State

56) Dallas Cowboys

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

57) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Renardo Green, CB, FSU

58) Green Bay Packers

Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale

59) Houston Texans

D.J. James, CB, Auburn

60) Buffalo Bills

Beau Brade, S, Maryland

61) Detroit Lions

Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan

62) Baltimore Ravens

Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College

63) San Francisco 49ers

Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State

64) Kansas City Chiefs

Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington

3-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft | Round 3

nfl mock draft

65) Carolina Panthers

Keon Coleman, WR, FSU

66) Arizona Cardinals

Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State

67) Washington Commanders

Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (FL)

68) New England Patriots

Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State

69) Los Angeles Chargers

Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State

70) New York Giants

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech

71) Arizona Cardinals (From TEN)

Dominick Puni, G, Kansas

72) New York Jets

Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan

73) Detroit Lions (From MIN)

Braden Fiske, DT, FSU

74) Atlanta Falcons

Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson

75) Chicago Bears

Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin

76) Denver Broncos

Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami (FL)

77) Las Vegas Raiders

Trey Benson, RB, FSU

78) Washington Commanders (From SEA)

Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington

79) Atlanta Falcons (From JAX)

Javon Bullard, S, Georgia

80) Cincinnati Bengals

Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan

81) Seattle Seahawks (From DEN)

Cedric Gray, LB, UNC

82) Indianapolis Colts

Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas

83) Los Angeles Rams

Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky

84) Pittsburgh Steelers

Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky

85) Cleveland Browns

DeWayne Carter, DT, Duke

86) Houston Texans

Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame

87) Dallas Cowboys

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson

88) Green Bay Packers

Brandon Coleman, G, TCU

89) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, C, Georgia

90) Arizona Cardinals (From HOU)

Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

91) Green Bay Packers (From BUF)

Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

92) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (From DET)

Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

93) Baltimore Ravens

Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington

94) San Francisco 49ers

Delmar Glaze, OT, Maryland

95) Kansas City Chiefs

Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

96) Jacksonville Jaguars

Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon

97) Cincinnati Bengals

Maason Smith, DT, LSU

98) Pittsburgh Steelers

Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest

99) Los Angeles Rams

Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky

100) Washington Commanders (From SF)

Will Shipley, RB, Clemson

Draft with your friends today! PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator now supports multiple drafters during the same draft! Ensure your player rankings are up to date on the 2024 NFL Draft Big Board and you know what every NFL team needs before drafting.