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Christian D'Andrea

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or none of the above for the Bears?

The 2023 regular season is over. That leaves 18 teams to kick their offseason rebuilding plans into high gear.

The 2024 NFL Draft will be the easiest way to add high impact, low cost playmakers capable of engineering a turnaround. But while we know the order of the first 18 picks of April’s draft and, roughly, who this year’s first round prospects might be, any sort of guess on how the selections will pan out is a crapshoot at this point.

Welp, pew pew.

My latest attempt to predict the future makes the most of a deep crop of wide receiver and cornerback talent while tossing four quarterbacks into the mix on Day 1. For the Chicago Bears, the decision with the first overall pick — acquired last season in the deal that brought DJ Moore to the midwest and gave the Carolina Panthers the latitude to win two games behind Bryce Young in 2023 — will be whether to take a quarterback and replace Justin Fields, or move in another direction. Chicago could bring back another king’s ransom if it decides to move back, but would miss out on an inexpensive, high-ceiling quarterback in the process.

That brings more unpredictability beyond just figuring out whether Caleb Williams or Drake Maye should be the first player off the board. But since it’s too early to create some fake trades in a draft where 14 slots still have yet to be determined, I’ve got the Bears taking a quarterback first overall.

Read on to figure out which one — and the 31 selections that follow.

1
Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers): QB Drake Maye, North Carolina

AP Photo/Reinhold Matay

Needs: LB, IOL, CB, QB

Maye may not have the explosiveness of Caleb Williams, but he’s sturdier and steadier. A high floor quarterback is exactly the balm an oft-burned Bears team needs. And while Maye isn’t the runner Williams or Justin Fields is, he’s still a reliable scrambler who can extend plays or turn upfield to save drives with his legs. He’s got nearly 1,200 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground over his last two seasons.

2
Washington Commanders: QB Caleb Williams, USC

Needs: OT, QB, EDGE, CB

Things are bad in Washington, and while the Commanders would really benefit from adding a franchise tackle here, their quarterback situation is untenable. Their best quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, is a pending free agent. Their 2023 starter, Sam Howell, was a disaster.

Now a fresh head coach gets to take advantage of one of the more promising resets in the NFL and mold an offense in his image. Williams isn’t without his flaws, but he’s an explosive playmaker who can thrive off-book or execute an early game script with aplomb.

3
New England Patriots: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: QB, WR, OT, TE, CB

The Patriots haven’t drafted this high since selecting Drew Bledsoe in 1993. That year they had the top overall pick and chose wisely, picking a useful-but-flawed quarterback over Rick Mirer, who was just the latter. This time they don’t have the luxury of making a choice, as both Maye and Williams are gone.

That could push New England toward top wideout prospect Marvin Harrison Jr., but 2024 is once again stocked with wideout talent, leaving room to draft impact players later. Or, in Bill Belichick’s case, to swing and miss on a wideout on Day 2.

That’s not necessarily the case at tackle, where New England badly needs young, athletic help up front. Alt has the frame, athleticism and NFL bloodlines franchises cherish. He should be able to step into a lineup in need of replacements at both corners of the line.

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

USA Today Sports

Needs: EDGE, WR, CB, LB, QB

Kyler Murray is back from injury, but his passing game has degraded from his early highs. The Cardinals could opt to move on from him if a quarterback were available here … except his 2022 $230 million contract extension means he can’t be released or traded before the draft without incurring a massive financial penalty (~$46 million in dead salary cap space). That puts value in rehabilitating him, and there’s no better healing potion than one of the best wide receiver prospects of the last three decades.

Harrison Jr. is the latest link in a chain of great Buckeye wideouts and the strongest. He’s racked up nearly 2,500 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns over the last two seasons (25 games). He’s big (6-foot-3), fast and possesses the kind of body control of which ballet dancers would be jealous.

5
Los Angeles Chargers: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

The Tennessean

Needs: CB, DT, IOL, LB, TE

Drafting Bowers would be a tacit admission the Chargers understand the need to get Justin Herbert more support. It would also give Quentin Johnston a little extra cover after a difficult rookie season, which is why the tight end gets the call here instead of a dynamic wideout like Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers.

Bowers is a prototype at his position, a player with Vernon Davis-type athleticism and a powerful enough frame to add value as a blocker. Los Angeles is on the brink of a new era with Brandon Staley deposed and Austin Ekeler a pending free agent. Bowers would add a little extra young star power to the offense — and give Herbert some extra ammunition should his defense continue to drop him right in the middle of a firefight each Sunday.

6
New York Giants: WR Malik Nabers, LSU

Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: QB, WR, OG, CB, LB

Daniel Jones has proven he can be a … well, not great quarterback and possibly not even a good one, but a serviceable starter under Brian Daboll. But that system falls apart without legitimate targets, something New York has dramatically lacked in recent years.

Enter Nabers, a powerful and explosive wideout who can create space at the line of scrimmage or battle through contact to make contested catches. The LSU star had more than 1,500 yards in 2023, including 565 over the final four games of the regular season — all against SEC defenses. He’d be the immediate WR1 in New York, pairing with whatever’s left in Darren Waller’s tank atop Jones’ wish list.

7
Tennessee Titans: WR Rome Odunze, Washington

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: WR, CB, S, LB, OT

Odunze is a wizard. That’s the gist of his game. Michael Penix Jr. drops back, sees him in one-on-one coverage, and lobs the ball up there whether he’s open or not. And whether he’s open or not, Odunze typically comes down with the ball.

That’s a wonderful feature for a Titans team that coaxed a solid season out of a 31-year-old DeAndre Hopkins but remains in desperate need of supporting castmates. Odunze can be 1b to Hopkins’ 1a for Will Levis in 2024, then take over as Tennessee’s top wideout going forward.

8
Atlanta Falcons: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU

Needs: EDGE, DT, QB, CB

Desmond Ridder was given an honest shot to win the Falcons’ starting quarterback job in perpetuity. While he displayed flashes of composure, he also fell apart in the red zone and found ways to turn wins into losses.

That leaves Atlanta in need of a quarterback capable of revitalizing an offense loaded with blue chip skill players. Daniels can be that guy. He scored 50 touchdowns in 12 games for the Tigers last fall.

9
Chicago Bears: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State

Michael Chang/Getty Images

Needs: QB, LB, OL, CB

How much will scouts judge Verse’s decent 2023 against his breakthrough 2022? The prized edge rusher opted to return to Florida State last spring despite the suggestion he’d be a first round pick. But his sack total was just 4.5 through 11 games before a furious finish gave him nine in 13 games to go with 12 tackles for loss.

Is that late surge enough to make him the top edge rusher in a good, not great class? And would the Bears address that side of the ball after adding Montez Sweat at the trade deadline? This is a pick that’s a lot easier to predict if Nabers or Odunze are still on the board here — Chicago needs a running mate for DJ Moore — but without them, the team could default to the best available prospect at a premium position and look elsewhere for wideout help.

10
New York Jets: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Syndication: USA TODAY

Needs: OL, QB, WR, S, DT

If Fashanu slides to 10th, the Jets will waste no time rolling up to the podium to draft a player who could be 2024’s best blocker. Fashanu is a 6-foot-6 monster with the lateral movement to mirror edge rushers and the play strength to keep them at arms length and punch them backward when they cut inside. The first-team All-American didn’t allow a single sack either of the last two seasons.

That’s exactly what New York needs with a 40-year-old quarterback coming off a major injury. Aaron Rodgers’ 2023 ended after four snaps, leaving him to turn to, uh, ulterior avenues of seeking attention. Fashanu is good enough to keep the conversation around the four-time MVP centered on his play rather than, I dunno man, aliens or World Bank or whether or not the earth’s core is made of nougat.

11
Minnesota Vikings: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA

AP Photo/Ryan Sun

Needs: QB, EDGE, LB, CB

Let’s assume the Vikings reward Kirk Cousins’ very good 2023 with another fully guaranteed contract — something like three years and $110 million. That doesn’t fully answer the questions facing their offense, but it locks in an above average quarterback who can thrive in the Twin Cities. It also creates room to focus on the other side of the ball at the draft.

Brian Flores made an undermanned defense fearsome thanks to a truly absurd amount of blitzes. Minnesota brought extra pass rushers 320 times this season, 52 more than the next-closest team. Adding Latu would bring the pocket-shrinking pressure that provided while allowing those blitzers to clog up passing lanes in the secondary. He was a monster in 2023, leading the Pac-12 with 13 sacks one year after notching 10.5 as a junior with the Bruins.

12
Denver Broncos: DL Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois

Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: CB, LB, EDGE, S, TE, QB

Newton doesn’t have incredible counting stats, but a look at his game tape showcases all the ways opponents have to plan around him when he’s on the field. While he only finished 2023 with 7.5 sacks, five came in Illinois’ final five games. He’s a rock up front, a powerful ball of kinetic energy capable of holding his own against double teams or collapsing pockets from inside.

That’s a boon for Denver’s 3-4 defense, where the 295-pound Newton can handle his business at end. He’s proficient on passing and running downs, filling multiple roles and making life easier for the teammates around him.

13
Las Vegas Raiders: EDGE Demeioun 'Chop' Robinson, Penn State

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Needs: CB, LB, WR, EDGE, QB

The Raiders love speed. What better than the edge rusher with the fastest first step in college football? Robinson has at least one play each game where you assume he’d lined up offside or mistimed the count. Nope, he’s just quick as hell.

That’s a big deal for a Las Vegas pass rush that could use extra support even after Malcolm Koonce’s breakout eight-sack 2023 (six of which came over the final four games of the season). Robinson isn’t as versatile as some of the other EDGE defenders in his class, but he’s the master of a trade that will translate on Sundays.

14
New Orleans Saints: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama

Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: OT, IOL, TE, WR, EDGE, LB

Cameron Jordan is 34 years old and coming off his least productive season since his rookie year. Carl Granderson picked up some of the slack, but it’s clear New Orleans needs more help on the edge — particularly young, inexpensive help.

Turner could be a bargain here as a blue chip prospect with all the physical bonafides of a perennial Pro Bowler. He’s got the chops to put up a truly stupid 40 time at the Combine at 245-ish pounds, showcasing both the speed and power needed to be a consistent presence on Sundays. He had 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 14 games for the Crimson Tide last fall.

15
Indianapolis Colts: S Cooper DeJean, Iowa

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: CB, OT, EDGE, LB, WR

The Colts have their choice of defensive backs here at No. 15. Kool-Aid McKinstry has a blue chip pedigree and name. Nate Wiggins is a long, lean ballhawk with the closing speed to make himself a star at the next level.

Instead, let’s allow general manager Chris Ballard to pick based on production and roll with the versatile DeJean. The 6-foot-1 safety/corner/punt returner was the engine behind some incredible Iowa defenses and he’s flexible enough to hold down multiple positions. He also housed four pick-sixes over the last two seasons, an invaluable skill given the abject horror on the other side of the ball for the Hawkeyes. His draft position may hinge on how he performs in Indianapolis, but he’s got the raw ability to put on a show at the Combine.

16
Seattle Seahawks: EDGE Bralen Trice, Washington

Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: EDGE, IOL, LB, DT

The Seahawks could keep Michael Penix Jr. in Seattle here, but Geno Smith was still good enough to navigate a nine-win season and allow this team to push off any looming quarterback decisions for at least another year while ostensibly contending. Instead, Trice allows them to address a position of greater need while keeping a different local hero close to home.

Boye Mafe is rounding into the kind of pass rusher for which Seattle had hoped. But he needs support. Trice can be that guy. The 6-foot-4, 274 pound end is beefy enough to play in the second level or up front and punishing enough to bring back fond memories of the hardest-hitting days of the Legion of Boom.

17
Jacksonville Jaguars : OT J.C. Latham, Alabama

Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: OT, DT, EDGE, S

Trevor Lawrence’s 5.8 percent sack rate was a career high and helped create the late-season injury that ultimately derailed the Jaguars’ playoff hopes. Bringing in a blue chip talent like Latham to replace embattled left tackle Cam Robinson — who can be released this offseason for a cap savings of nearly $18 million — would go a long way toward ensuring healthy campaigns well into the future.

Latham is a prototypical blocker who faced some of college football’s best defenses the last two seasons and allowed only two sacks. At 360 pounds he’s got the bulk to handle edge rushers and the quickness to keep them from getting too close. While he wasn’t great in the Tide’s season finale in the Rose Bowl, he’s a high ceiling tackle capable of being very, very good for a very long time.

18
Cincinnati Bengals: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State

Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: OT, DL, EDGE, WR, TE

Tee Higgins is a pending free agent and will command a big payday on the open market. Cincinnati could extend or franchise tag him thanks to a plethora of salary cap space, but may opt to draft a replacement instead.

Selecting Coleman would allow the Bengals the chance to swap out one sure-handed, crisp-running 6-foot-4 star with another, providing the big-bodied complement that helps Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow thrive. Better yet, he’d provide a big red zone threat after scoring 11 touchdowns in 12 games last season.

19
Green Bay Packers: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: OT, OG, S, LB, CB

Are the Packers about to let Jaire Alexander leave instead of paying him more than $24 million? That would be a shocking twist in the career of a 26-year-old former All-Pro, but Alexander was injured throughout 2023 and recorded a career-worst 120.7 passer rating in coverage in the seven games he did play.

That could lead Green Bay to $16 million in savings by designating him a post-June 1 release and drafting his replacement. McKinstry may not be the Pack’s Plan A, but he may be too enticing to pass up. He turned his side of the field into a no-fly zone with 22 passes broken up over his final two seasons (27 games), showing up as a deterrent in both man and zone coverage. And he’s a useful punt returner, too.

20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: QB, IOL, OT, S, EDGE

The interior of the Bucs’ offensive line has been a problem for years now. They’ve ranked dead last in yards before contact on running plays each of the last two seasons. This makes finding a bulldozer who can get out in space and flatten linebackers a priority.

Enter Fuaga, an upper crust tackle who could kick inside and maximize his paving potential. The Oregon State stud can play inside or out, potentially taking over for Luke Goedeke at right tackle or making an immediate impact at guard to make life easier for Rachaad White.

21
Arizona Cardinals (via Houston Texans): CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State

Matt Lunsford-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: EDGE, WR, CB, LB, QB

Marco Wilson went from starting 11 games at cornerback for the Cardinals to being released the day after Christmas. Starling Thomas started seven games and recorded a 145.4 passer rating in coverage, which was the second worst mark in the NFL. Arizona is down bad in the secondary.

Tampa can help. He’s got the frame and athleticism to climb up draft boards this spring, standing 6-foot-2 with the straight line speed to thrive on the sideline or the lateral quickness to be an asset against slot receivers. He’s got an innate ability to get to the ball, racking up 16 breakups, three interceptions and 84 tackles the last two seasons. His tape shows a player capable of reading receivers and jumping routes to erase big plays before they happen.

22
Los Angeles Rams: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: OL, S, EDGE, QB, DT

Alaric Jackson was useful at left tackle after taking the job from Joe Noteboom, but he’s a pending free agent and may not return. Los Angeles could replace him with a less expensive, higher ceiling option in Mims. The 6-foot-7, 340 pound UGA product is a leviathan on the line who didn’t give up a single sack in three seasons with the Bulldogs.

Mims is a puncher at left tackle who uses that massive frame to rock pass rushers. A big part of Matthew Stafford’s revival has been a significantly lower sack rate. Drafting Mims here can help ensure the soon-to-be 36-year-old stays protected.

23
Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: QB, OL, CB, LB

OK, I’m gonna chalk up that awful National Championship Game performance up to the rib/core injury that had Penix wincing and grabbing his side throughout the second half. There are plenty of red flags that dot the Heisman runner-up’s resume, including the fact he was buoyed significantly by an incredible cast of receivers.

At his core, he’s still the dynamic passer that created magic throughout his Husky career. Washington went 25-3 with him at the helm, and while quarterback wins don’t mean all that much he also threw for more than 9,500 yards in that stretch which is … phew. Penix can be the deep shot savant Pittsburgh hoped it was getting in Kenny Pickett. And with a selection outside the top 20, he’d be only a modest risk for a team in need of a franchise QB.

24
Miami Dolphins: OT Graham Barton, Duke

Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: OT, IOL, S, EDGE, CB

Miami’s offensive line is a mess and Barton is the best blocker remains on the board. He played left tackle at Duke, but could move inside at the next level thanks to his downright mean run blocking and ability to pull from his position and absolutely ruin a defender’s day.

Robert Jones and Connor Williams are both pending free agents and the Dolphins don’t have a ton of cap space, making upgrades along the interior of the line a priority. Barton’s flexibility and experience makes him both a short- and long-term solution who can keep Tua Tagovailoa (… or whomever) upright while carving out running lanes through which DeVon Achane can explode.

25
Philadelphia Eagles: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson

Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: LB, CB, S, WR, EDGE

Philadelphia’s 97.6 passer rating allowed in 2023 was fourth-worst in the NFL. Darius Slay will turn 33 years old in 2024. James Bradberry is 30 and, notably, was mostly bad at football this fall (a 116.7 rating allowed in coverage).

The Eagles need more talent in the secondary, and while there’s plenty of unproven blue chip guys waiting in the wings, adding a first round talent would give the team the high-floor successor they need for an aging group. Wiggins fits that mold as a long, 6-foot-2 corner who does a little bit of everything well. He can be useful in zone or press coverage, capable of closing fast on sideline routes or turning and running with deep threats.

26
Kansas City Chiefs: WR Troy Franklin, Oregon

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: WR, LB, EDGE, OT, DT

The Chiefs need a burner that can fly downfield. Rashee Rice is a nice addition, but he’s more of a short range target. Patrick Mahomes’ 6.5 air yards per pass are a career low.

There are several viable options at wideout here, including Emeka Egbuka and the Texas duo of Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy. But Franklin is a loosely contained lightning bolt who averaged more than 17 yards per catch with the Ducks last season, scoring 14 touchdowns along the way. For a team who needs a deep threat, there may be no better fit.

27
Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns): EDGE J.T. Tuimaloau, Ohio State

Needs: IOL, EDGE, DT, TE, WR

Will Anderson came on strong to finish his rookie season looking like the kind of player you’d draft third overall. He could use some help up front as Sheldon Rankins, Jonathan Greenard and Jerry Hughes all head to free agency. Tuimaloau would be an insurance policy should Greenard walk (or if he’s franchise tagged but not extended) after a breakout 12.5-sack season.

Tuimoloau has the bulk Houston craves up front on a 6-foot-4, 270-plus pound frame. While that only led to five sacks in 2023 he averaged roughly three hurries per game and would thrive either pushing quarterbacks into Anderson or cleaning up the messes his fellow first round pick creates.

28
Detroit Lions: CB Kalen King, Penn State

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: CB, WR, EDGE, LB

Watching Detroit’s secondary get repeatedly abused by Nick Mullens’ deep balls in Week 18 highlighted what may be the team’s fatal flaw. Cameron Sutton’s arrival failed to upgrade a lagging cornerback corps, leaving the opportunity for an upgrade in a deep class of defensive backs this spring.

King can help. He saw fewer targets, understandably, after 2022’s breakthrough 18 break-up, three interception campaign. But at his core he’s a fearless press corner who can battle with DJ Moore and Justin Jefferson at the line of scrimmage or turn and run to shut them down.

29
Buffalo Bills: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun

Needs: WR, CB, S, EDGE

Stefon Diggs remains great, but Buffalo’s lack of targets curtailed his route tree and limited the downfield routes where he excels; his 7.3 yards before catch in 2023 was his lowest as a Bill and more than two yards shorter than in 2022. This team needs additional help in the passing attack, and a game-breaker waits at No. 29.

Thomas’ steady production turned into a breakthrough playing alongside Nabers last fall, exploding for nearly 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns in 13 games at more than 17 yards per catch. His 6-foot-4 frame gives him the chops to high-point balls. He’s a bonafide deep threat who can react to Josh Allen’s scrambles, adjust to the ball and battle through contact for big gains.

30
Dallas Cowboys: S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: CB, S, OT, RB

One of the Cowboys’ biggest strengths is their secondary. Unfortunately, Stephon Gilmore turns 34 next season, Jayron Kearse will be 30 and Jourdan Lewis will be 29 — and all will be free agents. This is a group that could use an infusion of young talent. In this scenario, 2024’s best safety remains on the board.

Dallas could opt for the fast-closing speed of Kam Kinchens here given the boom-or-bust nature of its cornerbacks, but instead let’s look at Nubin. He’s got a Kyle Hamilton-esque style of play that erased passing plays in 2023, giving up an absurd 17.5 rating in coverage last fall. He’s big (6-foot-2) and while he doesn’t have elite straight line speed his awareness and ability to exploit angles led to nine interceptions over the last two seasons.

31
San Francisco 49ers : OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: OT, IOL, S, CB, EDGE

Trent Williams remains a masterpiece of an NFL player as he continues to thrive his way through a Hall of Fame career. Colton McKivitz is the Niners’ other offensive tackle, however. That’s a concern.

Guyton is a ready-made right tackle who allowed only one sack in two seasons with the Sooners. At 6-foot-7 and 330 pounds he looks the part of a franchise tackle and has the high ceiling San Francisco needs to eventually replace Williams. He’s also got experience playing inside, which could be a boon for a team whose entire right side of the line is at least mildly suspect.

32
Baltimore Ravens: WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Needs: IOL, WR, EDGE, DT

Zay Flowers is a hit, Mark Andrews will return from injury in 2024 and Isaiah Likely can devastate opponents in stretches. That’s a great start, but the Ravens still need to flesh out that receiving corps, leading to their first-round WR in four years.

Mitchell is the kind of long, field-stretching presence who can be a perfect complement to the smaller Flowers (and Rashod Bateman, who I swear is better than he looks you guys). He’s a 6-foot-4 playmaker who averaged more than 15 yards per catch at Georgia and Texas. He also came up big in the red zone, catching 11 touchdown passes in 2023 and scoring in every single College Football Playoff game in which he appeared. Now he gets to pair with presumptive MVP Lamar Jackson to make Baltimore even scarier.

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