Hayden Shapiro’s 2024 NFL Mock Draft 3.0; Four Quarterback’s Go In Top 8 Picks
By Hayden Shapiro
It’s that time again! Mock draft 3.0! In this mock, we shake up some the order with some trades, and explore various fits for teams who need a singular position or just take the best player available. Starting with a trade up. Let’s get into this thing.
- WSH (Trade from CHI) — Caleb Williams, QB USC
Caleb Williams grew up around here, they fired Rivera, brought in new ownership, and benched their so-called “QB of the future.” This trade up makes too much sense, even if they need to give a king’s ransom, Williams’ sky-high ceiling and NFL ready skillset is well worth it.
2. CHI (Trade from Wash) — Marvin Harrison Jr, WR OSU
It seems the Bears are sticking with Fields, and if that is the case, he needs some A1 weapons. Harrison is a day 1 starter and will make an immediate impact at the next level. His out of this world body control and football IQ make him the highest drafted receiver since Megatron (Calvin Johnson, GT).
3. NE — Drake Maye, QB UNC
New England stays put and lands their guy. Maye stays very calm in the pocket and has a very reasonable floor, meaning his worst days will still be better than having to depend on Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones. He excels at reading coverages and puts the ball in the breadbasket with his A+ deep accuracy.
4. ARI — Malik Nabers, WR LSU
Nabers is a physical receiver who does a lot of his damage after the catch, but also can go up and get it when you need him to. He is going to be a great target for Kyler Murray, who I believe has all the tools to be a true top QB in this league pretty soon. Nabers was the definition of consistent in his last two seasons as a Tiger. I have little doubt that this consistency will end in the league and HC Gannon is going to use him early and often.
5. MIN (Trade from LAC) — Laiatu Latu, ED UCLA
Minnesota seems to be set on re-tooling their defense and there is no better way to start than trading up for the best defensive player in this class. If Latu’s health checks out, he is going to be a force to reckon with from the get-go. His power rush repertoire combined with his versatility make him the first defensive player off the board. This also fills a need if Marcus Davenport and Danielle Hunter depart in FA.
6. NYG — Jayden Daniels, QB LSU
The Giants have to live with the fact that they signed Daniel Jones to a multi-year deal, but this cannot stop them from building for the future. The Heisman winner could benefit from sitting behind Jones for some time, or even give his all in camp and try to earn the job. Daniels is a really unique talent. His tandem of accuracy and mobility make him a can’t miss player for the G-Men.
7. TEN — Olu Fashanu, T Penn St
Tennessee lands the best offensive lineman in the draft and he pairs beautifully with last year’s selection, guard Peter Skoronski. Fashanu brings a mean, high motor player to this aging TEN line. His ability to run and pass block equally well is something the Titans will have a hard time passing on.
8. ATL — Michael Penix Jr, QB Wash
I think it is safe to say that the Desmond Ridder experiment failed, and they just fired HC Arthur Smith. They want to start fresh, and with a plethora of weapons, Penix comes in ready to start. He looked great in the Sugar Bowl, but his National Championship performance was not great. I do not think this’ll tank his value, but he certainly could fall further than this is later mocks.
9. CHI — Dallas Turner, ED Bama
Just the idea of leaving this draft with more assets, Marvin Harrison Jr AND Dallas Turner is exciting. Turner’s explosiveness and high motor pair extremely well with Montez Sweat on the other side. This is a perfect fit.
10. NYJ — JC Latham, T Bama
The Jets desperately need help protecting Aaron Rodgers. Mekhi Becton cannot stay on the field and Alijah Vera-Tucker is headed down that same path. They go with Latham here due to his versatility and ability to play either tackle spot.
11. LAC (Trade from MIN) — Jer’Zhan Newton, DT Illinois
This Chargers defense was bad all around, but stopping the run was an issue to say the least. Newton plays with passion and is so fast for his size. He goes 110% on every play and fits well as an inside rusher with Mack and Bosa running the perimeter.
12. DEN — Kool-Aid Mckinstry, Bama
Denver’s pass defense was great, but that doesn’t mean they can’t add to it. With Surtain locking down one side week in and week out, Mckinstry comes in with a similar build. Long arms and good in press, recipe for success in Denver.
13. LV — Rome Odunze, WR Wash
All signs point to a retooling in Vegas which may include trading all-pro WR Davante Adams. If this happens, they go Odunze, a big framed receiver who excels after the catch. No matter who is throwing him the ball, he is going to make plays. He also is a great blocker in the run game.
14. NO — Brock Bowers, TE Georgia
The fact that Bowers fell to 14 is surprising, but that’s the way this mock panned out. He adds so much firepower to this Saints offense and can line up all over the field. He is one of the most pro-ready prospects in the class and can be an impact player immediately for New Orleans.
15. GB (Trade from IND) — Jared Verse, ED Fla St
Verse has the talent to be a top 5 pick. His ability to wreck plays in the run game and get behind the line of scrimmage is special. Green Bay is getting a guy who can play in 3–4 or 4–3 defense. Plus, he plays every down. This is a great fit, and the Packers would be ecstatic to land him here at 15.
16. SEA — T’Vondre Sweat, DT Texas
Trading for Leonard Williams was an amazing move by Seattle and Jarran Reed looks like a young star, but why not add to the fire on the line? Sweat is so slippery and at his size, a nightmare for opposing guards. He clogs up blockers and fills run lanes. This is something Seattle needs desperately, shown in their second to last game of the season against Pittsburgh where they allowed Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris to reach 100 yards.
17. JAX — Joe Alt, T ND
Alt has the talent to be the first tackle off the board, but his slight frame worries me. Jacksonville gets a great prospect here at 17, one who can start right away at left tackle.
18. LAR (Trade from CIN) — Chop Robinson, ED Penn St
Chop has all the tools you want from an edge rusher, but size and injury concerns lead to him falling in this mock. Robinson makes plays all over the field and his ceiling is sky high. Pairing him with rookie playmaker Byron Young and Aaron Donald puts this Rams defensive unit right back up there with the best of them.
19. IND (Trade from GB) — Terrion Arnold, CB Bama
The Colts outside corners had penalty issues all year and were passive against balls that they could have made plays on. Arnold adds some nastiness to this secondary and with his long frame, solidifies his spot on the perimeter of this Indy secondary.
20. TB — Kamari Lassiter, CB Georgia
Lassiter has a knack for blowing up screens and making big plays. He is one of the most interesting prospects in the class and is shooting up my board. Lassiter is always looking for the big play, and if the Bucs retain Winfield in FA, this can be done because of the help from the safety. I really like this fit in Tampa. It also may allow them to release Carlton Davis and get off of that contract.
21. ARI — Amarious Mims, T/G Georgia
Mims brings a big frame and fast feet, a recipe for success along this line. He can play G or T and most importantly, allows Arizona to get off of DJ Humphries’ mega deal.
22. CIN (Trade from LAR) — Keon Coleman, WR Fla St
Cincy may need to let Tee Higgins walk, but they are getting one solid replacement. Coleman plays a different way then Higgins, but slots right into this Bengals offense. They also get cheaper with this move, not having to sign the ex Clemson Tiger.
23. PIT — Troy Fautanu, OG Wash
The Steelers are so confusing. They say that they are sticking with Pickett, but start Mason Rudolph in must win games, including the playoffs. Here they go interior OL. Fautanu is a polished run blocker and will be an immediate impact on this offensive line, helping protect their so-called “franchise” QB, Kenny Pickett.
24. MIA — Payton Wilson, LB NC State
Wilson is a phenomenal tackler and can cover opposing TE’s. He was the best LB in the country this season in my opinion and can start from day 1 in Miami.
25. PHI — Kam Kinchens, S Miami
Kinchens is a true ballhawk. He lurks throughout the middle of the field and has a unique ability to read the QB’s eyes from way down the field. He is by far the best safety prospect in this class and Philly snags him here at 25.
26. KC — Xavier Legette, WR South Carolina
Legette is a pure playmaker. He fits perfectly with this unique KC offensive scheme which likes to use screens and sweeps to get their playmakers in space. Legette’s frame and speed make him the selection for Mahomes and the Chiefs here.
27. HOU — Brian Thomas Jr, WR LSU
Houston adds speed and size here at 27. He actually plays a lot like their current number 1 target, Nico Collins. Long strides and strong hands, Thomas Jr has a very high ceiling, but sometimes lacks separation in his routes.
28. DET — Graham Barton, OG Duke
Barton can play all over the line and the Lions are real contenders now. If they can retain CJ Gardner-Johnson, they will go O-Line, but if CJ walks, they might opt for a nickel corner or safety, but that time hasn’t come yet. (P.S. — CJ has no reason to go, this defense looks great in the playoffs right now.)
29. BUF — Cooper DeJean, CB Iowa
DeJean is such an interesting player. He can play outside, in the slot, and even in the box. He adds so much versatility to this Buffalo defense, and I guess secondary, but he truly is just an athlete who can play all over the field.
30. DAL — Kingsley Suamataia, OT BYU
Very young player who needs some fine tuning, but Dallas has the roster that allows him to sit for a year and learn. His upside is sky high, but the floor is low. I like this reach for the Boys here late in the first round.
31. SF — Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo
Mitchell has a knack for finding the ball. He consistently times up his risks and has the speed to get back if they don’t pay off, but they often do. He also has some great help behind him in Talanoa Hufanga and Charvarious Ward on the other side. This just feels like a 49er's selection, smaller school stud.
32. BAL — JT Tuimoloao, ED Ohio St
Tuimoloao is so twitchy and fast that his size concerns go out the window. He plays with such a high motor and can play on the line or standing. Perfect fit in Baltimore. I really like this Buckeye and he is going to move up these mocks in the future without a doubt.
