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, Dan
iels 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.