2024 NFL Draft: Two-Round January Mock Draft

The final list of players eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft has been decided

Good morning from 30,000 feet. By the time you’re reading this, I will be on my way to Mobile, Alabama to see some of the 2024 NFL Draft’s top prospects in person at the Senior Bowl. I put this mock draft together last night by combining my personal evaluations, rumors, team needs, and positional value. This is not a predictive mock draft. Those come later in the cycle.

Let me know in the comments or on Twitter if you agree or disagree with anything.

This is a two-round mock draft. You’ll notice that all teams in the first round are accompanied by a list of their key free agents for 2024. Some of my decisions are based on those free agents either re-signing, receiving the franchise tag, or leaving on the open market.

Mock Draft 1.0 l January Top 200 Big Board

Please leave your complaints in the comment section or send them to my Twitter account @Sam_Teets33.

2024 NFL Draft First Round

1. Chicago Bears (Via Panthers): Caleb Williams, QB USC

Free Agents: Yannick Ngakoue, Marcedes Lewis, Darnell Mooney, Lucas Patrick, D'Onta Foreman, Jaylon Johnson, Justin Jones, Rasheem Green

The book isn’t written on Justin Fields’ career, but Williams is a higher-graded prospect than Fields was several years ago. Drafting the USC star gives Chicago’s coaching staff and front office a little room to breathe as they begin developing another promising quarterback.

2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB North Carolina

Free Agents: Curtis Samuel, Kendall Fuller, Cody Barton, Jacoby Brissett, Antonio Gibson, Jeremy Reaves, Cornelius Lucas, Joey Slye, Jamison Crowder, David Mayo

The Commanders don’t have a new head coach yet, but whoever takes the job will know that this pick must be a quarterback. This selection is heavily dependent on who Chicago takes, but both Maye and Caleb Williams are well thought of prospects with high ceilings and impressive physical tools.

3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB LSU

Free Agents: Michael Onwenu, Anfernee Jennings, Josh Uche, Mack Wilson, Kyle Dugger, Nick Folk, Myles Bryant, Matthew Slater, Ezekiel Elliott, Jalen Mills, Mike Gesicki, Kendrick Bourne, Trent Brown, Hunter Henry

It’s a new era in New England, even if the staff staying in the building has already been there for years. The Patriots don’t have a long-term answer at quarterback on the roster. Unless they land Kirk Cousins and feel good about his medical situation, there isn’t a clear path for New England to find a franchise quarterback outside of the draft.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR Ohio State

Free Agents: Greg Dortch, Marquise Brown, Krys Barnes, Leki Fotu, Antonio Hamilton Sr., Geoff Swaim, Elijah Wilkinson

Kyler Murray is the man in Arizona, which makes it the team’s responsibility to surround him with viable weapons. I don’t expect the Cardinals to re-sign Marquise Brown at this time. Harrison is an upgrade over the former Raven anyway.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR LSU

Free Agents: Michael Davis, Gerald Everett, Austin Ekeler, Kenneth Murray, Easton Stick, Jalen Guyton, Josh Kelley, Tanner Muse, Cameron Dicker, Will Clapp, Austin Johnson, Nick Williams, Alohi Gilman, Essang Bassey

The Chargers don’t have many speedy or electric receivers. They have relied more on big bodies and possession-style players in recent years. That doesn’t fit Justin Herbert’s arm talent. Jim Harbaugh will aim to unlock Los Angeles’ offense with more dynamic playmakers. A starting right tackle might also be in play for this pick.

6. New York Giants: Amarius Mims, OT Georgia

Free Agents: Adoree' Jackson, Saquon Barkley, Tyrod Taylor, Isaiah Simmons, Parris Campbell, Xavier McKinney, Sterling Shepard, Jihad Ward, A'Shawn Robinson, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Jarrad Davis, Shane Lemieux, Darnay Holmes, Matt Breida

Mims made fewer than ten starts in his college career, but he showed exceptional potential and physical traits during those appearances. Assuming the medicals check out, Mims will be toward the top of every team’s board. In this scenario, he takes over for the struggling Evan Neal at right tackle.

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT Notre Dame

Free Agents: Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry, Denico Autry, Aaron Brewer, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Azeez Al-Shaair, Terrell Edmunds, Kristian Fulton, Morgan Cox, Trevis Gipson, K'Von Wallace, Chris Moore, Chris Hubbard

This is the same pick I made in my first mock draft. The Titans have plenty of needs, including several spots along the offensive line. They won’t be turning things around in one year, but new head coach Brian Callahan is an offensive guy who will want to provide Will Levis with the help he needs to stay upright. Wide receiver Rome Odunze was also in consideration for this pick.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Rome Odunze, WR Washington

Free Agents: Jeff Okudah, Bud Dupree, Calais Campbell, Nate Landman, Tre Flowers, Kentavius Street, Cordarrelle Patterson, Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Mack Hollins, Keith Smith, KhaDarel Hodge

Raheem Morris and his new staff will probably be tempted to help Atlanta on the defensive side of the ball, but Odunze is a cut above the top defensive prospects. Alabama’s Terrion Arnold was the other player in consideration here, but an offense featuring Drake London, Odunze, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson was too much to turn down.

9. Chicago Bears: Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama

Free Agents: Yannick Ngakoue, Marcedes Lewis, Darnell Mooney, Lucas Patrick, D'Onta Foreman, Jaylon Johnson, Justin Jones, Rasheem Green

I’m not sure there’s a right or wrong answer for the Bears with this pick. They have developmental pieces all across their team. With the top three receiver prospects off the board, I decided to go for an upgrade over Tyrique Stevenson, who had an up and down rookie season. Arnold could also be a replacement for Jaylon Johnson if contract negotiations unfold poorly.

10. New York Jets: Olu Fashanu, OT Penn State

Free Agents: Carl Lawson, Duane Brown, Dalvin Cook, Jordan Whitehead, Chuck Clark, Bryce Huff, Quinton Jefferson, Randall Cobb, Greg Zuerlein, Solomon Thomas, Al Woods, Connor McGovern, Thomas Morstead, Ashtyn Davis, Bryce Hall, Billy Turner

Jets fans will be going absolutely wild on draft night if Fashanu falls to ten. The Penn State product is the best pass protector in the class. He lacks an ideal demeanor as a run blocker, but his agility and nimble footwork are rare for players with his size and body type.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Jared Verse, Edge Florida State

Free Agents: Kirk Cousins, Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, Jordan Hicks, Dalton Risner, Joshua Dobbs, Greg Joseph, Cam Akers, K.J. Osborn, D.J. Wonnum, Jonathan Bullard, Theo Jackson, Khyiris Tonga, Brandon Powell, David Quessenberry, Austin Schlottmann

The Vikings could potentially lose Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, and D.J. Wonnum in free agency. They can’t franchise tag Hunter because of a clause in his contract. Verse isn’t universally viewed as a top-12 prospect in this class, but he has the explosiveness and power to be a floor raiser for Minnesota’s defense.

12. Denver Broncos: Brian Thomas Jr., WR LSU

Free Agents: Josey Jewell, Wil Lutz, Graham Glasgow, Adam Trautman, Lloyd Cushenberry, Fabien Moreau, Cameron Fleming, P.J. Locke, Mike Purcell

Courtland Sutton scored ten touchdowns in 2023, but he hasn’t hit 1,000 yards since 2019, Jerry Jeudy hasn’t been a consistent answer, and Tim Patrick can’t stay healthy. Thomas is an ascending talent with ideal size, body control, and speed to be a team’s primary receiving threat.

13. Las Vegas Raiders: J.C. Latham, OT Alabama

Free Agents: Josh Jacobs, Ameer Abdullah, Andre James, Jermaine Eluemunor, Austin Hooper, Greg Van Roten, Bilal Nichols, John Jenkins, Adam Butler, Amik Robertson, Isaiah Pola-Mao

Jermaine Eluemunor is a free agent, and bringing him back shouldn’t be a top priority for the Raiders. Nate Wiggins at cornerback is another viable option here, but the tackles could fly off the board quicker than the corners. Latham showed real improvement from 2022 to 2023 in his ability to handle speed and explosiveness off the edge.

14. New Orleans Saints: Brock Bowers, TE Georgia

Free Agents: Andrus Peat, Jameis Winston, Jimmy Graham, James Hurst, Max Garcia, Rashid Shaheed, Isaac Yiadom, Zack Baun, Lonnie Johnson Jr.

Tight end is far from the top need for the Saints, but Bowers is the only remaining blue-chip talent on the board. The value becomes too good to resist at some point, especially if New Orleans believes they can land tackle, edge, and wide receiver help later in the top 100.

15. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Wiggins, CB Clemson

Free Agents: Grover Stewart, Gardner Minshew, Kenny Moore, Michael Pittman Jr., Rigoberto Sanchez, Julian Blackmon, Zack Moss, Taven Bryan

The Colts have some contracts expiring in their secondary. Most of their outside corners from this past season were playing on rookie contracts, and none of them were former first round picks. Wiggins dominated against elite wide receiver prospects in 2023 and still has plenty of untapped potential. He would pair well with Julius Brents.

16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OT/G Washington

Free Agents: Phil Haynes, Damien Lewis, Evan Brown, Colby Parkinson, Drew Lock, Bobby Wagner, Leonard Williams, Jordyn Brooks, Darrell Taylor, Mario Edwards Jr., Michael Jackson, DeeJay Dallas

Drafting Fautanu isn’t sexy, but it’s functional. Fautanu is one of the most well-rounded and highest-graded offensive linemen in the 2024 class. He played left tackle at Washington, so the Seahawks had plenty of opportunities to watch him. In this scenario, Fautanu kicks inside to guard to replace either Damien Lewis on the left side or Phil Haynes on the right.

Pick 16 is a little rich for a guard, even if it’s a player of Fautanu’s caliber. Alternative options include Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB), Texas’ Byron Murphy II (DT), and Alabama’s Dallas Turner (edge).

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Byron Murphy II, IDL Texas

Free Agents: Ezra Cleveland, Tyler Shatley, Josh Allen, Jamal Agnew, Dawuane Smoot, Calvin Ridley, Brandon McManus, Tre Herndon, K'Lavon Chaisson, Angelo Blackson

I’m assuming the Jaguars will move Heaven and Earth to re-sign Josh Allen. He, Travon Walker, and Murphy would give Jacksonville a nice trio of young talent along the defensive front. Murphy is still developing his pass rush plan, but he’s an elite athlete with excellent natural leverage.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Guyton, OT Oklahoma

Free Agents: D.J. Reader, Tyler Boyd, Chidobe Awuzie, Jonah Williams, Tee Higgins, Irv Smith Jr., Jake Browning, Josh Tupou, Drew Sample

Joe Burrow’s growing history of injuries must have Cincinnati’s leadership rethinking their teambuilding efforts. Jonah Williams hasn’t worked out. La'el Collins was a total miss. Orlando Brown Jr. hasn’t performed up to desired levels. Go get Guyton, who Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy compared to Dallas Cowboys superstar Tyron Smith when he was at USC.

19. Los Angeles Rams: Dallas Turner, Edge Alabama

Free Agents: John Johnson, Demarcus Robinson, Ahkello Witherspoon, Kevin Dotson, Jordan Fuller, Troy Reeder, Larrell Murchison, Alaric Jackson

The Rams have a ton of youth at outside linebacker, including Nick Hampton, Michael Hoecht, Thomas Keir, Ochaun Mathis, and Byron Young. Turner would walk into that room and immediately be a starter. He raises the floor of that room, even if he isn’t on the level of top edge prospects from the past few years.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Taliese Fuaga, OT Oregon State

Free Agents: Levi Wallace, Miles Killebrew, Kwon Alexander, Chandon Sullivan, Mason Rudolph, Markus Golden, Montravius Adams, Armon Watts

Pittsburgh has needs at left tackle, center, quarterback, linebacker, cornerback, and safety. They aren’t going to fix all of those concerns in the draft, but they can move Dan Moore Jr. to the bench and shift Broderick Jones to the left side by selecting Fuaga. The imposing Oregon State product will be a cornerstone for the team’s run game. In the worst case scenario, Fuaga takes over for James Daniels at right guard in 2025.

21. Miami Dolphins: Jordan Morgan, OT Arizona

Free Agents: Jerome Baker, Cedrick Wilson, Connor Williams, Christian Wilkins, Braxton Berrios, Andrew Van Ginkel, Isaiah Wynn, Robert Hunt, Eli Apple, Brandon Jones, Raekwon Davis, Kendall Lamm, DeShon Elliott, Jake Bailey

The list of Dolphins free agent offensive linemen includes Robert Hunt, Kendall Lamm, Connor Williams, and Isaiah Wynn. Additionally, there are concerns about Terron Armstead’s durability after he only played in ten games during the regular season. Morgan can play left tackle, but he could start his career at left guard before eventually taking over for Armstead.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB Alabama

Free Agents: Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Marcus Mariota, Boston Scott, Zach Cunningham, Shaquille Leonard, Nicholas Morrow, Quez Watkins, D'Andre Swift, Olamide Zaccheaus

The Eagles need to revamp their aging defense. James Bradberry and Darius Slay just didn’t have the juice late in the season. McKinstry isn’t the most dynamic cover corner, but he held up well in the SEC for two seasons as a known star. Philadelphia can’t go through the offseason without addressing their needs at corner, linebacker, and safety.

23. Houston Texans (Via Browns): Troy Franklin, WR Oregon

Free Agents: Dalton Schultz, Ka'imi Fairbairn, Cameron Johnston, Josh Jones, Noah Brown, Devin Singletary, Steven Nelson, Sheldon Rankins, Tavierre Thomas, Jerry Hughes, Jonathan Greenard, George Fant, Denzel Perryman, Kareem Jackson

C.J. Stroud is a star. He and Nico Collins will be a terrific duo for a long time, and Tank Dell will also play a crucial role in the offense once he’s back to full health. Troy Franklin fills out that wide receiver room and gives the Texans a starting unit that should produce two 1,000-yard receivers per season moving forward.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Graham Barton, IOL Duke

Free Agents: Tyron Smith, Tony Pollard, Stephon Gilmore, Jayron Kearse, Jourdan Lewis, Dorance Armstrong, Johnathan Hankins, Dante Fowler Jr., Neville Gallimore, Tyler Biadasz

It’s always difficult to figure out what the Cowboys will do. They tend to zig instead of zagging. Most teams wouldn’t draft a center in the first round, but that’s the role Barton would play when he replaces Tyler Biadasz. Alternatively, he could play left guard as Tyler Smith kicks outside to take over Tyron Smith’s spot.

25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, DB Iowa

Free Agents: Jonathan Owens, A.J. Dillon, Darnell Savage, Keisean Nixon, Yosh Nijman, Jon Runyan, Rudy Ford

DeJean could be a solid cornerback, but he would be an excellent chess piece operating at safety and in the slot. Fortunately, the Packers have expiring contracts and needs all across their secondary. This is a bit of a needs-based pick, but DeJean’s versatility played a huge role in selling the selection.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Laiatu Latu, Edge UCLA

Free Agents: Mike Evans, Devin White, Lavonte David, Baker Mayfield, Matt Feiler, Antonie Winfield Jr., Aaron Stinnie, Ryan Neal, Greg Gaines, William Gholston

Medicals, arm length concerns, and a lack of bend could lead to Latu falling on draft night despite the All-American possessing the best set of pass rush moves in the 2024 class. The new Buccaneers front now includes Shaquil Barrett, Yaya Diaby, Calijah Kancey, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and Latu. Barrett is entering the final year of his deal. So is Tryon-Shoyinka if the Buccaneers decline his fifth-year option.

27. Arizona Cardinals (Via Texans): Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo

Free Agents: Greg Dortch, Marquise Brown, Krys Barnes, Leki Fotu, Antonio Hamilton Sr., Geoff Swaim, Elijah Wilkinson

Arizona has been trying to figure out its cornerback room for several years. Nothing has stuck. Mitchell is the last clear first round cornerback prospect in this class. Arizona could trade back at this spot, but settling for a lower tier corner would hamstring the secondary for another year.

28. Buffalo Bills: Jer'Zhan Newton, IDL Illinois

Free Agents: Micah Hyde, DaQuan Jones, Leonard Floyd, Tim Settle, Jordan Phillips, A.J. Epenesa, Poona Ford, Dane Jackson, Tyrel Dodson, Taylor Rapp, Damien Harris, Shaq Lawson, Gabriel Davis, Latavius Murray

The Bills need wide receiver help, but they’re also losing a lot of talent along the defensive line. Newton would pair with Ed Oliver to form one of the best pass rushing interior duos in football, but that pairing leaves something to be desired in run defense. Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and pass rusher Chop Robinson were also on the table at this pick.

29. Detroit Lions: Keon Coleman, WR Florida State

Free Agents: C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Romeo Okwara, Charles Harris, Will Harris, James Houston, Benito Jones, Jerry Jacobs, Jonah Jackson, Teddy Bridgewater, Josh Reynolds, Emmanuel Moseley, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Brock Wright

I tried to fit Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman into this pick but just couldn’t do it. I don’t have Rakestraw graded as a first-round-caliber prospect, but the Lions have a massive need at cornerback. This feels like a forced pick to me, but I couldn’t find an obvious alternative.

30. Baltimore Ravens: Chop Robinson, Edge Penn State

Free Agents: Odell Beckham Jr., Kevin Zeitler, Michael Pierce, Gus Edwards, Nelson Agholor, Patrick Queen, Tyler Huntley, Jadeveon Clowney, Geno Stone, J.K. Dobbins, Justin Madubuike, Brent Urban, Rock Ya-Sin, Ronald Darby, Arthur Maulet, John Simpson

This pick might be too similar to when the Ravens took Odafe Oweh out of Penn State with the 31st overall pick in 2021. Oweh isn’t a regular starter for the Ravens, but Baltimore is in need of some cheap pass rushing help as several stars along their defensive front hit free agency. Robinson is already a more developed pass rusher than Oweh was when he declared.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell, WR Texas

Free Agents: Chris Jones, Mike Edwards, Donovan Smith, Mecole Hardman, Tommy Townsend, Drue Tranquill, Willie. Gay Jr., Derrick Nnadi, Blake Bell, L'Jarius Sneed, Tershawn Wharton, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon

Mitchell is an inconsistent player, but his best plays are good enough to contend with anyone in this class. His route running can be sharp, and he has the speed to stretch the field vertically despite his size. Mitchell and Rashee Rice give the Chiefs a quality one-two option outside of Travis Kelce.

32. San Francisco 49ers: Kingsley Suamataia, OT BYU

Free Agents: Chase Young, Sam Darnold, Jon Feliciano, Tashaun Gipson Sr., Clelin Ferrell, Javon Kinlaw, Oren Burks, Kevin Givens, Ray-Ray McCloud III, Jauan Jennings

Suamataia is not currently on the level of a first round pick, but this is a late first round selection that carries significantly less value than picks in the teens or early twenties. The BYU product is an elite athlete who can play right or left tackle. Suamataia would benefit heavily from playing in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, which bakes in some help for the offensive line.

2024 NFL Draft Second Round

33. Carolina Panthers: Ladd McConkey, WR Georgia

34. New England Patriots: Patrick Paul, OT Houston

35. Arizona Cardinals: Chris Braswell, Edge Alabama

36. Washington Commanders: Bralen Trice, Edge Washington

37. Los Angeles Chargers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C Oregon

38. Tennessee Titans: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR Washington

39. New York Giants: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB Missouri

40. Washington Commanders (Via Bears): Kamari Lassiter, CB Georgia

41. Green Bay Packers (Via Jets): Tyler Nubin, S Minnesota

42. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB Michigan

43. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr., QB Washington

44. Las Vegas Raiders: T'Vondre Sweat, IDL Texas

45. New Orleans Saints (Via Broncos): Xavier Legette, WR South Carolina

46. Indianapolis Colts: Javon Bullard, S Georgia

47. New York Giants (Via Seahawks): Devontez Walker, WR North Carolina

48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kalen King, CB Penn State

49. Cincinnati Bengals: Xavier Worthy, WR Texas

50. Philadelphia Eagles (Via Saints): Jaden Hicks, S Washington State

51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Edgerrin Cooper, LB Texas A&M

52. Los Angeles Rams: Zach Frazier, C West Virginia

53. Philadelphia Eagles: Payton Wilson, LB North Carolina State

54. Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall Jr., IDL Ohio State

55. Miami Dolphins: Adisa Isaac, Edge Penn State

56. Dallas Cowboys: Cooper Beebe, G Kansas State

57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Coleman, G TCU

58. Green Bay Packers: Kiran Amegadjie, OT/G Yale

59. Houston Texans: T.J. Tampa, CB Iowa State

60. Buffalo Bills: Marshawn Kneeland, Edge Western Michigan

61. Detroit Lions: Caelen Carson, CB Wake Forest

62. Baltimore Ravens: Isaiah Adams, G Illinois

63. Kansas City Chiefs: Leonard Taylor, IDL Miami

64. San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Dorlus, DL Oregon

Best Available Players

Bo Nix, QB Oregon

Michael Pratt, QB Tulane

Spencer Rattler, QB South Carolina

Trey Benson, RB Florida State

Jonathon Brooks, RB Texas

Bucky Irving, RB Oregon

Jaylen Wright, RB Tennessee

Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE Texas

Cade Stover, TE Ohio State

Malachi Corley, WR Western Kentucky

Jalen McMillan, WR Washington

Ricky Pearsall, WR Florida

Johnny Wilson, WR/TE Florida State

Roger Rosengarten, OT Washington

Zak Zinter, G Michigan

McKinnley Jackson, IDL Texas A&M

Kris Jenkins, IDL Michigan

Ruke Orhorhoro, IDL Clemson

Austin Booker, Edge Kansas

Jonah Elliss, Edge Utah

Tommy Eichenberg, LB Ohio State

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB Clemson

Kris Abrams-Draine, DB Missouri

Mike Sainristil, NB Michigan

Khyree Jackson, CB Oregon

Max Melton, CB Rutgers

Josh Newton, CB TCU

Cole Bishop, S Utah

Calen Bullock, S USC

Kamren Kinchens, S Miami