The NFL postseason is upon us, but there are 18 teams who will not be participating, which means there are 18 franchises (and fan bases) already focused on the future.
Here are some key dates going forward before we get to the draft in Detroit (April 25-27):
Jan. 15: Deadline for players with remaining eligibility to make their draft intentions official.
Feb. 1: East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas
Feb. 3: Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.
Feb. 11: Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas
Feb. 20-March 5: Franchise/transition player designation period
Feb. 27-March 4: NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
Early March: Colleges can begin hosting pro days
March 13: New league year begins at 1 p.m. (i.e. free agency)
MOCK PREAMBLE
This is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the current draft order courtesy of NFL.com. The closer we get to draft day, the more I’ll attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.
Last season, I was the third-most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print, according to The Huddle Report. I’m tied for first overall (out of 172) over the past five years.
The draft has become the Super Bowl of the NFL’s second season — the NFL doesn’t have an off-season — and a mock version of said draft is meant to educate, perhaps even entertain. At very least, it helps you the time.
Follow me on X (formerly known as Twitter) @UTEddieBrown so we can continue the conversation.
Here’s an updated version of my 2024 NFL Mock Draft, now through two rounds:
First round
1. Chicago from Carolina (2-15) — Caleb Williams, QB, USC, Jr.
I’m fairly confident Williams will be the first overall pick barring some unforeseen revelations during the draft process. I’m not so certain the Bears will be the team selecting the former Heisman winner. Bears general manager Ryan Poles could continue to build around Justin Fields by drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. (a generational talent) or trading this pick for a king’s ransom. Williams is special off-platform and will likely become Trojans coach Lincoln Riley’s third quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy and go first overall, ing Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield. Top needs: WR, Edge, OL
2. Washington (4-13) — Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina, So.
The Commanders will have a new general manager and head coach soon — reportedly 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters will be the top guy and hire the coach — so Sam Howell will likely have competition in the quarterback room next year. Maye’s prototypical size (6-foot-4, 230 pounds), elite arm talent and ability as a runner will cause some to question whether Williams is really the top QB in this draft class. Spoiler alert: Williams is the top QB in this draft class, but I like Maye a lot too. Top needs: Edge, OL, DB
3. New England (4-13) — Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU, Sr.
Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft deciding to mutually part ways is the official end of an era. It’s been quite a while since Kraft had to hire a coach or GM, so those picks will give us more insight to what the Patriots plan to do with this one, but I can’t imagine they won’t address the quarterback position this offseason, whether in free agency or the draft. I’m not sold on Daniels being a top-3 pick yet, but he’s certainly a top-10 talent in this draft class — I have him at No. 7 on my first Big Board of the season. He had a historic season in Baton Rouge, breaking Joe Burrow’s NCAA ing efficiency record with a rating of 208 as a senior. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner also produced 3,812 ing yards, 40 ing touchdowns and only four interceptions. He added 1,134 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground for good measure. Top needs: QB, OL, TE
4. Arizona (4-13) — Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio St., Jr.
Would GM Monti Ossenfort move on from Kyler Murray and select one of the top-3 QBs here if one is available? Perhaps, but I’m thinking the Cardinals are still committed to Murray, and Ossenfort wouldn’t complain if he were able to fill one of his roster’s biggest needs with the top overall prospect in the draft. If we were to “Weird Science” a wide receiver, the computer would almost certainly produce Harrison. The consensus All-American is a route tactician who features prototypical size (6-foot-4, 205 pounds), strong hands and athleticism with Hall of Fame NFL lineage (he’s the son of Colts legend Marvin Harrison). The last receiver to be drafted inside the top-3 was Calvin Johnson in 2007, and Harrison has that type of potential. Top needs: WR, CB, G
5. L.A. Chargers (5-12) — Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia, Jr.
No matter the new coach or GM, the Chargers will need to provide franchise QB Justin Herbert upgraded weaponry. Bowers is a top-3 talent, and the most heralded prospect at the position since Kyle Pitts in 2021. The two-time Mackey Award winner has produced 175 receptions for 2,538 yards and 26 TDs in three seasons for the two-time champion Bulldogs. Pitts had 100 receptions for 1,492 yards and 18 TDs in three seasons at Florida. Top needs: CB, RB, T
6. New York Giants (6-11) — Malik Nabers, WR, LSU, Jr.
The G-Men will definitely be in the quarterback discussion leading up to the draft, but if they decide to give Daniel Jones another shot, they’ll need to find him a true No. 1 receiver. Nabers’ body control and route-running are top-notch, plus he’s elite after the catch and a terror in the open field. Top needs: DL, RB, WR
7. Tennessee (6-11) — Joe Alt, T, Notre Dame, Jr.
It looks like Will Levis will be the starting QB in 2024 for the Titans, so GM Ran Carthon’s next assignment is upgrading Levis’ protection. The massive Irish tackle (6-8, 315) amassed several All-American honors after another successful season in South Bend and is one of two blue chip tackle prospects in this class. Top needs: WR, CB, OL
8. Atlanta (7-10) — Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama, Jr.
Could Belichick end up coaching the Falcons next season? If so, he’d likely pester GM Terry Fontenot to target Turner in the draft. Turner was overshadowed by Will Anderson Jr. his previous two seasons at Tuscaloosa — he had 8.5 sacks as a true freshman in 2021 — but he’s capable of being a star in his own right. This season, the AP All-American added some bulk to his frame and displayed more power to go with his already impressive speed-rush capabilities. Top needs: QB, WR, Edge
9. Chicago (7-10) — Keon Coleman, WR, Florida St., Jr.
Regardless who the Bears have under center, they’ll need to find him another dynamic receiver to pair with DJ Moore. Coleman, a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, features a combination of size (6-4, 215), strength and speed uncommon in receivers. Top needs: WR, Edge, OL
10. New York Jets (7-10) — Olu Fashanu, T, Penn St., Jr.
Protecting a 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers has to be the highest priority for GM Joe Douglas if he wants Rodgers to last more than four plays in 2024. Fashanu would’ve likely ended up in the first-round discussion had he declared last season. There’s still room for growth in the run game, but he’s already an elite -protector and could easily go in the top-5. Top needs: OL, WR, S
11. Minnesota (7-10) — Jared Verse, Edge, Florida St., Jr.
I anticipate the Vikings doing their due diligence on this class of quarterbacks (and potentially moving up in the draft) if they’re unable to re-sign Kirk Cousins after this season, but sack artist Danielle Hunter will be one of the most sought after free agents this offseason, and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would be fortunate here if one of the top edge rushers in the draft were still available. Like Penn State’s Fashanu, Verse would’ve likely been a first-round pick had he declared after last season. He produced nine sacks after transferring from Albany to Tallahassee for his sophomore season. The AP All-American followed that up with another nine sacks to help the Seminoles finish the regular season undefeated. Top needs: QB, Edge, OL
12. Denver (8-9) — Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA, Sr.
The Broncos need a bonafide threat on the outside to pair with Zach Allen, who normally wreaks havoc on the interior. Latu features a pro-ready arsenal of -rush moves and became the first Bruin to win the Lombardi Award (outstanding lineman) and Hendricks Award (best defensive end) this season. Medical evaluations of a neck injury the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year suffered during his time with Washington will have a big impact on his draft stock. Top needs: Edge, LB, DB
13. Las Vegas (8-9) — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama, Jr.
This is another spot where a new coaching staff likely means a new QB, but the top-3 prospects are off the board. McKinstry was first-team All-SEC as a true sophomore. He features prototypical size (6-1, 194) with speed and brings physicality in coverage and against the run. He’s also proven to be a dynamic punt-returner. Top needs: QB, CB, RB
14. New Orleans (9-8) — JC Latham, T, Alabama, Jr.
The Saints are another team who wouldn’t surprise me if they targeted a QB, but if they stay the course with Derek Carr, they’ll need to upgrade his protection after he took a beating this season. Latham is a super-sized tackle (6-6, 360) with elite strength and movement skills. Top needs: LB, OL, Edge
15. Indianapolis (9-8) — Rome Odunze, WR, Washington, Jr.
Wide receiver would be a top priority in the offseason if the Colts lose Michael Pittman Jr. in free agency. Odunze features elite size (6-3, 215), speed and strength, and will compete to become the second wide receiver drafted in prime-time come April. Top needs: LB, WR, DB
16. Seattle (9-8) — Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois, Jr.
Pairing another versatile, dynamic defensive lineman with Leonard Williams would help the Seahawks lessen the gap with NFC West rival San Francisco. Newton was likely a Day 2 selection had he entered the draft after last season, which motivated him to return to school. The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year may be undersized (6-2, 295) for some teams, but he’s been a disruptive force the last two seasons against the run and . He could go in the top-10 when it’s all said and done if he aces the draft process. Top needs: LB, DL, IOL
17. Jacksonville (9-8) — Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington, Jr.
The Jaguars could lose Josh Allen in free agency. Trice shares similar physical traits with Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson and is relentless against the or run. Top needs: Edge, OL, WR
18. Cincinnati (9-8) — Taliese Fuaga, T, Oregon St., Jr.
Both Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are free agents for the Bengals after this season, but the top four wide receivers are off the board here, so Cincy fortifies Joe Burrow’s protection (never a bad idea). Fuaga is a well-rounded mauler at tackle and could be the Beavers’ first offensive lineman ever selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Top needs: WR, OL, DL
19. Green Bay (9-8) — Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson, Jr.
The Packers dealt Rasul Douglas to Buffalo at the trade deadline and former first-rounders Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes have both been plagued by injury issues. Wiggins might need to add some strength to his frame (6-2, 185), but he already has elite ball skills and athletic abilities. Top needs: DB, OL, RB
20. Tampa Bay (9-8) — Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon, Jr.
I’m not sure Baker Mayfield has done enough to keep the Buccaneers from targeting a signal-caller in the first round next year — a playoff victory over the Eagles wouldn’t hurt — but Mike Evans is facing free agency, so GM Jason Licht might have to dip into a deep wide receiver class to replace the future Hall of Famer. Franklin features a rare size-speed-agility combination and projects to be a major open-field, big-play threat. For being such a burner, he’s actually a crafty route-runner too. Top needs: QB, LB, DB
21. Arizona from Houston (10-7) — Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama, So.
The Cardinals landed the best player in this draft (Marvin Harrison Jr.) with their first pick of the first round. Here they can continue to build a young and talented secondary. Based on upside, Arnold could be ranked higher on some draft boards than his Crimson Tide teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry. He’s relatively inexperienced at cornerback — he was a former safety recruit — but he’s been one of the better run defenders at the position and has proven a quick-study in coverage. Top needs: WR, CB, G
22. L.A. Rams (10-7) — Amarius Mims, T, Georgia, Jr.
The Rams’ offensive line rebounded in a major way this season, but they lack depth at tackle. Mims is still very raw, and has dealt with multiple ankle injuries this season, but he towers (6-7, 340) over most of the competition and he moves easy considering his size. His athletic potential and his 2022 tape will be hard to ignore. Top needs: T, Edge, LB
23. Pittsburgh (10-7) — Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa, Jr.
Patrick Peterson will be 34 in 2024 and could potentially be a cap casualty after this season. DeJean can play outside or inside at cornerback, and even safety due to his size (6-1, 207) and speed combo. He’s also one of this draft’s premier playmakers. Top needs: CB, C, LB
24. Miami (11-6) — Tyler Guyton, T, Oklahoma, Jr.
Durability has become a concern for the Dolphins’ O-line, with Terron Armstead, Robert Hunt and Connor Williams all missing time. Guyton played right tackle for the Sooners, but has the prototypical size and athletic traits to switch to the left side in the pros. Top needs: DL, OL, WR
25. Buffalo (11-6) — Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn St., Jr.
AJ Epenesa, Shaq Lawson and Leonard Floyd are all facing free agency after this season, so an influx of talent on the defensive line might be a necessity for the Bills come April. Robinson’s still developing his technique, but his first-step explosiveness and speed-to-power variation is a rare commodity. Top needs: DL, G, WR
26. Kansas City (11-6) — Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU, Jr.
The Chiefs have one wide receiver on their current roster who doesn’t force Patrick Mahomes to constantly turn water into wine, and that’s Rashee Rice. Thomas’ physical gifts are off the charts. He’s 6-foot-4 and can hit 22 mph on the GPS. Thomas is a big-bodied vertical threat who has only scratched the surface of his potential. Top needs: WR, DT, CB
27. Philadelphia (11-6) — Kamren Kitchens, S, Miami, Jr.
The Eagles’ secondary has struggled mightily this season. Kitchens is one of the most versatile defensive backs in this draft class, and thrives in coverage or as a run defender. Top needs: DT, DB, Edge
28. Houston from Cleveland (11-6) — Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama, Sr.
The Texans hit it out of the park by taking CJ Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. in the first round this year. I anticipate head coach DeMeco Ryans will continue to build a defense to pair with Stroud’s fireworks on offense, likely based on the blueprint he learned in San Francisco (all rushers, all the time). The right NFL defensive coordinator could mold this ball of clay (a former five-star recruit) into a Pro Bowler. Braswell has an impressive first step, converts speed to power effortlessly and is a strong run defender to boot. Top needs: OL, DL, CB
29. Dallas (12-5) — Graham Barton, OL, Duke, Sr.
Both Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz are free agents. Barton could thrive at both tackle or guard (and possibly center) in the NFL. Some scouts will question his size/length for the tackle position — he’s 6-5, 314 pounds — but 34 of his 39 career starts were at left tackle for the Blue Devils (the other five were at center). He’s a technically sound, sticky blocker with quickness and competitive tendencies that deserves first-round consideration. Top needs: T, DB, WR
30. Detroit (12-5) — JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio St., Jr.
The Lions have several defensive linemen who will be entering a contract season in 2024. Tuimoloau, a former five-star recruit, is an all-around defensive end who is more smooth and savvy than explosive, but features the size (6-4, 270) Detroit covets at the position. Top needs: CB, DL, LB
31. San Francisco (12-5) — Kingsley Suamataia, T, BYU, So.
One of the few “weaknesses” of the 49ers is at right tackle and guard. Suamataia was a five-star recruit who originally landed with Oregon before transferring to Provo. The 6-foot-6, 325 pound lineman came in at No. 3 on Bruce Feldman’s annual college football “Freaks List” behind only South Carolina wide receiver Nyckoles Harbor — a true freshman this year — at No. 1 and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 2. Top needs: OL, DT, CB
32. Baltimore (13-4) — Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington, Jr.
Starting guards John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler will both be free agents in March. Fautanu’s heavy hands and impressive athleticism has been on display at tackle for the Huskies the last two seasons, but less-than-ideal arm length might cause a team to kick him inside at the next level. Regardless, he has Pro Bowl-level talent. Top needs: DT, WR, RB
Second round
33. Carolina — Patrick Paul, T, Houston, Jr.
If Bryce Young has any hopes of reaching his full potential, the Panthers will need to significantly upgrade one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Paul was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Cougars. His technique needs polish, but you can’t teach his size (6-7, 315) or athleticism, plus he plays with top-flight power and a bad attitude. Top needs: OL, Edge, WR
34. New England — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio St., Jr.
35. Arizona — Jordan Morgan, T, Arizona, Sr.
36. Washington — Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson, Jr.
37. L.A. Chargers — Kalen King, CB, Penn St., Jr.
The new GM will likely target cornerbacks and defensive linemen in free agency and the draft. King led all cornerbacks in the country with a 93.3 overall grade and an 18.3 er rating allowed in single-coverage as a sophomore, according to Pro Football Focus. His elite athleticism should carry him through the draft process despite inconsistent play as a junior for the Nittany Lions. Top needs: CB, RB, T
38. Tennessee — Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
39. N.Y. Giants — Leonard Taylor, DL, Miami, So.
40. Washington from Chicago — Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina, Jr.
41. Green Bay from N.Y. Jets — Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas St., Sr.
42. Minnesota — Bo Nix, QB, Oregon, Sr.
43. Atlanta — Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington, Sr.
44. Las Vegas — JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan, Jr.
45. New Orleans from Denver — Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan, Sr.
46. Indianapolis — Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia, Jr.
47. N.Y. Giants from Seattle — Kiran Amegadjie, T, Yale, Sr.
48. Jacksonville — Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas, Jr.
49. Cincinnati — Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina, Sr.
50. Philadelphia from New Orleans — Jonah Elliss, Edge, Utah, Jr.
51. Tampa Bay — Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota, Sr.
52. Green Bay — Calen Bullock, S, USC, Jr.
53. L.A. Rams — Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M, Jr.
The Rams’ defense played much better than expected this season, a testament to the coaching staff, but there’s still holes in the front seven. Cooper catapulted himself into a borderline first-round prospect with a dominant junior season for the Aggies — 83 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Tack on his top coverage skills, and you have one of the best linebackers in a weaker-than-usual class. Top needs: T, Edge, LB
54. Pittsburgh — Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon, Jr.
55. Houston — Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri, Sr.
56. Miami — T’Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas, Sr.
57. Kansas City — Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo, Jr.
58. Cleveland — Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas, Jr.
There are several players on an elite Browns defense facing free agency. Murphy is a former four-star recruit who will have an opportunity to boost his draft stock at the Senior Bowl. As a true junior, he’s one of the highest-ceiling d-linemen in this draft class. Top needs: WR, DL, OL
59. Philadelphia — Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky, Jr.
60. Detroit — TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa St., Sr.
61. Buffalo — Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio St., Jr.
62. Dallas — Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest, Jr.
63. San Francisco — Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas, Jr.
64. Baltimore — Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas, So.
