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Cody Manning

2024 NFL mock draft: Vikings, Jaguars move up for key pieces with interesting trades

We are a month away from the NFL draft. There are still moving pieces that will happen over the next few weeks that will help shape how it all unfolds.

Teams will still add free agents, and some trades could shake up the order of the first round. The hot topic is still the potential of the Minnesota Vikings trading up to the first five picks to get a quarterback. Last week I explored the Vikings moving up to the No. 4 slot in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals.

This week, I dive into Minnesota making a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, moving them up to the No. 5 slot.

Here is how the board fell:

1
Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers): USC QB Caleb Williams

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans passes the ball during the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Barring a sudden change of heart, we might as well sharpie Caleb Williams as the new franchise quarterback for the Bears. 

2
Washington Commanders: UNC QB Drake Maye

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Last week I went with Jayden Daniels as the selection but let’s switch it up here. The Commanders go with Drake Maye and bet on him hitting his ceiling at the next level. 

3
New England Patriots: LSU QB Jayden Daniels

Quarterback Jayden Daniels 5 as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023.

The Patriots bet on the Heisman Trophy winner being the guy that will right the ship in the post-Tom Brady era. New England looks fresh in 2024 with Jerod Mayo and Jayden Daniels leading the way. 

4
Arizona Cardinals: Ohio St. WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) sprints down the side of the field during the first quarter of the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch

While the Cardinals could be tempted to trade out of this selection for a quarterback-needy team, they decide to stay in this slot and pair Marvin Harrison Jr. with Kyler Murray for a much-needed upgrade in their receiving corps. 

5
Minnesota Vikings (via Chargers): Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy

December 31, 2022; Glendale, Ariz; USA; Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) throws a pass during the pregame before the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.

LAC trades: No. 5

MIN trades: No. 11 and No. 23

The Vikings move ahead of the Giants to ensure they can land J.J. McCarthy. Minnesota finds their new quarterback of the future in the post-Kirk Cousins era.

6
New York Giants: LSU WR Malik Nabers

Matthew Dobbins-USA TODAY Sports

Rumors are swirling that the Giants are interested in selecting one of the top quarterbacks in this class but miss out due to the Vikings trade. New York selects Malik Nabers to help Daniel Jones turn around his career or at least have a weapon for the next guy. 

7
Tennessee Titans: Notre Dame OT Joe Alt

Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) defends against Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Brock Martin (9) in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Titans find their new left tackle with the selection of Joe Alt to continue their build around Will Levis that they have been doing this offseason. 

8
Atlanta Falcons: Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrates after a sack in the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons use the draft to build up their defense after focusing on the offensive side of the ball. Atlanta selects Dallas Turner to bring some juice to the edge rush group. 

9
Jacksonville Jaguars (via Bears): Washington WR Rome Odunze

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

CHI trades: No. 9 

JAX trades: No. 17, No. 96, 2023 Third Round Pick

The Jaguars make a shocking move in a trade-up to get a weapon for Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville selects Rome Odunze to fill the void left by Calvin Ridley.

10
New York Jets: Washington OT Troy Fautanu

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) blocks for tight end Devin Culp (83) against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets could be tempted by Brock Bowers but they continue to bolster the offensive line with the selection of Troy Fautanu. New York gets security behind Tyron Smith and a versatile player to help the unit deal with injuries throughout the season. 

11
Los Angeles Chargers (via Vikings): Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga

Oct 8, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) blocks Stanford Cardinal linebacker Levani Damuni (3) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers miss out on one of the top three receivers after trading back but get some help in their rushing attack with the selection of Taliese Fuaga. He fits the running style that John Harbaugh will be running in Los Angeles. 

12
Denver Broncos: Florida State EDGE Jared Verse

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos miss out on the top quarterbacks but select Jared Verse. Denver gets a player that can help their defense get after Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. 

13
Las Vegas Raiders: Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell

Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders have question marks at quarterback but select Quinyon Mitchell. The athletic cornerback prospect forms a strong cornerback tandem with Jack Jones.

14
New Orleans Saints: Penn State OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu

Penn State sophomore offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu talks with a reporter during football media day at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, August 6, 2022, in State College.

Trevor Penning hasn't panned out for the Saints at left tackle and has been a detriment to the offense. New Orleans selects Olu Fashanu to help solve their pass protection issues from that side of the offensive line. 

15
Indianapolis Colts: Alabama CB Terrion Arnold

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This is a popular spot for Brock Bowers to come off the board but after the Colts missed out on the L'Jarius Sneed sweepstakes, cornerback remains a top need for Indianapolis going forward.

16
Seattle Seahawks: Iowa CB Cooper DeJean

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks get a versatile defensive back for new head coach Mike McDonald. Cooper DeJean can be utilized in a variety of ways in Seattle's defense.

17
Chicago Bears (via Jaguars): UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After trading back to add much-needed draft capital, the Bears select Laiatu Latu. He forms a pass-rush tandem with Montez Sweat.

18
Cincinnati Bengals: Georgia TE Brock Bowers

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Bengals sit and watch Brock Bowers fall down the board to them. Joe Burrow gets a new weapon for the passing attack. His ability to work in the slot can help fill the void left by Tyler Boyd. 

19
Los Angeles Rams: Texas DT Bryon Murphy

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates after a play during the second quarter in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Aaron Donald retirement shifted focus on the Rams leaving the first round with one of the top interior defensive linemen. Los Angeles selects Bryon Muprhy to pair with Kobie Turner in the middle of their defense.

20
Pittsburgh Steelers: LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr.

Wide receiver remains a big need for the Steelers. Pittsburgh adds Brian Thomas Jr. to pair with George Pickens after they traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers.

21
Miami Dolphins: Illinois DT Jer'Zhan Newton

Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton (94) reacts to a missed stop in the third quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins lost several pieces on their defense this offseason. In an attempt beef up the defensive line, Miami selects Jer'Zhan “Johnny” Newton to help fill the void left by Christian Wilkins.

22
Philadelphia Eagles: Clemson CB Nate Wiggins

Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles add some youth in the cornerback room with the pick of Nate Wiggins. He can provide depth and be an option if Darius Slay Jr. or James Bradberry see a decline in their performance in 2024.

23
Los Angeles Chargers (via Vikings): Texas WR Adonai Mitchell

ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 2: Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell #5 of the Texas Longhorns carries the ball against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first half of the Big 12 Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 2, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

The Chargers are desperate for help in their receiving corps. Los Angeles adds Adonai Mitchell to go with Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston. 

24
Dallas Cowboys: Alabama OT J.C. Latham

Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys have to figure out what they are going to do at left tackle after Tyron Smith's departure. Dallas watches JC Latham fall down the board and bets on him succeeding in that spot after playing as a right tackle in college. 

25
Green Bay Packers: Duke OT Graham Barton

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) before the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers look to make sure that Jordan Love will be protected this season. Green Bay selects Graham Barton because of his versatility to play across the offensive line while working with one of the youngest offenses in the entire NFL.

26
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Oregon C Jackson Powers-Johnson

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Bucs need more talent in the interior of their offensive line. Tampa looks to solve their answer at center with the pick of Jackson Powers-Johnson to pair with the recently re-signed Baker Mayfield.

27
Arizona Cardinals (via Houston Texans): Penn State EDGE Chop Robinson

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After getting help for Kyler Murray with Marvin Harrison Jr., the Cardinals look to add some help with their pass rush with the selection of Chop Robinson. 

28
Buffalo Bills: Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

(Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

The Bills get some help on the defensive side of the ball for Sean McDermott. Buffalo selects Kool-Aid McKinstry, who should be able to come in and compete for one of the starting cornerback spots on the boundary.

29
Detroit Lions: Missouri EDGE Darius Robinson

Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions add some talent in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball with Darius Robinson. Detroit gets a defensive lineman who can play opposite of Aidan Hutchinson but also kick inside as needed. 

30
Baltimore Ravens: Georgia WR Ladd McConkey

Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey (84) makes a catch and runs for touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half in the 2023 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Ravens add Ladd McConkey, who has familiarity with offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Baltimore gets a receiver that can work in the slot or out on the boundary. 

31
San Francisco 49ers: Texas WR Xavier Worthy

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 09: Xavier Worthy #1 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 09, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

There have been rumblings that the 49ers may trade Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk this offseason. If San Francisco is leaning towards doing that, then they add some serious speed to their offense with Xavier Worthy. 

32
Kansas City Chiefs: Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton

Oct 28, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs currently have Wanya Morris penciled in as their left tackle with Donovan Smith remaining as a free agent. Kansas City adds Tyler Guyton to compete for the role to protect Patrick Mahomes' blindside.

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