RIPPLE EFFECT
Teams angling for QBs will influence where stars at other positions land
The mystery of the NFL draft is only growing more compelling with less than a month remaining, and soon the event will produce its own signature frenzy. Arguably this year’s biggest point of interest is which – if any – teams will try to trade into the top five picks in a play for one of the class’ prized quarterbacks. The Minnesota Vikings have widely been suspected to be one of the leading candidates to make a drastic move, as the franchise has two first-rounders at its disposal and little certainty behind center. But what if another team hops up for a signal-caller, sending ripples throughout the rest of Day 1? That’s the scenario explored in USA TODAY Sports’ latest 2024 NFL mock draft, which features one significant projected trade:
1. Bears (from Panthers): Caleb Williams, QB, USC.
What’s left to say about an outcome that has never been in serious doubt since the Bears secured this slot? Let’s focus instead on Chicago’s overall approach. Williams will step into an offensive outlook far more promising than the one awaiting other potential rookie signal-callers in Washington and New England, as the Bears’ receivers and offensive line look capable of holding their own while a first-year passer finds his way.
2. Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU.
Could J.J. McCarthy end up as high as No. 2 to Washington? It’s a fun hypothetical, but it still sounds too far-fetched. For now, Daniels makes plenty of sense as the centerpiece for Washington’s reboot under Dan Quinn and Adam Peters, as he can alternate between a poised distributor from the pocket and an electric threat as a runner.
3. Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina.
Yes, Robert Kraft undoubtedly wants a quick return back into postseason contention. But new coach Jerod Mayo and director of scouting Eliot Wolf seem to be employing a much more patient approach in initiating the Patriots’ turnaround. Keeping that focus on the long view could point them toward
Maye, a puzzling prospect whose dazzling highlights are occasionally offset by repeated lapses with ball placement and reading the field.
4. Broncos (proposed trade with Cardinals): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan.
Sean Payton said it was “realistic” to envision the Broncos trading up for a quarterback, but it would still be a somewhat of a stunner to see the team pull off the move by turning over what would surely be a pricey pick package – especially for a team without a second-round selection this year. Still, the prospect of simply taking what comes to them at No. 12 or beyond might be too difficult for Payton and general manager George Paton to endure.
5. Chargers: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State.
Harrison lasting all the way to No. 5 once seemed unfathomable, but the chase for quarterbacks could leave the Bolts in an enviable spot. An offensive tackle can’t be ruled out here given Jim Harbaugh’s vow to deploy a strong running game.
6. Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU.
The pre-draft drum beat for Nabers has been getting louder, with many suggesting he could leapfrog Harrison as the first receiver chosen. Regardless of where he goes, the LSU product looks to be the premier run-after-catch threat in this year’s class. Nabers’ ability to instantly unlock a big-play element in this offense should be a significant selling point for the Giants.
7. Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame.
No team will be cheering on a run on quarterbacks and receivers quite like the Titans, who are in need of an answer at offensive tackle to round out an active offseason. Alt will be prized by Tennessee so long as he can make life easier for Will Levis and keep edge rushers at bay.
8. Falcons: Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama.
No matter how many mock drafts one sifts through, this pairing is hard to shake. While Jared Verse or Laiatu Latu might be more suited to make pass-rushing contributions as rookies for a franchise that looks intent on making an immediate playoff push under Kirk Cousins, there’s no question of the value that the electric Turner could provide by jolting a languishing pass rush.
9. Bears:
Jared Verse, DE, Florida State.
Many have long assumed that the Bears would use this selection on a pass catcher in a bid to further improve the supporting cast for Williams. But what if Poles gravitates toward making a significant upgrade to a pass rush that ranked 31st in sacks (30) even after the addition of Pro Bowler Montez Sweat?
10. Jets:
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington.
Mike Williams certainly gives Gang Green a high-upside target to pair with Garrett Wilson ... if he can return to form after his recovery from a torn ACL and remain healthy throughout 2024. Odunze has the traits to be the rare rookie capable of earning Aaron Rodgers’ trust thanks to his knack for bringing down nearly any pass thrown in his airspace.
11. Vikings: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon.
This surely isn’t what Vikings fans have in mind when mulling all the possibilities for their future at quarterback – and perhaps this move would go over better if Nix or Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. were the pick at No. 23. But if Minnesota is unable to engineer a trade into the top five, it might need to pounce here or else risk losing out on another one of its preferred options behind center.
12. Cardinals (proposed trade with Broncos):
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo.
Looking beyond the available pass catchers after moving back might be difficult for Arizona given the state of the team’s receiving corps, but a franchise this bereft of top-tier talent needs to maximize whatever value it can find at premium positions. Adept at both denying big plays and sparking them himself via takeaways, Mitchell sizes up as exactly the kind of cornerback Jonathan Gannon would covet.
13. Raiders:
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama.
With the defensive line poised to create consistent havoc after the signing of Christian Wilkins, can the back end of the Raiders’ defense hold up to put this unit over the top? Arnold feels like a throwback Raiders pick who nevertheless will help Antonio Pierce usher in a new era.
14. Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu,
OT, Penn State.
There’s not much of a point in doubling down on Derek Carr and Co. without enhancing the resources up front, as there are serious concerns at both tackle spots. While Fashanu is somewhat of a work in progress, he’s still more polished and promising than struggling left tackle Trevor Penning was as a firstrounder in 2022.
15. Colts:
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia.
With Kyle Granson, Mo Alie-Cox and Jelani Woods, Indianapolis has enough to get by at tight end. But simply scraping along shouldn’t be the way for a unit that revolves around dynamic secondyear quarterback Anthony Richardson, and Bowers would be a significant difference-maker who should quickly take on a role as high-volume short-area target in this offense.
16. Seahawks:
Troy Fautanu, OT/G, Washington.
New coach Mike Macdonald called the offensive line a “work in progress,” and general manager John Schneider said the team would look at some freeagent options to fortify its front.
17. Jaguars:
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU.
Can Trent Baalke and Doug Pederson really feel comfortable in the receiving corps they’re saddling Trevor Lawrence with after bringing on Gabe Davis but losing out on Calvin Ridley?
18. Bengals:
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State.
Even after picking up Trent Brown, the Bengals have to be mindful about continuing to build out a protection plan for Joe Burrow – especially if someone like Fuaga is available. The 6-6, 324pound bulldozer boasts a build and playing style suited perfectly for Cincinnati.
19. Rams:
Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas.
This is a highly unfair situation for an undersized defensive tackle to step into, as no one should carry the burden of being expected to replace Aaron Donald. Still, there’s plenty to like about what the massively disruptive Murphy could bring to a front that will be facing a new world with its longtime catalyst now retired.
20. Steelers:
JC Latham, OT, Alabama.
Sure, center and wide receiver are also pressing areas of concern that should be addressed early in the draft. But selecting Latham would allow Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin to expedite the process of moving 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones over to left tackle.
21. Dolphins:
Graham Barton, G/C, Duke.
To some, a modestly built blocker who likely will be bumped inside at the next level might appear to be a reach here. Don’t be surprised if Barton is taken ahead of some of his towering peers, though, as several teams surely will be captivated by his polished play.
22. Eagles:
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson.
The reshuffling of Philadelphia’s pass rush only amplifies the scrutiny on an aging secondary. Boasting elite recovery speed (4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and an overall smoothness in most phases of coverage, Wiggins could take over for James Bradberry or Darius Slay.
23. Vikings (from Browns via Texans): Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa.
If this selection doesn’t factor into Minnesota’s quarterback plan, the Vikings’ decision to trade into the spot will draw plenty of scorn. But with an incoming rookie signal-caller already selected, DeJean is an intriguing option as a versatile chess piece in coverage.
24. Cowboys:
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma.
Even after attempting to explain himself, Jerry Jones might rue that “all in” remark after an offseason that has featured plenty of attrition from The Star. But just imagine the reaction if Jones calls on a 6-8, 322-pound former Hback still finding his way as a blocker to safeguard Dak Prescott.
25. Packers:
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia.
If Green Bay wants to go big this offseason, bringing on the 6-8, 340-pound Mims would certainly make a statement. Entrusting Jordan Love’s blind side to a player who has only made eight career starts might be quite the leap for Brian Gutekunst.
26. Buccaneers:
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon. Offensive tackles Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke set the tone for a season in which Tampa Bay defied expectations, but the play of the interior line proved problematic, particularly for a rushing attack that posted a league-low 3.4 yards per carry.
27. Cardinals (from Texans):
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas.
Fortunate break here for the Cardinals, who secure their long-awaited X receiver. At 6-2 and 205 pounds with 4.34second speed in the 40-yard dash and impressive fluidity for a player of his build, Mitchell could become Kyler Murray’s go-to target if he adds a little more consistency and polish to his approach.
28. Bills: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia. After Wednesday’s seismic trade sending Stefon Diggs to the Texans, the Bills are sorely in need of a top target for Josh Allen. A trade up – perhaps to the teens – to secure either Thomas or Mitchell might be the optimal route. If Buffalo stays put, however, McConkey would give the team a high-volume target who can consistently work himself in the intermediate area.
29. Lions: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA.
A prove-it deal for Marcus Davenport shouldn’t truly alter the outlook along the Lions’ defensive line, where rising star Aidan Hutchinson needs a proper running mate. Latu boasts a skill set and consistency that should help him win over Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell if he slides.
30. Ravens:
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona.
Always one to keep his eye on value rather than just positional need, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta might be somewhat boxed in this year by several of his team’s losses in free agency – particularly along the offensive line, which bid farewell to both starting offensive guards as well as right tackle Morgan Moses.
31. 49ers:
Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State.
The addition of Leonard Floyd, among others, helped the 49ers recalibrate a pass rush that looked due for an adjustment after the Super Bowl, but it still would be wise to invest in a promising rookie.
32. Chiefs:
Patrick Paul, OT, Houston.
Amid all the speculation about the ways the Chiefs could use a premium pick to continue remaking their receiving corps, left tackle still stands out as a key spot without a clear resolution for the defending champs. Molding a 6-8, 331-pounder with fleet feet and upperechelon potential as a pass protector is the kind of task most offensive line coaches would relish.