2024 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: New Year’s Edition

By: Hayden Shapiro

Here’s mock 2.0, Happy New Year! After the first round of the CFP, these are my predictions as of now. Remember, subject to change, but enjoy!

1. (TRADE from CHI) — Patriots: Caleb Williams, QB USC

The Patriots make their big move, and it is going to cost them a lot, but they are getting the best player in the class, one who many believe to be a generational talent. Williams’ ability to extend plays is uncanny. His repertoire and toolbox are quite frankly things you do not see from a prospect. He throws from numerous arm slots and appears to be comfortable throwing, feet planted or on the run. He really is one of the most dynamic college QB’s in recent memory and New England pounces here at 1.01.

2. Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB LSU

For a little while, it looked like Sam Howell could have been the answer in Washington. But some late season mishaps led to a benching, which is why I think they go signal caller here at 2. Daniels has incomprehensible upside and the Heisman season he just had should not be overlooked. His ball placement is impeccable, and his running ability makes him the second player off the board in this mock.

3. (TRADE from NE) — Bears: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR Ohio St

The Bears get more picks, a young player or two, and land Marvin Harrison Jr. This is the absolute best-case scenario for Chicago. They announced the HC Matt Eberflus will be returning, and I think they go all in with Justin Fields. This gives Fields yet another weapon, and a polished, pro-ready prospect to say the absolute least. MHJ has the best body control and awareness of any receiver I have ever seen in a draft. he is going to be a star. The value of this pick is simply unreal, and it allows Chicago to retool, but not rebuild. As well as surrounding Justin Fields with as much talent possible. This is the home-run they have needed for years.

4. (TRADE from ARI) — Falcons: Drake Maye, QB UNC

This is a really strong pick for the dirty birds. Atlanta has tried out many QB’s over the last few years, but none seem to fit their system, and as a viewer it is beyond frustrating. They need a guy who does his job and spreads the rock all around the field, allowing guys like Kyle Pitts and Drake London to get more touches, and this is exactly what Maye gives them. He is a very accurate quarterback, and he has the pocket presence of a pro. He can use his legs, but where he really shines is passes 10–20 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. He throws a pin-point ball and possesses a unique ability to progress through his reads faster than most his age. This would be a huge addition to this Falcons offense that has so much firepower, but no dependable signal caller in charge. That changes here.

5. Giants: Mailk Nabers, WR LSU

I don’t want to believe it and many fans don’t either, but I really think they want to give Daniel Jones another shot in 2024. He is a serviceable QB with weapons around him, something he, for lack of better word, doesn’t have right now. Nabers is a physical receiver who is dangerous after the catch. He also poses as a good red-zone threat for the G-Men.

6. Chargers: Jer’Zhan Newton, DL Illinois

Everything about this Chargers team screams poorly coached. Their defense has been abysmal this season. Newton plays like his hair is on fire and gives this LA defense some much needed pressure from the interior of the defensive line. He reminds me a lot of shorter, more interior version of Cameron Jordan. The Illinois product plays with a very high motor, plus would look very nice next to an aging Khalil Mack and injury ridden Joey Bosa.

7. Titans: Olu Fashanu, OT Penn St

This Nittany Lion has been my number one OT since this CFB season began. His ability to make an impact in the run and pass game is an ability many of the other guys in this class do not possess. He is extremely physical and plays with extremely heavy hands, making smaller ED rushers struggle consistently against him. He slots right in next to last year’s first round pick of TEN, Peter Skoronski, who played all of his snaps at left guard this season.

8. Jets: Rome Odunze, WR Washington

Odunze is 6'3 and has a knack for getting open. He has a unique ability to make plays after the catch, something you don’t often see from taller wideouts. Him and young star Garret Wilson? Yes please. The goal is to please Aaron Rodgers, this does that to say the least. Odunze has been the definition of consistent throughout his Washington career.

9. (TRADE from ATL) — Cardinals: Laiatu Latu, ED UCLA

The value here is truly awesome for Arizona. They land my number one defensive prospect in the draft and get some assets down the line. Latu is big enough to play with his hand in the dirt or standing. His pass rush moves are so polished for someone who is still in college, especially his bull rush. Sure-fire day one starter for the Cards, who seem to have something going with BJ Ojulari on the west side. This tandem will be talked about next season, no doubt.

10. Bears: Jared Verse, ED Fla St

The Bears just walked out of this mock with some special talent. Verse is different than the other EDGE prospects because he really excels at setting the edge and stopping the run. He has very strong arms, which is shown on every outside run play against him. He seems to always be involved in the play, whether it’s a run inside or a screen outside. He also has one of the coolest stories in the class. From JUCO to top-10 pick, you absolutely love to see it.

11. Raiders: Xavier Worthy, WR Texas

First let me say that I have loved Xavier Worthy throughout his career in Austin. His YAC ability makes him so fun to watch. The Raiders need some speed, plus Worthy gives them a shifty return man, a position so overlooked in today's NFL. He is the gadget player so many franchises need. His ceiling is through the roof, but injury and weight concerns could scare some teams away. I think Worthy is well worth a first round pick and I think this fit just makes too much sense to not mock it here.

12. Packers: Joe Alt, OT Notre Dame

I think the time of trusting David Bakhtiari to stay healthy is up. Here, Green Bay lands it’s blind side protector of the future. There is plenty of skill position talent in the latter half of this class, so going OT here makes too much sense for the Cheeseheads. Alt brings a big 6'7 frame and he has a very strong stance for someone just coming out of school. Heavy hands and a smart puller but certainly struggles against smaller/faster edge rushers.

13. Vikings: Michael Penix Jr, QB Washington

This is a flashy pick. This would be so much fun to watch, whether it is right away or a year down the line. I think Minnesota is in a very interesting spot. Can they depend on a great rehab for 34-year-old Kirk Cousins? I’d love to say they could, but pouncing here mixes up this mock and it also adds some competition in Minnesota. Penix has an unbelievable arm, truly special accuracy, and the ability to extend plays. His age is for sure a negative factor, but his performance in the Sugar Bowl shoots him up my board. This may also convince superstar wideout, Justin Jefferson, to stay in Minnesota.

14. Saints: Dallas Turner, ED Alabama

Dallas Turner made it clear he was entering the draft, actually just minutes after the rose bowl. He fits very nicely into this high-powered New Orleans defense that features ex-Clemson Tiger, Brian Bresee, and veteran Cam Jordan. Turner has a motor that doesn’t seem to stop and adds some much-needed size on the other side of this line. He runs very well for his size, plus I could see him tearing up the combine. Safe pick for the Saints and it will pay off, debatably from day 1.

15. (TRADE from DEN) — Buccaneers: Brock Bowers, TE/ATH Georgia

Todd Bowles and Tampa Bay get their paws dirty here, trading up to 15 with Denver to land arguably the best athlete in the class. Bowers falls to 15 in this mock because of injury concerns, but if he can stay healthy, this fit is really pretty. Brock can line up outside, on the line, or in the slot. His play is very reminiscent of George Kittle and will be an absolute safety blanket for Baker, which all signs point to him staying as of right now. A tandem of Cade Otton and Brock Bowers looks nice on paper…and even better on the field.

16. Bengals: JC Latham, OT Alabama

Latham is a powerful tackle who can also play inside. He excels at blocking for the run but gives this Cincy line some very much needed help. Burrow can’t keep getting hit like this, and after this year's season ending injury, I think the front office will finally realize that.

17. Cardinals: Kamari Lassiter, CB Georgia

Lassiter has absolutely SHOT up my draft boards. Last year, teams were extremely intrigued in Illinois CB, Devon Witherspoon, because of his unique ability to tackle bigger runners despite his smaller frame. Lassiter brings some nastiness to this Arizona defense. He can play the slot or outside, plus gives Arizona a reliable special teamer because of his speed and high motor. I really love Lassiter as a prospect and when the combine comes around, I would not be surprised if he ends up being the first corner off the board, like he is in this mock.

18. Steelers: Chop Robinson, ED Penn St

Chop Robinson has all the tools to be a top 10 pick in this draft, but size and injury concerns lead to him falling in this mock. The Steelers love their edge rushers, but with TJ Watt solidifying one side for the future, and Alex Highsmith on the other, the question is “why take another DE?” Here’s your answer: The way Mike Tomlin runs his defense is with a lot of formational subs. He brings in new faces on each down, so with Robinson added to this defense, it is just another option for Pittsburgh to confuse and harass opposing signal callers. Robinson’s awareness and sheer smarts lead to him being a much sought after prospect, I would not be surprised at all to see him go above guys like Verse and Turner.

19. (TRADE from TB) — Broncos: Kool-Aid Mckinstry, CB Alabama

The Broncos have an absolute shutdown corner in Pat Surtain, but the other side has been a weak link this season for Denver. If they do end up cutting Russ, I could see a Bo Nix or JJ McCarthy in this spot, but for now they go best player available. Mckinstry is a long, physical corner. His ball skills are impeccable, and he gives this Mile High defense, yet another shut down outside DB. The fit is perfect, plus Kool-Aid looked fabulous throughout the Rose Bowl.

20. Seahawks: Amarious Mims, OL Georgia

Mims played tackle at Georgia, but he has the versatility and strength to move inside at the next level. he moves very fast for his ridiculously large frame, and the combine is built for guys like him. He reminds me alot of Mekhi Becton coming out of school, a guy who went from fringe first rounder to top 11 pick after the combine. Seattle looks to have found two gems at each OT position in Abe Lucas and Charles Cross but opposing defenses have rushed up the middle with ease, especially in the last few weeks of the season. Geno Smith looks like a 25-year-old, and with some more help in the interior of this line, I can see Seattle remaining a force in the NFC West.

21. Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama

Long arms and great ball skills. The Colts desperately need secondary help. They are the most penalized team 20+ yards down the field and their redzone defense has been abysmal, so Arnold adds some nastiness and playmaking ability immediately in Indy. He actually outshined his partner in crime for much of this season in Tuscaloosa.

22. Jaguars: Keon Coleman, WR Fla St

Coleman has really strong hands and will be a great safety net for Trevor Lawrence. This Seminole shined no matter who his QB was, which is very important to scouts. Great route runner and has the IQ of a vet, I really like this fit.

23. Rams: T’Vondre Sweat, DT Texas

Sweat was the best Longhorn on the field throughout the Sugar Bowl. He is a one-man wrecking crew, consistently blowing up runs up the middle and beating pulling guards on counters and pitches. This would be a scary sight next to HOFer Aaron Donald and breakout ED, Byron Young. Sweat really impressed me throughout the season and if he can eat up the combine, he could be selected even higher than this.

24. (TRADE from HOU) — Bills: Jonah Eliss, ED Utah

Buffalo trades up here, but takes a reach, something I always like to mock for Sean Mcdermott. Eliss’s speed is really fun to watch. His weight scares me, but strength and weight are coachable + trainable, instincts are not. His instincts are great. He dominated his conference all year and gets a chance to be a plug and play starter for the Bills next year.

25. Chiefs: Xavier Legette, WR South Carolina

The Chiefs love their gadget guys. Legette is a strong runner and gives them a sparkplug return guy. He plays a lot like Deebo Samuel, amazing after the catch and gives Mahomes a nice target over the middle, give his big frame.

26. Eagles: Payton Wilson, LB NC St

I confidently say that Wilson was the best LB in CFB this year. He is a thumper, but his coverage skills aren’t bad. He is going to clog run lanes and can offer an extra blitzer on third downs.

27. Lions: Bralen Trice, ED Washington

Bralen trice is one of the most sound players in this class. He has the size and versatillity to line up with his hand in the dirt or standing against a OT. Trice really showed up in the Cotton Bowl which proves he can show up on the big stage and contain mobile QB’s.

28. (TRADE from BUF) — Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio St

Houston trades back here, but land the guy they wanted anyway. Stroud is going to want Egbuka, an ex-teammate of his, and Houston needs some talent in the slot. They have two great young gins in Tank Dell and Nico Collins, but they both line up outside. Another bonus is the fact that Egbuka brings them a returner, a two for one selection if you will.

29. Dolphins: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB Clemson

The Dolphins need help covering TE’s and a mic LB. This is what Trotter gives them. He is fast and a secure tackler. Good pickup here for the Fins.

30. Cowboys: Graham Barton, OG Duke

Can play inside or out. Excels at pull blocks and gives the Cowboys someone opposite superstar Zack Martin.

31. 49ers: Roman Wilson, WR Michigan

Slot WR who can block very well, which fits this scheme too perfectly not to mock it. Wilson has great hands and is dangerous in motion, Shanahan will love him, and Purdy will too.

32. Ravens: Brian Thomas Jr., WR LSU

Large frame and can line up anywhere. He is a great red-zone threat, reminds me a lot of prime Kenny Golladay. He was always open at LSU, but the separation skills could very well translate to the next level.

Make sure to leave your feedback down below, and as always, Much Love. Thanks for your time and I hope you are looking forward to the next mock!

Stay Cool + KEEPPOUNDING.